whew....

I feel like I need to play catch up. The last 2 days have been JAM PACKED! We left the Dead Sea and headed to The Sea of Galilee. It is almost a blur. So many important sites. So much information and teaching. Okay I will try to highlight but know I will leave something out.
We went to the Mt of the Beatitudes. This was neat. There is a Catholic church on the site and the garden was exquisite. We read part of the Beatitudes in Matthew 5. Again I felt rushed. I’m not sure if it has really hit me that I am in the land of Jesus. This man, God, deity, lover, savior that I have spent my life worshipping and getting to know and wrestling with. This is His land. Where He was born and lived and planted the seeds for the largest and most influential religion in the world. This is where it began, and I am learning that this is where it will begin to end as well. There has been lots of talk of the “end times.” Revelation and much of the Old testament tells us that this is where Jesus will return for His people and where the battle of Armageddon will take place. I am going to need to do my own study into all this but I trust in the teachers I am with. There is also teaching about how vital it is as Christians that we support and show our love to the Jewish nation and people. We met this really fascinating guy who was actually an actor in the show at our hotel in the Dead Sea. He was interested to see Christian girls from America interested in and loving the Jewish nation. We had the most incredible 3 hour conversation with this man. We talked religion, Jesus, theatre, politics, and pop culture and it was so honest and educational. A few things I learned…

1. He is over the “tradition and rules” of Judaism . He is Jewish by birth and culture but not religion. He sees the hypocrisy and emptiness of it. Sounds like a lot of Christians I know as well. It challenged me again to really seek the depth in my faith. The honesty in it. To live it with joy and not out of tradition, or because I have too.

2. He believes that the world knows that Obama is a Muslim. We asked what he thinks of America and he told us he is worried about our current leadership and how they are treating Israel.The first thing he said was "well your president is Muslim. We told him that he claims Christianity and he was dumbfounded. He thought everyone knew he was Muslim and we told him most of our nation does not believe that to be true. Interesting. I am not a Obama basher but this was quite curious and many things about his recent dealings with the nation of Israel. This guy understands better than even I do about how swayed our media can be. He understands so much more about my countries politics and policies than I do. He is quite aware of the vital role that America plays in his nation. From a biblical standpoint we as Christians must support Israel and the Jewish people over the Muslim world. This land belongs to the Jews and it must stay in their hands. Islam has swept over the world and really taken over many European countries and is now trying to take Israel. The Dome of the Rock is a perfect example. A Muslim Mosque in the center of the Promised Land of Gods people. I don’t pretend to actually understand all that I am saying or hearing but it is starting to make more sense to me. This is a deep and wide topic that Christians need to be more aware of than we are. Than I am. Than I was.

3. He is so proud of his nation. He loves Israel. He served his 3 years in the IDK) their army that all 18-21 year olds have to serve in) and he is quite aware of the treat that is over his precious land of Israel. He said something that is quite profound. He said “ on 9-11 America felt for a short time how Israel feels everyday.” Whoa. There are huge, angry, powerful terrorist groups in their backyard and they live with that. We are so blessed to have not had that threat for most of our history as a nation.
4. He started out resistant to us because we told him we were Christians and then he really softened up to us and talking about anything and everything. We told him we were of the mind and heart that we are to love above all and life and joy can come from “religion.” We also shared our thoughts on that word. I have always had a negative reaction to the word religion. Its way more about relationship to me.


But now learning about all this Jewish stuff it is a whole other ball game. We as the American church have really turned away from the roots of our “religion.” Jesus was not a Christian. He was a Jewish boy, man, Rabbi, vagabond, friend. We forget that He lived the life of a Jewish man for the most part, except he came to fulfill the law of the prophets not to abolish them.


I have seen more OLD rock ruins in the last few days! Lordy!! 3000 year old synagogues, homes and villages. Even a theatre!!! Ohh that was cool. A Roman style theatre. Catie and I sang on it and danced and it was really amazing.

We toured an Olive Oil factory today. Very cool. The Olive tree and fruit is a huge part of this country. Fascinating to learn how they used to press it and what the oil was used for.

We went to Capernum where they have excavated the synagogue and even Peter’s house, which is where they also believe on of the first Christian home church was. Neat.

Ok I could go and on and on and I know I’m leaving out so much great stuff but I am getting exhausted even reliving all that I have done.

Its mothers day. Mom is still in 7th heaven. I am so thankful to be here with her on this day. Happy mothers day to all mothers reading this. You are a blessing.

Our last night on the Sea of Galilee. We are in a Kubbitz…which is like a little community like hotel. Spread out. Casual. Quaint. We have loved it. I think we are going to Mt. Caramel tomorrow along with lots of other really old places. Hahaha. Im still in awe that I am here. That this is all happening. Not sure if Im ready to understand and take it all in but I am desiring an open heart and mind.

Ohh gosh we got baptized in the Jordan River. I was not sure if I felt great that I had to pay 10 dollars to do it and how commercialized it was but mom really wanted to do it. I kept asking God what I should do…and wasn’t getting any dove from heaven… so I did it anyway. And I am so glad. It was emotional watching mom fulfill a dream and to be by her side knowing what that meant to her. It was also a reminder of what it means to be cleansed in Christ. “An outward symbol of an inward reality” as they say. I got over myself and I am glad. I hate when I can get in the way of something God wants to bless me with.


ANYWAY …. Good stuff.


Ahava and Shalom to all.

Masada and The Dead Sea

Masada. Worth googling, but I will share what I learned. It is a cliff mountain where King Herod build a fortress and getaway community when he reigned sometime from 36 BCE to 4 AD...



Only actually 6 ft above sea level, but you feel like you are on top of the world.

When Rome took Israel around 70 AD... some Jews fled to Masada and lived there to escape the Romans. They lived there for 3 years while the Romans tried to attack and capture them for their own use (slaves.) After 3 years of watching the Romans below them making advancements they had finally seen that they had two options...to be taken by the Romans and loose their lives or identities, or to take their own lives with their honor. They chose honor. The men took the lives of his families and then each others lives until the last man took his own. When the Romans reached the top of this plateau they found all the remains of this moving and bold statement...These Jews felt so strongly about not allowing their families to be taken, beaten, raped and enslaved they chose death over it. What would you do? Such a vital part of Jewish history. I loved being there and learning about Masada and what it means to the Jewish people.

Powerful stuff. The renovations are incredible. Much of it was original though. Living places, cisterns, the oldest synagogue (they believe), a Roman style bath house(complete with tile and etchings from 2000 years ago!)

Then we headed to the hotel to take a dip in the dead sea!

This place is incredible. In the middle of the dessert, the lowest place on earth...1300 ft below sea level, 33% salt and blue like the Bahamas! Once you are in you begin to float. No need for tubes here. Its so fun. But beware if you have a cut on your skin...it burns. But the oils and salt combine to heal and rejuvenate your skin. I sound like a commercial but its all true.

OK so I didnt share about the Holocaust museum Yad Vashem.

I sound like my dad but EVERYONE should go and see a Holocaust museum. It was almost unbearable to walk through and see what the world allowed and what human kind is capable of. I had tears in my eyes half the time. It took about 2 hours to walk through this BRILLIANTLY created museum. Video, art. newspapers, artifacts. I was blown over. I thought I knew a good deal about WWII and the Holocaust but I was wrong. There is so much more. I enjoyed it for many reasons and I think it is vital for anyone whatever your belief or station in life but I ate it up because ( and this might sound silly) of my love for Musical Theatre. Just coming out of doing the show CABARET I was immersed in Nazi Germany for a few weeks. But I was hit by how much theatre there is that comes from the pages of this history. Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof, Cabaret, The Producers, The Diary of Anne Frank, South Pacific, just to name a few. As an actress I want to be able to understand every character I play and where they have been. There is more drama in this era than any since then, I believe. My heart hurts still seeing those images and hearing the stories. I am so very thankful to have had the chance to experience this and in ISRAEL no less. Powerful.

I can not fathom how we as humans can be capable of believing that because someone is of a certain race or religion that they are less, scum, vermin, not worthy of life and liberty. The Jewish people have had a history of being at the end of this spear. Almost unbelievable. We must love above all else. The lies and hate that permeated from the Nazi's (and crusaders,christians, muslims even soviets) tried to take out the Jewish people. But they have survived and the pride you see in this nation from the Jewish people is quite a tribute to that.

We who call ourselves Christians must keep ourselves away from any kind of hate or lies that would lead us to do our fellow man harm. It hurts me to know that Christians are responsible for a large part of the persecution of the Jews. They are our roots. We must remember and love. Ahava

Last day in the City of David

Today we went to the "Garden Tomb." I put quotes around it because it is merely a site where they think it could be. None the less there is some convincing arguments for it... outside the city walls... on a hill... shaped like a skull...

Aunt Cathy believes the site of the crucifixion and resurrection to be on the Mt of Olives. She shared with us much more convincing informations for this site. But the Garden Tomb was nice. Natural. Not like the Church of the Holy Seplecure which was erected in 300 AD by Constantine's mother and is now a huge almost ostentatious catholic cathedral. Not as much my style... or how I imagine Jesus to have wanted it. The Garden Tomb was a humble, beautiful memorial to what Christ did for us. There was a man from Holland that led us through the garden and then we took communion together celebrating the body and the blood.

Then we headed into the City walls again to visit "Caiaphus's house", "Davids Tomb", and the "Upper Room." Again notice the quotes. These were less moving. But nice to remember and understand that these places did exist and important things happened in places similar. We ate lunch in the market area again. YUM! The city is so precious. Old. Quaint. You can only walk. No cars. So many shops and people. Then we went shopping. This was an experience. I felt accosted.SO many beautiful things but dang!! The men were kind but SO eager to sell you something... anything!!! I did a good job at bargaining today. I will explain...

You ask how much. They tell you $20... you ask $15? they say $18....you walk away... they call after you and say ok! 15... works like a charm... most of the time.

The men are very aware of young american girls like myself. Had to move my ring to my left hand to run off some of the interest. They too are kind... but much to eager. Too much.

Now we are in the Dead Sea. Our hotel is too good. We floated in the SALTY water tonight. Amazing. Catie gets in tonight! Cant wait to share this with her.

I loved Jerusalem. I love cities. And that city has so much history and life that it is irresistible.I would have liked to take more time at certain spots. To really meditate. I hope to come back one day. I like being with a tour because I am getting LOTS of information and going to places I might not have on my own but I hope to explore it on my own one day. Or with friends or a special someone. Being here with Mom is special though. She is in 7th Heaven. She saw sheep today on the side of the road. You can only imagine. :)

I feel really blessed to be here. Learning. Seeing. Experiencing. Not something I would have chosen for myself at this point and Im not sure it is all sinking in yet but I know it was in God's plan for my journey right now. He is good.

ohhh we met these amazing Messianic Jews last night. They owned a beautiful antique and jewelry store. I got a necklace that has the Hebrew letter"Chai" that means "life." They were AMAZING. Jesus love just POURED out of them. We quickly assesed that we were all believers and they asked to pray with us. IN HEBREW. Whew. It was amazing. We sat and had tea with them in their shop and shopped and shared about the life and the Lord. So amazing to see people SO very different from us believing in the same God. I get narrow minded sometimes about American Christianity. But seeing these men living as christians in a VERY Jewish and Muslim city with such love and boldness... moving. They told us that it is difficult to be a messianic believer there. Business sufferers. Exclusion in some areas and by family. But they trust in Yeshua (Jesus) to meet their needs. It was amazing how we stumbled upon them. I think we were led by the Spirit to meet them. I needed to be reminded of how big our God is. I forget so often. Please pray for them... Jonathan and his brother... I forget the other guys name. thanks!

ohh they put fresh mint leaves in the tea here, I want to start doing that!

ok dinner time.

ahava (love)

More Jerusalem

Whoa y'all! Today was almost more epic than yesterday. We went into the Old City again. Our first stop was the Western Wall. we got to spend some time there this time. I took my paper with a list of names and prayers and prayed them at the wall. I felt as though I was stepping into a part of history, Spiritual history. How many thousands of Jews and Christians have prayed at that wall for years? Wept at that wall. Cried out to God for deliverance, blessings, healing, peace. It was moving. They separated it men and woman so I was surrounded by women of all ages and backgrounds. It was really neat.

We then went to the Steps of Ascent on the southern side of the Temple. We went to see the Dead Sea Scrolls. We went to an incredible Holocaust Museum. Words cant express right now what I felt in that place. Stepping back into the world of the Holocaust.

http://www.yadvashem.org


I am tired and Aunt Cathy is teaching us about the true site of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.

Im not gonna lie... all this is a little overwhelming. So much history. Significance. Prophecy. Teaching.

Ill write more later.



listened to this song today.. kinda appropriate
Everything- by Lifehouse


Find Me Here
Speak To Me
I want to feel you
I need to hear you
You are the light
That's leading me
To the place where I find peace again.

You are the strength, that keeps me walking.
You are the hope, that keeps me trusting.
You are the light to my soul.
You are my purpose...you're everything.

How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?

You calm the storms, and you give me rest.
You hold me in your hands, you won't let me fall.
You steal my heart, and you take my breath away.
Would you take me in? Take me deeper now?

How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?


shalom

Jerusalem

Today was epic. We started early with a beautiful breakfast! Then we headed to the Mt of Olives. You can basically see the whole city from the spot we stood at. Our guide Yosef (joseph) taught us many things about the history of the site and city and then the pastor with us on the tour taught us about how it relates to us today...prophecy.We were taught that the city is layed out in the shape of the Hebrew letter shen which is the name for GOD. Cool. Our pastor Joe believes that when Jesus returns, He will return to the Mt of Olives. We were told that on the Temple Mount... where Solomon's Temple was and where today stands the Muslim church called the church of the rock... is where Abraham was lead to sacrifice Issac. This land is so alive with the history of the Bible. On that same site is where the temple stood when Jesus was tried and crucified and where the veil was torn between the Holy of Holies ( a symbol I love.) We did so much today. Walked all through the Old City walls. We walked down the road where Jesus road the donkey into the city on Palm Sunday. We stopped in the Garden of Gethsemene. This was moving for me. I love the scripture that takes place here.

My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass me by. Nevertheless, let it be as you, not I, would have it." Then, a little while later, He said, "If this cup cannot pass by, but I must drink it, your will be done!" (Matthew 26:42). "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak". An angel came from heaven to strengthen him. During his agony, as he prayed "his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down upon the ground".(Luke 22:43).


I was reminded of the human side of our Christ. Amazing that he struggled. Agonized over his journey to the cross. But He was obedient to Gods will. We see God as a big man in the sky sometimes but today I was hit by how God humbled himself to become man, human, flesh like us to fulfill Gods will for his people. This comforts me that we have a God so powerful to be all God and still have lived in human flesh. There is so much controversy over Jesus. Man... God.... prophet...teacher... but being where He was. Walking where He walked. There is something more to Him. To the scripture. I think that when I read the bible now I will have a better understanding of where and why this all happened.

We also went to the Church of the Holy Seplecure. THis is a Catholic church built on the "sites" they believe where the Tomb, Cross, and anointing table are. It was quite elaborate for my tastes. But beautiful none the less. A little commercial. I think we are going to the Garden tomb tomorrow. Not sure why there are two tombs...

It was intense standing in the Old City knowing that this is a HOLY place for the 3 largest religions in the world. Christianity...Judaism.... and Islam. Religion kinda blows my mind sometimes... how we all know ours is right. And how the world is in uproar in some place every moment over religion. I am really feeling how BIG the world is. Its intense if you really stop to think about it. Humanity. God. whoa...

Something that still is intense to me is that the Romans tore down the Temple in 70 something AD and now a Muslim Mosque is on the very site of the old temple.... seems blasphemous. Annoying almost. There is so much info and talk about prophecy and the polar oppositeness of the two religions... but the fact that where the center of Judaism is, is now covered by a religious holy place that contradicts that religion. It is staggering. It would be like if Ben Hill Griffin stadium in Gainesville was torn down and FSU went and rebuilt Doak Campbell Stadium on top of it. Might be sacrilegious to make that connection but that is how I see it at this moment.

We walked the Via Dolarosa today as well. Where Jesus carried the cross. Where his Blood was shed. Crazy.

We also shopped in this wonderful market area. It was so much like a city in the US. almost reminded me of Baltimore... haha...weird. IT was wonderful. Im learning to bargain with the shop owners.

Aunt Cathy, Aunt Susan, and mom and I are having a blast together. I am so thankful for these women in my life. They teach me so much.

We are here!

We are here in Jerusalem!
The flight was long and overnight....but not too bad at all... watched movies and slept.
The highlight so far has been the food and the company. For real the food. Fresh veggies,colorful, living veggies! hummus, herbs and seasonings! So refreshing from the last hours of airplane food that I just couldn't bring myself to eat! The weather is cool and perfect. Tomorrow we begin our day in the Old City. I am about to learn so much about this part of the world. The people. The history. The spiritual significance. The religions. I hope I can take it all in and see Gods truth in it all.

I will be able to be on skype and or chat around 2 in the afternoon your time! if you are interested... (DAD!)

shalom

Israel

Shalom!

We (me, my mom, my best friend Catie, her mom Cathy, and my aunt Susan) are about to embark on our 12 day journey in Israel and Jordan. I feel so blessed that this was a part of my journey right now. We are with a tour group from Tampa and will be hitting all the hot spots in the "Holy Land." I am going to try to keep this blog to share the adventures. I am open to anything and everything God has to teach me. Please keep us in your prayers. I ask that we be open to His leading...that God will lead our steps and spirits.

grace and peace to you,

sarah claire