Holy Land Day 7

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This day started earlier, as we were headed to the lowest area on Earth..The Dead Sea, which is 1200 feet below sea level. On the way, we passed by the city of Jericho. Jericho's distinction, other than the stories we know about from the Bible, is that it is the oldest inhabited city in the world. It has been inhabited by someone from over 7,000 years ago through present day. Next visit, I hope we will be able to stop in Jericho.

Then, we proceeded to the farthest point, the historical site called Masada. This place is a disconnected mountain with only two ways up..the winding snake path, and a cable car. We took the cable car!! At the top, you will find ruins of another fabulous palace built by Herod. This would have been a home used in the winter to protect his family from his many enemies.

Masada, however has a much more interesting story. Seems that over 900 Zealots from Jerusalem and surrounding areas made their last stand against Rome in 73 AD. They escaped Jerusalem and made their way to this isolated and protected fortress, which had been a well designed palace, complete with an intricate water system, large cisterns, storerooms, and supplies.
With only one way up the mountain, they were able to spend months, if not years, keeping the large Roman Legion who followed them there at bay. The story is told that when the Romans finally completed a "ramp" which breached the fortress, the group decided to draw lots; fathers would kill their own families, and 11 men would take care of the rest. They did not want to become slaves and decided that dying would be a better answer.
The Isareli Army, today, still gives their oath of service on the top of Masada. The oath basically says that they will fight to the death, so that they will never become slaves to anyone again. Patrick Henry must have even heard about Masada...

We left Masada and headed for Qumeran. This is the location of the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Imagine a Bedouin shepherd, tossing a stone into a cave, hearing a breaking sound, and discovering the scrolls. Thankfully he took them to the shoemaker I described earlier, who knew what to do. The Isaiah scroll was found almost completely intact. Note to self...on our day off tomorrow, we will go to the museum which houses the scrolls.

Finally, many of our Pilgrims got to float in the Dead Sea. Andie was not one of them, but Dean just had to get his swimmer self in that salt water. The Dead Sea has no life, because it is around 33% salt. It was the first time I have seen Dean float, and his feet were not under water. There are 28 other minerals in the sea, and even Cleoptra noticed the skin secrets in these minerals. There are still products produced today that are in great demand from the Dead Sea...yes, I did get a lovely Lavender Scrub. Dean says I have to carry and pack that 8 pound jar of salt!!

Though this day was hot, and we were in the lowest of lows, once more, the learning continued. I loved the story of Masada, and completely understood why a young man was having his Bar Mitzvah at the top of this intiguing mountain.

We passed  many Bedouin villages on our way back to Jerusalem.

They live such an austere existence...

Holy Land Day 6 Jerusalem

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The "old city" is divided into three sections...a small Christian section,
the Jewish section, and the Muslim section, which houses the beautiful Dome of the Rock.

We began this day at the West Wall of Herod's Temple...at least what is left of this magnificent temple. You know this better as The "Wailing Wall" or the Jews' Holy of Holies. Immediately the ladies separate from the men and each pray and tuck prayers into crevices in the wall.

Though the Israeli control this land, the Muslims hold the prominent structures atop the uppermost part of the area. One is a mosque left when the Crusaders were driven out of Jerusalem. This left many questions as to what happened to the Ark of the Covenant. Non- Muslims are not even able to visit the Mosque at this time.

Neither is any non Muslim able to enter the Dome of the Rock. This beautiful sctructure is not a mosque, but a Muslim Holy Place that commemorates where Abraham ascended into Heaven. Jews also recognize this place as where Abraham was to sacrifice Isaac, and the large rock is covered by this structure. They are saying that next year, the Dome will open its doors to visitors.

From there, we walked to the Pools of Bethesda, which have long since been dry. In Jesus' time it was a large spring area and pools for cleaning of animals, purification for people, and healing waters for the sick. This is where Jesus performed the Miracle of healing the man who had been afflicted for over 38 years. Here, at this site, Pastor Sydney annointed those of us who were asking for healing for ourselves and others. During the annointing 3 Nigerians walked up to Dean and asked if they could also be annointed by our Pastor...what a moment for all of us...especially, Dean. I believe this was his God moment on this trip.

We went into St. Anne's Church, to sing like angels. I have never heard acoustics like that place. After a visit down into the ancient pools, and ruins of the church that once covered them...it was on to the Via Dolorosa.

We passed the Triumphal Arch which has been completely sealed by the Muslims, and by St. Stephen's Gate, which was the site of the stoning of Stephen. Through this smaller gate, the Christians of today can enter the city on during their Palm Sunday celebrations.

Then, it was the Via Dolorosa, or at least where we are to remember His walk. I must admit, that the narrow road could definitely have been the path, but it was so hard to continue remembering, because of the noise of the Muslim marketplace, and the extravagances of the churches that cover the spots. The Holy Sepulchchre Church housed the stone that was supposed to be the one where they laid Jesus, when he was taken from the cross. It is annointed each day with oil, and can be touched and prayed over by visitors.

When we arrived at the Garden Tomb, it was easier to visualize this spot as Golgotha. It would have faced the Damascus Road, which would have been extremely busy at that time. The Romans would have wanted the crucifixions to be very visible, and this place would suffice, plus the mountain resembled a skull.

Also, the garden tomb was the right distance away. With the existence of the wine press, and a large cistern, the "working" garden (vineyard) could point to this being the actual tomb. We held communion there, and meditated in this beautiful spot.

The most memorable moments of today came at the Pools of Bethesda. Jesus asks us, "Are you ready to be healed?" Well...are we? Are we ready to leave behind the things that hold us to this world? All we have to do is say.."Heal me, Lord"...He will, and our lives will never be the same, again.

Holy Land Day 5

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Pictures will tell the story.

Important thing learned today..3 major religions view the Mount of Olives as the beginning of the last days:
Christians believe that Jesus will appear here the second time.
Jews believe that the Messiah will come the first time.
Muslims believe that Mohammed will appear here.

My Father let this cup pass from me...Yet not my will but Thine be done.

Holy Land Day 4

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I will not be able to come up with enough words to express the overwhelming emotions we are feeling as we continue our tour. Plus, we continue to read more and more scripture, hearing the traditions, which help us to understand even more about this place...

We began the day in Cana of Galilee...you know the story. The site of Jesus' first miracle was at the wedding, probably of one of his relatives, as he was approached by his mother to handle the problem of not enough wine.

Six couples renewed their vows in this place. I must admit that after 40 years of being married to Dean, I have never felt any more blessed, than to be able to repeat that I would love and cherish him...forever.

We then left Galilee, drove the hills of Samaria and into the hills of Judea. We stopped in Nazareth and visited many churches and museums. Churches are generally built over or near the sites that are believed to be important places in the life of Jesus. Nazareth was no different. We visited Mary's Grotto (her home as a child), where Gabriel informed her of her future. Artifacts and even ancient grafitti (Carvings in the stones) are all ways that archeologists make these sites a probable match. The huge Church of the Anunciation is the largest church in the Middle East. It's property covers (literally) most of the village of Nazareth. Excavation, continues, and we visited what could have been Jesus' childhood home after the family's return from Egypt.

We piled back on the bus and headed for Jerusalem. Jerusalem, the capital city of Israel is HUGE!!! 1 million residents..80% Jewish and 20% Muslim (holding Israeli passports). We decided to go on to Bethlehem for a lunch and a short shopping opportunity, before returning to our hotel in Jerusalem. There is a border complete with soldiers and guns at the checkpoint...one way in..one way out. You leave the beauty and affluence of Jerusalem to enter the poverty of Bethlehem. The unemployment stands between 30 and 40%. Sam has Christian friends who have a great sandwich shop (The Christmas Tree??), where I had my second delicious Falafel. Then Bassam and Sam have friends who operate a shop specializing in jewelry and olive wood carvings.

After the shopping, we were greeted by independent entrepreneurs, ladened with bags and shawls and beads and fluffy camels and flutes. Though they were not allowed to enter the bus, they would pass their bargains up to one of the riders, and we would sell for them. What a hoot...We ended up with more wonderful bargains, which we of course, did not need...

As we crossed back over the border to Jerusalem, two young, smiling, gun toting soldiers glanced at our passports and we got to go on to our hotel.

The lessons remembered from today?? They come from Cana and Jesus' first miracle. The guests who came late to the wedding feast received the very best wine..not the tradition. The message? It is never too late to accept Jesus' amazing love and grace...you will still get the very BEST!

Holy Land Day 3

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Holy Land Tour Day 3 June 20, 2010

What an absolutely amazing day...It began with a ride on a boat to the middle of The Sea of Galilee. At first we noticed someone swimming in the Sea. I said, " Well we certainly know who that is NOT!" Then Dean replied, "Hello, Peter " :)

On the way, we sang the Star Spangled Banner, as the crew raised the flag. Our Israeli crew stated the quote we have been hearing, "Do not worry America, Israel is behind you."

We sang hymns, Pastor Sydney Tomkins preached, and the services culminated with the spreading of a dear lady's ashes on the Sea of Galilee. I am sure she was there to comfort her friends, as was my Mama as we sang "How Great Thou Art". When I closed my eyes, I could imagine our Savior walking right up to me, taking my hand and pulling me up from the depths of my doubts...just as Peter's faith allowed him to walk with Jesus, his doubts allowed him to sink. It is the same with me...this is such a journey.

As we landed on the opposite side of The Sea of Galilee, we arrived at the city of Magdala, where Jesus first met and saved Mary Magdalene from stoning. Sam, our guide, explained the Kibbutz that operated the businesses at this spot. These "communes" were given land to develop and not charged with taxes. Of course, if they begin to be too successful, trouble arises and now, tax exemptions are being battled over.

Our bus climbed the next mountain to the Mountain of the Beatitudes. This is definitely the site of the Sermon on the Mount, in which Jesus introduced the beatitudes. We had another scripture lesson at this beautiful spot and visited the church that sits as a reminder of this important moment in Jesus' ministry. Of course, I had to re-visualize this sermon, because I had a picture of Jesus at the top speaking down to the throngs of followers. Actually, the opposite was probably true. As we learned in Caesare, water acts as an amplification for sound. Jesus probably stood on the shore and spoke UP to the people. Anyway, praying and meditating in the spot where Jesus, Himself, spent time alone in prayer with the Father...an awesome way to spend Father's Day.

We traveled down the hill and stopped at the church that is located on the site where Jesus fixed breakfast for his disciples after His resurrection. This was also the site where Jesus directed Peter to be the Rock on which His church would be built. That is why this church was built out of a rock, as you can see in the pictures. Dean and I gathered shells and stones from the Sea of Galilee. As we left, on our left, was the site where Jesus fed the 5,000 with 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread.

Then, it was back on the bus and on to Capernaum. Jesus traveled there from Nazareth, where he selected his first disciples, Andrew, Peter, James and John. He even resided in Peter's home for awhile, taught in the synagogue there, and performed many healings, including the lowering of the man through the roof of Peter's house. We observed the ruins of the synagogue and Peter's home. This was an extremely hot day, and there was little shade, so we did not remain long there.

Lunch was a little late today, but we stopped at a restaurant that was known for its St. Peter's fish. It is a delicious fish, that we call Tilapia....the same fish that Jesus' disciples caught those many years ago. The Sea of Galilee flows into and is fed by the Jordan River, and due to large water use and the diversion of water from the River Jordan, in Jordan, and the shortage of rain, it has receded far from the shores in Jesus' time. It is also summer here, and there will be no rain until December.

Finally, it was time to actually visit the River Jordan, and those pilgrims who wished to do so, rededicated their baptisms. One young man was baptized for the very first time. I cannot explain to you the emotions we were feeling as we were immersed...yes, my Baptist friends and family, IMMERSED in the Jordan River. This was the perfect ending to a most perfect day.

Now, we are back at the hotel, wishing that we had more time here in the places where Jesus spent His last three years on earth. Just riding on the Sea of Galilee and seeing all the important places we have read about, visiting the sites of many of His miracles and important teachings, reviewing the scriptures, praying where Jesus prayed, well the old hymn means so much more than ever before.."I walked today where Jesus walked and felt Him close to me."

Holy Land Tour Day 2

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Day Two started out in Caesare. This city was built in 22 BC by Herod the Great in honor of Augustus Caesar. The harbor had to be "built" as there was no deep water. Herod devised a way to build walls "under the sea", and the city flourished. It is midway between the trade routes of Damascus and Egypt. The Crusaders also "used" Caesare, after the Roman Empire fell, and many earthquakes, and conquerors put an end to this city's importance, not to mention destroying its man made harbor.

The amphitheater, hippodrome, and aqueducts are the large remaining structures. The amphitheater has been refurbished, and in good weather, is used as the ancients did..concerts, rallys, etc.

We saw the courtyard where Paul appealed to Agrippa, as to why he was being arrested, and what he had done. Since Paul was a Roman citizen, he left for Rome from Caesare and was beheaded for his "crimes". Roman citizens were killed quickly, so as not to suffer.

The aqueducts were built to bring water from Mount Carmel (10 miles)and we got a good look at them on Caesare Beach. Many people were spending their Shabatt enjoying the beautiful blue waters of the Mediterranean.

We then traveled to Mount Carmel, where we visited the City of Haiffa and the beautiful Bahi'a Gardens. We also visited a small church called Stella Mares. The supposed site of Elijah's Cave is in this church, surrounded by beautiful adornments commemorating Elijah's important roles as a prophet. It is believed this is the cave in which he hid after challenging, defeating, and then killing the prophets of Baal on the top of Mount Carmel.

We had lunch at a little "cafe" nearby. The Falafel was excellent!!

As we left Haiffa, Sam told us about the Hezbollah missiles that actually landed in this city. We saw the restored house that had been completely destroyed.

It was then a short trip to the Jezreel Valley and the ancient city of Meggido. This city had a 7000 year history of human settlements..26 to be exact. Each one was built on top of the other. A few layers have been uncovered, and excavations continue on. This place was fascinating, and I would love to visit again and spend more time. As you stand atop the city, and view the Jezreel Valley, you can understand why John's revelation saw this as the site for the final battle of Armeggedon. Here is this valley surrounded by Mount Carmel, where Elijah fought the prophets of Baal, the mountains of Samaria, Mount Tabor, where Jesus went through His Transfiguration, and the mountains of Nazareth.

It was almost my Armeggedon, when we had to walk down 186 steps to the springs, and then back up 80 some steps to the top....PHEW!!!

Back on the bus we went for our trip to Tiberius and the Sea of Galilee. We checked into our hotel which is right on the Sea, which really is more of a very large lake, fed by the Jordan River.

After another wonderful dinner, we have retired to our room, ready to embark on a wonderful day revisiting some of Jesus' miracles, teachings, and the calling of the first twelve disciples. Until tomorrow....

Holy Land Day 1

Holy Land Tour Day 1                   

Though we arrived late in Atlanta, we made our connections to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv.

There were many, many children on this flight, leaving at 10:30 PM for an 11 hour flight, which arrived in Tel Aviv at 5:30 PM. After a short ride we arrived at our hotel, The Blue Bay which sits directly above the Mediterranean in Netanya. The sunset was stunning as was the dinner buffet.

The hotel accommodates the orthodox Jews at the opening of their Shabbat. Religious ceremonies were held and they joined us in the buffet, for traditional prayers and celebration. On an interesting note, since this is their Sabbath, no work can be done, even the pushing of elevator buttons. Sooo there is an elevator designated as the Shabbat elevator..if it is on the ground floor you get on and it stops at every floor going up, then reversed going down.

We met our tour guide Sam, and our bus driver Bassam. They are delightful. Sam is a young Christian Israeli who lives in Jerusalem. He is knowledgeable, scriptural, and spiritually prepared for his job. We are so looking forward to tomorrow, as we track the Mediterranean Sea northward to Caesarea, Mount Carmel, Meggido, and ending up in Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee.

Key Spots today:

1. Lod - the Airport

2. Tel Aviv- Israel's commerce center and largest city

3. Joppa (Jaffa)- Jonah's seaport to the whale, and

the harbor where Solomon received the Cedars

of Lebanon for the temple.

The Holy Land

Dean and I are joining 30 more pilgrims from Pasadena Community Church to tour the Holy Land.

We leave today from Tampa. We will land in Tel Aviv, journey north to Tiberias and then south to Jerusalem during our 10 day stay. I will edit this blog as we go, and try to include pictures.

We can hardly wait to walk in the steps of Jesus and His disciples... until tomorrow.

Red Man

Here is our Big  Red.

When we first came to Monticello and this beautiful property, we decided that like the Cartwright's, we NEEDED horses. Margaret already had her Sunny, so Dean and I went about looking for our horses. I got the cutest little Paint, and named him Jazzy. Dean decided on Big Red, a Tennesee Walker, who was around 14 years old.

It did not take long for Red to endear himself to his new owner. While Dean and I were riding the property one sunny fall day in 2001, I was thrown from that cute little paint and lay lifeless on the ground. Dean was panicked, when I was not breathing, but as soon as I began breathing, he knew that just yelling in the middle of the pasture was not going to get me any medical help. Red was standing calmy by. Dean only had to give him the simplest "nudge", and off he galloped, taking Dean to the cabin to get help from none other than the Orkin man!! After this mishap, we returned the cute little paint, and chose a more reliable horse.. Salty.

Needless to say, we developed a great confidence in our big red horse, after this experience.

Red became a favorite with the grandchildren, because he loved to be groomed by all the tiny hands. Each grandchild rode him, except for Ellie. She did sit on his back, but was a little nervous about striding out on this big boy!! One year, Ruthie and Rusty rode double on the big red horse.

He and Sunny and Salty became the closest of friends. They stood in the shade during the hot summers and frolicked during the cooler months.  Then, a new friend was added, when Woolly Bully, the donkey, joined the crew. Our "Men on Hooves" continued enjoying each other and their world.

Now, Red Man is short term, due to his liver problems. Big Red will remain long term in our hearts.