Day 24/25, S2 | A Night of Hope and The LOA in Action

[Julijana]

What an incredible evening on Friday, October 24, 2008. I just came home from A Night of Hope with Joel & Victoria Osteen. They were at The Palace of Auburn Hills, MI. This was my first Joel Osteen Ministries event, and I got my monies worth and more.

First let me explain, tickets for this event were $15 plus parking. I got my ticket on eBay at a higher price, for I wanted floor seating. I was on the main floor, Section B, Row 20, Seat 3.

Getting to the venue was a challenge. First, I wasn't motivated to go to the event alone. Next, I took my time getting ready. However, I did manage to leave three hours early as planned. The goal was to arrive early, about 45 minutes to an hour. Normally, the drive to The Place is about an hour from where I live. However, today, it took me about 2.5 hours due to rush hour, construction, and rain. During the ride, I stayed positive... I just went with the flow and allowed. The closer that I got to the venue the more excited I became.

When I entered the parking lot, I was relieved. I had made it in time. To my surprise the parking lot was not completely filled, and I asked the attendent where the best place to park if someone had main floor seating. I was directed to the West enterance and was told parking might be hard to find in that section. Fortunately, I didn't have any problems finding a parking space. I entered the doors at the West enterance of The Palace with 15 minutes to spare.

I gave my ticket to the attendee, and I was directed to my seating area. I got on the main floor with ease. I saw my section and walked towards it. Then, I started looking for Row 20. At first, I was a little disappointed how far back Row 20 was. In my row there were only three seats. I sat closest to the camera crew stage. Next to me were two nice ladies. Still, at this point, I am wondering about the seating. Do I like it or do I not like it. I got settled in, and I discovered how wonderful my seat really was. I had a clear view of the center of the stage, and I had a very clear view of the big screen to my left.

The program got started late, for people were still getting into the venue. Before, I go on; I have to tell you... before going to my seat, I looked at the sales booth. I asked if Joel and Victoria were signing autographs today. The answer was no since they had a book signing at Borders earlier today.

So back to the event. Finally, an announcer came on stage to say that the program was going to get started shortly. He went further on to explain why they were running behind (mainly due to traffic still coming in). Afterwards, he made some general announcements along with promoting items for sale.

At approximately 8:00 p.m., the program began. The music was fabulous. I was taking pictures of the singers and the band. I was taking pictures of Joel as he came on stage and started to talk. A little while later, a gentleman came up from behind and gave me an autographed copy of Become a Better You. You see there was no one behind me other than Joel Osteen's staff. Row 20 was the last row in Section B, and the camera crew stage was to the left of me. I was blessed with the perfect seat at the right place and the right time. I got a clear knowing that God wanted me to have an autographed book.

Since it is all most 2:00 a.m., I am going to have to quit writing soon, for I need to get some sleep. But before, I do I just want to say what a unbelievable experience I had. Joel and Victoria were inspiring. I loved listening to the music and singers. Joel's mom was a delight to listen to. She shared her story of being healed of cancer. The Olsteen's daughter and son were present to. We got to see everyone on stage at some point of the program. We even had the opportunity to hear the Olsteen's daughter sing; she was darling and amazing.

Good night and God bless you!

Julie