"You're an Onion"

-for the Father himself loves you dearly... John 16:27
Isn't this an amazing verse? All I can say.. Rad.
This weekend was one I have never ever experienced before. At one point I was laughing and fellowshipping with three girls- all from different countries.. Brazil, Portugal and France. We all spoke English, at least with our own accents. I loved it, God made us all, and we were all in love with him.
This love became even more evident to me when us four went to a Praise and Worship service in London. The place was filled with love.. love for God, our neighbor.. And God for us!
We sang this one song that said
"Let Heaven come and invade this place..", this was our desire!
The speaker that evening was very open, honest and touching. He spoke on what his passion is in life- healing the Orphan heart, helping the fatherless people of our nation. Our generation has become one of "fatherlessness"... a world broken and wounded by.. so many things.. abuse, neglect, selfishness, ultimately.. our sin.
There was a newspaper article that Mark (Stibbe)read to us about a group of girls in Britain named "Britain's Bad Girls".. these girls are just causing trouble around Britain.. acting in gangs, etc.
But, as many of us can piece together, that with every action there is some motivation, or in this case an emotional past trigger. . Many of these girls admitted that they had an abusive/unloving father, or mother. See, how our relationships effect those around us? There is a world full of hurting people. And the thing is.. when some one experiences an abusive, unloving relationship with their Father on earth- they, sadly, equate that with their father in heaven.
How wrong, yet, perhaps understandable. My heart breaks for these situations. I think God touched my heart.
It's crazy because I keep having these reoccurring themes in my life..
first, I keep hearing the verse, or phrase, -O God let us be a generation that seek, that seeks your face, O God of Jacob.
I was amazed that God was clearly saying Rise up Nation! Now..
Then, I heard a lot about the seasons of life.. about how there is a time to grow and change.. move around, come home, etc.
Now.. this.. the "fatherless" nation concept.
What a cool thing.. I love hearing something repeated, because God knows I need a few times of hearing it for me to understand! Ha.
The rest of the day, and next, I got to meet all the other Au Pairs (from various different countries) that were working in England. We all got to bond, and they were all sweet, and funny. I loved feeling the community, and immediate friendship between us.
Lastly, another cool thing about my weekend! On the final leg of my longish trip back from London to Aylsham, I got to ride home with Mike, my host family Dad. We got to chat about Charismatic concepts, etc. It was good for me to hear his opinion, and just be able to have a conversation like that really blessed me!
Oh, and I got three books today, ready for the amazing finds and choices..
#1.. an older copy of my absolutely favorite book by Brennan Manning- The Ragamuffin gospel just fell into my hands! Rad? Rad.
#2..The Pilgrim's Progress.. yes, it's not as rad, but getting there. I haven't actually read it all yet, but, I am excited.
#3.. PRIDE AND PREJUDICE! Wooohoooooo. This one also excites me... especially when I get to see houses from the 1600's like I did today! ah, what a life.
Okay!
Cheerio!