Kris arrives--8 hrs late

Hi, had trouble with my connection so wasn't able to report yesterday -- even though Kris was delayed 8 hours and I could have written a novel with the thumbs of mine during the long airport wait. Kris got in at 1230 and we made it to our hotel in Netanya by 2 pm--north of Tel Aviv.
Today, we stood where Herod made his speech in Ceasarea, failled to give glory to God, and was eaten by worms. Acts 12. Kris and I have been trying not to brag to each other abt anything--just in case the worms are looking for a new host. Kris did pass his PhD orals though -- praise the Lord and glory to God alone, amen, hallelujah--says Kris.
From Ceasarea, we went to Mergido and looked at the ancient stables of Solomon and Ahab there--kings of Israel had been told not to collect horses, but trust the Lord. Neither did well at the latter. From Mergido, you can see the Kishon River in the Valley of Jezreel and across the vally is Mt Tabor. The Israelites under Deborah -- Judges 4-5--charged down from Mt Tabor and destroyed the Canaanites and their horse drawn chariots bec. God sent a huge rainstorm amd the chariots couldn't move in the mud. The horses' hoofs beat loudly, galloping wildly, going mad in the mud of the Kishon--says Deborah. Kris and I decided we'd never collect horses, complain abt the rain, and that we would always listen to our wives.
From Mergiddo, we drove to the old Crusaders city of Akko--which had been overthrown several times by the Muslim hordes. Napolean himself had been defeated by the Islamic forces there. Akko was not a happy place for Christians so we left there quickly, happy that no one broke into our car as we wandered thru their rather bizarre bazaar.
we made it to the Mt of Beattitudes right before it closed. We got abt 15 minutes to wander around a lovely church there overlooking the Sea of Galilee. It was beautiful that we grabbed our Bibles, bought a cup of coffee, and sat down to read Matthew 5-7. Just as we got started, the guard came and told we we needed to leave. I was going to complain loudly, but unfortunately I had just read--Blessed are the peacemakers. Following Jesus can be hard sometimes.
Made it to Ein Gev--no reservation, but a room had cancelled five minutes bef we arrived...so we got. The guy said it was perfect timing. Praise the Lord and the quard at the Mt of beattitudes.
Anyway, my thumb is tired. Happy Birthday to Haidyn Grace Lorenzen--praying for you tonite--may you be like Deborah of old. Kris is already asleep...but he sent his love to all. Jay and Kris in Israel.
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