I'm writing this blog to you from the David Citadel--this is the only place I feel 100 percent safe and can let down! I just had a delicious double espresso and slice of chocolate cake. :)
These past couple weeks I have been adjusting to the culture and the ways of Israeli people... The culture here is almost the exact opposite of my lifestyle in Auburn... For instance, we drive everywhere, they walk or take a bus everywhere, they eat very plain food, we eat very extravagant food, we are polite, they are rushed and tough!
Israelis are described like a cactus fruit, rough on the outside, but once you get to the inside they are sweet...
In ways the "Israel" I remember when I was a child isn't how it is now...I'm beyond thankful to be here and I'm learning alot...
My quiet time with the Lord is glorious... He is one of my only friends here... I talk more with him then I do with "earthy humans"... And I'm thankful for this time. Prayer is important!
It's funny because I thought coming here that I would be around alot of Jews thats spoke Hebrew...however I am with Jews that speak Russian a majority of the time& and have come from Russia...
Please Pray for me,traveling via Buses and taxis is a huge stretch... I didn't realize I would have to do it as much as I have.!
My friend Rachel said..."In America these bus stations would be considered dangerous, but here in Israel this is normal"...
Growing up my best friend Elle and I feared abduction... Like we would actually hide from cars on our bike rides... One time a
Car slowed down next to us on Auburn Ravine Road(we were riding our bikes to 7-11,age 9) and I was so paranoid I actually jumped in a bush... Hahaha
Anyway, Im thinking my name should be Paranoid Patricia, not Sarah...just joking!!
I'm trying to flip the switch in my head that these bus stations and bus rides are normal and I shouldn't be fearful!
However, my fear has increased because of the recent sabbings in Israel...
With that said, I know I'm in the Lords hands and he watches over me!! I'm here for a reason, and he has, and will remain faithful!
Don't think that I'm living in constant anxiety... That's not what I wish to convey... I'm just letting you know it is different, and I'm trying to adjust to their ways!
This blog is already long,but I would like to share with you something that I have been convicted and blessed by!!
Witnessing all the different cultures here and religions makes me think alot about God... Our God...
The other day on my walk I was thinking about all the Lord accomplished in this city,Jerusalem.
He was born 2miles away, HE was tempted by Satan,HE performed miracles,HE prayed,HE wept,HE was mocked, HE loved, HE was betrayed, HE was beaten,whipped,spit upon,HE forgave, HE was questioned,and many thought he was a liar, HE was rejected, HE carried the cross,HE bled, HE cried, HE was crucified, HE died, HE rose, HE ascended, and HE is coming back to rule an reign in this city!!!
And he did it for us, and made a way for us to be with him forever... Praise God!
He is beyond worthy to be worshipped every minute, yet back in America we attend church and sit in on worship services and some of the time get lost in our fleshly thoughts instead of Praise God!
I was thinking of the song that we sing at CCAuburn it goes like this, "I will exalt you, I will exalt you, you are my God..."
Often times I have led a prayer before saying something like this, "Lord help us to exalt you despite our circumstances"...
We need to exalt the Lord with every ounce in us, no matter whats going on... He has given us so much--so he deserves our worship that much more!!
He is so beautiful!
So next time you get lost in your thoughts during worship, or even the message...train yourself to get your thoughts back to the Lord, he is beyond worthy to be praised, even if your earthly circumstances are hard...
The Lord has done so much for us... Exalt him!!
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says "Give thanks to God in all circumstances for this is Gods will for you in Christ Jesus"...
Hebrews 13:15 "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of our lips that confess his name..."
Revelation 5:13b "Blessing and honor and glory and power be to him who sits on the throne and to the lamb forever and ever..."
Thank you for your prayers, i covet them. I love you guys so much, and miss you!!
Sarah
Isn't it amazing when the Lord is your closest friend! He is your great reward.
ReplyDeleteSarah, I am so amazingly proud of you! Reading your blogs have been such a blessing. The Lord is stretching and challenging you and you continue to show yourself faithful! You are in my thoughts often (wishing you "hugs and bites", of course!) Know that the Whigams are thinking and praying for you!
ReplyDeleteWE LOVE YOU, SARAH ELIZABETH DENHAM!!!!!
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteReading your blogs gives great insight into your experience...I appreciate your transparency. Getting through those fearful times is NOT an easy thing to do!! I thank God you have found a place where you feel safe. I too was surprised by the abrasive nature of the Israeli people and other cultures of the world. I think we often expect the rest of the world to be more like "us". We find out it is NOT.. I am grateful that you are finding comfort & peace in the presence Lord. What a blessing to deepen your relationship with HIM. God Bless you and we miss you. Much love from the Kieners :)
Let our voices rise like incense,
ReplyDeleteMay they be a sweet parfume.
Let our praises fill the temple,
Halelujah ringing evernew.
Holy, Holy, Is our Lord God Almighty
Holy, Holy is the Lord our God.
I MISS YOU SO MUCH.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy and excited that you get this time with the Lord, it's so encouraging to read!! really truly, you are a HUGE blessing to me and I love you!
E
Thank you once again, Sarah, for your thoughts today. You are only 20 and yet you are an "old saint" in many ways...so spiritually wise for your age. What a blessing for us to hear all that the Lord is doing in your life. You are an inspiration to all of us! Praying, praying, praying for you, our sweet Sarah.
ReplyDeleteLove you, Paul, Cathy, & Bri