You ever have those times when you just don't "feel" like going to church?  Today was one of those for me.  I didn't "feel" like going.  Stress and fatigue were the tools Satan chose to work at keeping me outside of God's will today.  I "wanted" to go, I just didn't "feel" like going.  I tried to rationalize not going but ultimately knew that at times like this, I need to go most.  Even on the drive to church I began to feel sick at my stomach.  Nerves or some bad chicken, I don't know.  I almost told Erik we'd need to turn back but kept the thoughts to myself.

For whatever reason, I was in a sour mood by the time we arrived, although I doubt anyone we encountered detected it.  The parking lot was more packed than usual as the earlier service hadn't let out yet.  This of course means we'll have to walk in from a fairly good distance.  The lines to check in the kids were long but everywhere there were the smiling faces of the volunteers and my lousy attitude slowly began to melt.  Erik and I sit in almost the exact same spot every week and rarely see the same people from week to week.  We sat with a sigh.  The weight of a long week draining from our bodies into the floor.  I read through the worship guide handed to me by the nice man at the door.  "Hmm, a sneak peek at the next series." I point out to Erik.  He nods and comments, "oh yeah, remember there's supposed to be some special music this week".  I look up to see drums and such on the stage.  The set up doesn't strike me as strange though.  The music at Fellowship always rocks and we look forward to opening worship.  The monitors have the service countdown and with 58 seconds to go I countdown in my head while I continue to peruse the worship guide.

Suddenly Ed appears and there are cheers.  He doesn't normally show before the worship leaders but we didn't think anything of it.  He then tells us that his favorite band is in the house.  We figure he's referring to his brother's band, Caedmon's Call.  Even when he tells us “THE NEWSBOYS are here“, we think he must be joking.  We look at each other in disbelief as we watch the band fall out on the stage.  Yes, we worshiped with The Newsboys tonight, one of our absolute favorite bands as well.  The music was phenomenal.  The song and scripture choices were perfect and exactly what I needed.  The Newsboys would be a tough act to follow for anyone, but Ed's talk tonight on "Authority Issues in Marriage" was something I needed.  I'm sure tonight was for everyone present but I know it was for me.  It started with a special surprise concert and then led into a perfectly timed lesson.  God is in control and He knew what I needed.

I haven't stopped grinning since that first dramatic stroke on the electric guitar.  As usual, Erik and I used the drive home to discuss the service.  It seems we both came away refreshed.  I called my sister to tell her she'd better not miss the service tomorrow :o)  I even called my mom but she doesn't have any idea who the Newsboys are so my excitement seemed silly to her lol.  No matter, it was a good night and I'm so thankful I went.