Monday, October 20, 2008

The Garden Tomb

We had an assignment to paint the garden tomb. I have had so many memories flood my heart. What a gift Dad gave to us to let us go to Jerusalem. I have been on that sacred ground three times, with three of my favorite people. Nicole I was there is spirit with you, and you are number four. Who knows if we will ever have that chance again in this life time. I often find myself remembering during Sunday School Class or early morning moments. I have been looking through my old journal and I found this poem I love!I am not moved, my God, to love you
By the heaven you have promised me.
Neither does hell, so feared, move me
To keep me from offending you.



You move me, Lord, I am moved seeing you
Scoffed at and nailed on a cross
I am moved seeing your body so wounded.
Your injuries and your death move me.



It is your love that moves me, and such a way
That even though there were no heaven I would love you,
And even though there were no hell I would fear you.
You do not have to give me anything so that I love you,

For even if I didn't hope for what I hope,
As I love you now, so would I love you.
Madeleine L Engle


Jamie and me at the Garden Tomb. Jamie was in beauty school and sporting her cute short cut and brand new color. I think she was starting to like Matt about now. She has on a skirt with gray sweat under it. Do we look alike?
Kim met grandma and I at the "Wailing Wall" She seemed to us to be the parent and we were the children. She was so comfortable in the Old City. We would get lost and pray that we could find Kim again. One day I was alone and lost from the group. I had stepped out of a church because it was so dark and heavy. I couldn't imagine that it could have possibly been where the Savior would have been. You can't know how excited I was to see Kim just pop up by chance. We left the group and had the most wonderful day alone.
This is Kelly and me at the Mt of the Beatitudes. This tree looked like it had been there forever. This is where the Savior taught the people with such love. Blessed is he who hungers and thirsts after righteousness . . . I often imagine that we are, as a family all there, sitting under these giant trees listening and drinking in the Savior's words. Wow. . . what a lot of fond memories. I love my girls, all four of them. Thanks for the memories!

P.S. Kim we need to do some "Wow!" Reflection Thinking
P.P.S. Kelly Tampa Bay Devils are in the World Series! Will Heath get into that? I can't wait.

5 comments:

Kelly said...

Love this post not only did I get to see your Master piece but see the photos of our trip. What an amazing time we had. From a sick eye less cat, sick from birth control, washing our dear friends hair in her garms and all the beautiful places we learned about and were able to see. Loved the day we sat by the pool and read the book about Mary and Joseph. Thanks for the wonderful trip. I love you! Love seeing and reading about your other trips.
Yes... we LOVE our Tampa Bay Rays! Fun Nights ahead!

JaMie HeApS said...

mom that painting is gorgouse. oh what a trip in deed. i wonder if everyone in our group that you had a retarted daughter when they saw me with my outfits and hair. also i think i sweated about 50 lbs on the trip and starved the entire time. do remeber the cold lemon aid we had in the ceasars reastraunt in old town. i dont think ive ever tasted anything so tasty. one of my favorite part was walkin on the beach that one night at sunset with you, i loved having you ALL TO MYSELF. thanks pops what a trip indeed.

Emilee said...

Mom, your painting is INCREDIBLE!!! You captured it just perfect! The soft colors, the beautiful flowers, it is a masterpiece!! I am proud of you for accepting the challenge and going for it! I know it has taken you a lot of time. It turned out beautiful! I can't wait to see it in person. I often think back about my time in the Holy Land. I keep telling my kids that I want them to get that chance too! (Emilee looks at me like I am crazy.) Thank you so much for making it possible for me to have that great experience. It was one I will never forget. I remember how excited I was when you and Grandma came down the stairs at the Center. I loved talking to you in the big room that over looked the city. I remember listening to a tape from Jason and just getting caught up on everything. I remember faking sick on a field trip so I could take a taxi over to be with you and Grandma when she was sick. I loved going to Shephards field with you and seeing that Bedowin lady. Thank you for those great memories! WE WILL go over there again somday! Maybe to visit Em. I love you Mom! xoxox

McKinnley said...

Grandma,
your the best artist ever!! At school the other day, I was taking about you, and what a good artist/grandma you are! ( All the kids in my class were jealous!! (I could tell!!!) I love you! Mckinnley.

McKinnley said...

One more thing, Lets plan a girls trip when I'm older to see the garden to. Ill pack the chocolate!