Beit Jimal

If you follow this blog much, you realize that I like to journey off-the-beaten-paths. Beit Jimal was a pleasant discovery as we took an unplanned turn and wound our way up the hill to this site.

Although I question that it has any true biblical link, this monastery which houses St. Stephen Church is a lovely setting in the Judean Hills not far from Beth Shemesh. This is said to have been the burial place of Stephen, Gamaliel, and Nicodemus. This sounds rather far-fetched to me and the Bible does not say this is where they were buried, but we enjoyed walking through the grounds nonetheless, thankful that there are such beautiful places in the world. 

Clouds of Promise

While traveling north on Israel's Highway 70, we saw this beautiful scene. When I see this photo, I can't help but think of some very notable Scriptures about glorious biblical events that involve clouds.

Acts 1:9-11 
And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 

And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. 

I Thessalonians 4:15-17
For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 

Bar Bahar Restaurant

There are many things I love about Israel, but one of them is the food. It is right up my alley…lots of fresh vegetables, hummus, yummy pita bread… 

Israel has a lot of outdoor cafes that are so much fun. In 2009, we were staying in Moshav Avi-ezer and went to Bar Bahar Restaurant in Nes Harim one day. We sat on the deck and had a light lunch as we enjoyed the view of the hills. It was a lovely afternoon. We hiked in the hills and enjoyed the quiet and beauty of God's natural landscape. 

Ayalon Canada Park

Figs, olives, dates, Roman ruins…this park in central Israel nearly has it all.    

                                 

Here, Bill is giving a salute. We'd just come from Jordan, where there are many classic pictures of King Abdullah smiling and saluting in all kinds of public places.

This was one of our budget rental cars. We always get the cheap kind because we sightsee on a budget. Sometimes, a rental car company is out of the tiny economy cars and we get a free upgrade. That is always welcome.

So, yes, this is King Bill in his royal automobile!