April 12, 2014 Israel Borders

Israel isn't a huge area.  You can go from one end to the other a couple of hours.  One can't compare it to Canada.  In Canada when we see a boarder we don't run scared.  We don't fear.
 
While we were in Israel we were able to see the boarders.  In this picture you can see a gravel road.  This gravel road is the Israel patrol road.  On the other side of that road is Lebanon.  Lebanon has never liked Israel.  And the hill in the back ground is where Syria is.  And the tallest mountain is owned partially by Syria and the other Israel.  In the winter this is Israel's ski hill.  Well, it is their ski hill down the one side.  one won't want to go down the other side!!

Where I took this picture we prayed for the protection of Israel.  After this we went for a ride on our bus.  Because we had some extra time they took us up to another boarder lookout.  While going there we drove by a military area.  Seen close to 30 tanks.  And fences with nice warning signs indicating that there were active land mines beyond this.  It was this moment I realised that Israel is always in a state of defence.

April 9, 2014: River Jordan

While I was in Israel I was able to go and see the River Jordan.  Now, I don't know about you but I always pictured this massive, flowing river.  I have to tip my hat because the tour guides did warn us.  It isn't this huge river.  As you can see from the picture, this is true.

However, even though the river wasn't huge it comes with lots of historical importance.  This is where John baptised Jesus.  WOW!!  Jesus was in these waters!!

When we were here we able to choose to either be baptised...or re-baptised.  Or we could get sprinkled with water and it be more of a renewal of our baptism.  I decided to have just the sprinkling as I have already been baptised.  For me, this is one of my favourite moments.  I felt so connected.  I felt so free.  I felt so redeemed.

April 6, 2014: Day 2 in Israel

Thought I would share my trip that I just went on in March.  The first full day of touring one of the stops was at Caesarea.  In this picture, there has been evidence found that this is where King Herod's Place stood.  Of course, the Mediterranean Sea has come up around it now.  But amazing.

The sea was an amazing colour.  It was a really windy day.  I could have used more time here however because it was the start of Sabbath we had to hurry here before the gates closed.  Being the first full day of touring I realised this wasn't going to be a relaxing adventure.

April 4, 2014: Memories

Memories....some are good and some are not.  Some make us smile and some make us cry.  Some bring a bounce to our step and some make us go to our knees in prayer.

Looking back at my life I have felt everyone of these emotions at various degrees.  I have felt some highest highs and some lowest lows.  But through it all, God has had His hand on my life.

Travelling to Israel was one of my highs but it was also one of my mediocre moments.  It was a highlight because I got to walk were Jesus walked.  Where He prayed.  Where He wept.  Where He died for our sins.  Where He rose.  And where He ascended.  But travelling alone wasn't my favorite.  I missed my family and good friends.

College experience, new job, first car, first home, and family time etc...have all been great experiences. Breaking up, losing loved ones, disagreements, and hurt word etc....have been some not so great experiences.  But through it all...I can say God has protected and loved me and my family through all these moments.  These moments have allowed us to grow closer to God.  And has also allowed us to get to know ourselves more.  Going through these situations we become more loving, more forgiving, more gracious, more aware, and more like Him.

April 3, 2014: Israel...Caesarea

Okay, so it has been a long time!!!!  And there are a few reasons for that....

First...Life!  Life sometimes gets a little busy for us and we are just trying to get it all done.  But something has to give and apparently it was this blog!!

Second...Relationships!  It hasn't been an easy couple of months.  The 'man' I had mentioned in some past blogs and myself thought it was best we moved on with our lives.  We were on two very different paths and every day together gave me more understanding that it wasn't going to work.  

Third, Work!!  Work has been crazy with year end and budget!  Work is busy enough on a normal week let alone when you start adding various, stressful projects.

Fourth, Traveling!  Traveling has a way of tiring someone out.  Don't get me wrong, won't trade my trip to Israel for anything however, I would take a week off after...Jetleg sucks and I didn't fair so well trying to go right back to work.

So, I have decided to make no promises on how many blogs I am going to try to do.  I am just going to enjoy writing them when the time permits and I have inspiration on my heart.