Blog – Page 20

I just got back from a trip to London with a friend for her nephew’s wedding. We were able to enjoy some sighseeing while there. London is home to much royalty and history, including Buckingham Palace, the primary home to the royal family of the United Kingdom Monarch.

I was struck by the majesty of Westminster Abbey which was designed in the shape of a cross, recalling the death of Jesus Christ. Its soaring vaults proclaim the unimaginable greatness of God. It has been around since 960 AD originally as a monastery and has been the place for coronations, funerals and weddings, the latest being of Kate and William. It is also the the burial and memorial place for many historical figures, poets, writers, musicians, Prime Ministers and Kings and Queens, such as Charles Dickens, William Shakespeare, Bach, Isaac Newton, and Charles Darwin (that one surprised me since he didn’t believe in everything about God, yet he was buried in a house of God).

We also visited the Tower of London, the historic castle on the River Thames founded towards the end of 1066. It has served as an armoury, a treasury, home of the royal mint and most famously houses the Crown Jewels.

I was struck by the majesty, royalty, opulence of Buckingham Palace, West Minster Abbey and the Tower of London. The Crown Jewels were breath taking. God calls us his jewels, the crown of his glory and that we will sparkle like jewels in a crown. (Is. 62:3, Zech. 9:16, Malachi 3:17) We are regarded by God as a crown is by a queen. A treasure made up of costly things: gold, diamonds and rubies. To God, Christ followers are his jewels, his own special treasure. God the Father has chosen these jewels, and has set them apart for Himself. We are highly valued and esteemed by Him.

As I thought about Easter this year I was overwhelmed by the thought that Christ has bought us, His jewels with His blood. Because of His death and resurrection He has taken us from sin and death and made us into His jewels which He looks at with delight and pleasure!

Because of Christ’s death and resurrection we also have the gift of eternal life. God’s Word tells us that there will be crowns in heaven (2 Timothy 4:7-8, I Corinthians 9:24-27, Revelation 2:10, James 1:12, I Thessalonians 2:19,20, 1 Peter 5:1-4). These crowns will be eternal rewards given to those deemed to be deserving of them by God for going the extra mile for our dedication and service while here on earth. I would imagine they will even be more breath taking than the Crown Jewels!

What crowns will I receive? Do I shine for God like beautiful jewels?

On the journey,

Trish

A gold statue in the park in front of Kensignton Palace

Who knew that Walt Disney was such a philosopher?!

Over the the past few years I have learned that I can’t keep looking back to what was, otherwise I will miss new opportunities. Our past is part of our story, we learn from it and move forward. Henry Cloud, clinical psychologist, has said “Whatever’s happening today, remember it is only one scene in a long movie. Don’t treat it like it’s the whole story. Keep writing the story.”

Philippians 3:13,14 says,”…but i am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.” We can look forward to a fuller and more meaningful life because of our hope in Christ. God determines our steps.

Walt Disney heped us believe through his story that an elephant could fly or that there were tinker fairies that spread fairy dust so we could fly.

Tinker Bell in the electric parade at The Magin Kingdom — Tinker Bell in the electric parade at The Magin

Believe all the way, implicity, unquestionably…

Unquestionable faith in God means that no matter what happens in our lives whether it’s a new job, sickness, loss of a loved one, you take the Lord’s hand and walk through the unknown door in unquestionable faith not knowing what’s on the other side. Know that God will be on the other side of the door. Know that God will walk with you through the door, no matter trhe outcome. Noah built an ark having unquestionable faith in God, never have seen rain. Abraham, with unquestionable faith, left the land he knew for an unknown country knowing that God would walk with him. (Hebrews 11)

We all have times of adversity. We are not promised a life of ease or happiness. Walt Disney recognized the hard times as something that can be good. James said “…whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.” (james 1:2-4).

Neal was a good one to find the humor in everything. I remember a time when the twins were about 3 and were suppose to be taking a nap. We heard noise in their bedroom and opened the door to find all their clothes our of the drawers. Britton was sitting in the top drawer of the empty dresser with a diaper wiping down the top. I saw the mess but Neal ran to get the camera to document the event!

Another mischievious moment Neal captured of Britton and Grant's! — Another mischievious moment Neal captured of Britton and Grant’s!

Another time Neal ran to get the camera was when Karsten got into the refrigerator and dumped the eggs all over the floor. I saw the mess, Neal saw an opportunity to see the humor.

Karsten exploring the refrigerator, documented by Neal! — At least Karsten has his toothbrush!

Laughter is the best medicine! “A glad heart makes a happy heart..” Prov. 15:3. “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart…” Prov. 15:30. God even laughs, “The One enthroned in heaven laughs.” Psalm 2:4

Thank you Mr Disney for your profound words of wisdom. What sayings do we have that will be remembered in years to come?

Take time to see the joy in today

Category: Blog

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