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Let’s Travel Together! Israel here we come!

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Let’ Travel Together

Airport Luggage wait

It’s been a minute…

Wednesday Word & Fearless Friday have been on a hiatus. BUT so has the rest of my “blog” life. Sometimes real life just rushes you from all sides. I have been totally consumed in real life issues. Let’s just say the summer of 2018 will never be forgotten. I will be posting more on it in detail in future featured life blogs.

Here’s the last 90 day’s

short, no detail list:

Flowers from the greenhouses

Gorgeous orchid – grown at C of O

Moved son into college

5 trips to Branson

1 Team National Convention

TN Summer 2018

Working hard or hardly working….

with 3 extended fun filled

Ft. Lauderdale, FL days.

Multiple Lake & Friend weekends

22nd Anniversary

Happy 22

22 & counting

One horrible 36 hours of my mom suffering before going to Glory.

Mom's Flower

Rose for Mom

Welch Summer 2018

Mom’s eternal going home

3 days of preparing an adequate tribute for the rock of our family before her resting physical body here. She is healed and living an eternal dream life now.

Living Trust……

Transitioning earthly belongings and adjusting to a new normal, LOL ( I miss picking up the phone, already).

What I do know

I have finally received the (numbers & dates to take a group to Israel with me next year. I cannot wait to share this wonderful country with you. I pray that you will have faith in me enough to go. This will be my 3rd (if not 4th, by then….may have to slip in one more visit before next April) time to go to Israel in the last 2 years.

Israel Nov. 2017- TW

Trina & friend (Susan snuck in a beautiful photo bomb, too!)

 Register and Make your down payment TODAY!

Israel Registration Form April 2019

God has placed a passion in my heart for His land and people. How can we teach, believe and want to share His word and never go walk on the dirt that is sacred and holy to Him? This little piece of just over 8,000 square miles (a few more historically) is where almost everything in the recorded scripture takes place. There is NO record that I have ever read where Jesus Christ ever traveled to any other country (except for when Herod pursued him as a toddler). So….God must REALLY love it there; to have spent what little time He was a human, to have saw fit to NEVER step one foot off of this hallowed ground.

Life Changing

To say it’s life changing to go to Israel is truly an understatement. I leave Jerusalem crying each time. It is where I believe God first breathed the breath of life into dirt and chose to make man. It is where Abraham was to sacrifice Issac. It is where my Savior and YOURS poured out His precious blood to give atonement for each human who wants eternal life. It is where the Holy Spirit first poured out His gifts to keep man moving forward toward the cross and eternal life until Christ’s return. This land is more than words….it is a living history. You will feel like you are walking through a time warp when you enter certain places. The foods you will eat, smells you will smell and sights you will see can transport you to a life that you have only ever read about.

Beautiful Gate

Eastern Gate

You will experience a varied set of emotions and I will guarantee you will never open a Bible and think the same EVER again…

ITINERARY

Day -1 Mon, April 8th – Travel Day

Day-2, Tues, April 9th  – Arrive Tel Aviv

Mediterranean at Netanya

Mediterranean Sea

Morning arrival.  Meet and greet at the airport.  Board bus and travel with your guide to the Port City of Jaffa on the Mediterranean for a short visit.  Travel along the way of the Sea of Netanya. Rest of the day at leisure to relax and stroll along the beach.  Welcome dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Netanya. (Ramada Netanya or similar)

Day-3, Wed, April 10th   – Sea of GalileeCaesarea, Israel

Breakfast.  Travel along the Mediterranean coast to Caesarea to explore the excavations of the ancient Roman port. Travel to the village life in Jesus Days Muhraqa, which commemorates the battle of Elijah on Mt. Carmel.  View the Jezreel Valley and visit Megiddo, the side where the final battle of Armageddon is to take place.  End the day at the home town of Jesus, Nazareth, to enjoy a visit at the reconstructed Nazareth Village and to the wedding church at Cana. Dinner and overnight at the Sea of Galilee.  (Ron Beach or similar)

Day-4, Thu, April 11th   – Golan Heights

Breakfast.  Start the day at Safed.  Time for lunch. Visit Tel Dan Nature Reserve.  Visit the Banias, the site of ancient Caesarea Philippi and the Banias Falls.   Nimrod’s Fortress in the Golan Heights area. If time permits, end the day with a view of the area from the Shalom Lookout, in the Southern Golan. Dinner and overnight at the Sea of Galilee.

Israel 2018 - Trina

Nimrod Fortress

Day 5, Friday, April 12th   – Sea of Galilee

Breakfast.  Enjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee with music and worship.  Visit the ancient Boat Museum at Kibbutz Ginosar. Visit Capernaum to see the remains of Peter’s house and where Jesus chose to center his ministry.  Ascent the Mt. of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount (reserved meeting point). Stop at the 7 Springs on the shore of the Sea of Galilee by Tabgha, site of the miracle of the fish and loaves. Visit the newly excavated site of Magdala. End the day with a visit to the Yardenit baptism site. Dinner and overnight at the Sea of Galilee.

Jordan Baptize

Noah baptized in the Jordan

Day-6, Sat, April 13th   – Jordan Valley-Jerusalem

Bet She'an

Beit She’an, Israel

Breakfast.  Visit the excavations of the Roman city of Beit She’an.  Travel south along the Jordan Valley with an optional stop at Kaser El Yehud Baptism site and a view of Mt. Temptation at Jericho.  Ascend to Jerusalem via the Judean Wilderness (Wadi Kelt) like pilgrims have been doing for centuries. Shabbat Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.  (Dan Boutique or Panorama Hotel)

Jerusalem, Israel

Sun setting over Jerusalem

Day -7, Sun, April 14th  – Jerusalem

Temple Mount - Jerusalem

Temple Mount

Breakfast.  Start the morning with a visit to the Temple Mount (security permitting).  Stroll through the city alleys and colorful markets, as we walk along the “Way of the Cross” from St. Stephen’s Gate, the Pool of Bethesda to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.  Then we will visit the City of David and see the 3D movie and the Davidson Center to see the Southern Wall Steps. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem

Day – 8, Monday, April 15th  – Dead Sea

Dead Sea, Ein Gedi Region

Dead Sea

Breakfast.  Start the day with a visit to Genesis Land for a short camel ride and hospitality in Abraham’s Tent.  Then travel down to the Dead Sea, the lowest area in the world. Enjoy a short hike to David’s waterfall at Ein Gedi Oasis. 

Sunrise Dead Sea

Sunrise – Trina at the Dead Sea

Visit Qumran (with movie) where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered and shop for Dead Sea products.  Enjoy a dip in the salt mineral waters of the Dead Sea. After dinner at the hotel, we will visit the Western Wall and Western Tunnel. Overnight in Jerusalem.

Day-9, Tuesday, April 16th    – Jerusalem

Garden Tomb

THE GARDEN TOMB – JERUSALEM, ISRAEL NOVEMBER 2017

Tour and communion at the Garden Tomb.  Drive through Government Hill and view the Menorah at the Knesset, Friends of Zion Museum.  On to the Israel Museum to see the Model of the First Century Jerusalem and the Scroll of the Book, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are displayed.  Machane Yehuda Market in the afternoon. (Must sign up for the market). Dinner and Overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 10, Wednesday, April 17th –   Jerusalem

Ascent the Mt. of Olives.  Visit Dominus Flevit Church and walk down the Palm Sunday path to the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations for prayer in the Garden.  Continue to Mt. Zion to see the Upper Room and King David’s Tomb. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem

King David Statue

Noah next to statue of King David

Day 11, Thurs, April 18th     – Tel Aviv/Departure.

Begin the day at the Yad Vashein Holocaust Memorial and travel to the Valley of Elah, site of the Battle of David and Goliath and see the 911 Memorial. Farewell dinner.  In the evening, transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Jaffa, Israel

Jaffa Port Mediterranean

April 19th –  Departure 00:30am.

Just do it!

I dare you to do this. There’s never a better time than the present – it is a gift and we never know when we will be required to give that gift away and NEVER get it back. Failed health, circumstances, money, children, jobs, yada-yada-yada – excuses are cheap / free; but they truly can cost you the most…. a life time of I wish I had’s.

Don’t forget to get registered TODAY!

Israel Registration Form April 2019

After traveling to Israel, I know that I was brought to this land to share the secrets that it holds with other children of the gospel. You need to come experience the things it holds for you and YOU can go share it with the world!!!!

Lean In and Lean on Him to make this trip of a life time with us!

Shalom & Rhaposdyville Livin,

Trina

Check out my previous post on my trip to Israel.

Day 4 – Israel – Redneck Rhapsody Travel Girl- Rhapsodyville Style

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Conquering the N. Galilee Region

Victory for the North Galilee Region!

Time to Move

On the Road again!

Bags are packed and I am going for a little detour as I wind my way towards Jerusalem. I went to visit the ancient tombs in Bet She’arim. A very important Jewish Rabbi – Yehuda Hanassi was buried here. He was the head of the Sanhedrin. He was buried long ago (220CE). Many Jews from all around the world have chosen to have their bodies sent here for burial, also.

Israel - Trina

Bet She’arim

Such beauty in Solitude

Israel - Trina

Tomb doors are massive.

These tombs were carved into the mountain side that are actually caves that have tombs in them. The catacombs hold many beautiful limestone sarcophagi. The huge stone and hinge doors hold more than their share of stories. Would love to know some of them.

 

Israel - Trina

I am FOR CERTAIN that I would NOT want to be in any of these after dark. Catacombs were quite dark in the broad daylight, especially when you wandered far enough back in them. I kept waiting for someone to jump out and scream… OR creep up behind me and tap me on the shoulder…..yep, you guessed it, I would SCREAM and probably need to change my shorts!!!!

Blessed with helpful souls

Israel - Trina

Nicest park lady ever! Spoke almost NO English…

Met a wonderful lady that helped me get my park pass ( that I would have already paid for if I’d bought it on my FIRST day….) If you are traveling Israel on your own and going to be in the National Parks & Reserves BUY a multi-park pass that will meet your needs. Yes, it will save you money if you plan on going to more than 3.

The things you can see in a cemetery…

As I went to leave, there were a couple of wedding parties that were arriving to have their pictures in the park. Yes, a little strange to see wedding pictures being made in a cemetery, but it was a beautiful location. Was interesting to see how their cars were adorned for the occasion compared to cars in America.

Israel - Trina

Who would have thunk it?

Now, my new nest for a few days

Israel - Trina

AirBnB – for $$$ off your first stay Airbnb.com/c/trinaw1880

This would be my 3rd of the 4 different AirBnB’s that I would be staying in. I was in Jerusalem for 5 night’s. My gracious host were Mark & Kim Weiss. They have a lovely home that was set up perfect for me. Although it wasn’t easy for my maps to get me there the first time, I did make it. It was in a fantastic location for having means to get around. One and half blocks from city buses. A few blocks from First Station (more about this in a sec). I had the downstairs at their place all to myself, so it made for a great place of peace to rest at the end of long days.

Israel - Trina

Yum!!!

I inquired about where to grab dinner and they said, “Go to First Station.” It wasn’t but about 2 blocks up and about 8 or so down. Love this place. A good variety of restaurants. All looked to have an excellent selection of food. There was a market, art gallery, small area of carnival type games, live performances which varied all the way from singers to music and dance. This became my go to spot to find what I would need the next few days. All the way from food to parking (more on that next post😜).

Other than spending 45 minutes driving in probably about a 5 mile radius, trying to actually get on the road I needed to be on, this day proved to be quite mild. Which wasn’t a bad thing…

Working on tour packages for Spring 2019! Let me know if you want more info! trina@redneckrhapsody.com

Make sure you are signed up for my emails so you can follow the rest of this trip. I will be posting in the future from our Fall 2017 tour of Israel. Catch up with Day 1, Day 2 & Day 3 – Israel 2018

Maybe it’s your time to “lean in & travel to Israel!”

Trina

Wednesday Word – Introduction To Holy Spirit

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Introduction To Holy Spirit ~

The Faith Connection

Introduction To Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit up close and personal.

My Wednesday Word is coming from me recently starting a new study of the Holy Spirit.

Introduction To Holy Spirit ~ The Faith Connection by Dr. Betty Gilliam, pastor of Faith Christian Center in Jacksonville, AR,  is a book that I “tried” to begin reading while on my journey in Israel. Think I may have got one of the very first autographed copies of it. I really did try to read it. I got through the intro and had to reread it. Thinking that the first chapter would be clearer and easier to understand….well that’s what I get for thinking. I pulled out the work book pages that accompany it hoping it would pull more clarity out of the depths, yeah no such luck. But what did happen is the Holy Spirit laid it on my heart to sow that book into a friend’s life in Israel. This makes it an official international book, fo sho!

Always Be Learning

I have read and studied the Bible my whole life, so this book was definitely going to teach me a few things (jk, A LOT)!

  1. I’ve got a WHOLE LOT more to learn.
  2. A trip was not the place to start a Biblical college education.
  3. I would have to go into this paperback with a serious amount of prayer!
  4. That the relationship that I have with the Holy Spirit is more than I have truly ever given attention to.
  5. This will make me a much better child of the King.
  6. Everyone can stand to learn more about the Holy Spirit
  7. Concentration is necessary for this word to be digested properly.

Home and Growing

I decided I would dive into this when I got back home. Which I have done. It takes me about 4-5 times of reading each segment in each chapter to let this seep into every fiber of my being. I am also answering my questions in the study guide as I go. It is slow going, but I feel that what I am gaining, gleaning and preparing to be able to pour out from this…it is SO worth it.

Lesson Connection

Directly from the book…“Too often, people are not aware that Jesus provided full redemption which includes not only provision for our spirit being born again, but also provision for our bodies and souls which includes our minds, wills, emotions, and passions.” This really hit home. When the Holy Spirit is accepted to indwell us; He is actually a partner for not just our spiritual battles, but He can take on our soul & physical body fights, too. I’m not sure why this struck me like it did, but it was a light bulb moment for me.

Recognition

I’ve known Dr. Betty Gilliam for most of my life. Grew up, went to school, and had sleep overs with her girls. She is an amazing woman of God and I am thankful for all she does for the Kingdom. I am glad that she values growing His kingdom by sharing her knowledge. This incredible teacher and mentor has sunk her wisdom into the pages of this book and guide. It will challenge you, but is so worth it!

My 2 cents:

When God’s people stop comparing and fearing church, denomination, and being “religious” we may have a shot of sharing His kingdom principles with the lost. Introducing children to their Daddy, by way of salvation through King Jesus, is the main goal we should have as heirs to the thrown. Yes, we keep our relationship with the Lord first, but second are all others. Therefore, no matter which pew (chair) you warm, whether it’s Saturday evening or Sunday morning, early traditional / later contemporary service, or which kingdom preaching church you attend – JUST GO. Find the place where the Holy Spirit is leading you. Seek the word of God. If you aren’t thriving where you are, being fertilized and watered, for your soul’s sake go where you can be. BUT don’t pull up roots for wrong reasons. The spirit of offense is one of the most destructive tools that the devil is currently ripping the world, America, families, churches, congregations, and Christians in general apart with.

Great people of God

I am so fortunate that I have been blessed to have some of the most amazing teachers pour into me. I will NOT start naming names, but if they have ever spoke at The Bridge Church in Cabot, AR, I want to thank them.

Dr. Betty you are a light in darkness, never let it be dimmed by anxiety of what God’s up to. Pastor Steve McCuin… no words brother – just tears of gratefulness.

I am such a lucky & blessed little girl to have a Father who created the universe and all that’s in it. A brother who’s a King – that died for me and intercedes on my behalf with the Father. They 💗 LOVE 💗 me so MUCH, that they gave me great people who fill my cup…even when it taste like bad medicine. I know I’m loved.

Continuing to Lean In

Trina

*The title above has the link to order If interested.

Day 2 – Israel – Rhapsodyville

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Sunrise

Israel 2018

Rooftop Sunrise Korazim

I should say Shabbat Shalom – I woke up in Korazim / Corazim / Chorazim (yes, it is spelled all 3 ways) (pronounced – Korzeem – I say it wrong everytime🙄), really early. Time difference still catching my tailwinds, LOL. My little studio apartment that has a walk out onto the roof has an excellent view of the very north edge of the Sea of Galilee. You can see the Golan Heights to the east, too. I was hoping for some amazing sunrise pictures, but it was quite hazy. I gave it a go anyway. Had fun with trying to get it, not often I get to romp around on a rooftop ledge… Pictures weren’t what I hoped for but they weren’t awful either. It was a beautiful morning, just not the sunrise shots I was able to get in November.

Israel - 2018 - Trina

Sunrise shots

Israel - 2018 - Trina

Sunrise North

Yoga My Way

Did get a good rooftop yoga work out in before I ventured out for the day. Love doing yoga outside, this was new for me. Might have to do more of this.

Safed / Tzfat

Israel - 2018 - Trina

She made my day! Free parking & good directions.

I had decided to go to a place I had not previously visited. Safed or Tzfat – YES, same place, totally different spellings…. EVEN ON THE SIGNS, not just on the GPA… After I missed the first exit, I was completely guessing on the second one. Needless to say, it was just another small way that I was better off. It landed me on the old side of town, exactly where I wanted to be! I was concerned about parking, but ended up in a gravel parking lot which wasn’t marked. Luckily, a beautiful woman that lived in a house nearby was bring out her trash. She gave me permission to leave my car here @ no charge. She gave me directions to the part of town I was wanting to go. I happened to be only about a two block walk from there. (What I didn’t know at this time is how blessed I was… When I went to leave the town after reprogramming my GPS it took me out the way I was SUPPOSE to have come. It took me like 45 minutes to get through the new side of town and traffic. I would have missed most of the shops, as they would have been closed before I could get to them. Isn’t it funny how when we let go and let God, things sometimes turn out just as they should even when we believe we were doing it all wrong……..)

Friday = Shabbat

It was Friday, so there that means Shabbat. Shabbat is the Jews Sabbath. It is still observed by most everyone and everywhere in Israel. Which means between noon and two o’clock almost everything closes until sundown on Saturday. The lady of the house begins cooking early in the morning preparing the family’s meal, which can include extended family and friends. So, I was really glad I made it there by 10:00 am. I figured a couple of hours would be enough. Well, it was, but I could have spent an entire day in this charming ancient city.

Israel - 2018 - Trina

This city in one of the four element cities in ancient Jewish tradition. Safed is the city of wind. – This was told to me by one of the locals. Wikapedia – Since the 16th century, Safed has been considered one of Judaism‘s Four Holy Cities, along with Jerusalem, Hebron and Tiberias; since that time, the city has remained a center of Kabbalah and Jewish mysticism.

Everywhere I turned there were neat art galleries, handmade items, specialty shops, and local made delights. Cheese shop, jewelry, wineries, fresh food made to order right in front of you. Artist of all types.

Israel - 2018 - Trina

Specialized Tallit’s

OK, forget a day – I literally could have spent a week in just this place and been happy. Probably was a really good thing that they were closing early, because I didn’t make it to near all of them. The good Lord knew I didn’t have all the money that I wanted to spend. I made Him a deal about this trip. If I was taking it for the learning experience and seeking Him, that I would NOT spend, except on necessities. Like FOOD….

Israel - 2018 - Trina

Brunch in Safed – Yemen style. Two crazy, fun boys who were a pleasure to watch and have cook for me!

Well, it was totally necessary that I try at least one new experience that I have never had before. I bought 1 bottle of Ancient Safed Winery – Cabernet Sauvignon. I now have at least one new like!😍  I savored it, took me a week to drink the whole bottle. I didn’t bring the bottle back, but managed to get the label off and am trying to decide how I want to preserve it.

To put it mildly I 💗 this place! I could actually live in this town. BUT… I am finding out that there are many cities that I could absolutely live in Israel. The more that I visit, the more that get added to my list.

I headed back to my temporary home base mid afternoon. The sky’s were clear, I put tunes on and just enjoyed the drive. Decided I would camp out for some rays on the rooftop when I arrived.

Israel- 2018- Trina

Burger & fries

Thought I might actually get a real meal for dinner, since it had been about 3 days since I had meat. Vered HaGalil was referred to me from a local. It did not let me down. They had amazing looking steaks, but I opted for the all American burger & fries. It was less than 5 minutes from where I was staying.

 

Israel- 2018- Trina

Vered HaGalil – Restaurant

 

 

 

If you see horses in any of the pictures of my stay here, it was their’s. Their ranch backed up to the house I was in, so I was privileged enough to watch them eat & play from the rooftop view (pictured above).

 

 

Shabbat Shalom

After that meal I had no desire to just sleep on it. It was still light, so I thought I would go for a walk and get a few more pictures. This place is truly beautiful. I wonder how this community would have fared if they had turned from their ways when Christ tried to teach them about the Kingdom of heaven….

Israel - 2018 - Trina

“LOTS” of lantana – luv!

Israel - 2018 - Trina

Yahweh’s handy work

Israel - 2018 - Trina

Yahweh’s color pallet amazes me…

This country truly rules my heart and owns my soul….. Shabbat Shalom

Leaning in as much as possible…. it is wear I wish to be,

Trina

Fearless Friday – 2018 Graduate

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Noah

SR pic – 2018 Photo by Jacob DeNomie

Sonsational 2018 Graduate

Noah

Now & Then

Sonsational – Noah Welch

I cannot begin to tell you what these last 18 years have been like! I have enjoyed this boy / young man to the utmost. I am so incredibly proud of the all that he has done. He graduated with honors and extra bling for achieving four years in the engineering program, as well as, other school programs. He presented Mr. Daughety with a Life Impact award, which melted his momma’s heart.

Line 89

Since Amber graduated in 2005, there has been a tradition of the parents, friends and other schools lining the main highway to take the seniors to Verizon Arena the morning of graduation for practice. So we made our signs and took our place along the line and waited on ALL 15 buses loaded with seniors…693 were in the program to receive their diplomas.

Sonsational – Ready, Set…GO

Noah - 2018

HOTTIE!!!!

He is so handsome. Yes, I am 1000% prejudice. Whoever the girl is that actually share’s his heart with his momma one day sure will be a lucky, blessed young woman. She will be getting the whole package – smart, sensitive, caring, Christian, conservative, funny and….handsome (oops, I already said that)!!!!

Emotional Rollercoaster

Noah - 2018

LOVE…

I have laughed / cried / sniffled / giggled / teared up more than I can count – but thank goodness no ugly crying! I was really afraid that, that was going to show up, but I think I’m storing that one up for the day I will leave him at the dorm and drive away (makes me tear up just thinking about that one).

The 2 ½ hour ceremony

Yep, it takes that long to graduate 693 students! Two salutatorians, one valedictorian…throw in a pledge, anthem, couple of prayers, and alma mater….just under TWO and a HALF hours. W’s are always close to last…. So no leaving early (wouldn’t do it even if his last name started with an A)! Definitely proud of this boy and this moment for him to shine, all of these students deserve the time they’ve worked for on this night.

Food PLEASE!

Afterwards we hit Old Chicago with about 5 grads and plenty of friends and family in tow. They did a great job juggling all the different arrivals and multiple separate tickets. Full tummies, happy peeps, tired parents. Took a minute to unwind from the emotions of the day, I think the clock said 2am when I turned off the TV.

4 parties in a row

10:45 am Party #1 – Birthday for a busy 2 year old. Our great nephew is a big ball of fun! Thankful to visit with some of our extended out of town crew, my brother and his family.

#2  – Graduation party for Isiah – Looonnnngggg time friend of Noah’s. So very proud of this young man and all of his accomplishments. I can’t wait to see what all he does in the next few years.

#3 – Graduation party for Sierra – We go to church with Miss Sierra. She is a beautiful young lady with a bright future at the U of A. She is a delight and so stinking smart.

#4 – Graduation party for Adam – Adam is one of Noah’s best bud’s for the past few years. He is going the route of reserves then heading back for his education starting spring semester. He will definitely be an asset for our country to have him serving. His journey won’t be easy and we will keep him in our prayers. But, as far as that goes I will keep all of these children in my prayers.

Last show of honor for the graduates

Noah - 2018

Youth Grads @ the Bridge Church in Cabot

Our church recognized all of our seniors with our youth pastor presenting them with a book. VIP: How to Influence with Vision, Integrity, and Purpose by O. S. Hawkins . I hope they all invest the time in themselves and actually read it. Motivational reading can change a life forever!!! And your level of positive motivational reading is followed by the level of income, usually. The more you deposit into your own bank of self worth, you add value to your real estate investment that resides between your to ears and exists as gray matter. The more valuable you are the more you are paid. $$$$ follows the worth of self! My home church where we started Noah off at in life also recognized him with a beautiful Bible. He’s a lucky young man, who is loved by many people.

Downhill slide

We invited some friends over for an afternoon of chill time. Their daughter was the Valedictorian of CHS Class of 2018. Their plate has been a lot more full than ours with all the college visit and applications that they worked on, so we all need some real R&R!

Thank you to all who have had kind words, sent cards, prayed, hauled, helped, and endured just this post or any of the past 18 years that have went into the making of this moment. I would be remiss to not mention the teachers and faculty of Cabot Public Schools their days are long and sometimes very difficult. I have watched them pray, feed, and even unfortunately fight with, as well as, for these young people. They just want to get them to where we arrived at this weekend…Graduated! Lord bless them and keep them protected and give them many, many more years!

Day 1 – Israel – Rhapsodyville

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Israel 2018 - Trina

Zippori / Tzipori NP

14 Days / Israel – Makes my Heart BEAT!

I know I haven’t even blogged about my first trip to Israel, but with just finishing my second one, and it being a 14 day stint, I feel that I want to share this piece of rhapsodyville while it’s fresh. This trip just developed quickly and with being a “travel” blogger….I needed to do some REAL travel, so I pulled the trigger (key strokes -reserved rooms, car & plane tickets) and hit the tarmac. This was my first trip out of the country by myself. I rented a car, stayed AirBnB’s, and mapped out where I would visit, what I would see & do all by myself (well, I must give credit to a friend who is a guide and lives in Israel: Harrison – thank you for all your advice and tips – *especially highway signs, speed limits and such*).

Day 1

Israel - 2018 TrinaMy first day started in Ra’Annana. It is located just outside of Tel Aviv. From there I went north. The drive was awesome. Beautiful scenery, windows down, tunes jamming (yes, I carried my own speaker and used my Itunes), the wonderful smell of spring made me feel alive. I am a fan of The Watchman CUFI – TBN. Some of the places I chose to visit were places with history that may have been featured on that program. Others I returned to after my first visit, friend’s suggestions or just the Lord leading me. I had no time clock, this is what made this trip so amazing. I could leave as quick as I arrived or stay along as it was open.

 

National Park #1Nature and Parks Authority

Zippori National Park**  or Tzipori (yep, yet another BIG difference NAMES of the CITIES can and OFTEN do change…js) was on the agenda for the day. It is on a hill in the western Lower Galilee region. It has the remains of a magnificent city and is still a current archaeology dig site with new things being discovered all the time.

It includes ancient streets, public buildings, dwellings, a theater, bathhouses, churches, a synagogue, central market all mainly dating to Roman and Byzantine period. There are beautiful mosaics contained in some of the main structures.

 

The land surrounding it was beautiful farms; produce and cattle. The day became quite warm quickly. It appeared that I was going to have warm weather for the entirety of my trip. I love warm, so no worries!

Rhapsodyville – 2nd home for a 4 day stay

After wrapping things up there I headed to the Upper Galilee region to Korazim. This would be home for the next few days. I arrived mid afternoon. Upon unloading my last bag, the first drop of rain splattered.

Israel, much like Arkansas can have some serious afternoon “heat” storms. The shutters of the room I was in almost blew off. They had to be zip tied. Yep, zip ties, much like duct tape and super glue they ALL can make MANY problems go away and are the answer to SO MANY issues!

Israel - 2018 Trina

Glad I wasn’t out in it! Photo creds to Harrison

*There will be a post dedicated solely to the details of “IF YOU RENT A CAR IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY aka Israel” maps, roads – streets, laws, ect…. YEP, it was part of what made my trip all that it was!*

**I did not figure out until after I paid for my entrance at the 4th national park that you can get a two week pass for multiple parks for a discount price. If you have a friend with an address that will receive your card for you, there’s a 1 year pass, but it has to be mailed to an Israel address. I have a card on it’s way and am now friends with a park employee who liked me enough and is sending it to me! Blessed. God sent me people who took care of me everywhere I went. He loves on me WAY more than I deserve.

Israel 2018 - Trina

Zippori NP

Rhapsodyville to come – NEXT PLEASE…

Now, I have to figure out where I’m going next. How quick can I make it happen and I’m not sure that it won’t be traveling from Israel. After my second time around, my hope was to get it out of my system instead I feel that it just became rooted deeper into my veins. I am so in love with Israel. I cried as I left Jerusalem and for the next four days just thinking about leaving. For those that know me, NOT a CRIER!!! Times when I should cry, like funerals, I can’t – start talking about this place and I tear up. FOR the LOVE, it must be God, cause I don’t weep…. There are truly no words that can adequately describe just how or what I feel there. It oozes history and faith. Both of which I love and garner a special relationship with. I feel so drawn that I may have an address change….

 

Fearless Friday – Greer

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Never still

Greer & GO

If Greer appears then it’s definitely go time. She is like the energizer bunny, except faster! She loves water, therefore all the grandparents that keep her, have pools stay on high alert. We have just about become automatic with keeping a life vest handy, if she goes out to play. Swim lessons are in the near future…I hope, because when it comes to water for her to find and get in  – there is no STOP or FEAR!

Mother’s Day

Since this weekend is Mother’s day I had to give the fearlessness of this sweet girl my focus. Who knew that when I chose to give life to her mother, which made me a mother that I would have the good fortune to have this beautiful, fearless little human in my sphere. She blesses and busies me in more ways than I can possibly count. My hats off to the women who want to become moms late in life, because the few hours that I do have her and have to keep pace with her….

Sleeping angel

I cannot even begin to wrap my mind around having her full time. Her mother amazes me at keeping a full time job, regular work out schedule and taking such good care of her home & family. I see Amber’s fierce heart and liveliness shine through Greer. They GO until they literally drop.

My Precious Momma

With all that being said, there is a source in which the root of all this “girl’s with fearless grits” come from and that is my momma, Jettie. She has stood strong, tall and been the foundation that has made me all that I am. I do believe the dancing DNA has not missed a girl in our bloodline yet. She has taught Sunday school since before I was born. There is not even a thought about whether we know Jesus or not. She loves with all that she is and makes us all proud to tell anyone who “my momma” is. I have never, ever met anyone who knows her and doesn’t have something nice to say about her. She is, and always will be the most fierce & fearless girl in our tribe! She has passed her love of shoes, sugar and how to cook on to us.

My Mommie

Mary Ross

I would be remiss to say that a whole lot of that followed from the DNA of her mother, Mary Ross. My Mommie! She was the best cook EVER! Her hands were ALWAYS warm and her heart was bigger than the sky. She loved her brood and always took care of us. She is loved and missed all the time. There is no doubt that I believe she met Greer before we did, and I’m sure she told her to give her momma and me a run for our money. Keeping up with us sure gave her one. It would not surprise me one bit, if before Greer left to meet us, that my Mommie sent her off with this verse to serve her well while on this earth:

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works and that my soul knows very well. Psalms 139:14 

Fearless Women

Words that all of us in this Fearless group of gals have put to good use! He sure has blessed me more than I deserve; from my past generations to the ones to come… ones that I will never meet, may they all be Fearless, Faithful and Lean In for the ride…  Trina

Noah's SR Prom

Israel…Here I Go!!! Fearless Friday

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Israel…Here I Go!

Trina - Israel Spring 2018

Headed to the airport!

So, Israel is where I’m headed. First time for an out of the country adventure by myself. Much to some’s dismay, I’m am over the moon about this heartfelt God lead journey. I cried when I left in November, because there’s is just something about this place. There are truly no words that I can say or tell you about what it feels like to smell the air, feel the dirt beneath your feet, walk up ancient hand chiseled steps, watch the sun rise over the Sea of Galilee (even on hazy days), to interact with the people….YOU just gotta get here. God is a feeling, a knowing, where believing is set forth be faith and not by sight. This is His chosen piece of real estate where He has done ALL of His major business. Almost EVERY religion started from here and if your book reads like mine – this is where it all gets wrapped up with a big ole’ bow on top with King Jesus sitting on a throne for a 1000 years in Jerusalem. This is why you get here. I believe that the dirt where the Temple Mount is is the same dirt where He drew up man and breathed life into humans. This is the very place where we came into being. Please if you never read another word of this just know you want to come to Israel. Don’t put it off for one of those “one day trips” it should be how soon can I go. You will never be the same. BTW you DO want to come your first time, at least with a group and have a guide. I will be back with a group, again November 2018. I am working on bringing groups, too April 2019.

Trina - Israel Spring 2018

DO NOT paint your nails on the way to the airport.

To Lug or NOT to Lug….

Trina - Israel Spring 2018

LUG is right!

The one minus about traveling alone is hauling ALL your luggage EVERYWHERE…. Yep, to get food, bathroom, load the cart at baggage claim, get it to the rental car, load it, get to room unload, carry up stairs…..ugh. You get my point. Less is really best when by yourself. Got totally blessed two ahead of me went to board in Little rock and they were asked if they would allow for their carry on to be checked to their FINAL destination, I quickly volunteered. Only problem was I now had to “lug” my heavy back back instead of it being roll-able… So, this has been a lesson learned. I will just have pictures with the same outfits on my next journey.

Trina - Israel Spring 2018

TD Israel

Rental Car Fun (more on this to follow…)

Great journey so far! First “all by myself” rental car & driving in a foreign country….way different than US, js! You have to enter a code in a little panel beside the steering wheel EVERY time you go to start the car. Pain in the butt! They give you a paper that has previous renters damage on the car, so that should tell you there are issues with the drivers here. I looked at the 5 or so in line on the way to mine, they ALL had some form of body damage to the vehicle. Fingers cross & saying prayers that I won’t add any to my vehicle or to anyone else’s. Tried programming the car GPS for English… All the statements and questions are in English, but the street names and after you type in your destination, still Hebrew. I’m working on learning the Hebrew alphabet, but A LETTER at a time is a whole different level than words. Speaking some of the language is much easier, even though it sounds SO WRONG with a deep southern drawl, than reading and writing. The Hebrew language lesson is for another post on a different day! Have to applaud my maps on the Iphone she took me right to my first night Airbnb -. Another

Trina - Israel Spring 2018

Room for the night

new and interesting experience. Host is a great older gentlemen. But he keeps house like one too…How’s your 70 something Gramp’s skill in the scrubbing bubbles department? Getting ready to hit the hay tomorrow should be a great day. It’s been a long…36ish hours.

Meeting People

I did have a few interesting conversations today. I told the Lord that I wanted to meet real people and get their stories. First encounter that proved a trip (no pun intended) was a young man who looked very “Tel Aviv” hip. His backpack had come unzipped and he was surrounded by people waiting to board the plane for Israel and there was a gentleman telling about who Christ was. I was close enough to hear it all and the young man was respectful, but I never got a read that the man made a difference. I kept waiting for someone to tell him his stuff was going to fall out, and yes his passport was in it. They let him start to walk off and still said nothing….this was at least a 5 – 10 minute situation. I went over before he got far and let him know it was open. He was so grateful. New friend! He is living in America now, after a work accident in Israel almost took his life. He had to come back for health issues for a bit. He still has partial paralyzation in the right side of his face, which causes him speech issues still. He was left with scarring from the trach and other places on his head. But he should have died, so he &  his parents are thankful he’s this great. I told him that I would continue to pray for his complete healing. After asking the purpose of my visit he gave me favorite foods that are must tries, and places to go. What was my take away was that he told me he could see I was real and that he hoped I gleaned from my experience here. I pray that he was left with an authentic impression of exactly what a Christ like christian would do. Not that I get it right all the time, but I think I did at this moment.

My left side seat mate for 10 hours was from Tel Aviv. She was lovely to have  “next door” she slept most of the time. When we did visit I found out that she is in the Israeli Army & the mom of 3: 6, 8 & 12. I thanked her for defending this land. She looked a little startled. I am grateful to soldiers, especially here. They are part of God’s army defending the apple of His eye. She gave me great tips of where to shop in Tel Aviv.

Next young man was hanging out in the rental car line for like 45 minutes with me. He has dual citizenship. He attended college in NYC, NY and works there, but returns here often. He was actually returning to serve his time in the military. Not sure how that is settling in from the look on his face but he said he was good with it. He looked to be late 20’s, early 30’s I can only assume that this is interrupting his “life” that he has built after school for himself. I told him I would pray for  his safety and drove away in my rental!

I love to get peoples stories and am so thankful that God is giving me the avenue to share a few of those with you, so join me as I surround these 3 young people for protection, prosperity and longevity!

Internet has been a little up & down as well as me with the 8 hour time flip, so yep your getting a Fearless Friday on a Special Holy Land Sunday!

Lean In, embrace the experience!

Trina

Fearless Friday… Didn’t happen till Saturday!!! SR. Prom

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Noah's SR. Prom

Handsome!

SR. PROM

Sr. Prom is finally here. Where has the time went? The reason I picked this to be “fearless” is because not only is my “sonsational” being brave and going without a date, but he is also wearing his own tux, that is not the norm.

Noah's SR Prom

Hottie….Prejudice…

Be Brave – Prom Can Be Scary

Every time I worry about him going off out into this great big world; I have to remember how brave he is to stick to his true self. There are so many things that are not the norm in our culture; we are fast becoming a society that just goes with the flow. I love that he chooses to walk in the opposite direction most of the time. Makes me proud that he wants to stand strong for what he believes.

Prom Prep

There are always those last minute details. Hems to be shortened, shirts to be pressed, shoes to be polished and boutonniere to be made. YES, we are that rock your own way family. Noah picked out and purchased his tux last year. He tried it on earlier this week and we discovered that it had a raw hem and needed about 3″ taken off. I am so lucky that Mrs. Allred and Jettie did a good job putting a little sewing skills in this gray matter of mess that actually stuck. His dad had the tie and cummerbund. We picked him up a new shirt. He likes his shoes that are broke in, so they got a good polish.

The Boutonniere

Noah's SR Prom

Picked out by Noah, Paid by Mamaw and made by Aunt Patsy!

 

Noah’s Aunt Patsy (Great Aunt)……..LOVES NOAH!!! He can sweet talk her into just about anything. So, she is our “built in” family florist. He called her and asked for a personally made bout. She came over all the way from Clinton, AR just to take him to the florist let him hand pick what flowers he wanted in it and made him a one of a kind boutonniere. It is gorgeous! We are so blessed to have her for all our special occasions. He’s super spoiled!

 

Noah's SR Prom

Bobby, Noah, Wayne & Noah

Pictures with the Family

He’s not overly thrilled with “lot’s” of pictures. We are hopefully going to have fun and he will decide to be enthused or at least accommodating, to say the least. We are hauling out all the grand’s, siblings and niece. Oh, and the parent’s, at least the crazy momma. I can’t believe he’s almost ready to graduate…. I’m not gonna cry, I’m not gonna cry…..I’m gonna try not to cry……

Noah's SR Prom

Noah's SR Prom

3 Generations – Trina, Jettie , Noah

After Prom Party

They are doing a nice after prom party in the athletic building at the school. It is great that they are making it available to all the student’s, even if they didn’t attend prom. He isn’t much of a driver, yet. but we are choosing to leave him in town with his car tonight, so he can come home when he is ready.

Noah's SR Prom

My Heartbeat’s

Empty Nest

Please bear with me, this empty nest situation is REAL. So real that I already feel it in my bones. I promise I will be a big little woman and let him become and amazing, independent young man, but I’m going to share with all y’all it’s going to take some serious adjustment and I will MISS him more than words can say.

I am Leaning In….He’ll be gone too soon!

Trina

Fearless Friday

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Filming For God’s Not Dead: A Light in Darkness

AR Filming

Trina, Summer & Sydney

Back in September Noah & I caught a post about the God’s Not Dead movie that was going to be filming in Arkansas. We thought what the heck, do something different …you just never know. We took headshots, printed the parts that we thought might fitus and went to Little Rock one Saturday morning.

The Line & The Wait

Now to stand in line for about 3 hours; all to find out after we filled out paperwork that Noah was 2 months shy of being 18. It would do no good for him to read. I really didn’t care much about doing it after finding that out, but we stayed the course and read the lines – or made them up. Me that is, HA HA HA! I have not read a memorized script since Up the Down Staircase in high school. I am a total fly by the seat of my pants girl. Improv all the way babe. So that lead balloon sunk FAST!!!

Calling All Extra’s

In Between Takes

Summer & Trina – In Between Takes

I received a phone call and email to see if I would be willing to be an extra. They were looking for people with colored hair. It just so happened that I was rocking platinum blonde with blue in it with a really great Asymmetrical cut, thanks to my terrific stylist and best sister ever, Connie Hanusowski.

First Day Filming

We had to be there by 6:00 am on a Saturday, ugh…. They did a once over of our clothes. They wanted NO print, NO real color and only certain styles. We were hold up in the courtroom until around 8:30 am. We were given signs to protest outside the police station and told we were either for the church or for the state. They filmed us chanting and yelling for about 45 minutes. We came back in and those of us who brought a shirt or five shared with others to change up our look. We then got the once over again from the wardrobe girls waited around till about 11:00 am. We hit the protest pavement again for about an hour and a half, then went home. WOOHOO – sunburnt slightly and SUPER HUNGRY and THIRSTY…. Why does anyone want to be an extra???

Director, David R White, Ted McGinty

Director at work

Filming For Hours – a few weeks later

Ted McGinty - Like take 25

Late night lines…

Got to the set about 1:00 pm filmed for about 10 hours off and on and in several different outfits. Wayne arrived from the airport to meet me and ended up getting cast for the next scene in sitting in church with me. YES, if you will look for us on in the pews on the right side about the 4th row back, when David R. White is introducing his friend as a new pastor, you can catch a quick glimpse of us.

Final Day…NIGHT

Extra's Picketing

Hello 3am

The very last night that the movie was being filmed we arrived on set around 9:00 pm. We filmed off and on ALL NIGHT long. It was around November 1st, so let’s just say it’s cold standing outside at 3:00 am, but you will find me along the fence with one girl between two of the young supporting actors and myself. Wayne is a couple of people behind me handing out candles. But if you look really, really fast we are there. I am mostly blurred, but there! We were able to hit the hay around 6:00 am.

The Little Rock Premier of

God’s Not Dead: A Light in Darkness

Last Friday night March 30, 2018, we went to the Premier of  God’s Not Dead: A Light in Darkness. Was pleasantly surprised when some great friends showed up to support us. Love that! It was fun to see all the long hours mostly be cut out….LOL. The movie was good and the meaning of it was even better. Hope you can go see & enjoy it! It is cool that I can go onto IMDb and be registered now.

It Was An Experience

I had fun. Met some really cool people. One of the girls I still get to see at another endeavor, that she hooked me up with. If we were in the Atlanta or NOLA area I might consider it, but we aren’t. So, I think I’ll just enjoy pounding the keys on this laptop, hopping a plane, hitting the road, breaking / making something, get to cookin’ or play with Lil’ Miss a while.

 

Lean In & Be Fearless!

 

Trina