These Are a Few of My Favorite Things...

Hello friends! So glad to be with you on this glorious day. As I write this I am reminded of a few of my favorite things...one of which is photography. Just this past year we were blessed with a fabulous deal on a VERY nice camera...which developed into a new hobby for me...of capturing "LIFE".

Every chance I get I am taking pictures of people...in their natural surroundings...doing the things they love...and being around the people that are most dear to them. Below are examples of my passion. Take a peak with me through my lens and see the world as I do...

Falling in Love

Intrigued...

Belly Love...

Reading...

Pondering...

Standing out...

Heading somewhere...

Take on the World...

Father and Son...

If this bench could talk...

Cottage life...

A day out...

Little feet...

All the kids...

A winter's walk...

Lonely...

I hear you...

Ride in Style...

Daddy love...

Walk a mile...

Family life...

Pink...

Soft Beauty...

His presence...

British pride...

A day in the park...

Mommy love...

Fireballs...

And I end with this picture...as sometimes...as in life...you just have to laugh!

The ROYAL Wedding

Photo curtesy of devrese.com

Being in England at such a historic time to be able to witness the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton is so exciting to say the least. Everywhere you go you find shop windows adoring pictures of the couple and the Union Jack is flying high on just about every street corner. With one week away the excitement is building!

Photo curtesy realradio-scotland.co.uk

The people of the UK are welcoming this sweet couple's union with cheers of joy...and being that the public will be given a "bank holiday" (national holiday) every year from here on out on April 29th to commemorate the special event...that is just icing on the cake!

People are encouraged to have street parties, as is custom here when a Royal is wed. Almost every grociery store has the Union Jack adorning just about everything from lawn chairs to paper plates! You can't help but become patriotic!

Photo curtesy theroyalweddingwilliamkate.com

Photo curtesy aroundtownwales.co.uk

For us, we will be joining the all the crowds in the city centre to watch the couple tie the knot on the huge jumbo screen. Also we have heard there will be a Beatles tribute band to entertain us. Needless to say I can't wait!

Photo Curtesy apps.detnews.com

But I can't help but think of "THE WEDDING"...the reunion one day I will have with the Bridegroom, Jesus. He is coming...and we are going to have the biggest feast you will ever see...the tables will be adorned with the most beautiful things you could ever imagine!

Photo curtesy tolucantimes.com

My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. -John 14:2-3

Thought to ponder...Do we anticipate Christ's return in our hearts with joy...adorning the shop windows of our hearts with excitement? Or do we simply acknowledge He is to come... but have made our choice to stay away from the crowds of "joy"...too wrapped up in our own little world to realize the excitement of what is to come?

Too Late to Turn Back Now...

You've heard the phrase "If you told me I would be doing _____ five years ago...I wouldn't have believed you!". I'm sure you could fill in the blank with many things such as..."met the person I was going to marry"...or "working in this job"...or "living in this country". For me personally...I would have never guessed I would be married and living in a foreign country. I certainly wouldn't be able to predict that I would have been living with an incurable illness...that one still continues to shock me, but with the grace of God, I am learning to live with it.

When you think about the future it can do one of two things. It can excite you or it can scare you. When you get into the thicket of life, when electronics tend to break, marriages go through struggles, children get sick, or even your own securities of a home and finances are stripped away you can tend to want to turn back. But for those of us who know Christ Jesus as our Lord, we must continue on the road He has paved for us...always trusting in Him, despite our circumstances. It is a CHOICE to BELIEVE that God has a good plan. Now that does not mean a bed of roses all the time, but it will still be good because He is good and He has a purpose for us (Romans 8:28).

I can so feel Peter's heartfelt words when he is asked if he too would walk away from Jesus. Can't you just imagine big ole Peter with tears welling up in his eyes saying...

"Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words (the message) of eternal life. And we have learned to believe and trust, and [more] we have come to know [surely] that You are the Holy One of God, the Christ (the Anointed One), the Son of the living God." (Read below John 6:66-69 (Amplified Bible)

When we are going through struggles in our life...are we going to turn back and go our own way or are we going to continue on BELIEVING...that God has a good plan for us...TRUSTING...that even though we can't see where we are going...He is guiding?

I personally can learn a lot from this scripture and it is a great reminder that I've come too far to turn back now! I am trusting in Him to take me the rest of the way...and in 5 years from now...I pray that I will say "Father if you told me that I would be doing _______ I DID believe that!

After this, many of His disciples drew back (returned to their old associations) and no longer accompanied Him. Jesus said to the Twelve, Will you also go away? [And do you too desire to leave Me? Simon Peter answered, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words (the message) of eternal life. And we have learned to believe and trust, and [more] we have come to know [surely] that You are the Holy One of God, the Christ (the Anointed One), the Son of the living God. -John 6:66-69 (Amplified Bible)

Bearing Fruit

Lately I've had the biggest craving for fruit popsicles. So my hubby being the blessing he is, drives me to the store and patiently waits as I pick out the perfect one...all natural and full of 100% fruit of course. Then as I unwrap that pretty little paper... a juicy, delicious fruit sickle is revealed and with one taste my craving is satisfied.

Its funny that I've been craving fruit...let me explain. The Bible tells us that if we "remain in Him we will bear much fruit". (John 15:5) This is a verse that is very near and dear to my heart as it is my life verse. No wonder it has been coming to light with recent difficult roads I've been forced to walk. Roads that could easily lead to discouragement and even a stinky defeated attitude that could totally leave my little tree dried up. So I've been asking God to show me the fruit that He has placed around me. In particular to the city...the country...the culture of England that He has called me and my husband to.

This morning I read an interesting article on the front page of the BBC entitled "British Sangfroid: An Outdated Stereotype". (I had to look up the meaning of sangfroid...which means "coolness and composure, especially in trying circumstances.") The article talked about how the British culture seems to be changing from the "stiff upper lip"-mentioned in my last post...to a now more emotional based culture. I found it most interesting...as I do sometimes struggle with the lack of emotions people seem to have...but I do keep it in perspective that I tend to be just a bit over emotional...a bit I said!

Now back to the fruit thing...so I was asking God to show me the fruits around me. After reading the article I realized that it was an answer to prayer...you see I've been very open with many around me about my difficult roads...and in return many have been open with me as well. We have been praying that those around us would see us as different and be challenged and changed by that. What is more different than an emotional American girl who talks a mile a minute? Me and hubs have seen this just recently...that people around us are opening up...and emotions are flowing. I for one think that is a great thing! And then to read on the front page that it seems to be a general change in culture arising...it just sat well in my heart. People seem to be dried up in life here...but so yearning for some water...and eventually some good, wholesome fruit! I instantly praised the Father for showing me this.

Its been said that during times of famine tree roots are forced to drive deeper into the soil to find water. Let's pray that those that are lost and hurting here in England will turn to the loving Father...dig deep...and eventually bear fruit for Him!

Keep Calm and Carry On...

Photo curtesy of keepcalmandcarryon.com

During WWII a series of propaganda posters were created and distributed all over the UK. Just about every shop window proudly displayed them. The most famous being a simple 5 word phrase... "Keep Calm and Carry On". It was meant to encourage the British to stay calm and try to go about life as normal, despite the bombing taking place all around them from enemy forces. The British to this day seem to still have this attitude of "keeping a stiff upper lip" and carrying on through tough times. I must say in some ways it is inspirational and you can really see the strength and courage of the people.

Photo curtesy of decorativeliving.com

Lately I have been humbled with the fact that I have a long ways to go before I am where Jesus wants me to be with my life. There are many "bombs" the enemy drops...especially that of discouragement. Many times I think to myself..."it would be so much easier just to give up and go into my bunker for safety and hiding"!

But I know that Jesus would want me to keep on "carrying on" striving with my entire being...to be more like Him everyday. I can so relate with Paul when he writes to the Philippians and says

"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own." -Philippians 3:12

Paul's goal was simple: Become more like Jesus. He did this by getting to know Him more, trusting in Him, and then being open and obedient for the choices He had made for Paul's life. We all know the difficulties Paul faced...but he "Kept Calm and Carried On". He was and is an example for all of us to follow.

One thing is for certain...there is a battle raging. It may not be something that we can see...but it is there...a spiritual battle! (Ephesians 6:10-18) But take heart...this battle is not ours and for those of us who are IN Christ Jesus...he is right there with us whispering every so gently "Keep Calm and Carry On!"

Application:

Is there something happening in your life right now that has you consumed? Remember "Panic is Manic" in the words of Beth Moore!

Maybe you have often found yourself wanting to know more of God but not sure how? His Word is a good place to start. (Those who seek me will find me... Proverbs 8:17)

Maybe you have trouble with trusting God...especially with the plans that He has for your life. Remember that He has "good plans for your life"...Jeremiah 29:11.

Ask God to give you the courage and tools to" Keep Calm and Carry On"...

Photo curtesy of Wiklipedia.com

After a fierce attack from the enemies, Londoners soon were out on the streets "Carrying On".

Friends Make a Difference...

Yesterday we had some new friends over for lunch. One of them asked me, "So is it difficult being away from the States...do you really like it here?" I could honestly answer "yes...I love it here!" Sure there are things I miss about the States (mostly convenience sake things and eating out more often)...and of course my family and friends.

But for the most part...I love that we are making new friends here...it really helps to make this our home! Below are some great friends...that are making a difference for Him over here!

Paul and Laura

Esther and Andy (A&E)

Things have certainly changed since moving here almost 10 months ago...when I only knew a few people in the office and had no clue how to get around town. I now know where to walk on my own...I know the "English" way of saying things like dessert (pudding) or "I'm going to the surgery" (I'm going to the Doctors), and of course found myself naturally saying "trousers" now instead of pants (which is a really good thing as they are considered undies here).

Belly laugh time...imagine me saying "My pants are wet" to someone here. Oh yes I have done that!

My friend Jenny below (red head) is from the States as well (Arizona) and has really helped me with what to say and not to say! :)

Jenny and Davina

Overall I feel that we are finally making this place our home...and I love where God has brought us. One of the main reasons is all the new friends He is bringing into our lives.

Below is a picture of our Bible Study group having a Thanksgiving meal. One friend brought an American flag to make me feel at home. :)

I recently read a quote from Andy Stanley. He said "Your friends have the ability to influence you...choose wisely". This is a wise word...and I pray that God continues to lead us in our friend relationships. We love nothing more than to hang out with fun loving people that just love Jesus as much as we do!

Below are Andy and Rho...he is the leader of our church...pray for them as they lead us in what God is doing here in the city!

Question? Have you asked the Lord lately to continue guiding you in your friendships? Remember we all need friends in our lives for sharing, loving, laughing, encouraging, challenging, and helping to keep us accountable...

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. -Proverbs 27:17

Dear 2010...

Me and my love on our wedding day (Feb 20, 2010)

Me and my love being commissioned to our work in England

Me and honey arriving in England to celebrate our first Easter. "Because He lives, I can face tomorrow..."

Getting settled in married life and getting involved in the community. Excited for what God has in store!

Started to feel unwell...and had to cut back from working. At the same time dealing with some very real hurts from the past. Thank you Father for allowing me to learn to forgive and that you are still teaching me this!

In the thicket of my illness...but such a sweet walk with the Father! He was always there.One day in particular as I was crying out to Him to help me feel better...I felt Him saying "You are my child and I love you". It was like a wave of peace had come over me....and it was what I needed to get through that day!

Bella entered our life...such a blessing from God! And yes...this is the kitty I would "talk to" on my loneliest days...she was a good listener! :)

Me and my love celebrating my remission. Now we can eagerly look forward to what God has in store for us. We feel so energized and on FIRE for Him!

Peaceful-happy to be coming out of what seems to have been a storm... and looking forward to 2011!

There is a song where the chorus goes like this: "Joy and Pain...Like Sunshine and Rain". If I had to only pick two words that described you 2010 it would have to be "Joy" and "Pain". In some ways I am sad that we are about to say goodbye but in other ways I couldn't be happier!

You have brought me incredible joy with the uniting of me and my love J. But you have also have brought your share of hard blows and intense pains. One in particular...even over an unexpected illness...has been the deepest pain I have ever felt. Sometimes I wonder if I will ever be able to make it and feel whole again...but then I think of the sovereignty of God.

God knew what you would look like for me 2010...and He never left me on my own. Reading journals I see His hand guiding me and softly speaking to me to let me know that He knew my hurts...and He was dealing with them. He also showed Himself true in leading us to the right paths. For that I am so thankful!

I must say that I have learned a lot...a lot about how things don't always seem fare and the fact that people will let you down, but also a lot about who I am in Christ...and a deeper rich walk with Him. I truly get what David is saying in Psalms 23...

The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
² He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

³ he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.

⁴ Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Father may we continue to be surrendered to your will...and experience joy through the pain...looking up to you in the midst of it all for the comfort, and love, and direction only you can give. Thank you for 2010...and I am now ready to follow you into 2011! Amen.