The Galilee

Our first hotel is the Gai Beach on the shores of the Sea of Galilee in Tiberius.

As I looked out upon the Sea of Galilee from our hotel room, I couldn't help but think upon all the wonderful Bible stories I had taught children for years that had taken place right here in this area. Along these shores multitudes were healed (Luke 9:1-6), multitudes were fed (Luke 9:10-17) and multitudes were taught (Luke9:23-27; 37-62). On the northern shores of the Sea of Galilee Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James and John to leave their fishing business, follow Him and become fishers of men (Luke 5:1-11).

The Sea of Galilee is actually a relatively small body of fresh water called a sea because of what the normally placid lake can become given the right conditions. It was explained to us that with the configuration of high mountains on either side, the tunneling wind whistles down from the north across the surface of the water and along with the crosswinds from the Mediterranean blowing past the Horns of Hattin on the west the waters become a churning sea. (Twelve foot waves not unheard of!) The incident in Mark 6:45-52, where a sudden and violent storm arose and just as quickly was calmed at the Master's command, is a classic example of this very phenomenon.
In the King James Version of the Bible the Sea of Galilee is known as "Chinnereth" (Numbers34:11; Joshua 12:3). The modern spelling is "Kinneret," which is taken from the Hebrew word Kinnor, meaning "lute" or "harp". The sea is roughly harp-shaped. In the New Testament it is sometimes called "Gennesaret" (Luke 5:1).

Even when we ate we always had a view of the Sea of Galilee.

Another view of the surrounding area.

The view out the front of the hotel - a glimpse of a Jewish cemetery.

"Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people." Matthew 4:23

Israel Study Tour

Recently, I had the tremendous privilege and honor to once again travel with Precept Ministries on a trip of a lifetime. On this journey we traveled to Israel where, in many instances, we were following the steps of Jesus. We saw biblical archaeological sites that literally took us back to the time Jesus and to the patriarchs! And for me and many others we fell in love with the people and the land of Israel and when we left, a significant part of our hearts remained behind only to be reunited on that glorious day of Christ's return!

Travel Day

We left on Monday, May 10, from Houston Intercontinental and we made one stop in Newark, New Jersey, to change planes and from there preceded to Tel Aviv where we arrived on Tuesday, May 11, in the afternoon.

I would label the picture "Before" as in we are anxiously awaiting our flight to Newark.

This would be "Almost After" since this is the beginning of the second leg.

Now you might wonder why I would continue to take these unflattering closeup shots. Good question! I was surreptitiously taking the picture of the large Jewish man against the window. We had not even left the gate and he had already begun to snore and woke himself up!! BUT he was also the nicest man - as we were departing the plane in Tel Aviv he was pulling a bag on wheels down the aisle behind him. And I being funny said that I bet my bag could ride on his and even though I said I was kidding he stopped and took my bag. Though he had wanted to go to baggage claim for me, at the gate I insisted he give it back to me!

Eleven long hours later...

We made it!

The first look at some of the rest of our group! In fact, the four people in this camera shot are a lovely family from Tennessee. Their son, Alan, a strong Christian young man had such a dry wit he could have been a Hamblen.

And then I saw Larry and Carla from Cypress who had been to Greece with Tony and me so now I was really starting to feel comfortable.

OK, so there was no "After" picture taken but I think you know what that looked like. We are loaded on the bus and headed to Tiberius. On a side note Israel runs on military time - a slight adjustment for me on that and their monetary system operates on shekels!

"If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them."
Numbers 14:8-9

The Opportunity of a Lifetime

Tomorrow my sister and I will be boarding a flight to begin our journey to the Holy Land. It is a trip that I have always dreamed of and am so blessed to be wholeheartedly encouraged by my sweet husband and to once again be travelling with Kay Arthur and her Precept team!

Someone once said that 10 days in the Holy Land is like a semester in seminary! We will be on the ground for 12 days traveling through THE LAND OF THE BIBLE!!!!!!! Just typing that brings tears to my eyes and makes me so excited I can't get there fast enough!! I want to leave with this verse concerning God's beloved land of Israel...

"For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, flowing forth in valleys and hills; a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey; a land where you will eat food without scarcity, in which you will not lack anything; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills you can dig copper." Deuteronomy 8:7-9