As ME Awareness week (an invisible illness) swiftly approaches, the Hillsong Australia tune included brings me hope. It also raises memories of a past life.
Hong Kong and Hillsong
A life where myself and my husband would lead worship as the Sunday Service began (often with a toddler in my arms or at my feet), as part of the mission church we were blessed to be a part of in Discovery Bay, Hong Kong.
An amazing mix of nationalities and denominations. Sharing incredible experiences. Jackie Pullinger’s team visit, to name one. We all met with one goal. To worship, serve and spread the good news.
Hillsong Australia
At times my heart feels ever so heavy at missed opportunities. We visited Sydney, Australia when we lived in Asia during the 1990s. We drove out to the Blue Mountains where Hillsong were based.
Oh, there would have been so much I could have learned from them and taken back to my worship life in Hong Kong if I had attended one of their worship sessions. But there you are, opportunities we all miss. But what a place!
Maturing in Faith
My heart broke when I had to leave our wonderful church home, as we later returned to our native UK. I had arrived in Hong Kong as a baby Christian, I left matured. I had learned and experienced so much. With so many amazing and wise people.
Faith – Hope and a Future
But you can’t live in the past. God is the God of second chances, renewed hope, freedom and a future. So as I lay in bed today, pooped yet again. Longing to be able to sing with gusto once more. I listen to this beautiful worship song and look forward to the day I can sing it in my home in a key my voice can muster.
My husband has it on his list to sequence for me! Hint, hint!😀
I hope you enjoy the worship song.
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Thanks for popping by.
HAPPY SUNDAY and have a blessed day.🌸
Penny @hopefoundinme
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Hope found in M.E. 
Lord, have your way in me
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Amen, Tracey. Xxx
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amen sister…amen.
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Thank you. ❤
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Hi Penny,
I tried to post the following comment on the above (or is it below?) blog post but it wouldn’t let me! so I thought I’d send it to you direct instead! ….
Hi Penny, how lovely to hear more of your story! That must have been amazing to lead worship in Hong Kong! I was a late convert to Hillsongs music. If people start raving about something I tend to go the other way!! But I watched a video when babysitting for a friend and got into it then. I love the song you have chosen here! I was a little amused at the line “every moment we’re awake” seemed ironic for us with ME which means we either have problems staying awake, sleeping or both! Hope it gives you a giggle too! Following the song Youtube had the UK Blessing Video. have you seen it? And the Is He Worthy one! It’s amazing to see how the church is suddenly rising to reach out across the virtual world! Something that the ME and other chronic illnesses communities would have loved eons ago! I found both songs very moving! Thank you for sharing!
I hope you are doing ok? Coping with lockdown? It’s easier for those of us who are used to spending lots of time at home! I am struggling a bit due to having to do all the cooking and looking after mum as well as 2 dogs, a cat and a house! It is rather tiring! We are still recovering from not just losing Dad but also over all the other events of the previous year leading up to being evicted. thankfully in the end we didn’t have to wait for the bailiffs and we all relocated to my house! Unfortunately it is a small house that doesn’t have room for a wheelchair so mum can’t help out with chores and meals and even drinks. I’m not complaining because I love being back home and mum and I are really close. I have to do a lot to help her and she feels that she asks too much of me but doesn’t have a choice but I’m her carer as well as her daughter and I will do whatever it takes to help her, although I do have days when I have to say to mum “it’s basics only today. I need to rest” and she is lovely about my need for those days. Sometimes she notices first how tired I am then she will insist on a basics day!
I’ve written more than I intended, so take care, stay safe and love and blessings to you and your family,
Teri xxx
On Sun, 10 May 2020 at 14:57, Hope found in M.E. wrote:
> Hope found in M.E. posted: “Happy Sunday with Hillsong As ME Awareness > week (an invisible illness) swiftly approaches, the Hillsong Australia tune > included brings me hope. It also raises memories of a past life. Hong Kong > and Hillsong A life where myself and my husband would lead w” >
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Hi Teri – lovely to hear from you. I’m sorry there was a problem posting a comment. I’ll have look into that, but maybe that it was awaiting moderation. Thanks for persevering.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the piece. We ME peeps, experts at homebound life. I’ll have a listen to the next song. I do love a bit of 90s Hillsong. Just transports me back to a special time, when I could be so physically active in faith. A different kind of active now, but still hanging in there. And yes to virtual church. I’m so used to it now & love the variety. Never a dull moment.
I’m glad that you & your mum were able to make the move to your house. You’ve both had so much to deal with. Bailiffs would have been just awful. I’m so sorry that it’s been such a tough few months for you both. You’re a blessing to your mum, and lovely that she’s so sensitive to your capacity to help too. She must appreciate your care so much. I hope you can manage the energy you have ok. But not easy I’m sure. I hope somehow access might be improved in the future. So many houses aren’t set up for space for a wheelchair. Frustrating. You’re both stars with how you’ve got through to this point and still smiling.
My husband is home furloughed atm, so extra help which is fab. And one of our young folk home too. Their work arrangements somewhat scuppered by covid. A similar challenge for many young people. No doubt.
Lovely to hear from you, Teri. You and your mum stay safe. Hope the doggos and cat are getting along.
Love from here. Penny xxxx
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