The hashtags

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I would like to start this post by just saying that July has been one of the most hectic and tiring months but at the same time the most rewarding that I've experienced. 

Remembering my slogan for June 'doing June well', I was all prepared to spend Hillsong Conference days with my family from Home :) they arrived at the end of June and man the week from there was nothing but amazing. So glad we got to see more of Sydney, got to be impacted by Hillsong Conference and also at the same time just bond and have heaps of fun together. 

For me serving at conference this year was from a whole other perspective of "God what can I do to facilitate what you are going to do in the lives of people from all over the world?" Going strong from the first day, His grace just saw me through to a fact that on the last day I was able to just sit in and enjoy conference together with the gang. I'm truly grateful to God for His grace and so much abundant love that He pours out over me. 

And these guys are the best support system anyone could ask for. I truly love them and appreciate them. 

#Chennai #mission

We had planned to leave a day after conference ended so we could make it for our mission trip to India on Sunday night and I also get to see more of my YO family before I leave but hmmmm WE MISSED OUR FLIGHT!! Dang it!! Long story and I shall not elaborate further. Best day of my life (going home) turned into a horrific situation (missing the flight) and then things turned around for the good (as always by His love and mercies).

Finally reached Singapore on Sunday afternoon, had a quick re-pack session and wash up and off we flew to Chennai!! Till today I am so grateful some of my bros n sis came to the airport. Also extremely grateful for mumma and her being so thoughtful with bringing my stuff for me. 

The next 10 days I have no words to describe other than utter wonder and amazement. God just showed up in a huge way, His presence made manifest and right before our eyes we saw especially the barrier of age and language being broken. I have no idea how to speak Tamil (I understand a lil bit) but as we laid hands on the people and prayed, Holy Spirit began to just minister to them in a supernatural way. While praying I couldn't hold back my tears cos I felt His love and power.

I think a very defining moment for me in the trip was when we got the opporcunity to do school ministries. We didn't know what to expect but when we reached there, we found out that 95% of the almost 2000 kids were non believers and as they began to sing, my gosh!! I couldn't hold back my tears!! Without them knowing, they drew the presence of God in such a tangible manner. 

Ministering to them and speaking into their lives for me just meant the world.. For me it meant that another generation is ready to rise up to take the world for Jesus. It meant that no matter what the devil tries to do to hold back our generation, THE ENEMY HAS TO BE SILENCED when the children of God begin praising their King. Once He is enthroned, no devil will be able to rise!! 

We did have heaps of fun too, with the fact that I got to be among 3 amazing young pastors, who are not just passionate and powerful but crazy and fun too. Good friends they are.

School minjstry :) (now you know what I mean)

Some of the amazing young people we got to minister to at the youth rally. 

The amazing and EPIC team ( Dream team!!) missing a few people.

#Home #YouthOutbreak #CalvaryCityChurch #Family 

Then it was time to go home. There is nothing like home. After all the anticipation of reaching home when we finally entered JB I couldn't help but start tearing. Although I felt like sleeping the whole day I couldn't waste any time :) I had things to do and people to catch up with..I was excited haha.. 

I got a new haircut!! Cos I thought oh well time for a change..she cut it too short at first but now I like how it's growing and looking better :) 

 U like? 

Also got to serve with the best people on the planet (totally biased but who cares?) loved seeing all of them again, chatting, laughing, late nights, doing amazing things for Jesus and of cos eating all the awsome food.

Again this time I got to see the Holy Spirit lead and guide me in serving, taking me further into the deep, but also just completely resting and walking knowing I can trust Him and rely on His voice and leading. It's where you are completely rested in Him that His presence is free to flow. Many times we block the flow with our strive and trying to make things go the way we want. I've learnt to just chill and allow Him to take time to do what He needs to :) it's pretty amazing and very freeing I must say. 

I loved serving with the Sunday worship team..love all of you heaps if you're reading this. I loved how we just took a step back and allowed the Holy Spirit to move. Felt so comfortable leading and doing it with all of you. It's the best!! Reuben man if you're reading this!! It's was an honor co-leading with you!! Such a carrier of the presence of God. 

Home was heaps of fun, lots of laughs and a lot of love :) 

Josh!!! Keep going for God man!! 

Any chance for a selfie with this guy :)

Youth service :) JUMP- only the best!! 

YO chicks!! Syg sangat

Ain't no party like an INJU party cos the INJU party don't stop!! Love my INJUS 

This guy!!! World changer and all :) 

The most precious part about home :) 

Well that was a long!! Heaps long post but I'm back in Syndey and July is coming to an end!! All in all I have 4 months before I Fly back home. Loving life and everything God is doing in me. Praying for more, seeking and desiring for the deep things of God :) 

Excited for this new semester and all the God has in store. 

Ps Johnny : Cheers Bestie to the most exciting adventure of your life!! So proud of you, will be praying for you always!! U.S of the A awaits you!! :) 

Till next time 

All my love

Crystal

Miracles

Woke up this morning and got to talk to these 2 :). Its nothing short of a miracle how close we have become after living together for about a year and almost killing each other multiple times. 

I cry now that we are so far apart. Every time I get to talk to the both of them I feel so much joy within me and just the feeling of satisfaction that I get to be myself and not in any way be judged by it. 

Just to laugh at the silly things we used to do and now be able to make sense of it ( not everything tho).

I love you both and all you are to me. Thank you for your friendship,sincerity and love! We are family and, family don't ever lose each other. Keep listening to Him and speaking to me because that encouragement you bring? it is beyond imagination the best words that I just sometimes need to hear.

A great man once said "Show me your friends and I will show you your future". Remember that?? Well if these legends are my friends, then I don't have to worry about what my future holds because even if I lose sight of what God has showed me and I walk away from His leading for some reason, I know they will be there looking me straight in the eye and this is what Bobby would say " Crystal you're just stubborn and you don't want to hear the voice of God, now get back on track!!" Alyssa would say " I don't know if I'm on the rails about this but I think you really need to let that go!!" Tough love but I LOVE IT!!

Thank you Lord for Godly friends who love you and cherish Your word and Your will :) Thank you for friends who tell the truth and only want the best for me.

PS: To all my amazing friends out there, thank you for being all you are to me. I am glad God placed you in my life for such a time as this and for forever :) I pray as we continue building this friendship, we will encourage each other to be all God has called us to be and even more.

June

Hello everyone.. first of all happy JUNE!! It is going to be an amazing month not only for me but for all of you reading this too :)

The past few weeks have been very hectic but yet joyful and very defining for me..having God speak to me and show me clear directions for the future and yet, still my heart and allow me to rest and flourish in my now. I guess that is the need in today's generation. We are so focused on the promise and the future that we forget the promise giver, we forget that we are in our season now for a purpose and that we should do it well without allowing distractions to get in the way. And we should seek and love Him first.

Learning, learning, learning...growing growing, growing..challenge, challenge, challenge..is all God has been taking me through these few months that I have been back in college, and i think last week was the most significant. It being college break and all, Renee and I were supposed to take some time off to go around Sydney and explore!! (FUN!! I WAS SO EXCITED) but 2 days before break started, God literally challenged me to just not go anywhere but to spend time praying in my room and hearing from Him, also to just pursue His presence and be intimate with Him. I thank God for Godly friends because Renee had no problem with that at all :) she needed time alone with God as well. I have to say it was the best time i have had ever on a break. 3 days that brought clarity and assurance in my heart of His love for me, of the plan He has for me and also intersession for everyone in my world.

The reason I said all that is because you are not too young or old for you to allow God to challenge you. It is not uncool, it is not weird and it is not unheard of. I believe with all my heart as the times are getting darker and darker, as more evil just envelopes our world, God is raising up a generation that will be SET APART for Him and His purposes. A generation that doesn't seek to please men or live according their dictations but that will be completely sold out for God in their heart. A spirit led generation that will not move unless God shows up, that will not speak unless He does and that does not sing unless its' His words.

I am praying with all my heart everyday for my generation and the generation to come. I am praying for God to pour out His Spirit in a way we have never seen or encountered before. That He will blow our minds and cause us to seek Him even more. I pray that if you are reading this you will pray along with me too.

In other news I had an amazing day today too :) it was officially the last day of break..I've had a good rest and to end the day Neereta n I decided it was time for a much needed catch up. We are chatting and laughing like crazy (as we do) we share our hearts and finally we decide to spend time praying together and for each other. Close our eyes and say "Holy Spirit we welcome You" and His presence just comes with such weight and fire. We start worshiping and singing (on Skype :) ) and she begins praying and prophesying. I feel so encouraged after talking to her and praying with her. I am so grateful for this prayer partner/sister God has placed in my life.

Again we are never too young, old, mature or immature to live a life that is set apart and called. The people we spend our time with? they are heaps important too. Young people if you want to stay strong in your relationship with God? find an accountability/prayer partner that will stand with you and will walk with you through life. That will not judge but will love you through all that you go through.

Well that's all for now. I pray that challenged you and somehow spoke to you. Have an amazing week everyone!! :)

PS: Lets by His grace do the month of JUNE well!!

 I love you Neereta!! You are a blessing in every way :)

All my love
Crystal

I will fight for you

5 years ago when I was In hopelessness You promised me this, and today after all that time You still continue to fight for me. Whenever I look at this verse I am reminded of Your love, Your presence and that intimate moment You reminded me that You are still in control. 

To all you amazing people reading this? Whatever situation you may be in right now, it may not seem like it at all but He is fighting for you, and when you get past this phase and look back at it, there will be such strength in your heart because you will realize He actually carried you through :) Don't lose heart!

“Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 MSG)

My life is not perfect but I am in love with a perfect Father who keeps fighting for me in every situation.

Ps: He fights for you too :) you have all the reason to smile through it now. 

All my love 

Crystal 

So, is it about you or is it about Me?

There I was tonight all ready and excited to sing for Hillsong Asian..rehearsal had gone great and I managed to come in on my part correctly, and I was pumped to just go for it, And then it happened..

The moment it was time for me to come in, I literally just FROZE..I'm not kidding, I knew when I was supposed to come in and I was going to but I didn't!! Thank God James (our MD) came to the rescue and brought me back into it. 

So as worship went on, as I do, I began beating myself up!! "How can I make a silly mistake like that?" " it was okay during rehearsal". Just so you know, all this went on while I was worshipping !! 

Almost immediately He spoke in my heart. Is this worship session about me or is it about you? Are you on this platform so people can see how perfect you are or so they can look past your perfections to my grace and kindness. 

Right there I just surrendered my heart once again n allowed Him to deal with me. Now that I think about it I'm so glad that this happened tonight.. It helped me grow, learn and completely depend on Him. 

I'm writing this tonight so we will not forget why we do what we do as a worship and creative team. Always check your heart and motives before you step up on that platform. There can only be one superstar and it is most definately not us. So step aside and remain faceless, remain invisible so He can shine.. So He can touch and change people's lives through us. 

I'll leave you with a question. Are you ready to be invisible? Or is your worship just purely gratifying your personhood and ego..like I always say ALL HE WANTS IS YOUR HEART.

All my love

Crystal

As a worship leader we should be forgotten.

I copied and pasted this article to my blog because firstly it is amazing and secondly it makes so much sense to all worship and creative team members..I hope it blesses you immensely;

It was a typical Sunday morning at a church that was like any other in the USA. People meandered through the front doors and were greeted by warm smiles and the smell of brewing coffee. Music played in the background while small talk filled the atrium with the sound of activity. Parents called to their children as they ran up the stairs towards brightly colored rooms and happy smiling teachers. It was Sunday morning and everything was ready. 

Joe walked in with a smile on his face but it was a poor attempt at masking the pain he felt inside. Joe was your average guy with a couple of kids, a job that he didn't really like (but it paid the bills) and a marriage he was bored with. He medicated the pain of an unfulfilled life with TV on weeknights and sports on weekends. 

His kids fought each other every day and his wife nagged him about his absentee fathering and his growing abdomen. 

Joe's life was full of noise from the moment he woke up to the time he fell asleep. Constant, unceasing, relentless noise on every side. 

Joe, the bills are due. Joe, your kids are out of control. Joe, your wife is miserable and lonely. Joe your boss needs you to work overtime this week. Joe, you are a failure at life. 

This particular Sunday morning, Joe had wandering into church, the place where everybody is happy and he felt like a hypocrite. In that last week, Joe never picked up his Bible, never prayed, never felt God's presence or heard God's voice. All he heard was the noise of his life and he wondered if there would ever be any respite from all the chaos. 

He made his way into the auditorium and found a place to sit. He knew a few faces here and there and he halfheartedly waved at some friends he had known for years. Eventually his wife made her way to sit beside him after checking the kids into childcare. 

They had made it to church. Now they waited for the music to begin. They waited for the ritual to commence. Joe wasn't even sure why he was there. Perhaps today, however, in this place of worship things could change. 

The worship leader stepped on stage and walked to the microphone. Joe looked up and for a moment let the facade slip as he allowed the pain to rise to the surface. 

Quietly, Joe whispered. 

"God, I don't have much to bring, but I'm here. Help me, speak to me..." 

As a worship pastor at an A-typical American church in Roseville, CA, I have seen Joe many times. I have stared into his eyes as I wandered on stage and stepped up to the microphone. I have looked beyond the facade and seen the pain of a mundane life and the vacancy in his eyes. 

I know the sound of the constant noise Joe hears because I have heard it in my own life at times. 

I have three small children and overwhelming bills each month. I have the many years of feeling like a failure because "success" in the music industry evaded me no matter how hard I tried. 

I know the sound of that noise and how it drowns out the voice of God in my life. 

But here I am. It's Sunday morning and I step up to the microphone looking into the eyes of hundreds of Joes, each on of them fighting their own battles. I have a list of songs to sing and a band ready to play. I am ready to do the job I was asked to do. 

And then I hear His voice. 

Not Joe's, not my own. His. The voice of the One that spoke the world into existence. The voice of the One who calmed the storm and eased the fear of the disciples. The voice of the One who said, "I have overcome the world." 

It's not loud or aggressive, it's quiet and gentle. 

Quietly, he speaks to me. "They don't need to hear your voice, Ben. They need to hear mine." 

His voice. 

The Psalmist spoke about the voice of The Lord in Psalm 29. 

Joe doesn't need to hear my voice this morning. He needs to hear the voice of God, the voice that changes everything. 

I have only one job this morning. It's not to "wow" them with my talent. It's not to perform a flawless rendition of someone else's song. It's not to fulfill the "music/worship" part of the service. 

No, I am not here to add to the noise. My job is to create an environment so rich with the presence of God that all the noise ceases and the only thing that Joe can hear is "His" voice. 

Joe doesn't need to hear another song. Joe doesn't need to hear another sermon. Joe needs to hear the voice of the God who passionately, relentlessly pursues him. He needs to hear the voice of God. 

So today I have one job. It's not to be noticed, it's actually to be forgotten. To do my job so well that people walk away only with the remembrance of Jesus. 

It's easy at times to forget why we do what we do as worship leaders. 

There is the immediate need of providing a time of musical worship for a weekend service. There is the desire to present a certain type of quality and excellence that people have come to expect from worship times. We have the disadvantage of being compared to "professional" worship groups due to the proliferation of YouTube videos and live streaming. We wrestle with competing voices in our local churches that either love what we do or criticize what we do. 

But all of these things must take a back seat to the real reason for what we do. We are to provide a place where Joe can hear God's voice. 

I love the light. If I turn the light on in a dark room, the darkness is gone. It doesn't fight it, it doesn't complain about it, it doesn't wrestle for control. It is gone. 

When we lift up our voices in worship, we are turning on the light. We create an atmosphere where darkness has no place. The noise ceases. Joe now has an opportunity to hear the voice of God. 

I don't have control over how Joe responds to that voice, I am just trying to give him an opportunity to hear it. It might be the only chance he has all week to hear God's voice in his life. This 30 minutes of singing may be the only time that things get quiet enough in Joe's life that he can actually listen. 

The last thing I want to do is distract Joe from hearing God's voice. But often we do. In fact, I fear we are becoming too distracting. 

I am all for great lighting, interesting video, quality sound and dynamic worship. I am all for interesting songs and creative musicianship. The moment that it becomes a distraction, however, I want to burn it all to the ground. 

We are not on stage to be remembered. We are on stage to be forgotten. All we are required to do create a place that Joe can hear God's voice and then get the heck out of the way. In the jostling for position that far too often happens among worship leaders, I want to challenge you to do what Jesus asked us to do. 

"He sat down and called the twelve apostles. He told them, "Whoever wants to be the most important person must take the last place and be a servant to everyone else." Mark 9:35 

We have one job as worship leaders. To serve every Joe that walks in our doors and give him the chance to hear the voice of the God who loves him. We are not there to promote our songs or CDs. We are not there prove how skillful we are or how well we can imitate the latest worship hit. 

We are there to be forgotten.

Original article from http://www.allaboutworship.com/blog/worship-leader-why-you-should-be-forgotten-part-1?utm_content=bufferc39db&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

All my love

Crystal

Have my heart

That right there? It's what I love doing..my favorite thing in the world. I may not be phenomenal at it nor perfect. In fact I'm far from perfection. 

However, if you were to take away that mike in my hand, remove the musicians in the background, completely strip bare the lightings and tear down the platform, even if you took my voice away from me, I would still be in that posture. 

I love being intimate with my Master, I love singing so only He can hear my voice, I love lifting my hands in surrender, I love sharing my heart with Him and I love just completely and passionately falling in love with my creator.

If you are looking for the true meaning of worship? That is it right there. Caught myself placing more importance on everything else and losing sight of the one who loves me and longs for me. He captured my attention and drew me back to Him and said this clearly to me..

"Give me your heart because it is all I desire.. Give me your heart and everything you ever desire will slowly fall into place, I JUST WANT YOUR HEART."

Here miles and miles away from home, alone, I find myself totally and completely abandoned to His love, surrendered to His plan, and in total obedience to the call. 

I pray today as you read this, you will discover true worship for yourselves and the beauty of falling in love with your Master..

All my love 

Crystal