I rarely discuss satan, because his power is no match for the King of the Universe, but I must post this. I was shown a very unsettling vision in the heavenly realm. Just as described in Job chapter 1, I saw satan before the Throne of YHWH. I could not see YHWH, I saw fire, but I did see Y'hshuwah at the right hand of the flaming Throne.
Now there was a day when the sons of Elohim came to present themselves before YHWH, and Satan came also among them. Job 1:6
Satan was speaking and he made six very clear statements.
1. As he pointed to the right of the Throne, he said, "They say they follow Him, but they talk about me."
2. The "church" has invited me in, as they proclaim fear of me, rather than You, and produce evil splendor.
3. It's people who say they believe who have focused the end of days on the Revelation 13.
4. How many times is fire mentioned in accordance to Your presence, but so many images show me "alive and well" in the midst of flames.
5. So many claiming my attacks sound like those claiming to be Yours believe I'm omnipresent. As a matter of fact . . . the way Your people talk about me, it's as if they believe I'm omnipotent and omniscient, as well.
6. For so many of their choices, and your chastisement, they give me credit.
Ye are of G-d, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he
that is in you, than he that is in the world. I John 4:4
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Meekness is not Weakness
We've all heard that, right, but it seems and sounds like the word "not" should be capitalized! Maybe stamping our foot to emphasize the difference? Well, since we've been told what it isn't, what is it? We know it isn't weakness, nor is it self-proclaimed martyrdom, nor is it described as "being a doormat." Meekness is not being a never tiring sounding board, nor is it taking the whipping when someone else has caused the problem. Last but not least in the definition is my own style of faux meekness: stoic doormat, waiting for the room to clear and the door to close . . . Now that we've narrowed it down to what meekness is not, what is it to be meek?
The definition of meekness is humble in spirit. Humble has many definitions that seem deprecating, and in the flesh that seems defeating, but the reality is, it takes the realization of your own short comings to do the two things meekness requires. A humble spirit is neither prideful nor vain. Humble and meek can almost be used interchangeably. Meekness as a fruit of the spirit means we cannot of ourselves produce "it." Humble is a state of "being," like peace. The second thing the realization reveals is that you see about yourself the places the enemy will be aiming or the flesh will fail.
Meekness is not an easy thing for me to understand. By nature in the flesh, I already mentioned, I tend to be a stoic doormat until I've had enough, then the doormat hits the door or expects the one who has treated me in that fashion to be moving right along . . . and don't look back. I've had some really hard lessons about meekness in the past few years and after much prayer and seeking, I am finally gaining an understanding, not in what I can do, but rather in what I need to surrender and stop doing.
For a long time, I truly did think meekness just meant giving someone else their way while recusing myself, or listening endlessly to complaints or accepting hurt or rejection without showing emotion. I have listened to countless hours of complaints and grumblings, only to make an offer of advice to then be told, "It's not about you, you just obviously don't understand . . ." Perhaps that is true. If only they'd began the lengthy diatribe with that information, I could have saved us both a great deal of time! So what can I do to truly walk in the fruit of the spirit of meekness and change me in the situation?
It is the Spirit of our Creator that must change us, we cannot change ourselves. We can only choose to desire His Way. The only thing I can change about me, is to long for His Way over my own. In that decision, I move from desire to yielded. We can say we want something, but we must be willing to change before we are open to accepting change.
As someone who does try to show compassion, I've had to realize many people are not seeking a solution, or at least not the one I'm offering. I've realized in my "patient listening" I've actually missed the opportunity to meekly lead them to YHWH's solution, early on. In that missed timing, I've established myself to be the sounding board, or in most cases leads to the doormat. I've appeared to them to have nothing more to do than listen to them, and that hasn't helped them or me. People with problems need compassion, people who are searching need direction, at least light, but people who talk endlessly about a situation without moving do not need a doormat. Actually, they have proven they can't just wipe their feet and get moving, so a doormat is really the worst thing in the world for them. Besides, if I'm leading them to YHWH, the doormat missionary is unnecessary. People do not need to rehash their own thoughts aloud, endlessly, therefore they do not need an endless audience to avail themselves. For answers and direction, people need YHWH and they need to be moving toward Him, immediately. A missionary a minister, needs to be heading people to holy ground. Shoes are prohibited, thus no doormat required when one gets to the holy ground.
Two Scriptures came to me as I pondered my own fleshly longsuit which is actually a shortcoming in this area. The flesh truly does war against the spirit. I'm not a good listener because YHWH has gifted me in that area. I try to be a good listener because I've always felt nobody really cared how I felt. Well, true or not, that's still based in the flesh and a negative emotional platform . . . to try to produce spiritual fruit. That simply won't happen.
Proverbs 18:2, tells us, one who continues to be interested in expounding only on their own opinion, is a fool. I can't even imagine the low definition of one who continues to avail themselves to listen to that prattle. Galatians 5:17 tells us the flesh opposes the spirit. Jeremiah concurs in call the human heart, wicked. So, we need the Spirit of YHWH for genuine pure results. We simply cannot do it on our own. And meekness is impossible to fake or simulate! False humility is genuinely the act of an arrogant fool.
One of the most practical examples of meekness is not needing the last word, and accepting the last word that was spoken without over analyzing it. I'm not suggesting we turn off our intelligence to be meek, but rather meekness just move on to more important matters. We can't see another person's heart or motives and we may find we are actually projecting our own intent, into the analysis of others. The meek present themselves before YHWH for analysis and act upon His direction. Those operating the fruit of the spirit of meekness do not ruminate. Consider Y'hshuwah in all his dealings with people. He was the perfect example of meekness, and he didn't spend too much time debating or listening to "woe as me."
The more I seek to produce this particular fruit of the Spirit, the more I value the passage that says, "Be still and know that I am G-d." I've learned a lot about meekness on Facebook. There are so many times the "Like" button is more than enough said. I've gained a great deal of respect for those who don't always offer a comment. I know in my young walk, I was sure I had to offer a Scripture or "identify" with everything being said, but as HE is maturing me, I am realizing every situation does not need a comment from me.
Meekness is accepting the situation for what it is, without expecting others to work around you.
Meekness is sometimes even knowing you're right, but realizing you don't need to prove it.
Meekness is wanting to hear YHWH more than wanting your own voice to be heard.
Meekness is also being aware that not everyone talking actually wants to participate in a dialogue. Many are content in a monologue with audience.
Meekness is realizing you'd rather G-d be glorified than to have the last word.
Meekness is realizing YHWH will have the last word and HE's big enough to speak for Himself!
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Beatitudes Matthew 5
If we could attain meekness, we'd just lose it by being proud of our accomplishment!
The definition of meekness is humble in spirit. Humble has many definitions that seem deprecating, and in the flesh that seems defeating, but the reality is, it takes the realization of your own short comings to do the two things meekness requires. A humble spirit is neither prideful nor vain. Humble and meek can almost be used interchangeably. Meekness as a fruit of the spirit means we cannot of ourselves produce "it." Humble is a state of "being," like peace. The second thing the realization reveals is that you see about yourself the places the enemy will be aiming or the flesh will fail.
Meekness is not an easy thing for me to understand. By nature in the flesh, I already mentioned, I tend to be a stoic doormat until I've had enough, then the doormat hits the door or expects the one who has treated me in that fashion to be moving right along . . . and don't look back. I've had some really hard lessons about meekness in the past few years and after much prayer and seeking, I am finally gaining an understanding, not in what I can do, but rather in what I need to surrender and stop doing.
For a long time, I truly did think meekness just meant giving someone else their way while recusing myself, or listening endlessly to complaints or accepting hurt or rejection without showing emotion. I have listened to countless hours of complaints and grumblings, only to make an offer of advice to then be told, "It's not about you, you just obviously don't understand . . ." Perhaps that is true. If only they'd began the lengthy diatribe with that information, I could have saved us both a great deal of time! So what can I do to truly walk in the fruit of the spirit of meekness and change me in the situation?
It is the Spirit of our Creator that must change us, we cannot change ourselves. We can only choose to desire His Way. The only thing I can change about me, is to long for His Way over my own. In that decision, I move from desire to yielded. We can say we want something, but we must be willing to change before we are open to accepting change.
As someone who does try to show compassion, I've had to realize many people are not seeking a solution, or at least not the one I'm offering. I've realized in my "patient listening" I've actually missed the opportunity to meekly lead them to YHWH's solution, early on. In that missed timing, I've established myself to be the sounding board, or in most cases leads to the doormat. I've appeared to them to have nothing more to do than listen to them, and that hasn't helped them or me. People with problems need compassion, people who are searching need direction, at least light, but people who talk endlessly about a situation without moving do not need a doormat. Actually, they have proven they can't just wipe their feet and get moving, so a doormat is really the worst thing in the world for them. Besides, if I'm leading them to YHWH, the doormat missionary is unnecessary. People do not need to rehash their own thoughts aloud, endlessly, therefore they do not need an endless audience to avail themselves. For answers and direction, people need YHWH and they need to be moving toward Him, immediately. A missionary a minister, needs to be heading people to holy ground. Shoes are prohibited, thus no doormat required when one gets to the holy ground.
Two Scriptures came to me as I pondered my own fleshly longsuit which is actually a shortcoming in this area. The flesh truly does war against the spirit. I'm not a good listener because YHWH has gifted me in that area. I try to be a good listener because I've always felt nobody really cared how I felt. Well, true or not, that's still based in the flesh and a negative emotional platform . . . to try to produce spiritual fruit. That simply won't happen.
Proverbs 18:2, tells us, one who continues to be interested in expounding only on their own opinion, is a fool. I can't even imagine the low definition of one who continues to avail themselves to listen to that prattle. Galatians 5:17 tells us the flesh opposes the spirit. Jeremiah concurs in call the human heart, wicked. So, we need the Spirit of YHWH for genuine pure results. We simply cannot do it on our own. And meekness is impossible to fake or simulate! False humility is genuinely the act of an arrogant fool.
One of the most practical examples of meekness is not needing the last word, and accepting the last word that was spoken without over analyzing it. I'm not suggesting we turn off our intelligence to be meek, but rather meekness just move on to more important matters. We can't see another person's heart or motives and we may find we are actually projecting our own intent, into the analysis of others. The meek present themselves before YHWH for analysis and act upon His direction. Those operating the fruit of the spirit of meekness do not ruminate. Consider Y'hshuwah in all his dealings with people. He was the perfect example of meekness, and he didn't spend too much time debating or listening to "woe as me."
The more I seek to produce this particular fruit of the Spirit, the more I value the passage that says, "Be still and know that I am G-d." I've learned a lot about meekness on Facebook. There are so many times the "Like" button is more than enough said. I've gained a great deal of respect for those who don't always offer a comment. I know in my young walk, I was sure I had to offer a Scripture or "identify" with everything being said, but as HE is maturing me, I am realizing every situation does not need a comment from me.
Meekness is accepting the situation for what it is, without expecting others to work around you.
Meekness is sometimes even knowing you're right, but realizing you don't need to prove it.
Meekness is wanting to hear YHWH more than wanting your own voice to be heard.
Meekness is also being aware that not everyone talking actually wants to participate in a dialogue. Many are content in a monologue with audience.
Meekness is realizing you'd rather G-d be glorified than to have the last word.
Meekness is realizing YHWH will have the last word and HE's big enough to speak for Himself!
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Beatitudes Matthew 5
If we could attain meekness, we'd just lose it by being proud of our accomplishment!
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Feet to the Fire
We used to talk a lot about faith in religious circles, and perhaps maybe some still do, but for the most part, the discussions I’ve been privy to, or I should say debates, revolve around studying and grace. I believe we are called to study the Word of G-d. How else are we going to learn what He’s already said, what pleases Him and what doesn’t . . . and how that turns out? As for grace, I think it’s awesome, but it’s not license; but that’s not the topic of this particular writing.
There were complications when my twin granddaughters were born. I consider most of those complications to be at the hands of folks with god complexes in health care, but that’s also a topic for another time.
The second twin had problems at birth and wasn’t responding well, according to the nurses taking care of her, so she was to be transferred to a hospital, more specialized, I guess is the kindest way to say it. She was in that hospital for three weeks, with no progress made. She wouldn’t offer any signs of suckling and had an N-G tube for feeding. Therapists came around daily, with no positive results. That little bitty girl simply would not do anything they said she should do.
I was already dubbed the religious/minister grandma, so needless to say, there was no middle ground with those dealing with me. They were delighted to deal with me, or they dreaded my appearance. At least, we all knew where we stood, and I truly didn’t try to ruffle their feathers. To be honest, their beliefs were not my concern.
Through the time of her hospitalization, her sister was now home with her mom, so my daughter and I traded days, nights, and babies so both girls could be with their mom as much as possible. One night my daughter would be at the hospital and I’d be home with little “big sister.” The day my daughter and I would exchange places . . .
In the mean time, through all this, I had a vision. It was interesting, in that it was so quick and well, caught me completely unawares. I was going through the office of the mission to the kitchen when it occurred. I saw sitting upon my 3 drawer file cabinet, a huge can of powdered baby formula, with a tallit draped over it. That was it and of course as quickly as I attempted to take a double take, it vanished.
I prayed for clarity. I heard one thing. I heard, “She will eat.”
I then determined to physically and practically replicate that vision to something that would help my Granddaughter. I knew enough to know it pertained to her sustenance. With one newborn already home, I knew the hospital sent home powdered formula with the babies, so that was already covered. I went to my friend’s fabric store and bought some unbleached muslin, and pretty pink ribbon . . . I added that part.
I had no idea what would be coming next, but YHWH did.
My daughter was recovering as best she could while keeping the pace of taking care of one baby and being with one in another city, every day. We maintained this schedule until the big meeting, at the hospital. The day my Granddaughter was to be released I, of course, went with my daughter to listen to the “experts and their words of authority and discouragement.” The gist of the meeting amounted to this. They wanted to perform surgery and place a feeding tube directly into her stomach. Her mother didn’t want that and I knew G-d said otherwise, so we held our ground. We would work with the N-G tube at home. Oh, one other thing we were told, we shouldn’t try to get her to swallow liquids as she could choke. With that I knew, they had every intention of taking full control. What they didn’t know, was I serve a great big G-d sho has more control than their egos can even comprehend.
At that meeting we were told in no uncertain terms that if there were any complications or even if there was no weight gain, there would be legal action taken on their part . . . No pressure No problem for my G-d! That was a Wednesday with an appointment made for the following Thursday.
It was on the way home that He showed me the next part of the solution. I had tried and tried to get them to have the therapists work with her before she was tube fed, but they had their schedules, and I was just a crazy religious grandma, what did I know . . .
As His plan unfold in my spirit, I began to anticipate her next feeding. I carefully dampened the little cloth I’d washed and cut, placed some powdered formula in it, with just a pinch of sugar, gathered it and tied it with the pretty pink ribbon to make a sort of “cloth pacifier” and I waited . . . Her feeding was of course on a schedule, rather than demand like her sister, but those two babies, finally in the same town, same house, same room, were aware of each other. When the one on demand feeding cried and was fed, I prepared the tube feeding, and gathered up the “cloth pacifier.” YHWH is all about timing, you know. The cloth pacifier was just damp enough to absorb the formula and I touched it to her lips. She responded, like a normal baby . . . She nuzzled it, then actually took it into her mouth. She then suckled so hard we discovered she had a dimple! It was certainly a glory to G-d, shout HalleluYah moment! I, of course, began the tube feeding while she continued to suck on the formula filled cloth. It was simply amazing. It’s been over 14 years and my eyes still well up and goose bumps form as I write this!
Our one week “probation” was off to a roaring start! By the next Tuesday that tiny little girl was getting spunky enough, she pulled the tube out of her nose and I rigged up another way for her to be sustained by mouth . . . I was praising, YHWH was moving, and she was progressing.
The big day came. She was weighed and had gained over 7 ounces! So, as evil will do, a new hoop was added. Now that it was clear she had made progress and gained weight she would have to suck from a bottle to their satisfaction to be nourished or surgery was still on the table . . . Of course, they were the ones with the records of the meeting, so we had no proof they were changing the rules! We’d met the demands, so they raised the bar. As I mentioned, I’d rigged up another feeding method that still hadn’t required her to manage a bottle and nipple.
The therapist came in with a bottle and took that little girl in her arms, telling us what would be needed to avoid surgery. That little girl’s response shut the woman’s mouth. My G-d and my granddaughter met the demand and the therapist simply stated, “I have a new vision of G-d.”
The G-d of Israel still heals, saves and delivers, but I think we don’t see so much of this, because we concede to the powers that be, before we get to G-d’s big finish! Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego would not have seen the Son of G-d in the fiery furnace, if they’d have bowed down. They could have just “pretended to lace their sandals” and maybe gone unnoticed.
I can’t help but wonder in my own life and in those around me, how many mighty moves of G-d we miss, because we go ahead and eat the king’s food and go with the social norm and stand or bow when “the music starts.”
The invitation, instruction, and opportunity is succinct, but I believe, just as those three Hebrew boys in Babylon, we have to already be living set apart and willing to stand separate before we see the Son of G-d in the firey furnace we face.
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, says Y‘hshuwah, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, II Corinthians 6:17
There were complications when my twin granddaughters were born. I consider most of those complications to be at the hands of folks with god complexes in health care, but that’s also a topic for another time.
The second twin had problems at birth and wasn’t responding well, according to the nurses taking care of her, so she was to be transferred to a hospital, more specialized, I guess is the kindest way to say it. She was in that hospital for three weeks, with no progress made. She wouldn’t offer any signs of suckling and had an N-G tube for feeding. Therapists came around daily, with no positive results. That little bitty girl simply would not do anything they said she should do.
I was already dubbed the religious/minister grandma, so needless to say, there was no middle ground with those dealing with me. They were delighted to deal with me, or they dreaded my appearance. At least, we all knew where we stood, and I truly didn’t try to ruffle their feathers. To be honest, their beliefs were not my concern.
Through the time of her hospitalization, her sister was now home with her mom, so my daughter and I traded days, nights, and babies so both girls could be with their mom as much as possible. One night my daughter would be at the hospital and I’d be home with little “big sister.” The day my daughter and I would exchange places . . .
In the mean time, through all this, I had a vision. It was interesting, in that it was so quick and well, caught me completely unawares. I was going through the office of the mission to the kitchen when it occurred. I saw sitting upon my 3 drawer file cabinet, a huge can of powdered baby formula, with a tallit draped over it. That was it and of course as quickly as I attempted to take a double take, it vanished.
I prayed for clarity. I heard one thing. I heard, “She will eat.”
I then determined to physically and practically replicate that vision to something that would help my Granddaughter. I knew enough to know it pertained to her sustenance. With one newborn already home, I knew the hospital sent home powdered formula with the babies, so that was already covered. I went to my friend’s fabric store and bought some unbleached muslin, and pretty pink ribbon . . . I added that part.
I had no idea what would be coming next, but YHWH did.
My daughter was recovering as best she could while keeping the pace of taking care of one baby and being with one in another city, every day. We maintained this schedule until the big meeting, at the hospital. The day my Granddaughter was to be released I, of course, went with my daughter to listen to the “experts and their words of authority and discouragement.” The gist of the meeting amounted to this. They wanted to perform surgery and place a feeding tube directly into her stomach. Her mother didn’t want that and I knew G-d said otherwise, so we held our ground. We would work with the N-G tube at home. Oh, one other thing we were told, we shouldn’t try to get her to swallow liquids as she could choke. With that I knew, they had every intention of taking full control. What they didn’t know, was I serve a great big G-d sho has more control than their egos can even comprehend.
At that meeting we were told in no uncertain terms that if there were any complications or even if there was no weight gain, there would be legal action taken on their part . . . No pressure No problem for my G-d! That was a Wednesday with an appointment made for the following Thursday.
It was on the way home that He showed me the next part of the solution. I had tried and tried to get them to have the therapists work with her before she was tube fed, but they had their schedules, and I was just a crazy religious grandma, what did I know . . .
As His plan unfold in my spirit, I began to anticipate her next feeding. I carefully dampened the little cloth I’d washed and cut, placed some powdered formula in it, with just a pinch of sugar, gathered it and tied it with the pretty pink ribbon to make a sort of “cloth pacifier” and I waited . . . Her feeding was of course on a schedule, rather than demand like her sister, but those two babies, finally in the same town, same house, same room, were aware of each other. When the one on demand feeding cried and was fed, I prepared the tube feeding, and gathered up the “cloth pacifier.” YHWH is all about timing, you know. The cloth pacifier was just damp enough to absorb the formula and I touched it to her lips. She responded, like a normal baby . . . She nuzzled it, then actually took it into her mouth. She then suckled so hard we discovered she had a dimple! It was certainly a glory to G-d, shout HalleluYah moment! I, of course, began the tube feeding while she continued to suck on the formula filled cloth. It was simply amazing. It’s been over 14 years and my eyes still well up and goose bumps form as I write this!
Our one week “probation” was off to a roaring start! By the next Tuesday that tiny little girl was getting spunky enough, she pulled the tube out of her nose and I rigged up another way for her to be sustained by mouth . . . I was praising, YHWH was moving, and she was progressing.
The big day came. She was weighed and had gained over 7 ounces! So, as evil will do, a new hoop was added. Now that it was clear she had made progress and gained weight she would have to suck from a bottle to their satisfaction to be nourished or surgery was still on the table . . . Of course, they were the ones with the records of the meeting, so we had no proof they were changing the rules! We’d met the demands, so they raised the bar. As I mentioned, I’d rigged up another feeding method that still hadn’t required her to manage a bottle and nipple.
The therapist came in with a bottle and took that little girl in her arms, telling us what would be needed to avoid surgery. That little girl’s response shut the woman’s mouth. My G-d and my granddaughter met the demand and the therapist simply stated, “I have a new vision of G-d.”
The G-d of Israel still heals, saves and delivers, but I think we don’t see so much of this, because we concede to the powers that be, before we get to G-d’s big finish! Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego would not have seen the Son of G-d in the fiery furnace, if they’d have bowed down. They could have just “pretended to lace their sandals” and maybe gone unnoticed.
I can’t help but wonder in my own life and in those around me, how many mighty moves of G-d we miss, because we go ahead and eat the king’s food and go with the social norm and stand or bow when “the music starts.”
The invitation, instruction, and opportunity is succinct, but I believe, just as those three Hebrew boys in Babylon, we have to already be living set apart and willing to stand separate before we see the Son of G-d in the firey furnace we face.
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, says Y‘hshuwah, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, II Corinthians 6:17
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Extra Readings for Passover and Week of Unleavened Bread
As recommended by the Complete Jewish Bible, translation by David H. Stern
Passover: Exodus 12:21-51; Numbers 28:16-25; Joshua 3:5-7; 5:2-6:1; Isaiah 52:13-53:12
1st Day of Matzo (Unleavened Bread): Leviticus 22:26-23:44; ii Kings 23:1-9, 21-25; I Corinthians 5:6-8
Shabbat: Exodus 33:12-34:26; Ezekiel 36:37-37:14
Last Day of Matzo: Deuteronomy 15:19-16:17; II Samuel 22:1-51; Isaiah 10:32-12:6
Passover: Exodus 12:21-51; Numbers 28:16-25; Joshua 3:5-7; 5:2-6:1; Isaiah 52:13-53:12
1st Day of Matzo (Unleavened Bread): Leviticus 22:26-23:44; ii Kings 23:1-9, 21-25; I Corinthians 5:6-8
Shabbat: Exodus 33:12-34:26; Ezekiel 36:37-37:14
Last Day of Matzo: Deuteronomy 15:19-16:17; II Samuel 22:1-51; Isaiah 10:32-12:6
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Aviv
The new moon was sighted, Wednesday.
The barley has been declared ready for soon harvest, so it is offically the month of Aviv, and that means Passover is less than two weeks away.
We published a special edition of the Goshen Gazette this past week, with some interesting Passover information.
And for those who are following the Torah readings, you may have to double up to get to the current Portion. It's posted also in this publication.
The barley has been declared ready for soon harvest, so it is offically the month of Aviv, and that means Passover is less than two weeks away.
We published a special edition of the Goshen Gazette this past week, with some interesting Passover information.
And for those who are following the Torah readings, you may have to double up to get to the current Portion. It's posted also in this publication.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Torah Portions and Passover
Since we don't yet know if this is a leap year on G-d's calendar, I haven't posted any double Torah portions, yet. We will know at the next new moon, but since YHWH was very specific with Moses in regard to the barley being "abib" in the first month, preprinted calendars only offer presumed information.
I'm not in Israel, but there are watchmen who do check the barley crop and I'm awaiting word from Israel. I have been watching here, as well, since I'm in the same general latitude as Israel and our spring seems late coming this year. What I do know, is last autumn, after Sukkot, YHWH told me specifically to not presume regarding the first month. And so, any report before the new moon, would be coming from presumption on my part, rather than to observe.
Observe the month of Abib, and keep the Passover unto YHWH thy Elohim: for in the month of Abib YHWH thy Elohim brought thee forth out of Egypt by night. Deuteronomy 16:1
I've also come across some interesting information regarding those of us who are "in a journey afar off" at the time of Passover. I'm not so sure that living outside of Israel is not considered "in a journey."
And YHWH spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If any man of you or of your posterity shall be unclean by reason of a dead body, or be in a journey afar off, yet he shall keep the passover unto YHWH. The fourteenth day of the second month at even they shall keep it, and eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. Numbers 9:9-11
As we seek YHWH, I am reminded that it truly is a daily walk with Him. I simply cannot get ahead of the information He has called me to work within. So, since I don't know, yet, I'll be honest and say, "I don't know, but I am seeking YHWH and His Instruction to know."
I'm not in Israel, but there are watchmen who do check the barley crop and I'm awaiting word from Israel. I have been watching here, as well, since I'm in the same general latitude as Israel and our spring seems late coming this year. What I do know, is last autumn, after Sukkot, YHWH told me specifically to not presume regarding the first month. And so, any report before the new moon, would be coming from presumption on my part, rather than to observe.
Observe the month of Abib, and keep the Passover unto YHWH thy Elohim: for in the month of Abib YHWH thy Elohim brought thee forth out of Egypt by night. Deuteronomy 16:1
I've also come across some interesting information regarding those of us who are "in a journey afar off" at the time of Passover. I'm not so sure that living outside of Israel is not considered "in a journey."
And YHWH spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If any man of you or of your posterity shall be unclean by reason of a dead body, or be in a journey afar off, yet he shall keep the passover unto YHWH. The fourteenth day of the second month at even they shall keep it, and eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. Numbers 9:9-11
As we seek YHWH, I am reminded that it truly is a daily walk with Him. I simply cannot get ahead of the information He has called me to work within. So, since I don't know, yet, I'll be honest and say, "I don't know, but I am seeking YHWH and His Instruction to know."
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Saturday, February 16, 2013
It Would be Wrong to Not Share This
I have to admit, as time goes on with this publication, the Goshen Gazette, our readers will discover, I have a special cake for all occasions. Not that our beliefs should be focused on what we eat, but our celebrations do tend to be enhanced with special baked goods. Purim is especially enhanced by baked goods, because Esther 9:18,19 mentions both feasting and sharing . . .
But the Jews that were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth day of the same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness. Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.
I shared my Hamantaschen recipe last week, but for the grown ups, at least me, because cake is my favorite dessert, above cookies and pies, I have a special cake made only once a year for enjoying and feasting at each festival. For Purim, I make Red Velvet Cake. I wish I had a picture, but I haven't made one since last year. It's not a tradition of the sages or handed down through the centuries, I have simply chosen Red Velvet Cake because it's pretty and seems rather royal! . . . and it has cream cheese icing!
Red Velvet Cake Preheat oven to 350°
1 1/2 Cup Oil
1 1/2 Cup Sugar
2 Eggs Cream all three ingredients
Sift together in separate bowl . . .
2 1/2 Cups Flour
1 tsp Baking Soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp Cocoa powder
1 Cup Buttermilk to be added to creamed mixture; alternating with dry ingredients above
2 Tbs Red food coloring
1 tsp white Vinegar
1 tsp Vanilla
Pour into 2 8" greased layer cake pans and bake for 25 minutes in preheated oven.
Allow to cool and frost with cream cheese icing.
But the Jews that were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth day of the same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness. Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.
I shared my Hamantaschen recipe last week, but for the grown ups, at least me, because cake is my favorite dessert, above cookies and pies, I have a special cake made only once a year for enjoying and feasting at each festival. For Purim, I make Red Velvet Cake. I wish I had a picture, but I haven't made one since last year. It's not a tradition of the sages or handed down through the centuries, I have simply chosen Red Velvet Cake because it's pretty and seems rather royal! . . . and it has cream cheese icing!
Red Velvet Cake Preheat oven to 350°
1 1/2 Cup Oil
1 1/2 Cup Sugar
2 Eggs Cream all three ingredients
Sift together in separate bowl . . .
2 1/2 Cups Flour
1 tsp Baking Soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp Cocoa powder
1 Cup Buttermilk to be added to creamed mixture; alternating with dry ingredients above
2 Tbs Red food coloring
1 tsp white Vinegar
1 tsp Vanilla
Pour into 2 8" greased layer cake pans and bake for 25 minutes in preheated oven.
Allow to cool and frost with cream cheese icing.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Purim
The celebration of Purim is not a commanded Holy Day, but rather is a day of celebratory remembrance of the deliverance of the children of Israel from the destruction devised by Haman. It is celebrated on the 14th day of Adar, which correlates with the 24 of February, this year. The book of Esther is a fascinating chronicle of intrigue, heroics, of course, some deception, an account of circumstances that often times appeared to be falling apart were actually falling into place.
I particularly enjoy Purim because it's a day for me to feel like a princess, and a day to make noise at any evil offense and simply tune it out. Don't get me wrong, I'm not out shouting those not on my page that day, but living in awareness, as we should always, that evil doesn't win! We don't even have to give it any attention.
On Purim, of course there is delicious food, baked items, including special cookies called Hamantaschen, with recipes all over the net. I will include my favorite simple version, because I have often been blessed with Grand-helpers in the kitchen, and some Hamantaschen recipes can get quite involved . . .
Purim is a day of dressing up and feeling royal. Of course, we also read the book of Esther, the whole megillah . . . and through that reading, the children all have groggers which make a horrible noise as they shout "Boo" every time the name of Haman is read. Purim is not a Shabbat.
Purim is a fascinating account of the power of the G-d of Israel and a fun day to be fancy and eat delicious baked goods. This year it is a particular reminder to myself and many that we also may have come into the place we are, for such a time as this. Words of Mordechai to Esther in Chapter 4, verse 14.
The book of Esther inspires me every time I read it, in understanding that YHWH G-d will do what He has ordained to do, but being blessed to be a part of His plan is up to us.
Hamantaschen
Preheat oven to 375°
1 stick of softened Butter
1 Heaping Cup of Sugar
1 Egg well beaten
Cream well
1 Tbs Sour Cream
2 Cups Flour
Favorite fruit preserves.
I prefer to make 2 rolls about 3 inches in diameter, wrap in waxed paper and chill for at least an hour, longer is better.
Slice about 1/4" thick, add tsp of preserves in the middle and fold three sides over toward the middle, but not to the center. Cookies should be sort of triangular in shape when ready to bake
Place on cookie sheet and bake @ 375° for 8-10 minutes until just golden.
(HOME PAGE)
I particularly enjoy Purim because it's a day for me to feel like a princess, and a day to make noise at any evil offense and simply tune it out. Don't get me wrong, I'm not out shouting those not on my page that day, but living in awareness, as we should always, that evil doesn't win! We don't even have to give it any attention.
On Purim, of course there is delicious food, baked items, including special cookies called Hamantaschen, with recipes all over the net. I will include my favorite simple version, because I have often been blessed with Grand-helpers in the kitchen, and some Hamantaschen recipes can get quite involved . . .
Purim is a day of dressing up and feeling royal. Of course, we also read the book of Esther, the whole megillah . . . and through that reading, the children all have groggers which make a horrible noise as they shout "Boo" every time the name of Haman is read. Purim is not a Shabbat.
Purim is a fascinating account of the power of the G-d of Israel and a fun day to be fancy and eat delicious baked goods. This year it is a particular reminder to myself and many that we also may have come into the place we are, for such a time as this. Words of Mordechai to Esther in Chapter 4, verse 14.
The book of Esther inspires me every time I read it, in understanding that YHWH G-d will do what He has ordained to do, but being blessed to be a part of His plan is up to us.
Hamantaschen
Preheat oven to 375°
1 stick of softened Butter
1 Heaping Cup of Sugar
1 Egg well beaten
Cream well
1 Tbs Sour Cream
2 Cups Flour
Favorite fruit preserves.
I prefer to make 2 rolls about 3 inches in diameter, wrap in waxed paper and chill for at least an hour, longer is better.
Slice about 1/4" thick, add tsp of preserves in the middle and fold three sides over toward the middle, but not to the center. Cookies should be sort of triangular in shape when ready to bake
Place on cookie sheet and bake @ 375° for 8-10 minutes until just golden.
(HOME PAGE)
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