Bethlehem
Bethlehem was not on our original itinerary. We were able to schedule this on our ‘free’ day as an option. Aaron had been in contact with Alycia Wood from our church, who has friends at the Bethlehem Bible College and so most of our group took advantage of the opportunity to go. Bethlehem means ‘house of bread’. My initial brief history lesson for the day was to learn about the Oslo agreement in 1992. This agreement stated that there would be no new Israeli settlements. In 1996 a new Israeli settlement was started on the West Bank. This used to be Palestinian land before the UN dictated otherwise in 1967. The ongoing tension has a physical manifestation in barbed wire, electric fence, sand, more electric fence, and more barbed wire. Also surrounding the border of Bethlehem you could not miss the huge concrete wall that now separates Palestine and Israel. The border is guarded and each vehicle is checked before admittance in either direction (although it was more stringent returning to Israel). Without the proper authorization from the government you may not cross.
In contrast, the first site we visited once in Bethlehem was a peaceful place called Bet-sa-ul. Betsaul means ‘house of night’, and was probably named for the shepherds that lived here. You could see the rolling hills where shepherds would have kept watch at night. This particular area has a much higher percentage of Christians- about 80% of the only 2% in all of Bethlehem. As we overlooked the shepherd’s fields we talked about a particular lowly shepherd. Shepherds were considered unclean because they worked with animals. Because they lived with the sheep they probably also smelled a bit like animals. It was a good reminder of the lowly beginnings of David who would later become King. Also at Jesus’ birth the shepherds (the lowly of the society) were given the first announcement.
Aaron pointed us to 1 Samuel where Israel was asking for a King so they could be like the other nations. As Saul is anointed, he looks the part (chapter 9). He is tall, strong, a warrior. This is the kind of king the people want. However we see God directing Samuel to Bethlehem to find David (chapter 16). When Jesse sees this important prophet he throws a party and invites all of his sons, except David. His own father did not think he would be worth inviting to the party. But then- one of my favorite verses 16:7- The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart. David did not meet the expectations people had for a king, later Jesus would not meet the expectations people had for a messiah.
There was also a cave here that demonstrated how many of the people in Old Testament time would have live. It was explained that most families dwelt in one space with an area on the side of the cave for the animals for safety. If you had enough money you would build another room on top an “upper room”. When a woman gave birth she was considered unclean (40 days for a boy, 80 days for a girl). With Mary’s upcoming delivery, she would not have been able to stay in an upper room with other people so she would have been housed in the deepest part of the cave.
Church of the Nativity
This is the oldest church in the holy land. When Christianity was declared the official religion of Rome, Helena, the mother of the emperor, came to designate the significant places of Jesus’ life. This church was originally built in 326-339 AD, designed as a basilica (a design for a king). It was built on top of the cave where Jesus was possibly born. In 614 AD when the Persians came through, they destroyed every church except this one. There was a mosaic in front of the 3 wise men and the infant. Since the wise men appeared to be Persian, the church was spared. Cedars of Lebanon were added along with mosaics around 1000 AD by the crusaders, and in the 4th century extensions were added that gave the floor a cross shape.
It might be my protestant background, or my personal taste in simplicity, but this church was over the top for me. There were elements of beauty but all cased together it was too much, to the point of being gaudy, Perhaps it was the irony of knowing that Jesus, the King of Kings, was born a lowly humble birth to a poor family, that the surrounding opulence seemed wrong. Even going into the cave, almost the entire wall had been covered in tapestry; a marble slab was placed where perhaps he was laid. A silver star marked the floor with a gold altar type table above it, on the place he may have been born. Pictures were hung on the walls on almost every available space. For me personally I think a barren, quiet cave might have been more meaningful.
Bethlehem Bible College
This is a bible college run by 2 Arab Christians. Sixty years ago there were 15-20% of Christians in the holy land, now there is only 2 %. More than 2/3 of Palestinian Christians live outside their country. 75% of Arab Americans are Christian. The current political and economic instability prevent Christians from staying, so they are trying to combat this issue with education and opportunities. Dr. Awad started his lecture with a modern day parable, that paralleled the story of the good Samaritan: Mr. Gaza lie wounded and badly in need of help as Mr. Church and Mr. Politician passed by and discussed the issue without offering any true assistance. While I have basically grown up with this as a background issue- hearing often in Christian circles that we must support Israel, this was really the first time I have had the saga succinctly explained in a way that helped me understand the ongoing issues. Dr. Awad has lived this story on the front line so to speak. He lost his own father as a result of this war, yet he explained his mother taught him, “Never ask God why, always ask God how”. I learned for the first time that 800,000 Palestinians lost their homes in 1948. I also learned that 4 million Palestinians are still in refugee camps today in the Middle East. Other countries have not allowed them in, so they continue to be homeless. He pointed out that political pressure influences more radical religions. Taking away a person’s land, hopes, and dreams, is fertile ground for breeding terrorism. What a huge and complicated issue. How are we to be peacemakers, to encourage and hope for peace?
The Herodian
Another impressive palace Herod built for himself, and the only one named for him. Once again the palace/fortress was enormous with a massive swimming pool sitting well below the actual living area. The aqua duct system here was another engineering feat as the water was supplied from Solomon Pools four miles away. This particular day was extremely windy and you could feel the sand hitting your skin like little needle pricks. After viewing the main living areas we retreated into the tunnels. We viewed multiple water cisterns and learned that Herod was so paranoid that he would kill the servant that got water after a few days to prevent the possibility of someone poisoning the water. Herod’s tomb was found just three years ago. His tomb had contained many relics and of course his body. During his lifetime he was powerful, rich and took upon himself every indulgence of kingship- ruling over his servants, squelching any possible threats to his leadership. You can see the self-love in the opulent way in which he lived contrasted with the relatively simple lifestyle of the people at that time. Jesus on the other hand chose to serve instead of dominate. He chose love for God and others over self-love. His tomb was and is empty.
Once again we went through the wall to return to Jerusalem. How much we take our traveling, freedom and safety for granted. As the 2 soldiers came on our bus and checked passports, I was not fearful, but I did think of how out of place that would be within my home. A concrete wall that separated towns, that ended some streets, that even separated families in some situations: tangible and visual evidence of lives disrupted, economic instability, the tearing apart of community. Physical walls that perhaps were mental or emotional walls before. Political distinctions, racial distinctions, and even religious distinctions: Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Arab, Israeli, Palestinian, seem to be important labels in that place. We have our own labels and categories in this country. God help us to see a broader label- we are all God’s children.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Hezekiah’s tunnel, Pool of Siloam, Southern stairs to temple, Genesis Land, Archaeological dig, Wailing Wall
Hezekiah’s tunnel
This was another huge day! We began with a review of Hezekiah’s story found in 2 Kings. Hezekiah trusted in God. Despite having a father, Ahab, that sacrificed children to pagan gods, Hezekiah chose instead to believe in God. In 722 BC Assyrian empire is expanding, and takes out northern Israel. Their method was to capture people groups and then move them to a new place so they would be easier to control. The first time the Assyrians come to Jerusalem, Hezekiah pays tribute, but he knows that only buys time, so he begins to fortify walls and solidify the cities’ water supply by building a tunnel. Meanwhile the Assyrians have taken out all of the neighboring cities. When they return to Jerusalem, their leader gives a speech, basically saying- you depend on your God, you might as well surrender and choose life because if you don’t surrender you will die. So with 185,000 men surrounding the city, Hezekiah prays. (2 Kings 19:35) That night an angel killed the 185,000 soldiers.
The tunnel still has water running through it today. As we marched through, the opening varied in height and width, the water height varied as well from ankles to mid-thighs at it’s highest. We started out with flashlights but a little more than midway through we cut off the lights. In complete darkness we sang praises to God. I walked with one hand up to feel for the ceiling in case I needed to duck, and one hand forward to keep connection with the person in front of me. It occurred to me as I was walking, that this position parallels how I am to walk through life: blindly trusting with one hand up toward God and one hand reaching out to others.
Pool of Siloam
The tunnel emptied out into the pool of Siloam. Siloam means ‘to send’ and this place was known as the fountain of salvation. In John 9 you find the pool mentioned when Jesus put mud on a blind man’s eyes and told him to wash in the pool of Siloam. Since he was healed on the Sabbath, the Pharisees were upset and questioned both his parents and then the blind man. When questioned where Jesus is, the blind man responds, “Do you want to become a disciple too?” I can only imagine the sneer of those questioning him. He further added, “If this man was not from God he could do nothing.”
Southern Stairs to temple
Jesus walked and talked here. You could see the white washed tombs that he referred to in comparing the Pharisees. Josephus (early historian who recorded much of early Jewish history) said a million people would come here at Passover/Pentecost. Thousands would have been gathered in this area even as the disciples diligently waited on Jesus. Because of the proximate time of the Passover many of those present would have heard of his miracles, of his death and resurrection. In Acts 2 you read the birthplace of the church as Peter gives a message here, the holy spirit moves among the crowd and thousands are baptized.
Genesis Land
On the lighter side, it brought me much ‘sa-hem’ (joy) to ride a camel. The loading and unloading process combined with our camels continuous roar kept me giggling for a good 15- 20 minutes. It was of course the highlight of my pictures for all three daughters. Taylor Grace said- “You got to ride a camel? NO Fair.” If you have never heard a camel, which I never had, it is quite a loud guttural sound, there were 2 babies that were with our pack, and so the camels were quite vocal throughout our ride. Not a pretty animal, nor particularly fragrant, and to be honest not as comfortable as horseback, nonetheless looking at the size of their feet, you felt confident they would be surefooted, and it was our only option for transportation to the tent other than walking, and where’s the fun in that? As long as you lean back during the mounting and dismounting phase it’s all good.
We arrived at Abraham’s tent where they had prepared a delicious lunch for us. I had become accustomed to the ever-present hummus, grape tomatoes, and salad appetizers. I think I ate healthier while in Israel than I ever have. Abraham (by way of an actor from Australia) gave an abbreviated version of his story and explained that all of the food and herbs had been grown locally. One herb mentioned in particular was hyssop. He explained that hyssop enhanced the natural flavor of the food and was used in almost everything. I wonder how many of us enhance everything we are in…
Archaeological Dig
In 1999, 400 truckloads of dirt were dumped when the Muslims made a new entrance a courtyard near the dome of the rock. In 2005 a project was started that allowed this dirt to be sifted through: Utilizing a combination of volunteers (like us) and experts, they sift through this dirt recovering various items. Coins, weights used in the first temple period, rings, pottery shards, rings, mosaic stones, and many other historic artifacts have been recovered during this process. We were also given a brief lecture explaining the size and building of the first temple destroyed in 586 BC, the second temple destroyed in 70 AD and the current Dome of the rock built around 700 AD.
Western Wall
1 Kings 8:41-43, Solomon prays over the temple. I wasn’t sure what to expect at the western wall or if I would feel the significance. But after hearing Solomon’s prayer that God would hear our prayers, it reminded me again of the vastness of this story and the even bigger greatness of our God. I know God cannot be contained in one place but how amazing that He gives us touchstones: Places to draw near to Him, places that remind us to connect to Him. As I prayed over my husband, children and myself that we would grow in our love for God and know Him more, I became aware that millions of others have come to this very place to pray and connect to God.
This was another huge day! We began with a review of Hezekiah’s story found in 2 Kings. Hezekiah trusted in God. Despite having a father, Ahab, that sacrificed children to pagan gods, Hezekiah chose instead to believe in God. In 722 BC Assyrian empire is expanding, and takes out northern Israel. Their method was to capture people groups and then move them to a new place so they would be easier to control. The first time the Assyrians come to Jerusalem, Hezekiah pays tribute, but he knows that only buys time, so he begins to fortify walls and solidify the cities’ water supply by building a tunnel. Meanwhile the Assyrians have taken out all of the neighboring cities. When they return to Jerusalem, their leader gives a speech, basically saying- you depend on your God, you might as well surrender and choose life because if you don’t surrender you will die. So with 185,000 men surrounding the city, Hezekiah prays. (2 Kings 19:35) That night an angel killed the 185,000 soldiers.
The tunnel still has water running through it today. As we marched through, the opening varied in height and width, the water height varied as well from ankles to mid-thighs at it’s highest. We started out with flashlights but a little more than midway through we cut off the lights. In complete darkness we sang praises to God. I walked with one hand up to feel for the ceiling in case I needed to duck, and one hand forward to keep connection with the person in front of me. It occurred to me as I was walking, that this position parallels how I am to walk through life: blindly trusting with one hand up toward God and one hand reaching out to others.
Pool of Siloam
The tunnel emptied out into the pool of Siloam. Siloam means ‘to send’ and this place was known as the fountain of salvation. In John 9 you find the pool mentioned when Jesus put mud on a blind man’s eyes and told him to wash in the pool of Siloam. Since he was healed on the Sabbath, the Pharisees were upset and questioned both his parents and then the blind man. When questioned where Jesus is, the blind man responds, “Do you want to become a disciple too?” I can only imagine the sneer of those questioning him. He further added, “If this man was not from God he could do nothing.”
Southern Stairs to temple
Jesus walked and talked here. You could see the white washed tombs that he referred to in comparing the Pharisees. Josephus (early historian who recorded much of early Jewish history) said a million people would come here at Passover/Pentecost. Thousands would have been gathered in this area even as the disciples diligently waited on Jesus. Because of the proximate time of the Passover many of those present would have heard of his miracles, of his death and resurrection. In Acts 2 you read the birthplace of the church as Peter gives a message here, the holy spirit moves among the crowd and thousands are baptized.
Genesis Land
On the lighter side, it brought me much ‘sa-hem’ (joy) to ride a camel. The loading and unloading process combined with our camels continuous roar kept me giggling for a good 15- 20 minutes. It was of course the highlight of my pictures for all three daughters. Taylor Grace said- “You got to ride a camel? NO Fair.” If you have never heard a camel, which I never had, it is quite a loud guttural sound, there were 2 babies that were with our pack, and so the camels were quite vocal throughout our ride. Not a pretty animal, nor particularly fragrant, and to be honest not as comfortable as horseback, nonetheless looking at the size of their feet, you felt confident they would be surefooted, and it was our only option for transportation to the tent other than walking, and where’s the fun in that? As long as you lean back during the mounting and dismounting phase it’s all good.
We arrived at Abraham’s tent where they had prepared a delicious lunch for us. I had become accustomed to the ever-present hummus, grape tomatoes, and salad appetizers. I think I ate healthier while in Israel than I ever have. Abraham (by way of an actor from Australia) gave an abbreviated version of his story and explained that all of the food and herbs had been grown locally. One herb mentioned in particular was hyssop. He explained that hyssop enhanced the natural flavor of the food and was used in almost everything. I wonder how many of us enhance everything we are in…
Archaeological Dig
In 1999, 400 truckloads of dirt were dumped when the Muslims made a new entrance a courtyard near the dome of the rock. In 2005 a project was started that allowed this dirt to be sifted through: Utilizing a combination of volunteers (like us) and experts, they sift through this dirt recovering various items. Coins, weights used in the first temple period, rings, pottery shards, rings, mosaic stones, and many other historic artifacts have been recovered during this process. We were also given a brief lecture explaining the size and building of the first temple destroyed in 586 BC, the second temple destroyed in 70 AD and the current Dome of the rock built around 700 AD.
Western Wall
1 Kings 8:41-43, Solomon prays over the temple. I wasn’t sure what to expect at the western wall or if I would feel the significance. But after hearing Solomon’s prayer that God would hear our prayers, it reminded me again of the vastness of this story and the even bigger greatness of our God. I know God cannot be contained in one place but how amazing that He gives us touchstones: Places to draw near to Him, places that remind us to connect to Him. As I prayed over my husband, children and myself that we would grow in our love for God and know Him more, I became aware that millions of others have come to this very place to pray and connect to God.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Masada, En Gedi, Qumran, Dead Sea
Masada
Masada started with a beautiful ride up in a sky bucket. It was hard to envision how this fortress was made in the middle of the desert at the top of a mountain, but once again Herod was an ingenious builder (while also a paranoid jerk). You could see the bathhouses again, even decorated with fresco, which means he would have brought in talented artisans from all over to finish his buildings. The aqueducts and water cisterns allowed for rainwater to be collected and stored. The natural terrain gave protection since the steep climb made it impossible to storm in any numbers.
Not being one to know military history, this was the first time I had heard the story of Masada. After the second temple was destroyed, many Jews fled to Masada. These were mostly zealots whose primary allegiance was to Israel. They did not want to be under Roman rule and considered death better than slavery. Rome was determined to squash the resistance completely and surrounded the mountain with eight camps. Ironically the symbol of this roman legion was the pig. It took four years for the Romans to build a ramp, which allowed them to bring up a battering ram and start breaking through the gate. During this time the Romans would have had to walk approximately 20 miles to get to fresh water. They were unable to figure out the water source for those within the fortress walls. On the last night of the standoff, when the zealots knew they could no longer hold off the invasion, they cast lots. They agreed to kill everyone inside the walls and the last remaining would commit suicide. When the Romans entered the next day, everyone inside was dead (only a woman and child survived by possibly hiding in the water cisterns).
Two things struck me at this site. One- these Jews would have been familiar with many of the stories of God working on Israel’s behalf. Over and over in the Old Testament when the leaders prayed to God, God delivered them. Yet, these men were more aligned with country than God. They relied on their own power, their own reasoning, instead of praying for God’s power. I wonder if anyone did pray? It is not mentioned as the story is retold. I wonder if it would have made a difference. Would God have shown mercy to the people at Masada if they had turned to him? Secondly- I wondered at first why the Romans did not attempt to disrupt the water flow. I wondered why they did not commandeer the cisterns for their own use and thereby force the inhabitants out. I did not realize that the only reason I could see the water storage and channels was because I was on the top of the mountain looking down. From the bottom of the mountain there was no evidence of the amazing grooves cut that allowed water to be collected and stored. Once again reminding me how limited we are in our perceptions looking up from our short existence. But there is One who is able to look down and see all.
En Gedi
I love the story of David, so I really enjoyed visiting En Gedi. Again in what feels like the midst of a desert, here are these 3 flowing waterfalls. On this particular day, they were having a heat wave in Israel. Temperatures were close to 100 degrees, which is unseasonably warm for springtime. On the rocks you could feel the heat, yet under the shade of trees or by the pools you would feel the cool mist. In the shade we spoke of David’s time here. He hid here while on the run from Saul. You could see caves dotting the landscape. One of those could have been the one where he cut off the corner of Saul’s tunic. You could understand how after hiding in these desert conditions; you would have so much appreciation for the water. I picture David in his solitude, wondering how long he would have to hide, pouring out his anguish to God in what we now read as the Psalms. Yet enjoying the shade, the sounds of running water, you could also see how he would have praised God for leading him beside still waters. How much did this time of ‘wandering’ or solitude prepare him for being King? As everything was stripped away, he had to come down to the basic fact that it was only God that mattered, only God that he could depend on, only God that was God.
From several places walking by the waterfalls, you could look and see the Dead Sea. It looked like any sea, a beautiful blue, meeting the sky on the horizon. It would have been a reasonable walk in those days to get to the water. Yet, it was a ‘mirage’ in the since that it could not be used. It looks so beautiful and appears refreshing yet the salt content is too high to quench thirst or sustain life. As I though of God describing himself as ‘living water’, it made me wonder how many people are trying to live off an inadequate source. Perhaps it looks good, but it doesn’t really satisfy.
Qumran
In 1947 copies of the scroll of Isaiah were found. These scrolls date back to 100BC. The Essenes were a strict religious sect that had moved out of Jerusalem in order to live a purer life. The significance of this find was a confirmation of the accuracy of scripture and the evidence that the prophecies made concerning Christ in Isaiah (especially chapters 52 and 53) occurred before Christ came. Archaeology confirms that there was not a ‘revisionist’ history happening here. When you read Isaiah 53 about his suffering, about Christ being pierced for our transgressions, you see the description of what will happen to Christ and it was written hundreds of years before his birth.
I am so thankful that our faith, which is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see, is also given these encouragements. We are to love God with our mind, body and soul. We can investigate and think through what it is we believe because God is truth. Thinking and being a Christian are not juxtaposed; in fact we are to study to show ourselves approved (2 Timothy). We should have a grasp of what we believe and why- not that we will ever have all the answers, but because God does. My faith does not depend on scrolls found in 1947 but it is further supported by them, (and by other archeological finds) and for that I am glad.
Dead Sea
After a hot, busy day we were transported via bus to the Dead Sea. Running short on time, the ladies decided to kick the men off the bus, close the curtains and use the bus as our changing room. You can imagine our surprise when in the middle of changing, our bus started moving. Those of us in the back did not hear the announcement, but apparently our bus was in the way, so our guide had opened the front door enough to announce- “Josi (short for Joseph) has to move the bus, he won’t look.” As the bus started rolling it was too late to do anything but finish the process that had already started. There was much giggling and comments about joining Josi’s harem, as we ducked behind bus seats and finished changing.
The Dead Sea was unlike any other water I had ever been in. As I went out deeper into the water, I felt like a bobber. I could literally stand straight up without my feet touching the bottom. You could float and spiral with no effort. Many cosmetic companies sell the minerals found in the Dead Sea as beauty treatments. So we wiped the mud on our arms, chest, back and face to enjoy the mineral benefits. I found my face burning in a short amount of time so I had to rinse fairly quickly, but the skin on my arms did feel smooth after. So although not good for drinking or washing, the Dead Sea is great for floating.
Masada started with a beautiful ride up in a sky bucket. It was hard to envision how this fortress was made in the middle of the desert at the top of a mountain, but once again Herod was an ingenious builder (while also a paranoid jerk). You could see the bathhouses again, even decorated with fresco, which means he would have brought in talented artisans from all over to finish his buildings. The aqueducts and water cisterns allowed for rainwater to be collected and stored. The natural terrain gave protection since the steep climb made it impossible to storm in any numbers.
Not being one to know military history, this was the first time I had heard the story of Masada. After the second temple was destroyed, many Jews fled to Masada. These were mostly zealots whose primary allegiance was to Israel. They did not want to be under Roman rule and considered death better than slavery. Rome was determined to squash the resistance completely and surrounded the mountain with eight camps. Ironically the symbol of this roman legion was the pig. It took four years for the Romans to build a ramp, which allowed them to bring up a battering ram and start breaking through the gate. During this time the Romans would have had to walk approximately 20 miles to get to fresh water. They were unable to figure out the water source for those within the fortress walls. On the last night of the standoff, when the zealots knew they could no longer hold off the invasion, they cast lots. They agreed to kill everyone inside the walls and the last remaining would commit suicide. When the Romans entered the next day, everyone inside was dead (only a woman and child survived by possibly hiding in the water cisterns).
Two things struck me at this site. One- these Jews would have been familiar with many of the stories of God working on Israel’s behalf. Over and over in the Old Testament when the leaders prayed to God, God delivered them. Yet, these men were more aligned with country than God. They relied on their own power, their own reasoning, instead of praying for God’s power. I wonder if anyone did pray? It is not mentioned as the story is retold. I wonder if it would have made a difference. Would God have shown mercy to the people at Masada if they had turned to him? Secondly- I wondered at first why the Romans did not attempt to disrupt the water flow. I wondered why they did not commandeer the cisterns for their own use and thereby force the inhabitants out. I did not realize that the only reason I could see the water storage and channels was because I was on the top of the mountain looking down. From the bottom of the mountain there was no evidence of the amazing grooves cut that allowed water to be collected and stored. Once again reminding me how limited we are in our perceptions looking up from our short existence. But there is One who is able to look down and see all.
En Gedi
I love the story of David, so I really enjoyed visiting En Gedi. Again in what feels like the midst of a desert, here are these 3 flowing waterfalls. On this particular day, they were having a heat wave in Israel. Temperatures were close to 100 degrees, which is unseasonably warm for springtime. On the rocks you could feel the heat, yet under the shade of trees or by the pools you would feel the cool mist. In the shade we spoke of David’s time here. He hid here while on the run from Saul. You could see caves dotting the landscape. One of those could have been the one where he cut off the corner of Saul’s tunic. You could understand how after hiding in these desert conditions; you would have so much appreciation for the water. I picture David in his solitude, wondering how long he would have to hide, pouring out his anguish to God in what we now read as the Psalms. Yet enjoying the shade, the sounds of running water, you could also see how he would have praised God for leading him beside still waters. How much did this time of ‘wandering’ or solitude prepare him for being King? As everything was stripped away, he had to come down to the basic fact that it was only God that mattered, only God that he could depend on, only God that was God.
From several places walking by the waterfalls, you could look and see the Dead Sea. It looked like any sea, a beautiful blue, meeting the sky on the horizon. It would have been a reasonable walk in those days to get to the water. Yet, it was a ‘mirage’ in the since that it could not be used. It looks so beautiful and appears refreshing yet the salt content is too high to quench thirst or sustain life. As I though of God describing himself as ‘living water’, it made me wonder how many people are trying to live off an inadequate source. Perhaps it looks good, but it doesn’t really satisfy.
Qumran
In 1947 copies of the scroll of Isaiah were found. These scrolls date back to 100BC. The Essenes were a strict religious sect that had moved out of Jerusalem in order to live a purer life. The significance of this find was a confirmation of the accuracy of scripture and the evidence that the prophecies made concerning Christ in Isaiah (especially chapters 52 and 53) occurred before Christ came. Archaeology confirms that there was not a ‘revisionist’ history happening here. When you read Isaiah 53 about his suffering, about Christ being pierced for our transgressions, you see the description of what will happen to Christ and it was written hundreds of years before his birth.
I am so thankful that our faith, which is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see, is also given these encouragements. We are to love God with our mind, body and soul. We can investigate and think through what it is we believe because God is truth. Thinking and being a Christian are not juxtaposed; in fact we are to study to show ourselves approved (2 Timothy). We should have a grasp of what we believe and why- not that we will ever have all the answers, but because God does. My faith does not depend on scrolls found in 1947 but it is further supported by them, (and by other archeological finds) and for that I am glad.
Dead Sea
After a hot, busy day we were transported via bus to the Dead Sea. Running short on time, the ladies decided to kick the men off the bus, close the curtains and use the bus as our changing room. You can imagine our surprise when in the middle of changing, our bus started moving. Those of us in the back did not hear the announcement, but apparently our bus was in the way, so our guide had opened the front door enough to announce- “Josi (short for Joseph) has to move the bus, he won’t look.” As the bus started rolling it was too late to do anything but finish the process that had already started. There was much giggling and comments about joining Josi’s harem, as we ducked behind bus seats and finished changing.
The Dead Sea was unlike any other water I had ever been in. As I went out deeper into the water, I felt like a bobber. I could literally stand straight up without my feet touching the bottom. You could float and spiral with no effort. Many cosmetic companies sell the minerals found in the Dead Sea as beauty treatments. So we wiped the mud on our arms, chest, back and face to enjoy the mineral benefits. I found my face burning in a short amount of time so I had to rinse fairly quickly, but the skin on my arms did feel smooth after. So although not good for drinking or washing, the Dead Sea is great for floating.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Day 6
Jerusalem means, “they will see peace”: Ironic name given the continuous political turmoil of the country. Jerusalem has over 70 different names including Zion, which means ‘place that is marked by God’. Jerusalem is also mentioned 700 times in the Bible. A couple of other tidbits that I found interesting: Everywhere you go in Jerusalem you can see the golden dome which is an Islamic shrine, placed on top of the dome of the rock/ Mt. Moriah. Mount Moriah is where Abraham went to sacrifice Isaac until God provided another sacrifice. This was the location of the first and second temple. Muslims believe this is the place where Abraham came to sacrifice Ishmael. I never realized that Mohammed never actually came to Mount Moriah. It is considered a sacred place for Muslims because Mohammed had a dream that he leapt from Mt. Moriah into heaven. 2000 years after Abraham this became the place where God once again provided the sacrifice through Jesus.
Our first day in Jerusalem we went to the Mount of Olives, we pictured Jesus’ entry into the city riding his donkey. A horse was used for battle, a donkey for civilian affairs. Palm branches were a ‘patriotic’ symbol used by the people to honor Jesus. Once again as the people looked for a mighty warrior, Jesus came to them humbly, choosing to be the lamb although capable of being the lion. The gate has now been concreted in as if that can somehow stop the lion from returning.
At the Garden of Gethsemane we sat at the stairs of a beautiful catholic church which overlooked a busy road, past that a Muslim cemetery, and past that the eastern gate. From this vantage point I realized for the first time, that Jesus would have seen the guards coming for him. The lands from the garden of Gethsemane sloped gently down and then back up, so you could clearly see straight to the gate. As he prayed the three times, I wonder if when he came back to wake the disciples, he saw them coming. He would have had time to get a head start, to perhaps escape, but we know he prayed “not my will but thine be done”. The area was busy and chaotic with many tourists, buses and cars honking from the street below, but as you entered in to the somber, dark sanctuary there was a reverence. As I tried to reflect on the pain he willingly and knowingly endured, the sweating of blood in the garden, the pain of betrayal, the physical agony of beating and crucifixion I was struck with my own weakness, my own inability to deserve this sacrifice made.
This same day we visited Yad Vashem (Israeli Holocaust museum), again with heavy hearts we walked through the stories of lives ripped apart, lives ended too soon, and while viewing the awful depravity of what mankind is capable of, a few glimpses of light - heroes that risked their own lives to help others. One of the first quotes I read there was “A country is defined not only by what it does, but also by what it tolerates.” As the list of countries that ignored the holocaust was shown, the personal stories were recorded and played on video; personal artifacts from those killed were also displayed. One area did commend those that worked through the underground system to get Jews to safety, but mostly this was a museum of horror and shame. The last room was called the room of names. It was a circular white room with thousands of notebooks lining the walls. Six million names, six million lives with potential, talents, skills, abilities, and relationships gone. I know that evil exists. I know we are capable of it directly, but also we must know we are capable of it indirectly when we do not stand up to injustice. As I stood in the room of names, grieving the injustice, I still knew, God knows their names.
As a little girl I remember reading Corrie Ten Boom books at my grandmother’s house. So many beautiful, amazing stories she lived through with grace and a desire to be Christ like. While at the museum I learned that she had a tree planted there in her honor. She and her sister had been involved in helping Jews, and when caught had been sent to a concentration camp. On the day that she died, her tree at the holocaust museum also died.
We also visited the Israel Museum, some of which was under renovation. We were able to see a model of the second temple, which started to give me an understanding of the size and scope of the area. We also were able to read about the Dead Sea scrolls that gave us a great introduction for our trip to Qumran the next day.
Our first day in Jerusalem we went to the Mount of Olives, we pictured Jesus’ entry into the city riding his donkey. A horse was used for battle, a donkey for civilian affairs. Palm branches were a ‘patriotic’ symbol used by the people to honor Jesus. Once again as the people looked for a mighty warrior, Jesus came to them humbly, choosing to be the lamb although capable of being the lion. The gate has now been concreted in as if that can somehow stop the lion from returning.
At the Garden of Gethsemane we sat at the stairs of a beautiful catholic church which overlooked a busy road, past that a Muslim cemetery, and past that the eastern gate. From this vantage point I realized for the first time, that Jesus would have seen the guards coming for him. The lands from the garden of Gethsemane sloped gently down and then back up, so you could clearly see straight to the gate. As he prayed the three times, I wonder if when he came back to wake the disciples, he saw them coming. He would have had time to get a head start, to perhaps escape, but we know he prayed “not my will but thine be done”. The area was busy and chaotic with many tourists, buses and cars honking from the street below, but as you entered in to the somber, dark sanctuary there was a reverence. As I tried to reflect on the pain he willingly and knowingly endured, the sweating of blood in the garden, the pain of betrayal, the physical agony of beating and crucifixion I was struck with my own weakness, my own inability to deserve this sacrifice made.
This same day we visited Yad Vashem (Israeli Holocaust museum), again with heavy hearts we walked through the stories of lives ripped apart, lives ended too soon, and while viewing the awful depravity of what mankind is capable of, a few glimpses of light - heroes that risked their own lives to help others. One of the first quotes I read there was “A country is defined not only by what it does, but also by what it tolerates.” As the list of countries that ignored the holocaust was shown, the personal stories were recorded and played on video; personal artifacts from those killed were also displayed. One area did commend those that worked through the underground system to get Jews to safety, but mostly this was a museum of horror and shame. The last room was called the room of names. It was a circular white room with thousands of notebooks lining the walls. Six million names, six million lives with potential, talents, skills, abilities, and relationships gone. I know that evil exists. I know we are capable of it directly, but also we must know we are capable of it indirectly when we do not stand up to injustice. As I stood in the room of names, grieving the injustice, I still knew, God knows their names.
As a little girl I remember reading Corrie Ten Boom books at my grandmother’s house. So many beautiful, amazing stories she lived through with grace and a desire to be Christ like. While at the museum I learned that she had a tree planted there in her honor. She and her sister had been involved in helping Jews, and when caught had been sent to a concentration camp. On the day that she died, her tree at the holocaust museum also died.
We also visited the Israel Museum, some of which was under renovation. We were able to see a model of the second temple, which started to give me an understanding of the size and scope of the area. We also were able to read about the Dead Sea scrolls that gave us a great introduction for our trip to Qumran the next day.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Day 5
We started this day at Belvore. Belvore was the remains of a crusader fortress. Looking down into the moat and walking around the once massive walls with intentional slots for arrows made me think of Lord of the Rings. This was a well-fortified fortress on the top of a mountain. There was a huge water cistern that had once served those living here. Ironically there was a vulture perched a short distance from the building. I couldn’t help but think of the death and destruction that accompanied the crusaders. The history of the crusades is not an area of my expertise, but as a lover of peace, it seems so wrong that killing would occur in the name of Christ. But all the ‘little kids’ agreed it would be a great place for a paintball battle.
Our next stop was Beit Shean. Again it was amazing to think how old this city was. This was the city where Saul and his sons were hung on the wall after they were killed. This city had been rebuilt over 20 times and became the capital of Decapolis. In the 4th and 5th century the city grew to its glory of about 40,000 and housed a mixed population of Jews, Christians, and Muslims. It was very influenced by Rome, housing a theatre, bathhouse that included a fridgedarium, a thriving market area, hippodrome and even public bathrooms (where of course we had to take a picture with appropriate reading material).
As we sat in the impressive theater, Aaron relayed a dream he had the night before. He was sitting in a big church with lots of performances going on- magicians, performers; almost a cirque de sole feel. An actress comes to his seat and whispers in his ear- “You have to play your part”. He replies “What??” Again she says, “You have to play your part.” As he starts to rise out of his seat the dream ends.
I have grown up basically in church settings and have often heard the term hypocrite. It’s become a churchy term. But when Jesus used this word, it was used in the theatre. It was the word that we today would use for actor: A person that loves applause, a person that pretends to be someone else. Matthew 6:1-18 talks about the need to do things for God and not for show, not to gain applause or get credit in the eyes of others. Matthew 23 harshly judges those that do not practice what they preach. An ongoing challenge of the church as we try to reach out, try to be relevant, trying to bring people in; are we putting on a show or glorifying God? Who is truly our audience? In the movie Gladiator there is the much-quoted line “Are you not entertained?” If our purpose is for the audience of One how would that change our service? How would it change my own worship? Even when I am singing on the worship team at church, how difficult it is to focus simply on Christ rather than how the music sounds or if my vocals are blending or if anyone in the congregation seems to be enjoying it. I know the pure heart singing for God is more blessed than perfect harmony, but also harder to obtain and sustain.
As we walked around the ruins and up onto the hilltop, it was hot, hot and dry. Almost all of the ruins we visited were hot and dry. The once filled cisterns were empty, the once filled pools and bathhouses dry. The absence of water reinforced the knowledge that this city was dead. The landscape of Israel definitely reinforced and gave new clarity to the idea of Jesus being the living water. Water that is so taken for granted here in Georgia, must be used wisely there. You can tell from the aquaducts and cisterns that water availability was incorporated into the city plans. Anywhere you find a natural spring, this barren dusty land becomes green and lush, a transformation. We visited Harod’s spring next.
Harod’s spring is the location for the story of Gideon. The closer you got to the spring, the more greenery, the more plants and flowers appeared. With large trees nearby there was much needed shade and coolness. As we looked at Judges 6, once again Israel is wandering from God. They are scattered in the mountains, threshing wheat in a winepress because they are in hiding. God speaks to Gideon and calls him “mighty warrior”. Gideon say basically- “who me? not me?”. Gideon sees what he is, but God sees what he will be. Isn’t it cool to think that God doesn’t look at us and see what we see? Makes me wonder what nickname he has for me. God then tells him to (v.25) tear down your father’s alter to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole. So Gideon sneaks about at night and does what God asks. Before God can use Gideon in even bigger ways, he has to take a stand and call God God and deny the false gods. When he is discovered his father defends him saying “Baal can defend himself”. In Chapter 7 we find Gideon now camped with 32,000 men about to wage war with the Midianites. There are 135,000 Midianites giving about 1 Israelite to every 4 Midianites- but God says to Gideon you have too many men. When given the option to leave, Gideon is left with 10,000, now it’s about 1 to 14, but God says to Gideon it is still too many. He gives a test of drinking at the spring, those who lap like dogs are sent home, those that used their hands are kept. 300 were left, 1 Israelite to 450 Midianites. It seems like pretty impossible odds. I think sometimes God wants to put us in a position that we cannot take the credit ourselves. This would have to be God’s intervention for it to be successful. I find it interesting that “harod” means fear. I wonder if those 300 felt fearful knowing they were about to face 135,000. Gideon sneaks down to the enemy camp and hears how they are having nightmares about Israel winning. Gideon comes back and praises God. He praises God even before the actual victory because he knows the victory will come through God. It reminds me that I should be more vigilant in praising God for both past victories and those to come.
We were able to end the afternoon swimming in a beautiful series of natural pools connected by waterfalls. The water was refreshing and the surroundings gorgeous. It looked like a scene out of movie, blue water, trees around the sloping hills, even the lifeguard was a former Olympic diver and did a couple of dives for us. I felt relaxed and refreshed as we boarded the bus and headed toward Jerusalem.
Our next stop was Beit Shean. Again it was amazing to think how old this city was. This was the city where Saul and his sons were hung on the wall after they were killed. This city had been rebuilt over 20 times and became the capital of Decapolis. In the 4th and 5th century the city grew to its glory of about 40,000 and housed a mixed population of Jews, Christians, and Muslims. It was very influenced by Rome, housing a theatre, bathhouse that included a fridgedarium, a thriving market area, hippodrome and even public bathrooms (where of course we had to take a picture with appropriate reading material).
As we sat in the impressive theater, Aaron relayed a dream he had the night before. He was sitting in a big church with lots of performances going on- magicians, performers; almost a cirque de sole feel. An actress comes to his seat and whispers in his ear- “You have to play your part”. He replies “What??” Again she says, “You have to play your part.” As he starts to rise out of his seat the dream ends.
I have grown up basically in church settings and have often heard the term hypocrite. It’s become a churchy term. But when Jesus used this word, it was used in the theatre. It was the word that we today would use for actor: A person that loves applause, a person that pretends to be someone else. Matthew 6:1-18 talks about the need to do things for God and not for show, not to gain applause or get credit in the eyes of others. Matthew 23 harshly judges those that do not practice what they preach. An ongoing challenge of the church as we try to reach out, try to be relevant, trying to bring people in; are we putting on a show or glorifying God? Who is truly our audience? In the movie Gladiator there is the much-quoted line “Are you not entertained?” If our purpose is for the audience of One how would that change our service? How would it change my own worship? Even when I am singing on the worship team at church, how difficult it is to focus simply on Christ rather than how the music sounds or if my vocals are blending or if anyone in the congregation seems to be enjoying it. I know the pure heart singing for God is more blessed than perfect harmony, but also harder to obtain and sustain.
As we walked around the ruins and up onto the hilltop, it was hot, hot and dry. Almost all of the ruins we visited were hot and dry. The once filled cisterns were empty, the once filled pools and bathhouses dry. The absence of water reinforced the knowledge that this city was dead. The landscape of Israel definitely reinforced and gave new clarity to the idea of Jesus being the living water. Water that is so taken for granted here in Georgia, must be used wisely there. You can tell from the aquaducts and cisterns that water availability was incorporated into the city plans. Anywhere you find a natural spring, this barren dusty land becomes green and lush, a transformation. We visited Harod’s spring next.
Harod’s spring is the location for the story of Gideon. The closer you got to the spring, the more greenery, the more plants and flowers appeared. With large trees nearby there was much needed shade and coolness. As we looked at Judges 6, once again Israel is wandering from God. They are scattered in the mountains, threshing wheat in a winepress because they are in hiding. God speaks to Gideon and calls him “mighty warrior”. Gideon say basically- “who me? not me?”. Gideon sees what he is, but God sees what he will be. Isn’t it cool to think that God doesn’t look at us and see what we see? Makes me wonder what nickname he has for me. God then tells him to (v.25) tear down your father’s alter to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole. So Gideon sneaks about at night and does what God asks. Before God can use Gideon in even bigger ways, he has to take a stand and call God God and deny the false gods. When he is discovered his father defends him saying “Baal can defend himself”. In Chapter 7 we find Gideon now camped with 32,000 men about to wage war with the Midianites. There are 135,000 Midianites giving about 1 Israelite to every 4 Midianites- but God says to Gideon you have too many men. When given the option to leave, Gideon is left with 10,000, now it’s about 1 to 14, but God says to Gideon it is still too many. He gives a test of drinking at the spring, those who lap like dogs are sent home, those that used their hands are kept. 300 were left, 1 Israelite to 450 Midianites. It seems like pretty impossible odds. I think sometimes God wants to put us in a position that we cannot take the credit ourselves. This would have to be God’s intervention for it to be successful. I find it interesting that “harod” means fear. I wonder if those 300 felt fearful knowing they were about to face 135,000. Gideon sneaks down to the enemy camp and hears how they are having nightmares about Israel winning. Gideon comes back and praises God. He praises God even before the actual victory because he knows the victory will come through God. It reminds me that I should be more vigilant in praising God for both past victories and those to come.
We were able to end the afternoon swimming in a beautiful series of natural pools connected by waterfalls. The water was refreshing and the surroundings gorgeous. It looked like a scene out of movie, blue water, trees around the sloping hills, even the lifeguard was a former Olympic diver and did a couple of dives for us. I felt relaxed and refreshed as we boarded the bus and headed toward Jerusalem.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Day 4
Sepphoris- Zippori- “bird”
During the reign of King Agrippa II, Sepphoris was the capital of Galilee. From the top of a building where there was an explanation of the mishna (6 commentaries on the torah) you could see where Nazareth would have been. Through the ruins you could still see the original roads that went through the center of town. There were detailed mosaics covering the floors of public buildings. We walked through the main building which was thought to have belonged to a wealthy Jewish family- yet you see the influence of the Roman culture in their floors. Greek images such as Hercules and pictures of people- the “Mona Lisa of Israel”. In orthodox homes no graven images are allowed so you would not have seen pictures of faces. The question becomes were they compromising their beliefs? Was it simply going with the current fashions and trends? A clear reminder of how difficult it is to stay true to your own culture in a multicultural world, or to be in the world but not of it. As Jesus was being raised in the small town of Nazareth, this was the neighboring ‘big city’. When the revolt against Rome occurred and the subsequent burning of the second temple, many of the Jews had escaped to Sepphoris. It became a thriving center, experiencing economic growth. It is thought that Joseph and Jesus probably worked here as builders before Jesus started his ministry. We spent some time here reflecting on what Jesus’ childhood would have been like.
Aaron gave us some things to consider while there:
We know Nazareth at that time was a tiny town, the kind of place everyone knows about everyone’s business. Mary gets pregnant out of wedlock. Joseph marries her after the angel appears to him, but still everyone knows. We don’t know if he was teased by other kids, if he was looked down on or maybe pitied for his parent’s ‘mistake’. When we do get a glimpse of him at 12, he is in the synagogue. In that time, education is based on ability. If you had an aptitude, you would be placed under a rabbi to continue your education. Jesus clearly has an aptitude, as the rabbis were amazed at his understanding and answers (Luke 2:47), so why did he not train under a rabbi? Did he have to go help support his family since they were not wealthy? We don’t know when he knew he was the messiah. We don’t know what Mary told him. Maybe he always knew, maybe the voice at his baptism was his confirmation. We do know that as he entered into the wilderness in his temptation and confrontation with Satan, he asked “If you are the son of God…” Was this a play on doubts, the struggle of identity, the questioning of who are you in God? Jesus was fully human; he experienced struggles and pain (Phil 2).
Frank talked about the parable in Luke 19:11-15. This parable paralleled an actual ‘current event’ that was happening at that time. Herod had died and his sons had gone to contest the will. There was a Jewish delegation that followed in an attempt to prevent Archelaus from ruling. This would have been part of the ‘talk of the town’. Jesus used contemporary events and culture to teach. He drew on words from the theatre (hypocrite) to demonstrate spiritual applications. Jesus knew what was going on in the world around him and used it artfully to engage the attention of those around him.
I also learned about the different books used in Judaism. The Torah- the first 5 books of our old testament, is called the law. The Tenauch is the Jewish Bible, which includes the books through Psalms, and a few others from what we call the Old Testament. The Mishna and Talmud were written later after Jesus. These gave some redirection in Jewish thought after the loss of the second temple. So much of the Jewish religion had centered around the dwelling place of God- the holy of holies, there had to be some restructuring due to the missing structure. Many Jews did not know what to do after the destruction of the temple so rabbis wrote interpretations of the Torah meant to guide and direct. But there can never be a replacement for the original scriptures. Even today while commentaries can be a useful tool, we must look to the scriptures ourselves. I must use scripture to understand and explain other scriptures. I must not become lazy and rely solely on what someone else thinks.
Nazareth Village
This was Colonial Williamsburg, Nazareth style. We entered an area that replicated what life would have been like 2000 years ago. It started through a gate that had a much smaller door within called the ‘eye of the needle’. Once you entered you were transported into a rural area, we walked along the dirt path looking at the wheat field and beautiful wild flowers. We were able to see the tools that would have been used at that time to cut down the wheat and sift the grain. We saw young shepherd boys trying to keep the goats in a pen. There was a wine press in a rocky area, terraces set up for crops, olive trees and an olive press, as well as a millstone. The oil lamps that would have been used at that time were demonstrated and we even received a replica. There was a demonstration of common tools used in that time to create thread and then weave it into material. A gentleman showed us the manual version of the electric drill. We walked through what would have been a house of that time. Again as Jesus used common objects in his teachings, it gave new insights as you learn how weighty a millstone is.
As we entered the synagogue we read through Luke 4:14-30, where Jesus reads Isaiah 61:1 but leaves out ‘day of vengeance’. Jesus was briefly accepted until verse 24- “no prophet is accepted in his hometown”. He points out that while there were many widows in Elijah’s time during the famine, Elijah was sent to Zarephath in Sidon; and while there were many with leprosy in the time of Elisha only Naaman the Syrian was cleansed. In context this was pointing out the places where God had extended mercy to non-Jews. Jesus is basically saying- I am not here for you. The Jewish understanding of the messiah was that of a powerful ruler that would be there for them. They wanted their day of vengeance against Rome, but God had other plans. How often do we want what we want and fail to see God’s love for those ‘other people”? Those other people, those not as nice, not as respectable, not as hardworking, not as smart, not as good in our mind. But God loves us all. He loves that other as much as you and me.
Mt. Tabor
Judges 4 tells part of the story of Deborah. I have to input that as a woman, I am so grateful for her story. Deborah was a leader/judge of Israel. Barak was the commander God had summoned to go to Mt. Tabor and defeat Sisera, but he says- “I will go if you go” to Deborah. She says- if I go, the honor will not be yours, it will go to a woman. So she goes, a woman named Jael kills the commander of the enemy, and God gives Israel the victory, and then peace for 40 years. I guess growing up in a Baptist background, I always felt like I was limited in what I could do through the church because of my gender. But I am not limited in what I can do through God.
Some believe the transfiguration of Jesus also took place on Mt. Tabor, although others believe it was Mt. Hermon. Regardless of where it happened, the disciples present would never see Jesus the same again. I can’t help but think of the Matrix- not in context, only in visual effect, when Neo dives into the agent and then there is a burst of light as he breaks through. I can’t imagine what it must have been like as the disciples got a small glimpse of God’s glory. Glory is shown through light. Revelation talks about there will be no need for the sun because of the light of God’s glory. Moses was present representing the law, Elijah there representing miracles, Jesus directly in the center representing God. Our challenge is to stay with Jesus and remain in balance between legalism and signs/wonders. The beauty of God’s radiance had to be amazing to see. “Most often light comes not as people would like- such as pure light spread sky-wide in bright neon dazzle- but refracted through an altogether different prism, one simultaneously more ambiguous and more personal, by means of touch or embrace, image or sign, glimpse or gaze, sound or music, beauty or horror, meeting or coincidence, forgiveness or blessing. The means are endless and always as new and unique as people themselves. In other words, when the divine does appear, it proves endlessly inventive and astonishing in the instruments of its showing” (G.M. Hopkins- as quoted in Critique).
During the reign of King Agrippa II, Sepphoris was the capital of Galilee. From the top of a building where there was an explanation of the mishna (6 commentaries on the torah) you could see where Nazareth would have been. Through the ruins you could still see the original roads that went through the center of town. There were detailed mosaics covering the floors of public buildings. We walked through the main building which was thought to have belonged to a wealthy Jewish family- yet you see the influence of the Roman culture in their floors. Greek images such as Hercules and pictures of people- the “Mona Lisa of Israel”. In orthodox homes no graven images are allowed so you would not have seen pictures of faces. The question becomes were they compromising their beliefs? Was it simply going with the current fashions and trends? A clear reminder of how difficult it is to stay true to your own culture in a multicultural world, or to be in the world but not of it. As Jesus was being raised in the small town of Nazareth, this was the neighboring ‘big city’. When the revolt against Rome occurred and the subsequent burning of the second temple, many of the Jews had escaped to Sepphoris. It became a thriving center, experiencing economic growth. It is thought that Joseph and Jesus probably worked here as builders before Jesus started his ministry. We spent some time here reflecting on what Jesus’ childhood would have been like.
Aaron gave us some things to consider while there:
We know Nazareth at that time was a tiny town, the kind of place everyone knows about everyone’s business. Mary gets pregnant out of wedlock. Joseph marries her after the angel appears to him, but still everyone knows. We don’t know if he was teased by other kids, if he was looked down on or maybe pitied for his parent’s ‘mistake’. When we do get a glimpse of him at 12, he is in the synagogue. In that time, education is based on ability. If you had an aptitude, you would be placed under a rabbi to continue your education. Jesus clearly has an aptitude, as the rabbis were amazed at his understanding and answers (Luke 2:47), so why did he not train under a rabbi? Did he have to go help support his family since they were not wealthy? We don’t know when he knew he was the messiah. We don’t know what Mary told him. Maybe he always knew, maybe the voice at his baptism was his confirmation. We do know that as he entered into the wilderness in his temptation and confrontation with Satan, he asked “If you are the son of God…” Was this a play on doubts, the struggle of identity, the questioning of who are you in God? Jesus was fully human; he experienced struggles and pain (Phil 2).
Frank talked about the parable in Luke 19:11-15. This parable paralleled an actual ‘current event’ that was happening at that time. Herod had died and his sons had gone to contest the will. There was a Jewish delegation that followed in an attempt to prevent Archelaus from ruling. This would have been part of the ‘talk of the town’. Jesus used contemporary events and culture to teach. He drew on words from the theatre (hypocrite) to demonstrate spiritual applications. Jesus knew what was going on in the world around him and used it artfully to engage the attention of those around him.
I also learned about the different books used in Judaism. The Torah- the first 5 books of our old testament, is called the law. The Tenauch is the Jewish Bible, which includes the books through Psalms, and a few others from what we call the Old Testament. The Mishna and Talmud were written later after Jesus. These gave some redirection in Jewish thought after the loss of the second temple. So much of the Jewish religion had centered around the dwelling place of God- the holy of holies, there had to be some restructuring due to the missing structure. Many Jews did not know what to do after the destruction of the temple so rabbis wrote interpretations of the Torah meant to guide and direct. But there can never be a replacement for the original scriptures. Even today while commentaries can be a useful tool, we must look to the scriptures ourselves. I must use scripture to understand and explain other scriptures. I must not become lazy and rely solely on what someone else thinks.
Nazareth Village
This was Colonial Williamsburg, Nazareth style. We entered an area that replicated what life would have been like 2000 years ago. It started through a gate that had a much smaller door within called the ‘eye of the needle’. Once you entered you were transported into a rural area, we walked along the dirt path looking at the wheat field and beautiful wild flowers. We were able to see the tools that would have been used at that time to cut down the wheat and sift the grain. We saw young shepherd boys trying to keep the goats in a pen. There was a wine press in a rocky area, terraces set up for crops, olive trees and an olive press, as well as a millstone. The oil lamps that would have been used at that time were demonstrated and we even received a replica. There was a demonstration of common tools used in that time to create thread and then weave it into material. A gentleman showed us the manual version of the electric drill. We walked through what would have been a house of that time. Again as Jesus used common objects in his teachings, it gave new insights as you learn how weighty a millstone is.
As we entered the synagogue we read through Luke 4:14-30, where Jesus reads Isaiah 61:1 but leaves out ‘day of vengeance’. Jesus was briefly accepted until verse 24- “no prophet is accepted in his hometown”. He points out that while there were many widows in Elijah’s time during the famine, Elijah was sent to Zarephath in Sidon; and while there were many with leprosy in the time of Elisha only Naaman the Syrian was cleansed. In context this was pointing out the places where God had extended mercy to non-Jews. Jesus is basically saying- I am not here for you. The Jewish understanding of the messiah was that of a powerful ruler that would be there for them. They wanted their day of vengeance against Rome, but God had other plans. How often do we want what we want and fail to see God’s love for those ‘other people”? Those other people, those not as nice, not as respectable, not as hardworking, not as smart, not as good in our mind. But God loves us all. He loves that other as much as you and me.
Mt. Tabor
Judges 4 tells part of the story of Deborah. I have to input that as a woman, I am so grateful for her story. Deborah was a leader/judge of Israel. Barak was the commander God had summoned to go to Mt. Tabor and defeat Sisera, but he says- “I will go if you go” to Deborah. She says- if I go, the honor will not be yours, it will go to a woman. So she goes, a woman named Jael kills the commander of the enemy, and God gives Israel the victory, and then peace for 40 years. I guess growing up in a Baptist background, I always felt like I was limited in what I could do through the church because of my gender. But I am not limited in what I can do through God.
Some believe the transfiguration of Jesus also took place on Mt. Tabor, although others believe it was Mt. Hermon. Regardless of where it happened, the disciples present would never see Jesus the same again. I can’t help but think of the Matrix- not in context, only in visual effect, when Neo dives into the agent and then there is a burst of light as he breaks through. I can’t imagine what it must have been like as the disciples got a small glimpse of God’s glory. Glory is shown through light. Revelation talks about there will be no need for the sun because of the light of God’s glory. Moses was present representing the law, Elijah there representing miracles, Jesus directly in the center representing God. Our challenge is to stay with Jesus and remain in balance between legalism and signs/wonders. The beauty of God’s radiance had to be amazing to see. “Most often light comes not as people would like- such as pure light spread sky-wide in bright neon dazzle- but refracted through an altogether different prism, one simultaneously more ambiguous and more personal, by means of touch or embrace, image or sign, glimpse or gaze, sound or music, beauty or horror, meeting or coincidence, forgiveness or blessing. The means are endless and always as new and unique as people themselves. In other words, when the divine does appear, it proves endlessly inventive and astonishing in the instruments of its showing” (G.M. Hopkins- as quoted in Critique).
Day 3 part 2
Day 3 continued…
After walking through the beautiful ‘garden of Eden’ like forest, shaded by trees, hearing the roar of the Jordan River, we came to a clearing. We could see clearly into the neighboring country of Lebanon. From the perch here you could see the border that divided one country from another. What a contrast between our peaceful atmosphere and the constant political turmoil of the region. There is a constant threat of war and the need to always be prepared. How like our own spiritual lives- even when we are on a mountaintop enjoying God’s beauty and peace, we must still be vigilant for spiritual attacks. We must guard against thinking it is our own power, for thinking we are somehow deserving, for thinking we are in control. It is God who gives and it is God who takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord.
Caesarea Philippi
My first impression of this place was the huge rock and cave. This gaping opening in the rocky mountainside where once the Jordan River flowed through was now devoid of the water, which flowed below. This was once a site of pagan worship. Greeks paid homage to Pan here, and later many other idols of deities were given prominent places alongside this opening. This place was referred to as the gate to the underworld. Worship here included animal and child sacrifices. In the once polytheistic culture you could come here and pick your idol on the rock wall. In Matthew 16:13 Jesus comes here with his disciples. “Who do you say I am?” he asks the disciples. After pointing out what various other people say about Jesus, Peter steps up in verse 16- “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Verse 17-18 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” So looking at this giant rock known then as the gate of the underworld, Jesus lays claim. I heard this in a Ray Vanderline video also but listening to the verse again while seeing this massive rock was a powerful testimony to Christ’s intent. “The gates of Hades will not overcome it”. If a gate is designed to be defensive, to keep people in and out, we are on the offensive. We are to be on the attack against Satan’s kingdom bringing people into Christ’s kingdom.
Mt. Bental
Our last stop for the day, we talked about Israel more recent struggles and political turmoil. We could see and walk through the bunkers used. I was impacted most by seeing so many casually dressed young men, late teens to early twenties, in shorts and tees, with a machine gun strapped around their chest. Military service is not optional in this small country. They take their training seriously and the need to be ready – always training, always ready.
At the end of the day thinking through the various places and stories I found myself once again struck by the necessity of perseverance in faith, and the need to overcome fear. I tried to reflect on the promises given in scripture and wrote a few down (these were off the top of my head- not a conclusive list and totally from memory- so if you are looking for accuracy dig in to your bible to find them ☺)
In Isaiah- I have never seen the righteous forsaken.
In Jeremiah- I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
In Philippians- I can do all things through Christ.
In John- I can do nothing apart from God.
Just a few promises in a bible filled with encouragement for choosing faith, for the power and love of an immense God that still cares for His creation. Pretty good stuff to live your life by, I think.
After walking through the beautiful ‘garden of Eden’ like forest, shaded by trees, hearing the roar of the Jordan River, we came to a clearing. We could see clearly into the neighboring country of Lebanon. From the perch here you could see the border that divided one country from another. What a contrast between our peaceful atmosphere and the constant political turmoil of the region. There is a constant threat of war and the need to always be prepared. How like our own spiritual lives- even when we are on a mountaintop enjoying God’s beauty and peace, we must still be vigilant for spiritual attacks. We must guard against thinking it is our own power, for thinking we are somehow deserving, for thinking we are in control. It is God who gives and it is God who takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord.
Caesarea Philippi
My first impression of this place was the huge rock and cave. This gaping opening in the rocky mountainside where once the Jordan River flowed through was now devoid of the water, which flowed below. This was once a site of pagan worship. Greeks paid homage to Pan here, and later many other idols of deities were given prominent places alongside this opening. This place was referred to as the gate to the underworld. Worship here included animal and child sacrifices. In the once polytheistic culture you could come here and pick your idol on the rock wall. In Matthew 16:13 Jesus comes here with his disciples. “Who do you say I am?” he asks the disciples. After pointing out what various other people say about Jesus, Peter steps up in verse 16- “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Verse 17-18 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” So looking at this giant rock known then as the gate of the underworld, Jesus lays claim. I heard this in a Ray Vanderline video also but listening to the verse again while seeing this massive rock was a powerful testimony to Christ’s intent. “The gates of Hades will not overcome it”. If a gate is designed to be defensive, to keep people in and out, we are on the offensive. We are to be on the attack against Satan’s kingdom bringing people into Christ’s kingdom.
Mt. Bental
Our last stop for the day, we talked about Israel more recent struggles and political turmoil. We could see and walk through the bunkers used. I was impacted most by seeing so many casually dressed young men, late teens to early twenties, in shorts and tees, with a machine gun strapped around their chest. Military service is not optional in this small country. They take their training seriously and the need to be ready – always training, always ready.
At the end of the day thinking through the various places and stories I found myself once again struck by the necessity of perseverance in faith, and the need to overcome fear. I tried to reflect on the promises given in scripture and wrote a few down (these were off the top of my head- not a conclusive list and totally from memory- so if you are looking for accuracy dig in to your bible to find them ☺)
In Isaiah- I have never seen the righteous forsaken.
In Jeremiah- I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
In Philippians- I can do all things through Christ.
In John- I can do nothing apart from God.
Just a few promises in a bible filled with encouragement for choosing faith, for the power and love of an immense God that still cares for His creation. Pretty good stuff to live your life by, I think.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Day 3- part 1
After breakfast- and I’ll pause here to mention that Breakfast always included a table of vegetables/salads. I never quite got the hang of eating veggies for breakfast while I was there- but I definitely think my American diet is far less healthy than the kosher/Mediterranean style diet we had there.
So, after breakfast we loaded up the bus (watching peacocks while everyone was getting there) and went again to a site on the Sea of Galilee. This was supposedly the place where Jesus appeared on the shore after his resurrection, He called out to the disciples from the shore and asked if they had caught any fish. When they responded in the negative he told them to cast their nets on the right side. John realized it was Jesus and told Peter. Peter then jumped into the water to swim the 100 yards to the shore. He simply could not wait to see Jesus! Once there he saw Jesus already preparing breakfast. So a cool note to this story that I never knew. The disciples caught 153 fish (John 21:11). In the Hebrew alphabet numbers can be representative of letters. Our guide pointed out that “153” could be interpreted to say “I am God”.
Just as Peter had denied Jesus 3 times, he now has the opportunity to recommit. Jesus asks him “Do you love me?” 3 times. We spent some time reflecting on that very question. Jesus asking each of us- “Do you love me?” As I reflected on that question I wrote the following in my journal-
I love you Lord, help me to love you more. I look at what seems like a great sea and know your love in deeper. I look at the vastness of the blue sky and know your love is greater. How can I not love You who made all things, who sustains all things, whose love encompasses everything? How minute is my love compared to yours Lord- but I do love you. “I love you Lord and I lift my voice, to worship you O my soul rejoice. Take joy my King in what you hear, may it be a sweet, sweet sound in your ear.”
While sitting there I noticed some cute furry critters on the rocks to my left. I haven’t mentioned anything about our guide yet, but she was phenomenal. Sara was like sunshine. She was so excited and happy, so knowledgeable and constantly sharing relevant scriptures, so I was not surprised when she mentioned- ‘Oh yes, you will find Rock Badgers in Psalms 104”, Sure enough verse 18 mentions the rock badgers ☺. Also during this time there was a gathering of a few folks with pastor Frank. It turns out that one of the couples with us had felt led to renew their wedding vows. So on the beach in their 25th year of marriage, Frank led them in the holy vows of matrimony. Sara led us in a short Jewish dance to celebrate (girls in one circle, boys in the other). What a sweet expression of love and so appropriate as it led the way to a later stop in our day.
Korazim was the next place we stopped. Korazim is a derivative of the word announcement. This was a cursed city. In most of the cities you will find evidence of destruction and rebuilds, but here the rebuild had not come. In the synagogue you found symbols from pagan religions. It made me wonder what compromises they had made. Were they just trying to fit in or be ‘seeker friendly’? Maybe they just thought it would enhance the designs. Regardless it was strange to see a carving of a head of medusa in a synagogue. It was built with the traditional steps. Two short steps followed by two long steps forced the climber to slow down and be intentional. These were not steps to be rushed up lightly or without thought, a good reminder for our own time. Church is something to be taken seriously, something to be considered and approached with thought and awareness, not something to run in and run out of. Also in this synagogue was found the ‘Moses seat’. This was a special seat where the scriptures would be read, a special chair for elders, even used for some ceremonies, similar to what we might call a pulpit. In Matthew 23:1-3 the Moses seat is referred to with a warning to listen to the words of the scriptures but to not ‘do’ what the Pharisees ‘do’.
We were also able to see from the ruins a fairly traditional set up for a village. Houses were built around an ‘insula’ which was like a courtyard. When a son was ready to be married he would go and ask for permission to marry a young lady and then return to his home to add on a room building the circle outward. While he built on, the young woman would have to get ready for his return and stay vigilant that all was prepared, because she would not know the exact time of his return. Frank again led us to look at scriptures. In Matt 25:1-13 the scriptures talk about the young virgins and their oil lamps. Only half were able to go to the wedding feast. Matt 24:36 talks about no one knowing the hour when the bridegroom will return. In John 3:29 John the Baptist describes himself as a friend that attends the bridegroom (kind of a best man). Over and over in scripture God refers to us as his bride. He has gone to prepare a place. We have to be vigilant and ready for his return.
Tel Dan
Tel Dan was a beautiful lush, green forest with the roar of water flowing through. This was the source of the Jordan River. We walked through the park crossing over streams and always smelling the freshness of the nearby water and the coolness of being in the woods. As we reached another ruin, Aaron referred us to the story of Jeroboam. After King Solomon, the kingdom was divided. (1Kings 11-12) Jeroboam is given the northern part of the kingdom. He is also given a promise from God that he will prosper if he obeys God. Jeroboam begins to worry that if his people have to go into the southern part of the kingdom to worship he will lose their loyalty, so he builds a temple in the northern kingdom. He tells the people that Jerusalem is too far away, too inconvenient, they should just stay and worship at this new temple. Jeroboam then sets about creating his own religious system. He imitates that which was in place but also distorts it (1 Kings 12:31-32). As Aaron stated “Jeroboam faced a conflict between belief and behavior”. I would say part of that was a conflict between belief in God or belief in self. As we serve a God that changes not, we are called not to change our belief but instead to change our behavior. Since we cannot change God we must instead let God change us. I cannot create God; I must instead let God create me. Jeroboam tried to figure out his security for himself instead of trusting in God’s promises. God told him what to do but he made his decision based on fear instead of faith.
There’s still more for Day 3…
So, after breakfast we loaded up the bus (watching peacocks while everyone was getting there) and went again to a site on the Sea of Galilee. This was supposedly the place where Jesus appeared on the shore after his resurrection, He called out to the disciples from the shore and asked if they had caught any fish. When they responded in the negative he told them to cast their nets on the right side. John realized it was Jesus and told Peter. Peter then jumped into the water to swim the 100 yards to the shore. He simply could not wait to see Jesus! Once there he saw Jesus already preparing breakfast. So a cool note to this story that I never knew. The disciples caught 153 fish (John 21:11). In the Hebrew alphabet numbers can be representative of letters. Our guide pointed out that “153” could be interpreted to say “I am God”.
Just as Peter had denied Jesus 3 times, he now has the opportunity to recommit. Jesus asks him “Do you love me?” 3 times. We spent some time reflecting on that very question. Jesus asking each of us- “Do you love me?” As I reflected on that question I wrote the following in my journal-
I love you Lord, help me to love you more. I look at what seems like a great sea and know your love in deeper. I look at the vastness of the blue sky and know your love is greater. How can I not love You who made all things, who sustains all things, whose love encompasses everything? How minute is my love compared to yours Lord- but I do love you. “I love you Lord and I lift my voice, to worship you O my soul rejoice. Take joy my King in what you hear, may it be a sweet, sweet sound in your ear.”
While sitting there I noticed some cute furry critters on the rocks to my left. I haven’t mentioned anything about our guide yet, but she was phenomenal. Sara was like sunshine. She was so excited and happy, so knowledgeable and constantly sharing relevant scriptures, so I was not surprised when she mentioned- ‘Oh yes, you will find Rock Badgers in Psalms 104”, Sure enough verse 18 mentions the rock badgers ☺. Also during this time there was a gathering of a few folks with pastor Frank. It turns out that one of the couples with us had felt led to renew their wedding vows. So on the beach in their 25th year of marriage, Frank led them in the holy vows of matrimony. Sara led us in a short Jewish dance to celebrate (girls in one circle, boys in the other). What a sweet expression of love and so appropriate as it led the way to a later stop in our day.
Korazim was the next place we stopped. Korazim is a derivative of the word announcement. This was a cursed city. In most of the cities you will find evidence of destruction and rebuilds, but here the rebuild had not come. In the synagogue you found symbols from pagan religions. It made me wonder what compromises they had made. Were they just trying to fit in or be ‘seeker friendly’? Maybe they just thought it would enhance the designs. Regardless it was strange to see a carving of a head of medusa in a synagogue. It was built with the traditional steps. Two short steps followed by two long steps forced the climber to slow down and be intentional. These were not steps to be rushed up lightly or without thought, a good reminder for our own time. Church is something to be taken seriously, something to be considered and approached with thought and awareness, not something to run in and run out of. Also in this synagogue was found the ‘Moses seat’. This was a special seat where the scriptures would be read, a special chair for elders, even used for some ceremonies, similar to what we might call a pulpit. In Matthew 23:1-3 the Moses seat is referred to with a warning to listen to the words of the scriptures but to not ‘do’ what the Pharisees ‘do’.
We were also able to see from the ruins a fairly traditional set up for a village. Houses were built around an ‘insula’ which was like a courtyard. When a son was ready to be married he would go and ask for permission to marry a young lady and then return to his home to add on a room building the circle outward. While he built on, the young woman would have to get ready for his return and stay vigilant that all was prepared, because she would not know the exact time of his return. Frank again led us to look at scriptures. In Matt 25:1-13 the scriptures talk about the young virgins and their oil lamps. Only half were able to go to the wedding feast. Matt 24:36 talks about no one knowing the hour when the bridegroom will return. In John 3:29 John the Baptist describes himself as a friend that attends the bridegroom (kind of a best man). Over and over in scripture God refers to us as his bride. He has gone to prepare a place. We have to be vigilant and ready for his return.
Tel Dan
Tel Dan was a beautiful lush, green forest with the roar of water flowing through. This was the source of the Jordan River. We walked through the park crossing over streams and always smelling the freshness of the nearby water and the coolness of being in the woods. As we reached another ruin, Aaron referred us to the story of Jeroboam. After King Solomon, the kingdom was divided. (1Kings 11-12) Jeroboam is given the northern part of the kingdom. He is also given a promise from God that he will prosper if he obeys God. Jeroboam begins to worry that if his people have to go into the southern part of the kingdom to worship he will lose their loyalty, so he builds a temple in the northern kingdom. He tells the people that Jerusalem is too far away, too inconvenient, they should just stay and worship at this new temple. Jeroboam then sets about creating his own religious system. He imitates that which was in place but also distorts it (1 Kings 12:31-32). As Aaron stated “Jeroboam faced a conflict between belief and behavior”. I would say part of that was a conflict between belief in God or belief in self. As we serve a God that changes not, we are called not to change our belief but instead to change our behavior. Since we cannot change God we must instead let God change us. I cannot create God; I must instead let God create me. Jeroboam tried to figure out his security for himself instead of trusting in God’s promises. God told him what to do but he made his decision based on fear instead of faith.
There’s still more for Day 3…
Friday, May 14, 2010
Israel Day 2
Day 2
Sea of Galilee
Matthew 8. Luke 4, Mark 8- Jesus calms the storm- even the winds obey him.
Matthew 14, Mark 6, John 6- Jesus walks on water.
Joy’s Journey- Joy gets to ride on a boat ☺
The disciples witnessed some amazing things on this sea. Peter when he sees Jesus walking on the water says- “If it’s really you, tell me to come”. Most of us know this story. Peter takes the step of faith. He walks on water, until he takes his eyes off Jesus. I think what amazing faith to take that step out of the boat, but when he starts to sink, Jesus asks “Why do you have so little faith?” I ask- “Why is the follow up so hard?” Peter gets a rebuke when I would expect a pat on the back- a “nice try”. I think when I take that first step of faith I expect the rest to be easy, for God to take over for us, to appreciate our effort of faith. I took my step of faith- now bless me- now make it easy. But it ain’t over til it’s over. One step is good but Jesus says keep going, keep focused, keep moving toward me.
The hand is extended. So while Jesus did say “oh ye of little faith” simultaneously he extends his hand. While I will forget my focus and more often than I would like, return to trying to do it myself, to looking at what is around me, the hand is offered again.
Later on the same day in Capernaum, we talked about Jesus rebuking the church in Matthew 11:20. Yet again in 11:21 he issues another invitation, another hand of mercy. It seems we are always somewhere on that continuum, either falling short or remembering our need and clasping Christ’s hand. Both Peter and the Capernaum church faltered, both were extended grace, but only Peter chose to reach out, to connect to Christ.
Mount of Beatitudes
As I read through Matthew 5-7 the thought that jumped into my head is –Truth is true without end. Jesus spoke truth that is for yesterday, today and tomorrow. The sermon of the Beatitudes is just as needed and relevant in 2010 as it was in Jesus’ time.
The Roman Catholic Church has built a beautiful chapel near where Jesus preached the beatitude. The 8 ‘blessed are’s’ are engraved at the top of an ornate octagonal roof. The flowers and landscaping are beautiful. I believe beauty is a gift from God and He deserves our excellence, he deserves for us to put forth effort to attempt to express His glory.
Soon after viewing the grounds and reflecting on the Sermon on the Mount we drove to lunch. This restaurant serves what they call “St. Peter’s Fish”. While in the bathroom stall I heard someone talking. When I came out I realized in was 2 people from our group praying (Sara and Jill). Not sure what to do I simply closed my eyes and began to pray for them. Soon 2 others that had been in stalls also, joined me, so here we were in a small little bathroom, (not the nicest one I had been in) praying.
After viewing the opulence of the chapel only minutes earlier I was struck by how wonderful it is that God is everywhere. He hears us whether we are in a lovely chapel or a simple bathroom. I would guess He smiles at our effort toward beauty to bring Him glory, but I imagine He loves even more our hearts turning toward Him in honest prayer- even in dingy bathrooms (perhaps especially in them).
Jordan river
“Shall we gather at the river? The beautiful the wonderful river? Gather with the saints at the river…” That’s all I can remember from an old hymn we used to sing at baptisms when I was a child. As we gathered at the place where John the Baptist baptized Jesus, I thought about the dove descending and God proclaiming- “This is my son in whom I am well pleased.” Questions were asked: Do you believe that Jesus of Nazareth was more than just a man but that he was messiah, the son of God? Do you believe that he died on a cross for your sins, was buried, rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and is coming back again? Do you confess him as your Lord and personal Savior? Will you attempt to live your life to the best of your ability to serve and honor God?
The questions varied in verbiage but the basic gist was the same. Is this what you believe? It was powerful as we collectively prayed over each individual. It was filled with smiles, tears, passion, and joy. Representing an acceptance of a new life in Christ, a washing away of sins, a commitment to newness in Christ. A time set aside to proclaim, YES this is what I believe, that is powerful no matter where it happens, no matter what water is used. But how cool it was to look up into those clouds knowing that God spoke to Jesus somewhere in that vicinity, and because of Jesus, God can be well pleased with us as well.
Sea of Galilee
Matthew 8. Luke 4, Mark 8- Jesus calms the storm- even the winds obey him.
Matthew 14, Mark 6, John 6- Jesus walks on water.
Joy’s Journey- Joy gets to ride on a boat ☺
The disciples witnessed some amazing things on this sea. Peter when he sees Jesus walking on the water says- “If it’s really you, tell me to come”. Most of us know this story. Peter takes the step of faith. He walks on water, until he takes his eyes off Jesus. I think what amazing faith to take that step out of the boat, but when he starts to sink, Jesus asks “Why do you have so little faith?” I ask- “Why is the follow up so hard?” Peter gets a rebuke when I would expect a pat on the back- a “nice try”. I think when I take that first step of faith I expect the rest to be easy, for God to take over for us, to appreciate our effort of faith. I took my step of faith- now bless me- now make it easy. But it ain’t over til it’s over. One step is good but Jesus says keep going, keep focused, keep moving toward me.
The hand is extended. So while Jesus did say “oh ye of little faith” simultaneously he extends his hand. While I will forget my focus and more often than I would like, return to trying to do it myself, to looking at what is around me, the hand is offered again.
Later on the same day in Capernaum, we talked about Jesus rebuking the church in Matthew 11:20. Yet again in 11:21 he issues another invitation, another hand of mercy. It seems we are always somewhere on that continuum, either falling short or remembering our need and clasping Christ’s hand. Both Peter and the Capernaum church faltered, both were extended grace, but only Peter chose to reach out, to connect to Christ.
Mount of Beatitudes
As I read through Matthew 5-7 the thought that jumped into my head is –Truth is true without end. Jesus spoke truth that is for yesterday, today and tomorrow. The sermon of the Beatitudes is just as needed and relevant in 2010 as it was in Jesus’ time.
The Roman Catholic Church has built a beautiful chapel near where Jesus preached the beatitude. The 8 ‘blessed are’s’ are engraved at the top of an ornate octagonal roof. The flowers and landscaping are beautiful. I believe beauty is a gift from God and He deserves our excellence, he deserves for us to put forth effort to attempt to express His glory.
Soon after viewing the grounds and reflecting on the Sermon on the Mount we drove to lunch. This restaurant serves what they call “St. Peter’s Fish”. While in the bathroom stall I heard someone talking. When I came out I realized in was 2 people from our group praying (Sara and Jill). Not sure what to do I simply closed my eyes and began to pray for them. Soon 2 others that had been in stalls also, joined me, so here we were in a small little bathroom, (not the nicest one I had been in) praying.
After viewing the opulence of the chapel only minutes earlier I was struck by how wonderful it is that God is everywhere. He hears us whether we are in a lovely chapel or a simple bathroom. I would guess He smiles at our effort toward beauty to bring Him glory, but I imagine He loves even more our hearts turning toward Him in honest prayer- even in dingy bathrooms (perhaps especially in them).
Jordan river
“Shall we gather at the river? The beautiful the wonderful river? Gather with the saints at the river…” That’s all I can remember from an old hymn we used to sing at baptisms when I was a child. As we gathered at the place where John the Baptist baptized Jesus, I thought about the dove descending and God proclaiming- “This is my son in whom I am well pleased.” Questions were asked: Do you believe that Jesus of Nazareth was more than just a man but that he was messiah, the son of God? Do you believe that he died on a cross for your sins, was buried, rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and is coming back again? Do you confess him as your Lord and personal Savior? Will you attempt to live your life to the best of your ability to serve and honor God?
The questions varied in verbiage but the basic gist was the same. Is this what you believe? It was powerful as we collectively prayed over each individual. It was filled with smiles, tears, passion, and joy. Representing an acceptance of a new life in Christ, a washing away of sins, a commitment to newness in Christ. A time set aside to proclaim, YES this is what I believe, that is powerful no matter where it happens, no matter what water is used. But how cool it was to look up into those clouds knowing that God spoke to Jesus somewhere in that vicinity, and because of Jesus, God can be well pleased with us as well.
Prayer by the sea
Here I sit by the Sea of Galilee. As I listen to the waves, feel the gentles breeze, smell the salty air, and with the sun slowly sink, I have a praise song appear in my mind- “You make everything glorious, You make everything glorious, You make everything glorious, and I am Yours.” Thank you for glimpses of beauty knowing that nothing compares to Your beauty and splendor.
I am still so amazed to be here. I feel unworthy, yet you continue to bless me. While I am here Lord give me eyes to see what you would have me see, give me ears to hear what you would have me hear, and give me a mind and memory to remember.
Give me strength to proclaim you as Elijah did. Give me desire and will to follow you as the disciples did. Help me say again everyday- I surrender- Not my will but thine be done. Guide me as my shepherd- let me hear your voice and doggedly, determined let me follow.
I don’t know Your plan but I know You are good.
I don’t know Your plan but I know you are powerful.
I don’t know Your plan, but I know you are loving and merciful.
I don’t know Your plan, but I know you are trustworthy.
I don’t know Your plan, but I know You are my creator.
I don’t know my plan, but I know you do and it is incorporated into Your plan.
I am still so amazed to be here. I feel unworthy, yet you continue to bless me. While I am here Lord give me eyes to see what you would have me see, give me ears to hear what you would have me hear, and give me a mind and memory to remember.
Give me strength to proclaim you as Elijah did. Give me desire and will to follow you as the disciples did. Help me say again everyday- I surrender- Not my will but thine be done. Guide me as my shepherd- let me hear your voice and doggedly, determined let me follow.
I don’t know Your plan but I know You are good.
I don’t know Your plan but I know you are powerful.
I don’t know Your plan, but I know you are loving and merciful.
I don’t know Your plan, but I know you are trustworthy.
I don’t know Your plan, but I know You are my creator.
I don’t know my plan, but I know you do and it is incorporated into Your plan.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Israel series...Day 1
A Different World
The first night in Israel was spent in Tel Aviv. It was actually the only night spent there. We had enough time to walk over to the Mediterranean and take a stroll on the beach. The sand was fine and soft. The weather was warm and mild. The water was cold but beautiful. We saw kids playing in the sand, adults playing paddle games on the beach. Back at the hotel we gathered downstairs for dinner. It was the first of many meals where I saw vast numbers of salads and dishes assembled. Many were unfamiliar to me, but it was fun to try something different almost every night, and even more fun that I didn’t have to cook a single meal for 13 days! Going to bed my roomy surprised me with a birthday card and fun fuzzy socks.
I don’t travel much so when I do it is always amazing to wake up in one country and go to sleep in another. Tel Aviv was our shortest stop as we headed out first thing in the morning to Tiberias. As we traveled I tried to take in some of the scenery. I got the impression, which was further enhanced during the week, that this was a land of variety. I really did not have many expectations going in, I wanted to be open minded, but I was surprised at how varied the land is in a relatively small geographical area. There were mountains and valleys, green, lush farmland and desert areas, Bedouins that live minimally in the hills and modern complex cities. I tried to keep a list of the crops grown there, and finally ran out of room on the page I had set aside for it. I think the reason I was so amazed by the crops was the always-present rocks. I did not see any land without either rocks visible right in the soil or large piles of rocks that must have been removed in order to plant. I cannot imagine the effort it must have taken to tend this soil. I’m talking rocks everywhere. But someone has taken the effort because you see well-tended fields and crops along the roadside.
We visited Caesearea, Mt. Carmel, and Megiddo that first day. Caesarea was the first ruins I’ve been to in person. This was a palace built by King Herod. I thought of the quote from Jurassic Park “I spared no expense”. I’m pretty sure King Herod ‘spared no expense’ back in his day. He was either quite a brilliant builder, or hired brilliant builders. This palace had a working water system with aqueducts. He had built a port out into the sea so the ships would be able to sail directly in. There was a theater, a hippodrome (for chariot and horse races), a fresh water pool, detailed stonework and statues. I learned from Frank (one of our leaders) that this was the place where Paul was detained for a couple of years after many difficult missionary years. So Paul who had learned to be content in whatever circumstances was placed into a port city with connections all over the empire, in this grand palace, and detained. Frank called it the ‘club-med’ of its day. I had never thought about Paul who had suffered much for the gospel having a respite, a vacation in a sense, as he stayed in this palace with its beautiful ocean views and upscale conveniences; yet also what a perfect place to spread the good news as people sailed into and out of this port.
Next was Mt. Carmel and Elijah’s wonderful story. In your best Howard Cosel voice please- “The offering showdown between Baal and the living God. In one corner we have the up and coming Baal supported by his dozens of priests. Look at the frenzy, the cutting, the blood. In the other corner the undisputed reigning champion, Lord of Lords and Kings of Kings, represented solely by the Elijah da Wisah. He’s pouring on the water, he’s taunting the competition. Who will win the showdown today?” Standing firm and feeling God’s power- what a great way to live, what an encouragement in a multicultural world filled with half truths and people mistakenly choosing their own versions of god. Sara our guide encouraged us to live in the spirit of Elijah, to be a representative of the one true God.
It was only last week but I’ve already forgotten the significance of Megiddo. Luckily I think I took better notes as the week went on realizing that there was so much everyday I would forget if I didn’t. The only thing I have in my notes is rebuilt 20 times. I don’t know if I even took pictures or not… Oh well, less for you that are reading to have to read I suppose.
We ended the night at the kibbutz we stayed at for the next 4 nights. Right on the Sea of Galilee, the view was beautiful. I thought of the song- “You make everything glorious” as I sat for a few moments on the beach feeling the breeze and watching the sun slowly sink: Small glimpses of beauty to remind me of the source of all beauty and splendor.
And that was just the first day ☺.
The first night in Israel was spent in Tel Aviv. It was actually the only night spent there. We had enough time to walk over to the Mediterranean and take a stroll on the beach. The sand was fine and soft. The weather was warm and mild. The water was cold but beautiful. We saw kids playing in the sand, adults playing paddle games on the beach. Back at the hotel we gathered downstairs for dinner. It was the first of many meals where I saw vast numbers of salads and dishes assembled. Many were unfamiliar to me, but it was fun to try something different almost every night, and even more fun that I didn’t have to cook a single meal for 13 days! Going to bed my roomy surprised me with a birthday card and fun fuzzy socks.
I don’t travel much so when I do it is always amazing to wake up in one country and go to sleep in another. Tel Aviv was our shortest stop as we headed out first thing in the morning to Tiberias. As we traveled I tried to take in some of the scenery. I got the impression, which was further enhanced during the week, that this was a land of variety. I really did not have many expectations going in, I wanted to be open minded, but I was surprised at how varied the land is in a relatively small geographical area. There were mountains and valleys, green, lush farmland and desert areas, Bedouins that live minimally in the hills and modern complex cities. I tried to keep a list of the crops grown there, and finally ran out of room on the page I had set aside for it. I think the reason I was so amazed by the crops was the always-present rocks. I did not see any land without either rocks visible right in the soil or large piles of rocks that must have been removed in order to plant. I cannot imagine the effort it must have taken to tend this soil. I’m talking rocks everywhere. But someone has taken the effort because you see well-tended fields and crops along the roadside.
We visited Caesearea, Mt. Carmel, and Megiddo that first day. Caesarea was the first ruins I’ve been to in person. This was a palace built by King Herod. I thought of the quote from Jurassic Park “I spared no expense”. I’m pretty sure King Herod ‘spared no expense’ back in his day. He was either quite a brilliant builder, or hired brilliant builders. This palace had a working water system with aqueducts. He had built a port out into the sea so the ships would be able to sail directly in. There was a theater, a hippodrome (for chariot and horse races), a fresh water pool, detailed stonework and statues. I learned from Frank (one of our leaders) that this was the place where Paul was detained for a couple of years after many difficult missionary years. So Paul who had learned to be content in whatever circumstances was placed into a port city with connections all over the empire, in this grand palace, and detained. Frank called it the ‘club-med’ of its day. I had never thought about Paul who had suffered much for the gospel having a respite, a vacation in a sense, as he stayed in this palace with its beautiful ocean views and upscale conveniences; yet also what a perfect place to spread the good news as people sailed into and out of this port.
Next was Mt. Carmel and Elijah’s wonderful story. In your best Howard Cosel voice please- “The offering showdown between Baal and the living God. In one corner we have the up and coming Baal supported by his dozens of priests. Look at the frenzy, the cutting, the blood. In the other corner the undisputed reigning champion, Lord of Lords and Kings of Kings, represented solely by the Elijah da Wisah. He’s pouring on the water, he’s taunting the competition. Who will win the showdown today?” Standing firm and feeling God’s power- what a great way to live, what an encouragement in a multicultural world filled with half truths and people mistakenly choosing their own versions of god. Sara our guide encouraged us to live in the spirit of Elijah, to be a representative of the one true God.
It was only last week but I’ve already forgotten the significance of Megiddo. Luckily I think I took better notes as the week went on realizing that there was so much everyday I would forget if I didn’t. The only thing I have in my notes is rebuilt 20 times. I don’t know if I even took pictures or not… Oh well, less for you that are reading to have to read I suppose.
We ended the night at the kibbutz we stayed at for the next 4 nights. Right on the Sea of Galilee, the view was beautiful. I thought of the song- “You make everything glorious” as I sat for a few moments on the beach feeling the breeze and watching the sun slowly sink: Small glimpses of beauty to remind me of the source of all beauty and splendor.
And that was just the first day ☺.
Upchuck luck
Quite often it is the unglamorous and untold story that truly begins any story. We like to skip certain parts and go straight to the excitement, but life isn’t always that exciting, or fun, or even happy. So it is only appropriate that I tell you about my adventure prior to arriving in Tel Aviv.
We met as a group Friday morning and rode together to the airport. As one of the least traveled in the group I was happy for the extra expertise. The check in and first leg of the flight to JFK was fairly uneventful which is actually what you mostly want in a flight. I had sat in the middle of 2 strangers, in what I think should be called the squish seat, because it’s pretty squishy when you are in the middle with no right to any particular arm rest and no area of your own to lean onto (window) or away from (aisle). I was actually pretty excited to get a window seat for the much longer flight from New York to Tel Aviv, and also to find out I actually knew and liked the person I was sitting next to.
After being on the flight a couple of hours- no actually after being in the airplane for a couple of hours; it seems there is a requirement that you sit on the runway for some length of time in New York before you can actually take off, but irregardless, I was getting hungry. When snacks came around I quickly gobbled some pretzels and drank a juice. About an hour later I started feeling a bit queasy. (Those without children or uneasy with talking about body fluids may want to skip to another story at this point). I am rarely ever queasy. I can probably count on one hand the number of times that I have thrown up since adulthood (not that I want to count them). I was sure that a few good burps would set me aright. So I got up and moved around, went to the bathroom, came back and sat down. It didn’t help. Pretty soon I was making Donna (in the aisle seat) move again. Once again I went to the bathroom and once again, I came back still nauseous, although I did bring the appropriate baggy with me just in case. Not long after I returned the stewardess brought dinner. I am not sure it would have looked appetizing with a healthy appetite, but in my state it simply put me over the edge. Donna miraculously held up her tray and mine while I slid by for the third time. Not wanting to go back until either I felt better or the dinner tray was gone, I hung around the bathroom door, waiting as several people went in and out. I finally went in and simply prayed- “Lord if I have to throw up, can I just throw up now?” I mentally pictured the meal I had left with Donna and promptly filled up the bag. Matter of fact I was panicky trying to pull out another bag, afraid I would overflow the one, when it was over. Sweet relief. It is a gross thing, but when you get to that point of nausea, it is wonderful just to feel better.
When I returned to my seat I discovered that Donna had wisely taken our trays to the back and thrown them out. And she still bravely sat next to me, even though she had caught a bug the year before when she flew to Israel and missed part of her trip, as she stayed in the hotel sick.
So what does this have to do with Israel? Not much, but even in the exciting and fun parts of our lives, there are still irritations, and difficulties. And even in the irritations and difficulties there are silver linings like friends that show concern and share their blanket. And with each sickness there is a renewed appreciation for health and just plain feeling good. Lastly there is a curiosity satisfied. The airline barf bags really do work. As flimsy as they look they hold quite securely quite a bit of upchuck. So now that you know- I hope you never have to use one yourself.
We met as a group Friday morning and rode together to the airport. As one of the least traveled in the group I was happy for the extra expertise. The check in and first leg of the flight to JFK was fairly uneventful which is actually what you mostly want in a flight. I had sat in the middle of 2 strangers, in what I think should be called the squish seat, because it’s pretty squishy when you are in the middle with no right to any particular arm rest and no area of your own to lean onto (window) or away from (aisle). I was actually pretty excited to get a window seat for the much longer flight from New York to Tel Aviv, and also to find out I actually knew and liked the person I was sitting next to.
After being on the flight a couple of hours- no actually after being in the airplane for a couple of hours; it seems there is a requirement that you sit on the runway for some length of time in New York before you can actually take off, but irregardless, I was getting hungry. When snacks came around I quickly gobbled some pretzels and drank a juice. About an hour later I started feeling a bit queasy. (Those without children or uneasy with talking about body fluids may want to skip to another story at this point). I am rarely ever queasy. I can probably count on one hand the number of times that I have thrown up since adulthood (not that I want to count them). I was sure that a few good burps would set me aright. So I got up and moved around, went to the bathroom, came back and sat down. It didn’t help. Pretty soon I was making Donna (in the aisle seat) move again. Once again I went to the bathroom and once again, I came back still nauseous, although I did bring the appropriate baggy with me just in case. Not long after I returned the stewardess brought dinner. I am not sure it would have looked appetizing with a healthy appetite, but in my state it simply put me over the edge. Donna miraculously held up her tray and mine while I slid by for the third time. Not wanting to go back until either I felt better or the dinner tray was gone, I hung around the bathroom door, waiting as several people went in and out. I finally went in and simply prayed- “Lord if I have to throw up, can I just throw up now?” I mentally pictured the meal I had left with Donna and promptly filled up the bag. Matter of fact I was panicky trying to pull out another bag, afraid I would overflow the one, when it was over. Sweet relief. It is a gross thing, but when you get to that point of nausea, it is wonderful just to feel better.
When I returned to my seat I discovered that Donna had wisely taken our trays to the back and thrown them out. And she still bravely sat next to me, even though she had caught a bug the year before when she flew to Israel and missed part of her trip, as she stayed in the hotel sick.
So what does this have to do with Israel? Not much, but even in the exciting and fun parts of our lives, there are still irritations, and difficulties. And even in the irritations and difficulties there are silver linings like friends that show concern and share their blanket. And with each sickness there is a renewed appreciation for health and just plain feeling good. Lastly there is a curiosity satisfied. The airline barf bags really do work. As flimsy as they look they hold quite securely quite a bit of upchuck. So now that you know- I hope you never have to use one yourself.
Unpacking
Unpacking…
I got back yesterday from a 12 day trip to Israel. After spending a little time with my family I started the unpacking process. Mostly dirty clothes and some items picked up here and there for family. Unpacking is not the most fun part of traveling. I needed to start laundry, put things back where they belong; you know the process. I ended up with quite the mess as I sorted through things and tried to reorganize and readjust to being home.
Mentally I have been trying to unpack a little as well. We visited at least 3-4 sites a day, some days even more places. Each spot seemed to have it’s own story to tell and made it’s own impression. There was also a beautiful group of people to share with, with quite a wide age range and from eight different nations.
I am almost done with the physical unpacking but I know the mental unpacking is going to take considerably longer. I have had several people ask me what was most meaningful for me. I am one of those people that hate the question- “What was your favorite ____?” It’s not that I am indecisive but I just see the value in variety and it is difficult to narrow down one favorite. So while I cannot give one favorite thing, I will give you the two strongest impressions I have after spending a day thinking about it (by the way this answer might change next week- but for today…)
We constantly have to choose between fear and faith. As I reheard many bible stories this week, it was a consistent theme. And while we often will fail and become fearful, God is still there offering a hand of mercy. The other encompassing impression is the unfathomable immenseness of our God. Being in a land with so much history and ruins of enormous size, jumping around daily from BC to 1st century and back to the present time, I was struck with both how silly we are to try and be “god” and how blessed we are that God does reach out to us. Realizing the prophecies that have been fulfilled, the lives that God has chosen to be intertwined with, the amazing way that the bible is a cohesive whole, it really is more than I can currently express. So I will instead try to take it site by site, which will still in no way come close to matching the glory of our God, but it will hopefully help me stay mindful of that which matters.
More to come…
I got back yesterday from a 12 day trip to Israel. After spending a little time with my family I started the unpacking process. Mostly dirty clothes and some items picked up here and there for family. Unpacking is not the most fun part of traveling. I needed to start laundry, put things back where they belong; you know the process. I ended up with quite the mess as I sorted through things and tried to reorganize and readjust to being home.
Mentally I have been trying to unpack a little as well. We visited at least 3-4 sites a day, some days even more places. Each spot seemed to have it’s own story to tell and made it’s own impression. There was also a beautiful group of people to share with, with quite a wide age range and from eight different nations.
I am almost done with the physical unpacking but I know the mental unpacking is going to take considerably longer. I have had several people ask me what was most meaningful for me. I am one of those people that hate the question- “What was your favorite ____?” It’s not that I am indecisive but I just see the value in variety and it is difficult to narrow down one favorite. So while I cannot give one favorite thing, I will give you the two strongest impressions I have after spending a day thinking about it (by the way this answer might change next week- but for today…)
We constantly have to choose between fear and faith. As I reheard many bible stories this week, it was a consistent theme. And while we often will fail and become fearful, God is still there offering a hand of mercy. The other encompassing impression is the unfathomable immenseness of our God. Being in a land with so much history and ruins of enormous size, jumping around daily from BC to 1st century and back to the present time, I was struck with both how silly we are to try and be “god” and how blessed we are that God does reach out to us. Realizing the prophecies that have been fulfilled, the lives that God has chosen to be intertwined with, the amazing way that the bible is a cohesive whole, it really is more than I can currently express. So I will instead try to take it site by site, which will still in no way come close to matching the glory of our God, but it will hopefully help me stay mindful of that which matters.
More to come…
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Talent Show
Last night was the annual Riverside Elementary School talent show. My middle school child Mackenzie started participating in 3rd grade and so did my youngest, Taylor Grace. So this would be my 5th talent show to watch. I have to say it is thoroughly entertaining. I love the variety. I love the creativity. I love seeing the kids come up one or two at a time to show what they can do.
They are always a few that make you smile because they are so enjoying themselves. It may be singing, it might be dancing, and it’s not always that the talent level is immense, but you see that they are giving 100% and you find yourself smiling right along with them. There is also the few that look absolutely scared to death, or so small that you’re not sure if this was really their idea, but again you find yourself wanting to clap and encourage them for their bravery. There are always the mishaps of a missed note or words, the nervous giggles, and a few acts that perhaps are a little ahead of their time. And then there are the children that amaze us. It will probably sound a bit racist, but I need to become friends with a Korean mom just to figure out how they manage to have such consistently high achievers. But I have probably missed the curve already, and variety is the spice of life- we can’t all be overachievers.
I remember Mackenzie’s 5th grade year she played a piano piece. She had been taking piano for a year, and she played her piece perfectly. Immediately following was the tiniest 1st grade boy. He was precious. Dressed in a tux, Paul Wang was about the same height as the piano. He sat down and played this beautiful sonata that blew everyone away. He is now in Taylor Grace’s class and played beautifully again last night.
Taylor Grace and her friend Savannah choreographed and performed their own dance to Mylie Cyrus’ “Party in the USA”. As her mother, you know I am completely unbiased when I tell you it was incredible ☺. Which made me think about all the other moms and dads celebrating these gifts and talents that these children have. It made me so proud to see the kids expressing themselves and avoiding that adult tendency to over criticize or compare. You could just see the uniqueness in each child whether they sang, danced, or played an instrument.
It makes me wonder what it would be like if we all were less critical of ourselves. If we were all brave enough to share our talents, to give what we’ve got. If we set aside time to enjoy each other’s abilities and didn’t expect perfection but instead encouraged the courage to try. I wonder why we don’t do that more often? It was better than any TV show. It was cool also to see the community coming together to do something fun and wholesome. So thank you to you PTA moms that made it happen. You encouraged the arts and touched my heart.
There is a parable about talents in the bible which is representative of money in the scripture. But I imagine it holds true for our abilities as well. Don't hide or bury them, get out and use them!
They are always a few that make you smile because they are so enjoying themselves. It may be singing, it might be dancing, and it’s not always that the talent level is immense, but you see that they are giving 100% and you find yourself smiling right along with them. There is also the few that look absolutely scared to death, or so small that you’re not sure if this was really their idea, but again you find yourself wanting to clap and encourage them for their bravery. There are always the mishaps of a missed note or words, the nervous giggles, and a few acts that perhaps are a little ahead of their time. And then there are the children that amaze us. It will probably sound a bit racist, but I need to become friends with a Korean mom just to figure out how they manage to have such consistently high achievers. But I have probably missed the curve already, and variety is the spice of life- we can’t all be overachievers.
I remember Mackenzie’s 5th grade year she played a piano piece. She had been taking piano for a year, and she played her piece perfectly. Immediately following was the tiniest 1st grade boy. He was precious. Dressed in a tux, Paul Wang was about the same height as the piano. He sat down and played this beautiful sonata that blew everyone away. He is now in Taylor Grace’s class and played beautifully again last night.
Taylor Grace and her friend Savannah choreographed and performed their own dance to Mylie Cyrus’ “Party in the USA”. As her mother, you know I am completely unbiased when I tell you it was incredible ☺. Which made me think about all the other moms and dads celebrating these gifts and talents that these children have. It made me so proud to see the kids expressing themselves and avoiding that adult tendency to over criticize or compare. You could just see the uniqueness in each child whether they sang, danced, or played an instrument.
It makes me wonder what it would be like if we all were less critical of ourselves. If we were all brave enough to share our talents, to give what we’ve got. If we set aside time to enjoy each other’s abilities and didn’t expect perfection but instead encouraged the courage to try. I wonder why we don’t do that more often? It was better than any TV show. It was cool also to see the community coming together to do something fun and wholesome. So thank you to you PTA moms that made it happen. You encouraged the arts and touched my heart.
There is a parable about talents in the bible which is representative of money in the scripture. But I imagine it holds true for our abilities as well. Don't hide or bury them, get out and use them!
Toilets
Since I had to look on the Internet for toilets yesterday, I am still thinking about the $3000 toilets. When I googled toilets I expected a range, but I did not expect to go from $89 to almost $4000. I am still somewhat puzzled as to what need it fulfills to pay more for a toilet. The functions appear to mostly be the same. Differences include colors, one piece or two-piece, water usage, and some even had a bidet (which I would think would be a bit more costly). But for the most part they looked pretty similar to me.
After having this roam around in my head, I couldn’t help but think of what would be really useful in a toilet. I have a neighbor with 2 little boys and 1 big boy. She was recently explaining to me that she regretted putting hardwood floors in her bathroom. As the finish is deteriorating, she would have chosen tile instead, if she had factored in having 3 boys. It seems urine must be quite corrosive if it is continually sprinkled on a surface. I only have 1 big boy in the house but I understand. There is no aiming required for us girls. We simply sit. This whole process of aiming is not as accurate. So my idea to really improve the function of a toilet is to have an aiming mechanism that extends up when needed and then disappears when it is not. I imagine men are cringing at the thought and women that have continually cleaned the potty are saying- “Of Course!”. In addition there should be a self-cleaning button. We have self-cleaning for our ovens- why not the toilet? I picture a Wallace and Grommet type of invention with mechanical hands appearing from the wall to scrub and clean at the push of a button.
Until then I think I will settle for the $89 toilet. As an aside, I found a used toilet for sale in what looked like pristine condition for $50. I plan on looking at it today. When I mentioned it to my husband, he was quite indignant at the thought of a used toilet, so was Mackenzie, until I pointed out that none of our derrieres have ever sat on a ‘new’ toilet. He grew up in apartments and both of our homes were lived in before we bought them. We’ve used public restrooms in gas stations, hotels, stores, and stadiums, even port a potties. So I think used might be a little irrelevant.
Anyway, I hope you have a new appreciation for your throne room today. That little contraption is underappreciated and probably one of the hardest working items in your home. And if any of you want to buy the rights to my ideas- let me know ☺.
After having this roam around in my head, I couldn’t help but think of what would be really useful in a toilet. I have a neighbor with 2 little boys and 1 big boy. She was recently explaining to me that she regretted putting hardwood floors in her bathroom. As the finish is deteriorating, she would have chosen tile instead, if she had factored in having 3 boys. It seems urine must be quite corrosive if it is continually sprinkled on a surface. I only have 1 big boy in the house but I understand. There is no aiming required for us girls. We simply sit. This whole process of aiming is not as accurate. So my idea to really improve the function of a toilet is to have an aiming mechanism that extends up when needed and then disappears when it is not. I imagine men are cringing at the thought and women that have continually cleaned the potty are saying- “Of Course!”. In addition there should be a self-cleaning button. We have self-cleaning for our ovens- why not the toilet? I picture a Wallace and Grommet type of invention with mechanical hands appearing from the wall to scrub and clean at the push of a button.
Until then I think I will settle for the $89 toilet. As an aside, I found a used toilet for sale in what looked like pristine condition for $50. I plan on looking at it today. When I mentioned it to my husband, he was quite indignant at the thought of a used toilet, so was Mackenzie, until I pointed out that none of our derrieres have ever sat on a ‘new’ toilet. He grew up in apartments and both of our homes were lived in before we bought them. We’ve used public restrooms in gas stations, hotels, stores, and stadiums, even port a potties. So I think used might be a little irrelevant.
Anyway, I hope you have a new appreciation for your throne room today. That little contraption is underappreciated and probably one of the hardest working items in your home. And if any of you want to buy the rights to my ideas- let me know ☺.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Money, money, money, money
Timothy 6:10-12 (New International Version)
10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 11But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1Timothy keeps popping up and distracting me. How do I not love money? Do I know anyone that doesn’t love money? I think of the rich young ruler and his disappointment when Jesus asked him to sell all he had. I don’t want to sell all I have. I mean I know in my head that it all belongs to God. I know in my head that I am just a steward of what he has allowed me to use. In a sense I am borrowing all because it is not truly mine. BUT, I also tend to take ownership. I DO start to think of things as mine. I know in my head that things don’t make you happy. But I DO like certain things that are temporarily borrowed and mostly considered mine through God’s benevolence. I like my house, I like my car, I like my clothes and shoes. I like to have food in my pantry and freezer, I like to take my kids to activities, I like having heat in the winter and A/C in the summer, I like having water freely flowing through my pipes. I like furniture and kitchen appliances. I like lots of things that require money.
Even beyond that I like to have some set aside for days like today when I am looking for a toilet, because I have a hairline fracture in the tank. Being so industrious as to replace the deteriorated rubber washers and bolts myself I must have tightened the bolts too tightly. Who knew a petite lady could tighten the bolts so tightly as to make a fracture in the tank? And as an aside- looking for toilets- did you know there are toilets that cost upwards of $1000 dollars? I mean, you know what they are for. Who needs a thousand dollar toilet for excrement? I also have been comparing the cost to repair my oven and the cost to replace it. Trying to figure out which is the better strategy is like trying to predict the future. So I like having some money set aside to replace those broken things. I also look around and realize that the sofa is getting threadbare and will eventually need a cover or a replacement as well.
So how do I not love money?
In the 18 years that I have been married, we have never been, in our culture, considered rich (although I think almost every American I know is rich- we just have a skewed perception with so much wealth all around us- but that’s a whole new essay). We have had many tight months, especially when we first had kids and adapted to a one-income lifestyle. But I would occasionally remind myself that even if we literally lost everything, we would still be blessed because we had each other. I think that if we had to start over in another little apartment or duplex without savings, it would be hard and yucky, but we would be okay (not thrilled or necessarily happy- but okay). Now I would like to throw in for the sake of reality that that is easier said than done, and that I do not want to start over at zero, but it is my optimistic thought that we would work it out and keep moving forward. I like to think that I know there are more important things than things.
But, do I still love money?- yes. Is a continuous draw that I have to fight against?- yes. Do I think it will get easier at some point?- maybe, hopefully, not so sure. But I think the second part of Paul’s charge to Timothy helps us start to find a balance- “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness”.
Lately I have been trying to pursue a job. I have been trying to pursue some security through finding a paycheck. Even though God is good to me and has always been good to me. Even though God is providing for me and has always provided for me. I forget. Like the ruler, I have become used to a certain way of living and I am not sure I can let go of that. I forget that it is not mine anyway. I forget that as Bono sang- “My God isn’t short of cash mister”. I still love money but I am taking the first step. Hi- I am Joy and I love money. I am a recovering money lover today. But one day at a time right?
10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 11But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1Timothy keeps popping up and distracting me. How do I not love money? Do I know anyone that doesn’t love money? I think of the rich young ruler and his disappointment when Jesus asked him to sell all he had. I don’t want to sell all I have. I mean I know in my head that it all belongs to God. I know in my head that I am just a steward of what he has allowed me to use. In a sense I am borrowing all because it is not truly mine. BUT, I also tend to take ownership. I DO start to think of things as mine. I know in my head that things don’t make you happy. But I DO like certain things that are temporarily borrowed and mostly considered mine through God’s benevolence. I like my house, I like my car, I like my clothes and shoes. I like to have food in my pantry and freezer, I like to take my kids to activities, I like having heat in the winter and A/C in the summer, I like having water freely flowing through my pipes. I like furniture and kitchen appliances. I like lots of things that require money.
Even beyond that I like to have some set aside for days like today when I am looking for a toilet, because I have a hairline fracture in the tank. Being so industrious as to replace the deteriorated rubber washers and bolts myself I must have tightened the bolts too tightly. Who knew a petite lady could tighten the bolts so tightly as to make a fracture in the tank? And as an aside- looking for toilets- did you know there are toilets that cost upwards of $1000 dollars? I mean, you know what they are for. Who needs a thousand dollar toilet for excrement? I also have been comparing the cost to repair my oven and the cost to replace it. Trying to figure out which is the better strategy is like trying to predict the future. So I like having some money set aside to replace those broken things. I also look around and realize that the sofa is getting threadbare and will eventually need a cover or a replacement as well.
So how do I not love money?
In the 18 years that I have been married, we have never been, in our culture, considered rich (although I think almost every American I know is rich- we just have a skewed perception with so much wealth all around us- but that’s a whole new essay). We have had many tight months, especially when we first had kids and adapted to a one-income lifestyle. But I would occasionally remind myself that even if we literally lost everything, we would still be blessed because we had each other. I think that if we had to start over in another little apartment or duplex without savings, it would be hard and yucky, but we would be okay (not thrilled or necessarily happy- but okay). Now I would like to throw in for the sake of reality that that is easier said than done, and that I do not want to start over at zero, but it is my optimistic thought that we would work it out and keep moving forward. I like to think that I know there are more important things than things.
But, do I still love money?- yes. Is a continuous draw that I have to fight against?- yes. Do I think it will get easier at some point?- maybe, hopefully, not so sure. But I think the second part of Paul’s charge to Timothy helps us start to find a balance- “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness”.
Lately I have been trying to pursue a job. I have been trying to pursue some security through finding a paycheck. Even though God is good to me and has always been good to me. Even though God is providing for me and has always provided for me. I forget. Like the ruler, I have become used to a certain way of living and I am not sure I can let go of that. I forget that it is not mine anyway. I forget that as Bono sang- “My God isn’t short of cash mister”. I still love money but I am taking the first step. Hi- I am Joy and I love money. I am a recovering money lover today. But one day at a time right?
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Israel, here I come!
Israel, here I come!
My husband is an anticipator. He has been excited about my trip to Israel for months now. I however tend to be more in the moment, so it is just now sinking in that I will be leaving in 2 weeks. Wow!
I realized I needed to record how this transpired so that I would not forget. You see I tend to forget the details over time, and can displace the significance of an event, or even downplay God’s role in it. So while I will still probably downplay God’s role in it, because He is after all in everything, I want to put in writing the cool way this has happened.
Last year, I was taking a bible study called “Experiencing God”. It really challenged me in a couple of ways: instead of doing what I thought and then asking God to bless it, I should look for what God was doing and then get involved where He directed. The study also challenged me to listen to God and step out in faith. I sensed that God was leading me to quit my job as Group Fitness Coordinator, but I wasn’t sure what the next step was. Around this same time, my husband felt strongly that I should go on a study tour of Israel. Looking at those two separate ideas you can see that they don’t really add up. I would be decreasing our family income around $1200 or so each month, and adding an additional expense of around $3700. At the same time we were committed to sending our 2 middle school girls on mission trips with the youth, which was also an additional $1200. Hmmm.
We began the discussions of what we could cut back on. We even decided to put our house on the market. With so many foreclosures we thought that perhaps by selling our house, we could lower our mortgage some. I tend to enjoy doing minor home repair and remodeling. We had fixed up our first home and made quite a profit, so we reasoned that perhaps we could do that again, but we also prayed that God would reveal his desire to us. At the end of our 3-month contract we reconsidered and decided it was best if we stayed put. I was relieved that I would no longer have to have my home ‘ready to show’, but still unsure where that left our plans. We thought about refinancing, thinking if all else fails, we could use some of our equity to pay for the trip (is my husband supportive or what), but because we had our house on the market, we could not refinance for 3 months, which would cause us to miss the payment deadlines for the trip. I think God was removing our options of self-reliance.
So, without knowing what the source would be, we took our step of faith and put down my $400 deposit. We decided that either God would provide or we would lose $400 (and that was a serious commitment for us). Two weeks later it was Christmas. When we got together with my family, my Dad gave each of the kids and the grandkids envelopes as usual. But the contents for us kids, was a bit unusual. Unbeknownst to us, my parents had cashed in an annuity and decided to split it among the 3 of us (I have 2 brothers). My envelope that normally had $50 instead had $2000. Grady smiled and said, “There’s part of your Israel trip”. We were astonished and grateful.
About 1 week later, I got a call from Julie Polachek. She said, “I have an anonymous donation for your Israel trip.” Someone had donated $2000. I was downright giddy for days. I remember thinking that on the one hand I would love to be able to say thank you to the donor, but on the other hand, not knowing made it seem like it came directly from God. We were able to pay off my trip and a significant portion of our daughters mission trips as well. I remembered Blackaby saying, “Confirmation comes after commitment”. What a beautiful confirmation!
It’s funny because I still am not sure why God wanted me to resign. But I suppose that if it were for no other reason than to ‘show off’ His amazing provision, I guess that’s good enough. I came across Romans 12:2 today, “It is God who directs the lives of his creatures; everyone’s life is in His power.” I have not done exactly what I expected since resigning. I expected to write everyday, to be inspired and have some big revelation about my calling. What I have done instead is spend more time working in and around my house, spending more time in conversations with my daughters, spending more time cooking homemade meals, spending more time reading, and more time praying. I have felt more relaxed (most days), been more creative in how to spend money and time, and more aware of my dependence on God.
I expected to scrape and save and struggle to find a way to pay for Israel. I expected when I resigned to have a lightening bolt moment from God explaining my purpose. I am so glad God is better than my expectations. He wants me to talk to Him everyday, to step out in faith when He calls me, and to rely more on Him and less on me. “Everything got started in Him and finds its purpose in Him.” I Cor. 1:16b. Ps. 33:10-11 “The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” Prov. 19:21 “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
I hope I am slowly learning that it is less about what I plan and expect and more about what God is doing.
Lord thank you for the glimpses again of your abundance, for the confirmation of your provision. Thank you that your plan is so much better when I remember to listen for what You have for me.
My husband is an anticipator. He has been excited about my trip to Israel for months now. I however tend to be more in the moment, so it is just now sinking in that I will be leaving in 2 weeks. Wow!
I realized I needed to record how this transpired so that I would not forget. You see I tend to forget the details over time, and can displace the significance of an event, or even downplay God’s role in it. So while I will still probably downplay God’s role in it, because He is after all in everything, I want to put in writing the cool way this has happened.
Last year, I was taking a bible study called “Experiencing God”. It really challenged me in a couple of ways: instead of doing what I thought and then asking God to bless it, I should look for what God was doing and then get involved where He directed. The study also challenged me to listen to God and step out in faith. I sensed that God was leading me to quit my job as Group Fitness Coordinator, but I wasn’t sure what the next step was. Around this same time, my husband felt strongly that I should go on a study tour of Israel. Looking at those two separate ideas you can see that they don’t really add up. I would be decreasing our family income around $1200 or so each month, and adding an additional expense of around $3700. At the same time we were committed to sending our 2 middle school girls on mission trips with the youth, which was also an additional $1200. Hmmm.
We began the discussions of what we could cut back on. We even decided to put our house on the market. With so many foreclosures we thought that perhaps by selling our house, we could lower our mortgage some. I tend to enjoy doing minor home repair and remodeling. We had fixed up our first home and made quite a profit, so we reasoned that perhaps we could do that again, but we also prayed that God would reveal his desire to us. At the end of our 3-month contract we reconsidered and decided it was best if we stayed put. I was relieved that I would no longer have to have my home ‘ready to show’, but still unsure where that left our plans. We thought about refinancing, thinking if all else fails, we could use some of our equity to pay for the trip (is my husband supportive or what), but because we had our house on the market, we could not refinance for 3 months, which would cause us to miss the payment deadlines for the trip. I think God was removing our options of self-reliance.
So, without knowing what the source would be, we took our step of faith and put down my $400 deposit. We decided that either God would provide or we would lose $400 (and that was a serious commitment for us). Two weeks later it was Christmas. When we got together with my family, my Dad gave each of the kids and the grandkids envelopes as usual. But the contents for us kids, was a bit unusual. Unbeknownst to us, my parents had cashed in an annuity and decided to split it among the 3 of us (I have 2 brothers). My envelope that normally had $50 instead had $2000. Grady smiled and said, “There’s part of your Israel trip”. We were astonished and grateful.
About 1 week later, I got a call from Julie Polachek. She said, “I have an anonymous donation for your Israel trip.” Someone had donated $2000. I was downright giddy for days. I remember thinking that on the one hand I would love to be able to say thank you to the donor, but on the other hand, not knowing made it seem like it came directly from God. We were able to pay off my trip and a significant portion of our daughters mission trips as well. I remembered Blackaby saying, “Confirmation comes after commitment”. What a beautiful confirmation!
It’s funny because I still am not sure why God wanted me to resign. But I suppose that if it were for no other reason than to ‘show off’ His amazing provision, I guess that’s good enough. I came across Romans 12:2 today, “It is God who directs the lives of his creatures; everyone’s life is in His power.” I have not done exactly what I expected since resigning. I expected to write everyday, to be inspired and have some big revelation about my calling. What I have done instead is spend more time working in and around my house, spending more time in conversations with my daughters, spending more time cooking homemade meals, spending more time reading, and more time praying. I have felt more relaxed (most days), been more creative in how to spend money and time, and more aware of my dependence on God.
I expected to scrape and save and struggle to find a way to pay for Israel. I expected when I resigned to have a lightening bolt moment from God explaining my purpose. I am so glad God is better than my expectations. He wants me to talk to Him everyday, to step out in faith when He calls me, and to rely more on Him and less on me. “Everything got started in Him and finds its purpose in Him.” I Cor. 1:16b. Ps. 33:10-11 “The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” Prov. 19:21 “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
I hope I am slowly learning that it is less about what I plan and expect and more about what God is doing.
Lord thank you for the glimpses again of your abundance, for the confirmation of your provision. Thank you that your plan is so much better when I remember to listen for what You have for me.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Revelation (as in the book)
I am wrapping up the end of a study on Revelation. Can I just say that I didn’t like it? I found all the plagues and references to blood and trials distressing. Not knowing what is symbolic and what is literal is daunting. I’m not sure if it is a discomfort with the idea of hell and damnation or just the sense that our culture is reflective of many of the signs foretold, but it was foreboding and difficult to work through. There was also the sense of this is crazy. I’m used to the story of Jesus, the New Testament parables, the Old Testament stories of people, the wisdom of proverbs, the beauty and emotion of the psalms. Prophecy is a completely different category. Seven heads with seven eyes, references to angels and numbers that may have literal or figurative meanings, dragons and false prophets, the uniting of men only to be fractured again. It makes me feel insignificant, and lacking in control (okay so maybe that is accurate anyway). It makes me aware again of the gaping chasm between God and me. I don’t understand. I don’t get it.
What I did get is that there are parallels between what has been and what will be. Just as those who were around for the coming of Jesus Christ didn’t always get it, yet there were those who still believed. We have our own limited perspective based on our time in this world, based on our cultural perspective. When Jesus was teaching in the Jewish communities, they expected their messiah to rule as a king, to lead their country to overcome the Romans. They expected a physical deliverance as had been done when they were captive to Egypt. Yet Jesus came with a spiritual deliverance. And those closest to the ‘prophecies’ sometimes had the greatest difficulties surrendering their preconceived notions of what this messiah should be.
After looking through the eschatology (briefly and in no way completely) I suppose I do have some better perceptions of what it might be like. I might have more understanding of what I think will happen, but I want to learn the lesson provided by the original chosen people. It might not be exactly what I am expecting, but it will be what is needed and so much more than what I can imagine. And I suppose in the words of Bill Murray, “I got that going for me.”
What I did get is that there are parallels between what has been and what will be. Just as those who were around for the coming of Jesus Christ didn’t always get it, yet there were those who still believed. We have our own limited perspective based on our time in this world, based on our cultural perspective. When Jesus was teaching in the Jewish communities, they expected their messiah to rule as a king, to lead their country to overcome the Romans. They expected a physical deliverance as had been done when they were captive to Egypt. Yet Jesus came with a spiritual deliverance. And those closest to the ‘prophecies’ sometimes had the greatest difficulties surrendering their preconceived notions of what this messiah should be.
After looking through the eschatology (briefly and in no way completely) I suppose I do have some better perceptions of what it might be like. I might have more understanding of what I think will happen, but I want to learn the lesson provided by the original chosen people. It might not be exactly what I am expecting, but it will be what is needed and so much more than what I can imagine. And I suppose in the words of Bill Murray, “I got that going for me.”
Thursday, April 1, 2010
The ant or the lily...
Matthew 6 25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? 31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. 34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Lately I have been thinking that maybe the old children’s classic “The Ant and the Grasshopper” ought to be “The Ant or the Lily”. I am really struggling with finding the balance of waiting on the Lord, listening, and taking action- doing something. I mean in the epitome of human wisdom there are some pretty commanding ideas. “If you want something done, do it yourself.” “There’s no time like the present.” “You reap what you sow.” “Perspiration is the foundation for inspiration.” We respect hard work. We admire go-getters that get it done. We like to ‘do’ something. So how do lilies and birds fit in here?
As a woman, I know if forced to pick between being an ant or a lily, well, not working and being beautiful is a pretty good combination (and I never did learn how to make my own clothes). Ants do seem to always be scurrying about, working, searching for this or that, carrying it back home, only to repeat the cycle again. That does sound like most of the lives I know. Matter of fact, I’m not sure I know any lilies; just relaxing, soaking in the sun, being all glorious. Birds in my perspective fit somewhere in between. They at least look graceful flying around and stop long enough to sing now and then.
I guess God knew we would be compelled to do something, so He did give us an objective: Something to ‘do’. (verse 33) Seek the Kingdom of God above all else and live righteously. What do I tend to seek on my own whims? I seek money. I seek friendship. I seek control. I seek security. I seek comfort. I seek to buy low and sell high. I seek to look glorious. I seek intelligence. I seek wisdom. I seek happiness. I seek love. I seek joy. I seek beauty. A mixed bag- some being of higher importance than others, and some seeming more attainable than others. But the truly important ones when I really think about it do come from God. So why do I seek for myself wisdom, beauty, love, provision and joy? Why not directly petition the source?
Live righteously. Now that one is a no-brainer. Who’s mama ever told them- “Do wrong and you will be better off for it.”? We know that doing right is better. It’s just that doing right is sometimes self-sacrificing. It’s sometimes inconvenient. It’s sometimes just downright difficult to do right. If you have any family or daily relationships, you should know this- they just don’t always do right, and neither do we…
So we are forced once again to realize the impossibility of the standards set by our loving savior Jesus Christ. Which hopefully will once again help us turn back to him and say “help.”
Lord, Have mercy on me a sinner. Help me seek You first when I am tempted to seek other sources. Help me do right. Help me soak in Your ‘son’ and radiate a little of Your glory today so others can remember to seek You as well. Help me remember as I scurry, work, and search for this or that, that this is just a temporary home, not meant to be my security or my source. Bring out the lily in me today.
Lately I have been thinking that maybe the old children’s classic “The Ant and the Grasshopper” ought to be “The Ant or the Lily”. I am really struggling with finding the balance of waiting on the Lord, listening, and taking action- doing something. I mean in the epitome of human wisdom there are some pretty commanding ideas. “If you want something done, do it yourself.” “There’s no time like the present.” “You reap what you sow.” “Perspiration is the foundation for inspiration.” We respect hard work. We admire go-getters that get it done. We like to ‘do’ something. So how do lilies and birds fit in here?
As a woman, I know if forced to pick between being an ant or a lily, well, not working and being beautiful is a pretty good combination (and I never did learn how to make my own clothes). Ants do seem to always be scurrying about, working, searching for this or that, carrying it back home, only to repeat the cycle again. That does sound like most of the lives I know. Matter of fact, I’m not sure I know any lilies; just relaxing, soaking in the sun, being all glorious. Birds in my perspective fit somewhere in between. They at least look graceful flying around and stop long enough to sing now and then.
I guess God knew we would be compelled to do something, so He did give us an objective: Something to ‘do’. (verse 33) Seek the Kingdom of God above all else and live righteously. What do I tend to seek on my own whims? I seek money. I seek friendship. I seek control. I seek security. I seek comfort. I seek to buy low and sell high. I seek to look glorious. I seek intelligence. I seek wisdom. I seek happiness. I seek love. I seek joy. I seek beauty. A mixed bag- some being of higher importance than others, and some seeming more attainable than others. But the truly important ones when I really think about it do come from God. So why do I seek for myself wisdom, beauty, love, provision and joy? Why not directly petition the source?
Live righteously. Now that one is a no-brainer. Who’s mama ever told them- “Do wrong and you will be better off for it.”? We know that doing right is better. It’s just that doing right is sometimes self-sacrificing. It’s sometimes inconvenient. It’s sometimes just downright difficult to do right. If you have any family or daily relationships, you should know this- they just don’t always do right, and neither do we…
So we are forced once again to realize the impossibility of the standards set by our loving savior Jesus Christ. Which hopefully will once again help us turn back to him and say “help.”
Lord, Have mercy on me a sinner. Help me seek You first when I am tempted to seek other sources. Help me do right. Help me soak in Your ‘son’ and radiate a little of Your glory today so others can remember to seek You as well. Help me remember as I scurry, work, and search for this or that, that this is just a temporary home, not meant to be my security or my source. Bring out the lily in me today.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Happily ever after
(This morning as we were talking about being the 'bride' of Christ, it reminded me of something I wrote a few years ago. In Revelation it talks of the King of kings on his white horse, he is called faithful and true.
Now that's a hero I want in my story.
So keep that in mind as you read the following:)
Existing, breathing in and out, stumbling, dragging, heart heavy, forcing the effort not because of desire, but because of duty, just making it through day by day. Wondering at the point, the purpose, the point, the purpose. How’d I get here? Where was the turn? How do you go from knowing you are the daughter of the king, the princess, to this separation, this dread, this feeling of despair?
I suppose that’s always the fairy tale right? The beautiful, joyous princess is attacked by the evil one: She might be separated from all she loves or just deadened to all feelings. She might be abandoned for a time. Does she know the ending while in this limbo?
Happily. Ever. After. That’s where I want to exist, to remain. I want that to be the beginning, the middle and the end. Forget the evil guys, the suspense, the heartache. I want a nice consistent happily, ever after, now. Ever read that story? The story that is completely peaceful and happy all the way through? I doubt it. We know by life, by instinct, by looking around, no one is living a perfect ‘happily ever after’ all the time. Most of us can’t see how many pages away we are from happily ever after. Many of us aren’t sure even if that will be our ending. We are trying to survive this page, evil either on its way or already here. We know we are not capable on our own; we need help, deliverance, and salvation.
Here’s what I like about the fairy tale: the resolution. I can take it all in just one sitting, the forming of the characters and unique characteristics of the individuals involved (usually readily identifiable as good or evil). We read the dilemmas, trials, and struggles sometimes mixed in with humor right up until the crisis. The epiphany of struggle occurs but we read on bravely keeping hope stirring in our heart and soon we are rewarded because, yes, once again good has conquered and evil is defeated and happily ever after comes to town. A nice tidy thirty-minute read, maybe a little shorter, maybe a little longer.
But what if it took us a year to read, two, five, twenty, what if it took eighty years to read? How much more we could take from the story, but how much harder to stay focused, involved, to not get lost in the minutia of eating meals, cleaning castles, and taking out trash. Not to mention the intertwined stories of relatives, friends, and neighbors still circling through and around. It might be easy to miss out on the magic if we became too distracted by the mundane.
I am reminded of the story of Joseph in the bible, not a fairy tale, but has many of the same elements: a favored child, a plan to do him harm, an unlikely ‘rescue’ as he works his way into an easier service track for the king, only to be falsely accused and imprisoned by the queen, yet finally exonerated, put in charge of the kingdom and reunited with his family. We get the snapshot, the climax, and eventually the happy ending, but we don’t live and feel the days in between. Were there days of doubt and despair? Were there days of hopelessness and struggle, perhaps even bitterness and depression? I would guess so.
For today I want to remember that I am the daughter of a king, a princess. I want to rise above the mundane and remember I too am involved in a story far greater than what I can see. I have already been rescued but my story doesn’t end there. There are still evil forces plotting, still challenges ahead. My savior is still loving and fighting for me even when I can’t see or feel him. I have a limited viewpoint of what’s around the corner. I don’t know how many pages are left, but I am left with choosing to believe in love, in hope, in good conquering evil, and even in happily ever after.
Now that's a hero I want in my story.
So keep that in mind as you read the following:)
Existing, breathing in and out, stumbling, dragging, heart heavy, forcing the effort not because of desire, but because of duty, just making it through day by day. Wondering at the point, the purpose, the point, the purpose. How’d I get here? Where was the turn? How do you go from knowing you are the daughter of the king, the princess, to this separation, this dread, this feeling of despair?
I suppose that’s always the fairy tale right? The beautiful, joyous princess is attacked by the evil one: She might be separated from all she loves or just deadened to all feelings. She might be abandoned for a time. Does she know the ending while in this limbo?
Happily. Ever. After. That’s where I want to exist, to remain. I want that to be the beginning, the middle and the end. Forget the evil guys, the suspense, the heartache. I want a nice consistent happily, ever after, now. Ever read that story? The story that is completely peaceful and happy all the way through? I doubt it. We know by life, by instinct, by looking around, no one is living a perfect ‘happily ever after’ all the time. Most of us can’t see how many pages away we are from happily ever after. Many of us aren’t sure even if that will be our ending. We are trying to survive this page, evil either on its way or already here. We know we are not capable on our own; we need help, deliverance, and salvation.
Here’s what I like about the fairy tale: the resolution. I can take it all in just one sitting, the forming of the characters and unique characteristics of the individuals involved (usually readily identifiable as good or evil). We read the dilemmas, trials, and struggles sometimes mixed in with humor right up until the crisis. The epiphany of struggle occurs but we read on bravely keeping hope stirring in our heart and soon we are rewarded because, yes, once again good has conquered and evil is defeated and happily ever after comes to town. A nice tidy thirty-minute read, maybe a little shorter, maybe a little longer.
But what if it took us a year to read, two, five, twenty, what if it took eighty years to read? How much more we could take from the story, but how much harder to stay focused, involved, to not get lost in the minutia of eating meals, cleaning castles, and taking out trash. Not to mention the intertwined stories of relatives, friends, and neighbors still circling through and around. It might be easy to miss out on the magic if we became too distracted by the mundane.
I am reminded of the story of Joseph in the bible, not a fairy tale, but has many of the same elements: a favored child, a plan to do him harm, an unlikely ‘rescue’ as he works his way into an easier service track for the king, only to be falsely accused and imprisoned by the queen, yet finally exonerated, put in charge of the kingdom and reunited with his family. We get the snapshot, the climax, and eventually the happy ending, but we don’t live and feel the days in between. Were there days of doubt and despair? Were there days of hopelessness and struggle, perhaps even bitterness and depression? I would guess so.
For today I want to remember that I am the daughter of a king, a princess. I want to rise above the mundane and remember I too am involved in a story far greater than what I can see. I have already been rescued but my story doesn’t end there. There are still evil forces plotting, still challenges ahead. My savior is still loving and fighting for me even when I can’t see or feel him. I have a limited viewpoint of what’s around the corner. I don’t know how many pages are left, but I am left with choosing to believe in love, in hope, in good conquering evil, and even in happily ever after.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Still waiting...
Still waiting….
I have often tried to encourage participants in my exercise class by praising them for doing something for themselves. I have pointed out that while you can pay someone to do a whole lot of things for you- no one can exercise for you. It is something that you have to do for yourself. You can believe in the value of exercise all you want, but it is only in doing it that you will reap rewards. (I think if someone could figure out how to exercise for someone else and transfer the benefits, there would be a booming business.)
Another aspect of exercise is that you have to increase the intensity of your exercise if you want to continue seeing results. If you lift weights, at some point you need to either increase repetitions or the amount of weight. If you are doing cardio, it’s a good idea to change up your routine from time to time.
Last night someone pointed out that stepping out in faith is kind of like exercising your beliefs. You may say you believe in God, but until you actually step out to the point of needing God, your faith is pretty neutral. Once you begin exercising your faith that is when your relationship with God can grow stronger or fit.
I have to say at this point in life I am better at exercising my body than my faith. I have been exercising pretty consistently for years. For the most part I know what I can do, how to listen to my body. I am not obsessive about it but I like to do something several times a week.
I am a little more timid in exercising my faith. Right now I am going on month 3 of somewhat of a sabbatical. I resigned as the fitness coordinator. I dropped teaching my cycling and yoga classes at the gym. But I am still teaching some yoga classes and my silver sneakers classes. I felt led to resign even though I did not have a firm direction for what was next. I have about as many good days as bad. Good is when I feel peaceful and know that God has got this. Bad is when I go on-line and apply for 3 jobs not really asking God, just figuring I need to do something?
I realize that for some people exercise can be uncomfortable. For those that exercise consistently though, we feel better when we exercise. It actually gets enjoyable when you have an activity that gets your heart pumping. I enjoy working up a sweat and it feels so good when I’m done.
This faith building for me right now is extremely uncomfortable. I am hoping that I will be able to look back and say, that’s when I started making it a habit. I want to get to a point where my faith gets stronger and that I enjoy a challenge to keep it fit. I see examples around me of those that make this exercise of faith look easy- but sure enough those that make it look easy have been doing it more consistently and usually longer than I have.
Maybe that’s why I am still waiting. Maybe the discomfort is building a little strength in my faith. I hope so.
I have often tried to encourage participants in my exercise class by praising them for doing something for themselves. I have pointed out that while you can pay someone to do a whole lot of things for you- no one can exercise for you. It is something that you have to do for yourself. You can believe in the value of exercise all you want, but it is only in doing it that you will reap rewards. (I think if someone could figure out how to exercise for someone else and transfer the benefits, there would be a booming business.)
Another aspect of exercise is that you have to increase the intensity of your exercise if you want to continue seeing results. If you lift weights, at some point you need to either increase repetitions or the amount of weight. If you are doing cardio, it’s a good idea to change up your routine from time to time.
Last night someone pointed out that stepping out in faith is kind of like exercising your beliefs. You may say you believe in God, but until you actually step out to the point of needing God, your faith is pretty neutral. Once you begin exercising your faith that is when your relationship with God can grow stronger or fit.
I have to say at this point in life I am better at exercising my body than my faith. I have been exercising pretty consistently for years. For the most part I know what I can do, how to listen to my body. I am not obsessive about it but I like to do something several times a week.
I am a little more timid in exercising my faith. Right now I am going on month 3 of somewhat of a sabbatical. I resigned as the fitness coordinator. I dropped teaching my cycling and yoga classes at the gym. But I am still teaching some yoga classes and my silver sneakers classes. I felt led to resign even though I did not have a firm direction for what was next. I have about as many good days as bad. Good is when I feel peaceful and know that God has got this. Bad is when I go on-line and apply for 3 jobs not really asking God, just figuring I need to do something?
I realize that for some people exercise can be uncomfortable. For those that exercise consistently though, we feel better when we exercise. It actually gets enjoyable when you have an activity that gets your heart pumping. I enjoy working up a sweat and it feels so good when I’m done.
This faith building for me right now is extremely uncomfortable. I am hoping that I will be able to look back and say, that’s when I started making it a habit. I want to get to a point where my faith gets stronger and that I enjoy a challenge to keep it fit. I see examples around me of those that make this exercise of faith look easy- but sure enough those that make it look easy have been doing it more consistently and usually longer than I have.
Maybe that’s why I am still waiting. Maybe the discomfort is building a little strength in my faith. I hope so.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Another little slice
Today at the dermatologist, I had a couple of suspicious spots that the doctor decided to biopsy. So she scraped off a little skin and put it in a jar to have it tested. As she was scraping I couldn’t help think about how the decade we come to age in impacts our lives in so many ways. In the 80s when I was a teenager, we all wanted the ‘bain-de-sole’ tan. The commercials, shows and magazines showed beautiful tans and big hair. So I like so many of my contemporaries made a point to bake out in the sun and get perms every six months. In the Atlanta suburbs we were the land of the sun kissed skin and big hair.
Looking back at my mom’s pictures from her teenage years, she had the fair complexion and red lips that were so popular in the 50s. (This would have been more appropriate for my pale complexion.) But she also became a mom in the midst of the women’s revolution. I never realized how that impacted her until I was grown myself and we were having a grown up conversation. She had bought into that decades lie that being a mother was not of value by itself. She repeatedly heard messages of be strong, independent and somehow she began to think that she had accomplished so little. I never realized that as she was going through the motions of being a full time mom (and part time nurse after I came along), that she constantly compared herself to her twin sister who was the primary and at times sole breadwinner for her family. My Aunt was a highly successful sales person and worked full time as long as I can remember. I wonder though how much was choice and how much was necessity because she did not have the same security and options my Mom had with my Dad.
It astonished me to learn that my strikingly, beautiful and capable mom had such deep insecurities about how she had spent her life. Raising three responsible, productive, considerate and independent children to adulthood was inconsequential because she didn’t have a successful and profitable career. Her part time job was at times a point of contention with my Dad because it took her away from family time. She worked 3-11pm during some of my high school years. She was looking back, feeling insignificant and questioning her chosen path.
I guess there had to be some extremism within the feminist movement in order to make headway against the prejudices that were in place in the expectations and opportunities for women. It’s just sad that that cultural swing caused a generation of women to downplay the value and importance of motherhood. I think the pendulum has swung into a little more balance now. I think women feel more confident to choose and to know it is a personal choice. I think most of my generation recognizes the legitimacy of either choice. But I am sure there will be other cultural norms that I accept without question that my own daughters may someday be surprised by.
My mom is now taking care of her own mother who has Alzheimer’s. She cared for her full time for two years and then put her in a nursing home a year ago. She visits faithfully every afternoon, staying to help settle her to bed. She has missed family get-togethers, grandchildren’s performances, even our family Christmas. But she feels a responsibility to be there, to care for her, to serve and love her. Watching her devotion, her servant’s heart, has given me a new level of love and respect for my mother.
I guess that is the benefit of hindsight and looking at things from a different generation. Maybe we can learn to scrape off a bit of the cultural assumptions and take a closer look. Maybe we can examine those slices to see if the choices are wise or not. Maybe we can start to even base our lives on something more solid than the changing philosophies or trends of our current decade. Perhaps we can eventually teach our daughters that their beauty and worth are intrinsic gifts from God, not the accomplishments or fulfillment of passing fads or cultural norms.
Looking back at my mom’s pictures from her teenage years, she had the fair complexion and red lips that were so popular in the 50s. (This would have been more appropriate for my pale complexion.) But she also became a mom in the midst of the women’s revolution. I never realized how that impacted her until I was grown myself and we were having a grown up conversation. She had bought into that decades lie that being a mother was not of value by itself. She repeatedly heard messages of be strong, independent and somehow she began to think that she had accomplished so little. I never realized that as she was going through the motions of being a full time mom (and part time nurse after I came along), that she constantly compared herself to her twin sister who was the primary and at times sole breadwinner for her family. My Aunt was a highly successful sales person and worked full time as long as I can remember. I wonder though how much was choice and how much was necessity because she did not have the same security and options my Mom had with my Dad.
It astonished me to learn that my strikingly, beautiful and capable mom had such deep insecurities about how she had spent her life. Raising three responsible, productive, considerate and independent children to adulthood was inconsequential because she didn’t have a successful and profitable career. Her part time job was at times a point of contention with my Dad because it took her away from family time. She worked 3-11pm during some of my high school years. She was looking back, feeling insignificant and questioning her chosen path.
I guess there had to be some extremism within the feminist movement in order to make headway against the prejudices that were in place in the expectations and opportunities for women. It’s just sad that that cultural swing caused a generation of women to downplay the value and importance of motherhood. I think the pendulum has swung into a little more balance now. I think women feel more confident to choose and to know it is a personal choice. I think most of my generation recognizes the legitimacy of either choice. But I am sure there will be other cultural norms that I accept without question that my own daughters may someday be surprised by.
My mom is now taking care of her own mother who has Alzheimer’s. She cared for her full time for two years and then put her in a nursing home a year ago. She visits faithfully every afternoon, staying to help settle her to bed. She has missed family get-togethers, grandchildren’s performances, even our family Christmas. But she feels a responsibility to be there, to care for her, to serve and love her. Watching her devotion, her servant’s heart, has given me a new level of love and respect for my mother.
I guess that is the benefit of hindsight and looking at things from a different generation. Maybe we can learn to scrape off a bit of the cultural assumptions and take a closer look. Maybe we can examine those slices to see if the choices are wise or not. Maybe we can start to even base our lives on something more solid than the changing philosophies or trends of our current decade. Perhaps we can eventually teach our daughters that their beauty and worth are intrinsic gifts from God, not the accomplishments or fulfillment of passing fads or cultural norms.
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