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Psalms 136:1, “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.”

There was something so nice about our Thanksgiving being on Shabbat.  Saturday dawned cool and quiet.  I am always amazed at how things stop and slow down and how quiet it gets on Shabbat—hardly any cars on the roads and no shops open.  I can really hear the birds singing and people talking instead of cars rushing and horns and business all around.

At breakfast, I met a couple from Tampa, Florida, who was the U.S. representative for the B’hai faith in Haifa. He said that during the Lebannon war this summer, the B’hai kept the lights on at all times and went about taking care of the gardens.  The gardens are one of the major sites in Haifa and are incredibly beautiful.  They do require full time maintenance. He said it was their way of not acknowledging the war. Sort of like the guy wind surfing in the ocean as the sirens were going off.

I love stories like these.  The human spirit in trying times is really encouraging. Morris was also there getting ready to visit friends for Shabbat.  Add to the mix were Israeli’s and now some new French.  As they say, I would love to be a fly on the wall.

As I walked to Will’s, the morning was crisp, clear and cool (60’s) and so quiet.  I was reminded again to listen to the sounds of life and God. I caught myself humming “On the Sunny Side of the Street.”  Really, one side was very sunny and the side was in the shade.  I loved walking in the sunshine.

I cooked most of the day and got things ready for our guests.  We had deviled eggs (why are they called that?), turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, corn, baked potatoes, salad, gravy, and Pecan Pie.  All in all, it was quite tasty.  I was kinda proud of my cooking.  We had 5 Americans and one German.

It was the German’s first Thanksgiving. She looked at the cranberrry sauce with some skeptism, but in the end liked everything.  After I thought about it, cranberry sauce out of the can does look a little odd.  We all talked about past Thanksgivings and how we are so blessed.

I am blessed.  Yes, it has been a hard year, but I am blessed.

Psalms: 25:20,21 “Keep my soul, and deliver me; Let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in You. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, For I wait for You.”

Shabbat Shalom

To not be a holiday in Israel, I have been busy. Will and I went to a concert at the Jerusalem Symphony on Wednesday night. It was a delightful evening. I am reminded of the culture of Israel and how it takes my mind off of the trials and tribulations of life. A great deal of effort goes into each day and it was nice to have a break and listen to some beautiful music.

Thursday, Will and I went to Focaccia Restaurant for our Thanksgiving lunch—probably my second favorite restaurant in Jerusalem. We walked to the grocery store for the turkey breast and 6 turkey legs. I guess I am ready to cook tomorrow. Someone could really make this an off off Broadway play.

I Met with Marliane last night for dinner. She and her husband Marlin were pilgrims with us many years ago. It was good to see her and talk about the tour. It is one of the things I love about the tours. People love the Lord and they love Israel. There is just something about Israel that keeps you coming back again and again.

We had lunch with Sharon Sanders from Christian Friends of Israel. Good fellowship at the Ticho House. As Zola would say,”they are one of the good guys.” CFI has been in Israel 20 years plus, helping where they are needed.

The day is winding down and the shops are starting to close. Shabbat will be about 4pm, so everyone is hurrying home to get ready. I bought flowers from the market today.

Barbara Sofer has a right-on-target article titled “So, like, I am Offended” today in the Jerusalem Post. She takes to task Amy Gutmann, President of the University of Pennsylvania, regarding the photo of her and a student posing as a terrorist. Barbara is a graduate of Penn and she makes the point that Ms. Gutmann was not as put off by the costume as she should have been.

I know it is old news to some, but it is still worth repeating. I know when I get on a bus, or enter a restaurant, I look at people differently in Israel than I do in the States. I am wondering if someone has a bomb around their waist. True, it is still much safer here, but I still look and wonder. Having seen the results of the terrorists makes me much more aware of the wreckage they have done. If Ms. Gutmann, as pro-Israel as she is, really understands, then she needs to stand up and lead. I, too, am offended that we can just so casually say “I am sorry” and that makes everything go away. The evil in this world does not go away.

Numbers 6:24-26

The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving,
Sandra

Matthew 24:7,8,  “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.  And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.  All these are the beginning of sorrows.”

I got to talk a little more to Morris (from Florida) this morning.  His son and daughter live here.  I get the feeling he is lonely.  Please pray for him.  He went to the Holocaust Museum yesterday, said that there were too many bad memories there for him.  I did not press the issue.  He said he stayed an hour. That is not very long to see the museum, but taken what he has been through, probably enough. We cannot forget.

Thanksgiving is coming together.  I have almost everything except the turkey breast and legs.  Will and I decided not to get the big bird, but to buy the pieces.  I am planning on getting everything by tomorrow.  Will and I have a luncheon on Friday afternoon and I want to make sure all is bought before then. Shabbat will start about 4pm, Friday, and then nothing opens up again until about 5:30pm on Saturday.

After lunch yesterday, I went by and said hello to everyone at Bridges for Peace—a really a good group of people who love the Lord and Israel.  I am glad to see them. I saw Will’s office and how they make the radio programs.  It’s very up-to-date. Always good to be with believers.

Most of Israel is in shock regarding the rocket killing in Sderot. I don’t think anyone knows quite what to say or do.  How much worse can it get?  Rockets just keep coming into Israel and the World condemns Israel.

I am amazed that I am amazed #1:  News in the Jerusalem Post today: “Court asserts legality of civil marriages of Israeli Jews who marry abroad.”  It sounds so simple.  If you are married out of the country of Israel to an Israeli citizen, the union is legal.  Problem:  there are countries that recognize same sex marriages.  This, too, will be OK in Israel.  The court has ruled.

I am amazed that I am amazed #2:  How can Pierre Gemayel be assassinated in broad daylight after leaving a church.  He was the Lebanon minister of Industry and a Christian.   My prayers are with his family and his country.

Genesis 50:20, “But as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.”

Joseph could have said to save many people, period. Why does the word “alive” matter? Because I think he was referring to both the physical and the spiritual death. God saved his life over and over again. Joseph knows the horrible things that have happened to him and yet God meant it for good. How many people do we know that are really dead in their spirits? Not just a physically, but spiritually? I have repeated this scripture many a time when I thought evil might win.

The big news of the day is the rockets being launched at Sderot again. Everyone is waiting to see what Israel will do and when. Zola’s solution to the problem was “when the Arab wakes up and does not kill anyone and in turn, no one would have to defend themselves, and the same thing would happen the next day and so on… Then there would be peace”.

Headline in the Jerusalem Post is: “Amara would deny automatic citizenship to converts.” This is the major story on the front page. The ship is sinking and the Rabbi is worried about who is a Jew.

I look forward to reading the editorial in the Jerusalem Post each day now. Today’s is titled “Gillerman was right.” “During Friday’s debate on an anti-Israel UN General Assembly, Gillerman turned to the French delegation and asked, “If France was shelled across the border, what would the French do? Would the French government send flowers to the attackers? Well, by voting for this resolution you will be sending flowers to the terrorists, flowers which tomorrow will be laid on the grave of the next Israeli victim.”

The editor sums it up like this, “Undiplomatic? Certainly. Counterproductive? Maybe. Deserved? In spades.”

Israel is a great place to people-watch. I was waiting for Will at Zion Square and loved watching the different kinds of people walking by. The shoes this winter season seem to be boots. All kinds of boots: furry ones, high heel ones, short ones and my favorite, cowboy boots. I am seeing cowboy boots on so many women it almost looks like Texas.

Proverbs 1:5, “A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise council.”

My B&B is a very interesting place. It is like a mini-drama every day. The cast comes and goes and is so rich in character. They are from all over the world and bring with them their cultures and language. A couple of days ago, I was sitting at “my” table reading the morning news, when a couple of new people came down for breakfast. The Canadian lady with the little boy and girl asked where they were from. One was from Amarillo and the other was from Dallas. I nearly dropped my fork in mid air. Here, I am, 5,000 miles from Texas, and in walks other Texans. So, naturally we got to talking.

They are part of a small group (7) who have come to Israel to show their support. It was great to visit with them. It will be interesting to talk about where they go and what they do each day. I always say, give me a microphone and let me talk about Israel and I am a happy camper.

While we were getting acquainted, another man joined our conversation. He is from the Boca Raton area in Florida—a Holocaust survivor. He was in a concentration camp in Germany for 14 months and tried to get to Israel but the British put him on Cyprus. He finally made it to Israel and lived here for several years before moving to the States. I would really like to talk to him about his experiences, but I don’t want to upset him either. It is interesting where God leads us each day.

Will and I went to the Old City on Sunday to drop off his new book, “Disengagement through the Lens” to a couple of people that he wanted to have the book. I must say I am a proud mother. Will has worked hard on the book and it is terrific. We went and had lunch at the Quarter Cafe—probably my favorite restaurant in Jerusalem. The potato latkes were as good as usual. Alon and his family are doing well. It was good to see them and have lunch with them.

We met a couple of friends, Gary and Cindy, for coffee/tea later in the afternoon. We laughed and laughed about being Americans in Israel. Most of the apartments do not have heat or air conditioning. It is just the norm and not unusual at all. But, we laughed at the attempts to stay warm in the winter, including doing computer work wrapped in the blanket from the bed. There are heaters available but they are so expensive to run. The apartments have electric meters and when the heaters are used, the hands on the meter whirl around faster than a second hand on a watch. You stay warm, but at a tremendous price.

They were headed to church at King of Kings and then to the Deli to buy (non-kosher) bacon and cheddar cheese. Again we laughed at what we could and could not get at the grocery stores. We did agree that it was a small price to be in Israel. It was good to fellowship.

Now for the pie crust saga. As I have told Greg, our website webmaster, my pie crust/Thanksgiving dinner is starting to sound like an off off Broadway play. First act, getting the ingredients, second act, cooking and the third act would be the actual dinner. Cindy suggested that I go to a web site and get the recipe for pie crust. I did it! I even made a pecan pie last night. It must have been OK, because Will had two pieces. Challenging, but rewarding.

Most outrageous item in the Jerusalem Post today: “German globe-maker establishes Palestine.” It seems that the Ravensburger Puzzle Ball Classic Globe includes both Israel and Palestine as countries. The company touts the globe as a geography teaching tool for children. Since there is no country named Palestine, one has to wonder why and how the globe is being sold in Israel. Ravensburger said the design was bought from a Chinese company and they promised to change the globe.

Again, don’t believe all you see on TV about the violence in Israel. It is localized and the Israelis are trying to fight terrorism. They are even talking about using ground troops to overcome the human shield tactics that the enemy uses. I ask why? Israel is the only country concerned with human lives. What other country would go to those extremes? None.

The editor of the Jerusalem Post had a wonderful article today, “Tell the Truth about Peace:”

It is time for Israel to urge the U.S. to call the Arab bluff. If Arab leaders really want peace, they should help the Palestinians out of their suicidal stalemate by setting three critical examples: 1. meeting with Israeli leaders in Jerusalem and their own capitals, 2. calling on Palestinians to give up the dream of “returning” to Israel by the millions, 3. beginning to settle Palestinians “refugees” rather than continuing to use them as pawns against Israel.

In addition the Arab states could be called upon to stop fomenting anti-semitism and supporting groups such as Hamas and Hizbullah.

I would add a number 4. Acknowledge Israel’s right to exist.

The Torah reading for this week is: Genesis 23:1 through 25:18, I Kings 1:1-31.

Shabbat dinner last night was delightful. Dinner was scheduled for 8pm but we ate at 9pm. We just laughed and called it Israeli dinner time. It was good food and good fellowship. There were six of us—one from Germany, Will and I from Texas, one from Michigan, and two from New York. We will probably see them for Thanksgiving. We have shifted the dinner to next Saturday. It certainly gives me more time to find the final items for the meal. Many thanks to all who sent recipes for the pie crust.

Today, Will and I are relaxing. We will go later to the Baptist Church on Narkis Street. It is in Hebrew with translations in English. Even if I do not get the ear phones, it is wonderful to be with Believers, listen to the music and the sermon.

I am meeting some friends tomorrow, Monday, Thursday night and Friday. Busy week ahead with the Thanksgiving meal on Saturday. I am asked what I do here in Israel. I sometimes wonder myself, but I am usually busy either visiting tourist sites, or hotels, other ministries or friends. And of course working on the computer both doing the blog and some writing. How did I manage without a computer?

Mark had gotten me a Blackberry several months ago. At the time, I really felt like a computer geek, but I have really enjoyed having it in Israel. I tend to read my bible here and study the word more while I am here. It is just so rich in meaning being in the Land.

Let’s not forget how I like to bless Israel with a little shopping! No trip is ever complete without a little shopping.

There is no paper on Saturday. So the Friday edition is very large with ads and news of the weekend. I noticed that there were two full pages of ads for apartments and homes for sale in Jerusalem. The cheapest one I saw was for $185,000 in French Hill. Most were priced in the $200,000 and up. I will repeat what Zola said, “if it is so dangerous to live in Israel, why is the real estate so expensive?” My question exactly. Jerusalem is very pricey. The Galilee area is not so expensive and, of course, the farther out you get from the major cities, prices are lower.

Articles from the Jerusalem Post include:

• Lebanese civilians confirm flow of arms to Hizbullah from Syria. I just want to jump up and say duh! But, I am not worried, the UN is there to help. 🙂
• Israel dismisses Spanish peace initiative. Finally!

Zola would tell this joke: the history of the Jewish holidays is this: They tried to kill us, we won, let’s eat. Funny, but think about it. They will try to kill us, we will win and we will have our marriage supper with the Lord. Amen. How I miss Zola.

My question of the day is this: Does anyone really believe that Abu Mazen and the Hamas PM Haniyeh are not on the same page to destroy Israel? Do we think that one is an Islamic extremist and the other is not? Can anyone tell me who is the extremist and who is the moderate?

OK, three questions, but still only one answer. Both are playing the media and everyone else for fools.

Again: Real Believers love Israel.

Friday’s weather could not have been more perfect! Not a cloud in sight, with temperatures about 70. It was a great day to walk around and just be outdoors.

Will and I walked to Ben Yehuda Street. It was so crowded it reminded me of being in the middle of Manhattan—people everywhere getting ready for the Shabbat—hurrying and hurrying—buying last minute dinner items, challah, and flowers. I love seeing the Shabbat coming.

After lunch, we took the bus. It was crowded with people trying to get home before sundown. Sundown in Jerusalem is at 4:03pm and that is when Shabbat begins. We got off and went bowling. You have not lived until you have bowled in Jerusalem—ten lanes, lots of loud music and kids everywhere. We had a great time and walked back to Will’s apartment. We are having Shabbat dinner with one of Will’s friends later. I am tired of walking.

Tomorrow will be a day of rest. Most places will be closed and there will be few cars on the road. Things really come to a halt on the Shabbat. It helps me to pause and remember to rest in the Lord.

We are making a new Zola Levitt Presents series called “Daniel and the Last Days Battle for Planet Earth.” It is about Daniel and the wars that are coming. I have not studied Daniel in a long time, so I have enjoyed rereading it. Berg Productions was in Israel doing some filming during the Fall tour. Jeff’s teaching is right on target. He even got to drive a jeep in several of the programs. I had the privilege of interviewing some very interesting people regarding the end times. It should be a terrific set of programs.

So why do I speak of this now? Jeff challenged me to do more Bible studying. So, now I am challenging you. I do a women’s Bible study each week, but this is in addition to what I do each day. It is important for me to know what is going on and how it relates to my world. Once I started reading Daniel, it became clear that I need to spend more time in the Bible.

This morning in Jerusalem is cloudy and cool. It has not rained, but it’s very cloudy. My adventures in the markets are always funny to Will. I stopped in several shops looking for a couple of potatoes. They come in bags here, not individually. So, in my very broken Hebrew I asked for “stiem (2) potato”—kinda half Hebrew and half English. It worked! The clerk opened a bag and took out 2 potatoes. Funny American.

I stopped by the other market looking for the pie crust. The manager looked and me and hollered “pie crust lady” to the entire store. The downside is that he will have no pie crusts for at least two weeks. I am so glad I can give the Israelis something to laugh about. The hunt goes on.

One of the items in the Jerusalem Post this morning is so funny. Yael Nezri, Miss Israel, has gotten permission not to bear arms during her military service. Military officials said Nezri, 18, had been exempted from carrying a weapon after persuading her commanders claiming that her gun barrel bruised her legs. It seems she is continuing her modeling career during her mandatory national service.

Front page news included the following: “Jerusalem is declared a wonder.” USA Today and Good Morning America have joined forces to pick their own “Seven Wonders of the New World.” The Old City of Jerusalem was chosen as number two. I say about time. For me, Jerusalem is number ONE!

Also news was the killing of an innocent Muslim woman (married to a Jewish man) in Sderot by Kassam rockets fired from the northern Gaza strip. Both Hamas and Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility. Injured was Defense Minister Amir Peretz‘s body guard, who in fact has had both legs amputated. I ask, how is this responsible and where is the outrage? Enough is enough. Why are the Palestinians firing from Gaza? Israel left that part of Gaza. The Palestinians came in and tore down the greenhouses and started infighting. So, my question is, who are they mad at now? Themselves?

If you can find Cal Thomas’ article, “The Biggest Winners,” read it. Bottom line is that our enemies are excited about the elections and feel that they won.

I woke up to a cloudy and rainy morning in Jerusalem, but that’s OK—Israel needs the rain. Traditionally, this is the rainy/winter season. During the last 8 years that I have been coming to Israel, this is only the second time I have been here in the rainy season. Last year was different in that it was warm and dry while we were on tour. I try and remember that after the rainy season, gorgeous flowers will bloom in the Spring and the Sea of Galilee will be full again. So, I am blessed to see the rain.

I did venture out and get my morning paper, umbrella in hand. It has stopped raining and I am off to the old city. I walk and it takes me about 30 minutes. I have to get my sense of direction each time I am here in Jerusalem. I get there just in time to take cover as it starts raining. I am in the Cardo looking for a couple of gift items. Just doing my part to bless Israel. I have left my umbrella at the B&B and end up buying one from a vendor in the old city. I expect him to speak Hebrew, but he speaks the Queen’s English. I am reminded of how many different languages I hear on the street: Hebrew, English, Spanish, French, Thai, Russian.

Time for the grocery store. Will wants Thanksgiving at his place and I will be cooking. Thanksgiving in Israel is not a big holiday, so I have brought over Texas pecans, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and the onions for the green bean casserole. All I have to find is ready-made crust for the pecan pie and mushroom soup. It’s not happening. The grocer is checking on it for me. I am glad I started early, because it will take a week to get what I want. They did have the Karo syrup for the pecan pie. “Ah, yes, the Americans and their Thanksgiving holiday” the grocer says to me. Several of the hotels will have a buffet, but Will and I want some home cooking. He has invited other Americans. It should be fun. Pray for me — I have not cooked in years!

I really don’t watch much TV here. CNN and the BBC make me so angry, that I just cannot watch. When I am at Will’s, I try and watch FOX News. Most of what news I get comes from the Jerusalem Post.

Daniel Pipes has an article today called “A Devastating Thesis.” He critiques a book by Mark Steyn, “America Alone: The End of the World as We Know It.” Bottom line is “Only if Americans can summon the will to shape at least part of the emerging world, will they have enough company to soldier on. Failing that, expect a new dark ages… a planet on which much of the map is re-primitivized.”
I will want to read Mr. Steyn’s book when I return to the States. Sounds like an interesting book.

I am always amazed that I am amazed at how the world sees Israel. Can anyone really believe that “the war on terrorism will be won by the west only when there is peace between Israel and the Palestinians?” So says Prime Minister Tony Blair. What part of world takeover does he not get? We are certainly living in the end times. It is the upside down world that Yeshua spoke of where good is evil and evil is good. I am challenged to read my Bible more and be ready to witness.