Ahava Love Letter - "Going to the chapel..."

Ahava Love Letter

“Going To The Chapel”  “…he gave his daughter in marriage…” (1 Chron. 2:35 CJB)

Dear family of friends,

On 9/10/11 my youngest daughter Christen is going to get married. After 24 years of teaching her all we know, her mother Laurie and I are “giving her hand” to a great prince named Andrew Blade.

And guess what? With two ordination papers in hand (actually on my office wall), I will be the minister marrying them. Laurie, our other three kids, and Andrew’s parents Michael and MaryAnn, along with their daughter Anna, have been in the preparation mode since the announcement last fall. It looks like we are ready.

I even have my message all prepared (which I will share in the next Ahava Love Letter  after the wedding.)

Thinking back on these years the good Lord has already given to us with Christen, I sometimes wonder if I could have done better to prepare her for this exciting day, and her new life. I certainly know there must be things that were missed or left undone. With that in mind though, I just have to leave it up to the Lord to take care of it, and trust also in her husband’s lifelong preparation to help fill in parts. Confident of these two realities, I can smile.

The foundation of my wedding message, or sermonette, as short messages were called in church growing up, speaks about the Lord Jesus being the Solid Rock in a marriage couple’s bedrock. As I see the world and current marriage statistics, I am confident that without the Lord’s grace and interaction, as the third cord strand between the two, no marriage can withstand the onslaught of evil forces that continually batter against them.

Our own marriage of 34 years could not have held this long if it not had been the Lord Who was on our side, uplifting, leading, providing, and sustaining through the trials and tribulations that came. “Only by His grace, yet go I” as the saying goes. Keeping that strong relationship with Him is what has kept my relationship strong with my wife, and she with me. He has been the One through these years. For this we give thanks.

As I walk my daughter down the aisle (or staircase, as the steps will actually be), my heart will be confident. He has brought these two young people together for His eternal purposes. My joy will be that in their coming days, as they together seek His face, trust in His provision, and serve in their callings, that they will have opportunity to raise young ones now as unto Him.

“Going to the chapel and she’s going to get married.” Thank you Lord!

Ahava to my family of friends,

Steve Martin

Founder/President

Love For His People, Inc. truly appreciates your generous support. Please consider sending a monthly charitable gift of $5-$25 each month to help us bless Messianic Jews in Israel. You can send checks to the address below. Todah rabah! (Hebrew - Thank you very much.)

©2011 Steve  Martin      Love For His People, Inc.  12120 Woodside Falls Rd. Pineville, NC 28134      

E-mail: ahavaloveletters@gmail.com

Facebook pages: Steve Martin  and  Love For His People       

Twitter: martinlighthous, LovingHisPeople and ahavaloveletter 

Blogger: http://loveforhispeople.blogspot.com/         YouTube: loveforhispeopleinc

Love For His People, Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit USA organization. Fed. ID#27-1633858.  Tax deductible contributions receive a receipt for each donation.

Ahava Love Letter #31   Date: Aug. 30, in the year of our Lord 2011    

Give Peace A Chance

israel today | VIDEO: The truth about legitimacy, political rights and Israel's borders - israel today

israel today VIDEO: The truth about legitimacy, political rights and Israel's borders - israel today   Click here:  http://www.israeltoday.co.il/tabid/178/nid/22926/language/en-US/Default.aspx

Israel - full map of the nation

FULL MAP OF ISRAEL

Pat Robertson: The Prophetic Significance of Israel

Pat Robertson: The Prophetic Significance of Israel

Signs of the Times: Israel Under Siege - Pat Robertson on 700 Club

Pat Robertson on 700 Club:  Signs of the Times: Israel Under Siege

Beit Yeshua's 10th Anniversary - Lincolnton, NC

Beit Yeshua of Lincolnton, NC - 10th Anniversary Celebration

Shofars open the assembly

Curtis Loftin, Co-Founder, opens the gathering.

Steve Martin (Love For His People) prays.

Paul & Susan Miles at Shabbat candle table.

Dance team

Curtis Loftin shares on the history of Beit Yeshua.

Laurie Martin reads Scripture as Indira Persad shares.

Steve & Laurie Martin, Indira Persad

Indira Persad prays for the leadership team.

Cathy Hargett (Highway To Zion founder) speaks.

Bill Shupp blows shofar.

For a complete photo journal, go to Beit Yeshua's website:

http://curtis.loftinnc.com/2011c.htm#Beit_Yeshuas_10_Year_Anniversary

israel today | Glenn Beck to Israel: Get ready for miracles - israel today

israel today Glenn Beck to Israel: Get ready for miracles - israel today

The 2 Spies: Kaddish

The 2 Spies: Kaddish: A troubling few days in the Land. Many dead. Many wounded. Too many in pain. Times like these cause us to take an assessment of our prioriti...

Ahava Love Letter - "No Rejection"

Ahava Love Letter

“No Rejection” “For the sake of His great name, the Lord will not reject His people, because the Lord was pleased to make you His own.” (1 Samuel 12:22)

Dear family of friends,

Most of us know of rejection. We understand, and have felt the pain of, this hurtful emotion. When carried out beyond the soulish realm into the physical arena, it can be devastating. I would think that all of us have experienced it at the receiving end at one time or another, in soul and body.

In 1 Samuel 12:22, quoted above, the prophet Samuel delivered a message to the nation of Israel at the end of his life. He prophesied that the Lord would not reject them as His people. After what they had already gone through, in deliverance from Egypt and the ongoing battles against surrounding peoples, this had to be a great word to hear. To know that the living God would not reject you, for His great name’s sake, was one promise to hang onto.

I am trusting it also can be a promise for those of us who are grafted into the spiritual vine, as believers, whether Jew or Gentile.

As we stand on the Lord’s promise to cover our back, and our front, even in the midst of false accusation, we can face the enemy and defeat him, not only on our behalf but for others who need our strength and support.

A primary purpose of the ministry of Love For His People is to stand with those who daily face worldwide rejection and the onslaught of the enemy, primarily our Jewish brothers and sisters in Israel. We already know that the Lord stands with them - just the fact that Israel and the Jewish people are still around today is proof enough. But we are also called as believers to stand with them, those living in Israel, as they hold claim to the Promised Land given to them.

Love For His People is committed to stand with His chosen ones, and will hold to His eternal word that “for the sake of His great name, the Lord will not reject His people, because the Lord was pleased to make you His own.”

I know many of you share this heartfelt commitment also. In my communications to friends in Israel, I know they appreciate it very much indeed. I also am aware that they continually need our prayers, encouragement, and financial help as never before.

We appreciate and thank you who have faithfully shared in this ministry of prayer and financial support for Jewish believers. Please consider sending a gift today to that end. When we hold up their hands, the Lord Yeshua promises to hold up ours.

Ahava to my family of friends,

Steve Martin

Founder/President

Love For His People, Inc. truly appreciates your generous support. Please consider sending a monthly charitable gift of $5-$25 each month to help us bless Messianic Jews in Israel. You can send checks to the address below. Todah rabah! (Hebrew - Thank you very much.)

©2011 Steve  Martin      Love For His People, Inc.  12120 Woodside Falls Rd. Pineville, NC 28134      

E-mail: ahavaloveletters@gmail.com

Facebook pages: Steve Martin  and  Love For His People       

Twitter: martinlighthous, LovingHisPeople and ahavaloveletter 

Blogger: http://loveforhispeople.blogspot.com/         YouTube: loveforhispeopleinc

Love For His People, Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit USA organization. Fed. ID#27-1633858.  Tax deductible contributions receive a receipt for each donation.

Ahava Love Letter #30   Date: Aug. 16, in the year of our Lord 2011    

Picture a Day: "David, the King of Israel, Lives On"



Picture a Day: "David, the King of Israel, Lives On": "King David's Tomb (circa 1900). The original caption was 'Tabernacle.' A thousand year old Jewish tradition believes that King David is..."

Picture a Day: Straining to Glimpse the Western Wall and Temple M...



Picture a Day: Straining to Glimpse the Western Wall and Temple M...: "Longing from afar . The Western Wall and Temple Mount It is unclear when this picture was taken. The title on the Library of Congress ..."

Picture a Day: Children of the Yishuv -- Negba, 1946



Picture a Day: Children of the Yishuv -- Negba, 1946: "Children of Negba , 1946. Two years later they had to be evacuated. Note the watertower.
Cuter kids may be harder to find than these ..."

Picture a Day: Extinct Jewish Communities in the Middle East - Pa...

Picture a Day: Extinct Jewish Communities in the Middle East - Pa...: "1901, Jewish family in Damascus
The American Colony photographers took pictures of Jewish communities as they traveled throughout the ..."

Ahava Love Letter (#29)- "Carry My Bags" - from the archives

      Ahava Love Letter

“Carry My Bags”  “Your God and the God of your father put treasure in your packs.” (Gen. 43:23 CJB)

Dear family of friends,

In August of 2002, Laurie and I had the tremendous blessing of going on a Derek Prince Ministries outreach trip into China. We were among ten others who carried Bibles in the Chinese language, and translated books of Derek Prince, to give to underground believers thoughout the vast country. From Hong Kong to Beijing and back, we rode the 22 hour train rides to deliver these “carry on” bags loaded with the Lord’s treasures. The believers we passed the written words onto were so thrilled to be receiving His Word in their own language, to share with the home churches hidden from the governing authorities.

As “tourists” in outward appearance, we saw the sights of the Imperial Gardens, the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. As mules for His purposes, we connected with our brothers and sisters in the faith, supporting and encouraging them with our goods. While here in the USA we often take for granted the readily availability of books and related teaching tools, even one page of the Scripture is so precious to them. Often it was copied many times and passed onto others. They were willing to take the risk of having it found in their hands, which was cause for possible torture in prison, or death. It was a stealth mission.

A few years earlier, after completing almost 14 years with a ministry having a worldwide impact, my heart’s desire longed to travel internationally. Being my main responsibility was the administration of the ministry and related church, my time though was spent on the home front, tending the local needs. Even though the Lord had put in my heart a desire since my youth to “be a missionary”, it seemed my never ending mission was to “hold down the fort” as others went out.

When I finally got the courage to request the opportunity to accompany the main minister on at least one international trip a year, the short response was, “What would you do, carry my bags?”

My self worth was shattered. In less than six months I had left that ministry, rejected and left wondering what had been accomplished during those years.

But oh how the Lord has a way of showing His faithfulness.

Near the end of the China “tour”, after dropping off our final bags to a pastor in Beijing, the group had a free day to travel to the Great Wall, just west of the capital city. As Laurie and I sat on the bus seats, the Holy Spirit spoke a word to my heart. “You can carry My bags.”

At first I wasn’t sure if it was Him when I heard the word. I wondered what He meant. And then tears came down my cheeks as the impact of what He had just shared gripped, and comforted, my heart.

“You can carry My bags.” The good Lord had just allowed us to deliver His precious treasure, in written form, to hungry believers in this vast land. When another had earlier considered my worth as a simple baggage carrier, the Lord God of Israel had counted this journey as precious in His sight, and held us in high esteem. Deep into my soul the value that He held for me healed the rejection and hurt experienced before.

As we later climbed the 182 steps on that Great Wall to the tower we ventured on, I wasn’t singing “Climb Every Mountain” that Julie Andrews sang in the Sound of Music. But I was making melody in my heart, having been given the opportunity to “carry His bags” to a multitude of people in this foreign land.

Remember, what the enemy means for evil, the Lord will cause for good as we seek His purposes. Keep on walking as you carry His message to those around you, whether in word or deed. He is so grateful that you too are carrying His bags, and He delights in you.

Ahava to my family of friends,

Steve Martin

Founder/President

Love For His People, Inc. truly appreciates your generous support. Please consider sending a charitable gift to help us bless Messianic Jews in Israel. Our website  http://www.loveforhispeople.com/ lists the opportunities available. You can send checks to the address below. Todah rabah! (Hebrew - Thank you very much.)

©2011 Steve  Martin      Love For His People, Inc.  12120 Woodside Falls Rd. Pineville, NC 28134      

E-mail: ahavaloveletters@gmail.com

Facebook pages: Steve Martin  and  Love For His People       

Twitter: martinlighthous, LovingHisPeople and ahavaloveletter 

Blogger: http://loveforhispeople.blogspot.com/         YouTube: loveforhispeopleinc

Love For His People, Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit USA organization. Fed. ID#27-1633858.  Tax deductible contributions receive a receipt for each donation.

Ahava Love Letter #29   Date: Aug. 2, in the year of our Lord 2011

The Blessing Undefiled - Morris Ruddick

THE BLESSING UNDEFILED

 (c) Morris Ruddick

"Till the Spirit is poured out from on high and the desert becomes a fertile field and the fertile field seems like a forest, justice will dwell in the desert and righteousness live in the fertile field. The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever." Isa 32:15-18

Before the end of the first century Church, the incredible growth of new believers beyond the early days of being a Jewish sect, had brought with it defilement. John the Revelator addresses the issues of this defilement, not to individuals, but to the specific communities represented by the early church.

Then early in the fourth century, the emperor Constantine reversed what had been extended persecution against the Church. However, in the process, the Jewish roots to the faith were expunged. With the Jewish roots to the faith removed, across Christendom the fifth century began ten centuries of what has been labeled as the Dark Ages; a time marked by lawlessness and chaos.

The time of the inquisition brought still further separation of the faith from its Hebraic origins. Despite these and other like developments in the church, there has always been a remnant of Jewish believers. Now, in just this last generation, that remnant has emerged into a movement. This movement has seen more Jews come to know their Messiah than in all the years since the first century church; and with it the restoration of the Jewish roots to the faith.

With this restoration of Jewish roots has been a distinct correlation between what God has been doing in restoring Israel, together with the restoration of the spiritual power, vibrancy and purpose so evident in the first century Church.

In 1948 Israel was restored as a nation. In that same year, in the United States alone, more than 250 healing ministries were birthed as the supernatural began being restored to an anemic, weary church. In 1967 Jerusalem was returned into Jewish hands. That same year marked the beginning of the Charismatic renewal as a shift took place restoring prayer and the power of the Spirit to everyday believers, reversing the long-held gap between clergy and laity with the first steps of reviving biblical community. This time also marked the rise of the parachurch movement, which took the task of "perfecting the saints" outside the boundaries of the four walls of the church. It was also a major turning point for Jewish believers who began embracing afresh their Jewish identity and the Jewish roots of the faith.

Today the momentum of this spiritual shift has intensified, as the Messianic Jewish movement has emerged into its rightful role within Israel; and as the marketplace movement is mobilizing believers to penetrate the power structures of society. The common thread throughout each of these recent developments has been and is the restoration of the Jewish roots to the faith. At its heart, is the release of the mantle of Abraham: to be blessed to be a blessing.

The Battleground

This "blessing undefiled" has been and remains a primary battleground. Within the majority of the city-church communities addressed in Revelation was the operation of seductive deceptions, each designed to defile the blessing.

The defilement of the blessing began in the garden as the evil one, through beguilement, sought to distort the nature, purpose and goodness of God in His relationship with man. Throughout history, the beguiler has sought to defile God's people, and the purpose and the purity of the mantle of the blessing extended by God.

The book of Acts describes challenges to the power of the blessing that came from both outside and within the community of believers. The sorcerer Elymas came from outside challenging Paul in Acts 13. From within, there is the account of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5) and the recently converted sorcerer Simon (Acts 8). In each case, the intention was defilement. Note the fear and spiritual blindness operating with those from without; and the spiritual immaturity operating from those from within.

Yet, the more deadly and most subtle of the deceptions are the doctrinal precepts that give such a degree of myopic focus to single-level dimensions of the faith that it creates a blindness to other, more significant dimensions. It has been the stratagem behind the removal of the Jewish roots to the faith; and the overshadowing of the gospel of the Kingdom.

The Challenge

The challenge has been and is in employing righteous power in a corrupt world, as a people. This requires a God-centered identity, in the process of making a difference. The imperative is bringing change that gives glory to God. The hurdle is restoring the defilements-within so to gain the authority to reverse the defilements in the world. The effort to be targeted is described in Romans as the "bondage of corruption." Creation itself longs for those who will bring this infusion of true righteous power.

In short, the world is looking for a people who will demonstrate the reality of God. It is the mantle for employing the undefiled blessing. It is a mantle of leadership not based on the world's idea of power. Joseph the Patriarch demonstrated it, beginning while he was yet a slave in Potipher's house. Daniel exercised it when immersed in a culture of sorcery. At the core of this type of leadership is the undefiled mantle of Abraham: that through God's chosen all the peoples of the earth will be blessed.

The exercise of the blessing by the Jewish people over the centuries has been punctuated by disproportionate achievement and contribution, despite them being a fraction of the world's population.

As a people and against the defilements that began in the garden, the Jewish people have fulfilled the role of a middle class as merchants, bankers and people of business in societies with social stratum marked only by a ruling elite and the poor. In those contexts, Jews have influenced kings, rulers and leaders and left the mark of their influence with the moral, judicial, economic and governmental foundations now guiding Western civilization. Against all odds, the Jewish people biblically and throughout history have wielded the blessing that began with Abraham:

Abraham modeled God-centered entrepreneurial community.

Isaac in Genesis 26 heard from God and obeyed and became a light to the nations after prospering from sowing in famine.

Joseph wielded his God-centered identity and the Abrahamic mantle of being blessed to be a blessing and prophetically brought the undefiled blessing to Egypt, the world around him and restored it to his own people.

Moses provided the leadership to activate the community response through the spiritual, economic and community principles of the Torah that pivoted on hearing God's voice and obeying His word.

David gave priority to God's heart and in the process paved the path of community into God's Kingdom rule.

Hezekiah brought about restoration and liberty by employing spiritual authority against foes who were numerically far more powerful.

Daniel reshaped and restored the spiritual climate of a culture of sorcery to God.

Nehemiah gained favor for access to the resources of the world.

The Defilement

Jesus made it clear that He came to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matt 15:24); and that He came not to destroy the law and the prophets, but to bring completion to them. This foundational focus punctuates the strategic nature of the blessing undefiled. Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil and to set the captives free. He completed His mission undefiled (Heb 7:26-27). The employment of the blessing is at the heart of Jesus' message; so aptly reflecting Jewish strategies to meet the challenge of a fallen, defiled world by releasing the undefiled blessing:

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven." Matthew 5:16

"I came not to destroy the law and the prophets, but to fulfill." Matthew 5:17

"You will be in the world, but not of the world." John 17:15, 16

"Go, make disciples of the nations, teaching them to observe all I have shown you." Matthew 28:19, 20

It is this foundation for change, targeting the bondage of corruption, for which we are to disciple the nations. It is the mantle that wields the completed blessing undefiled.

The Standard of Measure

Romans 11:15 explains that if rejection of the Jews, as a people, served as the catalyst to the reconciling of the world to God, how much more will be their acceptance, but life from the dead. He then compared them to holy first fruits of the root, which carries the need for the grafted-in branches to enter their roles undefiled.
"For if the first fruit is holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches. So if some of the branches were broken off and you being a wild olive tree were grafted in among them and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree, do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember you do not support the root, but the root supports you." Rom 11:16-18

Paul wrote the Ephesians that we no longer are to be tossed to and fro like children, but are to begin operating in oneness, as His people, with our hearts no longer enticed by the defilements of the love of the world, the lust of the flesh or pride of life. He explained that God gave gifts to men to prepare them for His service that we all might become mature, built to the full stature of the undefiled Messiah, with a full knowledge of Him.
"...for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."
Eph 4:12-13

This is an incredible statement: that the body should even consider reaching the stature of the fullness of Messiah, undefiled. Yet, that is exactly what it means. The clue to the pathway is in maturity, which then was stressed in the 16th verse with Paul telling the Ephesians to stop thinking like the gentiles! Years later, the correction for the Ephesians in Revelation did not include this issue of defilement to their mind-set as it did with the majority of other churches, but while they had a need for improvement, they were praised for resisting the replacement defilers.

Jesus said we would know them by their fruit. While God gives gifts to men, the scripture says many are called but few are chosen. The chosen will be determined not by the gift, but rather the fruit from the undefiled blessing. While this principle is aptly applied to individuals, the biblical measuring criterion is to the community.

As a people, from the grasp of this foundation of the undefiled blessing, God's order will flow doctrinally, power-wise and for His strategic purposes. When God's community of people dysfunctions, it has been individuals like Joseph, Moses and David who have led the way to restore them as wielders of the undefiled blessing.

In the opening scripture from Isaiah 32, the reference to righteousness is from the Hebrew word tz-dakah. This scripture captures the cosmic drama of a fallen world, pointing to the role of tz-dakah or charitable righteousness exercised through community as the means to employing righteous, undefiled power in a corrupt world.

"The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad and the desert shall rejoice and bloom. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the excellency of our God. So, strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are fearful-hearted, "Be strong, do not fear!" Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert. The parched ground shall become a pool and the thirsty land springs of water. A highway shall be there and a road, and it shall be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it, for it shall be for the redeemed. Whoever walks this road shall not go astray." Isaiah 35:6-8
_________________________________________

Morris Ruddick has been a forerunner and spokesman for the call of God in the marketplace. He is author of "The Joseph-Daniel Calling;" "Gods Economy, Israel and the Nations;" "The Heart of a King;" and "Something More," which address the mobilization of business and governmental leaders called to impact their communities with God's blessings. They are available from Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and other popular outlets.

Mr. Ruddick is also the founder of the Global Equippers Entrepreneurial Program, which imparts hope and equips economic community builders where God's light is dim in both the Western and non-Western world. To schedule a speaking engagement, sponsor a workshop, make a donation or to get more information on how you can help, contact Global Initiatives at 303.741.9000.

2011 Copyright Morris Ruddick - response@strategic-initiatives.org

Reproduction is prohibited unless permission is given by a SIGN advisor. Since 1996, the Strategic Intercession Global Network (SIGN) has mobilized prophetic intercessors committed to targeting strategic-level issues impacting the Body on a global basis. For previous posts or more information on SIGN, check: http://www.strategicintercession.org/ 

Morris Ruddick
Global Initiatives Foundation
http://www.strategic-initiatives.org/

The 2 Spies: Dr. Jazz

The 2 Spies: Dr. Jazz: "Many in Jerusalem and around Israel have thoroughly enjoyed the lively music of Dr. Jazz. He has brought a smile to our faces and healing ..."

Israel Palestinian Conflict: The Truth About the West Bank

pot·pour·ri - by Jim & Linda

Potpourri

pot·pour·ri

   [poh-poo-ree, poh-poo-ree] 

–noun

1.

a mixture of dried petals of roses or other flowers with spices, kept in a jar for their fragrance.

2.

a musical medley.

3.

a collection of miscellaneous literary extracts.

4.

any mixture, especially of unrelated objects, subjects, etc.

Although this blog is a "mixed bag" of sorts, we hope is will also be a pleasant fragrance!  Here's a few miscellaneous pictures and tidbits of life in Israel..... Please remember to click on any picture to view it larger (then click the back arrow to go back to the blog).


Speaking of "bags", although milk is offered by the carton or jug, the most common way to buy it (and the cheapest) is by the BAG.  It has a little less than 1 quart of milk and costs about $1.75 per bag.

You then put the bag in the pitcher so it can be poured...

Here is one of the kitties we feed, she is looking for dinner 

for her 4 kittens and orange kitty friend.

This is a view of the Pools of Bethesda.  It is located in the Moslem Quarter of the Old City.  In the background you can see the Arab neighborhoods as well.

Arab markets just inside Damascus Gate.

Arab markets just outside Damascus Gate :)

"Sefer Torah" store - these are beautifully ornate and hold 

the scrolls of the Torah (Bible).

The sporting rivalries don't even end in Jerusalem - knitted 

kipas (head caps) for every fan...

View of a field in Bethlehem.

A minaret (tower attached to a mosque that announces the calls to prayer) in Bethlehem.  Bethlehem is an Arab town, run by the Palestinian Authority. 

Yea! Domino's pizza!  For the first time in 20 years we live within the route to have pizza delivered to our home.  Thing is, 2 medium pizzas cost about $23 USD - with a coupon....so we'll stick with our homemade pita pizzas :)

There are scooters for almost every business you can think of in Jerusalem.  Domino's, UPS, postal mail, even the hospital has one.  They are the quickest way through traffic - they don't wait in line like the rest of the cars, but weave their way through the cars & buses, drive on sidewalks & pedetrian roads, and even the wrong way down a one way street.

We're sitting in the Coffee Bean on a Friday afternoon with some friends while the workers were "cleaning up" for Shabbat.  We thought we just might get washed away....

View from the Mount of Olives looking at the Southern end of the Old City - the Jewish Quarter, the south end of the Temple Mount, the Southern Excavations, and the Davidson Center - sloping down into the Kidron Valley.

Now this is a form of transportation we had not seen before! 

Makes me think of the golf carts people drive around in the States.

In the winter months (rainy months) we had giant snails - about the size of a golf ball!  When walking home in the dark, we had to watch where we were going so we wouldn't step on them,

they're not so fast to get out of the way...

We've also seen 2 very large porcupines since we've been here - one was just a few buildings from us,

and the other in the government buildings area....

So you've heard of the Appalachian Trail?  Well here's the Jerusalem Trail!  There are many pleasant places to go walking in Jerusalem - and all around Israel.  There are also many National Parks that offer hiking, with amazing views and adventures that probably wouldn't be allowed in the States....

A shepherd with his sheep.

Picture from a local hospital that Jim visited with some of our volunteers 

to pass out teddy bears and hugs.

There are several murals around the city on buildings.  The whole left side of this building is a mural.

Here's a different form of "artwork" along the road between Qumran and En-Gedi.

Dead Sea on right.

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. 

 “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:4-9

An end to another beautiful day....

Funny how God shows little things to us along life's way that make us smile.  

We began writing this blog 2 days ago, but hadn't had time to finish and post it.   Earlier today, a new volunteer from France gave us a small gift she brought with her - a small packet of potpourri!! 

May our lives be a musical medley

 that is a pleasing fragrance to the Lord.