Faith, Family and Fun at KTIS Joyful Noise 2017

*We were given admission to KTIS’ Joyful Noise to help us facilitate our review. All thoughts and opinions are based on our experience. They are honest and 100% our own.

When we heard how hot the temps were going to be at KTIS’ Joyful Noise 2017 we contemplated not attending. Then we agreed we would go Friday, but not attend on Saturday. It was simply too hot and I was concerned about those that would be with us. I invited those following the event to pray along with me for temps to cool down.

We made the trek from Albert Lea to the National Sports Center in Blaine, MN. We had a few snacks before we entered the center. Outside food was not allowed and we wanted to make sure the kids tummies were filled. We made sure everyone had sunscreen on, put on our event bracelets (I put my phone number on my kids bracelets just in case we got separated), grabbed our lawn chairs and waited in line for the gates to open. Once the sports center gates opened we were met by security who glanced in our bags, checked our bracelets and allowed us to go through. We then found our favorite spot next to the first aid tent and close to the bathrooms. It is also a great place with kids because the music is not as loud as if we were closer to the stage.

God in his mercy had cooled the temps down by the first performance and watching the rest of the performances was amazing. Jordan Feliz kicked off the night with songs such as Never To Far Gone, Live it Out. He shared his testimony of trials he has experienced in his life and the ways God has helped to heal his heart. A message of hope and encouragement.

Big Daddy Weave was also fantastic. His peaceful presence and songs of worship had the whole stadium, young and old, singing and praising the Lord. It was incredible to sing some of my favorite songs, Redeemed, My Story, The Lion and the Lamb, Let It Rise. Especially since I belt them out in the car everyday.

for King & Country ended the evening and they were AMAZING! Earlier in the year we were thrilled to partner with them to help promote Joyful Noise. I fell in love with their heart and the reality that this band and many of others are truly a band of the people. They truly take seriously the job God has given them to spread the love of Jesus and to share the life saving gospel. As I watched Joel and Luke Smallbone up on stage. I saw two brothers jamming out, having fun and letting the rest of the world come along. As they began their opening number I reached over to my nephew Owen and Titus and said did you know those two are brothers AND they were homeschooled!? Both boys looked at me wide eye and fell even more in love with the band. I do not think these two brothers stood still for even a minute. They were all over the stage AND in the crowd.

We made the decision at the last minute to find a hotel and attend the KTIS’ event the next day. We miraculously found three rooms fairly close by, but because the temps were so high we decided we would not go back to the sports center until around 4:30pm. It was a great decision, we were bummed to miss the bands that would play earlier, but we had to make the best choice for us. Around 7ish the Blaine Fire department was called in and they had a splash pad right there in one of the soccer fields. It was amazing how quickly that mist cooled down not only the splash pad but the whole center. Thank you to the fire department, KTIS and the paramedics for working together to create a safe and fun event.

When Tenth Avenue North came on stage my heart was angry. Our family has gone through trial after trial. There are times when the waves seem bigger than usual and this was one such occasion. I neither wanted to capture the songs or hear their message, yet God knowing and loving my rebellious heart planted seeds through both the lead singers words and the bands songs. God lifted up my heart and broke through to my hardening heart. Thank you for your message of truth, one I needed to hear that afternoon. Through the bands message God as he always does invited me back. It’s weird how in the midst of my anger both at God and life’s circumstances how peace comes back into my heart and mind. I fight and get angry, then as if a cloud has lifted, the anger lifts and my heart finds peace again.

After an afternoon of heat and air conditioning hopping our kids were shot and we left before Switchfoot took the stage. I have dear friends who have loved this band from the first time their songs hit the radio. I was bummed to miss them, but knew those who were still at the spots center would definitely be blessed.

One of the things I love about KTIS’Joyful Noise is how family friendly it is to allow families to do what they need to. They encourage families to bring coolers and have picnics at their cars (since food is not allowed in). I love how the bracelets allow the attendees to come and go.  The crowd is seriously peaceful, kind and looks out for one another. Even in the heat when you would think people would be the most on edge, politeness and peace still remained.

Our kids are already trying to speculate who will be at KTIS’ Joyful Noise 2018. I for one cannot wait until fall when the line up will be announced. You can bet your boots we will keep you posted. To each and every person who made KTIS’ Joyful Noise 2017 happen, thank you!