Doing what is beautiful

My new mantra came straight from our class on Islam.

"Doing what is beautiful means that you should worship God as if you see Him, for even if you do not see Him, He sees you."

I did not anticipate how uplifted I would be through studying Judaism, Islam, and Christianity here in the Holy Land. 

Some of the moments I'll cherish most are observing the devotion of others; Jews placing their prayers in the cracks of the Western Wall, Christian pilgrims kissing the site where they believe Christ's body was prepared, and the Muslim call to prayer resounding through the city.

Their faith inspires mine. 

This city has been destroyed and re-built dozens of times, but the constant is faith. 

Also did not anticipate how much I would grow to love these people.

What a week!

It's incredible the range of experiences we have here; one minute we're trekking the rocky hills on the path to Jericho and standing in cliff-side monasteries, the next we're having a mass dance party in the Center garage and studying for exams until 1:30am. 

Needless to say, I can't blame jet lag anymore for the constant sleep deprivation :) 

Some of my favorite moments here are the quiet ones. 

This photo was taken on the path from Jerusalem to Jericho. We could see the city of Jericho down in the distance (it rests at 800 feet below sea level) and then to the West we could juuust barely spot the Augusta Victoria Tower on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. This was the path where the story of the Good Samaritan took place. I commented on how barren it was and Sister Schade (one of our professors' wives) said: "This is the greenest it's ever been!" Haha it's a good thing we're here in the rainy season and not under the scorching summer heat. 

We sat and contemplated how the Savior lifts us during low-points in our lives, just as the Samaritan lifted the Jew who fell among thieves in that very place. 

Although this picture doesn't accurately depict it -- this Greek monastery is built into a cliff on the side of a mountain over Jericho.

Monks live there in complete isolation. We walked in silence to respect their holy place.

Another monastery on the path.

Sunday is our free day. This week we hit up Dome of the Rock and the Temple Mount, Rampart's Walk, and the Jewish Quarter. 

We met the cutest Palestinian teenagers on the Rampart's Walk who insisted we take a selfie :)

The most beautiful Lutheran Church. 

The slits they would use to shoot arrows as a defense of the city in Crusader times.

Udi!!!

We met the coolest Jewish painter. He has been in Jerusalem since the Jews were allowed to go back in 1967 to rebuild what was destroyed. He told us the most amazing stories behind each painting. When he overheard that I loved his large painting of a city street, he gave me the large copy FOR FREE!  I couldn't believe his generosity. I bought a handful of other small prints that I'm in love with. What a special experience. 

Rampart's Walk was a definite hit!

Which band cover would you buy? 

We fit 12 people at the round table for breakfast. #victories

Rainy Sabbath days.

Learning how to make falafel!

The finished product.

An afternoon outing to Hebrew University.

Matt & Joslyn's "engagement" pictures respecting the Jerusalem no-PDA rule. 

They took us on a tour of the Underside aka under the Center. I put my name up with one of the greats - my friend Kyle!

Nate keeping the blurry selfie streak strong.

And this moment.

If I could pause one moment in Jerusalem so far, it would be this one.

It was all I could do not to cry in church as I accompanied the choir singing one of my all-time favorites "Take Time to Be Holy" (on the nicest European Steinway piano in the Middle East). 

There was something beautiful about hearing the lyrics to that hymn in the very Holy Land.

"Take time to be holy, the world rushes on.

Spend much time in secret with Jesus alone.

By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be.

Thy friends in thy conduct, His likeness shall see."

"Doing what is beautiful means that you should worship God as if you see Him, for even if you do not see Him, He sees you."

I've been thinking a lot about this quote. 

I hope I can worship God with a clearer vision of who He is. 

He is my Father. He sees me. 

He cares for and loves me more than I can imagine. 

If it's important to me, it's important to Him. 

With that perspective, He and I can create a beautiful life.