I saw a Transvestite! Cool!

While driving today to pick up my son I passed someone who was a transvestite. In this area that is not a very common occurrence. It got me thinking. Here is someone who has a belief in something, someone who is not ashamed of who they are, and is willing to "share" or "present" that belief with those he ... err ... "she" comes in contact with. Now how cool is that! I did not find that "presentation" offensive, I don't care if this individual prefers to dress in women's clothes. It is a choice that person has made. That person will be accepted by some and ridiculed by others, that is a given. But that person has one thing going for them, he/she is being real.

Now what can be learned from this? Shouldn't we also be willing to share or present our beliefs too. If we truly believe in something ... like in Jesus Christ ... shouldn't we also be willing to share that with others. Not shoving it down peoples throats, sounding arrogant or pious, being holier than thou, but during the course of conversation our comments and actions should reflect what we truly believe in.

Luke 9:26 says "If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels."

Let's not be ashamed of Jesus, because if we are then the Son of Man will be ashamed. That is not a good situation to be in.

And finally, in John 15:18-20 Jesus tells the disciples that the world will hate and persecute them. You can apply that to today. If you are a follower of Jesus you are his disciple. And if you are His disciple, then the world is going to hate you too! If you are presenting Jesus to others and you are persecuted and hated, then you are on the right path! Keep up the good work! Just expect it and move on and don't take it personal.

So go ahead, get real and be Jesus to those around you!

Photos Added

I just got done adding all of mine and Nicole's photos to shutterfly. You can view them at http://perryhansen.shutterfly.com. In fact, those who were on the tour can add your photos to the same area too! We all can share!

Back Home!

Well, we made it back home! Everyones luggage did not make our flight from Tel Aviv. We have been told we should get it on Friday.

I apologize for no updates when we got to Israel. It was $8 an hour to access the internet and I spent at least 2-3 hours each night updating it. I have been uploading numerous videos and should be done uploading them all in the next couple of days. The videos on the left only show the most recent 4 videos. If you want to see then all, please go to my video channel on You Tube. The address is http://youtube.com/user/matt2819.

We had a wonderful together! I would highly recommend any and all people to go there early, rather than later, in life. The scripture just pops out once you see all the places and can understand the significance.

Thanks for sharing in our moment. I plan on updating this blog regularly within the next couple of weeks. I will be sharing on a men's book study we will be having at the Impact Society building on Wednesdays at 7pm (you are more than welcome to come, for more info go to ImpactSociety.org). We will be going through the book "The Man God Uses". I hope to add some value-added information on this blog on that study.

See you soon!

Old City of Jerusalem, Mt of Olives, Cardo, Western Wailing Wall, Garden of Gethsemane

Happy Birthday Dad back in Sun City Center Florida! Say hi to your imaginary alligator for me. :)

I talked to Perry today and he was unsure whether or not he'd be able to update the blog anymore before returning home. They are in Jerusalem and internet access there is very expensive. He is going to try to download a few things if possible - but if he cannot - we are very sorry.
Kelley

Caesaria Philippi, Golan Heights, Gamla, Karazim

Caesarea Philippi
We began our day here. This is where Jesus told Peter that upon this rock I will build my church (Matthew 16:13-20). The pool of running water in front of the of the rock is one of 3 sources of water for the Jordan River. It is melted snow from Mt Hermon that has worked it's way through the limestone. This site was a place for pagan worship. Inside the hole they did sacrifices. If blood does not go into the water then the gods of Hades has accepted the sacrifice. The picture on the right is inside the hole and where the sacrifices were held.


Golan Heights
Our guide explained why this area is so vital to Israel’s security. Mt Hermon is in the background.


Gamla
Called Masada of the Galilee. Very beautiful area.


Korazim (pictures coming)

Mt. Beatitudes, Tabgha, Capernaum, Sea of Galilee, Jordan River

Mt. Beatitudes
The church with the black dome is near where Jesus gave the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-16) and taught on many occasions. Debbie Gibson read the Beatitudes on the other side of this church. The picture if the Sea of Galilee is the view from where she read.


Tabgha
This is where Jesus fed 5000 (John 6:1-15) with two loaves of bread and five fish. When the people were done eating, the disciples gathered 12 baskets of fish and bread. They ended up with more food than Jesus started with ... interesting. Below is a picture of Nicole and I in the Sea of Galilee in the area where Jesus fed the 5,000. It is believed that the rock you see underneath the altar was the rock that Jesus broke the bread as he was feeding the 5,000. Whether it was the rock or not, the important thing to remember is that he performed a miracle. Interesting note. Behind me also was a time when Jesus said to throw your nets on the right side of the boat. They caught 153 fish (John21:1-14). In verse 12 they dared not ask "Who are you?" since they knew it was the Lord. What is the significance of 153? Why not say "a lot of fish" or "over 100"? Well if you take the numeric equivalent of "I am God" in Hebrew, the letters total 153. Jesus answered the question without it even being asked. A coincidence, or God?


Capernaum
This where the apostles Peter, Andrew, James, John, and Matthew, the tax-collector was from. Jesus spoke at the synagogue here. This is the place where the centurion said to Jesus that all he has to do is say the word and his servant will be healed. Jesus said he did not find anyone with that great faith in Israel (Matthew 8:5-13). Nicole also was given the opportunity to read from scripture about the synagogue. She is standing next to the synagogue. There is also a picture of a olive press amongst the ruins.


Sea of Galilee
We took a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. This is where Jesus quieted the storm and calmed the water (Mark 4:35-41). This is also where Jesus (John 6:16-24) and Peter walked on the water. It was a fascinating ride. While riding, Don Shire played "It is Well". View the video which is located in the left hand column. Had a little fish once we got off. As you can see, the fish and me had a little fun. After our kiss, the fish needed a smoke.



Jordan River
Here Nicole, myself, and a number from our group got baptized in the Jordan River. A pretty moving time.

Caesarea, Mt. Carmel, Meggido, Gideon Springs, Nazareth, and Cana

Caesarea, once a proud Roman port city dating back to the time of Pontius Pilate. This city was built by Herod the Great who ordered all boys under the age of two in or around Bethlehem to be killed in hopes of killing the baby Jesus (Matthew 2:1-18). We visited the monumental Roman amphitheater built in the days of Christ. Don Shire played "Majesty" in front the of amphitheater. See the video on the left.

Mt. Carmel, where Elijah held a contest against the false prophets of Ba’al (1 Kings 18:16-40). Underneath the statue is a panoramic view of Jezreel Valley which is where the Battle of Armageddon will take place. Don Shire played "Nothing but the Blood" while overlooking the Jezreel Valley. It was very windy up there so you will hear some wind noise.

Megiddo, overlooks the plains of Armageddon and the site of the 25 superimposed cities. Below is a picture of the city gates.

Gideon Springs
This is where Gideon's army drank water, which Nicole read from Judges 7. God instructed Gideon to select, out of 22,000, those men who lapped the water with their tongues like a dog; 300 men did that and the others were sent home. With those 300 men, they conquered the Midianites.


Nazareth, where Jesus grew up. Below the building in the middle with the black dome is a church that was built over Mary's house. In the background (close to the black dome) is another church which is built over the water source of where Mary would have drawn water. In one of those two places it is believed that Mary was told that she was going to be the mother of Jesus. Those two churches border the old city of Nazareth. Nazareth, at the time of Jesus' life, had about 300 residents. It was a rather insignificant city during Jesus time. Which is also why it was said "What good can come out of Nazareth". Nicole is reading scripture from Luke 4:14-22 in front of the church that was built over the water source.

Cana, site of the first miracle where Jesus turned water to wine (John 2:1-11). Here, a number of couples renewed their wedding vows. Below is a picture of a water jug the size that would hold 20-30 gallons of water. This is the same size jug that Jesus used to turn the water into wine. There are two churches that claim to be on the spot of this first miracle. We visited the one with the two towers in the pictures.

Jaffa

Jaffa (also known as Joppa) is the location where:

• Jonah left for Tarshish (Jonah 1:3) instead of Nineveh as God commanded. It was on this ship that he was thrown overboard and swallowed by a great fish.
  
• This is the port where King David and his son King Solomon used to bring in cedars of Lebanon to build the Temple (2 Chronicles 2:16, Ezra 3:7).
  
• Peter raised a widow named Tabitha from the dead (Acts 9:32-40).

Here is a picture of the port.

March 3, 2008 Leave for Holy Land

Our journey begins in front of the British Airways plane in Chicago.



This is what you look like when you don't get any sleep and have cramped quarters on the plane. The enthusiasm is breath-taking. This picture is when we were in London.







Arriving in Tel Aviv. Think we're excited?

Blog Title Explained

First off, I have to write that I love all of my children deeply. I would do anything for all three of them. There are no favorites, there never will be. Each child is unique, special, and truly a gift from God. God loaned them to us and we are required to train them up in the Lord. All three have a personal relationship with Jesus; but our job is not done, and never will be. Which brings up Israel. During these next few weeks in this blog, I will be focusing on my time with Nicole.

The name of this blog for the next few weeks is "Dancing with Cinderella in Israel". The title was inspired from the lyrics of a Steven Curtis Chapman song entitled, "Cinderella" (Click here to listen). Since Nicole is our first born and has been dating Aaron, a great Christian guy (her prince?) for well over a year now, chances are good that she may be the first to leave our nest. Competing for quality time with her is already a reality. The days and weeks fly by like minutes and the time is drawing near when I will no longer be the man Nicole prefers to "dance" with. The clock will strike midnight - and she will be gone. Which is why, as you can imagine, I so deeply cherish today.

Here are the lyrics:
She spins and she sways
To whatever song plays
Without a care in the world
And I'm sitting here wearing
The weight of the world on my shoulders

It's been a long day
And there's still work to do
She's pulling at me
Saying "Dad, I need you

There's a ball at the castle
And I've been invited
And I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"

So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone...

She says he's a nice guy and I'd be impressed
She wants to know if I approve of the dress
She says, "Dad, the prom is just one week away
And I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"

So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone

She will be gone

Well, she came home today with a ring on her hand
Just glowing and telling us all they had planned
She says, "Dad, the wedding's still six months away
But I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"

So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone

2008 Holy Land Tour

Wow, how time flies! Close to one year ago my daughter Nicole and I decided to go to Israel in celebration of her graduation from high school. Going to Israel was a dream of Nicole's for quite some time and I also thought it would be fascinating to see the Holy Land. Just imagine, to be able to see and experience the area where Jesus walked, talked, healed, performed miracles, and ultimately gave his life for you and me. I anticipate that our experience there will be life-altering.

I'm also looking forward to spending some time alone with Nicole. She's an adventurer and a go-getter. We are going to experience all Israel has to offer, except maybe eating fish that still has a head and tail attached! I'll post a picture of that "appetizing" meal when the day comes. I am told they serve fish like that at a place near where Peter's house is located. I'd rather have a fake fish stick than to have my meal staring back at me.

I plan to update this blog daily in Israel to let you know what we have seen and visited. I hope you can capture just a little bit of what we are experiencing through this blog. Keep in mind, the Middle East has recently experienced internet outages due to cut lines so we will have to see if a daily post is too aggressive. I hope not.

We will be leaving for Israel on March 3, 2008 and begin our trek home on March 12, 2008.

Talk to you soon!