The Day After Tomorrow

Oh my word. The day after tomorrow. That is amazing to me. Wow. I'm so over-the-top excited. There are many reasons.

I get to see my friends Carey and Amy for 11 days straight. I hadn't really thought about that fact too much until just recently that we are going to have such cool memories to add to our times together.

Anybody that knows me, knows that I love to go. I have always loved to travel. Even as a little girl. My mom loves to tell the story of when I was about 3, I was going on a road trip to Florida with my grandparents. I was packed and ready, waiting in the driveway at like 3am to be picked up. I get like that anytime I travel. Except now, I usually pack the night before (which drives some certain friends crazy that I wait until the last possible moment!) I told my dad this morning that I realized I hadn't traveled internationally in 3 years and I'm really looking forward to that part of it as well.

And, obviously, God got me to this point. My knee has been doing pretty good here recently (thank you God and Dr Rosen!) God has provided every dime that I've needed/wanted for this trip (including spending $$ and to cover Derby's kennel expense). He just continues to lavish blessing on to this daughter . . . I remain overwhelmed!

To think that the day after tomorrow will be the day I leave for the airport to head to the Land that God has promised His children . . . again, it's just overwhelming.

FYI: I've had a couple people ask the time difference, here's a link to show you the time in Jersalem with Eastern and Central time zones to compare.

http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/personalapplet.html?cities=110,419,171,137

If it's noon in Jerusalem, then it's 6am EDT and 5am CDT. But after time changes this weekend, then when it's noon in Jerusalem, it'll be 5am EST and 4am CST.

The Treasure of Right Now

Please oblige me this post today. I've been through something that I've never gone through before. Most people may not be able to relate to this, but those who are dog lovers will understand my need to do this.

God created a unique animal when He created the dog. They have been given an uncommon trait that even some humans have trouble with. Loyalty. My Lellow is no different.

www.dictionary.com defines loyalty as an attitude of affection, faithfulness to obligations, the feeling of allegiance, an unwavering devotion. That's my boy. Even when his brother gets into something he's not supposed to, I've observed on several occasions where Lellow will just sit by and watch and I'm sure thinking he just doesn't understand because he could never dream of doing something that would be so disobedient to me. I can almost imagine him shaking his head at the foolish brother. Lellow is unwavering in his devotion.

Being a single girl who has lived by myself for the past several years, these boys are what I have come home to for over seven years. I know it's silly. They are just dogs and I know that. But they unashamedly, never-faltering, regardless of how they feel or what they've done, always meet me at the door and jump up to say, "Welcome home, we're glad you are here!" Even when they know rule #1 is no jumping. I will scold for jumping but that does not deter them. The wagging and "talking" to me and running all over the house ensues. I sometimes laugh because I wonder if their "talking" is them telling me about their day. But probably not as I have no idea how their brains or thought patterns work. But they are so excited to see me that they just can't contain themselves. I can tell you though, no matter what I feel like or what kind of day I've had, I know as I'm walking in the door, there are two loyal boys waiting on me to love them back.

I know we'll go on and this is just part of life, but yesterday I lost a companion who taught me a lesson in enjoying the right now. No matter the circumstances, no matter the feelings . . . the right now is where we live.

Yesterday had to have been one of the hardest days for me. But even in the midst of feeling like I was drowning, God gives mercy. The boys vet and my friend, Alice, and her assistant, Linda, cried right there with me. Then prayed for me when words could not come. I don't remember much of what she said. I just remember her saying the words my heart wanted to say.

Another example of grace . . . I came into work this morning and slipped on my iPod to help me focus and get some things done. Steven Curtis Chapman has a new project that I just downloaded earlier in the week but hadn't listened to all the songs yet. So, I pop on the earphones and the first song that comes to my ears, mind and soul . . .

It's time for letting go of all of our "if onlies"
'Cause we don't have a time machine
And even if we did would we really want to use it
Would we really want to go change everything
Cause we are who and where and what we are for now
And this is the only moment we can do anything about

So breathe it in and breathe it out
And listen to your heartbeat
There's a wonder in the here and now
It's right there in front of you
And I don't want you to miss the miracle of the moment

There's only One who knows what's really out there waiting
And all the moments yet to be
And all we need to know is He's out there waiting
To Him the future's history
And He has given us a treasure called right now
And this is the only moment we can do anything about

So breathe it in and breathe it out
And listen to your heartbeat
There's a wonder in the here and now
It's right there in front of you
And I don't want you to miss the miracle of the moment

And if it brings you tears, taste them as they fall
Let them soften your heart
And if it brings you laughter then throw your head back
And let it go; Let it go
You gotta let it go and listen to your heartbeat

And breathe it in and breathe it out
And listen to your heartbeat
There's a wonder in the here and now
It's right there in front of you
And I don't want you to miss the miracle of the moment

God, thanks for the reminder that You give us each moment. Whether it's laughter-filled or tear-filled, it's the moment You have given us to experience the miracle. Thanks for all the "right now treasures" You gave me with Lellow.

12 Days to Go...

Thought I'd give our itinerary so you all could look up where we're going and know how to pray as we're on our journey. There are 28 people on my journey. I don't know how many have never been before. My roommate is Mary Woods and I know she has never been. She is a mutual friend of Carey and Amy's from Lakeland that I know from their time there. I don't know her very well. But we have a few other mutual friends and all say we should get along great. So I'm looking forward to getting to know her as we get to know Jesus and His land. The other three people I know are obviously Carey and Amy. Then there's a friend from Nashville that I've known forever. We served on staff together at Two Rivers. Shahe is a fun and great friend. She has been a couple times and brings an incredibly different perspective to this journey as she was born in Afghanistan and is a Christian who converted from islam after seeing Truth.

• Friday, Nov 2 Depart from Nashville/Ft Walton where we all meet in Atlanta to journey on.
• Saturday, Nov 3 Arrive in Tel Aviv. Once through customs, we will journey through Joppa and then check-in at our hotel for the evening. It's Shabbot (Sabbath) so I understand there is not much we can do as the Jewish culture takes this day very reverently.
• Sunday, Nov 4 We end up in Galilee by the end of the day. But not before we journey through Caesarea Maritima, Mt Carmel, Meggido, and Nazareth.
• Monday, Nov 5 We begin the day with sunrise on the Sea of Galilee. Then take a boat ride across to Capernaum. Next, it's Mt of Beatitudes, Bethsaida. We'll end our day with baptisms in the Jordan River. I was first baptized in the South River (in Maryland) but I'm sure this will be very different. I'm looking forward to see the memory God gives me as my mentor, friend, and one of the people I served in ministry with for 6 1/2 years baptizes me where our Savior was baptized.
• Tuesday, Nov 6 Still in Galilee, we will journey through Korazine, Tel Dan, Caesarea Philippi, Mt Hermon, and the Golan Heights.
• Wednesday, Nov 7 Our journey takes us to the Dead Sea today and tomorrow. I've heard and seen pictures of the jeep rides (glorifed golf carts from what I hear). Can't wait to make memories here!
• Thursday, Nov 8 The day starts in Masada then on to Tel Beersheva, Valley of Elah, Bet Shemesh. Then onto Jerusalem. I am going to Jerusalem. My mind can not even wrap around this. I am going to Jerusalem. Wow.
• Friday, Nov 9 More of Jerusalem. Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Mt Zion, the Jewish Quarter, Nehemiah's Wall. The start of our second Shabbat begins with sundown.
• Saturday, Nov 10 Our second Shabbat. Today, we will visit the Western Wall, Bethlehem and a real shepherd's field near Bethlehem.
• Sunday, Nov 11 Today we will begin at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial. Then on to the City of David, Hezekiah's Tunnel and the Pool of Siloam.
• Monday, Nov 12 Our last day in God's Holy Land. I'm sad just thinking about it and we haven't even left yet. We'll journey to the Temple Mount, the Pool of Bethesda, walk the Via Dolorosa and end our day at the Garden Tomb. Then on to the airport to leave for America. On all the overseas trips I've taken, as much as I've loved it, there was always something about getting on the plane to come home. I'm a red, white, and blue American as most and there's always just this feeling of going home. But I have a feeling that I will finally become aware of the true meaning of homesickness as I leave this land that my Savior lived... and be trying to figure out how and when I'll be back.
• Tuesday, Nov 13 Arrive in Nashville

15 Days

Last night during choir rehearsal, Jon led us to corporate prayer over the church as we begin to rebuild from "the vote". As we were praying, God took me to Psalm 22 which I'm sure I've read before but it just seemed as if the words were jumping off the page at me.

I will tell of Your name to my brothers;
in the midst of the congregation, I will praise You:
(Decision is made, even in the midst of others that I don't understand but are brothers, to praise)

You who fear the LORD, praise Him!
All you offspring of Jacob, glorify Him,
and stand in awe of Him,
(fear, praise, glorify, stand in awe - all action words towards Jehovah)

all you offspring of Israel!
(I've been grafted in, so He sees me as an offspring!)

He has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted,
(affliction: a state of pain, distress or grief - yeah, I'm thinking we're all there and need no further explanation)

and He has not hidden His face from him,
(He will take the time for us just as friend will drop everything to help in distress)

but has heard when he cried to Him.
(I picture myself as a little girl climbing up into my dad's lap and just needing a hug)

From You comes my praise in the great congregation;
(I can't make myself praise Him. I get too consumed with emotions and feelings. What a great assurance that it's not from me, it's starts with Him. Yet another gift He gives - like tithes - that He expects us to give back)

my vows I will perform before those who fear Him.
(My vows... what are my vows? To be like Christ, to passionately worship, love unconditionally... might need to research this one a little more)

The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied;
(Eat what? I think this pertains to the physical... but also spiritually as well. It's hard to remember a time when I've run to His Word and not left satisfied.)

Those who seek Him shall praise the LORD!
(So when we seek Him, since our praise comes from Him, then we SHALL praise!)

Can't wait to praise Him on His own turf!!

3 weeks from tomorrow . . .

. . . I'll be sitting on a plane headed for a land where my Savior walked . . . and breathed . . . and ate . . . and laughed . . . and slept . . . and loved . . . and healed . . . and died . . . and rose again!! I can't imagine the myriad of feelings I am going to process. I barely can stand waiting as it is. Lord, help us all the week of. I'll be no good to anyone.

It seems my blogs have caught the eye of one of our children's editors who mistakenly thinks I can write. I keep telling her I am not writing this . . . just getting my thoughts that are rolling around in my head out "on paper" per se. However, she's already got a title for my first book. I've been instructed I better keep a journal. When I explained I might be taking my laptop to blog while there, well, you could feel the excitement through the screen as we were IM'ing. Apparently, she thinks that God has big plans for me that will come out of this journey. I agree with her actually. But I don't think it's a book. Again, mainly because I'm not a writer. But I do agree with her because God apparently wants me there. He's provided the way in ways I could never have imagined! He always has a plan.

The title of my first book, you ask?

Walking in the Footsteps of My Father

I love that title. It does have a nice ring to it. Someone should write a book titled that . . . but I'm not sure it should be me.

I can't wait to see what He has in store for me on the rest of this journey.

Psalm 37:3-4 Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.

More Love Lavished on Me

I've blogged several times already about how I am a spoiled child of the King. Not that I am not disciplined. Oh I am. Trust me. But I am truly spoiled by the love He lavishes on me. And it's usually in the little things that catch me off guard. A sunset that defies imagination . . . the gentility of a lady bug crawling across my windowsill. This weekend, it was in the simple story about one of "my kids".

Saturday, I had a movie date night with Eli and Josiah. Movie date nights have become times when the boys know that Awa is coming over and that means it's Star Wars night. I can't tell you how many times we're watched episodes 4-6 over the past year. But it's our thing. I enjoy Star Wars and the boys know it. So we plan the whole evening around it. We have to make sure we plan everything (bath or shower, eating dinner, everything) around being able to watch an ENTIRE movie. This weekend was no different. The boys knew we had to plan the evening. So they came up with their plan of action and execution began! Jon and Suzanne came home just as I was putting the eldest Rushing child to bed which meant the youngest was already in bed hopefully on his way to dreamland very soon. So I was the last person he saw before he went to sleep with the assurance that Momma and Daddy would be home soon and be there when he woke up in the morning. This is the part where God just makes me smile. Suzanne said when Josiah woke up the next morning, the first thing out of his mouth... A-a-a-a-w-w-a-a-a-a. He thought I was still there and wanted me to know he was awake. That right there, even now, makes me smile.

God didn't have to give me children to fill that desire in my life. But He lavished friends in my life that allow me to love their kiddos as if they are my own. Thank you for the honor.

28 days... 4 weeks...

Wow! Another step today and it became very real that I am really going to Israel. I received my plane tickets this morning. So then I immediately went to find my passport and put them together. Almost exactly 4 weeks from this day and time, I'll be at the airport probably crying :-) Wow! Did everyone notice the countdown clock to the left there? I'm just a bit over the top about this!

I'm so thankful this is even actually happening (God willing nothing happens between now and Nov 2). Whenever I think about the fact that I really am going, I immediately become very thankful for Jehovah's mercy upon my life. Without it, this trip would obviously not be possible because I would not have been able to come up with the $$ for one. And without the wonder of His mercy, well, there'd be no desire for me to even go on this journey! I'm am just a daughter of the King who is being lavished on with more than my mind can wrap around.

More to come this weekend...

33 Days to Go

5 weeks from today, I’ll be in Caesarea (Maritima). It’s amazing to think that it’s that close. I’ve obviously started preparing and thinking through items that I need to take with me. I love traveling. There’s such an exciting anticipation as you begin to get items together. And this trip isn’t like going to the beach or going home. There’s not a Walmart or Kmart on every corner if you should forget something. So I am thinking through everything that I might need then will go through and decide what is “non-essential” and can be left behind. I’ve started getting some of my Fall clothes out because it apparently is going to be on the cool side which I am so grateful for. I am extremely hot-natured so I am completely looking forward to the 50-70 degree weather that is being called for while we’re there. My Florida friends will probably be cold the whole time since the last time they went, it was summer and unbelievably hot. I, for one, am looking forward to it. After such a long, hot, and drought-filled summer, the coolness of air is something I am really looking forward to. I think God kept this in mind when He decided the time of year that I would be going on.

As the entire group is preparing, my tour host, (for those who don’t know, this is the minister that I used to work for at the church and his wife who are dear lifelong friends), sent out a booklet with pictures and brief descriptions of the places we will be visiting. I’ll post a day-by-day synopsis so you can follow along. I’ve had several ask me about that so just wanted to let you. Also, I’m contemplating taking my laptop with me so I can blog as we journey. Still trying to decide if it would be “non-essential” gear :-)

More to come…