Shinjuku, Japan

I'll start off by saying that 11+ hours on an airplane is a very long time - even in First Class!

 

Our first travel day(s) started off at 4:00 AM. We had to be at LAX early for our first leg from Los Angeles to San Jose, California. I managed to get through security with all my baggies of liquids (which never ceases to amaze Stan) and we were off.

 

We had a three hour lay-over in San Jose which was spent very comfortably in the Premier Lounge. (God bless Stan and his gold card!)

At about 1:30 pm we finally boarded the airplane for our flight to Tokyo and before we left the ground I was transported to a whole new world. The Japanese flight attendants were so polite, so respectful, and started and ended every interaction with a bow. They went out of their way to ensure my comfort throughout the entire flight and by the time the flight was over, I wanted to grab my flight attendant and squeeze her precious self!

 

I wanted to, but I didn't.

 

The long flight time was spent catching up on movies (since I had my own personal TV monitor) - four movies to be exact - and we were served two meals along the way.  Still, with all the luxury, it is very difficult to stay put for 11 hours. I felt sorry for the people in coach who were crammed in tight spaces and were probably bored silly. I was very ready to disembark by the time the plane landed.

 

It took quite awhile to retrieve luggage, ship a package ahead to our next destination, purchase rail passes and get organized but we finally hopped on the train for a 45 minute ride to the city. Once in Tokyo, we walked a few blocks to the hotel, checked-in, grabbed a quick bite and CRASHED. We had been up for about 26 hours by then and I was exhausted.

 

My room at the Hilton, Tokyo.

 

 

 

DAY TWO - SUNDAY

 

Our hotel is located in Shinjuku, the heart of the downtown government / business district. This part of Tokyo has a "big city USA" vibe and I feel right at home.  We got a late start on Sunday morning so we decided to walk around, see the sites and keep it simple. 

 

View from my hotel window on the 28th floor.

 

 

Tokyo has an amazing, mind-boggling  subway network that includes I don't know how many stations all connected by under-ground walkways that are like shopping malls. It's crazy! Thankfully, my tour guide is experienced and knowledgeable so all I had to do was try to keep up . . . and I DO mean KEEP UP. Stan lost me once and I had no idea where he was. I stopped for a second to look at a billboard and when I turned around, he was gone! I decided to stay put and let him come find me - which he did. Ha! Ha!

 

Subway network.

 

 

We are where?

Times Square, Tokyo

 

 

Shibuya Station was our next destination. It's a shopping and entertainment area where all the young people hang out. It's high energy, noisy, and fun. The buildings are covered in brightly colored signage and on the day we were there, it was crowded and bustling.

 

This lovely costume was in the window
of a dance apparel shop.

 

You know the clothing store, Free People?
This is their van. Cute, huh?

 

Prominent landmark of Shibuya is this intersection.
It gets flooded by pedestrians when the crossing
light turns green. It is a popular movie film spot.

 

Next stop was the Meiji Jingu shrine.  The shrine is located in a forest that covers 175 acres. All of the trees (about 120,000) were donated by people from all parts of Japan when the shrine was established in the 1920's.  The shrine was built to honor Emperor Meiji after his death in 1912 for his role in the Meiji Restoration. Here are some photos I took along the way. 

 

 

 

 

 

Visitors wash their hands before entering.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spider web!

 

This picture is blurry but I liked the bridge so I included it.



,Th

 

After our visit to the shrine, we hopped on the subway and headed back to the hotel to get ready for the evening's activities. I took a few shots of the architecture in the downtown area near the hotel.

Cocoon Building

Notice how they drive on the incorrect side of the road?

Back at the hotel we had a quick dinner, changed, and headed out again to the (ah-hem) posh area of Aoyama for the Dave Koz concert. Blue Note Tokyo is a cousin to the famous Blue Note New York club. It only holds 300 people so seating is up close and personal. It was awesome. Dave always puts on a good show and now I can say I've seen him in three cities.

 

 

Dave Koz, Blue Note Jazz Club, Tokyo, Japan

 

 

 

It was a jammed packed day and by the time I got back to the hotel I was ready to be off my feet. As much as we saw, we only scratched the surface.

(PS - To enlarge the photos, click on one and slideshow mode will launch.)

And We're Off . . . To Asia

As I write this, Stan and I are sitting in the airport lounge in San Jose, California awaiting our connecting flight to Tokyo, Japan! In a mere 11 hrs. / 5 min., my long-time desire to experience Asia will become a reality. How cool is that?

 

For Stan, this trip is a repeat performance as he has relatives in Japan and has been there many times over the years. It is my good fortune to have an experienced tour guide who is familiar with the area, understands the culture, and speaks the language. It is also comforting to know that Stan's family is in the area and we will be in good hands if the need arises. (I don't expect anything to go wrong, but this thought will bring comfort to my mother who is a professional worrier.)

 

Stan just reminded me that his most valuable contribution will be that he will make sure I don't accidentally or unknowingly EAT anything I'm not supposed to! Ha! Ha!

 

 

Looking at the center of Japan, our travels will take us to Tokyo, Hiroshima, Osaka and Kyoto. First on the agenda - Dave Koz concert on Sunday night in Tokyo. Awesome!

What Limits My Life?

Recently, our church was studying a passage in Revelation.  Our pastor was inviting us to experience the throne room of Heaven (as described by John) and familiarizing us with some of the protocol of Heaven.  Later I went back and re-visited that section of scripture and meditated a little more deeply on the scene. 

One of the things that caught my attention was this:

I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. Rev 1:9

Patmos is a small Greek island in the Aegean Sea which, in John’s day, was used by the Romans as a place of exile. According to John, he was exiled to this isolated location for preaching the gospel of Christ.

In the natural John was about as “shut-down” as a person can be. He was a prisoner. He was cut-off from all resources, his support group, and his liberties as a citizen.  It would have been perfectly normal for him to experience all the distressing emotions a person would feel in his circumstances – discouragement, disillusionment, depression, physical pain, frustration, etc.

But the scripture says that John was in the Spirit.

On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit [rapt in His power], and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet . . . Rev 1:10

John was in the Spirit. What does that mean? 

According to the dictionary, John was cognitively communing, enjoying, fellowshipping, abiding, and dwelling within God.

Wow. Let that sink in for a moment.

Although John was physically stuck on an island in exile, in the Spirit he was actively experiencing the presence of God. His circumstances could not hinder him from accessing the highest place of Glory.

As the story unfolds, John sees Jesus in His resurrected, glorified state.  The Lord introduces himself and tells John to write down the messages He wants to impart to the seven churches.  After all the letters are dictated, John is invited to come to Heaven.

After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this." Rev 4:1

As I meditated, I realized that John didn’t say, “I can’t, Lord. I’m a political prisoner. I’m stuck on the island of Patmos. I have to show up tomorrow for roll-call!”

John HEARD the voice of the Lord and he RESPONDED.  The Lord began to show me that so often in my life the voice of the Holy Spirit beckons me into the presence of God but sometimes I can’t hear His voice. When I allow the circumstances of life to shut me down – when I allow grief, sorrow, separation, difficulties, or fear to drown out the voice of the Holy Spirit - I limit my ability to hear His voice and respond.

The choice is mine.  Like John, my circumstances do not have the power to limit my life. Thank God!  I can dwell in the presence of God any time I hear and am willing to respond to His voice regardless of what is going on in / around me. It is so encouraging to me that although John was on the island of Patmos, in the Spirit he was given the climax message of the church concerning the Last Days and the Second Coming of Christ!

What will God be able to do in me when I am tuned in to His voice, hear His invitation to come into His presence, and respond?

I don't know, but I'm excited to find out.

Guard Your Heart

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23

I have read this verse countless times before. Although I can't remember specifically, I want to believe I have at least thought about its meaning at some point along the way.

The truth is, I can't remember.

How is it possible that I have made it this far along life's journey without understanding the severity of this warning? 

"Above all else, guard your heart . . ."

Above all else?  That's pretty strong language. I am certain I have put many, many priorities above guarding my heart. You know, important things like making sure all my files are neatly labled in the same font size, or making absolutely certain there are no expired items in my pantry.

Sigh.

Today I went before the Lord and asked Him about this heart thing. I needed to know why such a high importance was placed on guarding my heart. What is my heart, anyway?  How do I guard it? What does it mean that my heart is the wellspring of life?

It turns out, my heart is key. My heart is the core of who I am. It is the source of my love, my creativity, my strength, my convictions, my personality, and my beliefs. My heart is ME - the wellspring of my life; the essence of my existence. My heart is "command central". It is vital. No wonder the scripture urges me to guard it with vigilance.

Well that explains a lot.

When my heart (the core of who I am) becomes infected, contaminated, injured, broken, deceived, damaged, or worse - destroyed - I cease to be ME. And since I am created in God's image, I cease to be a reflection of God's own heart. It is tragic. Hence, the warning.

Jesus put it this way, "For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man 'unclean'. " Mark 7:21-23.

He could have gone on to add depression, insecurity, fear, shame, rejection, resentment, abandonment, and anxiety to the list. Because let's be honest, aren't those evils so often found in our un-guarded hearts as well?

On the other hand, good things (treasures) come from the heart too: Love, hope, truth, confidence, compassion,  dreams, talents, values and potential. No wonder Solomon says the heart is the wellspring of life - it is the place from which the essence of my life flows. Good or bad, success or failure - it all comes from what is going on inside.

It is apparent I have a lot of work to do. Realizing I must vigilantly guard my heart is only the first step. The next step is uprooting all the harmful lies I have allowed to be planted in my heart. Lies about myself, lies about God, lies about my past, present and future.

A divine cleansing. Reclaiming my heart. Actively replacing all the negative with the truth of God's Word. Embracing His love for me and allowing it to take root in my heart. Walking in it. Living it. Experiencing it every day.

It's do-able. And I'm starting now.


 

Watch Now: A Word From the Lord About 2012 Election Results

This word from Kenneth Copeland encouraged me immensely regarding the recent presidential elections.


Watch Now: A Word From the Lord About 2012 Election Results

God Bless America!

For the past month I have been in the enviable position of touring parts of Europe with my friend Stan. It was a wonderful trip and I will cherish the memories for many years to come. Every girl should be as blessed as I am to have a friend such as Stan!

I must admit that returning to my routine and responsibilities has been tough. Just getting my days and nights straightened out has been a challenge! But now, everything seems to be falling back into place and I am trying to wrap my head around my remaining goals (and challenges) for the balance of the year.

My final thoughts are about coming home . . .

I am so THANKFUL for America and I am so blessed to have been born and raised in this great country of ours.

I appreciate our Constitution which (for now, still) guarantees me life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I am thankful for my right of free speech, the right to peacefully assemble and to protest. I appreciate that I can move freely from state to state and enjoy all this great country has to offer.

I am thankful for our prospertiy as a nation and God's divine protection of it's citizens.

I am thankful for the faith that this country was founded upon and that (for now) I am free to worship God without fear of consequences.

I am thankful for the military, police officers and fire fighters who sacrifice so much to defend and protect our freedoms with so little reward or personal gain. Such individuals are (sadly) a dying breed and I appreciate them so much.

May God have mercy on our nation. May our hearts be turned to Him in true worship and thanksgiving, and may God bless America.

God Bless America - Irving Berlin

While the storm clouds gather far across the sea, 
Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free. 
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair, 
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer: 
God bless America, land that I love, 
Stand beside her and guide her 
Through the night with a light from above. 
From the mountains, to the prairies, 
To the oceans white with foam, 
God bless America, 
My home sweet home. 

Last Night in Europe

In my last post I mentioned that we had just arrived in London. We were there Friday night through this morning (Monday, July 16th). 

Unfortunately, I had a debilitating migraine Saturday and Sunday and spent both days in my hotel room! It was no fun! Thankfully, Stan was able to go sight-seeing on his own and seemed to have a nice weekend.

This morning we took a train to Heathrow Airport and flew back to Germany - our original starting point. Tomorrow we fly back to the states. 

It has been a wonderful trip and I am so glad I had the opportunity to come! Stan did such a great job making all the arrangements and navigating us all over the place. I am blessed beyond measure!

London, England

Wow! Everything is in English again. I can actually turn on the TV and understand what is being said. 

So . . .

This morning we had breakfast at the hotel and then I spent the morning packing, paying bills and getting ready. After lunch, we took a taxi to the train station and processed our way through security and customs. We bid France 'Adieu' and we were off to England.

I really enjoyed the train ride. I got to see some of the French countryside which consisted mostly of farmland from what I could see. It was really pretty. We crossed the English Channel and arrived in London after about 2-1/2 hours. 

BTW - I'm happy to be able to say I have ridden a high-speed Eurostar passenger train through the longest undersea portion of any tunnel in the world. It's very dark in there! According to Wikipedia, in 1996 the American Society of Civil Engineers identified the tunnel as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Cool!

We are staying at a really neat hotel - The St. Pancras Renaissance. The original building was constructed in the 1870's and used to be the Midland Grand Hotel. It closed in 1935 because its utilities were outdated and it was too costly to maintain. Between 2004-2011 the building was renovated into a new hotel with private apartments on the upper floors. If you are ever in London, this is the place to stay.

St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel.

Our plan tonight is to have dinner, and then I am going to go downstairs and take advantage of the spa facilities. Tomorrow we sight-see!

Paris, Continued

Ever have one of those days? Yeah, me too. Today was one of them.

The morning was overcast and rainy but that's okay because most of our sight-seeing was indoors. I had a hard time getting up because I was awake until 2:00 AM writing this blog. I'm having way too much fun recording the details of our trip. I'm just sayin . . .

We had breakfast at the hotel and then headed out for Paris, Part II.

Good morning!

Stan is so great about figuring out where we're going and how to get there. He navigates the subways, trains, and walking around the city like a pro. Look at how crowded the subway is in the morning!

Our first stop was The Louvre Museum. The museum is housed in the Louvre Palace which was the official residence for all the kings that ruled France prior to the French Revolution. In 1682, King Louis XIV chose to move his household to the Palace of Versailles leaving the Louvre as a place to display the royal collection and permitting the palace to be used as a residence for artists. After the Revolution, the National Assembly decreed that the Louvre should be used as a museum to display the nation's masterpieces. It's a long and very interesting story but time does not permit the retelling of it all.

The Louvre.

Visiting The Louvre is like a two-for-one. Not only are the exhibitions, paintings, sculptures and artifacts worth seeing; the palace itself is embellished in the extreme french style and beautiful in itself. Now, I must confess I do not know very much about art so many of the pieces were somewhat lost on me. However . . . I was in awe at the opportunity to stand before Leonardo Da Vinci's, Mona Lisa! 

The Mona Lisa.

The Mona Lisa.

I enjoyed visiting the museum but it was very crowded and I could not figure out how to get my audio guide headphones to work. I missed out on the commentary of the palace and the exhibitions and after a few hours I was frustrated. (Note: this is not the only tantrum I will throw today; there's more.)  Below are some of the interesting or beautiful pieces I was able to shoot. 

Ceiling in one of the rooms.

Venus of Milo.

Napoleon crowns his wife Josephine as Empress.

Madame Raymond de Verninac
by Louis David in 1798

Doorway embellishments in the palace.

Stan took these photos of some of the rooms on display of the royal apartments in the Louvre. I believe these are from Napoleon's era.

Table for forty.
Fine, as long as I'm not doing the dishes!

The crown jewels.

I want a chair with a big "H" on it!

So, before leaving the Louvre, we stopped for lunch at the food court.

After lunch, before we left for our next adventure, I headed to the Ladies Room. Ya'll . . . I had to pay 1.50 euro to use the facilities! Can you believe that? Geez! (Tantrum #2.)

Okay.

We hopped on the train and headed to the out-skirts of Paris to the Palace of Versailles. I am sorry I did not get more pictures of the exterior, but as you can see it was cloudy and rainy and I did not feel like walking around outside.

Walking toward the palace.

Palace of Versailles.
Notice the gates of gold.

Here's the story: In 1575 Albert de Gondi invited Louis XIII on several hunting trips in the forests surrounding Versailles. The king loved the area so much he decided to construct a hunting lodge in 1624. Thus were the humble beginnings of this great palace. 

Over the years, Louis XIII's successor, Louis XIV expanded the original structure into one of the largest palaces in the world. There were four building campaigns between 1664 - 1697.  

In 1678 he decided to make Versailles his permanent residence and he eventually moved the court from the Louvre to Versailles.

Louis XV and Louis XVI made more changes to the palace and the gardens in the 1700's.

Sadly, in 1789 during the French Revolution, the palace fell into the hands of the Republic. Louis XVI was arrested and Versailles was sealed. I read that the furnishings of the palace were sold in auctions and only certain items were consigned to be part of the collection of a museum. Mirrors were assigned by the finance ministry for payment of debts of the Republic and draperies, upholstery, and fringes were confiscated and sent to the mint to recoup the gold and silver used in their manufacture.

In the 1800's, after all the upheaval, Napoleon came on the scene and everything changed again. As far as I can tell though, the palace was never restored to it's former beauty or returned to it's prominent status.  It's such a shame that all the grandeur has been lost or faded. I found the palace to be in a serious state of disrepair.

Overall, I'm glad I got to visit the palace but it was not a good experience. There were throngs of people crammed into very tight spaces - no crowd control whatsoever. It was difficult to see the items of interest and impossible to take a decent picture. By the time we left I had been pushed, shoved. stepped-on, and stepped-in-front-of. I finally lost my patience and told Stan I was ready to leave. (Tantrum #3.) 

Bless his heart. When we finally made our way out, he took a few shots of the garden and we left.

Like I said, I was having one of those days!

The day ended on a good note. On the train ride back to Paris, we met some really fun people from Southern California. Two couples and their children are vacationing together and we all started talking and sharing stories. We were laughing so loudly, I'm sure the rest of the passengers were glad when we got off the train. I didn't get their names, but I am so thankful to have enjoyed their company!