Hi Everyone!
We had talked about a Team Get-Together for Hannukah.
We had tentatively set a date for Friday, December 7th, 6 PM, here at Living Way, PotLuck and general craziness to follow.
How does that sound?
Once again, I know that finding a time that fits EVERYONE's schedule is almost impossible.
If most of you can make it we'll just bring our cool Hannukah Menorah's that we bought in Israel and come celebrate the Feast of Lights (or the Feast of Dedication as it's called in the NT.)
Shalom,
Tom
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
An announcement
Well I don't know how many still come and visit this site. A couple of weeks ago, I made an announcement to some of the members of my church, but would like share with everyone from our group.
I am pregnant. Yep, you read that right. My 5th child! Of course, #7 still plays a part. This will be the 7th member of my immediate family. And my mom is excited that this will be her 7th grandchild. I am due mid-May 2008.
Now, I have to share part of my story from Israel that I didn't share before. I mentioned in a post shortly after we got back, that I felt the Lord give me answers but after I got home, I wasn't so sure. One of those answers concerned whether to have any more children. I have spent much time in prayer over this and over our marriage in general. While in Israel at the conference, I prayed again about my marriage, about my husband, about my kids and what the future holds for us. I felt very strongly the Lord telling me I would have another child. He has even given me a name. I still was hesitant. But anytime I went to God over this, I still felt this so strongly.
After I got home, I struggled. To be honest, I like how things are with our family. Our youngest just turned 5 and starts school in a year. As some from our church know, I already have some issues with a couple of our children (one has a form of high functioning autism and another is very hyper and impulsive). So the thought of adding any more children is scary sometimes and tiring :) It also seemed to take a little bit to get used to being back with the family. I don't know how to describe it. The kids seemed more difficult to me, having gotten used to my mother in law being with them, school being out. I wasn't sure I was up to having another. So I questioned again what I heard from the Lord.
After I prayed, I decided to leave it up to God and just trust him. So while it wasn't completely a surprise, I was still somewhat shocked that I got pregnant the first month after returning from Israel. I can only trust that God has a plan for this child and for us and I am relying wholly on Him.
I just ask for prayers that God leads us with what I am supposed to do when it comes to my job and where we live. We would love to find a house of our own. We definitely need something bigger than the three bedroom we are in now. There are so many unknowns right now. And since I am starting completely over (we got rid of our baby stuff a few years ago), we will also need prayer for finances as we prepare for this little one.
Thank you and God bless, Teresa.
I am pregnant. Yep, you read that right. My 5th child! Of course, #7 still plays a part. This will be the 7th member of my immediate family. And my mom is excited that this will be her 7th grandchild. I am due mid-May 2008.
Now, I have to share part of my story from Israel that I didn't share before. I mentioned in a post shortly after we got back, that I felt the Lord give me answers but after I got home, I wasn't so sure. One of those answers concerned whether to have any more children. I have spent much time in prayer over this and over our marriage in general. While in Israel at the conference, I prayed again about my marriage, about my husband, about my kids and what the future holds for us. I felt very strongly the Lord telling me I would have another child. He has even given me a name. I still was hesitant. But anytime I went to God over this, I still felt this so strongly.
After I got home, I struggled. To be honest, I like how things are with our family. Our youngest just turned 5 and starts school in a year. As some from our church know, I already have some issues with a couple of our children (one has a form of high functioning autism and another is very hyper and impulsive). So the thought of adding any more children is scary sometimes and tiring :) It also seemed to take a little bit to get used to being back with the family. I don't know how to describe it. The kids seemed more difficult to me, having gotten used to my mother in law being with them, school being out. I wasn't sure I was up to having another. So I questioned again what I heard from the Lord.
After I prayed, I decided to leave it up to God and just trust him. So while it wasn't completely a surprise, I was still somewhat shocked that I got pregnant the first month after returning from Israel. I can only trust that God has a plan for this child and for us and I am relying wholly on Him.
I just ask for prayers that God leads us with what I am supposed to do when it comes to my job and where we live. We would love to find a house of our own. We definitely need something bigger than the three bedroom we are in now. There are so many unknowns right now. And since I am starting completely over (we got rid of our baby stuff a few years ago), we will also need prayer for finances as we prepare for this little one.
Thank you and God bless, Teresa.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Sea of Galilee experience
Hey everyone...I have had trouble getting on to post, but finally got in today!!! Praise the Lord!! Here, even 5 weeks later, God is still revealing and teaching me things from the trip. I wanted to share with you..."the rest of the story"....regarding that infamous day of my "skirt" wearing into the Holy Places!!
I was so bummed out when being on the Sea of Galilee and being so blessed by the "worship", and the presence of God...and then realized I had forgotten my "long" pants and we were getting on the bus on the other side of the Sea of Galilee...and I would not be able to see the Holy sites!!!
One of the things shared by one of the pastors on the boat, was the fact that when Jesus & the disciples were on the Sea...when the storm occurred...he told them "they were going to the other side", so therefore fretting and having lack of faith should not need to happen!!! Well the Lord spoke to me and taught me that lesson...when the "wrap around skirt" was provided (making pasotor Jerry's day for the picture opportunity) that "all things do work together for the good to those who love God, and are the called according to his purpose." He provided, and I did get to the "other side" and did get to see the holy sites! If the truth be none, I actually enjoyed the attention...and it really was a fun day...and I was able to laugh at myself and enjoy the whole experience. God bless you all...sure loved being with you overseas!!
Bob Wohlers
I was so bummed out when being on the Sea of Galilee and being so blessed by the "worship", and the presence of God...and then realized I had forgotten my "long" pants and we were getting on the bus on the other side of the Sea of Galilee...and I would not be able to see the Holy sites!!!
One of the things shared by one of the pastors on the boat, was the fact that when Jesus & the disciples were on the Sea...when the storm occurred...he told them "they were going to the other side", so therefore fretting and having lack of faith should not need to happen!!! Well the Lord spoke to me and taught me that lesson...when the "wrap around skirt" was provided (making pasotor Jerry's day for the picture opportunity) that "all things do work together for the good to those who love God, and are the called according to his purpose." He provided, and I did get to the "other side" and did get to see the holy sites! If the truth be none, I actually enjoyed the attention...and it really was a fun day...and I was able to laugh at myself and enjoy the whole experience. God bless you all...sure loved being with you overseas!!
Bob Wohlers
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
We have been home for almost 3 weeks now and I feel our trip was a dream, but I know it was not a dream. My thoughts keep going back to the Boat Ride on the Sea of Galilee, the first morning in Israel. My feelings of God's presence were so great that day. I shared at our first team meeting after we returned home, last Friday, about how I felt the presence of God on the Boat and in the first convention meeting. I felt him other times also, but these two were the most distinct times. And then in the Garden Tomb, nothing! I know this may or may not be the actual spot were Jesus was laid to rest, but "He is not here, He is Risen" is so how I felt. He was not there!
I have had an overwhelming feeling of depression since we returned. It hit worst during the second week home. After sharing last week at our team meeting, I am feeling better. Keep praying for me. I know that is why I feel better, everyone is praying for me. Thank you. During our first week in Israel I hurt my left foot somehow, but it wasn't too bad. I did fine on all our walks and climbs. But since I came home I have tried to workout twice and the second time I really felt the pain. So, tomorrow I see a doctor and try to find out what I have done and how to fix it.
I hope to be able to go back to Israel again someday. It may not be in April 2009, but maybe the next time, after that. Teresa got back her pictures and mine are due in within the week. She brought hers to my work yesterday and surprised me with hers all put together in the albums and let me share with my co-workers, wow! They sure enjoyed that. We only developed the ones we took, for now. We plan to go through every one's and have more done. Just a little at a time. They are so cool to look at. I can look at most of the pictures and remember being there.
By the way, some of us went on a Greek Cruise after we left Israel. That was cool, too. It was way different than Israel. I enjoyed Myconos and Santorini , I did not get off the boat at Rhodes, but pictures show it was really nice too.
Thank you Pastor Tom and Pastor Jerry for heading up our team. I will always remember my first trip to Israel. It was wonderful getting to know everyone on our team, Donna, Carl, Bob, Jerry, Judy, Lila, Scott, Pat, Anita, Mary, Jasmyn, Sharon, David, Tom, Cindy, Linda, Teresa and me (Karen). Linda and I have been friends since 1998, when we both started going to our church (Living Way). It was awesome to be able to share this experience with her and my wonderful daughter, Teresa, who started at the church in 1992. Without my daughter, this trip would not have been possible for me. She covered most of my cost. THANK YOU, TERESA!! I remembered all the names! Yeah!
To all who read this, YOU need to go to Israel, too. Love in Christ, Karen
I have had an overwhelming feeling of depression since we returned. It hit worst during the second week home. After sharing last week at our team meeting, I am feeling better. Keep praying for me. I know that is why I feel better, everyone is praying for me. Thank you. During our first week in Israel I hurt my left foot somehow, but it wasn't too bad. I did fine on all our walks and climbs. But since I came home I have tried to workout twice and the second time I really felt the pain. So, tomorrow I see a doctor and try to find out what I have done and how to fix it.
I hope to be able to go back to Israel again someday. It may not be in April 2009, but maybe the next time, after that. Teresa got back her pictures and mine are due in within the week. She brought hers to my work yesterday and surprised me with hers all put together in the albums and let me share with my co-workers, wow! They sure enjoyed that. We only developed the ones we took, for now. We plan to go through every one's and have more done. Just a little at a time. They are so cool to look at. I can look at most of the pictures and remember being there.
By the way, some of us went on a Greek Cruise after we left Israel. That was cool, too. It was way different than Israel. I enjoyed Myconos and Santorini , I did not get off the boat at Rhodes, but pictures show it was really nice too.
Thank you Pastor Tom and Pastor Jerry for heading up our team. I will always remember my first trip to Israel. It was wonderful getting to know everyone on our team, Donna, Carl, Bob, Jerry, Judy, Lila, Scott, Pat, Anita, Mary, Jasmyn, Sharon, David, Tom, Cindy, Linda, Teresa and me (Karen). Linda and I have been friends since 1998, when we both started going to our church (Living Way). It was awesome to be able to share this experience with her and my wonderful daughter, Teresa, who started at the church in 1992. Without my daughter, this trip would not have been possible for me. She covered most of my cost. THANK YOU, TERESA!! I remembered all the names! Yeah!
To all who read this, YOU need to go to Israel, too. Love in Christ, Karen
Monday, August 27, 2007
See the Pictures of the Trip
Coming into Santorini, Greece
- August 2, 2007
Carl, Bob, Jerry & Tom
Cindy, Judy, Mary, Donna & Anita
Karen & Teresa
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Settling back in...
Hi everyone! I just gotta say this was an amazing trip for me. I am simply amazed by how everything fell into place for my mom and I to go. Israel and its people really touched my heart. I spent a lot of time in prayer over issues I have going on in my life. I feel I got answers for some and others I am still waiting on, but I know God is working on me.
To be honest, it's tough to be back home cause those issues that seemed to have such clear answers while in Israel have all been hitting me back home again. It's so easy when you are away from a situation, but going back into it, it's easy to fall into old habits and not consult God when I know I need to. So please keep me and our family in continued prayer as I know I am being attacked by the enemy since I have been home.
I am doing my best to keep reading the Bible (God really opened up a desire in that area for me while in Israel) and to spend more time in prayer. With my schedule, it isn't always easy, but I am working on it.
I hope everyone is well and has adjusted to being back home. Thank you to everyone that kept us in prayer while we were gone. I think it's wonderful that despite being in over 100 degree heat most of the time and all the walking, hiking and whatnot we did, nobody got sunburned, nobody got heatstroke. We all did really well. It was truly one of the best times of my life, and i pray I get to return for the April 2009 trip.
To Pastors Tom and Jerry, thank you for being our leaders. I had so much fun with everyone. You two helped make this trip great. I think you did wonderful as our leaders to give us advice, support and just simply to have fun with. To their wives, Cindy and Judy. You two are especially amazing. You have wonderful hearts and are such joys to hang around. Judy, I enjoyed meeting you and getting to know you. Cindy, I loved spending more time with you and getting to know you even better. Your heart for Israel truly shows and I thank you for sharing your experiences with us. To everyone else in the group: Each one of you touched my heart in some way. For those I go to church with, it was great to get to know you on a deeper level and get to share this with you. For those from other churches, wow, it was great to meet you all. I am amazed by how close we all got on this trip. You are all fun, amazing people and you will forever be a part of my heart through all my years. Thank you all!
Blessings, Teresa
To be honest, it's tough to be back home cause those issues that seemed to have such clear answers while in Israel have all been hitting me back home again. It's so easy when you are away from a situation, but going back into it, it's easy to fall into old habits and not consult God when I know I need to. So please keep me and our family in continued prayer as I know I am being attacked by the enemy since I have been home.
I am doing my best to keep reading the Bible (God really opened up a desire in that area for me while in Israel) and to spend more time in prayer. With my schedule, it isn't always easy, but I am working on it.
I hope everyone is well and has adjusted to being back home. Thank you to everyone that kept us in prayer while we were gone. I think it's wonderful that despite being in over 100 degree heat most of the time and all the walking, hiking and whatnot we did, nobody got sunburned, nobody got heatstroke. We all did really well. It was truly one of the best times of my life, and i pray I get to return for the April 2009 trip.
To Pastors Tom and Jerry, thank you for being our leaders. I had so much fun with everyone. You two helped make this trip great. I think you did wonderful as our leaders to give us advice, support and just simply to have fun with. To their wives, Cindy and Judy. You two are especially amazing. You have wonderful hearts and are such joys to hang around. Judy, I enjoyed meeting you and getting to know you. Cindy, I loved spending more time with you and getting to know you even better. Your heart for Israel truly shows and I thank you for sharing your experiences with us. To everyone else in the group: Each one of you touched my heart in some way. For those I go to church with, it was great to get to know you on a deeper level and get to share this with you. For those from other churches, wow, it was great to meet you all. I am amazed by how close we all got on this trip. You are all fun, amazing people and you will forever be a part of my heart through all my years. Thank you all!
Blessings, Teresa
Thursday, August 16, 2007
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