DAILY JOURNAL #7

Visited the “Jerusalem Model” a scale model of Jerusalem at the time of Jesus. It includes streets, Temple Mount, homes, etc… After seeing so much of Jerusalem in such a short time this is a great site to see, to pull it all together. To me, this site itself, is another miracle from God to us to help us better understand the past.

No words can express a visit to the Garden of Gethsemene. There are several olive trees there that experts have dated back 2,000 years. Perhaps these very trees were mere sprouts on the evening that Jesus prayed, sweat great drops of blood, and was arrested. Perhaps they were witness to Peter cutting off the ear of the man.

Visited the Western Wall and Rabbi Tunnel. Praying at the wall is always so special. The wall is not ‘magic,’ but I love to write out short prayers and put them in the cracks of the wall. It is a privilege to be here again and experience this.
Watching the other women at Mt. Moriah and at the Wailing Wall. God loves them each and knows them by name. As I stand at the wall and pray, I pray for the women around me from the four corners of the world. Some dressed in formal, fancy garb. They come here to pray to the One True and Living God.
We walked through the streets of the Jewish Quarter and the Old City. It is easy to imagine what it was like in those ancient days. We saw too many things to write down. I hope I will remember them.
Visited the Rabbi’s Tunnel (Kotel). A long walk underground. I imagine that Jesus must have seen these very stones. Nehemiah 3:12 mentions that a certain man ‘and his daughters,’ built a section of the wall. This the only specific mention of women helping rebuild the wall. Women were everywhere – behind the scenes and silent.
The Garden Tomb. Pastor Crisp always saves the best for last. The most glorious site. A quiet and serene empty tomb near an outcropping of rock that looks like the face of a skull. We observed the Lord’s Supper and sang hymns. Such a special memory. Most people cannot get through this site without shedding a few tears. Thank you God for giving us this garden spot to remember You and what You have done or us. What a way to end the tour!
Off to a great dinner – then through security at the airport. A long sleep home.


Note - if you have an interest in the women of the Holy Land be sure to see my other blogs: www.biblestudy4women.blogspot.com; www.biblestudy2women.blogspot.com.

DAILY JOURNAL #6

One of the most moving sites on this trip is the “pit” of the church of St. Peter of Galluctu. This is where Jesus was brought from the Garden of Gethsemane to the home of the High priest. He was probably lowered down a narrow shaft that opened up into a small area used as a cell. (See the photos of the mosaic depicting this.) As we stood in the cave-like space, I tried to imagine what it was like for Jesus –dark and isolated. Pastor Crisp read Isaiah 53 – I could not help to be moved. Many in the group cried. To visit here is to have a visual reminder of how the Lord Jesus must have suffered for us. We turned off the lights and were in total darkness. When we visit the pit it is warm, dry and lighted. It smells good. We are able to come and go as we choose. We are surrounded by friends and family. Jesus had none of this.

Next was a drive across town to the Shrine of the Book. After seeing Quamran where the Scrolls were found, now we get to see some of the actual scrolls, housed in this building that, architecturally, looks like a clay jar from the time of Jesus. God worked a special set of miracles to bring us His Word. Thousands of small miracles, all linked together to give us our Scripture today. We take it so for granted.

The Holocaust Museum is without description. Every Christian, no, every human being should see it. God calls the Jews, “the apple of His eye,” yet this happened. When we get to heaven we will have to ask God, “Why?”

We saw many other things today.

DAILY JOURNAL #5

To Bethlehem. Changed to a different bus and tour guides at the checkpoint to get into this Palestinian controlled area. Not all tour groups get to see Bethlehem. Seeing the site of the birth of Jesus is amazing. Many think this is the original site.

This was one of the highlights of this trip for me. I had been to Bethlehem on previous trips, but we also were able to go ‘downstairs,’ beneath the church and see where Jerome translated the Scripture into Latin Vulgate. An amazing link in the chain of men and events that God provided to give us His inspired Word. We sure take the words of God to us for granted! The mosaic on the wall in “Jerome’s study” indicated that there were two women who somehow helped Jerome. I will have to research that aspect.

The city of Bethlehem is also the city of Ruth and Naomi and their story of faithfulness and the providence of God. Little did these two simple women know what an important role they would play in the genealogy of our Lord Jesus Christ. Despite the hurt and disappointments of their lives they both are remembered through the centuries.

Back to Jerusalem and to the steps of the rebuilt southern wall of Temple Mount. Our Lord Jesus and the disciples may have walked on some of these steps. The choirs of the Temple must have stood on these steps and praised God. Perhaps Mary and Joseph walked on these steps when the brought the baby Jesus to the Temple for His dedication.

Saw the Hulda Gate at the southern steps Named after the prophetess who gave a word from God to King Josiah. The king could have sought out Zephaniah or Jeremiah for advice, yet he sent his representatives to Hulda, a woman. Perhaps the prophets were “out of town.”

A larger section of the street built during the time of Herod is now clearly seen to the west of the southern steps. An amazing site. Who walked on this street? What was it like on the day that the Temple was destroyed and the large rocks were thrown down upon the street? (So much has changed since my first trip in 1990. So much more to see. If God continues to let me return to the land what will it be like in 2010? I praise God for His blessing on me to make yet another trip-it is all up to Him.)

For the first time in several years we are permitted up on Temple Mount. It is not always open to tourists. In 1991 we were able to go into the Dome of the Rock. No more. The most holy site in the world for Jews, Muslims and Christians.

One of my favorite people in the Scripture is Anna of the Temple. I think about her as I walked around the Temple Mount. She was devout and was blessed to see the baby Jesus. She was alone in the world and devoted her life to God. I want to be like that. She saw the face of the God of the Universe.

The Temple Mount. Mt. Moriah. God hand-picked this site for His special purpose. Special in the past, even special in the present, and in the future only God knows of the splendor and plan.

Saw the Golden Gate (Eastern Gate) from the view inside the Temple Mount. Jesus rode on the back of a donkey through this gate as the men and women shouted praises. Some believe this is where Jesus will return. Most tourists see the Golden Gate as they drive by the eastern side of the wall, or as they stand in the Garden of Gethsemene. We were blessed to also see it from inside the Temple Mount.

The Pool of Bethesda is nearby - where Jesus healed the man. Still here after all these centuries. Why does God leave us these site? Some are ‘traditional,’ meaning their authenticity can be questioned, some are more than just ‘traditional.’ This site, the Pool of Bethesda is the actual site. Just rocks, shrubs, a hole in the ground, yet it represents the God of the Universe coming down to human kind to heal both our physical needs and our spiritual needs. Then He leaves us gentle reminders – such as this hole in the ground that we come to see - that He came to ‘tabernacle’ with us and reveal the mystery of the plan of salvation.

Adjacent to the Pool of Bethesda is the Church of St. Ann. Not a biblical reference, but noted for its acoustics. Built during the crusader period. Groups always sing here. The sound is fantastic. Not a site to be missed.

We saw too many things to write down. I hope I will remember them.

DAILY JOURNAL #4

(A suggestion: be sure to go to www.jerusalemshots.com for great photos.)

Overnight at Dead Sea. Lot and his women!! Death and distruction and yet the grace of God to save a handful.

Masada in the morning. What a site! I remember the story of the widow woman and children that were left behind after all the death at Masada. I wonder if the leader at Masada planned to have these left alive so that the real story could be told, an not just the Roman ‘spin.’ What happened to the woman and children after this? Did the zealots ever use the ruins of Herod’s palace?

On to En Gedi. A beautiful day for a walk. This beautiful lush green site in the middle of the desert. We say several gazelles. There must have been women at times that lived in this small valley with David or even Saul and his men. A beautiful site and a great strategic stronghold over the centuries.

On to Jerusalem. It never fails to move me as we drive up, up, up to Jerusalem. I sit on the edge of my seat looking out the window to catch the first glimpse of the Golden Dome on Mt. Moriah that marks the spot where the Temple was located. We stop at an overlook to take in the view. The most holy spot on the earth. The place where God not only dwelt in the Holy of Holies, but walked and talked as Jesus.

I guess if non-jewish have to be in control of the site today, at least God has led them to build a beautiful golden dome for His hill, His city. Psalm 122: “Where the tribes go up….pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” The only peace will come when Jesus returns.

Early this morning I read Haggai and Ezra. As I view the Temple Mount it is good to remember that when the Second Temple was built, the old men cried as they remembered the splendor of the past – of the First Temple. Ezra 6:14.

DAILY JOURNAL #3

Drive southwest from Tiberius toward coast – Caesarea Maritime. Saw Jezreel Valley, Megiddo, Nazareth and Mt. Tabor from the bus. I wonder if as a boy Jesus was in this valley. Nazareth is located on the northern side of Jezreel Valley. Did He and his buddies climb Mt. Tabor? Did they go to the springs that we call “Gideon Springs.” Did the people speak of the springs as having been the site of Gideon choosing of his army? Did the people speak of Mt. Tabor and Deborah? Did Jesus and his boyhood friends ever go off and explore? Did they ‘play act’ the stories of the Old Testament?

Nazareth was the capital city of the Lower Galilee; Sufat the capital of the Upper Galilee. Mt. Tabor may have been the site of the Transfiguration. There are several sites that “might” have been Mt. of Transfiguration.

Caesarea M. A very large and important city of the first century. No record of Jesus being there, but many of the disciples and members of New Testament church were there. A Roman Colony, but with a strong Christian history. Paul spoke before Festus, Felix and Agrippa, probably in the theatre (See photo) Philip the evangelist, and his four daughters. Peter and Cornelius met here. The first Gentile convert was Cornelius.

Many women must have heard the Christian message. Some heard it from Philip and his four daughters who were prophetesses. Women must have been on the traveling teams with Peter and Paul when they were there. The wives and women of Festus, Felix and Agrippa must have witnessed much of the birth of the new church.

Beautiful reconstructed theatre that faces the Mediterranean. Caesarea is a reminder of how God planned and purposed the Romans to be in control of the land, bringing a common language and roads that were so important is the plan of spread the message of salvation.

Read: Acts 12 Herod died after ‘making himself a God.’ and 2 Cor. 5:10 teaching on the Bema Seat. The theatre at Caesarea M. is an example of the judgment seat.

Visited the top of Mt. Carmel. On the southern edge of the Valley. Cool but fairly clear. Story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal.

Visited the ruins of Megiddo. Important chariot city of King Solomon. Great water tunnel to bring fresh spring water into the city during times of siege. Stone manger similar to what baby Jesus might have slept in remains. Megiddo overlooks the eastern end of the Jezreel Valley and is located on the southern side– the site of future end time events. I am always amazed when I stand on Megiddo and look out over the Valley – imagining what it will be like when the armies of the world fight it out.

Visited Nazareth and the Mt. of Precipitation. A great view of the Jezreel Valley from the north northern edge of the Valley. (See photos of Nazareth today, and the view of Jezreel Valley from Mt. of Precipitation.) I wonder if as a boy Jesus walked this valley and ‘explored’ as boys would do. Mt. of Precipitation – when the crowd brought Jesus here to kill Him, how many of the crowd were His aunts, sisters, women in the neighborhood, etc… who knew Him when growing up? Luke 4:16-30.

Mary’s Spring and Church of the Annunciation. Never mentioned in Scripture, yet the only water source for the area. Both Mary and Jesus must have been in this area.
Jo. 1:46 “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”

We drove by Cana and the traditional site of the wedding. I had visited this site in 1990. Iddo, our tour guide, said that this is the actual site of the wedding. We saw too many things to write down. I hope I will remember them.

DAILY JOURNAL - #2

Day 3
Up early – the time change gets most of us up and wide awake at 3 a.m. We saw sunrise and thousands of black birds flying in circles overhead. Literally thousands. Two fisherman close to where we were standing, were pulling in their nets by hand which had trapped several small fish. (Probably the “Peters fish” that we will eat later.)

Boat ride to center of Sea of Galilee after breakfast. Here we are where Jesus walked on water and calmed the storm. (Mark 4:35 ff; Mt. 14:22 ff; John 6:16ff). The captain of the boat took us to the center of the lake and turned off the engines. All that could be heard was the small waves lapping against the side of the boat, and the screech of the seagulls that had followed us from shore. Everyone in good spirits. We sang “I Worship You Almighty God.” We all had tears in our eyes.

Bible teaching by Pastor Crisp. When the disciples saw that Jesus had stilled the storm they said, “What manner of man is this that even the waves obey Him?” The word manner is the same word used by the writer John when he said in 1 John 3:1ff, “What manner of love the Father has bestowed on us…” The word manner in both verses is translated, “not of this world,” i.e. out of this world, supernatural. The Man walking on the water was “out of this world, or not of this world.” The love that God has for us is not of this world. It is supernatural.

The fisherman and disciples of Galilee had wives, sisters, mothers that must have heard the stories of Jesus on the Sea of Galilee stilling the storm, and letting Peter step out of the boat to walk to him.

Women lived in all the villages around the Sea of Galilee. Many thousands of people. That is difficult for me to fathom. So few cities now around the lake. Three cities did hear the “Woe to you” from Jesus and never were rebuilt. Many thousands of people (including women) knew of Jesus, and even saw and heard Him. Many women were personally touched by Him in spiritual and physical healing. Mary Magdalene came from the small village of Magdala that can be seen from the boat.

Mount of Beatitudes. Interesting fact about the church built on Mount. Funds were supplied by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. The church is built in the shape of an eight-sided heptagon. One side for each of the “Blessed is…” (See photo)

Driving through upper Galilee. Because of the schedule we cannot drive up on the Golan Heights this trip. But we did drive through Hula Valley. It still amazes me that this green, lush area was once a swamp. It was drained in 1956 to provide fertile agricultural land. Israel grows all if its own vegetables. Only beef and lamb are imported (South America.)

Saw Tel Hazor through the bus windows. It is the northen most point of Joshua’s conquest. Hazor is a major archaeologic site, but seldom visited by Christian groups. Few major events in Scripture took place at Hazor.

Beautiful Mt. Hermon seen from the distance. Main source of water for Israel. Many think it was the site of the Transfiguration. 9,223 feet above sea level.

Stopped at Banias/Caesarea Philippi. Caves with altar areas to pagan god, Pan. (See photo). Pastor Crisp taught about the “gates of Hell” in relation to Jesus teaching and choice of Peter as the “small, movable rock.” The Gates of Hell was a crack/crevice at the pagan altar of Pan where sacrifices were made. When Jesus our Lord said, “… on this rock the Gates of Hell shall not prevail,” He was using visual imagery that the people could understand

Visited Tabgha (Church of Heptagon, Church of Seven Springs) traditional site of the feeding of the 5,000. World famous mosaic dating from 5th century.

Drove by Gaderenes area where Jesus healed the demoniac and sent the demons into the herd of swine. Matt. 8:28 ff. Also named “Kursi.”

Ate lunch as Kibbutz on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. A sudden storm came and went over the Sea as we ate lunch, much like it must have suddenly come upon Jesus and the disciples. Pizza and “St. Peter’s fish” for lunch. Todd Houston’s birthday – we humiliated him by singing “Happy Birthday.” God bless and keep sweet Todd and his wife Alisha.

Drove by ruins of Chorizon. The ‘woe’ of Chorizon, Bethesdia and Capernaum were correct/true prophecy. Other cities of the Galilee have been rebuilt – why not these? Because God said so.
On to Capernaum. Mt. 4:12ff. More healings of Jesus than at any other city. The synagogue was built by the gentile centurion – his son was later healed by Jesus. Peter’s house was here. Jesus healed many women here. The woman with the issue of blood, Peter’s mother-in-law (“she immediately got up and served them.”)

The women of Capernaum must have seen and heard of Jesus – Capernaum was the center of His ministry. They handed Him their children to bless. The women were healed by Jesus, and saw Jesus heal their men. Wives of the religious leaders must have heard Jesus rebuke their pious husbands. The women were the unnoticed faces-in-the-crowd; the unmentioned by name. Where the Scripture says, “multitude, crowd, people” there were the silent women.

Saw the “Galilee Boat/ Jesus Boat/Genosar Boat.” What a miracle from God that this boat was discovered in a terrible time of drought for Israel. God bring good from bad. The water level was low and men found this old boat in the mud. It may not be the actual boat of Jesus, but it gives such a strong, visual image for us of the type of boat that Jesus must have used around the Sea of Galilee.

Drove by Migdal. (See photo of Mt. Arbel and the village of Migdal, from a boat on the Sea of Galilee) Mary Magdalene loved Jesus with a never ending devotion after He healed her from the seven demons. Was she young or old? Rich or poor? She was not a prostitute as the Catholics teach. She was one who must have wondered, and personally known, “What manner of man is this?” She knew first hand. Did Mary have sisters, family, even a mother?

So much to see and to reflect upon. What a great God we have to love us all so. To come and die to take us out of our darkness in to a new life here on earth of light, joy, and freedom. To assure us of a life in eternity….just for believing in what is offered to us. Pastor quoted a Scripture today that says it all, and I get to paraphrase it, “ Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on Jeanne that she should be called a child of God….now we are the children of God, and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” 1 John 3:1ff. Thank You Lord! Praise You Lord!

The Land

As you travel the land of Israel reflect on the promise made by God to return the people to the land: "I will bring back my exiled people Israel; they will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them. They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will make gardens and eat their own fruit. I will plant Israel in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them." Amos 9: 14-15


Note - if you have an interest in the women of the Holy Land be sure to see my other blogs: www.biblestudy4women.blogspot.com; www.biblestudy2women.blogspot.com.

ISRAEL TRAVEL TIPS (Part II)

If you do not have a camera –borrow one. You will probably take 100-300 photos Film is not too expensive – but bring at least 5 rolls with you. BUT...don't let the taking of photos become your main focus. Stop and consider where you are and what you are seeing. You may never get the chance again to actually be at that particular site.

Sleep on the airplane (both directions). Get some type of sleep aid. The plane is noisy. You will be excited…but…you really need to sleep.

If you think you might suffer from motion sickness –bring some Dramamine. You will be on boats, busses, planes etc… Some travel is bumpy. If you suffer from motion sickness be sure to sit towards the front of the bus, and avoid sitting over the wheels. I wear those wrist bands that are suppose to help prevent nausea - the really seem to help me. Also, I take a Dramamine at night before I sleep. Take one half of a pill in the morning before boarding the bus. A full dose during the day may make you drowsy. Be aware of possible allergies to any new medication you take. (You might want to try it out at home before you leave the country.)

I always carry Imodium with me – I have never needed it, but have given much of it away to those who did need it. REMEMBER—with Imodium – carry it WITH YOU at all times. It must be taken immediately. It does no good if it is on the bus or in a suitcase.

Pack ear plugs for the plane- and if you find out that your roommate snores!

Be flexible! Be on time. Most tours are jammed-packed from morning to evening. If an extra ten minutes is taken at several stops to collect stragglers, or in getting started – the group may be behind schedule and not able to visit all the sites that day!!

Sleep at night. If you are out late seeing the sights you will be too tired the next day to fully enjoy the sites. Get over the fact that a trip to the Holy Land is not a time for partying late at night. Get to bed early in order to be fresh to see the sites the next day....again....this may be the only time you will ever get to experience the Holy Land.

GOOD WALKING shoes. Wear shoes that you might wear hiking in the mountains. No sandals. No high heels. Good sturdy shoes or tennis shoes.

ONLY USE SUITCASES WITH WHEELS! You do not want to have to carry anything.

With over a dozen trips to Israel under my belt I have never felt afraid or in danger. One rule that I follow is this…stick to the tourist sites. I never go off alone to “see the sights” or to shop. Bad things can happened where the local people congregate i.e. a café at night.

Have a grand and glorious time!! You will never be the same after a trip to the Holy Land. Remember that you represent not only your home country, but the church as well. Do not be an “Ugly American.” Be sensitive to what you are wearing. Think about what is on the front of your tee-shirt. An American flag is great at home....but not in the Middle East. Also be sensitive about Christian messages on your shirt. Do not give some disgruntled person an excuse to confront you. (I did see one person wearing an American flag tee-shirt have a problem.)

“Never pass up a perfectly good bathroom.” You do not have control of when the bus will stop. You are a member of a group and your needs are not at the top of the list for the group. At every stop do use the facilities, whether you think you need to or not!

Last but not least. Stop each day and focus on the fact that you are in the land of the Bible. You are experiencing something that many people cannot/or will not. You have the money, the time, and the interest to be there. Your life will never be the same after you have experienced the sights, sounds and spirit of the Holy Land.

ISRAEL TRAVEL TIPS (Part I)

Lets take a little side trip away from the cities of the Holy Land to give some advice about travel to Israel. After a dozen trips to Israel I would like to share some suggestions to make your trip more enjoyable.

Bring wash cloths – Hotels do not have wash cloths/face cloths. I go to Wal Mart and purchase a pack of 15 washcloths for about $5 and take them with me – I use them and throw them away.

I bring x100 one dollar bills. You can always bring money home. Do not take anything larger than a $20 bill unless you know that there is an expensive item that you want to purchase. It is so much easier to deal with smaller bills. American money is accepted EVERYWHERE. You NEVER have to change into sheckles. If you want to exchange some money, NEVER exchange money at the hotel (the exchange rate is terrible.) I have never had any trouble using my credit card if I was shopping at a site where my tour guide took us. If you are out in town by yourself – you are on your own!!

I wear a ‘fanny pack’ to hold my cash and my passport. It is never off my body unless I am in my hotel room. To lose your passport is a major problem. Consider your passport the most important item that you have!!!

I use a backpack on the bus during the day to keep my things together, and to be able to carry my notebook and Bible, and of course all my purchases for the day. I can shop and yet have my hands free.

Carry a Bible, a pen and notebook…..but….take a “one pound” Bible, not a large “five pound” Bible.

You WILL NEED space in your suitcase to bring home souvenirs, books you have purchased, rocks you have collected, etc…. (I love to bring back rocks from Israel to give as gifts. People love to have a piece of the Holy Land. I bring old clothes and leave them behind in the hotel room to provide space in my suitcase going home. I even will go to the Goodwill or AmVets and spend $20 (a full wardrobe for me) for clothes that I will wear in Israel and leave there.

The food in Israel is wonderful – most people gain a few pounds on the trip. Do bring packaged cookies, granola bars, crackers, raisins, dry fruit, prunes (!!) etc… to eat in your room, and for lunch on the bus. By eating your own snacks at lunch you will save you $5-7 a day. Soft drinks in Israel usually are approx. $2.00. Water is very inexpensive.

Some of you will want to bring dry Prunes – this speaks for itself.

As with travel in any country that is not your own, drink only bottled water. (Would it amaze those of you who are in the USA to know that people who travel here get gastrointestinal upsets from drinking our water - they do!) I never drink water that is provided on the airplane unless it comes from a sealed bottle. If I can't open a bottle myself then I don't trust it. Bring one small bottle of water for your carry-on luggage. Do not bring a case of water in your suitcase, as some have done! Bottled water in Israel is purified, and inexpensive. Do stick to bottled water. Never drink water from a tap – or from an opened bottle at a food stand. Only, only, only drink from sealed bottles of water/drinks. Keep hydrated. (These are the same instructions that are given to people who travel from other nations that come to the USA!)

If you are on any medication be SURE to put all of it in your carry-on, in case your stored luggage gets lost.

I hope these are helpful. Part II on Monday.

Women in Scripture-Introducation Part I

As we begin our study of the women of the Holy Land, remember:

So many woman! Many unnamed and unnoticed! Women are seen everywhere. Every mention of “the people, children of Israel, the congregation, the crowd, the multitude, town, cities,” etc…all include women and children. Where the men went, there were women. Where there were armies or navies, there were women. Women were witness and participants to all the events in the Holy Land.

People traveled and settled where there were three key ingredients: water, food and protection (security). Women bore the children, managed the household and took care of the men. Women supported men and were their ‘helpers.’ Women ‘complemented’ the men.

Water means life, and where there was water, there was civilization, and women, children and families (pools, wells, oasis, lakes, wells, etc.)

Wherever children are mentioned, there are women. Jesus blessed the children and healed the adults. Even the adults had mothers, sisters and other female friends and relatives who looked on in surprise and belief, and sometimes shame.

For almost every well known man there are women surrounding him as mother, wife, sisters and friends. Kings had hundreds of unnamed concubines. The enemies of Jesus and Israel, had wives and daughters. Some apostles probably had wives that followed Jesus.

What affected the men, affected their wives and families: wars, peace, punishments, plagues, and promises. As wars were waged, cities destroyed, peoples taken captive, women and children were displaced, killed, taken captive.

Warfare meant the making of widows.

Women were plunder and the spoils of war(2 Chron 28:8).

The Holman Bible Dictionary states,“From the ancient world until now, society stands or falls according to its infrastructure, that is, the family, over which the wife and mother is to preside.” (Holman Bible Dictionary, Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville: 1998. pg 1679.)

(Part II tomorrow)

Introductory Remarks-the land

One of the main themes of this blog will be the land of Israel. I have a heart to encourage women to travel to the Holy Land and to have their lives changed forever. I believe that God wants his children to travel to Israel. The poem that follows is an overview of the experience of travel to the Holy Land:

The book “Women of the Holy Land: Walk Where They Walked” is dedicated to my friend and pastor, Dr. Tony Crisp of Chilhowee Hills Baptist Church. A man whose love of the Holy Land is infectious to all.

We have traveled the Holy Land together many times.
In heat and cold, sun and rain.
Even in the snow!
We have traveled by plane, bus, boat, foot.
Even by camel!
We have been from Dan to Beersheba,
from the blue Mediterranean, to the red clay of Petra.
From the bunkers cut in the Golan,
to a tomb cut in Mt. Moriah.
From the Temple Mount, to the top of Masada.
From Capernaum on the shores of the Sea of Galilee,
to Engedi on the shores of the Dead Sea.
From Bethlehem where it all began,
to Megiddo, where it will all end.
From the Eastern Gate, to the Western Wall.
From where the waters of Mt. Hermon join the Jordan River, to the Red Sea at Eilat.
From the horrors of the Holocaust Museum, to the quiet where baby Jesus was born.
We have explored the ruins of cities, synagogues, homes, prisons, steps, pools, theaters, stables, and even an ancient boat.

We are always amazed and in wonderment, as our lives are changed with each trip. We have been truly blessed!

(I have traveled to the Holy Land most often with TLC Holy Land Tours. If you are interested in a professional, and fairly priced trip, go to www.tlcholylandtours.com. If you might be interested in a trip with a theme of "Women of the Holy Land," mention that. Perhaps it might be arranged.)


Note - if you have an interest in the women of the Holy Land be sure to see my other blogs: www.biblestudy4women.blogspot.com; www.biblestudy2women.blogspot.com.