Okay, so this is quite a challenge for me, but I have a feeling I'm going to really enjoy it once I get the hang of it. I never would have believed that I would be blogging, until this whole Israel thing began to unfold. Me? Going to Israel? This is a dream come true, and I believe He has said it is so.
Let me start at the beginning and STILL try to keep it short. (Whew, this is hard!) I've wanted to go to Israel ever since I came to Jesus in 1972. (Doesn't every believer?) I have a insatiable appetite for His word. Not just reading it... but digging... searching for the hidden treasures He's placed there for us. I think the more we love the word, the more meaningful a trip to Israel can be. I mean, I can't imagine the depth of revelation to be had THERE, in the land where it all happened! You see, I'm a worshiper to the very core of my being, and I will worship in Jerusalem, as David did! (Woah, Jude, you're getting ahead of yourself!)
Okay. So, about 5 weeks ago a friend of mine came into town (with her cousin) for her son's wedding. As we were catching up as old friends do over dinner, her cousin leaned over the table and said, 'You need to come to Israel with us!' (I learned later that she specifically felt prompted by the Lord to say that.) We didn't talk about it much, but as I dropped them off at their hotel, I was almost overcome with the idea of ACTUALLY going to Israel. I woke up several times throughout the night thinking about it, and had an amazing prayer time the next morning. All I'll say about that, is that 38 years of dusty dreams came to the surface, and I am convinced that the Lord has said it's time for me to go.
The trip is a tour through CBU travel and tours. My friend Jane will be doing Bible teaching and I have the privilege to lead the worship along the way! IN ISRAEL!! Can you imagine? The cost for this trip is way out of my league, but not out of my Father's ability or heart to provide. As a confirmation to my sometimes weak faith, within a week of thinking I heard the Lord say I could go and that He would make all the provision necessary, I had received almost half of what I will need to go.
So what does that all have to do with blogging, you ask? There are many of you who I would like to keep posted on developments towards this amazing trip (which will include a recording project I'll tell you more about later). There's already too much happening to keep all of you up on it! Also, I'll need to keep a daily journal once I'm there, and share all the wonderful things God is doing! I KNOW you'll want to hear all of that! So....... the blog.
I hope you'll come back and keep up with my news. Next, I'll be sharing about the upcoming recording project. Some exciting things are happening there that I specifically want to share with those of you who attended my workshop at the Gathering of Artisans Conference in October. Blessings to you all!
