My wife and I are sharing time journaling and blogging for the Israel posts. Julie had some thoughtful insights that I've posted below:
"My first experience to really enjoy this trip occurred at the very beginning. Our bus pulled up to a church marking the place (within 50-100 yards or so) where a resurrected Jesus joined a few of his disciples for a fish lunch after instructing them towards a miraculous catch of fish (see John 21) on the Sea of Galilee. Lon gave a short sermonette that reminded us of the unconditional love our Savior has for us- Remember, Peter had denied Christ just before his death and yet Christ made a point to come to him after resurrection. We sat in a small amphitheatre and listened to the Sea of Galilee in the background. Between my own memories of how Jesus has loved me over the years, and the sound of the waves- I felt peace and connection. Todd and I then walked down to the shore and picked up a few rocks for our children. Seeing the Sea of Galilee is really amazing! What an understatement. I mean so much of Jesus' ministry was spent around this area, so many life lessons were taught from this natural stage created by His father in Heaven. The sounds and sights will stay with me even as I return home.
We also visited the supposed site where Jesus performed the multiplication (loaves of bread and fish) miracle. The mosaic that documents that miracle is absolutely beautiful in a simple way. It exemplifies the miracle to me. It is a story that I have known since a small child- a simple concept with a BIG lesson- give what you have to God- willingly and obediently and see what God can do with it! Everywhere we go, I am drawn to the souvenirs of anything with this mosaic on it. We haven't bought anything yet, Todd keeps reminding me that souvenirs are like oxygen- they are everywhere! BUT….I guarantee I will come home with something that has the mosaic of the basket and two fish- because without faith, it is impossible to please him and he rewards those who seek him- nothing is impossible for our God! A basic truth I can apply to every aspect of my life.
We have seen many things already in such a short time and we travel from place to place on a large bus. I find myself thinking, "Why is this rocky terrain called the Promised Land? What is so special about Israel? What are my children doing? Etc." And then, I step from the bus and find myself in a land that just feels good standing there. The cool breezes, the many hills that have cities on them, everywhere you look; there is a mountain where God's glory was revealed in some way. I feel close to my Savior and when I read passages I have read many times, I gain a perspective I never realized I lacked. I am working to keep those reminders in my heart and to not let the gagging exhaust from the bus, the crowds, or commercial aspects challenge my experience with Christ.
That is true at home as well. Many days I allow the 'gagging exhaust' of my daily life to overpower what I know to be true. I allow circumstances to come between my Savior and me. I long to follow him with a servant's heart at all times- to step out in faith, to throw my net in the path he is directing so I can be a part of his miracles. To give him the little I have so that it can be multiplied for His glory.
Jesus. My Jesus. Your Jesus. There is just something about that name, that person. And I am seeing it all around me. I don't have to be in Israel to experience it- but what a wonderful backdrop to be refreshed and refilled."
Isn't my wife a great writer!
Carpe Deum! (Seize God!)
Todd Phillips (but, mostly Julie today)
www.toddphillips.net
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment