The Lyrics

Psalm 119 I have stored up Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You.

Day two of my new adventure with the Lord in Jerusalem. I am in the courtyard garden at Shevet Achim and it is one of my favorite places on the planet. I am at rest here. I find this house very different on this trip. Growing. Gaining strength. Beautiful. The influence of its youngest and newest members used by God to bring a deep breath of fresh air.

Last night Ryan gave permission to the children to stay up a little past bedtime and watch him write an ancient Persian poem on the walls in Hebrew. In red paint :) Red makes a bold statement on the white plastser walls. I wonder what the children are thinking of this young, good looking, American boy who lets children stay up late and is allowed to paint on walls. He must seem like a rebel. A hero to young boys.

In very large, red Hebrew letters is a part of that poem...

Now, all the internal instruments are playing the same music: God, what love mischief can "we" do for the world, today? (Hafiz)

Galations 6 See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand.

This morning I watched and photogrphed Michelle, or Mooshelle as one of the children call her, and Laura with the children on the roofop. It is one of the highlights of my trip every year. Guitars. Tamborines. Kurdish, English and Arabic voices raising praise to our God from the rooftops of Jerusalem. Like smoke rising from the temple.

Within moments it is followed by the call to prayer from the city. Beautiful. Haunting. Somewhat tragic.

How our Father must be pleased to see His people shine the light of hope in this city.

It is no coincidence that these children are here at such an impressionable age. It is by design. Because at this young age lasting impressions are made. Words, memories and songs are being hidden in their hearts to be taken to foreign lands where they will be dispersed to the hearts of other children.

Har tow pirozee, pirozee, pirozee eh khudah

Har tow pirozee, pirozee, pirozee eh khudah

pirozee la koosha weesteeda

pirozee har la rasteedah

pirozee larizgar kirdina

priozee har la chak kurdinah

har la chak kurdinah

You are awesome, awesome, awesome O God
You are awesome, awesome, awesome O God

Awesome in Your love, awesome in Your faithfulness

Awesome in Your liberation, awesome also in You healing

When I was a little girl the Bible man came to our elementary school. He would stand before his felt canvas on an easel and tell the stories of Jesus. As he would teach he would continue to add his felt people, animals and landscaping, building a poster picture to go along with the stories that he was telling. By the end of the story he would have "painted" a beautiful picture of the life of Christ. Feeding the five thousand. Walking on water to Peter's outstretched hand on the Sea of Galilee. On the cross.

It formed a lasting impression.

Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against Thee.

Father, I cannot thank you enough today for your grace in allowing me to come here again. Help me to learn the hard lessons well. My prayer is that I will accomplish all You have chosen for me and that I will finish well. I pray that You will be pleased. Father bless this house and all Your people who live here. I pray that the love and kindness and words of praise to You that the children are learning here will be forever implanted in their hearts. I pray that it will make an impact. A lasting impression in Your kingdom.