Israel

This is turning out to be an amazing year for me.  First I received a healing miracle - still processing that one.  And then I was blessed to go to Israel.  The funny thing about that trip is that I anticipated it for so long and now it's over.  Some trips when you get home you almost feel as if you never went - it becomes like a dream sequence in your life.  But not Israel.  It became a part of me.  There is a whole area of my heart that was forever changed and a whole people that I now hold dear .  Whether Muslim, Jew or Christian - Israelis are amazing people and their country is spectacular.  I would go back today if I was handed a ticket and had a flight.  Today.  There's a longing in my heart to return there.  Words really cannot explain it.  So maybe a few photos can.  Trust me, I could post a bazillion photos here.  In fact it's so dadgum overwhelming to even try that I just give up after while.  I literally ended up with over 1700 photos after I deleted the ones that were worthless, much to Geoff's chagrin so I'm sure there will be more showing up here in the future.

The Mediterranean Sea

 The Sea of Galilee

When I think of Israel the images that come to mind are of lions, sheep, palm trees and water.  These things were everywhere.  But when I think of Israel and feel - I remember what I heard the Israelis say over and over, "you're in the land of miracles".  And then they would back it up with an incredible story of how God was present in times of certain danger or they would smile that knowing smile that can only come from one who really knows that side of God.  

And then there were the hearts...

They were everywhere!  These are 3 of the ones I couldn't bring home but there were plenty I did.  I found heart shaped rocks everywhere we went.  I couldn't avoid them.  So now I'm trying to figure out if they were for Israel - that God was showing me His heart for His land and people or if they were for me.     As I type this I know.  The answer is both...because I am one of His own.  We all are.  He loves each one of us with all His heart.  His heart is turned toward you even now.  He longs for you to know His heart is full of love for you.  As we understand that and receive it and live in it and soak it in and let it become our truth, I believe we will bring a little piece of the Kingdom of Heaven into every situation and relationship in which we are engaged.  And that is why we're here.  To shine.