Here or There

July Update

2010-08-04T23:31:00.001+03:00

Dear Family and Friends,
Let me recap what happened at the beginning of the month. On July first I started Ulpan (Hebrew classes). It is going amazing I am learning a ton everyday. However, it is getting hard to keep my motivation up right now. But I know this is something I need to do and I have a break in a week and a half so that should help.
The first weekend was the ELAV Conference for Youth and Young Adults hosted by Succat Hallel. It was great. We keep hearing reports of how young people’s lives were changed. You can now download or listen to the messages online at www.jerusalempraise.com under pod casts. It is very honoring to be a part of something that changes people lives.
After the conference we had our appointment at the Ministry of Interiors. It went well. It was an interview appointment for them to check and see if we are really a married couple. The lady we interviewed with said that we should just come in when we get the last paper and move forward with the next step. Hopefully we should be receiving that paper in the next week.
We went to a BBQ for staff of all four houses of prayer up on the Mount of Olives, hosted by Tom Hess. It was a time of fellowship, worshipping together, and Tom sharing.
Later that week we had a thank you dinner at Succat Hallel for helping with the Elav Conference
Then started the ELAV 24/7 House of Prayer Intensive. Jon Mark, who we minister with at Succat Hallel, has a desire to raise up an army of youth and young adults into the house of prayer. The intensive is designed to teach them about the house of prayer and then to train them in either prayer leading or spontaneous singing and to then do a watch in the prayer room with them and also to take worship to the streets. We are half way through the intensive and it seems to be going well. There is a good strong group that keeps coming and has a real desire to grow deeper. Thursday when we went out into the city we simply sat in a park and worshipped. It was very strategic because earlier that day the Gay Pride Parade walked through town. So we felt it was very important to go out and change the atmosphere over Jerusalem. As we worshipped 2 guys came and stood on the edge and listened. Some of the youth went up to the guys and introduced themselves. One guy was interested and is keeping in touch, the other guy didn't want to talk but I feel he was changed a little because he fought through his friends to be able to listen. Then there was a third guy who showed up who had been drinking way too much that night. We freely let him stay and join us. Whether he was touched by the Lord or not only He knows, our pray is that he will remember this experience in the Lord’s presence.
Then this weekend we had our Holy Spirit weekend. Four youth showed up, which was the number we planned for but it was not all the people we thought would be there. Nevertheless God had His own plan. We soaked, spent time with God, let Him fill us, we had times of prophecy break out, we had a time of prophetic art happen. The youth were happy with what happened. Stefan and I were hoping for more but for our first time, it was good. God showed up and I think that is what matters most.
Then after all of that craziness we had a birthday party for Stefan at a friend’s house Saturday night. We had a bonfire and roasted hotdogs (on the hottest day in history. And we are still in the middle of an insane heat wave.) We prayed over him and blessed him, we ate cake, and had a good time with friends.
Right now we’re in the process of looking for a new apartment. We have already had our hearts broken twice over losing some good places that were available and it is hard. Nevertheless He has the perfect place for us for this season so if those places fell through we believe it is because the Lord has something better for us. We believe He will come through. We have until the end of August to find a place. We simply want to find the place the Lord has for us.
We are also trying to get things ready for coming to the States in November. We are planning on ministering in Mexico and then around churches in CA. If you as a pastor would like us to come visit please let us know. If you would like to meet us or know someone else who would be interested please let us know. What we need prayer for is that God will arrange this trip. That we will speak where he wants us to and that we will receive the finance to move into full time ministry.
Blessings from Jerusalem,
Stefan and Samantha

Praise

2010-05-27T14:43:00.000+03:00

Just a short praise I wanted to share with you.

Late last night Stefan and I and a friend were walking to the bus stop. Our friend was a little worried that she might not make her last bus from town, which we had to take a bus to get to town. So when we at the bus stop I prayed, "Ok God we are at the bus stop you can send a bus now." Or something like that. I kid you not less then 60 seconds later a bus came. And our friend got the bus stop 10 min ahead of time. God is so good.

2010-05-27T14:42:00.000+03:00

March started with a youth weekend. The youth worship team got together for a team weekend of bonding and practice. We shared our hearts with each other and then worked on music.

The month seemed to fly by and yet non the less we were very busy.

The second weekend we were able to bless a couple's union before they went to Cyprus to get married. The following weekend I was sick at home. I remained sick the whole following week and yet it Stefan made sure as much as possible that I still made it to Succat Hallel where a team from Bethel Church in Redding, CA was ministering. We got some good teaching and a good time with the Lord. That weekend I also attended a women's retreat with King of Kings. God opened the door for me to be able to go. I had been unable to afford it but someone paid my way. It was a great time with the Lord and an amazing time of fellowship. I got back just in time to relax an hour before congregation. Then after congregation we held a viewing of "Furious Love" for local Israeli youth and young adults. It is Passover/Pesach an amazing documentary/movie about God's love and about putting it to the test in the darkest places of the world. We highly recommend it. Afterwards a time of prophesy and prayer broke out.

Then at the end of the month came Passover/Pesach. We made a run for Tel Aviv for me to get some paper work done for my visa and we stayed and enjoyed the Passover Seder with Stefan's family. It was interesting to sit with secular Jews, who will still follow the traditional holidays. It was the fastest I had ever gone through the Haggadah (the book that goes through the dinner). Then came food, food and more food. I really enjoyed that we were able to be with family.

Pesach continued for a whole week afterwards. Through these days work places and stores were only open half days. And with all that came April.

The beginning of the month was hard, Stefan's paycheck was late and yet out of lack, God provided. We had a handful of dinners with friends, a good time of catching up and of encouraging each other in the Lord. We had come to a dinner feeling really down and through the whole evening we just kept sharing stories of what God had done in our lives or families and by the time we left we felt some much better knowing that God would take care of us. Speaking of encouraging dinners, one in particular was with a friend who is now helping us set up a real website. We will let you know when it is up and running. We are looking forward to all the things we can share with you through it.

The next holiday was Holocaust Memorial Day and it was quite a sight to see. Imagine this; you are on a bus in a city. There are cars driving by and people walking everywhere. Then out of the blue, at 10am a chilling siren goes off and everything stops. Buses stop, cars stop, people walking stop. Everyone in the car gets out and stands by the car. Everyone in the bus stands up. Then after a minute, life continues. It is one way Israel shows respect for the 6 million who lost their lives in the Nazi death camps. Now take this amazing sight and apply it to the whole country. Yes, 10am and the whole entire country of approximately six million Israelis stop for one minute! Definitely an amazing sight.

The next Sunday we went into the Ministry of Interiors for my visa renewal, or so we thought. When we went in were given an appointment for June 28th to move onto the next step in the visa process. That was a miracle. By then I should have all the papers they have asked for.

The next holiday to come was Fallen Soldier Memorial day with another siren, this one at 11am. As that day came to a close however, Independence Day started. On Monday night the 20th and Tuesday the 21st Israel celebrated it's 62nd birthday. It was a blast to take part in the celebrations. Monday night we went down town and ran into friends. The streets were packed with cheerful Israelis and many vendors ready to sell whatever they could with the national flag attached to basically anything. There was much popcorn and cotton candy to be seen(and eaten!), as well as party foam cans spraying everywhere and inflatable hammers and baseball bats again with the national flag imprinted on them. I don't know why but Israelis love to spray each other with white foam on Independence Day as well as hit random strangers and friends on the head with the inflatable toys. National pride! There were live concerts, dj's, traditional circle dances to be seen all around town. And there were even 2 small fireworks shows. The following day, Tuesday, was a day spent again with family and friends but this time in the park grilling and picnicking. It was a wonderful 62nd birthday.

The month came to a winding end with a trip to Tel Aviv with the Youth band from Succat Hallel, Elav 24/7. We were invited to play at the Gospel Cafe in Tel Aviv for a worship night. It was good time of worship and a fun time to get to know the youth better.

Our needs focus right now...
· We our selves need people to commit to intercede for us daily. (please respond if you have not yet to let us know)
· We need faithful monthly financial supporters.
· The CD Project (Stefan and friends are working on producing 2 cds, we've mentioned before)
· We need prayer coverage! They started meeting with people this week and I was supposed to babysit but I got sick and then the 3 other babysitters either got sick the day of or their kids got sick. Needless to say, it was no coincidence. The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy and especially when we're hitting something right on target for the Lord.
· Finances; if anyone is interested in sowing into this project or know of someone who would be interested please pass the word on.

Thanks again for your time. Have a great month.

Checks can be made out to Hearts in Mexico with a note for Stefan and Samantha and mailed to Hearts in Mexico
7727 Eisenhower Street
Ventura, CA 93003
USA

Jan Feb Newsletter

2010-03-08T14:47:00.000+02:00

Dear Family and Friends,

January was a hard month financially, due to the holidays and ministry trips. January started off in Tel Aviv with youth and young adults with the plan to worship in the New Year. Near the end of January we went up to Nazareth with the youth worship team from Succat Hallel. We joined with a House of Prayer in Nazareth (H.O.P.E.) and some Arab Christian youth from there. It was a great weekend. Worship the first night was amazing. It took a while but fortunately some brave youth from both groups were willing to come out of their shells. The next day we went and saw the Church of the Annunciation and then to the Synagogue believed to be where Yeshua read the scripture from Isaiah. Then we went to Mount Precipice, where it’s believed to be where Yeshua walked through the crowd that was trying to throw him off the mount. Then we worshiped up there and had an amazing teaching. Everyone who took part in the event was very touched and changed.
As well, in January Stefan started meeting weekly with friends who are working on producing a CD with him. They have been working on lyrics and arrangements to make sure that the lyrics were biblical and that the songs didn’t all sound too similar. They are hoping to start recording two CDs this month: one in Hebrew, for the youth and young adults in the land and an English one to bring awareness around the world of Israel and the Messianic body.
February started off as if things had slowed down but it wasn’t like that in the least. Stefan shared at the first Tuesday Youth Night at Succat Hallel. His desire was to simply share what he has seen the Lord do in and around him, to help draw the youth into a deeper place with God, into a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit. He hardly got halfway through his message when the Spirit of God came down and rested in the place. The watch ended up running late and still the youth stayed in the intimate place with God that He had drawn them into. That group of kids is usually hard to keep in one place for more than 20 minutes but God had their attention that night.
After the youth heard Stefan share he had the opportunity to talk with some of them and they shared their desire for more deeper things of God. As a result more Israeli youth are now coming to Soaking at our house on Monday Nights. Also the last week of every month we are starting to do a bigger focused activity, so the last two months we have done prophetic painting. It is amazing to see the talent the Lord has given everyone and amazing to see what the Lord wants to share with everyone.
Thursday night the 11th we went to Tel Aviv. Some friends had been trying for months to get Stefan out there to play at Dugit Outreach Center; it’s a free coffee shop. He was supposed to start around 8 but there weren’t enough people there. When he finally started most of the people there were old friends who wanted to hear him play again. Also the group we thought would be one of young people ended up being in their 40s and higher. Stefan played his set and the Spirit of the Lord fell. There was one old man who was sitting next to me. One of Stefan’s new songs, which had straight scripture in it, had this man singing with him in no time at all. At the end the old man went up and talked with Stefan and said, “What you said and sang moved my heart greatly.” The man is not a believer but he wanted to try to connect us with his orthodox son here in Jerusalem.
As of Valentines Day we are now full time staff at Succat Hallel. There isn’t a lot of change in what we do. It is still non-paid but we are now invited to Staff events. It all came about because a couple that we work with at Succat Hallel talked with the leaders and told them that we put in enough hours which should make us staff. The leaders agreed. So because we were able to get the application in that weekend we were able to go to the 10-year anniversary Staff Dinner. We are apart of the young adult watch, the youth watch and the healing watch. I lead a dance watch and also join in on one or two other watches.
And if this month wasn’t busy enough as of the last week of February I was put in charge of the Children’s Ministry of King of Kings for the next three months. I had already been helping the Children’s Pastor so when a few things came up and the Pastor had to leave for a while I willingly stepped in. So the first thing I did was a Purim Carnival. The last Sunday of February was the Feast of Esther, Purim. During service the kids came out to the foyer and played games, received prizes, had popcorn and had a good old time. It was definitely stressful but they all enjoyed themselves. The carnival was a success.
Now in order to be able to continue in these areas where we know the Lord has called us we need your support. We would greatly appreciate it if you are willing to pray for us on a daily basis. Please respond to themihaescus@gmail.com and let us know so we can put together a list of our intercessors to which we can send short emails of items to pray for. The warfare here is very real. We have just entered into a Third Intifada. We need spiritual protection as well as Holy Spirit discernment to know where and when to go places. We are not worried. It is simply not smart to do things without the Lord’s covering.
Secondly we need your financial support. As of right now we just barely make ends meet. We are in need of a consistent monthly support, not just a onetime gift. As we are sure many of you understand, we don’t even know how we make ends meet at the end of the month but God always comes through. Even though we know many of you are in a tight spot right now financially would you ask the Lord if He would desire you to sow into our work here in Israel. We are planning on coming back to the States to speak and we can only do that if we have the money for the flights. We both feel strongly that I need to start Ulpan, Hebrew lessons, come June and that is $200 a month. As well as to buy supplies for Monday night Soaking. We also need money to be able to sow into the youth during special times like their birthdays or ministry events, i.e. Nazareth trip.
If you would like to donate please make checks payable to Hearts in Mexico. Do not put our names on the check but simply put a note in with the check that it is for us. You can mail that to:
Hearts in Mexico
7727 Eisenhower St
Ventura CA 93003
It is a tax-deductible donation. If you are willing to support us monthly which is what we need please email us at themihaescus@gmail.com and let us know so we can keep track of how much we can expect each month.

God bless and Shalom,
Stefan and Samantha Mihaescu

King of Kings www.kkcj.org
Succat Hallel www.jerusalempraise.com
H.O.P.E. www.hope-nazareth.org

2009-11-20T22:13:00.002+02:00

Many changes have gone on and I am sure there will be many more to come. Life in Israel is an always on yor toes kind of place. Right now Stefan and I are hoping that the craziness stops or at least slows down. We would both enjoy feeling like are feet are on the ground for more then 5 mins.

By the way there will be changes to this blog. It will nowbe about the 2 of us not just myself.

Have a blessed day.

RAIN!!!!

2009-02-11T16:39:00.002+02:00

WE GOT RAIN!!!

So two Saturdays ago during service Mike prayed for the nation. And his prayer was for rain. (If you don't know the land is in desperate need of rain. It is almost critical.) Later that evening if poured. I think Mike needs to pray more often. :-)

Then yesterday, which was election day, it poured. It rained all afternoon and evening and it even rained some today. But the fun part was in the late evening it hailed. Little pebble size hail but it covered the ground and it looked like snow. My friend has pictures and I will show you when I get them. But it was such a blessing from the Lord. Plus, it seemed like a cleansing rain as Israel was choosing her new leader.

2009-02-10T00:54:00.002+02:00

Hello again.

There will be a newsletter posted soon. However, do to minor illness and the fact I am going on a visa run on Thursday I have been a little busy.

On Thursday I head to Romania for 11 days. I will be staying with a friend and family which should hopefully cut down on the cost of the trip. I am very much looking forward to it and will let you know some of what happened.

Blessings.

Praises

2009-01-30T02:38:00.002+02:00

1. God brought in my rent again this month, in the nick of time. And I thank Him for my fiancee who chiped in the last few hundred shekels.

2. I just found out last weekend that 2 guys from our congregation where on the front lines. One was in Gaza and the other guarding Ramahla (I think). But praise the Lord they both came home safe and sound.

3. New direction. (I'll go into more detail in my newsletter but,) I am now with Succot Hallel the majority of the week. And one of the watches I am now the prayer leader, so new challenges and things to learn but it's good. And I also help with the childrens ministry at King of Kings alot.

2009-01-08T13:13:00.002+02:00

Hello

Things are going well here in Jerusalem. Even though Israel has been at war for almost two weeks, there is little evidence of it here in Jerusalem. For the first week there was noticeably more police and soldiers around, especially in the Old City. But now it is rather quiet. Life continues on as normal.

Praise Report: I did get money in for rent.

Prayer Request: However, I still do not have enough coming to survive. I continually over drafting my account. Which is not smart. So if you are not giving I ask you would ask the Lord. Or talk to people you know who might be interested in giving. All I know is I would rather be here where the Lord has called me then in the states fund raising because I don't have enough.

Peace be with you and Happy New Year.

God is Good

2008-12-18T01:15:00.004+02:00

God is faithful

Tonight for the first time I sang with the young adult team at Succot Hallel. The time of worship was sweet. The presence of the Lord fell in the room. He was just drawing us into more intamcy with Him.

But after the 2hr watch we were in the back room debreifing. (And my hip had been hurting all day.) Before we left Stephen asked if we could all pray for it. They prayed and prayed and nothing changed. Then we prayed for Christen who had been having very bad allergies. And in the middle we asked how she felt and and she said her chest felt lighter. So we continued to pray. Then she felt much better, but her glands were sore. So we prayed for those and she said,
"now they don't hurt". The Lord healed her. Then they turned to me again and said, "does it still hurt" and I said, "yes". So they prayed for my hip again. John Mark saw in the Spirit something from my foot to my hip. So he touched my foot and Stephen touched my knee and then I felt this cold presence on my hip and no one was touching me. By the end my hip didn't hurt any more. The Lord healed whatever was wrong with my hip.

Then the Lord just wanted to pour out more of Himself. Prophetic words of encouragement were brought forth for people. The Lord is so Good. He just wants to bless His children. That if you are willing to just sit with Him, He will pour out.

2008-12-16T12:46:00.002+02:00

Well, I am getting back in the flow of things. I am mainly participating in watches, at the Prayer Tower and Succot Hallel. However, about three times a week I am on the worship team.

It is different being out here during this time of year. People are stretched so thin that sometimes I find that ears are not open to wha the Spirit is saying. It all comes from good intentions, but the word of the Lord seems harder to share right now because it is falling on deaf ears when it is even allowed to be said.

So please pray that even in this season when so many volunteers are gone and those left are stretched thin, that we will continue to tune are ears and hearts to the sound of Heaven.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T14:51:00.004+02:00

So, since I am over in Jerusalem for Thanksgiving my plans were, order a pizza and sit in and watch a movie. Well, I told this to a friend at the Prayer Tower and she said, "I have no family here. You and Stefan are the only family I have and since I am organizing a Prayer Tower Thanksgiving you have to come." I said, "Okay." She asked if I could bring a salad but I asked if I could bring pumkin pies. It just isn't Thanksgiving without Pumpkin Pie. Now this was my first attempt at Pumpkin Pie, it is usually designated for my Grandma to make. But I succeeded. Everyone claimed it was great. We had a feast and an amazing time.

Here or There

2008-11-26T16:21:00.002+02:00

Well, for those who don't know and those who do I have been back in Jerusalem for a week and half. It is very good to be back. It is not that I don't like the States but when I am where God called me I am happy and for this season and I think the next to come, my home is here.

I have not really started back at the Prayer Tower yet. I have joined one watched and visited a few times. I have gone to Succat Hallel a few times. And I am helping with the children's ministry. But I am still waiting on the Lord to find where my places is at the moment.

Israel is never the same from month to month and since I have been gone for 3 months things are different. I need to sit and wait on the Lord to hear His direction and I need to sit and talk with leaders and find out what is open for me. But it sounds strange to some people that things can change so much. But God is moving and doing and when you have been gone you have to come back in carefully to not distrub what He has been up to.

I would request your prayers for this season. Love you all and God Bless.

2008-09-24T22:54:00.003+03:00

Well, Hello again.

Just dropping a note. I have been back in the states now for about 2 months and will be in the states for about another 1 1/2 months. Things are going well. I miss Israel like crazy. It is hard to know what to do with myself. I am accustom to getting up and going to prayer watches. I have had a plan and know where I need to go and what I am going to do. Back in the states that is different. Plus I am not use to not having a place to run to when having a bad day. But God is faithful and I am here for a reason. I just need to remember to push through and find what the Lord wants.

Things that Make Me SMILE

2008-07-31T01:35:00.002+03:00

1. Chocolate
2. I went to a friends nine year old daughters birthday. And I was all nervous about finding the right gift. I had seen in my head what I wanted and was just about to give up. I went to one last store and found it, but it was twice what I wanted to pay. But I knew this was it, so I bought it. And she loved it, as did everyone else.
3. Watching Israelis defend Israeles is amazing. Not that I want to have to see it, but when it occurs I am just awestruck.
4. On Fridays young girls hand out Shabbot candles. And when I take them their faces just light up.

One things that doesn't make me smile is the thought about having to pack up and leave in a week. So, see most of you state side soon.

Hey

2008-07-24T15:52:00.003+03:00

So, post will be harder now that I have discovered that I can't always use the internet connections I find at home. I was getting virus after virus the other night. But here are a few fun little blurbs.

This is a picture of a childs play area in the Tel Aviv mall. I thought it was hilarious and slightly wrong.

And I recommend that you see a youtube clip. It is about the persecution in Arad, Israel. It's called Ministry and Persecution in Arad, Israel

Have a Good Day!

Amazing Week

2008-07-10T22:55:00.003+03:00

I know I said amazing week but I just want to mention a few things.

On Tuesday nights I go to the Youth Watch at Succot Hallel. This week the night was exciting. What usually happens is there is an hour and a half of worship and we have youth playing a prayer leader who will read scriptures that the Lord impresses on him. Well, tonight one of my friends, a 13 year old (she's a sweetie), got a scripture and she went up and shared it with the prayer leader and then he had her read it. It was just fun to watch her step out of her comfort zone and do that. I am enjoying watching the youth take bold steps. Plus, it blessed me to see, even though I know, that there are oppurtunities for youth and kids to be mentored and brought up in hearing and sharing the Lord.

Then on Wednesday night I had to rush back to town from Succot Hallel (Young Adults watch). Because a group of youth wanted to do an all night prayer watch at the Prayer Tower and I agreed to be there. By midnight most of them had left, but 3 stayed from 11pm until 6am. And they really prayed the whole time. There were breaks about every hour. But they had focus and prayed for their country and friends. That was really awesome to watch.

Happy Fourth of July

2008-07-05T02:55:00.002+03:00

Well, we celebrated (sorta) the Fourth of July today with my congregation. We had a picnic in the park. It was a blast. After we prayed for the meal, they said, "we have hotdogs and hamburgers for the Americans and for you Brits we have white flags for you to surrender with. Anf you French thank you." So as you can tell it was a very entertaining day. The only down side is no fireworks. We heard a very few but they were far off. So if you read this be the dark of night hits, enjoy the fireworks for me please. Love, and update more soon.

Oh and the say now that it was not a terrorist attack, but that the guy simply lost it.

Shema Israel Adonia Eloheniu

2008-07-02T14:03:00.005+03:00

Shema Israel Adonia Eloheniu Adonia Echad. Hear O Israel the Lord is God, the Lord our God is One.

There was another terrorist attack today downtown Jerusalem. I was getting ready for the day and heard a handful of sirens going down the street. I didn't think much about it, it happens fairly often downtown. But it did sound like a lot. Then when I went to cross the street more came, a police van and two medic bikes. Then as I crossed the street I could hear even more coming. I was on my way to the top floor anyways, so I knew I could look out and see if I could figure out what was going on.

I got to the top floor and looked out the window. I could see where they were all going. They were headed to the construction site, just up the road. But that still didn't tell us much.

Then we got the news. A bulldozer ran into 2 buses and several cars. And that it was a terorist attack. He had an Israeli ID and lived in East Jerusalem. The reports are still coming since it is still new. For more information you can go to www.jpost.com and find more. A guard in his car said it was an attack because he looked the guy in the eyes and he said he was calm. So it wasn't just and accident. He was shot by an IDF (Israeli Defense Force) soldeir on leave. The soldier is apparently the brother of the soldier who killed the last terrorist at the Yeshiva.

Please continue to pray for Israel. I will say pray for her peace, because that is what God commands. But please pray for her protection and strength in the trails to come. God does not look well on people who mess with his counrty. It says in scriptures Zechariah 2:8 "... for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye." And I have learned that the phrase "apple of his eye" means pupil. So, those who touch Israel, are poking God in His eye. And who of us would deal nicely with someone who pokes our eye. So please pray for Israel, for wisdom and love to the unlovely.

So Much to Say, So I Took the Time

2008-06-16T02:04:00.002+03:00

So I am trying to get better at keeping this updated. So here is the skinny on all that has been going on. Well that is if I can remember it all.

I will add pics when interent is my friend.

2 weekends ago I went to Bethlehem to visit my friends Aaron and Brenda. It was an amazing time. I got to know them a little better and I got to go into the Arab refugee camp with them. It was a very enlightening time with them. Rick Ridings has been quoted saying, “If you love the Jews with an earthly love you will hate the Arabs. If you love the Arabs with an earthly love you will hate the Jews. But if you love one with God’s love you will love the other.” And it was so easy to see that in Bethlehem. My heart went out to these people we met. They are in the refugee camp because when Israel became a State they were kicked out of their houses and towns. And my heart went out to them, but I had to remember that it wasn’t the Jews fault. It was God’s plan for Israel. It was very neat to see the Arab side of Israel.

Then that following week we had a team from Bethel, Redding, CA here. I ended up seeing them 3 nights in a row. It was just amazing. It is very hard to put words to what all happened. The presence of the Lord just fell and the anointing and Glory was just thick in the places we met.

Then came Shavout, Pentecost. At the Prayer Tower we had an all night meeting. It was a big event since we aren’t quite 24 hr a day yet and people from congregation came and joined us. Wayne and Ann lead the first watch, they are the Pastor and his wife from King of Kings. And Stephen and myself joined by Stevenson lead the second watch. It was good. I think I received a breakthrough in prophetic singing that night. Then there were 2 more watches but I was exhausted from battling things in the spirit that I went home. The next day, Monday, I went to a picnic. I wasn’t sure I was going to go at first, but a friend asked me to come because she was performing. And I am glad I went. It was apparently a countrywide gathering of believers in the land. For those who don’t know me I am fairly shy, so I didn’t go around talking to many people but I hung with a friend’s family most of the afternoon. Then that evening we had “Soaking” with Aaron and Brenda and the place we usually meet at was busy so we hung out at a restaurant and then went to the park. While we were at the park the presence of the Lord descended and we started praying and we hear behind us, “Praise the Lord” and there were 2 Arab believers and we didn’t even ask them anything we just had them join us in the circle praying. I just thought it was amazing to see Jews, Arabs, and other countries around the world, all holding hands and praying in the name of Yeshua (Jesus). Then we went to McDonalds and the presence of the Lord fell there and we were getting filled with the Holy Spirit. It was fun to watch grown men get prayed for and start falling out in the Spirit in the middle of McDs.

The rest of the week just kinda flew by. I picked up some more watches at the Prayer Tower. I went to Succot Hallel on Tues and Wed. I stayed later then normal on Tues, and that watch was amazing. I saw right before my eyes the throne of the Lord come down into the room and the Lord was sitting in His throne. So all I knew to do was grab the train of His robe and not let go. So I think I will stay for that watch again this week. Shabbot was kind of quite. My congregation put up a volleyball net in the park on Fri afternoon so I went and played. Then hung out with friends. Saturday was congregation. And that brings us to today. I will try to be better from now on. But I make no promises.
Have a blessed week.

So Much to Say, So Little Time

2008-06-04T01:16:00.002+03:00

So a lot has gone on, but only one thing tonight. There is a revelation that I thought I would share with everyone.

Two weeks ago at a Soaking Meeting (waiting in the presence of the Lord) Aaron talked about resting/waiting on the Lord during the battle. And how God will fight the battles for us as we rest in Him. And for some of us that is a hard idea to grasp. And for like the last few months we have also just been letting the Lord reduce us to love. That when Yeshua died on the cross he was no longer recogniazble as man, he was then simply love hanging there on the tree for us. But then last night at Succot Hallel Joaquin Evans was talking about "stopping doing and falling into love." He was talking about waiting on God and letting the Holy Spirit show up and letting him do the work. Because we can't do the work anyways. In the Bible it says "those who abide in Me will bear fruit" (paraphrase John 15:4) it doesn't say those who work will bear fruit.

It's just a new revelation to think that if we shift our focus from doing and striving and fighting to Yeshua. He will take care of the rest. He will fight the enemy for us, He will heal the sick. We just have to focus on Him and allow Him to come and to fall into His love.

:-D

2008-05-28T00:52:00.002+03:00

I'm sorry. I now it has been forever since I last wrote and this post seems really out dated. But this is a snippet of an email I wrote to family and friends shortly after I came back to Israel. I arrived on May 9th. I hope you enjoy and in the next 2 or 3 days I post a more up to date one.

For those who don't know already. I arrived in Israel at midnight Friday morning. I got to my apartment had 3 1/2 hours of sleep and then went to the One Thing Conference for the next two days. It was amazing. I found I didn't learn that much from the speakers. But I had the opportunity to work on the prophetic teams 2 days in a row and that was amazing to see the Lord use me and to have to use my gifting. And it was fun on the second day I had the honor of being on Don Finto's team. I also helped 'usher' it was more 'security'. And it was fun because I have always watched the people at conferences and such who block the back stage areas and things like that, and I have thought wow they are so cool and special and really know what's going on. And that was my job for two days and I learned those people have no idea what they are doing (hee hee). But the conference was good and the presence and the Spirit of the Lord was there. And I am sorry for those who I told it was going to be live on God Tv. The recorded it to show later. So mom can you find out when and make sure you record it. Thanks! Then Sunday the next day I went to The Call all day. And that was amazing. And if you watched it, the youth who were on stag, most of them are my friends and I was blessed to see them up there and moving into their destinies. Oh yeah and I got to meet Heidi Baker. My friends Aaron and Brenda work with her and they take care of her when she comes to the land. So a group of us were wait outside the doors to get into the auditorium for The Call and then Aarons yells to us. And I hand Eliana my drink and go to give Aaron a 'Hi, I'm back in the land hug' and I do and right next to him was a lady and just passed her by to get a hug and then Aaron goes Sam this is Heidi and I got a hug from Heidi. And I just think it was funny how I didn't notice her and that it was my friends who I wanted to see first. And then after The Call a group of us were waiting for some people and Aaron and Brenda were still there with Heidi trying to get vehicles worked out and then we all left at the same time. And Aaron told Heidi that this is a core of the youth/kids they work with and Heidi said she could see that. Then we were outside and Joel called down more fire for me and I got stuck in place and then Heidi walked by and was giving me more. So it was neat. Two other things I found interesting and then I have to go by food. One was that I was blessed to see at the One Thing Conference on Friday Jill Austin came. And the neat thing was she wasn't a speaker but she was in town for The Call and so she came and there was no special anything down she was just a part of the audience. And that really spoke to me, that she knows that she is just a part of the body and wants to see/take part in what the Lord is doing. And then at The Call Jill and Heidi were there and a few others I don't know but they never spoke. So I am guessing that they were there to intercede. And again I just learned so much from that they are will to come and just be a part and not be center stage. And that it was neat to see them come and support their friends. That was cool.

What to Say

2008-04-18T22:33:00.003+03:00

I know I should update you and I know I had things to say but right now it is hard to think of what they were.

So when I can remember I will write it. So here are some of my favorite pictures of bowling with frineds last week.

This is Netanel and Joel.

This is Joel and Oriel. (I think she looks like a Barbie doll.)

This is Netanel and myself.

Time Flies When You're Having Fun

2008-04-09T01:22:00.001+03:00

So, I still can't believe I fly home (CA) in a week an a half. It is just mind boggling. I mean I have been here for 2 months already. And a lot has happened. I tried to write a quick blog earlier this week but I couldn't slow my brain down enough to type and then my internet was non existent. So here I am.

Well, last Tuesday all Israel had an air raid siren test. And this might not surprise many of you but I slept through it. I think that if I am capable of sleeping through the siren then it is not loud enough. But then everyone had to go down to the bomb shelters but it was all a practice to make sure everything was working properly.

Then on Friday I had a group of friends over and we had Shabbat dinner and then we WALKED to the bowling to go bowling and then WALKED home. Now, you might not think that is special, but let me tell you the bowling alley was easily a 3mile walk. And since it was Shabbat there were no buses and we were not willing to pay for a taxi since we would have had to get 2. But it was a blast. Joel won both games. I should have won the second but Joel started calling down fire from Heaven and that was the only reason he won. I am challenging him to a rematch when I get back here. But we had a blast.

Sadly I have to go now. There is a group in the land from Bethel, in Redding CA here and I am a busy girl. I will hopefully type more later. Bye

ME!!

2008-04-01T14:30:00.002+03:00

So I guess I might as well go back to last week. Last week was interesting. Everything seemed hard. Things seemed difficult that I have done so easily before. So, the week went and on Wed I decided that I was going to see The Covenant. thecovenant.com It is a play about God's covenant with His people. I saw it last year and loved it. And Wed was the last day it was playing until fall. So I went to buy my ticket and as I was getting the man working the cash register said wait aren't you a volunteer or student and I said yes. So, my ticket was cheaper which was my only concern with going to the play was the cost of the ticket. So God was so good.

Now the whole week wasn't bad, per say. Like on Tues evening a group of us went out after a watch and had dessert. And the presence of the Lord just fell in the restaurant. And I encourage you guys to take the Lord with you to the streets. We don't share Yeshua with people, but we simply let the Holy Spirit have his way with us and pray that the overflow will effect people.

Then Thur continued to be an awkward day. I had an evening watch and it went, it was neither good or bad. But then my friend had the following watch and he had difficulty finding music. SO I told him, he should play piano and I will sing. And it was amazing and powerful. We were singing God's vengeance and mercy. I just felt that my slump week was over. Words just flowed, tune and melody just flowed. It was a good night.

Then last night I had a time of soak (resting in the Lord) with friends. And the words spoken over me were amazing and what I needed to hear and explained some things I am going through already.

So, God is so good.

Wow

2008-04-01T01:01:00.004+03:00

So, the Lord is doing a ton out here. Things are just moving and happening. Sometimes I feel like I can't catch up on writing it down or sharing. So I know this afternoon there was a lot I was going to share so now I will try to remember it all.

First of all here is the picture my friend from Israel painted. It was part of his senior project. And just so you know it is like 5' by 3' maybe bigger. It is of the bride of Christ; and there is construction going on just to show that the bride is still around and is a current thing; and in the sky is the Norther Lights just to show that even the heavens declare the glory of the Lord. This is just one of his amazing paintings. But so far I think this is my favorite.

As most of you know by now there was teen age messianic believer injured in a terrorist attack. It is a miracle that he is even alive. He is apparently doing well. He is awake and he can now see. But there is still alot of healing that the Lord needs to do. So if you could continue to keep him up in prayer that would be wonderful. But the neat thing is, (side note, one of the wathces is praying for the messianic body so they send us prayer requests) that the rest of the messianic body for now is not sending in any prayer requests because the only important prayer request on their heart is healing for Ami.

And it just started me thinking. Would we do that in the states? If someone in our county (not even thinking state) had a huge need, would the rest of us lay aside our needs and lift that person up without worrying about ourselves. For me personally I don't even see that in churches. When people have needed breakthroughs to we stop asking the Lord for the things we "need" and start petitioning God for the persons breakthrough. I mean the "needs" out here are huge. People need protection, favor in the government, life neccesities, but they are saying right now (for the last week at least) my "needs" aren't important, only Ami is important. That to me is just huge. And I think it would be amazing if we could all grasp that.

Also, new news a palestinian christian was kidnapped the other day in Gaza.

So things are stirring up out here. But don't worry Grandma I am fine. I am using wisdom and trusting that since the Lord has me here that He will protect me accordding to Psalm 91.

I would write what the Lord is doing in me but it feels like the wrong time. I will save that for tomorrow. God Bless!!

The Weekend and More

2008-03-27T00:53:00.005+02:00

So I decided that today's blog will be done in the form of a picture book.

So last weekend Eliana and I went to Netanya for a vacation. We got a hotel that was close to the beach and knew a few good resturants. We arrived Thur night and just hung out, had some dessert and walked around.

Friday when we got up we headed into town, simply to find some flip flops. But it was Purim and there was a parade and parties so it was not the easiest thing. Purim, is to celebrate the fast of Esther. And to celebrate children and some adults dress up. They give each other candy and just have fun.

So we made it to the beach. The water was freezing. And within 2 hrs we were both burnt. So we got up to go find lunch. So we went back to the place we had found the night before. We both decided to be good girls and have salads. Now, if you haven't had an Israeli salad you are missing something.

As you can se these things were huge. I felt like I hardly dented it. And just for fun I wanted to take a before and after pic.

Then we went back to the hotel to get cleaned up and rest from all the sun. So later that evening when we were rested we got a cab to a resturant called Max Brenners. It specializes in CHOCOLATE. I am not kinding. We had real food first, they serve some not alot. Then we had dessert.

I had Dark Chocolate Soup. Those are marshmallow, straberries, and waffle crunchies, to put in the soup. The dark chocolate was a little much. I only made it through half.

And Eliana had half a Chocolate Pizza. The time before when we had been to this resturant Eliana and I shared a sampler platter of fondue, crepe, soup, nugget, sipping chocolate, and ice cream. This place is amazing for a chocolate freak.

Then Sat we didn't do much. Almost everywhere was closed and even though it was Shabbot we had to be out of the room at a normal check out (which is abnormal for Israel). But we had a good time and we even got home in time to make it to a friends art exibit. Which you will hear about later.

Here too are a few pics of my room in the apartment.

This is of my room from my door.

And here is my room from the balcony door. Bed to the left and closet to the right. And nice little bread box just for me.

2008-03-20T00:05:00.003+02:00

So I suppose I should update my blog. I was told I need to do that this week. Sorry it's been a while. It was crazy here the first week I missed and then we have had some company and I haven't had great internet connections.

So, first things first. Most of you heard that two weeks ago there was a shooting at one of the yeshivas. Well, to let you know yeshiva just means school and it was a bunch of high school boys who were studying.

This a picture I took from the Prayer Tower. And the arrow is pointing at the Yeshiva.

Please keep Israel in pray because this weekend is Purim and Israel is on high alert. Apparently muslims like to attack during holidays and when they can injure the most children.

I like to cook. Now that I have a kitchen. I have made stuff peppers and chicken corn chowder.

This is the pineapple upside down cake I made.

This is what was left of the hot fudge pudding cake after only like 5mins.

But cooking is fun.

This trip is a little different. I am not spending all my time in the prayer tower. I am spending more of it making relationships with Israeli youth and taking Yeshua out side the four walls of the congregation. And the Lord is meeting us when we go out.

2008-03-05T13:46:00.003+02:00

Howdy. So I tried making this post last night and then again this morning but the internet in my apartment is bad. So, I am now up at the Prayer Tower and using their computer. Which by the way feels weird. I haven't used a keyboard like this in a long time. Anyways...

Not much is going on. Well, I shouldn't say that. A lot is going on, but I am finding out that a lot of the things being prayed for are in the secret place. So, God is moving but I can't tell you where or what or how.

But the fun stuff. Yesterday my bus was held up because the police had blocked off the road. Then came a long police escort. I assumed it was someone important. Because I have seen that but then traffic goes back to normal but afterwards they kept the road blocked off that the escort went down. Then later that night I saw it again. So that was fun. I usually feel important when that happens.

I received a word today that the Lord is taking me to another level in Him. And I can tell. I came to an older woman this morning to ask her a question and then a word just came pouring out. So, that is awesome.

Here

2008-03-02T22:44:00.001+02:00

I just thought that I would drop a little note to say that I am still in Jerusalem and that all is well here right now. This is sorta for my Grandma so she doesn't worry. But this is also for public knowledge as I am learning many things these days.

As most of you have probably heard that is unrest in the Gaza area. At congregation on Sat. they said that over the last year over 5000 rockets have hit Sderot. Today at congreation they said that since Israel had given up Gaza over 7500 Kassams have hit Ashkelon. Now if Israel were any other country that would mean that the country was at war. So, Israel is getting ready for a ground invasion right now. There main goal is to stop the rocket firing. An IDF (Israel Defense Force) soldier that people know was injuried. He was shot in the leg and we just found out fortunatel, because God is gracious, that he will not have to loose his legs.

But please keep this up in pray. Israel is God's choosen land and people. I am not worried for myself but there are many members of the IDF that I know and they may be being called up.

And one other knowledge thing there are Kassams and Kaytuchas. Kassams are better then Kaytuchas.

And I am just learning that arabs are rioting in Jerusalem. Again, I am not worried. But we want the Lord to be in control.

If you want more info I recommend looking up the Jerusalem Post or CBN or an acreditable news place.

Birthday Suprise!!

2008-02-27T00:25:00.003+02:00

So last Wed., the 20th was my Birthday. Yay, me. So on my birthday I went with 2 friends to Foccia's (?) for dinner. My mom told me to go, which means you're paying right mom? It was good but we ate in a hurry because there was a conference at congregation that night. But that was okay because I knew that the next night was my surprise party.

Now if it's a surprise party one might wonder as to how I knew about it. Well, you see that's a funny story. Mon I received a text message from my friend Bethany, but the problem was that it was not suppose to be sent to me. It was suppose to be sent to Alisha. And Bethany was asking about what they should do for my birthday. Well, later that day I met up with Bethany and her husband, Michael for lunch. Sometime during the conversation Bethany brings up my birthday and Michael says, " I thought you were going to keep it a surprise that you knew her birthday." Well, then she gets to tell Michael how she already spoiled that and we had a good laugh. But it was okay because then we were able to change it from on my birthday to the day after.

So Wed she tells me to be at her house at a certain time. I get there and Michael tells me to make myself comfortable because Alisha is stuck in traffic. So she finally gets there and we get in the car and I have to open up my present (which was a "blindfold") and put it on. Well, the "blindfold" turns out to be a scarf that is very see through. Anyways I get it on so it is blocking most. The car stops I actually don't know where I am and then I look up and can see the light through the scarf and I say "Oh it is Rob and Alisha's." So instead of them trying to lead me around stairs I walk myself and then just wait at the door for them. I walk in and they all yell Happy Birthday.

It was fun. We had pizza and talked. We eventually played "Pin the Tail on the Donkey" and I got it perfect and we played some "Hangman". Both these games were because a friends daughter, Gabby, was getting bored with just talking. Then when it was her turn to pin the tail, they walked out the door. But it was great fun, just hanging out with friends.

This is the whole, well most of the gang. Bethany, Annalise, Cedrik, Me, Alisha, Elizabeth, Rebbecca, and Gabby in front. Michael was talking the picture and Rob and Adam were getting the Pizza.

This is me in my new pink scarf and birthday crown. I had been looking to see what Princess was on the balloons.

My Homemade German Chocolate Birthday Cake.

Me playing "Pin the Tail..."

Alisha leading "Hangman".

Snow Day!

2008-02-25T00:38:00.006+02:00

Okay so the forecast started out for snow last Tue. But it kept changing and it soon looked like we weren't going to get any snow, yet people still said it was coming. Side note, I really wanted to see Jerusalem covered in snow. It snowed a week before I came out. So Mon night I was at a meeting and they started to pray against the snow. They had good reasons, it would interfere with their tour and such. So I leaned over to my friend and said, "If it snows I'm God's favorite and if it doesn't snow he's God's favorite." Life went on I went and did my watch. I was walking home at midnight (just across the street) and snowflakes were falling. I didn't think much of it because they weren't staying and I figured it would warm up coming morning. But I was very glad to see the flakes at least. I went to bed and out here they have these like blackout things to secure your windows from break ins. So I'm in bed and I get a phone call at 9am. Now for me that's early, when I get off at 12am. And it's my friend saying "It's snowing. When you wake up do you want to go take pics?" I said yes and then tried to go back to sleep but it was too hard.

So after I get up and moving Bethany and I walk down to the Old City to take pics. By now it's no longer snowing but raining and it's very slushy. I mean like 6ins of slush. But I still got my snow.

This is the view from outside my apartment.This is me jst before Jaffa Gate

Just a view of the city

I know it's hard to see, but there is some snow on the Dome of the Rock

This is just city wall.

To let you know why I wanted to see snow... I have seen pictures of Jerusalem covered in snow. It's happens aparently every couple of years. But seeing those pictures just seems so prophetic. I just think of the verse "And I shall wash their sins as white as snow". And that is what I see when Jerusalem in snowed on. See the old city white and clean. Seeing the Dome of the Rock covered in a blanket of snow. It just makes me hope for the day when they will know their salvation.

2008-02-25T00:21:00.002+02:00

Worship was awesome tonight. I guess I just love worshipping in Hebrew. So this guy David Hertzog was in town, I'll share more about that later, but he was down in Bethlehem and a Arab there said something along this line that the Hebrew language is made to worship the Hebrew God. And I can't agree more.

So many things have happened and I will try to be better about blogging. Just so you know I am trying to make my blog not just about the spiritual things but also about some daily life things. So there is lots to share and I will try to write most of them to night and post them in the coming days. But I am getting tired, so we will see. And it all depends on how well I can upload my pics.

2008-02-17T23:14:00.001+02:00

It's late, I;m tired. But I promise I will post an update either tomorrow or Tuesday.

Just so you know, things are good and I am now in my apartment.

Here or There

2008-02-08T15:14:00.000+02:00

Well, I am back in Jerusalem. I arrived yesterday (Thursday) around 5:30pm. I have slept 17hrs and that's about it. But it was really nice to have Alisha meet me at the airport, I was very glad to finally see a familair face after 24ish hrs. So, I will let you know what is up when I know.

Hey

2007-10-03T23:21:00.000+02:00

So, I thought I should drop a little note letting you all know that I am back in the United States. This was not a planned trip, my Uncle Rich passed away in an automobile accident 2 Saturdays ago. So I flew home Tues the 25th. It was very good to be here. The whole family, except for 4 people, made it out to be with my Aunt. It is a hard time, but I know the Lord has His hand in it. So I will try to keep my blog up to date and maybe share things I never got to sharing. I love you all.

2007-09-13T23:29:00.000+03:00

Hey, sorry it has been so long. My mom flew out about two weeks ago and the whole first week was taken up with stuff for my friends wedding. And then I was trying to show my mom some of Israel before everything shut down. See last night was the beginning of Rosh Hoshana, and it lasts two days, and EVERYTHING closes for those days. Then when that ends Shabbot begins so from mid day Wed until Sat evening everything (for the most part) is closed. So Shano Tov Ah (think that is spelled correctly), Happy New Year.

But I have been having a blast with my mom out here. I don't want to see her leave in three days, but I guess that is part of life.

Shabbot Shalom

2007-08-25T01:26:00.000+03:00

Sorry that it has taken me this long to write about what happened on Sunday. Which I will do but I figured that I should start with today. Today, has been a horribly (good) productive day. Now it surprised me because last night I got to bed the latest that I have in a month and woke up the earliest that I have in a few weeks. I had breakfast with my flat mate. Then I ran errands, for myself, Bethany, and Andre. I got home made Jello for dinner, swept the floor mopped the floor and then got ready for dinner. I had a wonderful Shabbot dinner with Bethany and Michael and then we watched a movie. And then Bethany and I sat up until 1 talking about life and things that need to get done this week. So for me and maybe any normal person, a very productive day.

The rest of the week has been good. But nothing really special. I did throw Bethany's Bridal Shower on Wednesday and it was a huge success. And I am very glad it's over.

So on to Sunday. Sunday is my first night watch of the week and this time some friends came to join me. It was quiet at first just music and waiting in the presence of the Lord. But later I started to see things in the spirit. It started for me as areas of color. So the first one I saw I crawled over to and laid in and then my friend made a comment that I was in a "portal". I am not entirely sure how to explain them, but as far as I know it is a place where Heaven is meeting earth and the Lord is giving something specific, but you don't always know what the specific thing is. Then I saw a few other portals, that my friends went to. Then I decided to share that there was an angel in the room and one of the guys said I had been praying for that. At that time I realized that the angel was what was opening the portals. So I decided I wanted to know where the angel was standing, since I didn't know where he was I just knew he was there. So as I was feeling in the spirit I found a door. It was kinda funny because I was walking and then was just stopped in the physical there was nothing there. But I felt it was a door and then in the spirit I could see written above it was the Hebrew word shir, which is song. Know I liked that it was in Hebrew because for me that meant I wasn't just thinking something. Because I told the guys what letters I saw and then they "read" it and I just happen to know that word in Hebrew. So I know it was the Lord and not me. Back to the door. I also knew I was not to go through the door. So one of the guys who is a musician went through and the Lord just gave him words. Things for him, things for other musicians. It was an amazing night.

Then that night when I got to bed I had a dream for someone at home. And then before I went in for my watch the following morning I stopped by the friends house who had joined me the night before and the Lord just ministered to me and gave me a word. So Sunday was a good day.

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!!!

2007-08-19T03:24:00.000+03:00

Sorry, that nothing was posted all week. But it really truly was a fairly boring week. I did the night watches my three days and they were great. The rest of the nights I stayed up that late as well. So I slept in all week and didn't get much done turning the days. That was pretty much my week. I hoping that this week I can get a few more things accomplished.

But tonight was great. The Lord really met with us up there tonight. I will share the rest tomorrow, right now I need to go to sleep. (So I can get up and do things tomorrow).

DONE!!

2007-08-12T03:36:00.000+03:00

Wow, my first Night Watch is done and it was great. The time just flew by. I have never had a watch go by so quickly and this was a three hour watch as apposed to the normal two hour watches I do. So God was good. As I wrote in the journal at the Prayer Tower it was just a time of sweet worship.

However, it did start a little rocky. Was I was in our part of the building I found out I was locked out of the prayer room. Fortunately I was able to get into Hilda's office and start making phone calls. I called Chanelle, even though I didn't want to, she has the watch right after mine so she should have been in the middle of her night sleep, but she told me to call if I needed anything. But she kept hanging up on my, probably because it was the middle of the night sleep for her. So fortunately in Hilda's office since she is gone she left us a binder and in that binder is every one's phone numbers. So I thought who has keys to the Prayer Tower and who would be up at midnight, ahh, Stephan. He is our janitor/worshipper, so I gave him a call and he was up and across the street so he came over and let me in. From then on it was smooth sailing.

But now I must sleep. G'Night

Friends

2007-08-11T17:33:00.000+03:00

God is so good. This is something that not everyone will understand but to me it was special. As many of you know, when I arrived in Jerusalem I really felt that I was suppose to stay at the Hostel. And that was wonderful blessing, I made many friends there. Some of whom left already and some of whom are living here. Since the beginning of July I haven't really seen these people. But within the last week I have just run into most of them. I saw Daniel last week and as I was meeting him I saw MarieAnn. Then when I went to meet him again I saw Meital. Then when we were out talking he told me about Baruch's Birthday. So I was able to see Baruch and Lee and Aaron. Then today I went to the Hostel to pick on Daniel, since he is leaving this week, I saw Gertrude and said hi. But then the funny one, I was walking up the street from there and some guy behind me was making noise and comments. I avoid those types of people. Then finally he made enough racket that I turned and saw that it was Gabby. He worked at the Hostel while I was staying there. So we walked a little bit and talked. But it was just amazing that the Lord would have me run into all these people that I don't see on a daily basis anymore. It really truly meant a lot to me.

(Color is fun. I really want to us this color can you read this? but I know that is a hard color to see. So I will have fun picking a different color each time.)

So today is Shabbot and last night I went to my friend Nicol's house. We weren't planning on having Shabbot dinner but we ended up having it. It was great we had American (well as American as you can get in Israel) Taco Salad. It was delicious. Plus I than found out where to get Cheddar Cheese out here. But we simply spent the night at her place hanging out. There were about 6 of us girls. We ate, talked, on girl felt like doing every one's hair, Nicol felt like doing feet. We watched a movie or two. It was just an amazing time of fellowship. Especially, because with this group there is generally always a sensitivity to what the Spirit is doing, so even though we were just chilling it was refreshing to body and spirit. Plus, I was surrounded by people which I haven't been since I left the Hostel.

On a fun and exciting note. I start the Night Watch tonight. Love you all and miss you.

Randomness

2007-08-10T00:42:00.000+03:00

Well, it has been a fairly slow week. Since I told Hilda that I would be doing the Night Watches I haven't been able to sleep well. I am falling asleep in the early morning hours and sleeping until the afternoon, which puts a damper on getting things done during the day.

Wednesday was a good day. Bethany and I had a great watch at Succot Hallel. The time just flew by. And it was all new songs and scripture until about the last half hour. Which to me is amazing. Especially since I am the prayer/scripture leader. I don't really know the scriptures well. So God is just telling me where to go and find the verses to read. And Bethany and I are beginning to flow together really well.

Tonight, I just got back from a friends birthday party. It is amazing to think of how many people the Lord has brought into my life here. It was a blast because his mom is in town to see him so I was able to meet her.

Baruch and his mom

Which reminds me, last week. I went with a friend to hear a good friend of his sing. And I was able to meet his Grandma. She had arrived the day I left for Turkey and then they were out of town when I got back. So that was fun.

Daniel and his Grandma

Earlier today I was out with Bethany on Ben Yehuda, a big shopping section of town. And just to share how small and friendly Jerusalem is, on Monday, we had been waiting for a bus and were talking to another gal waiting for the bus. And then to day we saw her walking on Ben Yehuda and were able to ask her if she got to where she was going. And it's just amazing on how that happened. And how it was just normal like seeing a friend.

My last randomness I promise. My favorite song right now is Skillet's Will You Be There. My two favorite parts are... well here is the song... bold are my favorites..

As I fall to sleep Will You comfort me?

When my heart is weak Will You rescue me?

Will You be there As I grow cold?

Will You be there When Im falling down?

Will You be there?

When I''m in retreat,Can I run to You?

Will my pain release At Your mercy seat?

Will You be there As I grow cold?

Will You be there When I'm falling down?

Will You be there?My heart grows cold.

Will You be there When I'm falling down?

Are You saying so?Oh, I gotta believe it.

Are You saying yeah?

When Your love comes down,I can rest my eyes.

Feel Your grace and power Flood into my life.

As my brokenness And Your strength collide,

When Your love comes down,

Falling down.

As I fall to sleepAs I fall to sleep

Will you be thereAs I grow cold?

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!!!

2007-08-05T22:51:00.000+03:00

Well, I am almost caught up. Last Sunday, was an amazing day. I was at congregation and worship started and by the end of the first song the Spirit of the Lord had fallen and just filled the room. We, sang maybe two or three more songs. In between the songs the worship leader asked us all to get on our knees before the Lord and just wait there. It was amazing, everyone, even the musicians all got on their knees and there was probably 10-15 mins of silence in the presence of the Lord. Then the pastor shared his message and service ended late. It was an awesome time with the Lord. I actually still need to go back and listen to the sermon online because the Lord was dealing with my heart during that time. And I want to hear what Wayne said since everyone said it was good. Then after service I went up stairs to the Prayer Tower and had a healing teams ministry meeting. We will be starting in Sept. a Healing Rooms type thing on Sundays after service and I am on the team. So that was all exciting.

Than this Sunday, I talked to Hilda this afternoon and I told her that I feel called/lead by the Lord to do the night watch 12-3 three nights a week. And she was ecstatic. So starting this weekend I will be doing/completing the night watches on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday (technically, so it's the morning of those days). So that is exciting, we will know be close to 24 hours a day for three days.

Nothing else has really happened, other than the Lord providing what is needed. Ohh ohh, you have to hear this story. Two Shabbots ago, a group of my friends had all gotten together for Shabbot dinner. They were going to have chicken, so a few of them went to the Shuk to get the chicken. They got two packages and the guy said that there are 8 in each package and they knew the house they were at had a couple pieces, but they also knew they would still be short some. So when they got home they counted and they had 21 pieces. Then they started washing and breading them. My friend noticed that there seemed to be a lot of chicken. So when they were done washing and breading it they counted and they know had 38 pieces of chicken. They were amazed and praised the Lord. But then as they cooked the chicken instead of it shrinking as it cooked the chicken began to swell. The chicken got bigger as it cooked. So my friends had multiplying chicken for Shabbot dinner. The Lord is so good.

To swim where Jesus walked

2007-08-02T01:23:00.000+03:00

You know it took me two three weeks to finally understand that phrase, "you can swim where Jesus walked." I thought that the lake had just expanded past the shores of Jesus's time. I didn't think Bible stories. So anyways, on Saturday the congregation that I attend took a trip up to the Galilee to go swimming for the day. It was a blast.

The views on the drive up there where beautiful. And I had a good conversation with the guy I was sitting next to. I could just tell that the Galilee area was a more peaceful than Jerusalem. There was just something about being there that was refreshing. Even though I didn't see any sights, I felt like I met with the Lord, again even though I didn't take any time out for that.

Once the bus arrived at the beach, I hopped out and went swimming until lunch was ready and then hopped back in until we had to leave. So I didn't get around to taking an pictures other than the ones from the bus. While I was swimming I felt something touch/rub up against my leg. It felt fairly big and I freaked out a bit. I don't like anything touching me in the water, not sea weed or fish, nothing it's just not right. So I had been standing next to Michael and Bethany and the next thing I knew was that I was next to Bethany in Michael's arms floating on the water. It took me about 5 mins to be able to put my feet back in the water. Later, when I was getting cleaned to get back on the bus a guy from the congregation asked if it was me who said I felt something rub up against me. I said yes, and he said it was probably Peter's fish, they like to nibble or rub up against things. I was glad I heard that AFTER I got out of the water. I believe I was told that the area we were at is across the lake from where Jesus drove the evil spirits out of the man and into the pigs.

Enjoy the pictures!!

The hills of Jordan.

The Jordan River is right next to the road you see.

Here is the Sea of Galilee or Lake Kennert, looking to the west.

Watchman, watchman what do you see?

2007-07-31T22:01:00.000+03:00

Long time no write. Sorry, I think about writing and than I never get around to it. That is partly to do with the fact that I wake up and go straight to the Prayer Tower and than hang out with friends until late and then go to bed and start the cycle all over the next day. But I will try to get better at it.

So, I think about 2 weeks ago I moved into my new place. It is very nice to have a room to myself. I like the quietness, but I find sometimes I get bored or lonely. But the first Sunday I was here I swept the floor and there was this monstrous pile of dog hair.

So a week ago Wednesday was amazing. I had a watch at the Prayer Tower and then I went to join Bethany for a watch at Succot Hallel. It is an Aaliyah watch, to call forth the Jewish people to come back to the land of Israel, and I am her prayer leader. So I look up and read scriptures about the Jewish people returning and than pray into it. Well, it was amazing. I simply started with my Bible open to Isaiah and then flipped page by page and the Lord revealed amazing scriptures all the way through the prophets that were amazing and I had no idea were there. And as I would speak them and I would tend to read the whole chapter rather then just a verse or two and then Bethany would sing it. New songs just came out and were beautiful.

Later that night was the Jerusalem Praise Experience and Bethany and I were asked to help direct traffic. So we went to the Pavilion and got our free t-shirts and we went and stood at our posts. I was out on Aggripas St. I was standing there and there was about a foot ledge in front of me. I started thinking, I am out here watching for people to direct them to the Pavilion and there is this little wall in front of me, I'm a watchman on the wall. And this thought came to mind and this is a physical version of what I am doing spiritually. (Since then the Lord has been speaking watchman to me. Including my favorite song right now Let the Fire Burn.)The Praise Experience was amazing. It is very strange to think, this is the third one I have been to and the program of songs hasn't changed and yet each time the spirit falls in that place. In fact I think the anointing gets heavier each time. So it was a great time of worship and then I headed up to the Prayer Tower to direct people again.

Then I went home and talked with mom. I was excited to talk to her because our friends, pastors from Mexico were going to be there and I haven't talked to them or seen them in almost a year. So David and Julia come and sit down and David comes over on crutches. Apparently, it was the second attack on his foot in 2 days. So we sat and talked and then they wanted to let me talk to my mom. But someone asked if I wanted to pray for David's foot, I said sure. I prayed it seemed like a short disjointed prayer and then they prayed for me and then mom and I started to talk. Then in the background I could see him walking without his crutches. He said as I prayed he could feel something happening in his leg. Then they told me that he hasn't been able to touch it to the ground because of the pain or to let his wife touch it hurt too much. And he was now walking on it. The Lord healed his leg. And when he went home he packed the crutches in the trunk. God is so good.

Well, there is more to come tomorrow.

The Covenant

2007-07-24T23:32:00.000+03:00

I moved into my new apartment on Sunday, yay! So I now have my own QUIET room. So will tell you all about that tomorrow.

God is good all the time. There is/was a huge convention going on in Jerusalem. It is the Foursquare 2007 Convention. I heard about it because my friend was singing in the Tommy Walker choir. So yesterday I thought I would go, so I could hear Tommy Walker and Jack Hayford. Well, I got up there to register and they said it was full and it would cost me $175 dollars for the whole thing. So I went home. That helped make my decision about Tuesday night. Because Tuesday night, today, at the Convention was the last performance of the play The Covenant forever or a season.ICEJ: The Covenant And I wanted to go but I also had my watch to be at. So since it was filled up I didn't have to worry about asking permission. So today I slept in because I wasn't feeling the best. I got up in time to get to my staff meeting and than after the staff meeting was my watching. During the staff meeting the convention was mentioned, since Hilda was there*. So I brought up that it's full and the play. And we moved on with the meeting. At the end of the meeting Hilda leaves and comes back and she slides on the table to me her badge to the conference and says, "go, I'll take your watch". So I got to see the last show of the play and see it for free. And it was amazing. It is simply the story of God's covenant with His people from Abraham to the birth of Israel. And it's a musical. It was fantastic. I am very thankful that I got to go and see it.

*Today is the ninth of Ov. It is the day when both Jewish Temples were destroyed. It is the day the Ferdinand and Queen Isabella sign something kicking out or killing the Jews in Spain. It is the day when the first Jews were taken to concentration camps and killed. It is not a happy day in the Jewish calendar. In fact many stores were closed in remembrance. So, today Hilda was at the convention and she turned around during a time of singing "Hallelujah" and she said to look out and see 3000 believers worshipping on that day in Jerusalem was just amazing.

Istanbul is Constantanople

2007-07-16T21:21:00.000+03:00

Yes, yes I know I was in Antalya not Istanbul. Well, to let you know how the rest of my trip was, let me say not fun. I was scheduled to fly home on Fri. Thursday after dinner I went back up to my room and found my door open and my lights on. To make a long story short and painless for me, my wallet was stolen. I had kept it in my laptop bag for safety while I was swimming in the pool. Somehow someone go into my room. So Thursday night I spent with the receptionist and police officers. Then Friday I woke up early and was getting no where in trying to call people. Finally, my mom called the US Consulate in Adana and they started calling around. I hopped a flight from Antalya to Istanbul and then went to the Consulate there. They were staying open late for me. They issued me an emergency passport and helped me book a flight from Istanbul to Tel Aviv. They were even nice enough to give me money for a taxi to the airport since with all the traveling I ran out of the money I had on hand. So that all put kind of a damper on my vacation to Turkey. Unless the Lord specifically says to go back I probably will not go back to Turkey.

When I was trying to enjoy my taxi ride to the Consulate I did notice that by the water Istanbul was beautiful. It is a true port city. It has ships and boats all over the coast land. I wished I had had my camera on me but I had packed it to keep the amount of things on my person to a minimum. So that is my "excitement" for the trip. I promise.

Home Sweet Home

2007-07-16T01:37:00.000+03:00

Short but sweet post. I am back "home" in Jerusalem. I am very glad to be home. I had quite the trip. I need to go to bed so I will write that later. Just thought I would let you'all know I am home safe and sound.

Randomness

2007-07-11T21:52:00.000+03:00

So here are a bunch of things that don't go together but I figure you should and or want to know, hence the randomness.

First, I should tell you what got me through all the security and all the visas and sort. My original flight had been cancelled and I had been put on the flight for the next day, which meant that I was able to go to church. In church we sang one of mine and Bethany's, a very good friend in the city, favorite songs. I have no idea what the title is. But since I had been to church this song was stuck in my head AND I knew what the chorus meant, since that is the only part of the song which I can sing. So standing in line at security, in line for my ticket, second security, and in Turkey unsure about a visa this song was going through my head... Kom tov chasdecha Adonia Elhi, Elohe Yishi, Elohe Yishi. Which I believe means, Your grace covers me, God of my salvation, God of my salvation. So what a wonderful song to sing when going through security.

One exciting thing, since it was so hard to get this trip planned I knew that God had ordained where to go. I discovered I think on Tuesday that Antalya, where I am, is one of the cites that Paul and Barnabas. It is mentioned in Acts 14:25 "Now when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia." NKJV And my mom said that this is the original name and that through the years it has become Antalya. So it is fun to be in a place where Paul was.

Today, since I missed breakfast I figured that I would head down to McDonald's for lunch. Since I found the restaurant yesterday. So I was sorta surprised to find that Turkey McDonald's pretty much tastes like American McDonald's. This is one of things that I enjoy doing when in foreign countries. If they have McDonald's I like going at least once, just to see/taste the difference.

I added a new map to my blog. I found it on a friend of a friends website. I thought it looked really cool to be able to track where I have visited and for it to tell me the percentage of the countries that I have been to. So if you want go ahead and make your own, just click on it and it will take you to their website. It is one of the few places I have join, but I thought that map was worth it. So enjoy!!

Please continue to prayer for a smooth re-entry into Israel. I praying that they won't pay any attention to my last visa and that they will do the same as when I entered in April. She took my passport stamped it and handed it back to me, not a word was said, no questions were asked. So that is what I am believing for.

Alive

2007-07-10T23:09:00.000+03:00

Mountians in Antalya, the Sea is just to the left out of the picture.
City Center of Antalya
View from my balcony

Yes I am alive. It has been a couple of busy weeks. The One Thing Conference was amazing. Then the following week was a roller coaster. My visa expired on Fri the 6th. So that whole week I was trying to get a trip planned and every time it fell through. So on Tuesday I talked with a travel agent and she was unhelpful, so that led to more tears and visiting a second agent on Wed. Yeah, it was Wed and needed to be out of the country on Fri. Well, the best thing we could do was to leave on Sun because that would kept me out of the country long enough to not over stay my next visa. So Sat rolls around and I get a call from the agency my flight was booked with and my flight has been cancelled and I have been put on another flight the next day. So now I am extremely frustrated. But God is good. I got on my flight with no problems and I am now in Turkey. I won't even go into the problems I did face in the airport.

While flying into Antalya, Turkey, it looked incredible. You have the Mediterranean Sea as one border and then a narrow city and a beautiful mountain range as the other border. Once on the land it looked alittle different, because on the drive from the airport to the hotel you went by many buildings that seemed to be no longer under development. So, it seemed very dirty and poor. Once we got to the "city" area it was much nicer. The Lord has put me in a beautiful 4 star hotel with a swimming pool and a private beach, if I can figure out where and when to catch the van to it. Today has been very relaxing and refreshing. The only thing I miss is there is no one to talk too.

The Wizard of Oz

2007-06-28T01:25:00.000+03:00

So, yesterday I wanted to write in my blog that I wanted to go home. There's no place like home. However, today I am doing better, still not perfect, but better. Within the last three days many things have happened that are making feeling like I am just going around the mountain again. I don't feel like I am making ground. One is where to live. the lady I am going to rent from called on Mon asking if I was going to rent and I had told her 2 weeks ago that I would. And now we have to meet with her and her land lord and it just feels frustrating because last year I didn't have to do that. It could all be nothing but it's frustrating. Then on Mon I changed my airline ticket home and later that day I ran into conflicts with my visa run and the date I just changed my ticket to. And now today my visa run completely fell through. So I now have a week to plan a trip out of the country. And to top everything else off I hurt my back a little over a week ago and it hurt to sit. So yesterday I really just wanted to go home. Today I feel better however because God it good I guess. This weekend it the "One Thing Conference". There is apparently a lot of spiritual warfare going on because (so to speak) of it. I feel that if I can just push through to the conference that it will be better. It will be a good time of filling and refreshing.

And yesterday or Mon morning I had a good dream. There was a crowd of thousands of people in a stadium. The place was packed. I was coming on stage as the speaker. I was speaking on abstinence. So, that means the crowd was youth and young adults. Here comes the fun part, my husband was just off the stage and I was pregnant. And as I was talking I mentioned that this was my second child. Now I know that is a different dream but I really feel like it was from the Lord. Pretty much everything in it is a confirmation of other visions or words. We'll see what the Lord brings about.

But it's one of those things that in times like this, where I feel stressed that I need to hold onto dreams and visions and words that I have received from the Lord. And know that He has brought me here and that He will provide. Sometimes it's hard to see that in the midst of it all but it is still true.

The Square

2007-06-24T15:59:00.000+03:00

So, yesterday I spent the day relaxing. Taking a true Shabbot. Actually I was trying to recover from an injury that had occured earlier that week. However I was very bored by 10pm, since I had done nothing all day. So I gathered my few things I would need if I was to go out and went down to the lobby. See stuff usually happens down in the lobby. After sitting there for awhile in slight pain a friend came down the stairs and said she was going to join a group in the square just a block away. Now, I should have stayed home and gone to bed, however, I really wanted to see people. So we went to the square and there was a group of people sharing the good news, and there was a group of musicians. So, I chatted with a few people, that I knew. And then I just sat there praying for the people there. Both the Jews and the Christians. I'm sharing this because when I talked to the students at the school I used to teach at one of their questions was have I shared the Lord with anyone. My answer is still no, but now I can say that I was there backing those people with prayer support. Because I know that as of now my role is not an evangelist, but a behond the scene type person. It was fun, my injury than did not go away but I am positive I was where the Lord wanted me.

Tel Aviv

2007-06-15T16:49:00.000+03:00

Mediterranean Sea
Us girls when we got out of the sea

Last Shabbot I went to Tel Aviv with my friends from the Hostel. It was a blast. We hopped a Sherut to Tel Aviv and then one to the beach. The sand was hot and we walked around to find an umbrella and chairs. We tanned (first time tanning because I really am not into that but I don't like being in the water by myself)first because the girls wanted to be hot before going into the cool water of the Mediterranean Sea. It is much warmer than the Pacific Ocean though.

But we went into the water twice. I was only about knee deep and there were monstrous waves that kept crashing into us. Oh yeah it was also a black flag day on the beach, letting us know that it is very dangerous to swim. It was a great time in the water. About five mins after we got out of the water there was a little shark spotted in the water near the shore.

We stayed on the beach until sunset and then we changed and ate dinner on the shore. It was a wonderful day. I will post pictures later when I am on my computer.

Stuff

2007-06-11T23:58:00.000+03:00

Well my posts are almost caught up. Just one or two more days of catching up. The hardest part is finding time to sit down here and do it. So one fact that I find amusing is that I just learned that Jordan's proper name is the Kingdom of Jordan.

We'll start with today. I finally made my way up to the actual wall at the Kotel (Wailing wall). I would have to say that the presence of the Lord was there. Touching the wall was nice but there was no majesty in it. The thing I noticed was that both times I closed my eyes, once at the wall and once a few yards away, was that I felt like I was all alone with the Lord. It felt almost like I was out in an open field with Him. It was a very amazing feeling.

Yesterday was as an odd day. I had had a good day and then I went to church. The pastor preached an amazing sermon. But the whole time I was struggling with something. Then the sermon ended and we were having quiet time with the Lord than we started to worship and I was now struggling with something else. And Bethany wasn't there to talk to. Then I went out to eat with a friend, Jacki, and someone else came along, so there was no time to chat. So I waited at the bus stop with her and a lady from church was there and talked the whole time. So I went home and sat on the roof for awhile and was just still feeling crappy and like I needed to cry, so I called 2 girls who are staying at the Hostel and volunteering with KKCJ as well. But they were busy. So a last resort sort of, I went to see if Daniel, a guy from the Hostel who is Messianic, was around. He was and I asked if he would join me up on the roof. He said yes. We were walking up the stairs and he asked what was wrong because he could tell something was up 'cause I asked him to talk. And right there on the stairs I started to cry. We made it all the way to the sitting area and we just talked. He listened and threw in his two cents every now and then. After about a half hour or an hour he left and I felt better.

Today, Bethany comes over and we were hanging out and she says that she didn't come to church because she was feeling bad. Then it clicked. She had been interceding for people and the Lord had me helping her or interceding for her. So I told her next time she has to call. Because she sat at home for awhile trying to figure out if it was her or what. And that was the same for me. So it was nice to know today that yesterday wasn't me, however, I need better discernment to know when I am interceding and when it is myself.

Visitors

2007-06-08T16:57:00.000+03:00

So last week I had visitors. I don't know if you have ever been on a trip and your in a foriegn country and someone you know is coming to the same place. Well, you get excited. That's how I felt last week. The pastors form HRC came for a whirlwind tour of the Holy Land. So I only know 2 of them but I invited them to the Prayer Tower as well as we were having the Jerusalem Praise Experience. Another girl who is up in the Prayer Tower is from HRC so she was inviting them as well. So on Tuesday night they showed up as I was closing the Prayer Tower. There was much confusion. Most of them went down to the Praise Experience and a few stayed because of the presence of the Lord in the Upper Room. Then all of them came up at the end and had their own private worship time. It was amazing.

Then on Wednesday we went to their evening meeting. I was excited to find out that the person speaking that night was Robert Stearn. Then I had a time of prayer with a few people and I recieved a few words. One person said she saw me under a large wing and that I am in a safe place. That in this safe place they will ask me to do things that I have never done before but they will come along side me and mentor me. When this learning time is open that it will open the door to the nations. So that was very encouraging. That was fun.

Then that Saturday I was at a birthday party and I learned that the Levites when they turn 25 start being trained in temple duties and that when they turn 30 they begin full time ministry in the temple. I felt like I am in my training time but I also feel like it will be an accelerated training time. I can't wait to see what God does.

Rob and Alisha

2007-06-06T21:56:00.000+03:00

Two friends that I have made here got hitched the other day. So on Sunday we threw a bridal shower for Alisha. We took her to a fancy restaurant. Bethany and I ran out right after congregation to find here a present or crown to wear to embarrass her and balloons. We had a very hard time finding a tiara, so we finally found a garland of flowers that we could twist into a crown. Then we figured that she needed a veil and we bought a pretty white sparkly shawl. While we were looking Bethany said that maybe we should get her a good lotion because that would be something she could use. Then we found balloons. We took the bus as close as we could get to the restaurant. My bag was half out the bus door most of the ride because it was that packed. Then we walked to the restaurant, so on the walk to the restaurant we blew up the balloons. And fortunately we were the first two there. So we put the balloons up as center pieces. Then everyone showed up. Alisha loved the "crown". The neat thing was that one girl, Laura, saw the shawl and said she had wanted to buy Alisha that exact same shawl and then Erica came and she gave Alisha a very nice hand lotion. I just found that God is so good. Because all the things people wanted to get Alisha but didn't were brought by a different person. So we had a very good time celebrating Alisha.

On Thursday Rob and Alisha got married. It was in the backyard of our young adult pastor. She wore her wedding dress, she wasn't going to at first because she bought it for her USA wedding but us girls told her this a once in a life time and if she wanted to wear it she should, plus she gets to wear her wedding dress twice. And Rob wore a kilt. They walked down the aisle to a bag pipe, so all the neighbors came out to see what was going on and some watched the whole thing. It was a very pretty wedding and nice and relaxed. It was an amazing night.

St. Ann's Church

2007-06-05T18:59:00.000+03:00

Lindsey, Me, Morgan, Brooke, (not pictured Daniel)

The following Shabbot a group of us from the Hostel decide to go the Old City since there is nothing to do in the "new" city. We walk to the city and then we weren't sure where we were going. Someone had told us about a church with a garden and amazing acoustics. So Lindsey (the one on the left) thought she knew where it was so we walked to the Kotel (western wall) and then around the back of the old city and we entered a gate on the back and there was St. Ann's on the right. It is the pool of Bethsada area. But the reason we went there is because the acoustics is amazing. One voice sounds like a choir. More just sound plain ol' gorgeous. So we sat inside for a while. (Because it is cool since the church is made of stone and it was hot outside.) Then we left. I wanted to go and walk around the ruins of the pools but everyone else wanted to go. And I figured that Bethany and I (we sing together for fun and God has just knitted our hearts together) would have to go and sing there so I could see the ruinds later. So we went home. Daniel was going to walk to the Garden of Gethsemane so I siad I would go with. But it was closed so we just walked home. I have been told that this is the oldest picture depicting Christianity. It is a mosaic. This is the Golden Gate. It is believed to be the gate that Jesus/Yeshua will come back through.

Questions

2007-06-03T00:14:00.000+03:00

I don't think I have ever had my faith questioned quite this much. And I mean literally questioned. Peoplejust ask questions of what do you believe or do you believe this. And I am now having to put into words things that I just believe or know deep down in my spirit but have never had to verabally state. Like I was talking to this guy this evening and he says he's a Christian and we were talking about hell. And he has a hard time believing that God would send good people to hell. And his one example to me was a poor starving child in Africa. Now I grew up believing that children just go to heaven but I couldn't say that to him because I have no biblical basis for that or don't know that biblical basis. So I am having times like that where I am having to find the words to express what I believe. And that is a good thing and I am glad that the questioning is coming now when it is normally friendly banter.

House of Prayer

2007-06-01T18:28:00.000+03:00

I promise I will sit and write right now the things that have gone on in the last two weeks and I will post them every 2 days. But it is good that I am too busy to sit and write.

Two Shabbots ago I went with some friends up to the third house of prayer. It is run by Tom Hess ( I don't know who he is but..). It is up on the Mount of Olives which is why I haven't been to it before, because it is far away, hard to find, and in Arab territory. I was told about it last time I was here but God's timing is perfect. We went there to participate in the watches but when we go there because one of the guys had worked there before we were just given the watch.

They do their watched differently. They call them gates. They have (well I think someone else did but) taken the gates of the old city and has extended them out on a world map and found what gate what countries are in. So the USA is in the Jaffa Gate. They have also done that for just Israel, so what cities are in what gates. Then their watches are certain gates. So we were there for the Jaffa Gate and one I can't remember its name. They way they operate is the same, there is music sometimes, you can pray whatever you feel and there are flags and shofars. The really cool thing is that the prayer room is on the top of a house. You go up these stairs to the roof and you are in an enclosed gazebo. There is where the music and instruments are and things are kept. Then you can go out side and walk on the roof and proclaim out over the city. Here is the view from the rooftop. It looks at the back of Mount Zion.

And down into the valley.

Then we stayed for Shabbot Dinner. It was a great time of worship and tradition. For we started with worship and then had the lighting of the Shabbot Candles, then more worship, then we had the wine, a little more music and then we broke the bread. And somewhere in there we sang the Shabbot Shalom song. Then we had dinner. We stayed and talked and then took a taxi home.

But during worship it was really awesome. I was sitting on a step because I didn't feel like I could stand anymore. And in the spirit I could see in my right hand was a flame the size of my palm and in my left hand was a gold bowl. I still don't know what they are or are for but I know I received them.

Garden Tomb

2007-05-26T23:46:00.000+03:00

A couple Thursdays ago with young adults we went to the Garden Tomb and had a private tour. The young adults pastor's wife is a tour guide there. When we arrived there, we walked as a group because it is Arab territory and the girls did not want to walk alone to there, we had a chance wonder around be ourselves. It was fun to walk around. It felt like a very big playground. I told the friends I was with that I wanted to play and one of the guys Michael said well why not there are no adults here. So we all had a good laugh.

Then we had the tour. I really liked that when we started the tour the first thing said was that this may not be the actual place but we can remember what happened. So we started at the of the skull.A guy found it about 120 years ago and thought it looked like a skull as the excavated they found skulls that had been crush by rocks and feet and ankles with nails still through them. The bones were found at bottom of the hill. The other reasons that it could be is that it is right on the main road between Jericho and Bethlehem, so people could have walked by and scoffed at Him.

Then we went to the garden area. We were told that the garden would not have looked like this, but it was most likely a vineyard. Under the ground in that area was found a large cistern for watering a garden. I believe that it has been dated back to the time of Jesus. Also in that area was found the biggest wine press in Jerusalem or Israel, I forgot. But that shows that a man of great wealth owned the land at the time of Christ.Then we moved to the tomb. there were many earthquakes so the stone probably jumped out and was broken. The tomb itself dates back to the time of Jesus. It has a soul window, for ventilation, and for the soul to escape from heaven. The tomb itself is a tomb rather than a cave so it was dug out of the wall, which again points to wealth. A tomb is made from to part the places where the body is laid and a weeping area. The weeping area in this place is twice as big as in other tombs of the time which also points Outside the tomb is the ruins of an old byzantine church. By the what is left they can tell that there were areas for baptizing people there. Right outside the tomb is a track for the stone to have run on. The stone was never found but it is believed that at the time of the crucifixion of great wealth. Most tombs you walk in and you can see into the tomb side and this one you do not. Here you walk in and then have to look to your right. In the place where they lay the bodies, they would already have places prepared and once they knew how tall the person was they would carve out a place for the feet. In this tomb only one place had been used.

It was a very interesting visit. It was neat to have all the background to the Bible as well as the history of the place.

Another Holiday

2007-05-21T23:42:00.000+03:00

Sorry it's been so long since I wrote last. I have been very busy or occupied so I ran out of time to post. In fact right now I should be in bed but I will make one littlish post. Sometime last week was Jerusalem Day. It was the 40th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem with Israeli rule. So, in Israel they apparently never get rain in May. On Jerusalem Day it poured. There was thunder and lightning, hail, and downpours that flooded parts of Jerusalem. On Sunday I learned that only Jerusalem got rain, there was no rain anywhere else in Israel. So we (Prayer Tower) are believing it as a sign of the Lord pouring His Spirit on Pentecost.

But here are some pictures of the crowds outside my Hostel on Jerusalem Day. Apparently they all gathered outside here and then marched down to The Kotel (the Western Wall). But it was insane. There was a lot of dancing and singing. And many many people. My favorite picture is the one of the stoplight surrounded by people.

I promise I will post more tomorrow because it has been an amazing week.

Dead Sea

2007-05-13T22:43:00.000+03:00

Today I went to the Dead Sea with a group of friends I have made at the Hostel. We did not go to a common nice beach but we had fun. It was a blast floating in the the water. Because it is very easy and a workout as well. Plus if you look at your hand in the water you can see like this oily film. We had fun.

The first picture is of the Dead Sea and across the water is Jordan.

The second picture is Mindy, Aaron, and I floating just as we are about to get out.

The third picture is my pride and joy. It is my battle wound. As we were trying to get in the water. We walked out as we would normally walk into a lake. However, because what we were walking on, hard salt or quick sand type stuff. So as I was walking in I cut my foot on the hard salt. Actually I received many small cuts on both feet. It doesn't hurt, but when I got out of the water It bleed like crazy. But it never hurt.

That is what I did today as well as make myself look like a lobster.

Israeli Student Riot

2007-05-11T01:15:00.000+03:00

It is all over. I am fine. No one I know got hurt. Only one person I know is missing, but that is because he was stupid enough to go partake in the riot.

Israeli students protest in Jerusalem today about tuition increases. Apparently it tripled in price this year. I don't know all the details. What I do know is that different parts of town were shut down do to the protests. In some areas riots broke out. One way the police "control" "coral" them is by pushing them back to where they should be and apparently at the beginning of the day some people fell down and were severely injured.

Then tonight on my way home from Young Adults we found out that they were stationed right out side the Hostel and one of the guys lives in the building next to mine. So we walked home and then we got close and we could see this massive group of people. He escorted another girl to his place since she would be unable now to catch her bus since the street was closed. I went up stairs and watched. The people in blue are the normal police. They provided the general barrier by the sidewalk and the students sitting in the street. Then there is are the police you don't mess with and they are in grey/green. They went in and pulled the students out from sitting down. When I was watching it took waves of this to get the students out of the middle of the street. Then they pushed them up to the sidewalk. At which point the grey/green officers held the line and the blue police backed up. Then with in 10-15mins it started to rain and everyone slowly left.

The interesting thing to me was how the police went in. When some of them were making the wall, they linked arms and walked through. But they worked together. It was not just one person going in and taking on the crowd. They did it as a team. And even though it is not opinion of most people here I think. I have a great respect and honor for these police men and women. Something just stirred inside me as I was watching it. My western friends are just hoping that the USA papers don't spin to make the Israeli police look bad. But we will see what happens.

Cooking

2007-05-10T17:17:00.000+03:00

This is the mess I made while cooking for the first time in a month. I made pasta tuna salad. I am so proud of myself. I just don't know if it tastes good because it has to chill first.

So today I talked to Hilda and I am going to lead the Tuesday night watch for goodish. She had called me last night to find out if I wanted to lead this mornings watch but I didn't get the message in time. But it has been a good day.

Comforting Confirmation

2007-05-09T23:10:00.000+03:00

Tonight I went to Succot Hallel. I arrived a little late. But interestingly, that is what God wanted. By being late I was able to take a bus with a friend and have a quick chat. Once I got there I got a phone call so I walked outside so I ran into another friend and we had a go chat and prayer. Then I finally was able to go in and stay. One of the ladies that was there is another dancer. And in my opinion a very good dancer. I still feel like I am a novice. So when there is a person whom I think is better then me I sometimes have a hard time entering into dancing worship. It was also possible that I wasn't suppose to dance yet. So I sat or stood for most of the time. Then there came a time of intimacy and during times of intimacy I find that is when I want or need to dance the most. So I found two flags that I felt I should use. I danced and I flagged and I didn't care who watched. In fact I stood in the middle of the room. Then at the end of the watch I was helping her clean up and she came and told me that my dancing in the middle was beautiful. So I am still moving forward in knowing that I do what I am called. If that makes sense.

A Public Watch

2007-05-08T20:38:00.000+03:00

Today, today what to say. Well, it was a good day. I woke up in time to get to part of the morning watch however the bathroom was then full for the next hour. So I got up and planned on going to the 8am watch. I started walking there and then realized that that watch is for the Church leaders so I came home and slept. However, I then slept into part of the noon watch. I sat there going should I go or not I will be late. Well finally I said I need to go so I took my laundry to the cleaners then I got to the prayer tower for the last half hour. But the last half hour was amazing and it flowed into the next half hour of the following watch. Just a burden for the nations came out. Then I was sitting in reception checking my email, when Donna came and asked if I would like to lead the evening watch. I hemmed and hahhed for a little bit, because a friend had sorta invited me to dinner but nothing had been confirmed. But I said yes because that is what I came to this country for, not to eat (hee hee). So Donna was happy. Then I caught a bus for Succot Hallel. On Tuesdays they have a watch for the One Thing Conference.* That watch was amazing. I spent most of it writing down a dream I had last night that the Lord brought to my memory. Then I caught a bus back to town with just enough time to eat dinner and get to the Prayer Tower for the evening watch. And actually during Succot Hallel the Lord let me know what the evening watch was suppose to be. So I get up there. I have about 10min and have time to prepare myself. I ended up singing as well with Cedric, which I said I could do. I mean I love singing to the Lord. So I opened the watch and it just went. I was very glad that after I said something that I felt on my heart that someone else came up and read a scripture that confirmed my word. So it was a good night. The Spirit flowed and it was sweet. So tonight I lead a public watch, yeah!

*If you feel like you should, please keep the One Thing Conference covered in prayer. It is suppose to be just as powerful for Israel and the nations as The Call is for the USA. Plus, I feel like it is going to be a spring board for The Call. Since Lou is going to be here and just the words I have heard that the Lord has given this conference. I think that this conference might impact The Call. So please keep it covered in prayer as well.

The Little Things

2007-05-07T20:19:00.000+03:00

This last week I was a little annoyed/sad because I didn't feel like I have many friends here. And I kind of felt like I was annoying the few I have. I had wanted people to invite me and call me. So Thursday rolled around and I went to Young Adults. There were almost all new faces for me. At the end of the night I got a couple of new phone numbers and people got mine. And we planned on getting together for a movie after service on Sunday. That was all good but in the back part of my mind was still, I feel like a tag along. Well Sunday rolls around. I then realized that my call phone had died. So I charge it. Once it was charged I found that I had a text message from a girl I met on Thursday, Bethany. She messaged me in Hebrew so I had Mietal down at the front desk translate it for me. And I found out that she had asked me to join her Saturday night. So I messaged her back and said my phone died. She called back and asked if I would like to hang out with her before service. (YAY, people want to do stuff with me and she initiated it.) Her bus didn't get in until just enough time to walk to service. But the point was she wanted to hang out. Then I got to service and I saw Jacky. I finally had her birthday present and she was excited. Then she asked if I had gotten her emails. I said no. But she had been inviting me all week to something that was going on this weekend. So even my friends that I thought I was annoying were trying to get a hold of me. So, again God gave me just a little glimpse of how much He loves me that even the little things He takes care of. Was just mind blowing.

Then this evening as I was leaving the building I met Bethany by the elevators. And we went out to dinner and chatted. We got to know each other. It's fun and nice to have people to talk with that understand what you are doing or going through. So God is good.

Holy Sepulchre

2007-05-05T22:15:00.000+03:00

Yesterday, I went to the Holy Sepulchre again. I went with 2 people I met from Canada, Nikki and Aaron. They hadn't been able to find the Holy Sepulcher and I knew where it was and I hadn't been able to find the Western Wall and they could get there. So we went together. I still didn't like it, but I was not as bothered by it as I was last time. Whether that is good or bad I don't know.

The first picture is from the outside. The little stairway next to the doors on the right I believe was part of a watch tower built by the crusaders. The next picture is of where the cross was. The people crouched down are touching the stone or hole where the cross was. To the left behind the people is the rock the "was" broken from the earthquake after Christ died. It is a Greek chapel. The next two are the stone of unction, where Christ's body was prepared for burial. And the last one is the "grave" of Christ. They have dug out the cliff. I still have not gone in there. The line was extremely long yesterday. So, that was different.

Then we walked to the Western Wall. We were unable to take pictures though because it was Shabbot. But the place was very full of people. The men's side especially had a lot of people in it. It was different as well, being there again. It could just be that so many there to pray that presence that I felt last time wasn't there, or something like that that I can't explain.

But it was a good day. And it was very nice to have people to go with. We went out for dinner tonight together. Again it was nice just to have people to meander around with.

Weather

2007-05-04T00:28:00.000+03:00

It has been freakishly hot here the last two days. Even sitting inside a building I have been told to drink plenty of water. And not many places have air conditioning. To give you a clue I was told tonight that it was somewhere around 35' C ( which is 93' F). So it isa hot and it is some weather pattern from the dessert and it doesn't cool down at night either. So I would guess it is around 24" C right now (75' F) and humid. I am wrong I looked it up and it is 81' F feels like 80" F and 34% humidity. So yeah, and the sun isn't even out. The sky is covered in xlouds or sand all day. And apparently it rained mud earlier today. I slept through it but it is crazy. So I hope you appreciate your weather.

I love you all. G'Night

The Body

2007-04-30T23:03:00.000+03:00

Okay only the highlights. Yesterday was amazing. I was at a watch inwhich I had not been intending on being at. I was playing my music because the person running that watch was late. I playing glory music and she came in and liked it so we left the music. There was some indivdual time of prayer and then we sat around together holding hands because that is what Nicole saw us doing when she walked in. We were sitting there holding hands and Nicole was praying something. And I had a vision. I was unsure of what it meant but I shared it anyways. The neat thing was to see the body work as one. I shared and Nicole and the other gal prayed into with understanding and then I recieved more. And there wasn't this oh I know what that is or I knnow. It just flowed as if it was one person.

So here is what I saw...
Off in the distance was a walled city. As "we" (I just knew it was we) got closer the city got bigger and bigger. Then we entered it and it continued to get bigger and once we were in it you could no longer see the borders of the city it just continued on forever. And it had stone buildings, some big towers, some smaller, like a city would be. Then I watch wild horses run into the city. They ran in the gate and once they ran up the main street they spread out and filled the city. And the horses just kept coming. They prayed thanking the Lord for sending His people to the city. For letting them be wild, not controled by religion and such. And for sending them to the New Jerusalem. For send His warriors. Then I saw that the wild horses were running in because behind them was the Lion. The Lord was leading them He was corraling them. We called forth the people that God wanted to come here and we asked for grace for the workers who had been here and would not be "needed" during the battle but who would be being replaced.

It was just amazing. And probably the collest thing was the body working as one. It just came there was no fighting for time or arguing with each other. We were in agreement and the Lord was able to do what He needed to do. And that is only one of the amazing things the Lord did that day.

Songs

2007-04-28T19:45:00.000+03:00

So I forgot half of the good stuff from Thursday. The other part I that was amazing was that I got a prophetic song. Sadly right now I do not remember the tune but I wrote down the words.

Your presence smells like frankincense

It drips like oil

It tastes like honey under my tongue.

(repeat)

He knocked at the door

He poked his fingers through the lattice

Oil dripped down the gate

Where has my beloved gone (4x)

I'll chase after you

Then parts just kept repeating. It was so awesome. The presence of the Lord was so thick. Then we prayed that the anointing that was up on the top floor would go down to the bottom floor because the young adults were having a worship night. And I realized that it was amazing that King of Kings have the top floor and the bottom floor because if they can get the anointing flowing between the floors they can change the whole building. So then I went down to the DeepEnd (young adults) and the anointing was the same. The other part about that night I didn't share was that the leader got a prophetic song and it sounded like one of those songs that you sing to make fun of people. When I can find out how to do it I will record it and put it on this. Here is the song, it's very simple.

You're the King of the castle

We're no longer dirty rascals

So Thursday was a very good. Friday and Saturday have been a little boring because of Shabbot but life is good, because God is good.

Amazing Day

2007-04-27T23:16:00.000+03:00

This is not everything that went on but it was I journaled about yesterday.

Thursday, April 26 2007

Yesterday I saw what I thought were angels in the Upper Room but I was unsure. Because I would see them out of my peripheral vision and then I would look and there was nothing. So today as I was up there during the morning watch and during my watch. I realized that they are “watchman” angels and that they have a wall that they watch and protect. Most of the time when I see them they are walking but once I saw one kneeling/praying. Then I saw one out in the hallway.
Tonight at the DeepEnd

We were singing take me into the Holy of Holies and I had my hands raised and I felt the Lord just grab my hands and say “Are you ready?” And he just picked me up and brought me to the Holy of Holies/Heaven. I physically went down to the ground so not to fall. I then saw myself lying down in Heaven in the same position. Everything on me slowly turned white and I was now wearing a dress. I looked about 6/8 but I was a grownup. I slowly stood up and twirled about in my new skirt. Then I was standing on my Father’s feet and we were dancing. My head only came up to his waist and I couldn’t see His face. It was kind of like those old cartoons where God would be walking with man and His face would be in a cloud. Then He picked me up and gave me a huge hug. We were dancing on clouds. Then he asked if He could show me something and I said Yes. So He took me to a room and as we walked in and it was totally dark. Then these flashes of light would go shooting by. After being in there a while I saw this necklace coming at me and I realized that the Father was giving it to me. It was a necklace with 2 red stones, one on top of the other. I knew that they were diamonds and that they were red because of Yeshua’s blood. The Lord put it on me. Then we left that room. We walked and talked some more I don’t remember what about. Then he pushed me back to earth.

Chag Same'ach

2007-04-26T11:08:00.000+03:00

Happy Holidays!! Israel just celebrated it's 59th anniversary of being a country. These pictures are a glimpse of what was going on outside my front door. Some are taken from the roof and some from the street. And this went on for blocks. They closed down the streets and partied all night.
(I can't get the pictures to load and I have to go. So I will try again later.)

My favorite place I went was a couple blocks down they were having traditional Israeli dancing. The kind where everyone stands in a circle and they all know the dance. The party started about 7pm, they didn't have the fireworks until 12:30am, and the bands didn't stop until 1:30/2am, and that doesn't mean the people left right away. The next day was amazing as well. The congregation I attend here had a picnic in the park and that was a blast. I got sunburned. Then I walked to the Russian compound with a friend and there was all sorts of singing and dancing and people dressed up from different time periods.

It really got me thinking of how we celebrate our freedom. I mean these people party like there is no tomorrow. And yet it is exactly that. They are happy for the little amount of freedom they have. And yet we have "real" freedom and we don't celebrate it that much. People were running around with Israeli flags around their necks like capes or around their waist like a skirt because they are that proud to be an Israeli. The patriotism is indescribable.

Visions

2007-04-24T17:30:00.000+03:00

The first Thursday I was here I went to the Prayer Tower in the evening. There was a prophetic sculpture on the floor. I don't remember what was in the middle but I know that there was blue fabric coming out of the middle as the River of Life. And as I was sitting there during the worship time we were singing something about the throne. Then I noticed that sitting on the middle fabric was the throne of the Lord and then I thought it was the Ark of the Covenant. Then I realized that they are the same. It was amazing. I didn't say anything because I didn't know if that was okay.

Then Monday morning after I talked to Hilda we were worshipping. We were singing something about the Lord coming down. We had the Israeli flag on the floor and we were asking the Lord to show himself to Israel. I was laying on the flag interceding when all of a sudden I felt something. I looked up and there were feet and I knew that Jesus was standing on the flag that we was there for His people. Now I still hadn't asked if it was okay to say the things that I see in the supernatural. So again I did not say anything.

Later that I was there for the Israel Prayer Watch. During this watch they pray for all the different ministries in Israel and for any prayer requests they have. We started with worship and the requests were sitting on a chair in the middle. And as we worshipped Hilda felt that we should hold the requests and we slowly started reading them. As this was going on I saw a huge angel standing in the middle with his sword drawn and his sword was a flaming sword. I was not sure why he was here but I this time I knew I need to share it. So I went to Donna, who was leading the watch, and told her. She said that when Hilda was done praying that I need to share that with the group. So I did. They were all excited and they felt that since he was there with his sword drawn that he was ready for action and that because the Word of the Lord is the sword that when we prayed for these requests that we need to find scripture to pray over them. After that I asked Hilda if it's okay to share what I see and she said yes of course. So I told her that I saw Jesus that morning and she was sad/mad that I didn't share it.

But I am excited to be at a place that is so willing and ready to know what is happening in the spiritual realm.

By the way. I talked with Hilda and she threw my right into the watches. She is having me start out with just join in on them. And she told me which ones are good to go to. Then she said I should come to the staff watch and she gave me one devotional watch of my own. During that watch, 2 hrs, I can do what I do and if people come just keep going. And near the end of the watch I can ask if they need prayer or anything. Then after about 2 weeks of that, we will look at doing more. And Hilda will be gone for about 2 weeks. SO when she comes back I might get to do more. So that is exciting. And I know I am using the word "exciting" alot but I am not sure what word would work better.

Life

2007-04-23T17:08:00.000+03:00

Well, all sorts of exciting things are happening. I will share tomorrow what has been going on spiritually. In fact I will write it tonight to post tomorrow.

But for now I thought I would tell you about life. I am staying in the Jerusalem Hostel and I am pretty sure that is where I am going to stay. The price is right around the price I would pay for a good rent and the location of the Hostel cannot be beat. Not only is the location great but there are a few people who live or are staying in the Hostel longer term and that makes it kind of like a family. They are beginning to know me and I them and I know if I need anything or if anything goes wrong I can turn to them. Not that my friends from church I can't, it's more of home sick there is someone to help, or things like that. Plus it gives me someone to talk to during the day.

By being here I can share the Lord with them by the way I act. Some people have already commented about how I am one of the nicest christians they have met. Or that I seem normal. So I know I can be a good influence here. Where the apartments I was looking at would be with Christians. So I know this is where the Lord wants me right now.

Here are some pictures of "my house". One is my bedroom, which I share with up to 7 other girls. One is the community kichten and the other is reception. Which is where I am sitting writing this.

YAY!!

2007-04-21T15:14:00.000+03:00

So I have had a hard few days. So yesterday there was a night watch at the Prayer Tower. Now it hadn't been announced on Sunday, but the person who did the announcements said, he will do a bad job and that we should read the bulletin. So I went, now on Fridays it is Shabbot and everything is closed so a night watch on Friday starting at 10 means the building is closed so I am always nervous about going. So I get the courage to go and I stand outside for about 3mins then I see a car pull up so I figure that there really is a night watch. SO I go and ask the security guard and he lets me in. I get up to the Prayer Tower and there is Hilda and Donna!!!! Hilda is excited to see me and so was Donna. Now no one else was there and I was a little early so I told Hilda that I wanted to volunteer there and she was very excited and I am meeting with her on Sunday at 2pm. Then the watch started and it was just the three of us. I think that was neat the way that happened. Then later on there were 7 girls and 3 guys. The number of people was pretty good. Then half way through all the guys left so 7 girls finished out the night and I think that all those numbers are important. God is very good and faithful.

Blessings

2007-04-20T19:42:00.000+03:00

So God is good. Sometimes it just seems harder to notice. As I talked to my mom today, I realized alot of the things that the Lord has given me. The Lord has given me favor, He has given me mothers and fathers when I need them, He as given me a place to live, and He has given me friends. Just to share a few...

Last Sunday after church a husband and his wife invited Jacky and myself out for dinner. The husband asked why I was here and where I was staying. Then later in the evening he was telling me that if he and his wife stay in the country that he would like to rent an apartment in the center of the city for people like me. For people whom God has called to the area. This place would be a minimal cost but it would be available for people. Then he said if his son hadn't just gotten his room to himself. HE would kick his son out of his room and let me stay there while his son sleeps on the couch. I know nothing physical came out of that night, other than supper, but there was just this sense of favor and that there are people in this city and I can lean on when I need help.

Yesterday, was a hard day. I had some disappointments occur. Now what occurred was God and was or will be good, it is simply hard at the time. So I went to Succot Hallel and worshipped and listened to a man who is connected in ministry with Heidi Baker. It was fun to be around a group of people who were manifesting in the Holy Spirit. (I'll tell you a story from that later on.) Then I went back to the Hostel late. I didn't feel like going to bed because I was still feeling sad. So I went into the kitchen and there was a lady and her son packing some things up to ship home. She asked me how I was and I said not good. She asked why and I told her. And she became a good substitute mother. She tried to make me feel better and invited me to join her and her son the next day. I helped them pack and then went to bed. Now my bed faces the bathroom and when the light is on it shines in my face. So when she came in she put her towel on the bed in front of me so that the light would not shine in my eyes. Then this morning she asked how I was and I said not so good. She then gave me a bottle of water and she said that the water in the bottle was from so river by some Pharaoh and that you are to dump it on your head and you will be blessed and she gave it to me. Now not that I believe that this water will bless me I do know that for the time I needed it the Lord gave me a mother to try to physically make me feel better.

There are the 2 examples of the Lord being good that I can type easily. You can stop reading now or you can hear the story from Succot Hallel.

So at Succot Hallel we worshipped for about an hour and a half and then the man got up to speak. He didn't really speak as much as speak the father heart for that time. So a bunch of things happened and people were getting blessed and I was cheering up. Then he talked alittle about having a vision from the Lord. That we need a vision. Then he asked for those people who had never received a vision from the Lord to raise their hands so he could pray for them. Now there were about 75 people there. No one raised their hand. He asked so you all have had a vision and we all nodded or said yes. Then he asked well who would like more visions and everyone raised their hand. So he invited us up and he prayed for all of us. It was just incredible to be around a group of people like that. So there's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Wow

2007-04-19T10:46:00.000+03:00

The other day I went to a bible study lead by a Jewish Rabbi. It was amazing the insight that he can give on the Old Testament. The neat thing is that he is a very understanding Jew. He doesn't believe in Yeshua but he is willing to work with the Christians because he can see that what they are trying to do is good. The other amazing thing is both he and his wife survived the Holocaust. (We just had a day of remembrance for the Holocaust.) And the stories that he shared just crushed me. And the peace that he has. For him the Holocaust was not that bad he was here in Israel I think and he has forgiven the Germans. But his wife, who was only five at the time, she jumps every time she hears a dog bark. She can't be around people speaking German. It just broke me. And her story of surviving is amazing. I think he said her mom was bring her and her siblings, ages 1, 2, and 5, they came to the border of Switzerland and there was a guard and he would not let them cross. The guard was smoking and he could not get it to light, so he called another guard over and said don't let anyone through. And the new guard let the family through. Later the guard was court marshaled but the family testified for him and he was released. Isn't that God.

The other crazy thing is that right after I am suppose to leave there will be The ONE Thing conference here in Jerusalem. So, yes, I am changing me ticket so I can go. Because people like Heidi Baker, Lou Engle, the Merchant Band will be here in Jerusalem and I wouldn't miss that for the world. Not to mention that I think this is suppose to be like the CALL Nashville for this area and it is right before the CALL. And so last night I was at Succot Hallel, who is hosting the conference, and Israel is celebrating it's independence this weekend so there was a youth group there dancing and singing for the Lord. Then there was a time of prayer for the youth of the nation and then silver trumpets were blown in the direction of Ramat Rachel (where the conference will be). Then it went into a "normal" time of worship. I was trying to worship the way I do and the presence of the Lord just fell on me. I was sitting there shaking and I saw tons of angels just "hovering" over the room. And I thought well that isn't new. This place I would say pretty much has an open heaven. So I kept asking the Lord why it I was seeing these angel and what they were doing. Then I thought of Jacob and the ladder with the angels ascending and descending and I realized that these angels were not just staying over Succot Hallel they were going somewhere and coming back and going and coming back. That is when the Lord revealed that as we were worshipping the angels were going to Ramat Rachel and preparing it and coming back to get more to prepare the way. Then I felt the need to tell the director of Succot Hallel, Rick Riding. Because earlier he had asked for prayer for the conference because they are beginning to run into opposition, this is also how I knew who to talk to. So I tested whether that was the Lord or not. Then I said "Lord well if this is You bring him to me." Then I felt my heart pounding, which I know what that means and the Lord said, "Step out of your comfort zone and go to him." So I went and introduced myself and told him that I saw angels going for here to Ramat Rachel as we worshipped. And he said to prepare the way. I think he was excited to hear that. So last night was a good night.

Changing Again

2007-04-18T14:43:00.000+03:00

Well, not much is going on here. I have moved yet again. I am now in a dorm style room. So charging my laptop will not be as easy. It is also a smaller bed and more people. But it is in my price range. I am still waiting for Hilda to get back so I can talk to her about volunteering at the Prayer Tower. But I have been going to the Prayer Tower in the mornings and Succat Hallel during some afternoons and one of the two during the evenings. At the Hostel I am also meeting all sorts of different people. I actually have gotten to know group of guys who speak Spanish. It is different. Last time I was here I was thinking in SPanish and this time I was thinking in the little bit of Hebrew that I know and now I am having to try to think in Spanish. It's all very interesting.

Just The Way You Are

2007-04-12T09:15:00.000+03:00

It's been a hard couple of days. What with trying to find a place to live and then moving into the Hostel. Which by the way is great because it is a real bed. Please continue to pray for a place for me to live because I can't stay at the Hostel forever.

Last night I went to Succat Hallel, a 24/7 House of Prayer, and worshipped. It was a good time. I haven't had the space or the music to worship like that in a while. And there was a time of intimacy and one of the things the Lord said to me at that time was "I love you just the way you are. Don't try to be someone else." And surprise suprise my spirit was lifted. I went on to have an amazing night. Then this morning at the Prayer Tower was gret aswell. The Lord is moving and it's fun to be in His presence.

There

2007-04-11T08:34:00.000+03:00

Today I move into the Jerusalem Hostel. It should be good. I figure that since I tried to get ahold of the only place open in JErusalem for a month before I came and it is now taken that God has something better for me. I don't know what it is or where, but I am calling it in. I want a place to call my own.

Faith: Trust

2007-04-10T11:52:00.000+03:00

Many of us claim to trust God. We have faith and trust for the everyday sorta things. But do we really know how to trust God? Are we really ready to trust Him with everything?

Let's see....

You hear God's call. You know you are to go to another country. You have enough money or can save enough in time. You speak the language. You know people there. You have a place you can stay at. Trusting God is very easy at this level. What do you need to trust God for. (Now I understand that God probably provided all these things, because He is a good God.)

But what happens when those things aren't there. You know you are called and that you have to leave but you don't have all that. Can you still trust God, do you still have faith? This time you don't speak the langauge. English is the second langauge and about half the people speak it but it's not the main language. Can you still trust God? Now you don't have the money but God is slowly bringing it in. You're suppose to be there for 3 months and you only have enough for 1 and a half. Do you trust that God will still provide? Now you don't have a place to stay. There are places where you can stay but not permanently. Or you can pay but then you only have enough money for a month.

Now is He still God? Did He still call you to go? Now is when trusting God is/seems hard. Because now you have nothing to rely on but God. Now is when you have to remind yourself and the devil that you were called by God and that you are walking in obedience and that God will take care of you. But let me tell you that is easier said then done. Because satan wants to come in and say, maybe you came at the wrong time, you call her soon enough, you're no good, why did you come. And remembering each time to stop that voice before you let it in can seem tiring. But you just have to recognize it and tell satan he is a liar and continue to trust God.

That reminds me of what the Pastor said on Sunday. Jesus died for all of the worlds sin. And yet ALL the worlds sin could not keep Jesus in the grave. So why am I letting that sin/thought keep me down in grave close. So I will walk with my head held high, even though I don't speak the language, I don't have all the money I need, and even though I have not permanent place to rest my head. Because if my God can rise from the dead He can find me a place to live.

Here

2007-04-10T11:14:00.000+03:00

I am now in Jerusalem. Right now I am staying with my old roommate, Marie. However, in a day I will be moving out and living in the Jerusalem Hostel. Not having a real place to call my own is hard. I haven't unpacked, so I can't find what clothes I want to wear easily and things are just not very accessible. But I know God will provide.

This morning I went to the Prayer Tower for the morning watch and it was great. There was just a total peace up there. It was a wonderful time of spontaneous worship. Now I just don't know what to do with the rest of my day.