I like to keep the peace. Because of that, I do my best to stay away from contentious areas of debate. There are plenty of people called to actively engage in areas of both political and theological conflict, but I’m not one of them. My call is to stay focused on the beauty of Jesus–confident that when … More Still Praying for the Peace of Jerusalem
O’ come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant. O’ come ye, o’ come ye, to Bethlehem … Christmas is over, but I can’t stop thinking about these words. I can’t stop thinking about what it means to come – joyful and triumphant – to Bethlehem. To small, forgotten Bethlehem. The least likely of all locations, … More Joyful and Triumphant
I returned from Israel a little over a week ago and I’m still dealing with a bit of jet lag induced brain-fog. While I suspect I’ll be still be processing for some time to come, I figured it was time to start sharing a few of the nuggets gained from the journey . I was … More The efficacy of doctor fish, Hezekia(h)’s Tunnel, the wise words of Wadi – and other profound revelations from the Holy Land
Just a couple  days ago I was sitting on a plane returning from Israel. A huge chunk of my heart lives in Israel so returning to the States is often difficult. I’ve sometimes joked that I spend the entire plane ride back crying. Of course that is an exaggeration, but lets just say that usually … More Overwhelmed by Beauty
NOTE: We’ve been in Jerusalem for a few days now so this seems like a great time for this reminder 🙂 Grace and shalom! Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure.” –Psalm 122:6 It wasn’t intended as a suggestion. But it’s also not an obligation. It’s an invitation. The idea of … More Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem
We’ve been in the Galilee, actually staying on the Mt of Beatitudes for a time of personal retreat these past few days. By the time this posts, we’ll be on our way to Jerusalem, but in the spirit of “rest”–after having the priceless opportunity to slow down to “be” with Him for just a bit–I … More For Just a Moment
Tomorrow morning I’ll be sitting on a plane headed to Israel. My heart is always filled with excitement when I go to Israel — but this time is different. This time my heart is also filled with something else … EXPECTATION. In fact, I have great expectations. But this isn’t just about Israel. For me personally, Israel does … More Great Expectations
After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. —Luke 10:1 The nudge of the Holy Spirit was unmistakable. The emphasis seemed to be on the “sending them out two by two” part of the verse but since I was … More Redirected Steps
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure.” –Psalm 122:6 It wasn’t intended as a suggestion. But it’s also not an obligation. It’s an invitation. The idea of praying for Jerusalem–praying for Israel–it’s not a duty, its a privilege for those who love Jesus. Because if you love someone, you want to … More Monday Morning Musings: Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem
NOTE: I was asked to write a post on praying for Israel for another blog and decided to post it here as well. “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.” –Jeremiah 31:3  I was heading off to have lunch with a woman I’d never met. To be honest, … More Loving What He Loves
The furious squall arose out of nowhere. The wind was blowing so hard it was difficult to stand up straight–let alone do anything else. The little boat bobbed up and down on the Sea of Galilee; its small metal roof offering almost no protection against the torrential rain that was coming down in great, diagonal … More A Different Kind of Storm
As I’m posting this, I’ve been “home” in Israel for nearly a week. Right now, we are in Migdal at a lovely little prayer and retreat center overlooking the Galilee. Today is Shabbat (the Sabbath–Saturday) and we’ve had a beautiful and prayerful day.  Tomorrow we will make the journey “up” to Jerusalem where we’ll stay for … More O’ Jerusalem
Cindy Powell 