Wow, I've been home now for 3 weeks and looking back at our recent trip to Israel I realize more and more that I miss it!
I love sharing with family and friends when they get to travel with us. The fun spots like the Mediterranean Sea, the fish dinner at the Sea of Galilee and all the sites that bring this land to life!
I get horrendously teased for knowing where the good places are to shop, but really, don't you think that somebody ought to be there for you if you're going for the first time? It has been my pleasure to search out and research those most important places to find things like, date honey, good books, jewelry, Ahava creams, prayer shawls, and other important items that you need to find before you come home!
You have to have some of those great things to help you remember that you've been there and sometimes you need a gift or two. But, really, it isn't all about shopping with me. I do love the insights that happen when you least expect them. It seems that every day holds a new and breathtaking encounter with the Lord.
The Sea of Galilee with its' tranquility and quiet majesty. I know why Jesus loved this area. He could walk and think and pray with the beauty of His Father being displayed everywhere. The Mount of Beatitudes is extraordinary beautiful. The view overlooking the Sea is clearly one of my favorite places.
But this last trip took me on another journey - to the places people worship. I watched in Bethlehem, in Jerusalem and at several places where people gather to worship and I wondered - does it make any difference in their lives? Did they meet the Lord and did He speak to their hearts? Worship looked old and decaying at some sites, and others were so ornamented and glossy that it reeked of arrogance and pride. And what about the people? I wondered that if we are so caught up with the places that we forgot that Jesus came to save people, what are we worshiping?
Just some thoughts from one who watches. . .
I love sharing with family and friends when they get to travel with us. The fun spots like the Mediterranean Sea, the fish dinner at the Sea of Galilee and all the sites that bring this land to life!
I get horrendously teased for knowing where the good places are to shop, but really, don't you think that somebody ought to be there for you if you're going for the first time? It has been my pleasure to search out and research those most important places to find things like, date honey, good books, jewelry, Ahava creams, prayer shawls, and other important items that you need to find before you come home!
You have to have some of those great things to help you remember that you've been there and sometimes you need a gift or two. But, really, it isn't all about shopping with me. I do love the insights that happen when you least expect them. It seems that every day holds a new and breathtaking encounter with the Lord.
The Sea of Galilee with its' tranquility and quiet majesty. I know why Jesus loved this area. He could walk and think and pray with the beauty of His Father being displayed everywhere. The Mount of Beatitudes is extraordinary beautiful. The view overlooking the Sea is clearly one of my favorite places.
But this last trip took me on another journey - to the places people worship. I watched in Bethlehem, in Jerusalem and at several places where people gather to worship and I wondered - does it make any difference in their lives? Did they meet the Lord and did He speak to their hearts? Worship looked old and decaying at some sites, and others were so ornamented and glossy that it reeked of arrogance and pride. And what about the people? I wondered that if we are so caught up with the places that we forgot that Jesus came to save people, what are we worshiping?
Just some thoughts from one who watches. . .