Monday, December 31, 2012

Happy New Year!

Writing this blog is a little like talking to myself.  Or maybe to an imaginary friend sitting across the table.  I'm never really sure who reads it.  Or how many people read it.  Or if anybody reads it!

When I started the blog on New Year's Eve four years ago, it was a vehicle for me to share what God is teaching me.  Through everyday life experiences.  Through what I read, whether in Scripture or elsewhere.  A place to sit and think, to reflect on life lessons.  Along the way, I've tried to share honestly from my heart and it has been my hope that in some small way, the words I write have been an encouragement to someone somewhere.

I've never paid a lot of attention to whether or not I have "followers", or to how many comments I have received.....not very many of either, as it turns out.  To those of you who from time to time have let me know that what I have written has encouraged you, thank you for encouraging me!

And so as we come to the end of another year, thanks for stopping by, and my very best wishes for a Happy New Year, a year of joy and peace and our Father's bountiful blessings!


Another year is dawning! Dear Father, let it be,
In working or in waiting, Another year with Thee;
Another year of leaning Upon Thy loving breast;
Another year of trusting, Of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of mercies,Of faithfulness and grace;
Another year of gladness In the shining of Thy face;
Another year of progress, Another year of praise;
Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.

Another year of service, Of witness for Thy love;
Another year of training For holier work above.
Another year is dawning! Dear Father, let it be
On earth, or else in heaven, Another year for Thee.
 -Frances R. Havergal

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Anticipation

Just a few short days ago we were all anticipating Christmas, busy with the hustle and bustle of last-minute shopping and decorating and with all the other preparations that were part of getting ready for Christmas.

In fact, on this day last week, I was anticipating the arrival of the Greensboro Feasters for their Christmas visit.  They returned home yesterday, and today I am anticipating the arrival of the Florida Feasters for their Christmas visit.

We spend a lot of time and energy anticipating Christmas.  A lot of energy - and a lot of money! - goes into getting ready for the "big event".  But how much thought are we giving to anticipating the next "Christmas"?

Jesus came to earth more than two thousand years ago as a tiny baby born in Bethlehem.  That was the first Christmas.....His first advent.  He grew to be a man, gave His life on a cross for the sin of all mankind,  was buried, rose from the dead, and is now ascended back to Heaven.  But there will be another "Christmas".....a second advent.  Jesus Christ will one day return to earth, not as a baby, but as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Are you anticipating that event?  Are you ready?

"looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus..."  (Titus 2:13 NASB)

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

The Day In Between

We're doing Christmas in shifts this year.  Since work schedules conspired against us all being together at the same time, the Greensboro Feasters came last week and left this morning, and the Florida Feasters will arrive tomorrow.  I love that Christmas goes on and on around here.....that I have an excuse (as if I actually needed one!) for leaving decorations up and listening to Christmas music.  I don't love that we didn't get to all be together for our Christmas celebration, and I'm still trying to figure out a way to make that happen, if only for a few hours.

Our celebration got off to an interesting start last week as the weather was deteriorating on the day the Greensboro Feasters arrived.  We actually had a little snow and a lot of wind the next day, and our power even was out for several hours on Friday night.  Of course AJ slept right through that! 

The Greensboro Feasters had pretty bad colds, so lots of tissues and Lysol were part of our festivities.  On Sunday morning, we didn't take our germs to church, but gathered around the computer and participated in our church's morning service via internet.  I'm really thankful for that on-line streaming of the church service!  Not quite the same as being there in person, but I loved having the opportunity to participate in the service while I was still in my jammies!!

On Christmas morning we were all surprised that AJ was the last to wake up!  For Christmas breakfast I tried a couple of ideas I found on Pinterest....a breakfast casserole in the crock pot that made way too much for the 5 of us, and I made cinnamon rolls (Pillsbury!!) in the shape of a Christmas tree.  Al fried a turkey for Christmas dinner using our new turkey fryer.....Merry Christmas to us!......and it was delicious!

Today there will be no after-Christmas shopping, except for a few groceries, since I don't need anything anyway, and besides it's just too cold!  I'm doing laundry and decluttering a little for the next round of Feasters coming tomorrow.  And I have an eye doctor appointment that was rescheduled from last Friday when it was snowing and I couldn't get down off this mountain.

The weatherman says we may get more snow today.  It sure feels cold enough!  Christopher has put in an order for some snow while he's here, so I hope there will be at least a little bit......but not until after they are all safely here.  Getting up and down our mountain road in snow can be a bit of a challenge.

Today as I'm going about my tasks, it's good to have a little bit of quiet time to reflect on Christmas.  On the reason we do all this in the first place.  On the joy of giving gifts to those we love.  And on the joy of receiving that greatest of all Gifts!  Jesus!  What could possibly be better than that!

"Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift!"  (2 Corinthians 9:15 ESV)

Saturday, December 22, 2012

The Annual Christmas Letter

It's that time of year again.....time for the annual Christmas letter.  Except that this year that letter never got written.  I did manage to get some Christmas cards in the mail, and a few even got a handwritten - although very brief - note.  I still have some Christmas gifts that need to be in the mail, so obviously those people will get gifts after Christmas.  Think of it as my way of prolonging the celebration!

I really love getting Christmas cards.  And those letters from family and friends that catch us up on what's been going on with them.  I really hate that I didn't get my letters done this year. But I just ran out of time (and energy, too, if I'm really honest!). So, since I didn't get that annual family letter written, here's the "blog version"!

We spent last Christmas in Columbia with Al's parents, and then traveled to Florida in February.  Al had meetings in West Palm and in Orlando, and in between we had a good visit with Brian, Emily and Christopher in the Tampa area. 

Christopher celebrated his fifth birthday this past year, and AJ turned six.  It's really hard to believe they are that old already!

We spent about half of our year back in Columbia with Al's parents.  We went down to stay with his mom while his dad had knee replacement and rehab.  We ended up being there much longer than anticipated after his mom's Alzheimer's diagnosis.  Living out of a suitcase, as well as dealing with Alzheimer's and other issues that are part of life with aging parents, made this a pretty stressful year for us.

We returned home in the fall and enjoyed the beauty of our favorite season in the mountains.  Thanksgiving was one of those "not normal" days that come when the nest is empty.......we ate Thanksgiving dinner at Cracker Barrel!  On the Monday after Thanksgiving, we boarded a plane and traveled to Israel.  That trip was definitely a highlight of our year!!  It was our second time to travel to Israel, and once again we had two amazing weeks as we walked where Jesus walked.

Our Christmas celebration got started this week when Brandon, Stephanie and AJ arrived.  Brian, Emily and Christopher will be here next week.  Winter arrived with a fury on Friday.....high winds, snow, and bitterly cold temperatures.....BRRR!!   

And so once again we come to the end of another year - a year that has been full of good times and God's blessings, in spite of the stressful circumstances we've experienced.  In this very special season we wish you every blessing as we celebrate the birth of Christ.  Merry CHRISTmas  and the happiest of new years!

There you have it.....a somewhat abbreviated version of the annual Christmas letter!  Wherever you are and however you plan to celebrate, that's my wish for you.....a very merry CHRISTmas and a healthy and happy new year!

"I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year." - Charles Dickens




Friday, December 21, 2012

Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men

A week has passed since the horriffic shootings in Newtown, CT.  And yet it seems like much longer.  Throughout the week we've watched the grief of those most closely affected by this tragedy be played out over and over on television.  There have been endless conversations about guns and gun control and mental health.  There has been a lot of finger-pointing. 

Through it all, I find myself remembering these words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow:
"And in despair I bowed my head.
There is no peace on earth, I said.
For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men."
 
Those words are part of Longfellow's "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day", written during the Civil War, a time of great misery and heavy hearts on both sides of the Mason-Dixon Line. Our country is deeply divided today, even as it was in the mid-1800s.  Our issues are different, but the division is still there and perhaps you, just as I do, sometimes wonder how or when or if we will ever come together. Longfellow's words may provide some encouragement to us in the 21st century just as they likely did to those in Longfellow's day.  Because in the 21st century, as in all centuries before, peace is not found in circumstances or in politicians or in legislation.  Peace is found in a Person.  In the Prince of Peace. And His name is Jesus. "For He Himself is our peace."  (Ephesians 2:14)
 
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
 
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play.
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
 
I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
 
And in despair, I bowed my head.
There is no peace on earth, I said.
For hate is strong, and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
 
Yet pealed the bells more loud and deep:
God is not dead, nor doth He sleep.
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men.
 
Then ringing, singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day -
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
 
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Let Nothing You Dismay......Remember

"God rest ye merry, gentlemen. Let nothing you dismay.  Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day."  We don't sing that particular Christmas carol as much as some others, but if you have your radio or TV tuned to Christmas music all day, as I do, it's bound to come up!

There's a lot in the world right now that could cause us dismay.  Certainly the recent events in Newtown could do that.  And I'm not suggesting that we shouldn't feel dismayed over that kind of tragedy.  After all, the Bible tells us to "rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep."  But whether it's events in Newtown or in Washington or in Benghazi or even closer to home, we need to be careful that we don't let the dismay consume us.  That we choose not to let it lead us to depression or despair.

And the very next line of the song gives us a reason why........."remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day."  It's important that we do that.  Remember.

While this carol has a catchy tune, the language of this carol, written in the mid-18th century, is archaic.  We don't often say to friends or family, "God rest ye merry!".  But despite the archaic language, the message is timeless.  No matter our circumstances, there's no reason to be dismayed.  Certainly we will experience times of sadness in life, as well as times of great joy.  But through all of that, whatever comes our way, this truth remains:  Christ our Savior was born to save us from Satan's power!   Definitely "tidings of comfort and joy!"

God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
 
God rest ye merry, gentlemen. Let nothing you dismay.
Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day;
To save us all from Satan's pow'r when we were gone astray.
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy.
 
-traditional English carol


Wednesday, December 19, 2012

With the Jelly Host

Has anyone asked you lately to name your favorite Christmas carol?  When asked that question, I always have a hard time answering.  Probably because I can't pick just one favorite! 

One of my most favorite Christmas carols is "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing".  I have loved that carol for as long as I can remember.  Even as a small child this was a favorite carol.  Although back then I didn't get all the words exactly right.  I have been told that, as a very young child, I sang with great enthusiasm, "with the jelly host proclaim........"

Now, in my defense, as a 3-year old I probably didn't understand much about the angelic host.  And small children don't always correctly pronounce all the "big" words.  A few years ago one of my grandsons shared a Bible verse (Psalm 19:1) this way:  "The heavens declare the glory of God and the furniture sheweth His handiwork."

Somewhere along the way, I got the words right! And in all the years since, when asked to name my favorite carol, this one has always made the list. 

I love the music.  No surprise there, since Mendelssohn is one of my favorite composers.

But even more I love the words of the carol.  I love the clear presentation of Biblical doctrine in poetic text. And I love how Wesley has so masterfully summarized the very reason we have Christmas in just a few words......"God and sinners reconciled" and "born that man no more may die."  That's the reason Jesus came in the first place!  To make a way for sinful man to be reconciled to Holy God!  God and sinners reconciled - that's the real meaning of Christmas!

 
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
 
Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King,
Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled."
Joyful, all ye nations, rise, Join the triumph of the skies,
With angelic hosts proclaim "Christ is born in Bethlehem."
Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King."
 
Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ, the everlasting Lord.
Late in time behold Him come, offspring of the virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see; Hail the incarnate Deity!
Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Immanuel.
Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King."
 
Hail the heav'n born Prince of Peace; Hail the Son of Righteousness.
Light and life to all He brings, Risen with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by, Born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King."
 
-Charles Wesley
 

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Wonderful Name

I've lost count of how many Christmas musicals I have participated in over the years, whether as a singer, a pianist or organist, or as director.  Everything from Handel's Messiah to a children's musical called Three Wise Men and a Baby!  So I guess it comes as no surprise that music is a big part of my celebration during the Christmas season.  I love participating in and listening to big choral productions.  There's Christmas music playing pretty much non-stop throughout the day.  I often stop in the middle of the day's tasks to sit at the piano and play a few Christmas tunes, and I'm often singing, whether aloud or just in my head, a favorite Christmas song.

Today I woke up with a favorite song playing over and over in my head.  I first heard this song more than thirty years ago as part of a Christmas musical we were doing in our church.  I loved it then and I have loved it ever since.........Wonderful Name, Jesus!  That just sums it all up, doesn't it?

In the chaos of the world we live in.  In the midst of the unspeakable tragedy of murder of innocent children in Newtown.  With trillion dollar debt and budget deficits and fiscal cliffs.  In the middle of sickness and heartache and turmoil in daily life.  No matter what is going on in your world or mine, what a comfort to know that Jesus came.  That His is the Name above every name.  That we can call on that Name no matter what is going on in our lives! 

The challenge for all of us today is focus.  To turn our focus away from all the hustle and bustle, all the chaos and busyness of life in the modern world, and to turn our focus toward that baby in a manger in Bethlehem.  That baby who is no longer in a manger.  That baby who grew up.  Who died that we might live.  Who didn't stay dead!  Who was resurrected, and who has ascended to the Father.  Who will one day return for His own! 

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and the sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."  (Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV)

We only have one week until Christmas Day.  Perhaps this is a good time to reexamine our Christmas traditions and exactly how we celebrate the birth of Christ.  Are we really celebrating Christ, or only giving lip service to that while we get caught up in elves or Santa or other "stuff"?  My prayer is that we might all focus our celebration on that Wonderful Name.....Jesus!  That we might truly celebrate the Christ of Christmas......and not only in December!

Wonderful Name

Mary was the first to hear it, name that came from heaven above;
Name that raises souls from darkness, this the only name worth singing of.

Wonderful name, Jesus! Wonderful name, Jesus!
Name angels sang the night all heaven rang; wonderful name, Jesus!


Heaven touched His name with glory, precious name of Jesus, our King;
In God’s Word is told the story, of this wondrous name the angels sing!
 
Wonderful name, Jesus!  Wonderful name, Jesus!
Name angels sang the night all heaven rang; wonderful name, Jesus!
 
-Roger Strader

 



Monday, December 17, 2012

Looking for Answers

Like most Americans, I am still shocked and saddened by the events that took place in Newtown, CT on Friday.  And I confess that I am also shocked and saddened by many of the responses to these events.

Responses like.....if police had acted differently, this whole thing would not have happened.  A response I find ludicrous, by the way.  And further, I don't think this is the time for finger-pointing.

Responses like......if we had more gun laws, this wouldn't have happened.  Or if all guns were illegal, this wouldn't have happened.  Tell me how that's working with illegal drugs.  As far as I know, that's still a problem in this country.  Or last time I checked, it's illegal to hijack an airplane and fly it into a building to murder thousands of people, but that didn't stop such a thing from happening.

I'm saddened by the way news media in this country exploit events like this for ratings or for some other even less noble reason.  I really think if I were a parent or grandparent who had just lost someone so precious to me, I would prefer to grieve without having a microphone or camera constantly in my face.

And I'm saddened, although not surprised, by the vitriol aimed at those, myself included, who believe that the far deeper issue here is not about guns or gun control, or about mental health, or about whether there is or isn't prayer in school.  This tragic event is at its very core, I believe, yet another indication of how much our culture has changed.

Millions, perhaps billions, of dollars are spent by Hollywood (and others) to produce movies, video games, music videos, and television shows which glorify violence, and then we are surprised when our society becomes more violent.

In the name of "tolerance" we accept as "normal" every kind of perversion, yet refuse to "tolerate" any mention of God in the public arena.  It's no longer "politically correct" to say Merry Christmas, or God Bless You, or to have nativity scenes at Christmas in the town square, or to sing "Christmas Carols" at school "holiday" programs.  Etc. Etc. Etc.

And if that isn't the case in your particular town or school, that's wonderful.  But more and more it is the norm in our culture.  And that makes me sad.

The America I grew up in was not perfect.  But it was a wonderful and safe place to grow up.  We didn't have school shootings.  We didn't need armed guards in our schools.  We didn't even lock the door!

There are many who say that I and others who think as I do are out of touch.  Old-fashioned.  Dangerous fanatics.  Delusional.  All sorts of labels are being thrown around these days.

Call me what you will.  Think of me what you will.  Un-friend me from your Facebook page.  Stop following on Twitter.  Whatever.  But if you disagree, please realize that I respect your right to have an opinion that differs from mine.  Perhaps you will grant me the same respect.

Life is full of consequences.  And full of principles that are unalterable.  Like sowing and reaping.  In a society that no longer has value for human life, as evidenced by the murder of millions of unborn babies each year, and as evidenced by the way we glorify violence and murder in our entertainment, why are we surprised when violence spills over into daily life? 

Today we grieve the loss of so many precious people in Connecticut.  We pray for that community and for the families who lost loved ones.  Today will you also join me in grieving the state of our nation?  And in praying not only for the people of Newtown, but for our great nation as well.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Open My Eyes

This morning, on the one-year anniversary of my right-eye cataract surgery, I had an appointment with Dr. Kath for some laser-zapping of that eye to clear up a little fogginess.  The left eye was zapped a few weeks ago and is happily back to 20-20.

My day got off to a rough start when, as I was driving into town, I was nearly hit head-on by a driver who seemed in much too big a hurry and who apparently had some vision problems of his/her own......since he/she seemed unable to see the double yellow lines (aka do not pass!) as he/she was zooming around the car in front of it - on a curve, I might add - with no apparent awareness that another car (mine!) was coming right toward it!!

Catastrophe was averted by mere inches.  So, as you can imagine, when they checked my blood pressure at the doctor's office, it was a bit elevated!

Once I could breathe normally again, I was thanking God for His protection and for good brakes!! 

After that, as I was thinking about getting my vision cleared up, my thoughts began to wander.  As I was on my way to get my physical vision cleared up, my mind went to songs about spiritual vision.

Songs like "Open our eyes, Lord, we want to see Jesus."

And "Open my eyes that I may see glimpses of truth Thou hast for me."

And  "Open the eyes of my heart, Lord.  I want to see You."

My procedure went well this morning and I'm back at home.  I encountered no more crazed drivers on my way home.  My eyes are still dilated and my vision a bit blurry, but I'm looking forward to tomorrow when I'll be seeing clearly again.  And I'm still singing those same songs!

"Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things from your law."  (Psalm 119:18)

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Jet Lag

One of the down sides to international travel is that foggy state we know as "jet lag."  And since my return from two weeks in Israel, I am surrounded by that fog!

The trip over to Israel didn't give me any problems.  I slept some on the plane going over.  We arrived in Tel Aviv just before dinner time, so we freshened up a bit and had our dinner.  Then, due to being very tired and also to taking a couple of Tylenol PM, I slept very well our first night there and adjusted quite well to our new time zone.

Things haven't gone quite so smoothly on the return home!  When we arrived home late Friday night, after having been up for nearly 48 hours, I had a quick shower and slept soundly for about 12 hours.  Since then, however, I'm really out of sync!  I'm awake when I should be asleep, and I have trouble not sleeping when I should be awake!  Monday night was the closest to "normal" since I've been home.  I went to bed at pretty close to my usual bedtime, and only woke up once during the night.  Although I was awake earlier yesterday than is customary for me, I was hopeful that meant I was getting back to a regular routine.  Then last night I struggled - and I do mean struggled - to stay awake past 8 pm!!  Will this ever end??!!

And it isn't just the staying awake/going to sleep that's the problem.  There's the "fog".  The "I can't remember what I was doing". (Well, I have that sometimes under normal circumstances......but this is worse!!) There's thinking it's time for lunch when it's only 9 AM!  And other stuff like that.  If you've ever had surgery and can remember what it's like when you first come out of your anaesthesia-induced sleep, it's sort of like that.  I read somewhere that it takes a day for each time zone you cross, so if that's true then I should be back to normal by the end of the week!  (Whatever "normal" is!!!)

I know that this will get better as the week goes along.  I did manage to stay in bed this morning past 6.  I was awake, but I wouldn't let myself get up.  There's still lots to do around here to get back to normal......finishing the laundry, getting everything put away, finishing the Christmas decorating......so maybe if I stay busy all day, that will help.  I sure hope so!  I'm really ready for this to be over!!

But as much as I'm whining about the jet lag, it's so worth it to have had the experiences we had over the last couple of weeks!  Not fun, but worth it!

"In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."          (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Something To Look Forward To

A couple of Sundays ago, our Sunday Morning Life Group began a study of the Book of Hosea in the Old Testament.  This morning as I was reading in Hosea, a couple of verses jumped out at me.

In chapter 3 we read "the children of Israel shall dwell many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or pillar, without ephod or household goods.  Afterward the children of Israel shall return and seek the Lord their God......in the latter days." (Hosea 3:4-5 ESV).

Certainly it has been many "days", many hundreds of years since there was a king or a temple or priestly sacrifice in Israel.  But that's not what struck me about that verse.  It was the next sentence.  "Afterward".  "In the latter days".  "Seek the Lord their God."  That's what jumped out at me.

However, it's the next verse.....Hosea 3:6......that always grips at my heart every time I read it.  "My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I will reject you......."  (Hosea 3:6 ESV).

That verse always makes me sad.  Sad for the people to whom it was originally written....the kingdom if Israel.  Sad because it could so easily have been written to the people of my own country, the United States of America.  Grieved in my heart because I live among a people who have rejected the knowledge of the Holy One, because we live in an era when every man does what is right in his own eyes.  In these really tough times, with trillion dollar deficits and fiscal cliffs and all sorts of other problems, everybody thinks they have the answer.  But more often than not, those "answers" are self-serving, focused more on reelection or on making more money or satisfying a political constituency than on what is right.  Because as a nation, we have rejected knowledge.

Thinking about that can be really depressing.  But there is hope!  There is something to look forward to!  There is coming a day when "the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters that cover the sea."  (Isaiah 11:9b ESV).

That's definitely something to look forward to!  But what do we do until then?
 
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people; training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age; waiting for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.  Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority.  Let no one disregard you."  (Titus 2:11-13 ESV, emphasis mine)

Monday, December 10, 2012

First Reflections

Since we returned from Israel a few days ago, many people have asked things like "what was your favorite part of the trip?" or "what impressed you most?" or other similar questions.  And, quite frankly, I'm having a hard time answering those questions.  Not because it wasn't a wonderful, absolutely glorious experience.  It was!  And I think that's the issue.  Because it was an amazing, glorious, awesome experience, it's difficult to give a quick, spur-of-the-moment answer to questions like that.

So, today, as I'm beginning to (slowly) find my way out of the fog of jeg-lag, I'll share a few reflections about the trip.  There will be much more to come, I'm sure, as I continue to reflect on the experience of walking where Jesus walked.  But for today, just a few thoughts.

First, for those of you who were so very concerned about my safety, I did not hear a single gunshot or missle being fired!  I was not bombed!  I felt quite safe actually.  Probably safer than I feel many places in this country, to be quite honest. 

Israel is a beautiful country with beautiful people and delicious food!!  I ate SO much good food while I was there......including cheesecake for breakfast!!  YUM!!  Don't you love a country that serves cheesecake for breakfast!!  And in spite of that, I lost about 15 pounds.  Probably due to walking in excess of 50 miles while we were there.

If I had to point to one single day that was my absolute favorite, it would be our last full day in Jerusalem.  On that day, we walked the passion of our Lord Christ.......from the Garden of Gethsemane, where we had devotions and time for personal prayer and reflection......to the place where Peter denied Christ........walking the present-day Via Dolorosa......pausing for lunch in the Old City.......and then ending our day at the Garden Tomb, culminating that experience with communion in the Garden.  I have no words to adequately describe that day.  Along the way we sang verses of "Were You There?".  Singing "were you there when He rose up from the grave?" there at the Garden Tomb was definitely a high point of the entire trip.

Today as I'm trying to get back into normal routines, to finish unpacking, to catch up laundry, my heart overflows  with gratitude for these two amazing weeks in Israel.  And as the "fog" lifts, I'll have much more to share :)

"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!  Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits."  (Psalm 103:1-2 ESV)