Greetings from London!

After a 24-hour delay in Philadelphia, I finally made it to London and arrived the morning of my Birthday. And what does a weary traveler do when her bags do not make the journey across the pond? Shop! Right-O. After-all, one can only be so creative after being in the same outfit for 52 hours.
What a lovely city is London! Curry and I toured St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London yesterday. And because we are here on business, I got to sit this morning in quiet and READ THIS from Streams in the Desert (one of my favorite devotionals). April 17 – “The hand of the Lord has done this.” Job 12:9
Summary – After the most magnificent diamond in the history of the world was found in an African mine, it was presented to the King of England to embellish his crown of state. It was then sent to an expert stonecutter in Amsterdam who took the gem of priceless value, cut a notch in it, and struck it with his hammer. What seemed like a senseless, reckless blow to this diamond was the perfect cut to bring about not one but two perfect diamonds for the King. “When he struck that blow, he did the one thing that would bring that gem to its most perfect shape, radiance, and jeweled splendor.” “Sometimes, in the same way, God lets a stinging blow fall on your life. At first, you think the blow is an appalling mistake. But it is not, for you are the most precious jewel in the world to God. And He is the most skilled stonecutter in the universe.” Sometimes God allows the blows in our lives knowing that this circumstance or that trial will only reveal the beautiful, “the untold blessings, and the spiritual enrichment we could never have imagined. Someday you are to be the jewel adorning the the crown of the King.” How amazing is that? What is more amazing to me is that God allowed me to see the crown and the diamond before I would read this devotional today.
As minuscule as a 24-hour delay or not having your bags arrive, there is a larger purpose at work.

  • I believe we have to open our eyes to see where God is working (Psalm 119:118).
  • I believe that He is up to good and and can use our circumstances for good (Romans 8:28).
  • I believe we can’t be in a rush (or annoyed) or we will miss seeing Him. He is always watching over us by day and by night (Psalm 121).
  • I believe we need to take the time to sit in His presence and wait patiently for Him to show us the direction we should go (Psalm 37:7).

Yes, He is the master stonecutter and through suffering, big or small, we can learn to trust. I can’t help but think of Jesus who took the final blow for me. To suffer and die so that I may be set free from the bondage of sin and death. Because of His sufferings we can be the diamond that God sees, the ones He calls children of God (1 John 3:1).
We are the crowned jewel.
God is good. All the time.
And yes, my luggage did arrive. But this doesn’t mean I have to stop shopping. 🙂
Cheerio!
-Annie

13 Comments
  • Shannon McGuffin
    Posted at 20:44h, 20 April Reply

    You are the cutest!!!! happy Birthday and have a ball!

  • Jo
    Posted at 21:52h, 20 April Reply

    Wonderful life lesson.Happy Birthday!

  • Dudley
    Posted at 00:53h, 21 April Reply

    Blessings on a wonderful birthday trip. You are truly one of God’s precious gems. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and love.

  • Debi K. HOPPER-Suing
    Posted at 11:31h, 21 April Reply

    Happy Birthday, Annie! Wishing you many more Blessings in life. Have a Delightful Trip.
    Vaya con Dios, today. Debra Debi Kay HOPPER-Suing (‘Reboot Rose’

    • apajcic
      Posted at 14:37h, 23 April Reply

      Thank you Debi!!

  • Holly Soid
    Posted at 11:47h, 21 April Reply

    God has truly anointed you to share His Word in a penetrating way. Hope you have a fabulous time. The Vespers service at St Paul’s is very special if you can fit it in.

    • apajcic
      Posted at 14:37h, 23 April Reply

      Holly! I’m so thankful to know you and now to know your sweet daughter better, too. I did go to St.Pauls but because I was only there for 3 days, I didnt’ get to Vespers. We just have to go back!!

  • Amy Morales
    Posted at 13:42h, 22 April Reply

    Blessings and peace…thank you for reminding us to always find the silver lining in the challenges of our lives. Happy, Happy Birthday!!!

    • apajcic
      Posted at 14:36h, 23 April Reply

      Thank you Amy!! It’s good to keep your eyes UP when life seems to be weighing you down. 🙂

  • Melanie Glenn
    Posted at 20:57h, 22 April Reply

    Annie
    Cheerio ! Happy Birthday ! Hope you hit Harrods for some great shopping and eat your way through fish and chips . love the picture .
    Hugs to you
    Melanie

    • apajcic
      Posted at 14:35h, 23 April Reply

      Melanie ~ I’ll send you the picture of some FISH and CHIPS! Thank you for my sweet and amazing B-day Card. Love you always!!

  • Evelyn Viana
    Posted at 14:08h, 23 April Reply

    You are definitely are a crown of splendor in His hand! Enjoy London! One of my very favorite places!
    Happy Birthday!

    • apajcic
      Posted at 14:33h, 23 April Reply

      Evelyn! You are a JOY and a BLESSING to me! Maybe we can go to London one day together! 🙂

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