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Jerusalem Day 1 – Day 5 – Israel – Redneck Rhapsody Travel Girl- Rhapsodyville Style

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Jerusalem Day 1 - Spring 2018 Home for the week – AirBnB

Jerusalem Day 1 – Israel Day 5

Spring 2018 Part 1


Israel day 5, it’s starting  in Jerusalem this morning. One of my favorite places in the world. I started the day with a fantastic breakfast and great company. Oh my, did my AirBnB take the breakfast feast to a whole new level…it was a huge amount with a terrific variety. My host was a lovely, Jewish couple who were kind & friendly. They were extremely helpful with suggestions for the stay. Where to eat, park, awesome at helping with map apps, and best ways for transportation. Luckily their daughter, who serves in the IDF (Israeli Defense Force) and one of her friends was there to help polish off breakfast.

After all the residence rolled out, I spent a fair amount of time in praise & prayer, before I headed off to my first day in Jerusalem. The presence of the Holy Spirit brought tears and joy!

Best Lemon Bar Ever Homemade from scratch from FRESH picked lemons. Dessert for Breakfast

I asked the Lord to please reveal why He laid everything in place for me to be in Israel at this exact time. It was totally out of my wheelhouse. Taking an extended trip on my on, much less a trip to a foreign country. It was a definite stretch. I knew when I left in November that I would be back…. I just didn’t know it would be so soon.

Jerusalem Day 1- Out the door! Out and About

I knew that I wanted to offer the opportunity to others ( Israel Registration Form April 2019 ) to go experience all that is there. So, I felt led to really trip around on my own and see the land on God’s time schedule. My prayer for this day was, “Lord show me all that you have for me. Let me experience it and glean everything I can. Let me feel You, Yahew!”  
Just getting to the old city was a mission impossible…almost.

 

Free parking in Jerusalem – YES!

It was in the same area as dinner the night before, but just not in the parking lot, actually. It was on the fringe of one side of the parking lot with only space for about 15 cars. Did I mention that they weren’t actually spaces either… Up in the grass, or next to a gravel driveway, some parallel, some just kinda sideways and hopefully you wouldn’t end up blocked in…. So maybe I’ll just pay to park. Because, on my second trip back around to this parking lot, which is a one way area, with only one drive to leave that’s about a quarter of a mile away AND you have to circle a HUGE city block ¾ quarters of the way around it to get back into said parking lot. Pay to park, yep I’m so there:NOT – LOL…HaHaHa… You do that with an app on your phone. No biggie, right? I got this – It’s ALL in HEBREW. Needless to say there would be NO pay to park.

Good thing I prayed and the Lord totally used this trip to show me I could travel, not have stress and pressure. The ones that know me best – know that the normal me would have probably have already left the car somewhere; just get a ticket or towed. I truly decided this was all in how He wanted to show me love today. I met some great people in this parking lot adventure. I made the decision to just laugh about it all and enjoy the sights, sounds, and ancient-new, thriving city this parking lot I’d been circling like a buzzard.(Next I was going to walk for laps for a minute or 30.) Well, God’s divine number is the #3. Why not go for the ole 3rd time charms deal – say a prayer for a spot to become available (not that I hadn’t been doing that, but I did tell Him if He wanted me to see all that He had in store for me that day He had to get me parking, or I would never make it to the Old City and to the Via Dolorosa). Well God?

Jerusalem Day 1 - Parking Lot back up R E A L L Y……

Did I happen to mention that there was parking lot construction going on????

HA! Yep, ssssooooo no matter where you go, somethings are the same. I was really sitting there waiting on a cement truck OR was I really waiting on the lady who the bus dropped off, to walk to her car? All of this, just as I was about to leave the “parking fringe” for the 4th and final time. Rolled my window down to ask if she was leaving…YES! Her space was just the right fit for my car!!!! Well, God!!! Thank you!

**I may have mentioned this in one of my previous day journeys while I have been on this trip, but I decide to take a picture of or a selfie with each and every person who blessed or helped me on this trip. I told them I was going to make me a blessing/prayer picture. I came home; made a collage of the pictures printed, so I can pray for them. If this becomes redundant in my post on this particular trip, I apologize, but there are many new readers on each of these days and I want to share how good these people where to help me with the simplest tasks. Giving me a place to park at their home, helping me with putting gas in my car(pumps are in Hebrew) card would not work at pumps – only inside, giving me directions, free gifts, but most of all their time.**

Shuttle??? Anyone???

I met two people as I walked toward the area where I had been directed that the FREE shuttle should be, that would take me right to the Dung Gate. I saw a little rain shelter in that middle of the parking lot, but there was no mention of it being for the “Free” shuttle pick up, so I walked back to the opposite side; where I had seen the lady get off of the bus earlier. It was a city bus, not a “free” shuttle.

I have decided in some circumstances…..free and convenience are two total different things and “free” is overrated when the expense is time(that I could have spent in the old city), heat/sun/sweat, already hit 2500 steps, and stress – oh yeah, I’m not doing that today.

BUT…I told God I was on His time clock, so this is where the journey was happening today, right now. Believe it or not I was not anxious, really rather peaceful. Hummmm maybe I could learn how to make this a new norm (I am trying, since I know I can do it).

I finally found the shuttle after 3 different conversations, and was told very intensely to not get in ANY van EVER that wasn’t marked on the outside appropriately. This could be very dangerous. My new friend who was Jewish (now IG friends, too), was formerly from NYC, NY. Her and her husband wanted to raise their children in Jerusalem, so they had moved there about 5 years ago. They actually live in a Jewish community that is in an area of the West Bank area outside the city. I feel that she would not have warned me of this if she felt it was unwarranted. This never left my mind. I enjoyed the rest of my wait with a lovely mother & child, and a nice couple from Mexico who come yearly.

Jerusalem Day 1 - Arrived Dung Gate

We were dropped right outside the gate. Lot’s of traffic happening this morning. More than usual I was told. Besides it was not really morning anymore either, about noon, after my hour and a half parking lot venture….

Israel 2018 - Jerusalem Day 1

Prayers in the wall.

The Western Wall, ramp to ascend to the Temple mount and several other interesting sites exist in this particular area of the Old City. It was a day for bar mitzvah’s to be taking place. They were happening near the city wall, just down from the the gate of entrance. Another was happening on the men’s side of the Western Wall. They were loud and very interesting to watch. This is a culture, religion, people who are deeply rooted in tradition and values. They are His beloved and chosen. I absolutely love this place.


Direction’s Please – Again….

Looking for shekel’s & the Via Dolorosa – I need to exchange dollars for some shekel’s. This proved more difficult than one would think. But, then again my blonde does sometime reach its roots… It truly, probably was the person looking for them. My journey of EXACTLY where & when I was suppose to be here this day to meet the people in each of the places that I was supposed to meet them and hear every single story that I was supposed to hear.

Jerusalem Day 1 - Western Wall 1 Help…again, please.

This kind lady who works a booth that loans shawls to those going to the wall for prayer helped me with a little info on where to find shekel’s & the Via Dolorosa. We visited a bit. She asked why I came back and was not a Jew. She shared why I should be a Jew and was worried that maybe I had Jerusalem Syndrome (yes it’s a real syndrome) if I loved it there that much, but wasn’t a Jew. She was sincere on both parts. I took her picture – reluctantly on her part, so I will not post it (well, maybe a little), but she helped me. I will pray that she one day will want to know about my Savior. I am very careful not to offend their belief while still stating mine, cautiously.

Jerusalem Day 1 - Western Wall 2

Ready to go!

 

There is a lot to do and see still, so I need to get moving. More to follow in Part 2!!! I pray that you are enjoying this journey with Israel me. I love sharing all of this. I hope it inspires you to be brave, travel more, or meet God where He’s waiting for you.

Livinin my Rhapsodyville Life,

Trina

I am also taking a group back.

Don’t put it off. Just do it…go with us!!!

Israel Registration Form April 2019

Israel Spring 2018 Post – Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4

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 3 – Israel – Redneck Rhapsody Travel Girl- Rhapsodyville Style

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Israel 2018 - Trina

Java – Way the day starts.

Israel 2018 - Trina

Gas stop – Who still gets someone to pump for them….ME, #blessed

Fuel for

TWO Tanks!

Israel 2018 - Trina

Banias Falls

What true redneck travel girl, whose trip is being filled full of rhapsody, wouldn’t want to start the day in a nature reserve or 4? Let the adventure begin. Day 3 – it’s going to be amazing!

Tel Dan Nature Reserve is where I had planned on starting my day, but it didn’t exactly work that way…. When traveling “fly by the seat of your pant’s” a little, things don’t always go as planned. So, I visited the backside of the Kibbutz of Tel Dan, but didn’t ever make it into the actual reserve itself. Did learn that the kibbutz exports caviar to the United States, Europe, Russia, Japan, Singapore and Canada. It is highly sought after. Prowled a little, snapped a few pics then moved on. Now, to where & what I knew would be the most physically challenging part of my northern Israel exploration.

Hermon Stream (Banias) Nature Reserve

Mt. Hermon’s run off is the source of the stream that flow’s here. I started out at the Banyas Waterfalls location. It was going to be a warm day. Boy, was I thankful that a large portion of my trek was under the cover of foliage. LOTS of steps, rough declines and steep inclines. A picture / video are sometimes worth a 1000 words. So, there will be a bit of both in this post.

The sound of all the water falls are constant & inundating, even when you can’t see them. The power and majesty of water flowing in abundance like that just reminds me of how small we are. I love them…..

Redneck Rhapsody Girl – Fig Tree Fondness

This little redneck travel girl had a large memory revival when I breezed (literally a big wind blew the smell right into my face, like

Israel 2018 - Trina

Fig Tree

a big breath of air being released at just the right time) by a fig tree. ALL STOP 🤚 When I was a young my grandmother had a fig tree next to the steps that went up to the porch at her house. This smell lingered as we grew up swinging on that old porch swing. This fragrance brought back memories of joy, sadness, fun and youth. My cousins and I could spend hours planning, fussing, discussing, and dreaming with this all familiar odor as a backdrop.

Precious memories, how they linger…..Rhapsodyville…..

Israel 2018 - Trina

Fig Tree Fondness

Wow, the power of the sense of smell… thank you Lord for all of my senses, but at this particular moment on this day for just a bit it gave me an incredible memory of one of my very best teacher, mentor and someone who I treasured. Mommie, I miss and love you all the time; especially your warm hands. You were always willing to hold and warm my cold ones.😍💗 This is my “Rhapsodyville” dose for the day!!!

LLLOOONNNGGGG way from the car……..

When I arrived at the top, on the opposite side of where I began, you can chose to journey on the path. You can venture further north, towards the stream where the falls come from, the Banias Springs park area (Caesarea Philippi). It would be about a 90 minute trek there and 90 minutes back. When I thought I might just do it…..Clouds rolled in and thunder rumbled. Well, it had stormed really bad this week. I decided if I was caught in a flash flood, where the trails were already slick, it would not be the best use of my time. I can play in the mud back home. Back to the car I go.

BEE-yond Cool

Israel 2018 - Trina

All Natural Bee Hive

Found one of the coolest things that I have ever seen in nature. I only had my camera on my phone this day. Would have give anything to have had a REALLY good zoom lens. I’m still not sure from the angle that it would have made it any better. Hope you are going to be able to see it. You’ll have to use your imagination for the hum of the buzz of this many honey bees. This was a natural beehive. AND it was HUGE.

Up, Out & On the Move

Made it back to the car and headed to the springs. Which is just a couple of miles drive. Banias is also known as Caesarea Philippi. It is an area where there is a grotto dedicated to Pan. It use to have many different building’s & statues of Roman gods, goddesses and other mythological creatures. Rumor has it that this area was and is still a direct portal to Hades. There was an earthquake that destroyed many of the structures. It was severe enough that it even rerouted the Hermon stream that flows from the mountain.

Israel 2018 - Trina

Relics of the past

Just keep meandering…

I ventured on past the main part of the stream and began to wonder back toward the falls. I found an old flour mill, Roman bridge, aqua ducts and many other beautiful sights.

Time to move out & up

Israel 2018 - Trina

Nimrod Fortress

A quick winding 10 minute trek to the north led to the high spot of Nimrod’s Fortress. It is a beautiful historic Muslim strong hold with a full protective wall, a keep with defense capabilities, cisterns dining halls. It would rival any structure from that time period in history. The fortress is located in the very north part of Israel. You can see Lebanon and Syria from there, in the beautiful Golan Heights.

Hot Bath Calling

Israel 2018 - Trina

LOTS of stairs…great workout!

The day started before 07:00. It is inching toward 16:00, hence I was about 2 hours from my tub. It had been calling my name for that last 25 flights of stairs / inclines.

Happy trails and 🎶 tunes 🎶 for the road…..

Day 4, we’ll cruise into Jerusalem for the next 5 days! God is so good! I just kept pinching myself, because this was all too good to be true.

Be Fearless✨adventures await🌍and lean in🕶,

Trina

Redneck Travel Girl, Rhapsody Style:

Check out Day 1 & Day 2

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

Wednesday Word – Pastor Steve 5/23/18

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Pastor of The Bridge Church in Cabot, AR – Steve McCuin

Pastor Steve McCuin is on a mission to help the lost, and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. He does step on toes…I have left with mine bruised, but never broken. He has shown me over the past 8 years what it means to build and share kingdom principles. I love the word. He teaches and tells more than I can sometimes digest at one setting, therefore I am very grateful for these videos. Being able to go back and re-watch these sermons or catch ones that I may have missed while traveling is wonderful.

When, Where, What & Who

We also stream our service on Facebook live Sunday mornings at 10 am CST & Wednesday nights at 7:00 pm CST. If you don’t have a home church we cordially invite you to come visit. We would love to have you in person – The Bridge Church in Cabot, AR. Please enjoy this song & message brought to you from my brother in Christ, friend, and spiritual mentor, Pastor Steve McCuin.

I hope and pray that this has & will bless you like it has me! Have a fantastic week. May it be full of joy and happiness. Let it pour out and run over all of those around you.

Lean In & Love on Someone,

Trina

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

Combo – Wednesday Word & Fearless Friday

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Combo for the week!

Yep, major combo! Been enjoying way to much of “God’s country” – literally – Israel makes me so happy! I did not make it back to the area where they say is the birth place to the Virgin Mary. It’s old , it’s got great doors! I believe you will all come to know sooner or later that if it is flower’s, sunrise’s, sunset’s or door’s…..your gonna get to see them from me. I’m a lover & fan of them all. It is just before you get to St. Anne’s.

St. Anne’s

The church is St. Anne’s and I have a fabulous video of us singing in there. The acoustics are undeniable…just heavenly. We were barely singing and it rang throughout the whole place. I will be working on getting it added when I get back state side. (Missing my video production son. The video guru is going to be missed when he leaves for college. I’ve got a lot of learning to do and FAST… He leaves in July.)

But enough of that sappy mom stuff. I did not make it back to this sight in the old city. It is just inside the Lion’s Gate, which is also know as Stephen’s Gate and the Sheep’s Gate, a little ways. There are several things right there all together. The church, gardens and the pool of Bethesda, where angels troubled the waters and there were miracle healings. It is also believed to be an ancient cistern. If you go back out to the street hold right; your at the Via Dolorosa. There will be a post or two from this journey about it. It was a life changer!

Dr. Caldwell delivered another great teaching in this area. It will be added in, also.

                        Israel 2017

All I can say is if the Holy Land is on your list to come visit. You do need to come with a group or at least hire a guide. 1st trip is an absolute must, 2nd it’s still not a bad idea and unless you are truly FEARLESS – **DO NOT GET A CAR AND DRIVE**!!! I love you people, so if you don’t embrace insanity, craziness, danger, unknown traffic laws and unknown speed limits – just don’t do it. HOWEVER, if you live on the wild side just a little, dive in – go for it!

Lean In and Live!

Trina

Israel 2017

LUV them!

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

Wednesday Word – “My Church”

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Backyard Spring 2018

Clean Again

Backyard God & Blog

Backyard Spring 2018

Before / After the scrub

I can walk out in my backyard and it’s “My Church”; especially in the spring. You can just see & feel God everywhere. I spent a little time between Mother Nature’s Bi-Polar extreme expressions of her split personality this last few days trying to get things ready for summer. I was able to actually be out in shorts and even a swim suit once….then in 24 hrs after a major flip back to boots and  jacket…HAHAHA, gotta LOVE Arkansas.

 

 

Backyard Spring 2018

Time To Put my Feet Up!

Spring is Bouncing: Back -n – Forth,

Up – n- Down and ALL Around

I witnessed the return of our humming birds giving us buzz by’s wanting their feeders filled and put back put. We have two sets of cardinal’s that have babies stashed away in a nest close by that we can hear, but haven’t been able to spot.

Change is Suppose to BE Good….

The fence was moved a couple of weeks ago, so the flower bed’s are having to be rethought, moved, enlarged and a complete overhaul in some area’s. I am totally procrastinating that one. Speaking of the new fence; not a fan…but it’ll have to do for now. We are both still a MAJOR work in progress!!!

HE is… My Church

Back to where this post was headed in the beginning. It’s kinda “my church” on a daily basis. There aren’t many places that get me much closer to the Big Man and His Associates than my backyard. I can hear the sound of the wind, the birds sing, the smell of the season, feel the warmth of the sun and I just know,,,, LIKE I KNOW, HE MADE IT ALL JUST FOR ME!!! The flower’s with all of the different varieties of blooms, shapes, sizes, colors and scents show the majesty of His artistic ability.

Are we not the luckiest children in the universe

that we have such a talented Daddy?!?!?! 

Backyard Spring 2018

Lilac

Who’s YOUR Daddy?

I can lay out on the chairs by the pool or sit in the shade, He’s there. I do a LOT of therapy that takes place on my back porch. Daddy just shows up and hangs a while; some days He’s listening, some days He’s teaching, many….He’s just there. Jesus & the HG weigh in on several of the subjects. I can’t help but be so thankful and grateful for ALL that He has done and continues to do for me. I know that right now I am in the middle of a HUGE season of change in my life, but there is no fear in me. That is because of Him telling me over and over in the scriptures to “Fear Not just BE COURAGEOUS!” I wish I knew exactly what the plans were, but He seldom shows us the end in the beginning. So the journey is more incredible with every choice that we make. I will continue to seek Him, love and trust Him. Ready to head out to “My Church.”

Backyard Spring 2018

My Church ~ His Artwork

Lean In & Let’s Roll,

Trina

Fearless Friday: Trip Time

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Top of Mt. Scopus

It’s going to be a great day!

Trip Time!

Well, it’s been quite a while since I have traveled….totally solo, that is. My longest solo trip is to go see my sister regularly to keep my great cuts, colors, curls or lashes. It’s about a 2 hours (1.5 for me) one way every 4-6 weeks, so not that big of a deal. This one is going to take a little more….

One LONGGGGG day…..

USA to Israel

Just a hop, skip & jump!

It’s going to be one longgggg day. I think my travel time is somewhere around 24 hours, just airport time. I feel the day will be about 36 hours from pillow to pillow. I do not count cat naps on a plane as “rest”. I am so excited I can hardly stand it!!! I will be headed back to Israel. I have felt called back the very moment that we left the ground in Tel Aviv in November. I will be taking groups back in the future, so I feel like I want to go do some boots on the ground, prowling around to see if I can find what the Lord would want me to share when the time comes to head back there with others. I love what I get to bring back here from the journey, also. I feel that we, as Christians in the West, are somehow disconnected from our real roots. We act like “all of that”…what we read about is just that…a story in a book, not a reality. BUT the Bible REALLY is real & it is ALL really there. They are finding / digging up more of it every single day.

Travel to blog

Trina - 11/2017

Not bad after being up 30 + hours

The trip will also be for me to actually open up the travel in real time part of my blog / vlog. I began to think about what “tools” I would need to be able to provide the shots and videos that I will want to share with all of you. Therefore, guess what I get to do??? I get to do what I do best SHOP!!! This brings out that nerd girl that loves to try some gadgets that I feel can further my skills, hahaha. Remember, I am a work in progress, please don’t expect perfection from me, EVER. I will promise to try hard, but this mouth and well, skills are getting better, (grammar….not so much). But I have confidence that that will improve too. If it doesn’t, maybe one day I will be able to have a VA or editor.

                  

What shall I get hummmm…..

Back to my nerd factor: I am carrying a nice Canon Camera and a tripod that I’ve had for years. But I want options for the cellphone, on days I don’t want to haul all of that, when I’m out and about. I may feel and handle it totally different once I am there and decide what my agenda will actually be. I have give Yeshua a heads up that He is actually calling the shots. I am His – will be in His hometown and adopted village. I will stomp around His Holy city for a while, too. I can’t wait for Him to expose me to the sights that all see, but with the eyes of a child who wants to see with a vision like His.

Share the Soul

I want to capture moments to share the soul of the cities, the country, the seas and the people of Israel with you. Who knows maybe, just maybe you will be ready to venture over there after this! You can then have your own experience with the most ancient location in the world, at least that has been documented. If you happen to be a praying person, I can sure use all that you wanna send up for my safety and blessings! Thank you! Shalom & Pray for the Peace of Israel <3

Lean in & Travel Fearlessly,

Trina