If I forget thee

This week has been amazing. I made it on Fox News:

http://video.foxnews.com/v/4649244/unrest-in-mideast-does-not-deter-holy-week-tourists/?playlist_id=86857

Last Friday we went to the Western Wall and saw Patrick Stewart aka Xavier from X-men. It was his first time in Israel and he was being escorted by the English Ambassador.

We had a special guest this weekend as well. Elder Holland stayed with us for a few days while about church business. What a way to start off the final week here in Israel. He gave us a simple challenge to write down one word entries that describe what the Savior suffered for us. Every new word entry allows me to think of new ways to see how much the Lord has done for me.



Hey There Jerusalem

Music: Plain White T’s (Hey there Delilah)

Lyrics: Sarah Griggs



Hey there Jerusalem, what’s it like in Judah’s hills

I’ll be a 1000 miles away soon but tonight you look so pretty

Yes you do, Provo can’t shine as bright as you.

You know it’s true.



Hey there Jerusalem, the falafel I can taste

Damascus date, the Western wall and wandering through the streets and shops

It is so nice, Mormons get a special price.

A special price.



Chorus:

Oh its your churches and your walls,

Your sunsets and your prayer calls,

The view that I can see

From my JC balcony,

You are a part of me.



Hey there Jerusalem, I’ve learned a lot about the scriptures,

Judd and Muhlestein taught us well but man I want to chuck

my headset off a tel, weren’t all those bus rides rather swell?

Rather swell?



Hey there Jerusalem, Chadwick always has so much so say,

Every song he sings of shephelah simply takes my breath away,

But it’s all good, we all know the manger wasn’t wood.

It wasn’t wood.



Chorus



The United States seems pretty far

But they’ve got planes and trains and cars-

I’d walk to you if I had no other way.

Our friends will all make fun of us

And we’ll just laugh along because

We know that none of them have felt this way.



Jerusalem, I can promise you

That by the time that we get through

Our world will never, ever be the same

And you’re to blame.



Hey there Jerusalem, you be good and don’t you miss me

A few more years and I’ll come if I can

When I become a religious man

And I’ll come back with kids again

Oh how I love this land

Hey there Jerusalem, here’s to you

This one’s for you



Oh it’s your churches and your walls,

Your sunsets and your prayer calls,

The view that I can see

From my JC balcony,

You are a part of me.



Ohohohohohohohohohoh

You are a part of me

You are a part of me

Forever part of me.



The fellowship of the unashamed

I am a part of the fellowship of the unashamed; the dye has been cast out. I have stepped over the line, the decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ! I won’t look back, let up, slow down, or be still.

My past is redeemed; my presence makes sense, my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, small planning, colorless dreams, tamed, visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, position, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, recognized, praised, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on his presence, walk with patience, uplifted by prayer. My face is set, my gate is fast, my goal is heaven.

My road is narrow; my way is rough. My companions are few; my guide is reliable; my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, divided, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won’t give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, and paid up for the cause of Christ.

I must go till he comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till he stops me. And when he returns, he will have no problem recognizing me; my banner will be clear.