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Who wants to go? Walking Talpiyot, Jerusalem, Israel Day 6

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www.redneckrhapsody.com Street sign: Ein Gedi - Talpiyot - Jerusalem, Israel. Walking tour of Talpiyot

Ein Gedi Street – Talpiyot – Jerusalem, Israel

Israel Solo – Day 6 – Chillaxin in Talpiyot

www.redneckrhapsody.com Trina headed out for a walk on a beautiful day.

Good day for a walk & just taking a break.

 

Today would be a great day to take in Talpiyot, Jerusalem. It is an area South of the Old City , but just North of Bethlehem. I decided after such a big day yesterday that I’d take a day to just….be. “Be”ing for me is rest, reflect and prayer / thanking.

www.redneckrhapsody.com A collage of flowers- Roses - red & pink, bougainvillea in a bright fuchsia, then several other flowers that are shades of purple and lavender that I am unsure of their variety.

Flowers are a Fav! I just wish I new the names to all of them. I know the roses and bougainvillea, but the others I’m uncertain. One reminds me of agapanthus and the other a little of morning glories… Do you know what they are?

Dirty Laundry

Was able to take care of my laundry this morning. The AirBnB where I am staying let me use their washer and clothesline outside. Sure will be nice having everything clean, again. Everyone one must have been in the same frame of mind, considering I saw laundry on many of the balconies this morning.

Walk. Smell. Breath. Pray.

Enjoyed a stroll of the neighborhood. Met people on the sidewalks. Wandered through small street markets and spied out local restaurants. Great day to spend with the Holy Spirit. Love greeting people on the sidewalk  – “Shalom”.

www.redneckrhapsody.com The corner local neighborhood market where there is the most vivid display of produce along a whole wall. Refrigerator case full of produce and perishables. Bouquets of fresh roses, and Gerber daisies in shades of pink and coral.

Local corner neighborhood market.

Doors, doors and more doors

Double door whimsy. This cream color double door set in Jerusalem stone made me pause. It’s unique feminine hand bending to knock left me smiling and wondering….

One of the Most Peaceful Places

Found a beautiful park with great trails; Sherover Promenade. The trails go all the way back to the city about a mile or so walk. The park had a great view of the city. Olive trees were everywhere with amazing scents of rosemary, lavender and sage. The green & brown was sprinkled with blooms from roses, anemones and many others. I just may have located one of the largest unofficial tour bus parking lots, too. Ha, ha!

www.redneckrhapsody.com View from the promenade with the Old City behind me.

View from the promenade with the Old City behind me.

Who Knew???

www.redneckrhapsody.com A huge display of different types, sizes and prescriptions of contacts that are available of purchase.

Contacts for purchase @ their local drug store.

You heard me, who knew that you could go to a local drug store (Walgreen’s / CVS type) and just buy contacts? It certainly wasn’t me, or I would have tried to remember my exact prescription. I can’t get over that you can just go in and buy them. This will definitely be something that I will be looking into before I go back in September. The prices weren’t that bad either. Current exchange rate as of today (2/17/19) is $3.62.

Take Away’s for the Day

A couple of things that really stuck with me and left an impression:

  1. Just how many people have Israel flags on their homes???

    www.redneckrhapsody.com Israel's national flag. I love to watch flags flying in a country who is proud of it! A double take of it flying in a garden.

    I love to watch flags flying in a country who is proud of it!

     

  2. Just how many people hang their laundry out to dry???

    www.redneckrhapsody.com Many of the locals thought today's lovely, sunny day with a slight breeze would be a great day to do laundry. Many of the lines and racks on the balconies were filled with their colorful garments to dry.

    Laundry Day

     

  3. Just how much can one city smell like a bottle of essential oil??? When you walk the city neighborhoods the smell of rosemary is always around, because it grows along all the sidewalks (at least along Hevron Road) as a hedge.

www.redneckrhapsody.com Rosemary along the paths & streets

Fresh rosemary growing along the paths & roads.

www.redneckrhapsody.com City of Jerusalem's flag mounted on the balcony of a citizen. It's flanked on either side of the Israel flag.

City of Jerusalem’s flag mounted on the balcony of a citizen. It’s flanked on either side of the Israel flag.

www.redneckrhapsody.com Beautiful living in the city. Apartment homes in the neighborhood with lovely flowers and landscaping.

Beautiful living in the city.

Staying in Shape

It is so easy to get wrapped up in the sights, sounds & smells that you can easily let the day fade into evening before you realize you’ve walked another 7 plus mile day.

www.redneckrhapsody.com Sunlight streaming through the branches of a tree. I can hear the old John Denver song - "Sunshine on My Shoulders" or the old hymn - "Sunlight, sunlight in my soul today..."

“Sunshine on my shoulders…” OR the old hymn that I heard my momma play and sing when I was going up “Sunlight, sunlight in my soul today…”

Better hit the hay a little early, going to start early tomorrow, at the Temple Mount!

Loving leaning in & living in a Rhapsodyville state of mind,

Trina

Here are the links for the first 5 days of my solo tour in Israel Spring 2018:

www.redneckrhapsody.com Looking at the ruins at Zippori. An ancient city that was a major seat of power in the Galilee Region.

DAY 1 – Looking at the ruins at Zippori. An ancient city that was a major seat of power in the Galilee Region.

redneckrhapsody.com Day 2 Israel Post - Safed in the town having a Yemen brunch with two cutie, who aren't bad cooks, either.

Safed in the town having brunch with two cutie, who aren’t bad cooks, either. A Yemen meal.

redneckrhapsody.com Day 3 Israel Post - Northern Israel the Golan Height's visiting Nimrod's Fortress

Northern Israel the Golan Height’s visiting Nimrod’s Fortress

redneckrhapsody.com Day 4 Israel Post - Last rooftop view from Korazim. Now to Bet Shemesh, then to Jerusalem.

Last rooftop view from Korazim. Now to Bet Shemesh, then to Jerusalem.

redneckrhapsody.com Day 5 Israel Post - Jerusalem Day 1 (pt1) 1st Day in Jerusalem. Starting off from the Talpiyot district.

1st Day in Jerusalem. Starting off from the Talpiyot district.

redneckrhapsody.com Day 5 Israel Post (pt 2) - The day in Jerusalem did not disappoint. So much history, so many stories. The ancient road under the Via Dolorosa.

Part 2: The day in Jerusalem did not disappoint. So much history, so many stories. The ancient road under the Via Dolorosa.

www.redneckrhapsody.com Trina at the Western Wall exit with a giant mezuzah. .

Israel Day 5 – Jerusalem Day 1 – Part 3: Western Wall exit with a giant mezuzah.

Jerusalem Day 1 – Israel – Day 5 (Pt 3) ~ Redneck Rhapsody

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In search of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

 

I knew I was close, but just kept ending up on the wrong street, with each wrong turn around every corner was a beautiful surprise and more culture to absorb.

www.redneckrhapsody.com Shopping on the streets in the old city of Jerusalem.

Shops along the streets in the Old City.

I did find the entry to a courtyard area that was through this little doorway on either the back or side of the church. Still no entry to the church, but beauty to be seen none the less.

Found it FINALLY!

When I finally entered the courtyard in front of the doors; I took a few pictures then just went up and went in.

www.redneckrhapsody.com Entering into the court yard of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher

Entering into the court yard of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

There were no lines, no major crowds. Had I wanted to enter certain areas there would have been, but I was there just to observe what this place was to others. (BTW, I think I may have went in where you were probably really suppose to have exited….LOL So typical of me.) I wanted to enjoy the amazing architecture, the holy symbols that are cherished and see why this location is so sacred to the Catholic faith, especially.

www.redneckrhapsody.com People in the courtyard of the church with the doors of the church in the background.

Church’s courtyard teaming with people.

It was quite overwhelming to take it all in, but I enjoyed the experience.

Tombs in the church

www.redneckrhapsody.com Guide in the church posing with me.

Guide in the church who let me join his group.

I watched a guide try to explain how to turn the flashlight on, on a cell phone, to two women. They were European and spoke NO English or Hebrew…. Needless to say I turned mine on and handed it to him. He invited me to take the tour into this small cave like area inside a small room off to the side of the main areas in the church. It was a tomb area. I couldn’t hear all that he was saying, but I think I gathered that he said it was the tomb of the family of Joseph. Not sure if he was referring that it would have been Joseph & family of Jesus or not, but it was an extremely blessed exchange of different people in this same small space. Watching the effect that this was having on these women, who probably did not understand much that was being said; it was affecting their spirits. This was a holy place to them. 

www.redneckrhapsody.com A tomb in the church

This is a tomb in the church. It was in a cave like area.

Yes, this church had an affect on me, but not like it did on the believers that were there to have the experience they were searching for.

How can you not be affected?

Just shows you that sometimes it is about us. It’s about what we come looking for, our relationship with the Lord, not where we are. Sometimes you can be in the most amazing historical church in the world, but feel Him move through your body on a stone street that was deep beneath the surface of the city. You just never know where He will find you or who He will send to greet you in Israel or your hometown. You just should be seeking him!

www.redneckrhapsody.com The front of the ornate smaller chapel inside the church. It is where the Holy Sepulcher is contained.

The front of the ornate smaller chapel inside the church. It is where the Holy Sepulchre is contained.

www.redneckrhapsody.com Believers lighting scented candles.

Believers lighting scented candles.

My belly was growling

Not knowing how late it had gotten I decide I should probably grab a bite to eat. The couple I was staying with had a few recommendations they said if you were in this part of the old city – Lena’s was a must for the very best hummus. Finally found it around 4:30 p.m. So…lunch was going to be a little late…. Well, they closed at 4:00, so maybe even a little later than I planned entirely.

I decided that I had basked in the glory & love of the Lord most of the day, so maybe I start my towards the house. He had sent people my way and put them in my path since before I had even left the house that morning. I was probably just about all out of grace for one day 😍.

Heading home for the day…

RedneckRhapsody.com View of the Temple Mount above the Western Wall.

My view looking back as I was exiting the Old City.

RedneckRhapsody.com Huge mezuzah when exiting the area of the Western Wall.

Biggest mezuzah I have ever seen. Placed at the exit of the Western Wall area of the Old City.

 

RedneckRhapsody.com My new friend trying to help me; Excited she told me where Van picks up....well, kinda...

Excited she told me where Van picks up….well, kinda…

redneckrhapsody.com Almost 8 miles and 34 flights of stairs...

Almost 8 miles and 34 flights of stairs…

My journey back to the area inside/outside the Dung gate was about all my legs and feet were up to at this point. I had already walked about 18,000 steps at this point. I tried to find where the van would pick up. It was not inside the gate where we were dropped off. It was outside the gate and a little ways up the hill 🙄. I again stood with a group and found out I needed to go a little further up the hill….

Will I make it????

RedneckRhapsody.com Nice young man & me waiting on the van to take us to First Station.

He was so kind to wait with me. He was actually going to 1st Station, too.

One young man was going to 1st Station and was so very kind and helpful. BUT the van that finally arrived 35 minutes later was a Mercedes and was NOT labeled at all – just plain white. I had to decide do I break my promise to a stranger I met this morning or trust this young man and 6 others that say it’s going to 1st Station???? Yep, you guessed it, I trusted that it could never get better than the day I’d had. If I got to meet Jesus that day I’d be great with it. I would be happy thanking Him face to face for SO MANY things! If it took me to 1st Station I’d praise Him for not making me take any more steps than were necessary.

MADE IT!!!!!

We arrived at 1st Station within 15 minutes. I took a picture with that young Jewish man who had been so kind. He’s in my prayer collage picture. He took the van to and from 1st Station daily to go to and from work. He lived in a settlement in the West Bank and this got him as close as he could to where he walked another 20 minutes home.

I made it back to car, then to my AirBnB house, where I showered heated up leftover pizza and finished my last glass of wine from Safed. Finished the day with almost 8 miles of walking (which was somewhat totally self induced crazy blonde moments). Thank you God for showing up for me and showing out. I’m such a lucky girl to have such an amazing Father that just really wants to spoil me rotten! Aren’t you glad He’s your daddy, too?!?! #kingskid #fearless 

Love ya  & Rhapsodyville wishes!

Trina

If you happened to miss day 1 – 4, day 5 part 1, part 2: Click on whichever that you might have missed out on.

redneckrhapsody.com Day 1 Israel Post - Ancient Zippori 1st Day solo in Israel

Ancient Zippori 1st Day solo in Israel

redneckrhapsody.com Day 2 Israel Post - Safed in the town having a Yemen brunch with two cutie, who aren't bad cooks, either.

Safed in the town having brunch with two cutie, who aren’t bad cooks, either. A Yemen meal.

redneckrhapsody.com Day 3 Israel Post - Northern Israel the Golan Height's visiting Nimrod's Fortress

Northern Israel the Golan Height’s visiting Nimrod’s Fortress

redneckrhapsody.com Day 4 Israel Post - Last rooftop view from Korazim. Now to Bet Shemesh, then to Jerusalem.

Last rooftop view from Korazim. Now to Bet Shemesh, then to Jerusalem.

redneckrhapsody.com Day 5 Israel Post - Jerusalem Day 1 (pt1) 1st Day in Jerusalem. Starting off from the Talpiyot district.

1st Day in Jerusalem. Starting off from the Talpiyot district.

redneckrhapsody.com Day 5 Israel Post (pt 2) - The day in Jerusalem did not disappoint. So much history, so many stories. The ancient road under the Via Dolorosa.

The day in Jerusalem did not disappoint. So much history, so many stories. The ancient road under the Via Dolorosa.

Jerusalem Day 1 – Israel – Day 5, Part 2 ~Redneck Rhapsody

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Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 1

Loving this city, Jerusalem

Looking for shekel’s & the Via Dolorosa

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 2

The street was sparsely populated

I asked for directions for the money exchange & Via Dolorosa…many were willing to help, just not sure HOW well I interpreted it…hahaha! Finding the exchange, where I could change cash for shekel’s was getting real… Not everywhere wanted American dollar’s. The places that you do the exchange were supposed to be SO easy to find, well I either didn’t know exactly WHAT I was looking for or was a block off every time I got close.

Maps are a good thing – Paper please

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 3

Beauty everywhere

I would advise anyone who is going to be exploring the old city – have a map of just the old city!!! Large print if you’re over 40 and without your readers, LOL! Also bring an external charger for your phone; chances are you’re gonna need it.

Found the Via Dolorosa! Still no shekel’s. Wandered up on the Praetorium. Met a guide outside on the street as I exited heading toward the Lion’s Gate. I explained I was still looking for shekel’s, so I didn’t have any to give him for a tour.

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 1

Bougainvillea

As I meandered my way toward St. Anne’s, I was absolutely drinking in the moment of the day. The look of the stone walls that towered over me giving me thoughts to all the history that was held within them. Well, actually under them. The layers of this ancient city absolutely take me to another place & time. When I hear the sounds, feel the warmth of the sun, see the beauty of the blooms falling softly over the walls all while catching a whiff of the hearty mixed spices; I catch a reflection of what it must have been like to have been here thousands of years ago. I clearly understand why Yahweh picked this piece of earth!!!

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 7

Glorious day & weather

I found the street quite vacant. I found a place to set up my mini tripod and take a couple of shots. There were a few students that had been let out of school on the opposite sidewalk heading back towards town, but for the most part I was alone.  As I headed back, I turned around and there RIGHT in my PERSONAL SPACE was a young man (late teens/early 20’s). It was a divine appointment from earthly angel.

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 8

Temple Mount area behind this wall.

He sent me love messages all day long…

He was what most would consider to have special needs. He looked deep into my eyes (while almost touching me) and asked me one question, very seriously: Do you love me? I actually had to lean back to look at his whole face he was that close. I looked him straight in the eyes and said, “Of course I love you.” He said, “I love you, too.” He turned on a dime and took off walking. I was taken so off guard by the whole incident that I forgot to ask for his picture for second, so I hollered at him and asked if he’d let me take one. He spun around, puffed up his chest and posed perfectly.

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 9

My friend who loves me!

The sun was at a bad angle, so I checked to see if I got the picture. Luckily I did, because when I lifted my head to thank him he was GONE… I mean I don’t know where he could have totally disappeared to that fast…but he was gone. Divine, just sayin!

My next divine appointment was with guide.

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 10

The Church of Flagellation

Yep, the one I passed earlier not just once, but twice. He was setting right across from the door that led into the Praetorium. They say third times charms…When I started past him he said, “I don’t care if you have shekels or not (because I still had not found the exchange). I cannot let you walk by. The Lord won’t let me, let you go without showing you this.” Well, when I looked directly at him I knew, he knew Jesus and I knew he knew the Holy Spirit.

Behind the doors awaits new wonders!

He pointed up to a couple of doors that he had seen me take a picture of earlier, he said, “That’s a school now, but it used to be the top of the original palace where Pontius Pilate resided. Come on I want to show you something.” Class was in, so the students weren’t about at the moment. He led me up to a window and I was looking down into the garden area, on the North side of the Dome of the Rock. There was no one around, so peaceful.

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 11

Amazing view!

I teared up – really couldn’t even speak realizing that God just gave me a view that most all people would not get to see that day, at least tourist that is. I dug what few loose shekels that were floating in the bottom of my backpack and gave them to him. I gave him all I had.

Sometimes all we have is all He requires

When we exited he asked if I had anymore time he wanted to show me one more thing. We went in across the street and he told me of the games carved into the stone that would have been the roof of the structure in Christ’s time and how they played the game to see who would torture Christ. Is this 100% fact everything he is saying or completely the authentic location of the things that happened, I have no idea.

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 12

Games the soldiers played carved into the stones

All I do know is that I was at some point standing on what was still Holy Ground. I know this because the Holy Spirit welled up so deep inside my soul that I held my breath, had tears in my eyes and my heart was racing. I think my heart actually broke again, for the pain that my precious Savior was in, right here in this city. He accepted the sin for the whole world and me. I could feel the weight and shame for knowing how much I’ve let Him down over & over. He would do it all again just for me. Wow, the feeling comes right back as I type these words. My face is heating up, I’m holding my breath all while my heart is beating fast.

You can’t NOT be moved…

When he saw how much this meant to me, as he talked about Christ, he said if I would give him a few more minutes he had one more place to show me. He stopped and looked at me and said, “He sees you and He loves you so much.” I looked at him and said. “How is it a Jew like you loves Jesus so much, to share His love for this place like you do?” He said,in a very low tone, “Because I BELIEVE he is Messiah, too.”

Down the street to Lithostrotos. John 19:13

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 13

We went out and down the block and turned onto another street, where we went into a little hotel. It was the entrance to a museum under the city where there was an ancient street from a thousand or more like two thousand years ago.

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 14

More games below the city’s now day streets from days gone by.

He told me stories and let me walk where Yeshua possibly walked, maybe even where the walk would have started with Him dripping blood and dragging a cross. Fact – Yes, I believe it definitely happened, in this very spot? Who knows? I just know, like I know that for a good 30-45 seconds I had a spine tingling, hair raising, goosebumps, tears flowing Holy Ghost encounter and so did he!  
      

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 15

Ancient streets below the current Via Dolorosa.

He prophesied over me as we were leaving.

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 16

I have at least one more friend in Jerusalem!

As we went to exit from there he suddenly stopped turned around and proceeded to prophesy to me. I was caught so off guard by what was happening, that had I been prepared, I would have recorded what he was saying. Not doing this….was one of my biggest regrets of my entire trip. I did wake up at 3:00 am that night, with His words, He sent Sharif to speak to me still lingering in my my mind. I immediately grabbed my trip journal and began to write everything that I could recall that had happened / said that day. It was truly the VERY MOST divine day of appointments in my ENTIRE life.

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 17

The flowers are so vibrant. Spring is beautiful.When we stepped back out into the light. We exchanged names & numbers, he trusted me with the names of his children to put on my prayer list. I was on my way again, back to looking for shekels, the Church of The Holy Sepulchre and food!!!

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 18

As I meandered on the Via Dolorosa (or so I thought – it is a very crooked street….) I was just leaning into my experience of the day and continuing to trust that the Lord had more appointments for me. He did not disappoint!

A Drink & jewelry

I met a kind gentleman who had gave me a pair of earrings and had a free water delivered to me. He offered to take me to dinner, but I declined. He was very complimentary, haha! Definitely an ego boost – LOL. His father had owned the shop he was tending, on the Via Dolorosa, for years. He had recently passed away. He was there to sell out the inventory and close it. His business was import goods to the US. His home was Houston, TX.  

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 21

Time to move on. I should have been looking for food, all I had eaten was a lemon square and a handful of trail mix. I had let time totally get away from me. So much to see….so much to do…. Now, where is that church?

This city makes me so happy! Shalom!

Lean In and living in Rhapsodyville!

Trina

P.S. I did FINALLY find an exchange. I at least have shekels.

Don’t miss Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5 pt.1

Get your trip booked to go with us now!

Israel Registration Form April 2019

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 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.

Who Knew I had found

just what I was looking for!

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

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: 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

 

Wednesday’s Word – Shalom

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Marker garden tomb Israel

He is Risen

HIS WORD in MY LIFE

Shalom – Hebrew word meaning peace, harmony, wholeness. completeness, prosperity, welfare and tranquility and can be used idiomatically to mean both hello and goodbye (Wikipedia).

If your life happens to be a roller coaster ride like mine…full of ins & outs, ups & downs, twists & turns; Jesus is the way, the truth and the light, God is good all the time, even when life sucks. Then I totally invite you to this party of one hot mess, Holy Ghost filled girl, who screws up religion all the time, cause I’m livin to get to the kingdom and encourage & invite you to go with me.

Garden tomb israel

THE GARDEN TOMB – JERUSALEM, ISRAEL NOVEMBER 2017

One thing that is a must know while you journey with me is that I am a Kings kid. My Father keeps me grounded and safe. He is the Lord of Lord’s, the Prince of Peace and He is my Hero. He loves me in spite of all my failures, flaws, and insecurities. He forgives my ongoing sinful nature.

I am the child who He created the church to exist for… My little (big) saucy mouth gets me into more trouble than I care to own up to, but He knows and loves me anyway. I am such a lucky girl; He picked me to fall in love with…AND you are too…because, He does love you! I hope that if this is a journey you are on or decide to explore, you find Him. He is waiting on you. He wants a relationship with us. I won’t preach, but I will share. Hope that works for you, but if it doesn’t no worries. Just skip Wednesday’s Word… I make no apologies. It’s who I am (which is His) and He sometimes shows up, shows OUT!!!

So, sometimes I have to share all His goodness. Even when He spanks me! Yes, the rod is used for correction and I will share when the discipline shows up, because life is MESSY and we need correction. He is why I am me. He is why Jesus was sent and died for me. Just so I have a shot at eternity. I plan on being eternal….but this ain’t dress rehearsal, so I plan on living large, building great things, making terrific relationships, seeing, smelling, tasting, touching and LOVING as much as possible while I’m here!

Lean In,

Trina

You will see there is a place on my drop down menu about ministries that we support in various ways:  Monetarily, service, volunteering, donations and prayer. Always lots & lots of prayer. Many of these do more than I could ever be called to do. Some of the them in these ministries just about deserve sainthood.

SCRIPTURE

Below are a few of my favorite Bible scriptures:

The thief does not come except steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and  that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10 [NKJV]

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

Trust the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5 & 6 [NKJV]

Finally, grow  powerful in union with the Lord, with His mighty strength! Use all the armor and weaponry that God provides, so that you will be able to stand against the deceptive tactics of the Adversary. For we are not struggling against human beings, but against the rulers, authorities and cosmic powers governing this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm. So take up every piece of war equipment God provides: so that when the evil day comes, you will still be able to resist; and when the battle is won, you will still be standing. Therefore, stand! Have the belt of truth buckled around your waist, put on righteousness for a breastplate, and wear on your feet the readiness that comes from the Good News of shalom. Always carry the shield of trust, with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of deliverance: along with the sword given by the Spirit, that is, the Word of God: as you pray at all times, with all kinds of prayers and request, in the Spirit, vigilantly and persistently, for all God’s people.

And pray for me, too, that whenever I open my mouth, the words will be given to me to be bold in making known the secret of the Good News, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may speak boldly, the way I should. Ephesians 6:10-20 [CJB]