A Heavenly Quilt Retreat

Last week was a quilt of laughter, shopping, sharing and food.  Twelve women shared two houseboats at the Paducah Quilt Show.  We are all quilter of varying degrees, some long time and some short.  Most are exceptional in their details and perfection and some of us just enjoy looking at our quilts from a distance.  We all like the colors - Civil War reproductions of rich hues, Batiks of bright patterns, Blues and creams of warmth and even airplanes or cartoon characters.

The real joy of this group is the deep experiences of loving Jesus, telling others about Jesus, sharing Jesus in all they do and joining together everywhere for prayer.  As each one pieces together quilts they piece together other lives and care so much for those who are in need.

I truly wish everyone could experience this kind of joy.  You all encourage me to do more.   It sustains me!  Thank you each one of you for being a part of my life.  Blessings and grace to you as we start planning for next year.

Joy and lunch.

JOY!  It is the third week of Advent, the week of joy and today was a day of Joy for me.  I had a wonderful lunch with long time friends.  There is something really wonderful about seeing people once a year to find out what they are doing, how their families have grown or changed and how God is working in their lives.

These are people I worked with in what now seems like another life yet is so connected to this one.  These are all people who cared about each other when we worked together and are still loving, caring people.  It is so good at this time of year to remember that goodness abounds, love is constant and joy can be found in retelling old stories.

Thank you my friends for remembering me in your busy lives.  May the joy of the Advent Season be with you all year long.

Last Breath

There is something incredibly honorable about being present for a last breath. There is sadness in the realization that there will be no more breaths but a certain peacefulness in knowing that while this life has ended a new eternal life is beginning.

This week two lives ended only hours apart.  Each one fought for life for the past three years, always trying to do more, to live more, to be more for the families they loved.  Each one a caring husband and father. Each one close to the God they knew even more intimately these last few years.

The families are sad, wondering about ongoing living with this man who cared for them over the years.  The families are at peace knowing the struggle for living is over, the body and the disease that robbed them of life on earth lost a battle for their soul.  God is joyful with the reception  in heaven, in eternity for two men who lived life fully.

It is the time of Advent, waiting for the Christ child, waiting for the presence of the baby who came so long ago and yet returns in our celebration every year. It is the time when we remember the baby who grew to be a man and like these two men faced death.  A different death but one that still robbed him of life on earth.  It is because of his death, Christ the Lord, that the other two men have the opportunity to live eternally in the presence of the one we celebrate.

As you remember those you have lost over the years to death, also remember the love of Christ, the waiting for the child, who grew to be the man, who died so that all of us will live.  Love came down at Christmas and never left.

Blessings and peace for this second week of Advent.

The Music of Advent

It is the beginning of Advent and I do wonder about the places I'll go in the next few weeks. Of course I'll do a little shopping but I may only go to the computer to do that instead of the crowds. There is some fun in the crowds as I watch what people buy, how they find parking places, who shops with them and how they carry all their bags. If the spouse is along that usually becomes the bag carrier or the child keeper. Then there are all the church things happening. More music we notice than any other time of hte year. I know there are great Easter Cantatas but Christmas music begins at Thanksgiving and is present everywhere we go - I love that about Christmas- because I particularly like the music. I'm listening to Celtic Woman (Holiday) as I write this for your reading. Church is one of the important parts of this time of year. Just to see the children as they celebrate in their joy is a gift to us and to God. Christ is Christmas- we literally would not have the season with the him as the true reason - so do not eliminate Christ and church from your activities. I'll go visit family all during this time and they will visit with us. There will be a time for friends to come by, to share meals together or maybe just a cup of coffee. I'll hear about thier children and grandchildren while they have the joy of hearing about mine. I'll visit homes to pray with those who are ill and hopefully add a little fo God's grace to lives that are distraught. It always seems hard that some must be sad while others are so very happy right now. Just remember that the lights that shine bright on trees, houses, front doors and buildings are shining for everyone who has eyes to see. Today, I'll meet with children to tell them about Advent - the beginning of a new year in the church life. I'll tell them about Chrismons and colors. I'll tell them about the little baby who came and all the world celebrated. We have great music at Christmas because God sent the angels to sing for that baby and it has never stopped. Later I'll meet with adults to share the beauty of the artwork of John August Swanson whose bright colors and rich details bring the Christmas story to light in a new way. Where will you travel this season? My prayer is that wherever you go you will go to a place that takes you closer to Christ, the baby, the saviour and the one who will come again. Blessings and grace. C. Kay

Floating along in the Dead Sea

Yes. That is exactly what we did today! Only a couple of people in our group stayed out if the water. The rest of us floated along with hands and feet in the air. Then we put the mud from the bottom on us and of course took pictures. Too bad you will never get to see them, there are some things that stay in Israel. If you want to see me in a bathing suit floating with mud on my arms you just have to make the trip!!

We also spent time at Masada, the place where Jewish revolutionaries held off thousands of Romans before all committing suicide so not to be slaves to the captors. As we walked along that plateau we thought about what it must have been like to raise a family there. Even if theyived very modestly it was still a long way to the top.

The view out over the Dead Sea one over to Jordan is beautiful and they certainly would have known if anyone was coming. It is a remarkable site.

We took a quick side trip to Bethany to see the church of Mary, Maryb and Lazarus. A few went all the way to Lazarus grave. Tomorrow is the last day in Israel. We will end with communion at the Garden tomb location then those who will stay will get ready to go to Jordan on Thursday morning. The rest will head for home.

Thank you for your prayers and thoughts for us. We will be home soon Blessings and love to you all.

C. Kay

More Walking with Jesus

We started the day on the Temple Mount where there is so much history. Looked at the top of the mount to think about what it must have looked like when Jesus was there. From there we walked through the old city to the Western wall. Because of the weather it was not crowded and we had plenty of time to pray at the wall. I left prayers there for many people.

From the wall we walked to the southern wall and the teaching steps. It is incredible to think we sat on steps where Jesus may have walked and taught people the parables. Then to the lower street that was discovered below the wall of where Jesus walked. We walked along in that space. Incredible!!!

The afternoon was at the Upper Room, David's tomb and then Caiphus house! This is the place where Jesus spent his only night in Jerusalem in a dark pit. Both times I've been there I have seen a vision of Jesus in the stone. I wish I could describe it because it was different this time but still the face of Jesus. Very moving and meaningful to me.

Tomorrow we go to Masada and the Dead Sea then to Bethany. It just keeps getting better. I am so thankful for this great blessing.

Once again we wish you were here with us. Blessings and love.

C. Kay

We are in Jerusalem.

We got to Jerusalem yesterday and went to Bethlehem to see the Chirch of the Annunciation and the Shepherds fields. Several people also found some great shopping bargains. The day turned a little cool toward the end but ww were fine.

We started the day at Jericho looking at the site of the old city and of douse the Sycamore tree where zachheaus climbed up to see Jesus. Looking at the oasis that is Jericho helps you to see why they would stop there. If one travelled from Galilee to Jerusalem there is no other good way and the last part would be tough. Jericho is about 300 ft below sea level and Jerusalem , Bethlehem and Bethany are 1500 ft above. That's a tough climb in the desert so stopping for water at Jericho was a must.

Today was part of the Old City and the LMount of Olives. It is such an I credible site to look out over all of Jerusalem from the top. Then to stop at the Garden of Gethsemanee sort of takes your breath away. Those old olive trees remind us of Jesus praying before giving his life for our eternal life. I'll put up some pics when I return.

In the rainy afternoon we visited the Church of the Holy Sepulcher with all it's glory but also moving memories. Walked lots of steps into the Old City. Tomorrow we go to the wall where we will pray and place our prayers.

We are all doing well, no one lost, hurt or sick. God is good.

We will be praying for you too. Love and blessings.

C. Kay

Cesaerea and so much more

The highlight of the day was the 183 steps down and 80 steps back up walking the well at Meggido. Everyone in our group made it just fine. Needed a little rest after but so good to do that together.

Short on time for net so will pot more from Jerusalem tomorrow.

Today included Ceasaerea, Beit Shean, Meggido, Nazareth and Cana of Galilee.

We do think of you and know you will ejoy our stories.

Blessings.

Galilee and beyond

TODAY was a great day for us. We started the day at the Mount of Beatitudes and travelled all around Galilee. Sitting on a boat and thinking about the disciples with Jesus was truly awesome. I know every time this group reads about thisin the scriptures they will seethe water. Every time I read them I will see their faces.

All he stops were incredible but remembering our baptism at the River Jordan touched hearts and brouht tears to some eyes. You will see them in their facex once we get back and I post the pictures.
Omorrow is Ceaserea, Beit Shehan, Nazareth ad so much more.

Wish you were all wih us. Thanks for your prayers, we know they are there just as ours are for you.

Blessings and love.

Here we are again. I was hoping to post a note about our day but it is not working well. I'll try another way. Blessings and thanks for your prayers.

Dinner is over and all are tired

Finally. There is a way even if it is slow. We had a gooc trip did not lose a person. Tomorrow we will be all Around the Sea of Gallilee. Mount of Beatitudes Peter's primacy and eat at Peter's. Fishhouse. More tomorrow when we gef back. Thanks for all your prayers.

Blessings and love.
C. Kay

Packed Bags

Have you ever noticed that when you pack for a trip there are some things more important than others? The shoes you take for walking are critical as are the right socks. Everything else is negotiable depending on how much room it will take up in the bag or how heavy it will make the bag.

As I have prepared for this trip and attempted to prepare others I remind us all that things can be worn more than once and nobody is going to judge how the trip goes based on what we are wearing. That said I have trimmed back a lot on what I have decided are the musts for the trip.

One of the best items is a small pack of laundry soap leaves. These little leaves slide out of the pack and dissolve quickly in cold or lukewarm water in the sink. That means I can take half as many of certain items because I can wash them easily and hang them in the shower to dry while we are gone for the day. Makes the suitcase so much lighter- leaving room to bring more back.

Only two days left so everyone is a little giddy. What a fun time we will have. Thanks for following along, keep us all in your prayers.

C. Kay

Ready to go again!

It is almost time to leave for Israel with a new group for 2011. We are all excited and hope you will follow along with us as we travel. I am taking my Nook with me to update the blog a litte better this year. Keep us in your prayers as we travel to see the world of Jesus and the disciples.

So much to see.

So much to see, so many things to learn. The first of which is typing quickly on a Hebrew keyboard that is one key to the right.

Yesterday was an incredible gift. The weather here is perfect so we can see so much. We drove to the Mount of Beatitudes, a beautiful church to commemorate a great sermon. It was Ash Wednesday so the crowds were thick. We took our time and eventually walked down the slope toward the Sea of Galilee to Tabgha. To go from this incredible teaching spot of Jesus then to sit for a moment where he had compassion on the crowds who followed him is pretty moving. Look at Matthew 14:15-21 and see where he took some fish and loaves and fed thousands.
Just down the street is the place of Peter's primacy- Feed my sheep, Tend my sheep, Feed my sheep. The place itself at Capernaum is special but there is also the Synogogue where JEsus probably preached and taught at different times. I asked for inspiration there to carry the message of Jesus to others. Just to lay my hands on the columns seemed to add something to my life.
We drove around the top end of the Sea of Galilee looking upward toward the Golan Heights and remembering that in Jesus time this land was Gentile land. It is not any wonder that Jesus framed his sermon about the Gerazine demoniac in ways they would understand. Did you ever wonder why he could place the demons in pigs when the Jewish people did not eat or touch pork? Well the Gentiles did and he sent the demons into the pigs and the pigs ran into the Sea of Galilee. They say there are still wild boar running through that land.
Driving down the shore we went along the river Jordan and found a quiet place to remember our baptism. A unique opportunity on Ash Wednesday. Yes, I did fill up a bottle to bring back with me. Let me know if you want to remember your baptism with Jordan water or have a special infant or adult to baptize the first time, I'll be happy to share.
Today was a day to travel and change locations. We are now in JErusalem, the City of David, the city of Christ's death and resurrection. On our way we stopped in Jericho and then to Bethlehem. Jericho is about 1000 ft below sea level and Jerusalem is about 3000 feet above sea level. As we road up the hill I thought about what it must have been like for Jesus to make that trip, up the hill, knowing how it would end. It is a long journey by bus, and must have been difficult at best on foot.
Bethlehem was more crowded than the last time I was there - a good thing. The hard thing is to see the 32 foot wall around this city. We went to teh church of the Nativity and even in the crowds it holds a special touch to reach in to the spot where they celebrate JEsus birth and see the manger where Mary laid the baby. The ornate nature of this Greek Orthodox, Armenian and Roman Catholic place of worship is outstanding. I cannot wait to show you the pictures. That will have to be when I return though.
We will be around Jerusalem tomorrow. I'll keep you in my prayers whereever we go as I know you will keep me in yours.

Blessings and peace.

C. Kay

Quick update

A full day with many sights. We ended the day trip with a service to Remember our baptism at a small spot along the River Jordan. We ended the evening with our own Ash Wednesday service. A special treat here near a place where Jesus would have been walking those days before Jerusalem.

Tomorrow we move to Jerusalem.

Blessings and peace.

C.Kay

Ceasaria, Meggido, Nazareth and Cana Whew!!!!

After a late dinner last night and an early breakfast this morning we were on the bus to Ceasaria. LAst night we travelled from Tel Aviv to Tiberias so it was back to the other side this morning. The day was beautiful, bright sunshine and a gentle breeze with no need for jackets but definitely sun glasses.

Ceasaria has been restored very well to show much of what Herod was trying to do with the beauty of the Amphitheater and the show of the Hippodrome. There is still some of the original Roman marble and local shows are held there on a regular basis. The end of the Hippodrome is not really a 1/2 mile away because the Crusaders built the wall to protect the city at one end. It is easy to imagine the chariots racing and making the turn at the end with the crowds watching from the steps while looking out at the beautiful Mediterranean Sea.

There are many small things to see like the Byzantine inlaid mosaics from the floors of ancient buildings. There is one piece with Pontius Pilate's name that bears witness to his time at the time of Jesus. The original is in the museum but the repllica is just fine to see.

The remains of the aquaduct that carried water from Mount Carmel the palace make a stunning sight right by the sea. On a warm day like today we just had to take our shoes off and stand in the water. The day was warm but the water was icy cold.

Back on the bus to go to Meggido. This Tel has been excavated over the years to show the many layers and impact of differing civilations. It is easy to understand why they chose this spot to build a defensible city, you can see for miles, especially on such a beautiful day. After walking to the top of the Tel where you can see the grain storage and some of the troughs for the horses we climbed down the 180 steps to the bottom of hte well which was the way the water got in and the people escaped out.

When I was here several years ago some of my friends on that trip had a race to the bottom and back up to see who could do it in the fastest time. They were in great shape, but understandably exhausted by the end. Good memories.

Lunch at Meggido then on to Nazareth for the church of the Annuciation and the Synogue Church. Both places were meaningful in what they represent. The Annuciation church shows the cave where Mary heard from the Angel Gabriel that she would bear the Son of God. The church is beautiful with exquisite pictures all around of the Madonna and child. The various pictures or art are done by different countries to honor Mary. They are each unique works of art representative of the country. I'll post some of the pictures later on the trip.

As we walked up hill from the church we went to a small church called the Synogogue Church as the site where Jesus read the scroll in Nazareth. This small place with wonderful accoustics makes that scripture real for many. It is plain and unadorned with nothing more than a picture of Jesus reading the scroll and an altar. After Melanie read us the passage we sang Spirit of the Living God in beautiful harmony. It is the spirit of hte journey that makes it more alive.

Off to Cana to see the spring of water at the church where the first miracle took place. Walk up the hill, turn a little to ther right and the Greek Orthodox church is there, right across from the First Miracle souvenire shop. I know, it is crazy but the entire little street's business is all about that miracle. The stores sell the icons, the wine, the communion bread, mass wine and other things suitable for water to wine from Cana.

Back to the hotel for dinner and rest. Tomorrow we ride the boat across Galilee.

I hope this gives you a small feeling for what we are seeing and where we are traveling. Get your maps out and check out the locations. Thanks for following along.

(The keyboard is in Hebrew so the letters are off just bit, making the typing a little clumsy.)

Blessings and peace.

C. Kay

We are Here!!!

After 12 hours on the plane we are finally here in Israel. We are now on a bus to Tiberias for the first night. It is about 7:30 pm here on Monday February 15th. The weather is exceptionally warm 82 a long way from the snow in Atlanta.

We can see the bright green lights of the minerettes in the distance of each little village. Some are very tall and can be seen far away. Too dark to see much else. More tomorrow.

Packing is Done

Everything is packed and waiting for tomorrow. Of course there will be those last minute, oops I forgot to add this type thing but all in all we are ready to go. God is so good, and we are so excited.

I will see some of you at church tomorrow and the rest when I return. We will stop where Robert works, the Shedd at Glennwood, for Valentines Dinner then on to the airport. Keep us in your prayers as we will keep all of you in ours.

Many blessings.

C. Kay

Packing Begins

It is hard to beleive there are only four days left. I am so excited and have started the packing process. Finally the bedroom is clear and we can get everything together. Now will also begin the "do I really need that" process when we discover the bags are too heavy.

I found a great prayer/devotional for Mike and I to use, 15 Day's of Prayer with Dietrich Bonhoeffer. We can start on Sunday and have one left for the day we return.

Of course life is also happening - the roof had a leak that needed repair today. Done, thanks to my sweet husband. I am sure by tomorrow something else will need attention before we go.

God has blessed us in a mighty way for this trip. I cannot wait to share it all with you as we go and when we return.

Blessings for the next few days.

C. Kay

Two Weeks To Go

Two weeks from right now we will be at the Airport leaving with our friends for Israel. We are doing all the typical last minute things: making sure clothes are ready, putting some back and getting others out. Friends are helping by telling us where they have found things that travel well. I am looking through my notes and pictures from the METS trip to remember things about the sites we will visit.

This week and next are long walk weeks. First to just get used to the walking long walks but also to take the time to think about what this all means. This trip is the result of years of work, study, learning, growing and celebration. It is because of God's call on my life and the knowledge that my answer, YES, is why I am taking this trip to Israel. Ordination- ordained in the United Methodist Church as an Elder to serve, to preach, to teach, to perform the sacraments and to order. What an incredible joy.

Today I celebrated my ordination with a group of friends who walked with me along the way. Sometimes pushing me, sometimes lifting me over the speed bumps, sometimes laughing with me, sometimes crying with me or holding me when I cried alone, but always encouraging me to keep going. Ever since that day in 2001 that I knew this is where God called me to be it has been joy. Now the joy continues. I am happy that you are along with me.

Blessings for your week.

C. Kay