Here is a song that my friends Emily McIntosh, Priscilla Gray and I got to perform at one of our local coffee shops here called Gloria Jeans. The song is called Forevermore, by Katie Herzig. Her music is phenomenal!! I heard about her because she tours with my friend Matthew Perryman Jones, who are both part of the TEN OUT OF TENN aka TOT crew. And I heard this song last December at their Eddie’s Attic show in Atlanta and became an INSTANT fan. Hope you enjoy our little rendition of it.

Here’s a song that Matthew and Katie co-wrote called Where the Road Meets the Sun.  It was featured on the season finale of Grey’s Anatomy. I highly recommend checking out more of their music.

Oh…  and yes… I DO have a TWITTER account (I actually have 2 but the other is more because I wanted the account name. i know.. lame).  If for whatever reason you want to “follow” me, click here:

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HILLSONG UNITED: ACROSS THE EARTH

SRIRACHA SAUCE!!!

This morning, I was a part of our weekly Sisterhood gathering.  But today looked a little different.  Instead of a regular worship meeting with 4 songs, a message, offering, testimony, altar call, etc.  we did what we are calling our BE THE CHANGE MORNING TEA.

We occasionally have “morning tea,” which might be similar to what is prepared on the final morning of a youth camp that is doing a non-cooked breakfast - muffins, toast, tea, coffee, banana bread, fruit…  So for our Be the Change mornings, we have morning tea and then PUT INTO ACTION some of the things we are capable of doing for OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY and for our partner ministries.

Be the Change mornings consist of the following:
Hillsong City Care - sorting/packing food that has been donated for our food bank.  (Non-perishables).
Writing Letters to the persecuted church (in partnership with Voice of the Martyrs)
Packing lunches for kids whose parents may not be able to.
Random acts of kindness (sisters who go around the community doing random acts of kindness)
Intercession and prayer group
Knitting Club (knitting blankets, scarves, etc for a local hospital)
Cleaning team - teams that go around to people’s homes who are in desperate need of some cleaning
ETC.

This morning, along with an ARMY of people, our team sorted through kilos of stuff that had been donated through our KILO OF KINDESS initiative.  (KILO OF KINDESS - the church was challenged to each bring a KILO of non-perishables to the live album recording.  1 Kilo = 2.2 lbs.  We haven’t stopped the KILO OF KINDNESS.  It’s an on-going stand in our foyer across every service and has been around for a while… just now, we have a new name for it).

I tell you this, because one of the greatest things I’ve found about this church and its vision/leaders/culture is that it is a church of action.  From the top down, there is a real belief in not just talking about things but DOING.  James 1:22 tells us to not just be hearers of the word but DOERS.  And 1 Cor 13 speaks of how without love, we are nothing.  I pray that wherever you are, you, too, will choose to be a DOER and do so IN LOVE.  If your churches are churches of action and social justice, keep on growing and finding more ways to really take this mandate outside the walls… dream BIG and keep dreaming BIGGER.  If your church does not do things like this, BE THE CHANGE you want to see.  Maybe take some of these ideas and implement one here and there.  Every little thing DOES make a difference.

For more ideas, check out -ONE FOR ANOTHER.

TAKE ACTION, friends.
BE THE CHANGE.
And do it regularly.
Whatever that may mean for you and your church.
Give generously.
Love lavishly.
Sow sacrificially.
And do it all in love.  The world needs love, and God is love.  Let’s give them what they are all searching for anyway…

Over a year ago, Tyler Reagin and Meghan Quinn Arias both started TWITTERING. And I was like - what the heck does that even MEAN?  Tyler tried to explain it to me, and I thought - oh my goodness, I’ve only been gone for a year, and I suddenly don’t have a clue.  He was basically talking another language.  Who knew they were so ahead of the curve?

Then last August or so, John and Sue Saddington told me I should get on Twitter.
And my first response was - NO.
My 2nd response was - WHY?
My 3rd statement was - I’d be addicted, and I don’t want another thing to make me waste my time.

I knew it was quickly taking over.

I get the phenom.
I’m not entirely opposed to it.

I’m not Bitter at Twitter nor am I a Twitter Hater, but Shaun Mowrey and Daniel Lai both heard me say - Twitter is completely unnecessary and is for stalkers. I was both kidding and serious. HA.  Let’s be honest here.  If you’re on Twitter, you know you totally stalk people.  If you’re offended by that, you’re the worst kind of stalker there is… the kind who doesn’t even KNOW it or worse… the kind in HIDING!!!  Totally [NOT] joking.

Anyway, Daniel thought I was genuinely angry and was sufficiently bothered by my statement. Shaun made fun of me, and I made fun back.

But isn’t it just like xanga, only you have to say it in 140 characters or less?

Well, during Colour Your World (Hillsong’s Women’s Conference, only so much more), I decided it might be worth signing up now and getting a name I like before its taken.  I figured since Hillsong Church and Brian and Bobbie Houston are on it all the time, it might be beneficial to know what our church and pastors are twittering.

So for now, I have not 1… but 2 accounts.
Completely unnecessary!! I know…
twitter.com/ji_lee
and of course, I had to grab -
twitter.com/jileemusic

Maybe when I get an iPhone one day, I’ll join in on all the fun and begin twittering. Twittering.
In the meantime, I now have 2 accounts, both completely unnecessary.

Oh, and I’m sure I’ll start unnecessarily stalking, I mean… following you all, too, but I’m holding out for just a while longer…

P.S.

Movies are a true luxury during this time in my life, so I don’t go too often.  And being a girl, my favorite genre is of course Romantic Comedy (The Holiday, 27 Dresses, My Best Friend’s Wedding, When Harry Met Sally, The Devil Wears Prada, Sweet Home Alabama, you know…).

But I’m a HUGE fan of action movies as well (Bourne trilogy, Taken, Shooter, Live Free or Die Hard, …)

And some of my all-time faves are the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Shawshank, The Usual Suspects, Dead Poets Society, etc…

But this year looks like it’s going to be a big ole jog down memory lane.  These movies are not only very telling of the fact that I’m a product of the 80s but also indicate that I was heavily influenced by my brother’s taste.  Maybe?  You be the judge…

John, it looks like 2009 will most certainly be the ultimate movie time of your life!

Out of the many “boy” ones, here are some that I’m most looking forward to as well:

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

Greyskull: Masters of the Universe

G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Now, I don’t care that the Gummie Bears or Smurfs or the Great Space Coaster or Jem and the Holograms or Punky Brewster or Who’s the Boss or Silver Spoons EVER make it to the big screen, but if they WERE, I’d be seriously going back in time.  Oh boy….

More P.S.
(As mentioned in my vlog…) if you haven’t watched it by now and it’s still playing in the theatres near you, you MUST see Slumdog Millionaire.  I’ve been wanting to and meaning to watch it since the beginning of December and FINALLY did myself a favour and watched it.

It is so worth your money and worthy of watching IN a proper theatre.
CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE WEBSITE

Just a little shout out…

Hillsong Live Album Recording Coming Very Soon…

Once upon at time, my family went to Hilton Head, SC, for vacation.  For those who may not know, people usually hit up Hilton Head for their beaches or for golf.  Well, we were there for the beaches, but lo and behold, it rained while we were there, forcing us to stay inside most of the time.  The only thing on TV we watched was the French Open, the year Michael Chang and Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario won, being the youngest ever at the time in both men’s and women’s categories.  Well, before that trip, you could not have paid me to watch or follow tennis.  I think it was the fact that this Asian guy was killing it and because he and Vicario were both wearing the same Reebok shirts that grabbed my interest.  So that was the year my interest in tennis began.

I’m not a player.  I can’t play.  I can’t play for 2 reasons - carpal tunnel in my right wrist and because I am just not good.

I’m not even a die hard follower of the sport.

But one thing is for sure- I love watching the slams.

My all-time faves:

Stefan Edberg
Michael Chang
Andre Agassi (later years)
James Blake
Andy Roddick (earlier years)
Rafael Nadal!!!!!!!
And the one and only ROGER FEDERER!!!!!!!!!!!

So all that to say… one of my dreams for the longest time has been to attend all 4 Grand Slams sometime in my life.  I haven’t traveled much since being in Aus, and people keep reminding me to do it while I’m here.  So tonight, I am flying to Melbourne for my first ever Grand Slam… THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN!!!

CANNOT BELIEVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

KEEP ON DREAMING, people!!! And watch some good tennis this week!
Go Federer! Or Nadal.

Monday. 19-01-09
These days, with “on demand” on most flights, including the one I was just on, the time spent on flights go much faster.  Likewise, so did my time in Atlanta and on the East Coast.  It’s hard to believe that 2008 came and went just as quickly.  When I was home during this holiday, I sorted through some of my older belongings and such, and I realized that many things were about AUSTRALIA or HILLSONG.  I dreamt that one day I’d get to go to this far away land and perhaps even experience Hillsong full tilt.  That dream began MANY years ago, and by the grace of God, I have had the privilege to be there, to smell it, hear it, and see it with all my heart and mind.

And yet the time IS going by so quickly.  I don’t want to be one of those who lives with regrets or moves slowly.  I totally believe in waiting on God.  But I also don’t want to move slow on MY part, know what I mean?

On the flight, I ran into my friend Danny, who is a fellow musician and one of our regular worship leaders back at Northpoint (and its campuses).  Of all the flights in the entire world, how on earth do you end up on the same flight as someone you already know just unexpectedly like that?  “It’s a small world afterall.”

Tuesday. (Next Day 20-01-09)
I got to try Red Mango yogurt for the first time yesterday.  I prefer the following over it: Pinkberry, Yogurtland, Yoforia, Cali Yogurt and even the kind they serve at Maum.  It was good for sure, but Yogurtland still takes the cake in this category.  If you’ve never been to LA or tried any of the Pinkberry type yogurts, be sure to put that on your list of things to do while here.

Later that evening, we met up with a bunch of former East Coasters (mostly Georgians) who have all been living here for a few years now to grab dinner at this delicious Thai restaurant called Coconut Bay.  It was weird, though, b/c the Kobe vs LeBron (is that how you spell it?) James game was on all over the restaurant like it was a sports bar or something.  What a weird combo, but you know what?  It worked, and I liked it.  Then we hit up Yogurtland for dessert.  That’s right… 2 yogurt stops on my 1st day back here.  HAHAHA.

Wednesday. (The next next day 21-01-09)
So today is my last day in the States for another good chunk of time.  I am so glad I was still in the country to witness (via tv) the inauguration of our new President - Barack Obama.  It’s been an emotional last few days with the MLK Jr holiday and then this the following day.  Whether you are an Obama supporter or not or what you think of his policies and who you voted for, the truth is… this was an historical moment, and he now shoulders the heavy cost of leading this country.  Let’s pray for him and the leadership of this nation.

In other news, I tried yet another yogurt place called Mumbles over in Riverside yesterday.  Yogurtland is still in the lead.

Lastly, Lost starts tonight. 

Technically, I’m still in the country while the show airs but will be at my gate in the airport.  And I’m not sure Lost is the best show to watch just before you board a flight.  Ha.

I’m excited about this new year.  It’s already off to a great start, and I believe this new year is going to a great one.  If we keep our eyes peeled and our ears more attentive, I know we are going to taste and see greater things than we’ve ever seen before!

Well, I know that was long, but I just write to say that it was (and still is) great being here.  I look forward to this new semester and new year with both feet in.  There are some big decisions to make by mid-year this year, so a prayin’ and a seekin’ I will do.  Please pray along with me, won’t you?!

OK friends!  X’s and O’s.

i’ve been home in atlanta for a little over 3 weeks now, and it’s been great… very full and packed but great seeing everyone and catching up as much as you possibly can.  i even had the wonderful chance to go to miami/ft lauderdale for a few days for a worship event, where i got to lead and speak to a wonderful group of people.  and this weekend, i get to join with my other church family in orlando, FL, for their annual winter youth retreat, and i’m highly looking forward to that.

although i’m not technically working a “regular” job while i’m here, i am thankfully able to make some money during my stay.  i’m looking forward to spending christmas with my family, and i pray you are as well.  if you’re unable to be with your family for whatever reason, i pray that the God who sent Jesus to us will fill your hearts with the kind of peace and security that only He can offer.   you are all precious and treasured in His sight.

things i’m thankful for -

my parents, their business, their warm home where i am staying.  thank You, Jesus, for their hospitality and graciousness.  also, protect and comfort those who don’t have homes during this cold time of year.

my mom’s flexibility with the sharing of my car while i’m here. thank You, Lord, for her generosity and kindness and for this car that You have allowed me to take full advantage of.

a brother who pretty much rocks.  thank You, God, for his constant loyalty to our family and for his willingness to just do anything that is required of him… for his great heart.

friends who i get to see and the conversations we get to have face to face.  i’m also thankful for those who have graciously shouted me meals or coffee (in australia, they say ’shout’ for when you cover/spot someone).  thank You, Lord, for their generosity.  i know You will bless those who bless me.

and of course, i’m thankful for …

the OK cafe.
chick-fil-a.
taqueria del sol.
fat matt’s.
chosunok.
five guys.
pinkberry.
hurry curry of tokyo.
you get my drift…  ;P

and most of all, i’m thankful for my Savior who came so that i might have life and have it abundantly.  bless you all.  have a very merry christmas and the best new year!

Jesus. Hope for Humanity.

p.s. i just saw this on my friend ryan’s blogsite. you may need to check his site out for the bigger photo. haha.

i’m home at last.

spent the last few days in beautiful California. 

and now, i’m back in chilly Atlanta, GA.  shoot me a message, y’all.  let’s meet up!!!