Kensington Palace and Gardens!

You are the refuge where I hide 
You are the strength when I can’t fight 
You are the only one I rest my life in 
You are the only hope I find 
You are my only peace of mind 
You are the only one I rest my life in

                                      - My Fortress, Jeremy Camp

(Kensington Palace)

In my quiet times the past few weeks I have been rereading the gospel of Luke. I know for many Christians the Gospels are the books of the Bible they read often and really enjoy...Personally, I struggle to read Gospels as growing up in a Christian family these are stories, parables and accounts I can recite by heart. I often struggle to get beyond the basic foundations I learnt as a child and sink into the 'meat' of these verses. And so, I opt for a letter or Old Testament Tales of people with human flaws and easy to pull out 'practical' advice I can apply to my life. 

However, I felt as though I needed to read a Gospel and felt as though it should be Luke. And through God's grace I am seeing it in new light and really being challenged and excited by it! 

I have really been confronted with a simple truth (as always), that I need to live each day for Christ. Meaning even while in London and on holiday, I need to not only live a 'Christian life' but, also look for ways to SERVE God. 

Luke 9:26 says, "If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in glory". I got to say this verse really hit me hard. I instantly saw images of me when I agreed with non-christians rather than standing on what I know to be true and what God says. 

Now, I am not saying we need to wage war or condemn others (for that is NOT our place). But I do believe we are called to be Christ's representatives and speak Biblical truths. Not peace makers afraid to offend others! 

I am reading about the way Jesus lived, the way He rebelled against society, the way He honoured God and the way He called us to live! And I am excited and worried and scared all at the same time! But that's wonderful! I think that is the Christian walk -  scratch that it is not a walk it is a race - and we have to strive to finish! And when we get to heaven, through Jesus' defeating death for us, we here our Father say, "Well done good and faithful servant" (Luke 19:17).  

Well, that's my thoughts this week, so much for a light travel blog! Sorry guys with me you get the whole journey, including the ramblings of a child! 

Anyways, I know you want to see some photos, so...

This week I had a casual lunch on South bank under the sun, staring across at London and beautiful St. Paul's Cathedral. 

I got a little star struck when I saw the original Ben Sherman London store. 

As well as living  life full of routine during the week, I did get to check out the Beautiful Kensington Palace and Gardens where, among others, Queen Victoria lived.

 Here are some pictures of my wonderful day there! 

 Statue of Queen Victoria and Kensington Palace behind

In this meeting room Queen Victoria held her first meeting as Queen at the age of 18 after her uncle's death.

The dress Queen Victoria wore that first day, it was originally black!

Queen Victoria's wedding dress. 

Playing 'dress up' in the Palace.

 I have the royal 'I'm better than you' look down right? 

A mock up of Crystal Palace during Prince Albert's  'Great Exhibition', which won him favour in Britain.  

The stairway in The King's Apartment. 

The palace also had some dazling displays: 

Kensington Palace, is of course, surrounded by the perfect and huge Kensington Gardens

The Peter Pan Statue!

And my amazing and talented cousin Cat made a mouth watering slow cooked lamb roast and scrumptious Raspberry cheese cake. 

As always, love and miss you! 

There were times this week I was homesick and missing you all terribly,

 BUT, 

there were also times I was too excited and couldn't believe I AM LIVING IN LONDON!!! 

xx A kiss for each cheek (as I am European now), 

Joey!!!