Shalom Shalom!
Everywhere you look, the news is terrible! But… don’t we live by another reality?

How precious also are your thoughts unto me, O God; how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand. Psalm 139:17,18.

Overcoming the ‘everyday’ is an art. I love to speak with pioneers. They come in all ages, and have the wisdom that only comes from ‘having done all to stand, stand therefore!’ That is wisdom in action. When a person loses heart, they lose everything. Join me now as together we take a moment to come aside from the rush and pressure. Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

All of Israel is humming with activity; like a beehive, the activity is well thought through and very productive. We hear a naval base is being built on the south coast for the US Navy. A high-speed train will soon connect Jerusalem to the airport in 20 minutes. Israel boasts several ‘silicone valleys’ and Jerusalem is being built to be the 6th largest high-tech city in the world. Efficient highways with tunnels punched through mountains cut travel time. Jay loves Psalm 102:16,18a. When the LORD shall build up Zion. He shall appear in His glory. This is written for the last generation. ( in Hebrew, ‘ha dor a haron’)

We live on the outskirts of Jerusalem, and our once almost rural community is undergoing a major change. Large earth moving machines dig and tear into the ancient hills, creating space for the construction of thousands of new semi-detached homes for young families. An outdoor amphitheater is going up across from a brand new mall. Cranes lift building materials into a brand new hotel-complex, three city blocks long! Tax hike?

Nearby, the old Absorption Centre once home to Ethiopian and Russian immigrants sits empty. Will high rises go in, or more homes and at what inflated prices? Since 1950, Israel has absorbed 90,000 Ethiopians and since 1991, 1,200,000 Russians. It was here in 1979  that we first filmed Russian scientists for the film Apples of Gold. This exponential growth is a testimony to the will of Israel to absorb her needy immigrants and on the other hand, find solutions to housing problems. Their exploding high tech startups lead the world. How stark is the contrast is to the Palestinians? Their people have remained pawns since 1948. Imagine, what these people could have accomplished in place of daily being force-fed the empty propaganda of lies, blame, and hatred?

You have heard the distressing news from Israel in your media and I guarantee it was ALL negative. The United Nations makes a mockery of so-called truth and justice. Mr. Trump works with NATO to include Israel. Iranian backed Hamas leaders ride on the backs of their youth to confront the Israel Defence Force. They pervert the use of children’s kites into fire bomb weapons. Innocent? They have ravaged hundreds of hectares of wheat fields and turkey farms in the south of Israel. This once barren desert was tirelessly worked over decades by kibbutzim, to become the fruitful bread basket to is today. 

So having said all of that, and bringing YOU into MY world; I thank you for listening. The other day I heard one of my sons say to a colleague: “You know, my Mom still writes letters? How neat is that in this day and age? She gets texts and emails, but most of all its those letters in her post box that are so encouraging? Can you even imagine that?”
“That’s so cool…” was the response. Both men work in high tech.
Yes, it’s very cool to be considered worthy of your time to read my letters. Thank you. 

Now, into the garden for a moment of refreshment, relaxation, and restoration. Come to sit, yes, that’s right, choose a shady place, the breeze is refreshing under the big olive.  Take a deep breath,  and I will pour you a cup of tea, or an iced lemonade. I’m glad you noticed the apricot roses and the frangipani. Our desert has been blossoming ever since the Jewish people started returning home in the 1880’s.  I agree, today it is a Garden of Eden. Please help yourself to the dates and nuts.

The sound? Oh, they are cooing turtle doves… soothing isn’t it. They were offered as sacrifices in the temple by the poor in King Solomon’s and King Herod’s and Jesus time. In fact, Jesus’ parents offered a turtle dove at His dedication. You know a dove has no gallbladder, no bile, which is a symbol of bitterness. Amazing the things the Bible and nature teach. In biblical times doves were also bred and nurtured in dovecotes, for the production of their eggs and meat. I love the fact that they mate for life, and never seem hurried.  There is a lone dove that occasionally strolls in through the kitchen door. I always feel a twinge of sadness for she is alone because it appears that she has lost her mate.

Listen to that ‘clicking’ sound, it reminds me of a fussy little housewife. The wrens build deep inside the almond, grape and rose hedge year after year. Those blackbirds so busy digging for grubs? They’re robins, the Middle East variety. They seem so preoccupied with getting food morning, noon and night, I wonder if they produce more than one family a season? Do you hear tinkling bells? Local sheep and goats are climbing up from the steep valley below. That guttural call is their local Arab shepherd demanding that they keep moving. They surge up onto the fire road; invade the public space nipping at shrubs and trees as they move past.

What we learn from nature all around us is its constancy and ability to change, adapt and produce. The grapes are abundant this year, there are few olives, no limes, a great number of pomegranates and the almond is loaded. Everything Father creates, He makes fruitful.  Yes, I know that we are both thankful to be His!  Before saying goodbye this time, I’d like to share this truth with you …

 

 

Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed! Truth shall spring out of the earth and righteousness shall look down from heaven. Yes, the LORD will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase. Psalm 85:10-12

Could it be, that Israel, is a witness to the world of God’s faithfulness? It is one thing to say that you believe the Bible when it comes to personal promises, and quite another to confess that God’s Word says that modern Israel IS a witness to the entire earth. Our Creator promised and has brought His Jewish people home from the four corners of the earth.  The Word states Israel is a profound sign and blessing to the entire earth.

I received this lovely note from an 88-year-old Australian, who has supported Israel for 50 years. “ I had some wonderful news from my friend suffering from throat cancer. We have prayed, Every plant which my Father has not planted will be uprooted. Matthew.15:13 and …by whose stripes – wounds, you were healed. Isaiah 53:5  I gave her the booklet  God’s Creative Power for Healing book by Charles Capps.

Your love gift to Jay and I and the family is such an encouragement to us. Thank you for helping to bring new possibilities and hope for our futures, afresh to us all. We have learned that God’s timing is always perfect. Jerusalem Vistas On-Line Learning Centre is building in the way we know best. Jay and team are busy producing a new series of short programs for the Internet. We thank the LORD for the help required to accomplish this. Like nature, may we all continue to bring forth fruit in its season.

The LORD is my portion, (allotment, share or inheritance)  says my soul, therefore, I hope in Him!  Lamentations 3:24

Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done.   Meridel Rawlings

Meridel Rawlings, Ph.D. Box 84156, Mevasseret Zion, 9079097, Israel.