Journal of Joy ~ Jerusalem, Israel ~ October 2-14, 2017


​©Jennifer Lynn Easton Joy​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ / שמחה איסטון לין ינייפר
Feast of Tabernacles, Sukkot ~ Jerusalem, Israel

This is my second time to travel to Israel during a Jewish Feast, the first was for Passover in 2008, I am completely undone as to how the LORD GOD orchestrated this trip similarly to the last. I did not make the reservations or provide the funds. Truly a miracle.

Following our Pentecost celebration, Carla called and wanted to know if I had plans to go to Israel again, I said that it was "a hope, a prayer, a dream...nothing concrete." She asked if I was to go again, what time of year? I said I thought the LORD wanted my next trip to Israel to be during the Feast of Tabernacles, during Sukkot the time of YESHUA's birth in Israel. 

The next day she called literally squealing with joy because she had made the flight and hotel reservations. I was overjoyed and in shock at the same time. Carla and her husband are both gainfully employed and have the means to provide for their travel.  I have not been gainfully employed in two years and truly did not have $5000. So, I asked ABBA ADONAI, "Are you in this?" HE simply said "Yes." I would have loved more details.

The very next evening one of H.G.R.M.'s Intercessors called and said that the LORD told him to provide the funds for my next trip to Israel, did I have any idea when I might be going? I shared the conversation from the day before. He said, "Well it seems I am clearly hearing from the LORD." And over the next few months the money was given to cover the airfare and hotels. Truly, just kind of takes my breath away and the only words I can think of are "Thank you! YHWH. Thank You GOD!"

We left Portland, Oregon International Airport (PDX) on October 2, stopping in Washington D.C., with a slight course change over New York City, New York and then to Brussels, Belgium before arriving in Tel Aviv, Israel on October 3, 2019. Clearly God is in this...I did not make the reservations, yet my grandmother moved to heaven on October 3, 1988. God notices the small things.

After a few normal challenges of customs, rental cars, long lines, challenging traffic we arrived at our hotel in Jerusalem. The Harmony Hotel is famous for its fabulous breakfast brunches and close proximity to Old Town Jerusalem. Both were extravagant gifts during this season of travel. 

October 4, 2017, Wednesday ~ The day began with the roses in Nazareth, then on to Capernaum, picking up sea shells along the shores of the Sea of Galilee, eating roasted succulent skewered lamb at St. Peter's Restaurant and then dipping our toes in the Jordan River and watching God place a rainbow over Israel on the way home. While at the sea of Galilee, we walked down to the shoreline and I was delightful surprised to find the beach covered with millions of tiny shells. This was my first time to visit Nazareth. My dad moved to heaven 17 years ago today...it seems perfect that I am here. Sometimes I struggle with finding the best words to describe the experience...yet God is faithful! HIS mercies never fail!

Carla set up the tours for En Gedi, Masada, the Dead Sea, Tower of David, Tiberias, The Sea of Galilee, Caesearea, Capernaum, the home of Peter's Mother-in-law, the Jordan River, Old Town Jerusalem, The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, The Mosque and Temple Mount, King's David Tomb, The Upper Room, Nazareth, The Western Wall and more. I was truly delighted just to be along for the ride and enjoy the sights and so happy to be in Israel again. It is always like coming home. Some of the places were new to visit, others were a delight to visit again. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, The Mosque and Temple Mount were new places while in Jerusalem. It was my first time in Tiberius and Nazareth which is north of Jerusalem, where I purchased some mustard seed and while walking the shores of the Sea of Galilee, I gathered many little shells to bring home for future Holy Anointing Oils. 

October 6, 2017, Friday ~ On the street where our hotel is centrally located are 1000 parasols to provide shade from the extreme heat on this rare street without vehicle traffic, only foot and bicycle traffic is allowed. The idea originated in Paraguay and has circled the globe. This is the last week for the parasols as the rains will be arriving soon. The parasols are attached to non-electrical cables similar to the old telephone wires in the States of America. It is glorious when the wind blows...as it becomes the colorful, delightful dance of the parasols.

My dear friend of almost 20 years, Miss Versie Hudson, one of God's most faithful, trustworthy friends, went home to be with the Lord on September 7, her memorial service was delayed two weeks due to another death in their church family. Versie served as an H.G.R.M. Advisor and Intercessor beginning January 1998 when we first met. So, while I am in Israel, those who loved her will be celebrating her well-lived life in Redmond, Oregon. Sometimes the timing of GOD is truly a mystery.

One of my most favorite parts of this journey was strolling into the Old Town and drinking fresh squeezed pomegranate juice every morning after the elaborate brunch. And then in the afternoon, when Tim and Carla went shopping, I would stay at the hotel, on the second floor outdoor veranda, sitting in the chair swing, praying every day, along with writing over 100 postcards and mailing them to America reminding our H.G.R.M. Intercessors to pray for Israel. The weather was simply beautiful every day. The Post Office in Jerusalem was very similar to the Post Offices in America with long waiting lines.

October 11, 2017, Wednesday ~ While at the Tower of David Museum the LORD spoke to me, "Tell my people to keep building!" The Tower of David holds 3000 plus years of geological history. Each of us holds that many generations of history some known and some unknown. Then the LORD gave me specific words for specific people.

The Holy Spirit will highlight yours:
1. Realign
2. Start over
3. Move forward
4. Check the cornerstone
5. Use premium material
6. Stop hesitating
7. Go back to the blueprint
8. Excellent work...don't stop now
9. Things are not what they seem on the surface check the foundation.

May ABBA ADONAI's greater love surround you all.

Scriptures: Nehemiah; Proverbs 10:25; Isaiah 28:16; Isaiah 44:28; Ezekiel 13:14; 1 Corinthians 3:11; Zechariah 8:9; Matthew 25:34; Luke 6:48-49; John 17:24; Revelation 21.

The question is: Are you building for the Glory of Elohim or yourself? Therein lies the eternal difference.

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We flew home from Tel Aviv via Toronto, Canada to Portland, Oregon, USA. As always, each strategic prayer journey provides unusual challenges, yet GOD always gives grace for HIS Glory, noting we have landed in Toronto, Canada and Brussels, Belgium on this trip - my first time in both places. We are honored to add our prayers to the prayer bowls of the saints in heaven. We were delighted to learn following our time in Israel the American Embassy is finally going to be moved to Jerusalem which opened its new doors on May 14, 2018!

​To God be the Glory!

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Please note 90% of the photos were taken by Tim and Carla Cameron, my traveling companions and professional photographers, the other 10% are mine.