Lisa Young Blog

HNL Debut at Hillsong 2010

Ed's new rap video, 'Hole 'Nutha Level, debuted at this year's Hillsong Conference. Enjoy!



Ready to take it to a 'hole 'nutha level? Download the song free right here!

The Holiday-to-Holiday Fitness Challenge

On average, if you compare my grocery cart with most others in the store, I fare pretty well.  But, (and that is a big “but”) I have a weakness for sweets. And if it’s left unchecked, this weakness can lead to a downward spiral in my family’s overall food choices.  The pleasure of eating sweets is fun until the reality of regret sets in along with the inevitable “sugar low”!  So this idea hit me the other day when I was feeling pretty “UGH” after some heavy sugar intake.

I am totally aware of what eating healthy is all about. Hence, the Holiday-to-Holiday Fitness Challenge.

I am going to use the next 33 days, between Memorial Day and the eve of Independence Day, to get in shape with clean eating and some upgrades in my workout patterns.   If you want to join me, then we can make it a little more fun and have a lot more accountability.  When I know that I’m “in” with others who are fellow strugglers, I am more likely to be disciplined.  I bet you are the same. So here is what I’m suggesting:

Eat Clean:
Some of you are familiar with the Daniel Fast that Fellowship Church and other churches have done.  I am going to go in this direction, but will add lean chicken and fish to the oats, rice, and vegetables. (Here are the details of the fast in case you need to see all that it involves.) 

If the Daniel Fast doesn’t appeal to you, your challenge is to then make some healthy decisions about what you will eat for the next 33 days.  Write down what your plan will be so that it is clear and decisions won’t be made in an emotional, hungry state.

Amp Up the Workout:
Whatever your typical workout might be, add to it and change it up.  For example, I love to walk with weights.  I am committing to change it up by adding more weight routines and adding some different cardio stations.  I have access to an elliptical machine and a recumbent bike, so I am going to add these to my workout for a change. 

Whatever your typical routine is, the idea is to change it up. If you aren’t working out at all, this is the perfect opportunity for you to start!  Be reasonable and don’t set lofty goals that you will not be successful in accomplishing.  Start small. Maybe with a 20 minute walk in the early morning or evening. Then, over the next 33 days, add to it.

Bonus Plan:
Both of the holidays I mentioned are days when we commemorate the greatness of America and remember those who have sacrificed so much to make this the country that it is today.  I will be praying specifically for America and the men and women of our Armed Forces over the next 33 days.  There is so much to consider in our prayers. 

I am committing to pray for the safety of our troops, the wise decisions of our leaders, our country’s values and the direction we are heading to be one pleasing to the Lord.  Join me in this Bonus Plan and let’s flood Heaven with our prayers for this great country!

I look forward to hearing how you are doing.  Leave your comments or questions and I will be popping in with some progress reports.

Let the challenge begin!!!

A "Normal" Routine

The normal routine in our house includes that first cup of coffee, checking email, planning a little breakfast for the kids and waking those precious little souls up for a splendid day.  I also usually watch the news to check the weather and see if anything monumental has occurred overnight.

Today was the first time in 9 days that I have had the chance to follow this very normal routine. You see, I was out of the country the week following our phenomenal Flavour Conference. (I'll share more about that adventure in a later post.)

Anyway, this morning there was a report on the local news about the continuing clean up efforts in the Tennessee area following the devastating rains. I have to admit that I had no idea that all of this had taken place, because it didn’t make the headlines in London. So now, the prayers have begun and my ears and eyes are focused on what is happening and how we can help. 

  

“They” say ignorance is bliss. But my discovery this morning is that ignorance is NOT bliss.  I was saddened by the fact that I was not a part of the initial prayers that were lifted up for Tennessee and the surrounding areas.  I was quickly reminded of friends that live in that part of our nation and how terribly difficult life must be right now.  Homes, businesses, schools and churches have all been destroyed. Each of these represents people, just like you and me, who had their own normal routines interrupted.

How easy it is for us to be oblivious to the needs of others during our seemingly normal day. While at the same time, so many around the world are experiencing their own “normal” – normal pain, normal hardship, normal danger, normal stress, normal uncertainty.  It is normal to them, because it is a part of their every day lives.

God has shown me that my world becomes small when I think only of myself, and my “normal” surroundings. When my eyes and ears aren’t attuned to what is happening throughout planet earth I am ignorant, but definitely not blissful.

I have come to an awareness that the world is anything but small, and it isn’t defined by my understanding of normal. I pray that you have the same awareness today.

Pray that God will open our eyes and ears to the pain, suffering, hardship and uncertainty that people all over the world are experiencing.

Pray that we will use the gifts that He has given us to make a difference—next door and on the next continent.

Our ability to help begins with prayer, and that is no small contribution.  Today, I can’t be in Tennessee to physically provide relief and comfort.  But, through our prayers, relief can be experienced and comfort given.

“Lord, break my heart for what breaks yours…”
 - Hosanna, Hillsong United

Flavour 2010 - Wisdom, Courage and Heart...for the Journey!

Flavour 2010 - The Journey Continues!

Flavour 2010 - Starting the Journey with Christine Caine

A Sneak Peek

Flavour Conference 2010 is almost here! And before we begin our journey together, I wanted to give you a sneak preview of some of the spectacular bags we have for the Purse for a Purpose Boutique and Silent Auction. With over 1000 bags, you're sure to find something:

Demi Lovato was kind enough to donate (and sign) these:

 
(Ok, these aren't a purse. But hey, they're from Demi Lovato!)

 

And then we have some other amazing finds...

 

 

 

And we have one VERY special purse on the way.
I can't tell you too much, but here's a hint:

 

Remember, if you aren't registered yet, there's still time!

I'll see you here...where the journey begins!



  
 
 
 
 

Yes, I'm expecting!

When an idea comes into reality, it is very much like a pregnancy.  First, the idea is conceived. Then, through time and development, that idea matures. And finally, wow, it is birthed into reality. This week we’re giving birth! 

Flavour Conference 2010 began as an idea. It was a “what if” moment that was brought together through some estrogenic minds and hearts. And questions began forming as we dreamed:

• What if we could bring women from coast-to-coast together to experience the power of a journey led by God?
• What if we could unite to reach beyond ourselves and into the lives of those who won’t even be here?
• What if two days of seeking God’s heart, mind and strength could provide us the opportunity to deliver hope to girls of an orphanage in Haiti?
• What if…

Now, those “what if” ideas are about to become “what is” realities. As I write this, volunteers are hard at work with the final preparations on so many aspects of the conference. 

And right now, two words are on the forefront of my mind:  anticipation and expectancy! I am anticipating a week of final preparations and some very long days (sounds like the final days of a pregnancy).  I am expecting the power of God to be moving and working in the lives of each beautiful woman who walks through the doors at Flavour Conference.  I am expecting women to begin their journey with God that will take them places they never imagined or can possibly comprehend.  I am expecting the imprint we leave on the orphaned girls of Haiti to last far beyond this coming weekend. I am expecting God to orchestrate friendships so that women experience real community along the way. 

Most of all, I am expecting God to surprise me.  I love Divine surprises, and God has one in store for you this weekend.

Flavour Conference is almost here, so get ready for God to birth a Divine surprise in you!!!

With Love, Lisa

Help, Hope and Healing

36 hours after the devastating earthquake hit Haiti, Fellowship Church partnered with other churches from around the country to send much-needed supplies directly to the island. Since that time, we have continued to further our efforts to help that nation.

One of the biggest ways we are helping is through C3 Global. And for the past 72 hours, we’ve had a team on the ground in Haiti. As the pictures and stories have poured in, my heart has been touched and my passion to help has been refueled. But this one picture in particular was powerful to me.

 

It seems like yesterday that Laurie and Landra were in a similar stroller as twins, prepared for a life in our family. The twins pictured here are so similar, yet so different, in that their family and support are gone. But we have a chance to be their support now.

I am so proud that we can be on the ground to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus and make preparations for the long-term work that is needed in Haiti.

Maybe you’re an individual who wants to help. We would love for you to partner with us!

Maybe you’re part of an organization or a church. Your contributions would be vital to completing this work.

No matter how much you can help physically, I encourage you to remember the people of Haiti in your prayers. I printed this pic and will frame it for my desk as a reminder to pray for the people of Haiti, the effort to help through C3 Global and other humanitarian groups, and for our wisdom in spreading help, hope and healing through the message of Christ in that country.

Connections

I can’t believe it; C3 West is just a few days away! And as we are gearing up for our time in San Diego, I am once again excited about the inspiration and rejuvenation ahead.

The C3 International Conference just concluded, and the blessings from the past several days are still resonating in all of our lives—and they will continue, I’m sure, for months and even years to come.

One of my favorite things about these conferences is the opportunity to meet so many fantastic people, many of whom are called to serve the local church in order to reach the masses for Jesus Christ. My cup is filled through the friendships I have gained through C3 and the passion I see in the lives of other leaders. God assembles some tremendous people, both men and women, who are bold in their faith, tireless in their work ethic and have a high pain threshold when it comes to taking turf for the Kingdom.

During C3, it was also great to re-connect and laugh with some great girlfriends that I don’t get to see often, but when we get together, it is like we were never apart. These soulish sisters are so dear to me. The connections we have are invaluable. The life change that happens when we are together is priceless.

I hope you have friendships that energize you and keep you on track with what God has called you to do for Him. When times are up, these are the ones you can rejoice with. When times are difficult, they are the ones who will weep with you. These are the very friendships that God wants us to have and to cultivate so that our faith will remain strong in the journey of life.

As you go though this week, connect with a soulish sister who is passionate about Christ, His Church and His cause. And together, continue to enjoy seeing lives changed through a changed life.