The learning here is unavoidable. All you have to do is walk with your eyes open. I love to learn so I walk a lot. There are two things that are common sights that impact me immensely.
The first is people. There is tons of ethnic diversity as well as religious diversity here and both are equally obvious. People wear their religion in the streets of Jerusalem. The orthodox Jews appear to wear mostly black, dark hats and have long curls on the sides of their faces. Another group of orthodox Jews is differentiated by their large, disc-like, fur hats and black garb. They are the Russian Orthodox Jews. There are also Eastern Orthodox Christians and Catholics. They usually have robes on and some sort of formal head wrap. And then there are the nuns and the monks, easily identified by their simple robes tied with rope belts.
The second thing that impacts me is the architecture. There is so much beauty of expression in the things that have been erected in this place. From gardens to ruins to sanctuaries, the places of Jerusalem speak to me. The often gated gardens, quiet and peaceful sanctuaries from the city, create time for me to reflect and rest. The ornate sanctuaries built in honor and awe of deep religious beliefs and convictions are inspiring and breathtaking. While the ruins, so lovingly preserved and painstakingly studied, cause me to wonder, question and imagine.
Walking along in this place, every day, seeing the sights and noticing the people impacts me. It causes me to pause and wonder. What do I wear that reflects my religion; my relationship with Christ? What will the things I leave say about me? What brings rest in my life and what convictions do I have that might be deserving of monuments or cathedrals?
Last night we went to vespers…a Shabbat service that is hosted every Friday evening by the college. Rod spoke and we sang a great song that I have not sung in a long time…Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true. With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary for you. It struck me that being in this place, with all of its sanctuaries, and all of its people, and all of their religions has brought me back to the basics.
Wearing Him.
Building His kingdom.
Sacrificing self.
I am impacted.
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- Cate and I in the Garden of Gethsemane
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- Rod teaching our family in ruins of the synagogue at Capernaum
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- My favorite cathedral – St. Annes by the Pool of Bethsaida
Hi Guys!
Love to hear how He’s impacting YOU! Diversity in culture and ethnicity is so rich with Gods amazing touch and love expressed in and through His creation. Makes you want to scream out loud YES LORD YES YOU ARE HERE and I see YOU in EVERYTHING! Indeed He’s speaking of His majesty through it all and yet so many can’t seem to see Him, feel Him, touch Him. Why? Our unbelief? Our pretense? Our SELF!!!!!! If we’d simply get on our knees with faces uplifted in gaze at Him and confess our sinfull hearts and deep need we’d surely see His Kingdom come and let His will be done on earth as it is in heaven… Simply come to Him naked and alone, real and right-hearted, then He will come in. He did for me!
Praying for all of you!
Piet & family
P.S. Rod, your subs are knocking it outa da park!!!!
Love the pics–especially school in Capernau. Miss you guys
Lib.. What is interesting to me is the song you spoke of. Our church started singing that same verse, just before Holy Communion, about 6 months ago. And I agree it has impacted my readiness to receive Christ every week. It makes me more aware of who I am taking into my body and how special that moment is. Miss you all and Hugs,
Carin’
Lib, these pictures remind of my favorite trip with you guys in Turkey! What a memory for the kids, Rod teaching where Jesus walked, wept, prayed, and changed our world, Oh that He would come soon. love you all, nanc
nice Lib…great to have mom home…but she is fired up about Israel and her time with you!!!
love to Rod and the kids…really great to Skype the other day!
Libby,
This was such a great reflection. And your observations were a great review of the diversity of people there. You are so blessed to walk and look and learn. I love walking to, I wish I could live where I had to walk everywhere to be honest! And I loved how you wrote: Wearing Him. Really made me think…
Your writing is delightful; I love reading your thoughts, your kids thoughts and seeing the incredible pictures you take!!
Also, hang in there with the homeschooling (yikes!), and so cool you are auditing classes!! (I loved your reflection on taking your time…I am so glad you are experiencing a different pace…but you are certainly making the most of it!)
Love you so.
Jody
I loved your blog. It reminded me of a poem I keep on my fridge:
“One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?” The boy replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back in, they’ll die.” “Son”, the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!” After listening politely, the boy bent down and picked up another starfish and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference for that one.”
May the Lord direct all of your steps as you make a difference in the world, one starfish at a time.
Miss you guys,
Steve & Jill
We enjoy your updates and just miss you guys. Is being there and learning so much like drinking from a fire hose? That is what I picture. Your subs are doing well, but we want you back. That Stowell guy does alright.
Love you guys. God is so good to us.
In Him,
Shafleys