this is it...

As i walked through the city gates today my eyes were filled with tears because the reality hit me that this is it! How can one sum up a 2 month stay in Jerusalem..what word fully describes ones experience when words today are misused and overused? With that said i would describe this journey as glorious.!! I have grown so much as a person,my desire to see the world has only increased,my heart for the lost and needy has only grown,my view on the importance of education has become strong, and my faith in Jesus Christ has become real. I came here not knowing what was ahead,but i was faithful and motivated to discover what was before me. I was met by Jesus and he taught me and showed me what i needed to see--he was faithful as i remained faithful to him.

I'm an emotional person,do i let emotions run my life, NO! When i say i am an emotional person i mean i feel things really deeply,im moved really easily.However, i really wasn't expecting to be moved as much as i was! The 33 years of Jesus s life hit me-- and im so glad they did. Daily i was inspired by little things he did and went through, i only hope that this daily inspiration continues on with me forever.

It was an honor to come and serve alongside Chosen People. Their goal as a ministry is to build one on one relationships that last...they strive to show the love of God to the needy and lost,and i would say they are successful! Working and singing for the Holocaust survivors was an honor and a privilege, i will never forget them and their stories. I'm really thankful for the opportunity to come serve in the Holy Land...


This passage below has stuck with me from day one, i think of it everyday...it breaks my heart how Jesus was so rejected and questioned,despite all that he did! Im so glad im his sheep and for the rest of my life i want to be faithful to him...

Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon’s porch. Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.”
Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me.But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you.My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.I and My Father are one.”

-John 10:22-30

Im beyond thankful for this experience,every moment and every day... Thank you for following along with me and reading my writings, i never thought so many people would follow along--i have had thousands and thousands view my blog. The numbers were comforting because at times i would get lonely. I have the greatest friends...thank you for all the emails and loving notes you sent, every singe one of them comforted me.

Also,Thank you to my friends who supported me, you have given me a great gift and im eternally grateful.

And most importantly to my Mom and Dad, there is not a better example to follow then you both...thank you for instilling in me the the desire to love Israel,Thank you for loving and serving Jesus as faithfully as you have and thank you for loving eachother...

Dad without you sitting down and educating me i wouldn't know what i know. You have been the best teacher...you are a wonderful father...im am blessed.

Peter and Lily, you both are my joy and my heart--words cant describe how much i love you and how much im looking forward to feeling your embrace.

In a little over 24 hours i will see the 4 most beautiful faces on the planet standing at the bottom of the escalator,im so excited i think i might faint...God is good, all the time, God is good!!

My heart is here in Jerusalem, but my face is now set towards home...


Psalm 40:8 - "I delight to do your will O God, your law is within my heart..."

love to you all,

Sarah

Southern Steps

Yesterday i visited the Southern Steps. It was the best part of my trip by far...i was the only person at the southern steps for 1 hour,I was able to sit on the steps and think, and sing as loud as i wanted to. I felt like i could reach up and touch the mount of olives! I had never seen Jerusalem from the perspective that i did yesterday, it was glorious...

As i was sitting on the steps i turned my iphone on and played a song called "hosanna"...the opening words go like this..."I see the KING of glory, coming on the clouds with fire, the whole earth shakes, the whole earth shakes...Hosanna"

As i was singing along to the song,i looked to my left and there was the Mt of Olives...where the King of Glory will come and the whole earth WILL shake...powerful is an understatement...


If you were to walk up the Southern Steps to the Temple Mt in Jerusalem and turn directly around and just stand there, the view is incredible.

The Mt of Olives and Kidron Valley is on your left.

David’s City is right before you.

The Hinnom Valley(Valley of Hell) is off in the distance left to right.

And Mt Zion is to your right--looking at Zion from the steps was awesome because i was able to see the how it is perched up on a mountain top...

It’s an incredible place to stand and just take in the surroundings -- like you’re standing on top of the world. And, it’s very possible that Jesus taught from this location!

According to Matthew chapter 23 Jesus is speaking to the religious leaders in Jerusalem toward the end of the Passover week prior to His crucifixion. In doing so He actually makes reference to the landscape in the immediate area to help illustrate His disgust of the leadership in Jerusalem.

For example Matthew 23:27 references to the tombs on the Mt of Olives: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly bit inwardly are full of dead men’s bones ...”

MAtthew 23:29 references the tombs of the prophets in the Kidron Valley: “Woe to you .. you build tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous ...:”

Matthew 23:33 references perhaps the Valley of Hinnom: “How can you escape the valley of hell?”

Then Matthew 24 begins, “Jesus went out and departed from the temple ...” Matt 24:3 “Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him ...”


I really hope you get to visit this spot one day...its spectacular.

Love to you all

Sarah

...this chapter is almost over!

Well, Hello...

It has been a couple of days since i have written, Thank the Lord i am feeling way better! And thanks to everyone who prayed for me! I still have a cough, but im drinking gallons of water daily trying to get rid of what is lingering behind. Im very set on getting rid of this illness because i only have 5 days left...i cant believe it-- where has the time gone? Actually, the time was maximized well, for once in my life i actually managed my time well and accomplished a lot.This is not my final blog so i will save my final thoughts for a blog that will come in the near future...BUT back to being sick for second, in 5 days i will board a 16 hour flight from Israel to LA, and part of me is dreading it because i have a awful feeling i will be congested,and that is my worst fear. Last year at this time i was on a flight and had a cold,the pressure in my ears was so strong i really thought my head was going to explode, i was weeping like a baby i was so uncomfortable... So last night i asked my Mom a question that i already knew the answer to but i asked anyway...i said,"Mom can your head explode..?" she replied,"OH No honey, but your ear drum can...!!!" For once in my life my mothers words didn't bring comfort, but only increased anxiety!! haha Please, pray that my ears drums dont explode! haha

Okay back to Israel... Today i woke up and ventured to the Old City, seriously i have made this walk lots of times and the thrill of entering the Old City never goes away...There is nothing like the feeling i get when i walk through the Jewish quarter and turn the corner and see the temple mount and the Mt of Olives in the distance...its really glorious... it has become my favorite site to behold.! The sky was extra blue today, not a cloud was in the sky!! Today i had lots of time to think and pray... i stood overlooking the temple mt and mt of olives thinking about the Lord and what it was like... I also starred at the Mt of Olives for a good 10 mins and envisioned the coming of our KING to rule and reign...

I have been so captivated by Jesus and his life-- i find myself dreaming of what it was like and what he was feeling... never did i do that before this trip...

I mentioned this in a blog a while ago, but this is what goes through my head all the time;

In Jerusalem, he was dedicated,he was tempted, he was looked at as a fool, he was betrayed, he was questioned, he was forgotten, he loved,he taught, he served, he healed, he honored the Lord, he prayed, he wept, he bled, he was beaten, he was whipped, he was rejected, he sang,he was crucified,he rose, he ascended, and he IS coming again...

So many things took place in this city...SO MANY THINGS!! Above doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of what the Lord went through... HE IS BEAUTIFUL!!!

I cant believe i leave soon, its so bittersweet... this trip has been life changing!

Again, thanks for following my journey, I look forward to returning home...

love to you all,
Sarah

Psalm 40:8

Sick

If you could i would appreciate your prayers i have been fighting a high fever all day(102-103)...I have thrown up a couple times because my coughing is out of control.!
Today is Sabbath so everything is closed...i'm home alone,and help is far away...

If you could pray that i can just sleep this off i would really appreciate it!! Thank you!

Sarah

Jesus Messiah

"And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomons Porch, Then the Jews surrounded him and said, How long do you keep us in doubt? If you are the Christ tell us plainly...?"

Jesus answered them..."I told you and you do not believe. The works that i do in my Fathers name, they bear witness of me. But you do not believe because you are not of my sheep, as i said to you..."

"My sheep hear my voice and i know them, and they follow me..."

John 10:23-27

Zion

Today was a GREAT day,i woke up with Mt Zion on my mind.The significances of Zion is this, Zion is where the early church met and worshiped--Zion is referenced to many times throughout the bible...i mentioned Zion earlier on in one of my blog entries.(remember the picture of me standing outside of the old abandoned locked up house, if not scroll down and find the entry?)

I began the day not knowing what was ahead... i just wanted to explore... so i started walking to Zion and on my way there i stopped at my favorite cafe and had my morning coffee... for those of you who know me well, coffee is a necessity.!!
While i was sipping on my coffee, i journaled and read my Psalm for the day...Much to my surprise the Psalm that i scheduled for myself to read today was Psalm 48..."the Glory of God in Zion"... it fit perfectly...

Here is an excerpt...

"Let Mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad,because of your judgments. Walk about Zion,and go all around her, count her towers..." verse 11-12

"For this is God, Our God forever and ever... HE will be our guide even to death..." Verse 14

So after i read that Psalm i thought i would continue with the theme so i turned to Psalm 125--

"Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but abides forever, as the mountains surround Jerusalem so the Lord surrounds his people from this time forth and forever..."

AMEN!!

After coffee i ventured through the Old City and out onto Mt Zion... Mt Zion is a place filled with tourist and beautiful stone streets... but the place i was headed to is outside the walls of the traditional location of MT ZION. MY spot is a dirt hill with a Old locked up House that my Dad believes is the spot where the early church met and worshiped.

I picked a tree and sat beneath it... it was just me and the wind blowing through my hair, my bible and The Lord...

It was probably the most enjoyable minutes of my whole trip... the hill was so peaceful, i envisioned what it was like in the days of Jesus, i imagined who walked the dirt i was sitting on...I imagined them singing praises to God and seeking him in prayer...

Acts 1:12-14 (after Jesus ascended from the Mount Of Olives, he commanded the disciples to return and pray)...

"Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey.And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication,with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers."


I wanted to put this verse in my blog to draw out something that is special to me-- Mary returned with the disciples to pray...I don't hold Mary high as people who practice catholicism do...I respect her because she went through ALOT...AND she still honored the Lord and returned back with the disciples to pray...ON MT Zion where i was today...

Amazing!

If you think of me I would appreciate your prayer... i have become ill, this morning i woke up with a sore throat and a headache and now i have a cough... please pray that i sleep well tonight... i hate being sick...the worst part is I dont have my mom here to tend to me and treat me like im 6yrs old.!!


Love to you all... enjoy life today...God IS good.

Sarah

My Tuesday.

Every Tuesday i journey out to Tel Aviv to serve in the soup kitchen that Chosen People runs. My journey begins with a 3 mile walk to the nearest Shurut Station. A shurut is a 10 seater van, you pay 22 shekels (7 dollars) to be driven from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv. The Shurut ends at the Tel Aviv bus station...

Its funny to think about the first time i took a shurut to Tel Aviv, I WAS TERRIFIED. I was so uncomfortable the whole time--the bus station in tel aviv scared me to death. The bus station is so dirty it has homeless people laying everywhere...the worst part was traveling at night...BUT now im more comfortable with the whole process since i know what to expect.

Its really amazing to witness all the people who come to get fed... i would say 80% of them are 60yrs old to 90yrs old... and most of them speak russian. The food that the soup kitchen serves is delicious...every week it is different but it is always high quality food.

Sometimes African Refugees will come in with their babies and get food and clothes...

Im glad i have this opportunity to serve...

In the beginning it was a stretch for me, but i feel have have grown up alot just because of the journey i go on every Tuesday...


Try to give back and bless someone today...

I love you all...thanks for your prayer.

Sarah

Peter

Peter-Im sitting in my room thinking of you as you lead worship this morning...Im so proud of you-- thank you for stepping in while im away, you have given me the greatest gift. You are an extraordinary 16 year old... i have so much confidence in you...I cant wait to see whats in store for you... i know you have a great life ahead!

I dream of singing beside you...soon!

I love you--your big sister,

Sarah

"Let NO one despise your youth,but be an example to the believers in word,in conduct,in love, in spirit,in faith and in purity...." 1 Timothy 4:12

10 Years Ago.

My Dad just emailed me a picture of the first time i went to the Mount Of Olives... i was 10 but even then Jerusalem left a big impression on my young mind... the night that i left, i was standing in my hotel room and looked out over the city and began to cry...i didn't want to leave(what 10 year old cries over Jerusalem?)...I knew i always wanted to come back and NOW i'm here.(actually now that i think about it my hotel window was facing the neighbor hood im living in right now...)

So many things have captivated me and inspired me, but the biggest thing that has captured my heart is Jesus and his life, and how BEAUTIFUL his life was... he went through so much just miles from where i am right now...The love i have for our Lord has become indescribable...BUT more importantly the love he has FOR YOU AND ME...thats indescribable...

I have 24 days left..(yes im counting)...part of me wants these next 24 days to go by sooo fast, and the other part of me wants these 24 days to never end... please pray that i soak up all that i can and remain responsible and disciplined and educate myself as much as possible...


I love you guys... and thanks to everyone who has commented or emailed me...it means alot to know you are following along!!!

I Miss you beyond words...

Sarah

p.s to the kieners...i think God really wanted me to have the book you sent...seriously it is perfect... thank you... i love you both.

Mt of Olives&Garden of Gethsemane

Today was a WONDERFUL day, these past two days have been full of touring...

Today i visited the Mt of Olives where Jesus ascended in Acts 1...And where he will return to Rule and Reign...

It was a glorious view of Jerusalem as well as the Old City.

I was so excited to go, the reason why i haven't gone yet is because i have been waiting for a guy to come with me and today my friend Ben was able to come...

Standing on the mountain was wonderful...lots of thought were going through my head...many of them i wrote out for you to read... Please read through it all, its long, but worth it...read it as if you were going to visit the Mt of Olives in a couple hours...you will learn from what is written below...


MT OF OLIVES
JERUSALEM

Today Jerusalem is the “hottest piece of real estate” in the world!
The temple mount is but a 35 acre parcel of land; 500 Meters x 500 Meters …
Yet some military experts believe that the temple mount and control of Jerusalem will have much to do with WWIII

The U.N. has spent 1/3 of its time deliberating and denouncing Israel over Jerusalem
This tiny nation that makes up 1/1000 of the population occupies 1/3 of the time in the U.N.

Jerusalem is the SPIRITUAL center of the world and the spiritual NERVE center of the world – the PROPHETIC epicenter of the world


From a Biblical perspective when “north” “south” or “west” or “east” is referenced it is done so from Jerusalem

It has a PAST and a PRESENT and a FUTURE!

Jerusalem may seem like a FOREIGN city,However, the reality is there is NO OTHER CITY that has IMPACTED your life, and is impacting your life, and will impact your life in the future then Jerusalem...

What we believe about Jerusalem is spiritual litmus test of the most important kind!

JESUS stood over Jerusalem weeping …

Jerusalem IS capitol of the Jews; BUT THE CITY OF THE KING…

Heb 12:22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels..."

The place where Jesus will rule:

Psa 2:6 "Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion."
Joy of the entire earth

Psa 48:2 Beautiful in elevation, The joy of the whole earth, Is Mount Zion on the sides of the north, The city of the great King.
Uniquely chosen by God in eternity

Psa 132:13 For the LORD has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His dwelling place:
The place God will “RESIDE” because God desires it

Psa 132:14 "This is My resting place forever; Here I will dwell, for I have desired it.

During the millennium it will be the vacation spot of the world...

Isa 2:2-3 Now it shall come to pass in the latter days That the mountain of the Lord's house Shall be established on the top of the mountains, And shall be exalted above the hills; And all nations shall flow to it. Many people shall come and say, "Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths. For out of Zion shall go forth the law, And the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.”
The Lord will gloriously reign

Isa 24:23 Then the moon will be disgraced And the sun ashamed; For the LORD of hosts will reign On Mount Zion and in Jerusalem And before His elders, gloriously.
The Lord will reign for 1,000 years

Micah 4:7 “So the LORD will reign over them in Mount Zion From now on, even forever.”
“…God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.” (Rev 20:6)

I really hope you all get to stand where i stood... If you have never been to Israel it IS WORTH EVERY CENT. Forget Hawaii come to Israel.




Going to the Garden of Gethsemane was also a treat... there were a million people in the Garden when i was there so i plan on going back and having more quiet time...
Here are some beautiful facts about the Garden...

Garden of Gethsemane:
Gethsemane means oil press
Jesus was “squeezed” like never before
He was under incredible duress!Beyond words


The last 12 hours went something like this:

The Lord met with the disciples for the Passover meal,during this time Judas betrays Jesus...
From the “upper room” the Lord leads the disciple through the temple compound to Gesthsemane...

The Lord will suffer and the pressure will mount. Perhaps one of the reasons he calls for Peter, James and John was that on a human level He needed companionship!

He seeks God in prayer...and weeps...he asked for the Fathers will to be done, but if possible for the cup to pass him...he was obedient to God and finished the work set before him.

LIFE LESSON;despite pain and unfathomable stress... continue to press on, seek Gods will and finish life well.

Then exiting the east gate – 600 soldiers, led by Judas come to the garden
Jesus asks, “Who do you seek?” “Jesus” was their answer....
“I am He” Jesus answers – and the soldiers fall backwards!Peter then grabs a sword aiming for the leading soldiers head he misses and removes his ear...

Jesus rebukes Peter and heals the soldiers ear...

Jesus calls Judas “Friend” – asking “What are you doing?”
Judas kisses the Lord on the cheek

The Lord is led away – John close at hand – Peter from afar…

Isn't Jesus absolutely beautiful...he went through all that pain and distress for you and for me...for this world...

Today i was overwhelmed with emotion...Just think – THIS all happened where i stood...

If you go to Calvary Auburn i would 100% recommend going on the next tour; i dont think their is a better leader/teacher then my Dad, he will make the Bible come alive...I wouldn't know what i know if it weren't for my Dad...thank you for teaching me Dad...


Thank you for your prayer, Israel is getting more enjoyable as time goes on...leaving will be hard.

Sarah

Masada

Masada was number 1 on my list to go see, i have seen everything else in my previous Israel trip but we skipped Masada last time. Masada is famously known as Herod the Greats Winter Palace--it is set up on a Mountain Top that over looks the Dead Sea. Unfortunately im beyond tired and i dont have time to type out the full history of Masada, but trust me it is worth looking up-- just type Masada into google and you can read the history...

Standing a top the mountain and looking at the dead sea and the desert below was breathtaking... i love the desert, there is something about being in a desert that makes me happy...the contrast of colors is gorgeous, the ocean blue mixed in with the color of sand as well as the gray/purple mountains in the distance is gorgeous...

It was so cool walking around and seeing the ruins and all the limestone as well as the rooms... it was fun...

I will write more later...i just wanted to post some pictures.

Sarah

The Dead Sea

Today was such a fun day... We visited the Dead Sea as well as Masada...

It was so surreal being at the Dead Sea, it was HUGE, so much bigger then i imagined. Actually, it was the exact opposite from what i imagined it looking like...

I have had such a long day so i will update this blog entry with more details later, i just wanted to post some pictures for you...

Right when i got to the dead sea my camera died... :( So again these are sadly all from my iPhone...

Happy Sunday, I love you.


Sarah