Stephanie Rivers
Trinity Global Development
100% of your donation goes to
Kenya! www.TGDonline.com
www.TexasRivers.Blogspot.com
Friday, September 30, 2011
Had a full day Friday
Morning we greeted students- Kevin taught about various programming languages. Then read storybooks to preschool and passed out toothbrushes. One child was gashed on his knee, i bumbled to clean and tape it shut. He needed stitches but I waited for the parent. We got permission to take him to the doctor. Then I had 1x1 with Senior and Junior Staff. Then dinner with Titus and Rose.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Arrived
I am in Kenya at long last. The flights were amazing. I had a three row to myself and the other flight had a seat between me and a very quiet woman. I slept three times on each flight! We had a hotel room instead of waiting through a 12 hr layover.
When I was getting my luggage, a man came up asking to see inside a bag. He questioned me, " what do you have inside- show me, Do you have drugs in that suitcase? " i explained it was only books. He had no badge so I asked him to show me one. He stalled but I insisted. Oops-- he did have one, so I opened my case. No drugs.
Well, that threw me off and I grabbed my other one and headed out. I remembered to get the two bags with items for our community--- and forgot my personal case with underwear and clothing! Eeek!!
I didnt realize it until I was in my hotel room ( which has a blow dryer and a fan -- woohoo!) and poor Frank was dispatched to retrieve it for me. What a stupid mistake. And he hasn't slept like I have!! I sure appreciate him. He just texted me to say, "Got it!" big sigh of relief. At least I remembered to lock that one!
Stephanie Rivers
Trinity Global Development
100% of your donation goes to
Kenya! http://www.tgdonline.com/
http://www.texasrivers.blogspot.com/
When I was getting my luggage, a man came up asking to see inside a bag. He questioned me, " what do you have inside- show me, Do you have drugs in that suitcase? " i explained it was only books. He had no badge so I asked him to show me one. He stalled but I insisted. Oops-- he did have one, so I opened my case. No drugs.
Well, that threw me off and I grabbed my other one and headed out. I remembered to get the two bags with items for our community--- and forgot my personal case with underwear and clothing! Eeek!!
I didnt realize it until I was in my hotel room ( which has a blow dryer and a fan -- woohoo!) and poor Frank was dispatched to retrieve it for me. What a stupid mistake. And he hasn't slept like I have!! I sure appreciate him. He just texted me to say, "Got it!" big sigh of relief. At least I remembered to lock that one!
Stephanie Rivers
Trinity Global Development
100% of your donation goes to
Kenya! http://www.tgdonline.com/
http://www.texasrivers.blogspot.com/
Monday, September 26, 2011
Praying
Pray with me:
Lord, i come before you through the blood of Jesus. Thank You for Your cleansing blood. Thank You for Your Holy Name! Blessed be the name of the Lord! Lead us by the Holy Spirit. Illuminate Your Word. Let there be Light!
I ask that Your Will be done on this trip in Jesus name. I pray I have Kingdom eyes and a heart of Gods Love. Help us dwell in unity and adore You! Help us glorify Your Name!
Provide for Your children Lord. Prosper Your people. Let shouts of Joy and Victory resound in the hearts of the Righteous of the Lord. Nurture the bruised reed, guard the smoldering wick that it may fan into a flame of fire burning for You. Show Yourself Mighty!
Grant us repentance!
Reveal our sin that we may turn from it by dependence on Your Saving Power and righteousness. We believe the Good News! We receive Your Righteousness! Forgive our unbelief! Increase our faith!
We forgive those who have hurt us, insulted us, slighted us, ignored us, accused us of anything, misjudged us, misunderstood us, cut in front of us, scared us, irritated us, disappointed us, frustrated us, refused to change, done it again and those who have engaged in wrongful behavior. We bless them all and ask You to have mercy on us all- for we have likewise done these things. You have given us power to forgive and overcome evil with good. Strengthen us by Your spirit in our inner man so Christ dwells in our hearts through faith. Establish us in LOVE, knowing JESUS who LOVES us and likewise loving others.
Guard us in our weakness. Help us flee the things we see and want ( lust of eyes,) favorite foods/comfort/excitement (lust of the flesh) and wanting people to approve even admire us ( pride of life 1John2:6.) lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Awake our soul to YOU that we may flee sin.
You are the center of all existence. Worthy is the Lamb who was slain. You will come on Your white horse with Your robe dipped in blood ( Rev 19) and You will tread the winepress of the fierce wrath of God! Come Lord Jesus! You will gather Your Beloved and make all things new. Hallelujah! We rejoice in our God!
May we walk in trust, Lord. Sanctify us in Your Truth. Work in our hearts that we bear fruit for You.
We thank You for travel mercies. Lord, bring comfort and endurance to our flesh on the long flights. Guard us from mischief and mayhem on the roads and among the peoples. Bring supernatural appontments-- and obedience at every turn. It is a blessing of joy to be in the service of the Lord and to be about Your business. Guard attitudes and let words be annointed, dripping with dew.
We bless You, We Praise You! We ask these things in Jesus name, Amen.
Lord, i come before you through the blood of Jesus. Thank You for Your cleansing blood. Thank You for Your Holy Name! Blessed be the name of the Lord! Lead us by the Holy Spirit. Illuminate Your Word. Let there be Light!
I ask that Your Will be done on this trip in Jesus name. I pray I have Kingdom eyes and a heart of Gods Love. Help us dwell in unity and adore You! Help us glorify Your Name!
Provide for Your children Lord. Prosper Your people. Let shouts of Joy and Victory resound in the hearts of the Righteous of the Lord. Nurture the bruised reed, guard the smoldering wick that it may fan into a flame of fire burning for You. Show Yourself Mighty!
Grant us repentance!
Reveal our sin that we may turn from it by dependence on Your Saving Power and righteousness. We believe the Good News! We receive Your Righteousness! Forgive our unbelief! Increase our faith!
We forgive those who have hurt us, insulted us, slighted us, ignored us, accused us of anything, misjudged us, misunderstood us, cut in front of us, scared us, irritated us, disappointed us, frustrated us, refused to change, done it again and those who have engaged in wrongful behavior. We bless them all and ask You to have mercy on us all- for we have likewise done these things. You have given us power to forgive and overcome evil with good. Strengthen us by Your spirit in our inner man so Christ dwells in our hearts through faith. Establish us in LOVE, knowing JESUS who LOVES us and likewise loving others.
Guard us in our weakness. Help us flee the things we see and want ( lust of eyes,) favorite foods/comfort/excitement (lust of the flesh) and wanting people to approve even admire us ( pride of life 1John2:6.) lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Awake our soul to YOU that we may flee sin.
You are the center of all existence. Worthy is the Lamb who was slain. You will come on Your white horse with Your robe dipped in blood ( Rev 19) and You will tread the winepress of the fierce wrath of God! Come Lord Jesus! You will gather Your Beloved and make all things new. Hallelujah! We rejoice in our God!
May we walk in trust, Lord. Sanctify us in Your Truth. Work in our hearts that we bear fruit for You.
We thank You for travel mercies. Lord, bring comfort and endurance to our flesh on the long flights. Guard us from mischief and mayhem on the roads and among the peoples. Bring supernatural appontments-- and obedience at every turn. It is a blessing of joy to be in the service of the Lord and to be about Your business. Guard attitudes and let words be annointed, dripping with dew.
We bless You, We Praise You! We ask these things in Jesus name, Amen.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Beautiful WELL! Bumamu Has a WELL!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Julien in Germany
Thursday, September 08, 2011
New Computer Students
These computer students are in the community and paying a very small fee in order to cover the costs of printing and such. Here is a report from Oscar, one of the students-turned-instructor, a very gifted programming student:
The community training program continues and there have been a number of activities that have taken effect in the last few couple of days and it is important to bring to your concern. The teachers are committed to encourage learners to gain intellect in spiritual and moral well-being as it is the only way to get exceptional achievement in any learning institution. We keep reading scriptures to them and instill the fact that God is all powerful and Has got good plans for us to prosper.
Teachers sat down together and saw it vital for the students to have an exam so as to be rest assured of how capable is each one of them as far as the areas covered is concerned. We then came up with questions and printed them out. I was encouraged because the students received the news about the exam with awe and stated that this will also make them be sure of how best they understand computer applications they have covered.
On 7th of this month was the exam day. We gave them at around 2:00 PM in the afternoon. In one and a half hours time, they were through and we immediately started marking the papers. The following are the results; Patrick – 70%, Bonface – 50%, John – 28% and Corazone – 62%. Patrick and Bonface scored low marks because they joined us late when other areas were already covered. They have promised to work an extra mile to make sure that they also stand a good chance of attaining higher marks. This is absolutely good. Yesterday and today has been revision all through. We pray that God opens up their minds to absorb this important knowledge that is brought to them.
We are trying as much as possible to create awareness concerning the community computer training that is already on the ground. This is so because people perish due to lack of information on knowledge. Indeed, we appreciate the gift of love that God manifests in us so that we are able to create healthy relationships with the community and the world at large. Praise be to the Lord.
The community training program continues and there have been a number of activities that have taken effect in the last few couple of days and it is important to bring to your concern. The teachers are committed to encourage learners to gain intellect in spiritual and moral well-being as it is the only way to get exceptional achievement in any learning institution. We keep reading scriptures to them and instill the fact that God is all powerful and Has got good plans for us to prosper.
Teachers sat down together and saw it vital for the students to have an exam so as to be rest assured of how capable is each one of them as far as the areas covered is concerned. We then came up with questions and printed them out. I was encouraged because the students received the news about the exam with awe and stated that this will also make them be sure of how best they understand computer applications they have covered.
On 7th of this month was the exam day. We gave them at around 2:00 PM in the afternoon. In one and a half hours time, they were through and we immediately started marking the papers. The following are the results; Patrick – 70%, Bonface – 50%, John – 28% and Corazone – 62%. Patrick and Bonface scored low marks because they joined us late when other areas were already covered. They have promised to work an extra mile to make sure that they also stand a good chance of attaining higher marks. This is absolutely good. Yesterday and today has been revision all through. We pray that God opens up their minds to absorb this important knowledge that is brought to them.
We are trying as much as possible to create awareness concerning the community computer training that is already on the ground. This is so because people perish due to lack of information on knowledge. Indeed, we appreciate the gift of love that God manifests in us so that we are able to create healthy relationships with the community and the world at large. Praise be to the Lord.
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
For unto us a cow is born, unto us a calf is given! Wonderful!
Joseph got the report about the delivering of the cow that belongs to Sharon Mukoya. He requested Jackson and i to dash there and take the pictures of the cow with its new born calf. It is joy to see the cow at last with the calf, we are now counting two instead of one. I think the Lord is blessing the area through TGD because the cow seems to be a breed that produces a lot of milk. When we arrived at Shianda where sharon stays, we only managed to find her together with some children. The guardian had just left the house few minutes ago before our entry. Sharon was happy from the way she expressed her statements to us. On Saturday we had been at the site where the cow is being taken care of and therefore we confidently walked there accompanied by Sharon herself. The cow was eating nappier grass and it seemed to be in a perfect condition in terms of health. It is a beautiful cow that denotes a great blessing to the society at large. When I looked at the calf I was amazed to see that it was so big and yet it is only two days old. The cow is still producing colostrum and therefore the calf is under control so that it should not over suckle the colostrum from the mother. Thanks to SERVANTS OF JESUS for such a great gift.
I my own view this is very encouraging to see such great blessings come to the society. We have hope that there is a better tomorrow. The headlights are now shinning brighter and hope is now blossoming. If God can do this it is just an indication that he can do more and more than we can imagine. The myriads of activities that God is fulfilling under TGDs Umbrella are now growing. As we count the increase in orphans that are being sponsored through TDG, we also count our blessings such as this of the cow.
Blessings, Lawrence.
Saturday, September 03, 2011
Heidi Baker newsletter
Here is a quote from the newsletter of Heidi Baker and her husband:
https://www.irismin.org/news/newsletters/view/core-values-at-iris#jump-losing-one-airplane-gaining-a-better-one
4) We understand the value of suffering in the Christian life. Learning to love requires willingness to suffer for the sake of righteousness. Discipline and testing make saints out of us, and produce in us the holiness without which we will not see His face and share His glory. With Paul we rejoice in our weaknesses, for when we are weak we are strong. Under great pressure we learn to rely on God, who raises the dead (2 Cor. 1:9).
Jesus was rewarded for enduring evil opposition without sin. Our reward in heaven will be for the same -- doing the will of God. We resist sin, to the point of shedding blood, if necessary, by considering His example (Heb. 12:3). Jesus is glorified now not because He exerted His power against His enemies, but because He overcame them with love. That kind of love entails suffering, the willingness to turn the other cheek, go the second mile, deny ourselves, pick up our cross, and follow Him. He showed us the only way to be counted worthy, and the angels sing of him, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing" (Rev. 5:12). There is no shortcut to our heavenly inheritance. "Now if we are children, then we are heirs -- heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory" (Rom. 8:17).
https://www.irismin.org/news/newsletters/view/core-values-at-iris#jump-losing-one-airplane-gaining-a-better-one
4) We understand the value of suffering in the Christian life. Learning to love requires willingness to suffer for the sake of righteousness. Discipline and testing make saints out of us, and produce in us the holiness without which we will not see His face and share His glory. With Paul we rejoice in our weaknesses, for when we are weak we are strong. Under great pressure we learn to rely on God, who raises the dead (2 Cor. 1:9).
Jesus was rewarded for enduring evil opposition without sin. Our reward in heaven will be for the same -- doing the will of God. We resist sin, to the point of shedding blood, if necessary, by considering His example (Heb. 12:3). Jesus is glorified now not because He exerted His power against His enemies, but because He overcame them with love. That kind of love entails suffering, the willingness to turn the other cheek, go the second mile, deny ourselves, pick up our cross, and follow Him. He showed us the only way to be counted worthy, and the angels sing of him, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing" (Rev. 5:12). There is no shortcut to our heavenly inheritance. "Now if we are children, then we are heirs -- heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory" (Rom. 8:17).
Friday, September 02, 2011
Email from Jackson
Hi Stephanie,
Today the junior staff spent the day packing the items ahead of tomorrow’s’ visit. The distribution of this month is very significant to these needy children. The price of essential commodities continues to rise and many families have been going without some. I know they have been waiting eagerly for this day and God is visiting them tomorrow. There is a great meaning in this ministry of feeding the hungry. I can’t imagine how they could have coped with the current food crisis if there was no help, but God renews hope to the hopeless.
We present tomorrow to our almighty God. Trinity Global development belongs to Him and what He has started will definitely accomplish His purpose no matter the obstacles. He has called us by our names to serve Him. Let His will be done.
God bless you abundantly,
Jackson.
Today the junior staff spent the day packing the items ahead of tomorrow’s’ visit. The distribution of this month is very significant to these needy children. The price of essential commodities continues to rise and many families have been going without some. I know they have been waiting eagerly for this day and God is visiting them tomorrow. There is a great meaning in this ministry of feeding the hungry. I can’t imagine how they could have coped with the current food crisis if there was no help, but God renews hope to the hopeless.
We present tomorrow to our almighty God. Trinity Global development belongs to Him and what He has started will definitely accomplish His purpose no matter the obstacles. He has called us by our names to serve Him. Let His will be done.
God bless you abundantly,
Jackson.
Brenda and her mother
Brenda and Shaline---that is a precious countenance on Shaline!!! 
TGD Kenya new staff behind four new students
These are actually PAYING students! That helps with materials they use and need.
Jackson, newly working as the team lead over orphans under Frank's supervision along with Lawrence at his side. Here he is with Zanaibu and her guardian.September Newsletter Posted!
Please check out http://www.tgdonline.com/ and see the new orphan profiles!! PLUS the September Newsletter is also posted.
I am so thankful for the TGD Kenya staff, specifically Joseph Omuto and anyone who helped him! Thank you to Jesus that we now are getting the website updated!
check it out!
I am so thankful for the TGD Kenya staff, specifically Joseph Omuto and anyone who helped him! Thank you to Jesus that we now are getting the website updated!
check it out!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Coming Soon--More pictures
Thank you so much for reading the blog here. I am grateful for those who check in and live this precious life with me and/or for the Lord.....or even for curiousity. A special thanks to those who honor the friends and the children who benefit from the donations in Kenya. God bless all of you. I pray He reveal Himself to You and give the the Joy of Giving and the unity of our humanity on this temporal world.
Friday, August 12, 2011
The Love of Human Praise as the Root of Unbelief
This is the second one----listen to the other sermon (of the same name) FIRST
The Love of Human Praise as the Root of Unbelief
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
Mobile Library begins for orphans and their schools
Your sponsorship purchased these books and learning aids! They will be circulated amongst the sponsored children AND their schools---which are sorely lacking in any addition reading materials. Now the children are learning that the blessing coming to them can spread to others as well. Let God be their glory and the lifter of their head. Let Him crown them with honor and life.
Benjamin
Our apprentice leaders doing an excellent job! Duncan, Jackson, and Lawrence. We commend them to you and ask for your prayers for their health, determination, creativity and perseverence, in Jesus' name.
Shaline
Noel
Benjamin
Our apprentice leaders doing an excellent job! Duncan, Jackson, and Lawrence. We commend them to you and ask for your prayers for their health, determination, creativity and perseverence, in Jesus' name.
Shaline
NoelSaturday, August 06, 2011
Thursday, August 04, 2011
Letter from Jackson, our new leader
Jackson leads with Frank's guidance. I wanted to share the letter I received this morning regarding Grace and Everlyn. Note that they would like storybooks. I can suggest some solid type of reading of a classic sort if you would like to send them or any of the other children some books.
Lawrence and I visited two orphans on Sunday. That is Everline and Grace. We really wanted to worship together with them but unfortunately they normally complete children Sunday service just at 9.00am. The service is conducted in their house by their uncle who is a preacher of the Anglican Church. On that day, the uncle was on a mission in the neighboring town.
We rushed to a nearby church, Word Center, where we had our Sunday service and promised to see Everline and Grace after the service. We really wish that these kids grow to fear the lord, that their spiritual life is nourished. We pray that they will live to be a great testimony in the kingdom of God.
After the service, we went back to Owaga’s home where Everline and Grace live. We were warmly welcome by their guardian. She could not hide her joy. It is a holiday season and almost all the children are at home. Our main aim of the visit was to know the general progress of these orphans. We inquired about their education, health, discipline and their hobbies if any.
These girls are really working hard at school. Their performance is remarkably good. We did not have a chance to look at their recent school report books because when they were closing the school, their guardian was not at the venue to pick their report books. She promised to go for them the following day. The health of these children is good. The guardian said that their health is very stable due to monthly distribution where these kids are supplied with food and clothes. Jackets have played a big role especially during this rainy season. These girls have at least a number of clothes and they now look presentable. The guardian hasn’t received any reports of indiscipline from the school and she pointed out that they are very obedient and she corrects them whenever they go wrong.
These children do love to study. Their guardian identified this as their hobby. Though they have insufficient school material such as books especially story books. We really insisted on education. Education progress of these children means a lot, not only to them but to the society as a whole. This is the gospel that we shall continue to preach to guardians. We need these children to excel in education. We had a great time with this family and chatted on many issues with the uncle who likes speaking about politics and current affairs. After the talk, we said goodbye to the family. Everline and Grace accompanied us to the nearest market where we bought some lollipops for them. They promised to share with the other kids. They were very excited.
As we boarded the vehicle back to our destination, they remained waving in the air unceasingly bidding us goodbye.
We intend to pay frequent visits to our children especially during this August holiday. There are challenges but we pray God will take us through.
God bless you and let us thank Him for showing us the true meaning of this life.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Jackson Nerrickson.
Lawrence and I visited two orphans on Sunday. That is Everline and Grace. We really wanted to worship together with them but unfortunately they normally complete children Sunday service just at 9.00am. The service is conducted in their house by their uncle who is a preacher of the Anglican Church. On that day, the uncle was on a mission in the neighboring town.
We rushed to a nearby church, Word Center, where we had our Sunday service and promised to see Everline and Grace after the service. We really wish that these kids grow to fear the lord, that their spiritual life is nourished. We pray that they will live to be a great testimony in the kingdom of God.
After the service, we went back to Owaga’s home where Everline and Grace live. We were warmly welcome by their guardian. She could not hide her joy. It is a holiday season and almost all the children are at home. Our main aim of the visit was to know the general progress of these orphans. We inquired about their education, health, discipline and their hobbies if any.
These girls are really working hard at school. Their performance is remarkably good. We did not have a chance to look at their recent school report books because when they were closing the school, their guardian was not at the venue to pick their report books. She promised to go for them the following day. The health of these children is good. The guardian said that their health is very stable due to monthly distribution where these kids are supplied with food and clothes. Jackets have played a big role especially during this rainy season. These girls have at least a number of clothes and they now look presentable. The guardian hasn’t received any reports of indiscipline from the school and she pointed out that they are very obedient and she corrects them whenever they go wrong.
These children do love to study. Their guardian identified this as their hobby. Though they have insufficient school material such as books especially story books. We really insisted on education. Education progress of these children means a lot, not only to them but to the society as a whole. This is the gospel that we shall continue to preach to guardians. We need these children to excel in education. We had a great time with this family and chatted on many issues with the uncle who likes speaking about politics and current affairs. After the talk, we said goodbye to the family. Everline and Grace accompanied us to the nearest market where we bought some lollipops for them. They promised to share with the other kids. They were very excited.
As we boarded the vehicle back to our destination, they remained waving in the air unceasingly bidding us goodbye.
We intend to pay frequent visits to our children especially during this August holiday. There are challenges but we pray God will take us through.
God bless you and let us thank Him for showing us the true meaning of this life.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Jackson Nerrickson.
Wednesday, August 03, 2011
just got home
Not much time to sort things out yet, but it was so good to have Sarah and Nicole pick us up at the airport! And Nicole's little belly is growing with Raynor inside. I took a look online hoping to find some midwives in the Jackson, MS area, but to no avail. Well, I did find SOME things, but it was terribly hard to really get information. I don't think there are just stand alone birthing clinics there as there used to be. I went to midwives when I was pregnant with Kevin and I know Cindy delivered Doug somewhere about 30 minutes out of Jackson--did she say Meridian? There may be a birthing center there.
and there is no birthing at home in Illinois, either, because Anita is a Doula who would love to be a midwife. I'd love for her to be with Nicole, she is so matter of fact. of COURSE you can do this! Push that baby out! :-)
My puppies were glad to see us. They both went right to Steve and Penelope peed all over the place. She still does that sometimes as a submissive greeting pee. Yuck. She managed to spray Steve's shoe. Oliver did his special dance. I showed Sarah and Nicole some things I brought for them. I am not a big shopper so they are blessed to get anything! I bought something for Laura, Mom, and Kevin, too. Steve bought himself some new large collar dress shirts. I got myself a purse. We ate a lot of food. Meat, potatoes, cheese, wine. Steve had beer. I had milk. It's good to be home, as always. We have some house guests who came before I got home so that will be interesting when we run into them. They are here in Chicago for the Jesus Culture meeting at the Allstate center by the airport. I'm sure it is awesome and I'd love to be there but there is only so much running about that a wimpy soul can take.
I really pushed to make the trip to London include deeply spirtual aspects but I do think it pulled me down into the flesh in plenty of ways. So much human viewing, so much judging. At first, I was praying. If I saw anything untoward, I said a prayer. I blessed passersby. In the end, I was thinking things like, Oh I like that dress. Look at her hair. I'd like a purse like that. Oh she is so beautiful. Oh goodness they are an ugly couple. what were they thinking when they went out in THAT? I don't know. I think so many people ---just SO MANY PEOPLE sort of wore me down.
but in the quiet of St. Elizabeth's chapel, I spent a beautiful hour praying. It's just outside of Westminster Abbey. The tour through there is so disappointing as it is more of a shrine to man. Obviously, we all want to be praised and remembered. God deliver us from desiring praise from Man and let us work for your praise. I know when I left out of there, my prayerfulness was restored and I felt cleansed by the work of Christ on the cross and I know He makes peace for me. God's wrath, His justifiable wrath against me is removed as I look upon Jesus in love and faith. and I'm so thankful for the silence in there.
I wanted to go through Westminster, though, to this place on the inside where the cloisters were. There is a garden and I thought I could access it without going through the tour, but I could not. They had another little museum in there, something like what the clerics wore through the years maybe--I can't remember now, but I remembered my delight from the past. I had hoped to sit outside in that courtyard and just be silent before God (yes, I always find that hard unless I'm really blitzed mentally. then I am mostly unable to pray which is quite different from silence before the Lord.)
but I loved the history of Christians, even though it is torrid and we're horrible people and the faithful fall even as bad as the weeds/goats that grow up among us. It shouldn't be like that.
on the way home, in the plane, the girl sitting next to me was horridly annoying. She dominated the arm rest and continually spilled over into my space. I prayed a thousand times for grace. Shifted myself away suddenly as a subtle hint which she never seemed to care about. I thought about what would I seem like if I TRULY loved God and was able to really access His Love for me and allow His grace to generate love for her. what would that be like?
well, I likely wouldn't be reading the Economist and Marie Claire. I mean, can you see Mother Theresa or a Tibetan monk reading a fashion magazine? No. Does that mean I shouldn't? unsure. Diana was a precious soul and she read fashion magazines---not that I use her as an excuse. I know JESUS did not read fashion magazines because they didn't have them.
but I do know that he had a form such that you would not desire him. so he wasn't charasmatic or a dandy or slick.
I just know I don't EXUDE Jesus. I think about Him all the time. I love Him most of the time (the other time I'm not thinking of Him, that's all.) I eagerly await the grace to be given me when He appears. I appropriate the grace for living TODAY.
I just wish I were more.
you know. I want to be the perfect Christian. Probably just to get the praise of man, which is sin. so let's not go there. I want to glorify GOD!
Even as I set about to serve Him in one way or another, I was thwarted. So then I realized--hey, I obeyed, right? I think it is this American Thing about PURPOSE. We want to be efficient and have PURPOSE.
So I laid it down and said, okay, so I made the effort because of what I thought you wanted and it didn't happen and that's okay, right? because it is between You and me. and then what happened??? The follow through. I DID get to do that thing (unmentionable here--but you have this experience, too, so just fill it in with your attempts to serve Him in Love.)
and then I was happy all over. Take it in because it is fleeting! Happy all over. Thank you, Jesus. I run in the path of your commands for You have set my heart free (is that in Psalm 119?) That's how I feel.When you love someone, doing something for them is so delightfully easy. When you don't love someone, it feels like slavery and so burdensome. Same with God. Loving Him makes everything easy!
(even tolerating someone taking up your personal space repeatedly for over 8 hours.)
well, maybe I didn't make it on that one. I'm still sort of miffed.
Forgive me, Lord, and cleanse me with your blood. Your precious blood that saved me --I died with you on that cross. and You raise me up. Hallelujah!
and there is no birthing at home in Illinois, either, because Anita is a Doula who would love to be a midwife. I'd love for her to be with Nicole, she is so matter of fact. of COURSE you can do this! Push that baby out! :-)
My puppies were glad to see us. They both went right to Steve and Penelope peed all over the place. She still does that sometimes as a submissive greeting pee. Yuck. She managed to spray Steve's shoe. Oliver did his special dance. I showed Sarah and Nicole some things I brought for them. I am not a big shopper so they are blessed to get anything! I bought something for Laura, Mom, and Kevin, too. Steve bought himself some new large collar dress shirts. I got myself a purse. We ate a lot of food. Meat, potatoes, cheese, wine. Steve had beer. I had milk. It's good to be home, as always. We have some house guests who came before I got home so that will be interesting when we run into them. They are here in Chicago for the Jesus Culture meeting at the Allstate center by the airport. I'm sure it is awesome and I'd love to be there but there is only so much running about that a wimpy soul can take.
I really pushed to make the trip to London include deeply spirtual aspects but I do think it pulled me down into the flesh in plenty of ways. So much human viewing, so much judging. At first, I was praying. If I saw anything untoward, I said a prayer. I blessed passersby. In the end, I was thinking things like, Oh I like that dress. Look at her hair. I'd like a purse like that. Oh she is so beautiful. Oh goodness they are an ugly couple. what were they thinking when they went out in THAT? I don't know. I think so many people ---just SO MANY PEOPLE sort of wore me down.
but in the quiet of St. Elizabeth's chapel, I spent a beautiful hour praying. It's just outside of Westminster Abbey. The tour through there is so disappointing as it is more of a shrine to man. Obviously, we all want to be praised and remembered. God deliver us from desiring praise from Man and let us work for your praise. I know when I left out of there, my prayerfulness was restored and I felt cleansed by the work of Christ on the cross and I know He makes peace for me. God's wrath, His justifiable wrath against me is removed as I look upon Jesus in love and faith. and I'm so thankful for the silence in there.
I wanted to go through Westminster, though, to this place on the inside where the cloisters were. There is a garden and I thought I could access it without going through the tour, but I could not. They had another little museum in there, something like what the clerics wore through the years maybe--I can't remember now, but I remembered my delight from the past. I had hoped to sit outside in that courtyard and just be silent before God (yes, I always find that hard unless I'm really blitzed mentally. then I am mostly unable to pray which is quite different from silence before the Lord.)
but I loved the history of Christians, even though it is torrid and we're horrible people and the faithful fall even as bad as the weeds/goats that grow up among us. It shouldn't be like that.
on the way home, in the plane, the girl sitting next to me was horridly annoying. She dominated the arm rest and continually spilled over into my space. I prayed a thousand times for grace. Shifted myself away suddenly as a subtle hint which she never seemed to care about. I thought about what would I seem like if I TRULY loved God and was able to really access His Love for me and allow His grace to generate love for her. what would that be like?
well, I likely wouldn't be reading the Economist and Marie Claire. I mean, can you see Mother Theresa or a Tibetan monk reading a fashion magazine? No. Does that mean I shouldn't? unsure. Diana was a precious soul and she read fashion magazines---not that I use her as an excuse. I know JESUS did not read fashion magazines because they didn't have them.
but I do know that he had a form such that you would not desire him. so he wasn't charasmatic or a dandy or slick.
I just know I don't EXUDE Jesus. I think about Him all the time. I love Him most of the time (the other time I'm not thinking of Him, that's all.) I eagerly await the grace to be given me when He appears. I appropriate the grace for living TODAY.
I just wish I were more.
you know. I want to be the perfect Christian. Probably just to get the praise of man, which is sin. so let's not go there. I want to glorify GOD!
Even as I set about to serve Him in one way or another, I was thwarted. So then I realized--hey, I obeyed, right? I think it is this American Thing about PURPOSE. We want to be efficient and have PURPOSE.
So I laid it down and said, okay, so I made the effort because of what I thought you wanted and it didn't happen and that's okay, right? because it is between You and me. and then what happened??? The follow through. I DID get to do that thing (unmentionable here--but you have this experience, too, so just fill it in with your attempts to serve Him in Love.)
and then I was happy all over. Take it in because it is fleeting! Happy all over. Thank you, Jesus. I run in the path of your commands for You have set my heart free (is that in Psalm 119?) That's how I feel.When you love someone, doing something for them is so delightfully easy. When you don't love someone, it feels like slavery and so burdensome. Same with God. Loving Him makes everything easy!
(even tolerating someone taking up your personal space repeatedly for over 8 hours.)
well, maybe I didn't make it on that one. I'm still sort of miffed.
Forgive me, Lord, and cleanse me with your blood. Your precious blood that saved me --I died with you on that cross. and You raise me up. Hallelujah!
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