Israel is heavy on my heart, same as yours, I know. Heart-wrenching doesn’t even come close, does it? My prayers are rising with yours for Israel and all the innocent Palestinians caught in this horrific conflict.
Joe and I were supposed to leave this Friday for Israel, my second pilgrimage to “the land” as they say. But, of course, the trip was cancelled (same trip Robin was on) due to the horror of what’s happening.
So many memories from my trip (with my daughter Kelsey) in 2019 have flooded back this week—the places, the buildings, the history, the roads Jesus walked. But mostly, the people. So many beautiful people, everywhere we went. Jerusalem, Bethlehem, the Negev and the Wilderness, Jericho, the Sea of Galilee… I remember their faces, if not their names, and wonder if they’re still alive. Or are they fighting? Are they fleeing?
Lord of Heaven’s Armies, you know the intimate history of that land and every one of those people, and the eternal perspectives of their heart. Father God, comfort every grieving and shattered soul. Speak to them through the power of your Holy Spirit, and Jesus, shine your light into their hearts and into their unspeakable grief and draw them closer to you.
As memories have surfaced from my 2019 trip, I pulled up the pics on my phone as I was waiting for an appointment earlier this week. They brought tears but also hope that can only be found in Jesus.
Here’s a quick slideshow of our “all women” group who inherited the land together…
And now, the encouraging event!
Even though my family and writing schedule prevent me from taking part in this event this year, I want to tell you about the 2023 JustRead Rendezvous. Talk about author/reader marriage made in heaven!
The inaugural JustRead Rendezvous is scheduled for November 17, 2023, in St. Louis. This event aims to sweeten reading and storytelling experiences with fellowship and encouragement and is modeled after Christian Fiction Readers Retreat (did any of you ever attend that?).
Join the group on the evening of November 16 for The Christy Award Winners Gala Watch Party and the preceding Meet and Greet time. In case The Christy Award is new to you, The Christy Award honors and promotes excellence in Christian fiction and is a program of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association.
Check out this year’s Christy Award finalists. You’ll recognize names and might also find your next great read.
And now, the author line up for this year’s JustRead Rendezvous…
More about the Rendezvous…
Connect with other attendees and hopefuls to arrange shared experiences or cost-sharing opportunities in the Rendezvous Roomies & Logistics ’23 private Facebook group. The first 30 registered authors for 2023 are pictured above. Their spotlight posts will appear in this News feed when you register to join the fun.
Keynote speakers are Jocelyn Green and Pepper Basham, 2022 finalists of The Christy Award. Rounding out our first 30 participating authors are Amanda Cox, Ann Elizabeth Fryer, Ann H. Gabhart, Barbara M. Britton, Danielle Grandinetti, Elly Gilbert, Erica Vetsch, Heather Greer, Janine Rosche, Jenny Rae, Jerusha Agen, Kimberley Woodhouse, Kristi Ann Hunter, Lisa M. James, Lisa Phillips, Lorri Dudley, Megan Besing, Michelle Griep, Nancy Mehl, Peggy Trotter, Rebecca Hemlock, Regina Rudd Merrick, Sarah Hanks, Shaen Layle, Stephenia H. McGee, Suzie Waltner, Tabitha Bouldin, and Tamara Leigh. Additional interested authors will be invited to register as reader registration grows.
So many fabulous authors!
And there’s still time to register, but tick tick tick!
Much love from Nashville, and my prayers are rising with yours for God’s holy name to be glorified in all the earth!
Tammy
Tamera Alexander
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Thank you for your beautiful prayer at this time of grief for Israel. The uncertainty that the Jewish and Palestinian people face is unimaginable.
I live in Virginia Beach where we just watched the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group deploy from Norfolk on Saturday, heading to the eastern Mediterranean to join the Gerald R. Ford strike group. Usually there is only one of these groups in the Med to carry on exercises with NATO partners, but both will be in a position to aid as becomes necessary. A tense time for families of those deployed. Squadrons from Virginia Beach Oceana Master Jet Base go with the aircraft carrier. Praying with you for all in harm’s way.
Thanks for that personal update, Betty. Praying for them as well. So many moving parts. So grateful our great God is in control.