SUNDAY . . . Have I Mentioned I'm Overwhelmed?

From my journal: Today . . . the Temple Mount. The Threshing Floor that David purchased to have the Temple built on. "Legend" is that this is where God began creating the world . . . Abraham climbed up this mountain to sacrifice Isaac . . . The Holy of Holies where the curtain was ripped in two from top to bottom. The Eastern Gate that has been sealed as if that would stop HIM. As if! What will I feel? What will my emotions be like? What do You have for me today? This whole trip has been building to this moment in time. I don't want to miss it.


Today, we started with tour of the Temple Mount. I really had no idea what to expect because it looks so different from what the Temple would have been. And then there's the gaudy Dome of the Rock. But then God caught me by surprise and wrapped the bow on the whole journey.


Let me back up a ways. Back when I thought God telling me it was my time to go, I pretty much said right back, "Ok, God. You know where I am financially. There is absolutely no way I can do this on my own. If I am going, it will HAVE to be You." His response . . . "I Am. I will give it to you. Trust me." And at every crossroad, He was faithful in crazy, creative ways and provided every dime.


Then, while on this trip, Shahe (my friend from church) told me there was a shop in Jerusalem next to our hotel that would make personalized rings in Hebrew of whatever you want . . . a verse or your name or whatever. I had decided that I wanted "My soul follows after You, my Lord" but I had no idea where in Psalms it was. So we arrive in Jerusalem early evening. It had been a really really long day. I was tired mentally, physically, emotionally . . . in every way. I just wanted to get into bed and sleep. but Shabbot was coming and if we wanted a ring we had to go that night. Otherwise Shabbot would mess up the timing (because everybody closes on Shabbot) and the jeweler wouldn't have enough time to make them. So off we go. The store is small and there had to have been a BILLION people in that place. I was shutting down. So I pick out the style ring I wanted. But they had to have the reference for the verse so they could see the Hebrew characters to determine if it would fit. I, of course, didn't know the reference. Just that it's in Psalms. So they give me an English-Hebrew Parallel Bible (which by the way, to my surprise when I looked at the publisher, is done where I work [insert small world theme song here]. So I start skimming the pages looking for it. I mean there are only 150 Psalms. Surely I can find it relatively quick. I get to 90 and still no verse. Then Pslam 91. This is one of my favorite chapters in the whole Bible. I love the visual it paints. Again, I am beyond tired and finally tell the sales lady, fine, just use this one. It's a recurring theme in my life. I'll be fine with it. I was quite flippant with my decision to be honest. Little did I know God would bring this back to me full circle just 2 days later. The verse I have put on my ring is "under the Shadow of Almighty" and pick it up Saturday night.


So, back to the Temple Mount. We head "up". As we approach the inside of the Eastern Gate, I find myself completely overwhelmed . . . I know, I'm over-using this word. But I realize as I approach the Eastern Gate from inside the Temple Mount, that my whole trip has been leading up to this moment. As we walk from the gate (which I later find out is the gate where the gentiles and handicap would have entered the temple from . . . somehow seems approriate since I have strained my knee so bad that I walked around Jerusalem with the aid of crutches the whole time) anyway, we walk up a set of steps on we are on the Mount. As I watch as our group approaches the the Threshing Floor and the "traditional" site of where the Holy of Holies would have been, I am in absolute awe. He did it. He said He would bring me to His homeland and He did. I am almost unable to move forward I am so in awe. At this moment, I am very thankful for these crutches. Were it not for them holding me up, I probably would have collapsed. That's how ovewhelmed I am at this moment. My friend, Shahe, comes up next to me and instantly recognizes the look. Then she quietly whispers in my ear, "I know. I felt the same way last year when we came for the first time."


From there, to be honest, I don't remember where we go. I feel like I am just walking through the motions of walking. That moment of being on the Temple Mount will forever be engrained in my mind. I will be able to close my eyes and instantly hear, smell, and see that moment.


At some point, we meet up with Baruch (who by Jewish law, is not allowed on the Temple Mount because we don't know where exactly the Holy Place is and it is forbidden to walk on the Temple Mount). he begins to teach us. Again, sadly, I don't remember much of what he said except for one thing. And this is where is it gets really, really cool! He starts talking about Shaddai. Well, since that's what's on my ring, my ears (and soul) zone in to see what our friendly Rabbi has to share on the subject. Boiled down . . . Almighty = Shaddai = God who is sufficient = the God who is enough!!! Did you get that?? He is enough. He is enough to give what is needed for my every need. THIS is what He's been telling me all along since I sent my deposit in to secure my place on this trip. He is enough to give me what I needed on every step of this journey. And now, as I go home, that is what will be staring up at me from this ring that is my hand. I am under the shadow of the One who is enough!! Do you see why I've just walked around this country overwhelmed???

SATURDAY . . . Why I Worship

We began the day at the pool of Bethesda. Jewish tradition says that those needing healing would gather at this pool to be healed. They would watch the water intently waiting. Then an angel would pass over and "stir" the waters. When those waiting saw the "stirring", it was imperitive to be the first in because only the first one in would be healed. Well, as you can imagine, this had to be an extremely frustrating things for most as those needing healing probably didn't move very fast at all because of their "infirmity". Can you imagine the aggrivation? This is where the man who was considered "an invalid" waited. Ok, so when I think of invalid, I think of no ability to move whatsoever. So he waited there for 38 years for his time to be the first in the pool. Why didn't he just give up? I mean, seriously. What were his chances of being the first in the pool out of this crowd? The odds are there is going to be at least one person that will always beat you. And that obviously was the case because he had been sitting there . . . waiting . . . for 38 years. Then one day, the Messiah walks up and says, "Get up." Done. Story over. He takes up his bed and away he goes . . . healed by this One called Messiah. Wow. It kind of makes me laugh. The perseverance this man had. I mean, 38 years. My age. I think of things that I'm waiting on and wonder if I have the same tenacity, or should I say faith, to stick it out until the Messiah walks up and answers the cry of my heart. Please find me faithful!! Until then, I worship because I know He will answer.

Interesting fact: There are 5 porches surrounding the pool. 5 is the number of incompleteness. How “ironic” that there are 5 porches filled with people who lacked something. But the church leadership at the time ignored the movement of God and didn’t acknowledge the healings. At the pool, God was moving; but leadership didn’t pay attention to His movement. How sad that 2000 years later, this is still happening. I worship because God moves regardless of the body's acknowledgement being appropriate or not.

At this site, there is a beautiful church built that has the most amazing acoustics. Our team entered when there was hardly anybody in there. We took a seat at the front of the sanctuary and began to worship. At some point, while we were in there, a huge group from Canada and Asia joined us. It was a very cool moment of worship as this group added to the “every nation every tongue” factor of worship. I worship because that's what He asks me to do.

We ended the day at Caiaphas’ House. This is where Christ was accused but never found guilty. I never put this together but He was never found guilty. In order for the Sanhedrin to convict someone of the religious crimes they are accused of, there must be a unanimous declaration. The Sanhedrin were not able to come to this decision because Joseph of Arimethea (who “loaned” his tomb to Christ) and Nicodemis would not agree with the rest of the Sanhedrin. So, Christ was arrested and tried but NEVER FOUND GUILTY. Oh, what He did for us. I worship because of what He did for me.

FRIDAY . . . Finally Jerusalem!!

Mt of Olives – This is the last place that Jesus’ feet touched on this earth before He left and it is going to be the first place He touches when He returns. Why here? As I stand at the top and look down over the garden of Gethsemane and across the Kinneret Valley to the Eastern Gate, I’ve heard that the closeness of this geography was intriguing and it really is. As the crow flies, it can’t be more than a mile from Mt of Olives to the Eastern Gate with the Garden in middle. Even as we entered the city last night, the song, “Worthy is the Lamb, seated on the throne; we crown You now with many crowns; You reign victorious; High and lifted up, Jesus, Son of God; the Darling of heaven crucified; Worthy is the Lamb; Worthy is the Lamb” keeps playing over and over in my head. I found myself humming it as we walked down from the Mt of Olives to the Garden.

But then as we made our way down, the distractions were overwhelming. Intensely hard to overlook. Everywhere you go, there are Arabs selling Christian postcards, bookmarks, trinkets of all sorts. I found myself completely understanding Jesus and the temple scene where He overturned the tables. How this scene must grieve the Father’s heart. These people don’t even understand what they are selling. Just trying to make a sheqel. Coming down the mountain was very, very hard on my knees. Between the physical and the mental distractions, I began to wonder what God was thinking bringing me here. The amount of people being “herded” through the gates of the garden, I found it completely impossible to concentrate and hear any voice much less the “still-small Voice”. Then we were given some time on our own. I sat in a corner and watched the people running around and became very sad that the significance of this site seems to be lost in the chaos of the moment. Sad to say, this will not the first time I encounter this feeling on this trip. This will be a frequent battle of my mind – to hear and see God in the chaos of people revering a site more holy than what or more importantly Who the site represents.

From journal as I sat in the corner: Savior, I don't want to miss what You have for me today. But it is just so hard to hear anything above the distractions. Please show me Your glory. I trust Your hand. I know You brought me here. Focus my eyes on You.

I then look up . . . and there is the Eastern Gate. Right there. I feel I could reach out and touch it. Again, I’m overwhelmed at the proximity in closeness that the Eastern Gate is. As Christ is praying for God’s will in His last days on earth, He is able to see the gate that signifies what the future holds.

We welcomed in Shabbot (sabboth) at the Wailing Wall. How awesome that was to watch. It’s overwhelming to watch the devotion but also to realize that there is an entire nation living in darkness because they don’t realize Jesus is Y’shua. Shabbot begins at sundown Friday and ends at sundown Saturday. As we had opportunity to pray and just to “take it all in” we also had the rare opportunity to watch a younger generation celebrate Shabbot. As they walked through the plaza before approaching the wall, they were joyous and passionate. It was such a joy to see the passion for their God displayed on their faces and in their passionate worship of Jehovah. It was incredible to witness.

THURSDAY: Freedom . . . then THE Ascent!

Still in the Negev. Woke up early to watch the sunrise on the Dead Sea but much needed rain clouds had moved in overnight. I couldn’t complain because they have been waiting for rain for months (just like areas of home). Today, we headed to Masada. This overwhelming rock of a mountain was originally built as Herod’s winter fortress. Some of our team decided to climb the “Snake Path” which was an overwhelming and winding path that led to the top. This rock is best known in Jewish history as the last stronghold of the Freedom Fighters as they clung to hope that Israel would be restored. There were 12 men who held fast against the Roman Empire. When defeat was eminent, the defenders’ leader Eleazar ben Ya’ir bade his fellow fighters to remain true to the cause for which they had fought so long. “Let us rather die than be enslaved by our enemy. Let us leave this world in freedom.” So lots were cast and the Freedom Fighters made a pact to kill their families and themselves rather than be taken captive and enslaved to the Romans. Can you imagine making that decision? But they saw no other way. Slavery or freedom in death? Oh, that I would see the daily choice of this decision as simply as that... slavery or freedom in death.

Then Naphtali said, "Come, Come. We will spend some moments walking down the Roman Path to the bus. Come, Come. It is a nice walk." I'm telling you what, I don't know what Jewish men classify as "nice" but it was the most brutal stairmaster decent of a path I have ever been on. As we started down, Naphtali and the other O's fan on the trip, Steve, took compassion and/or pity on me and stuck to my pace. It was the the beginning of the end for my knees on this trip. To the left is a picture of the ramp. It winds all the way to the right of the picture all the way to the top. It looks much easier in this picture than it really was. It had to have been at a 90 degree incline. I'm telling you, it had to be!!

From Masada, we began our accent to Jerusalem. The excitement as we began the drive up (both in longitude and altitude) was again just overwhelming. We arrived after dark. So the city lights were all we were able to see of this magnificent city.

From my journal: Savior, I’m overwhelmed and all I can see are city lights. I can feel Your love for this city even just in entering the city limits. I can't even see anything and my Spirit attests that this city truly is the apple of Your eye. Thank You for Your faithfulness in bringing me here. You said You would and here I am. Give me eyes to see what You have for me and ears to hear Your still-small voice and what You are saying to me.

WEDNESDAY: The Desert Negev

Today, we headed south to Beit She'an. It is a huge Roman fortress where Saul, along with his sons, were hung from the city walls as a testament of their pride and ego. This too was an overwhelming place to be. I didn't know this before, but Saul and Jonathan were both hung headless from here. Can you imagine what David must have experienced here? Saul was God's choice as king. But he didn't walk with God and his life ended in a shameful way. How David must have grieved. Lord, I cryout for mercy that my sins would not lead to such a shameful display.

Next, we headed Ein Gedi. This is a beautiful oasis in the middle of the Negev desert and is probably most well known for where David hid from Saul as he pursued David to kill him out of Saul's jealousy for David's God-given success. The Bible refers to the mercy that God gave David in the story of David cutting Saul's robe. While Saul was not paying attention, David snuck up on Saul and cut the tsit off his robe without Saul realizing it. Then later, David presents the tsits to Saul to show him that he was as good as dead. But God called him to serve Saul, not kill him. Oh, that I would show such compassion on someone who would hurt me so much.

There are three different springs in Ein Gedi – each one more intense of a hike than the first. I decided to see the first spring then found an area to just observe and listen. My biggest concern about this trip is that I do not want to miss what God wants to show me and say. Once I found a peaceful little sitting area, I just sat. The breeze felt like the breath of God. I was thankful to have s few minutes with just God and I to reflect on the trip so far. The next part of the trip in Jerusalem would be intense and an overload of information, so these quiet moments were welcome.

TUESDAY: Still Overwhelmed

It's Tuesday and I'm still overwhelmed. And we still haven't made it to Jerusalem yet. I don't know that my mind and emotions can take it . . . but my soul sure is ready!

The day started out at Capharnahum, also known as the Village of Comfort as Jesus most likely spent a lot of time here. This is said to be the area that Peter is from and that Jesus may have had a house there (according to archeological finds).

In this same area, the Bible talks of the the many miracles that Christ performed. As you walk along the cypress and olive trees in the beautiful gardens, it's almost like you are there. I could close my eyes, listen to the sound around me, and completely understand why Christ loved this area around Galilee so much.

Next, we went on to hike near tel Dan. The hike was amazing . . . hard on the knees . . . but beautiful none the less.

In the Old Testament, this area was known as the temple and city of Dan where idols were worshipped. Interesting fact, the people of Dan were into idol worship because they needed something to feel/see/touch. Senses of the flesh. No faith involved at all. All about the wants and desires of the people.

In the New Testament, this area was known as Caeserea Philipi. Still into idol worship, but Messiah came and declared that each person must make the decision of whom they will serve and follow. He is God in the good times and the bad times. He's constant. As opposed to the idols that if they didn't work, then they would be broken, burned, etc. and a new one brought in. What a sad way to lead life. No hope whatsoever.

Another little tidbit that I found interesting about the Jewish culture . . . when numbers are written out in the teens, they are written as 10+2 which reads as 12, 10+4 which reads as 14. However, to read 15, it is written as 9+6 because if it was written out as 10+5, it would be the same as reading the word Yhwh which is the hliest name of God and you can not under any circumstance utter this name because it is holy. Oh, that we had such reverance!

MONDAY: I'm Just Overwhelmed!

Today has been an amazing day. Started out watching the sunrise on the Sea of Galilee on a balcony just outside my hotel door. As I sat watching the mountain range waiting for the sun to crest, I realized there was a flock of birds in trees next to me. And they were all a-flutter. The closer the sun got to the cresting, the more excited and louder they got. Then just as the sunrise came over, they got quiet. Like they were in awe. For about a minute, they remained silent. Even the birds seemed to recognize His majesty. Very cool moment!

Then went to the Mt of Beatitudes. Then a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee which is really just a big lake. Again, felt very at home . . . boats and water, what more could an East Coast girl want!! As we were getting on the boat, the boaters were directing us to back of the boat. So as I came aboard, I asked if I could go to the bow to take some pictures. The captain just looked at me and said no. I laughed and asked could I since I know it's called the bow?? He snickered and said the answer is still no. Had some sweet moments on board as we talked about how storms can come on all of a sudden and talked about the objects of our fears. when we are consumed by the circumsances, it's easy to get lost in the storm. But when you change the object of your fear to the One who can take care of the fear, the storm doesn't seem so bad.

While enjoying the peace of boat ride, had some sweet moments of just catching up with my friend, Carey. As I mentioned before, we used to work together and now continue the honor of being a part of their family. Carey and I have been on several international trips together (while working together). I am so excited to share this journeywith he and his wife, Amy.

Then made a trip to a cave on the side of the mountain where Jesus could have taught. It was beauitful. Crazy hiking (not far but lots of rocks :-) to get there but we've got some incredible men on the trip who have servants hearts and have been helping us "unsure" women make our way through the trail.

Next, on our way to the Jordan River. I've been looking forward to this baptism time for months. As I was changing into my swimsuit and robe, I just began to cry. This is the first moment that I stopped to really, really realize that God had really brought me to this place. Nothing I did. This was it. Then to be able to have my friend baptized me who is also a Spritual giant in my life, well, it was just a precious moment that I can't imagine ever forgetting. Obviously being intricately woven into each other's lives, God gave him the exact words that I know beyond doubt were Spirit-led to be prayed over me. Again, just overwhelming.

Just before we were baptized, our Messianic Rabbi, Baruch, who travels with the tour and teaches, spoke about baptism. One of the statements he made was that emersion causes change. In order to have faith to change (and allow God to change you), faith comes from obeying. We hear the word given, faith is the verb once we've heard and we, in response, obey.

That's what this trip is for me. An act of obedience. When everything said no, God said yes. When physically I didn't think I could do it, He allowed the surgery to be early enough to be able to heal. When financially I knew there was no way, He provided in ways that still just astound me. When in my mind, I just wasn't sure if it was my turn to experience this, He spoke in overwhelming ways and confirmed again, "it's time to go". So in obedience, I'm here. I'm making my statement of faith. Enough of my will. I'm laying it down and now look at me. I'm blogging from a patio looking over the Sea of Galilee.

Overwhelming is the word for this trip. Just overwhelming.

SUNDAY: Here We Go!

Savior, it's Day 1 and here we are. You and me. On Your turf. Where You walked. Your homeland. Your promised You would bring me and here we are! It really is more than my mind can wrap around. I am walking through Your land of promise. Thank You for all You did while You were here so that I can walk on this land in freedom.

Left Joppa (Tel Aviv) today and headed north to Caesarea Maritima (by the sea). Right on the Med. Huge rocks with waves crashing. Wow. My thoughts immediately went to the song, "Shout to the Lord all the earth, let us sing. Power and majesty, praise to the King. Mountains bow down and the seas will roar at the sound of Your name." The seas really do roar. And to think they are repeating His name. Wooooooow!!

Then we headed to Megiddo. This valley is amazing. It is absolutely enormous. In Revelation, John talks of the final battle on Earth when the fighting will be so bad that this valley will be filled with blood up to a horse's bridle. People, I'm telling you, I had no idea how huge this valley is. It is gigantic. The amount of blood that it will take to do this, it's just incomprehensible. It just really is! But God has extended grace in order to establish relationship with His chosen people. He is going to fight for Truth!! "Worthy is the Lamb seated on the throne. We crown You now with many crowns for You reign victorious."

Funny sidebar: So I go all the way to Israel and in the group that I'm a part of, lo and behold, a fellow Baltimore Orioles fan. See, you can pick them out of a crowd really because there are not many of us who will admit it much less wear emblems to declare our loyalty to the whole world. Those of us who are, well, we are die-hard fans, regardless of the season. We always sing the National Anthem the same... O say can you see... O say does that star spangled banner... like I said, we are die-hard. So I'm on the bus and on walks Steve and his wife, Amy. And Steve has an O's shirt on. We share our O's heritage and laugh that Amy and I graduated within 20 mins of each other. [Cue It's A Small World After All music]

SATURDAY: We Made It

Well, it's 4am local time and my body clock is all off! We got in about 5pm Saturday and after a minor detain time with one of our group members who is walking in freedom from Islam but her heritage follows her wherever she goes (but just questions . . . no removing of clothes this time!), we began to make our way to Joppa (Tel Aviv). There are so many things to be thankful for . . . everyone's luggage arrived . . . a beautiful tour bus to ride to our various destinations . . . amazing friends to share this journey with . . . so many things!

We are in a beautiful hotel for tonight right on the Mediterranean. One more sea checked on my list. One of my goals in life is to see how many major bodies of water I can get my feet in. One more down. I can't wait to see what it looks like. It was already dark when we got here so there's no way to tell. But the waves remind me of the gulf.

My room is right on the water (thanks for lavishing me with that little blessing, Savior!) It's still dark (because like I said, it's 4am Sunday). A group of us went walking last night on the beach. I always feel the safest and the most relaxed by the sea. So after a long, cramped, overseas plane ride, walking on the beach was exactly what I needed (again, love lavished).

Then came back and got a shower and settled in for the evening. I apparently went to bed too early because me body clock is all off. 4am and wide awake. Not good, but thankful that I was able to get online wirelessly and update everyone who's following along.

This trip is going to be amazing. It hit me last night as I was preparing for bed and reading a bit of my Bible, I am in His homeland reading His words. It really is just overwelming. I am just so thankful that I get to experience it.

Well, off to Caesarea Maritima, Mt Carmel, Nazareth tomorrow to end up by the Sea of Galilee. Going to be a great day. REALLY looking forward to seeing the sunrise on the Galilee. Wow. I really am here!

More soon . . .