Adventures

I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked Israel, Days 4 & 5 {Tour Days 1 & 2}

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All through out my time in the holy land, the song, and really just the line “I walked today where Jesus walked” played again and again through my head.

I thought about these places that I was visiting – thought about the miracles that were performed there – even if not exactly where the churches stood, then in the vicinity – the land was holy.

I wondered about walking where Jesus walked – about being a religious pilgrim. Millions of people, from religions as vast as Hinduism to Islam to Christianity in all her sects and forms, invite people to journey to holy sites as part of a personal sanctification.

And in my own pilgrimage to the Holy Land the spirit was strong. There were many locations where I felt that confirming peace of the Holy Ghost testifying of the acts solemnized there. Yet my mind always returned to Dorothy Henrie back home, who practically carries her aged and decrepit husband into church. Every. Single. Sunday.

And I thought about Jamie Kirkham, whose sweetness and sensitivity to the spirit is undeniable, and who I’ve always secretly admired for her both her strength in her own life, and her seemingly endless patience for those who don’t have that strength.

And I wondered about all the acts, sanctified in my own neighborhood back home, that reflected the life of the Savior much better than the beautiful murals or mosaics of cathedrals ever could.

I wondered at the blessings of being a Religious Pilgrim in a Holy Land, and reflected on my responsibility now to show to others the path that Jesus walked, by walking it myself.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9U1izluHos?rel=0&w=480&h=360]

 

 

 

 

Israel Day 4 – (Tour Day 1)

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Ceasarea by the Sea - the Judean capital during Roman rule. It was built by Herod to honor Ceasar. It is where Paul was tried and convicted, but then invoked his rights as a Roman citizen to be tried in Rome. He was transported to Rome where he later died. This is also where they found the Pilate stone - a stone with the name of Pontius Pilate inscribed on it - another archeological evidence of Christ's life.
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Dad overlooking the valley of Meggido, the location identified for the last and great battle between good and evil. I was surprised at the size of the valley, (much bigger than I imagined). Different miracles of Christ's life took place in each of the mountains in the distance. Dad is standing among the ruins of the city of Meggido, an ancient city inhabited consistently from 4000 BC to Christ's time.
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The church of Multiplication - where Christ fed the 5000 with 5 loaves and two fishes.
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Sunflowers outside of the Church of Multiplication.
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Overlooking Haifa. This palace is where an Arab king ruled in the 1800's. He was a great king who modernized his people as well as brought about many civil rights. The palace and grounds are still maintained by his descendants. According to our Jewish guide, as long as they are nice, they will let them stay. 😉
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Cliff jumpers in the ancient city of Acre, on the Mediterranean Sea

 

Israel, Day 5 (Tour Day 2)

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Citrus in the street markets. Israel, 2013
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The sea of Galilee, Israel, 2013
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A fisherman giving us an example of net fishing on the sea of Galilee. He cast the net on one side of the boat, and pulled the net up empty. He then started walking away back to the back of the boat, as if the demonstration was over. (Now Dad likes to tell this part as if I was being a smart-alec, and Wyatt likes to tell it as if I was being funny. But the truth is neither. I was incredulous because I thought (and said) the obvious:) I said
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A fish was caught when the net was cast on the other side. Israel, 2013
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Pagan temple niches in Ceasarea Philippi
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Inscriptions in a stone at Ceasarea Philippi
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Ceasarea Philippi, where the woman who was healed of a blood disease by touching Christ's garment, lived. (This is not where the miracle took place however).
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The dome of the Church of the Beatitudes – the spirit was very strong here. It was a lovely place.
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Candace, Carrie, Dad and Me in front of the Church of the Beatitudes.
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The church where the Beatitudes and Sermon on the Mount was given (actually in a natural amphitheater right behind/below the church.
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Capernum, view from the house of Peter to they synagogue.
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Beautiful stone column carvings.
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The house of Peter, where Christ would have visited and stayed. The floor actually dates to Christ’s time. – Capernum

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