.

well....

2011-11-19T13:33:00.001-08:00

I guess we're going to need a bigger house....

A Sukkot Miracle

2011-10-16T20:13:00.000-07:00

"Come back to me my wayward sons,", says Yehovah, "for I am your TRUE MASTER. If you do, I will take one of you from each town and two of you from each family group, and I will bring you back to Zion." - Jeremiah 3:14

I'm sitting here, trying to act normal, and I'm having a lot of trouble. Something really profound is happening right now. As I type this, my husband is flying across the Atlantic Ocean, on his way to Israel.

I'd like to say that I have even the smallest grip on why or how this is happening, but in all reality, my little mind can't wrap around this one.

About three weeks ago, Solomon and I were driving in the car, talking about what we were going to do for Sukkot. We talked about driving up to Arkansas to see my dad, we talked about going to a gathering in Dallas...But, we couldn't find peace about anything in particular.

As we were having this conversation, a rock flew up from the pavement and cracked our windshield. And when I dropped off Solomon at work, he looked at the crack and we both agreed that it was a significant size. Bummer.

As the days went by, the crack grew. And the more it grew, the more it looked like the Hebrew letter Lamed. Seriously. Look closely at it. It even has the little curly swoop at the top. And the crack stops at the bottom of the Lamed. (FYI: it is very hard to take a picture of a crack on your windshield. I would have liked for the crack to be more clear, but this is the best shot I could get)

In case you aren't familiar with the letter lamed. It looks like this:

I casually mentioned the similarity to Solomon and didn't think anything else of it. A week or so later, Solomon got a phone call. The couple on the other line mentioned to him that it would be wonderful for him to come to Israel sometime (they make their home over there). Solomon agreed that it would be wonderful and went on to say something like, "maybe next year".....They interrupted him and said, "No, Solomon. We're talking about right now. We want to pay for you to come to Jerusalem for Succot."

A whirlwind of activity followed and later that same day, there was a round trip flight booked to Tel Aviv.

This was only about 10 days ago.

That weekend we were observing Yom Kippor, so we spent the day together as a family. We came across the most amazing new park by the sea and we marveled at the sand dunes that looked like the desert, imagining what it was going to be like in Israel, and rejoicing in the Father for this wonderful gift.

We only had a week to prepare for Solomon's trip, so needless to say, it's been exciting and busy. But during the course of this past week, I decided to go and look up the meaning of Lamed. Just out of curiosity.

I couldn't believe what I read.

"The Lamed (Lam in Ancient Hebrew) has a "l" sound and is a picture of a sheperd staff which was used to direct the sheep toward a particular direction, such as that of water or pasture. This letter is used to mean "toward" and when prefixed to the word erets the word le'erets is formed meaning "toward a land.""

(www.ancient-hebrew.org)

It has a correlation with the shepherd's staff. And the leading and changing of direction.

So, maybe you think I'm stretching a little, but I couldn't deny that at the very last minute, Yehovah decided to completely change up the game and lead Solomon home to the Land.

And for that, I am grateful.

So, if you think of it throughout the next 8 days, please pray for his journey.

And maybe throw in a prayer or two for me too...

Love,

mama maggy

This was the sunrise on Yom Kippor morning...our bellies may have been empty all day, but our hearts were certainly full!

2011-10-04T07:54:00.000-07:00

Last night, after bath time and one final snack for each of the boys, Solomon was playing the boys lullabies on his guitar, and they were nestled up under their covers.

As a mom, this is such an irresistible moment. They are just so sweet and cuddly.

I walked up to Ben's bed and since he is on the top bunk, I peered through the bed rails and said, "Good night Ben, I love you."

"Good night, Mama.", He said.

He then looked deep into my eyes and with a very serious tone said, " I don't want to have a wife!, I just love you mama!!".....

( We have mentioned to him before that one day he will have a beautiful wife and family.)

He started to tear up and his lips turned under in a frown. "Mommy, If I go get a wife, then I'll come back here....I don't WANT TO GO!!!"

I could see that he was really sad. So, I decided to crawl into his bed and give him a hug.

"Oh, Benba", I said. "You don't have to leave if you don't want to. But that's a VERY long time from now. You are on ly 4!"

He frowned again and said, " How will I get to Me-maws house and how will I drive?"

I could see that he was having trouble understanding that as he grows, his ability, strength and courage will also grow.

He was imagining that when the day came for him to move out, that he would still be at the same level of understanding that he is currently....and that scared him.

His eyes welled up with tears (and if you know my Benba, you know that his eyes are BIG and Brown and BEAUTIFUL!!), and he said to me, "I don't want a wife, I ONLY LOVE YOU MOMMA!!"

I am tearing up at this point. Oh, how a mother longs to hold on to her babies...

I comforted him some more telling him that he didn't have to go anywhere unless he wanted to. Solomon also chimed in and explained that he will be doing much more each year, just like when he learned to use the toilet, or walk.

Ben finally found peace and curled up under his covers to sleep.

But, I was left with a couple deep impressions from this.

1) A memory that I hope I NEVER forget...My little Benba holding me tight and saying that he will never want to leave... I know that the day will come when he will grow up and move out. He will become a man and I will have to let him go. But for one, clear an and profound moment. I was able to hold on to him, and him to me, with all our hearts. If only for a while.

2) How, as adults, do we do this same projecting into the future. How will we do this, or what is this going to be like..... We need to trust our Heavenly Father enough to know that HE will only release us into life's situations when we are prepared to go (and grow) through them. We need not worry about the future. We need not try to understand it with our current minds and abilities.

Just like little Benba, we are growing every day. It's one of the benefits of being a born again believer in Messiah Yeshua. We are constantly growing.

So, let's trust our Heavenly Father today, and let's rest in His Embrace.

Love and Hugs,

mama maggy

World's Best (and easiest!) Banana Nut Muffins

2011-07-12T13:53:00.000-07:00

World's Best (and easiest!) Banana Nut Muffins

Prayer Chain

2011-06-25T14:22:00.000-07:00

I love this book.

Today, as the boys were eating their lunch, we read the story of Paul and Silas.
Here they are, singing in jail...
After each story in the book, there are songs to sing and lots of activities and games to play. Today, we decided to make a prayer chain.
We cut ( I cut ) some strips of paper.
And I asked the boys who and what they wanted to pray for. These are their thoughts...

From the beautiful spirit in Ben...

More from Ben...
Eli and Ben Brainstorm some more.....
I have to throw a few shout outs for my friends too.....
And for my peeps in NC....
Local blessings for those in Corpus Christi.....
It felt good to write all this down in the form of a prayer....
Now, we start connecting the prayers.....
Ben got really good at this...
Getting massive.....
Some prayers request chain links bind us to this earth (money, jobs, homes, health), but all of our needs bind us together.
May we always remember to pray for one another......
And May you be blessed in all that you do!!! We certainly are praying that you will be!
"Commit your works to Yehovah, and your plans will succeed." -Proverbs 16:3

Time 4 Learning

2011-05-25T14:40:00.000-07:00

Something has definitely changed in my children. They are EXCITED about school. They are excited to learn. I know it's summer to most kids, but I have been WAITING to set them up and get them in a "homeschool state of mind", for YEARS.

After reading Sally Clarkson's suggestion to have a school room, or at least a school corner, I set out to re-organize the boys' room.

The School Corner
Another thing we did was sign up for an online school website for Eli, called Time4Learning (www.time4learning.com). At first, I was a bit apprehensive about it; not sure what to expect. But, I can honestly say that this morning, I reached a parenting bliss that I have been searching for for years.

It goes like this.... He signs in (all on his own, with his very own secret password), he watches a tutorial from one of three categories; Language Arts, Science, or Math. He learns a bit about something and then he plays some games (which really act a guide for parents to see how much they are retaining the information they are learning).

I let him stop when he is bored, then I go to his portfolio to see what/how he did. Then, later that day, I will sit him down and we go back over everything together.

This morning though, the reason why I reached parenting bliss......We did All the lessons together. I stopped it if it seemed like he needed help with something and I encouraged him when he did well.

After our lesson (on the differences between living and nonliving things, and plants and animals), we searched for books in our children's library that related, and we curled up to read.

It was fun for everyone, including me!

Eli, at his school desk

We were even able to tie some of the topics into Geography, studying about a very specific seahorse in Australia.
I'm looking forward to educating my children at home MOSTLY because I enjoy learning too!! IF we can all explore and learn about the world around us together, then the children aren't the only ones growing in richness.

Time4Learning is an online education program that can be used as a homeschooling curriculum, an afterschool tutorial or for summer learning. As a member, I've been given the opportunity to share my experiences. The content in this review was not written by Time4Learning. While I was compensated, the opinion is entirely my own.

Coming Home.

2011-05-09T19:13:00.000-07:00

This may sound ridiculous, but even being away from home part time, my ability to join my heart to my role as a mother, encourager, nutritionist, wife, chef, etc... was greatly compromised.

I was still able to pull it together (mostly) enough to give everyone basic needs, but always knew in the back of my mind that it was only a matter of time before I would have to get dressed and head out the door for a shift at the restaurant.

This nagging in the back of my mind kept me from complete rest.

It kept me from being able to enjoy doing nothing with my children....

Every minute had to be used to do something productive, so that things could stay caught up.

Time alone with Solomon only happened after he got off work, at midnight....

So, we would end up staying up too late and then I would be tired the next day...

Needless to say, all of this was very tiring; emotionally, spiritually, physically.

Waiting tables, I ran for 4-5, sometimes 10 hours a day (if I had to work a double).

The study I was able to conduct on people in the world, was slightly interesting...

People.....oh, people.

Selfish, crude, full of competition, striving, performance, jealousy, and sometimes, just blatant evil spirits....

WOW!! I hadn't realized how blessed I am to have rest in the almighty!!

Good news: we were able to save enough money that the sting of our move is in the past.

Looking ahead.....I am filled with joy about the freedom to enjoy my children with no time constraints, and without the mindset of the world judging me!!

I am so grateful and excited, but most of all, I am sighing a DEEP sigh of relief that it is finally over.

Praise Yah! I'm going to be full time at home again!!

2011-04-21T15:38:00.000-07:00

Going Home Countdown

Isaiah 54:13

2011-02-10T20:37:00.000-08:00

"All your sons will be taught by Yehovah, and great will be your children's peace.

Isaiah 43

2011-02-01T21:08:00.001-08:00

Now, this is what Yehovah says, the one who created you, O Ya'akov, and formed you, O Israel; "Don't be afraid, for I will protect you, I call you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I am with you; when you pass through the streams, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not harm you. For I am Yehovah, Your Elohim, the Holy one of Yisrael, Your deliverer."

Who knew a gutter could be so cute?

2011-01-04T19:55:00.000-08:00

Question.

Do you ever blog in your head? You know... think of funny post titles for the things you are doing, and think of how you will write about it, as you are doing it?

I do.

Unfortunately, most of the time, I don't get the time and energy at the same time to really sit down, upload pics, and access my reflective side......

So, I guess I am (unofficially) switching to a different format for a while. If you were used to my more reflective blog posts, then I apologize.

For a little while, I think I will do a weekly or bi-weekly picture story with some commentary.

It is really all I have time for and I think its scratches the itch of blogging sufficiently.

Hope you like it.

A sunset glow on three playing boys...

Hot Chocolate and happy face pancakes at IHOP.

Our Hannukah Party decorations. Noah and the family and animals carved in clay (purchased, not made). Plus, we did a treasure hunt. If you want to see those pics, check me out on Facebook. It was awesome and I have decided that it will be a family tradition for us every year. The boys had maps and clues to where they should go. I am thinking that every year the questions and clues can become increasingly harder. They also will continue to be based on the Bible. It was tons of fun!

Cuteness....rolling around in the grass. Corpus Christi is definitely a nice place to winter. Very mild.

Ok. Are you ready for this??

I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO very excited to show this to you.

Do you remember my post about forward facing book racks? I have really wanted some for a long time and have played around with the idea of building them. I realized, though, that I had neither the tools nor "know how" to take on the instructions, so I was left very sad...hoping for a place to put my boys books....

Then my mom came for a visit. She is a reading teacher at an elementary school and she gave me the most awesome suggestion I have ever heard.

Rain Gutters.

Just screw them into the wall (at the top is the best) with drywall screws and you are good to go! They are deep so you can fit many books, and you can cut them any size you want!! Thanks mom!

A visit to the Texas State Aquarium, that just so happens to be in Corpus Christi.

Eli and Ben got inside of the sea horse tank via a little bubble at the bottom.

You can see the sea horses looking at them like, "huh?"......

The benefits of a "TVless" home and a bunch of books on the wall ......you find your 3 year old alone, reading. A small miracle.

Later that evening....they were both in their beds reading....again, all on their own.

Ah......I love mornings....

Let the pictures tell the story....

2010-11-21T21:01:00.000-08:00

Amazingly, Ben took this picture!

Did you know that I knew Marilyn Monroe personally? I met her while I was working the other night.
A Shabbat walk; Abba and YB....
More Abba and YB.
My oldest brother, Seth received a brand new baby girl into the world last Tuesday. Mamma Dawn did a great job; all natural-in just a few hours!!
Got some new glasses.
Decorated some dessert plates at work. It looked way cooler before I carried the plate all crooked-like and messed it up!
Made some persimmon cookies.....Thanks Mallory for the persimmon's and the recipe!
Yum! Whole wheat....so I can eat as many as I want, right?
Splurged on a picture for the wall.....The scripture says, "This is the generation of those that seek Him."

It sits on the wall next to our dining table, where we eat as a family. I am considering it a family motto and vision/motivation.... Hoping it will remind me of my priorities as a mom.

Last week, it seems like so much happened. My brother had a baby, our bathroom and master bedroom flooded and we had to have all the carpets pulled up, dried, and shampooed. I had to get a new uniform for work, got new glasses, bought the pic above....worked every day.......

And where am i with all this???.....I'm not sure.

My plan at this point is to hold on until the end of the year, re-asses, and make new goals then.

I did find a homeschool co-op that is going to meet on Tuesdays. But I am not sure about the group. It is a secular group and so far I am not impressed with their choices in study......

So, we will see.

For now, I rejoice in all of my blessings and I pray that my path will be set before me.

Shavu'a Tov,

Another great idea!

2010-11-07T20:21:00.001-08:00

Ever want to have forward facing book racks, but didn't want to spend an arm and a leg.

Well, here are the plans.

Ana White.Com

Getting Organized without going broke

2010-10-31T16:41:00.000-07:00

So, I am in the stages of looking for ways to make sense out of all of the miscellaneous things;toys, clothes, books, etc. for my kids and came across this page:

http://www.recyclechicken.com/blog/tag/children/

It is full of interesting ideas on projects to do for fun/organization.

I am partly putting it here to share, and partly to remind myself to come back to it later when I am ready to start a project.

So, enjoy!

Maybe it's just me...

2010-10-26T21:53:00.000-07:00

I know I have posted this before, but I just came across it again and it made me cry..again!! Maybe it's just me, but this video looks to me like what Hebraic dance should be....full of life and expression....Expression that comes from truly knowing the Almighty....this is first hand experience of deliverance....

Such an intimate relationship could only produce such strong feelings of joy...

I would like to see all dancers dance with this much emotion.

Maybe I would like to dance with this much emotion too....

Wildflowers, CD's, and a FIRE!!

2010-10-19T19:27:00.000-07:00

Today was a day of progress.

I have been planning to plant these wildflower seeds that my (precious) Aunt Linda sent me (Hi Aunt Linda!!), but have been waiting for the right time; weather and tools being right and ready...

So, we planned for today....

They boys were so excited because we found these plastic wheelbarrows on clearance and they were anxious to put them to good use.

First, we had to prepare the flower bed by loosening up the dirt with a hand rake.

Then we mixed a little fresh soil in to the give the bed some new life..

Their job was to get the dirt from the bag, to the wheelbarrow, and then ultimately to the flower bed.

Cups and shovels were used...

Once we had the dirt spread out, we got the seeds and mixed them up in a cup; one for each of us....

Then we covered the seeds with a light coat of mulch (hope that was ok...not sure how to plant wildflower seeds, but it seemed like a good idea )....

Then, we watered.

Today was also progressive because Solomon's CD reorder came in. Somehow we managed to get rid of all 300 in the first order; giving most of them away....but selling a good amount.

We are going to start taking the music a little more seriously and are looking for places for him to play/visit/share in Texas....if anyone reading this knows someone who would be interested in having Solomon come out, send me your (or their) address and we will send a free CD and promo pack along with info on what we are all about...

You can also visit www.hebraism.org

To top it all off....we have had this fireplace sitting, cold and alone, since we moved into our place months ago....I finally opened up the "floo" (spelling?) and started a fire tonight.

It looks so nice with my new red walls and the illustration of the prodigal son coming home for his blessing and redemption....

Ahhhhhhhhhhh......... I think I might be relaxing for the first time in a while...

Video Update Oct 2010 Part 1.m4v

2010-10-16T16:42:00.000-07:00

Video Update Oct 2010 Part 2

2010-10-16T16:41:00.000-07:00

Playing House, The Best Thrift Store, and Announcing, "The Down Home Bungalow"...

2010-09-22T19:46:00.000-07:00

This morning, I loaded all the kids up and fully intended to take them to the grocery store.....right after I stopped at my FAVORITE thrift store.

This thrift store is so great. It has all the best old things that look like someone just pulled out of their attic or garage, after sitting there for fifty years....

So, all four of us went inside...we wandered and looked around. I found a green armchair that was very tempting at $40, but I just didn't have the money and despite it's retro appeal, it really doesn't match anything I have....

I did find an old coca cola matte and a frame that fit (covered in pink glitter!! Probably done by some 4th grader...but hey, I like it!), and I found the picture below of the baby... I'm not real sure what exactly the story is here....is it a real baby photo or some sort of advertisement?? Two things stand out to me...1. There are bumps in the photo where there would be bumps, for example, on the babies cheeks... and 2. The little goat in the background who is stealing her baby bottle is hilarious!!

So, I picked up the pictures and went home, instead of going to the grocery store, because there was a horrendous storm that blew in and I was soaked.

When I got home, I found myself inspired to paint...So I did.

Then I started playing house with all my things; arranging and re-arranging...

I love all the old things I am finding and the way that all the pictures make me feel when I look at them.....

Eli worked some on the chalkboard...He is learning how to write all his letters....Today was "K"....."a line a squiggly line" I told him.... Even though it's not really squiggly.....sometimes you have to use words they know :)

The boys played well and we sat in the bedroom for a long time watching the rain POUR down for, what must be, the 4th day in a row.... It's ok though,...I love rain.

Here are my new pictures....Can you see the goat stealing the bottle? The picture on the left is the one with pink glitter. Looks cool, right? Would be a great craft.

Here is a shot of all my "feel good" pictures... Most of them are better up close....but you can see the one in the middle is a farmer, knelt down, ready to receive his little girl after she takes her first steps....

The one on the far right is a mother and a son, enjoying the sunset as they sit in the grass...Underneath in pen is written, "Oh God, How I love Thy World"...

The oval picture is two kids, a boy and a girl, sitting under a tree with a fishing pole by a creek....

Under all that, to the right, is Eli's chalkboard and his letter chart to the left.
Here is my paint and stencil project.....It is done above the bar that sits between the kitchen and dining room..
Here is my new dining room table......I got it brand new for 199.00 and the guy who sold it to me even let me borrow his truck (this is a furniture store we are talking about!) to take it home... It is a great story. My favorite part is that the chairs are sturdy and have super comfy cushions.
And last, but not least, I am going to tell you a secret....SHHHHHhhhhhhhhh.....

I am slowly collecting goodies for my Etsy shop, "The Down Home Bungalow"....

It will be all household items for the homemaker; antique goblets, kitchen misc, vintage aprons and clothing, household misc.... and I will be hand sewing a few things myself...

BUT, I will not be opening the store until the "GRAND OPENING", which I am thinking will be at least past the beginning of the Roman New Year....

So, look for that in the future....

Here is a shot of my stash in the closet...
So much Fun!!!

Lots of love to you all.. and be blessed in all you do!

Blessings on Yom Kippor

2010-09-19T19:48:00.000-07:00

Over the years, I have grown to love Yom Kippor. It used to be hard for me, now I look forward to the chance to gain priceless perspective about my family's life...past, present, and future.

Pictures rom my little corner of the world....

2010-08-28T11:06:00.000-07:00

One night, just before sunset, I went for a walk. I passed by the golf course and saw the golden sunset shining through the low-lying trees and it was so beautiful.

Here is a shot of that....

Last Sunday, I went to a craft fair called, "The Peddler Show." My goal was to find things that I would like to make and sell in the future. So, I bought this apron and I may have gotten a little off track with the shelf here, but I just couldn't resist. It is solid wood and totally fits into the funky antique theme of our new place....
Here it is on the wall.....
Okay, so you may or may not know that I started work last week. I have a background in fine dining and I was offered a position at a contemporary Vietnamese restaurant.

In order to get the job, I had to go through a week of intense training...10 hours a day!

I had a friend who supported me through and also my awesome husband who did a great job of being Mr. Mom for the week.

The good news is that I passed the training and now I can go to my regular schedule, which is only working lunches 4 days a week. The pay is incredible (which is a need at this point) and I only have a four hour shift, so I can still be an effective homemaker and mommy extraordinaire! Solomon's schedule just changed from days to nights; 3-12 p.m. So, he will be at home with them while I work lunch. He is going to be in charge of a few of the daytime activities that we normally do....

Here is a picture of my first attempt at making a pretty dessert plate....Not great, but I look forward to coming up with some cool designs... Last night, I made one that looked like a wheat stalk... I think I am going to try that one again.

I really love the hospitality industry. Serving just comes so natural to a mom who is used to doing it all day!!
Yesterday, Solomon was watching the boys and he got them started on a math workbook. He went into the other room for a minute and everyone got really quiet....We all know what that means!!!

"Boys!!, What are you doing in there??"

When he came in, this is what he found.....
The funny part about all this, is that YB LOVED the attention from his brothers... He just sat perfectly still and soaked up that fact that they were both including him in a "game".... so funny!!

It has been quite a ride, but things should settle down now and we are looking forward to starting the things that have been on the back burner for a while. For example, Solomon set up his studio yesterday and he is going to start recording again for Vol. 2 of "The Born at Home Sessions".....

We are excited about all that Abba, Yah is doing and looking forward to the Fall Feasts coming up!!

Hope all of you are blessed and doing well too!!!

Love,

Mamma Maggy

The Week In Review

2010-08-07T08:35:00.000-07:00

Tuesday:

We went to our first playdate at a mommy meet-up group, Called Coastal Bend Mom's.... It was at a First Baptist Church (the group is not a part of the church, but meets there sometime's because they host a playdate with a bouncehouse, large gym, and foam blocks).

It was so nice to have the children running around (safely), even Yossi Bear was having a good time....

They had children's worship music playing through the speakers, so that was an especially nice touch!

Here is a shot of the boys playing....

Here is a shot of a scripture on the wall..... always nice for me to read this one...
Wednesday..... catch up on rest.... :)
Thursday, go for a walk....

Remember how I said we were calling our home "Goshen".... Well, here is the sign for Pharaoh Valley. I find it especially amusing that we live in the NORTH of PHARAOH VALLEY....Just like the Israelites did...

Doesn't this image just look like it really could be in Northern Egypt?? Check out the palm trees...

Yesterday, we ran errands and finally converted our tags from North Carolina to Texas.... I guess we are slowly REALLY becoming "Texans".....

After that, we went over to Grandpa's motorcycle repair shop. The boys were SOOO excited to see ALL the bikes he had in there. The best part was they got to sit on a dirt bike....AND Grandpa gave them some toy motorcycles to take home....What a blessing it was....

And, here I sit on Shabbat.....

We are headed out tonight to a little gathering where some Messianic Israelites will be playing and ministering....

Maybe it will be nice....

Shabbat Shalom and Blessings B'shem Y'shua!

-Mamma Maggy

Long Enough for the Sponge to Stink!

2010-07-29T05:57:00.001-07:00

I was washing the dishes last night, and Solomon looked at me and said, "Is that the sponge?" (referring to the funky smell in the air)....

I replied, "Yes." and as I was getting a new one out of the drawer, I realized that we have been in our new home long enough for a brand new sponge to start stinking!!

For those of you who would like to see it, here are some photos. It may not look that exciting to you, but trust me, after 6 months of being without our own sanctuary, it is the most beautiful palace we have ever seen!!!

We are leasing a duplex (the one on the left), in the house you see below. What we like about this area is that it is in a very nice neighborhood. There used to be an open country club built around these houses...Most of the neighbors have a view of the golf course from the back of their homes. So, it feels quiet and safe.

The other thing that is cool is that all of the houses were built at some point in the 70's and were probably (excluding ours) designed with the height of fashion in mind. So, they are totally Brady Bunch style, with some cool design features added!

We also really like the fact that we have a carport and a back alley for parking (or riding bicycles safely!)
Here is our "gate" where we fully intend to put one of our mezuzah's.
After looking at a lot of apartments, finding a real (private) backyard, was such a gift.

I can't wait to put some flowers in that flower bed.

And finally, just to show that the Almighty, has a sense of humor. The name of the neighborhood that we found is "Pharaoh Valley"....Our street is Pharaoh Drive, the cross street is "Egyptian."

So, we are dubbing our home...."Goshen"....

We are truly living off the fat of the land and rejoicing under the covering of Yah...

Shabbat, sweet Shabbat!!!

2010-07-24T15:06:00.001-07:00

Here is a picture of my new (totally old) stove. I love the way everything in this place is vintage. It suits me just perfect! I bought that big blue pot at Goodwill when we first got here 5 months ago. I love everything about it; it's blue and it's huge. I love big pots of soup!! This recipe was lentils with a Thai twist....butternut squash, chickpeas, cilantro, carrots, and then top it off with fresh cilantro, diced onions, fresh lime juice, and unsalted peanuts....Oh, my!!

For us, it's not Shabbat unless we have a tray of goodies to nibble on. Cheese, fruit, etc.....
The boys played in the pool this morning and we have really not done much else...just talking about scripture, and visiting with a family member....

What more do we need?

Am I getting old? I really enjoy just doing nothing!

Have a blessed week!!

Going to Carolina

2010-06-19T09:17:00.000-07:00

It's been a little hectic around here for the last couple weeks, I had a lot of trouble finding time to blog.

This one is just to let you know that I am headed to NC for a week. My brother, Seth, is getting married.

I will be back in July for some more summer writings!

Love and Blessings,

Mama Maggy

Moqueca~Brazilian Fish Stew

2010-06-03T15:18:00.001-07:00

As someone who has had three children in the last five years, I am always looking for healthy and delicious recipes; ones that will help me to lose baby weight and still keep everyone happy.

I have this thing where I will scour the internet in search of something new and yummy to throw into the weekly mix.

This recipe is one I found last week. I prepared it for dinner last night. I like it because it tastes really exotic and it has all of my favorite ingredients; cod, coconut milk, tomato, red pepper, and chives...

Not going to lie, Eli and Ben didn't care for it. BUT, Solomon and myself LOVED it.

Here is the full recipe, if you would like to try it yourself.

Moqueca:

2 lbs. of fillets of firm white fish ( I used cod because it has a very mild flavor and good texture); rinsed in cold water, cut into large pieces

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 Tbsp. lime or lemon juice

Salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Olive Oil

1 med/large yellow onion; diced

1 bunch green onions (with some set aside for garnish)

1 red pepper; diced

2 cups diced tomato(fresh)

1 Tbsp. Paprika

Pinch red pepper flakes

1 large bunch cilantro, chopped (with some set aside for garnish)

2 14 oz. cans of coconut milk

1. place the fish pieces in a bowl, add the minced garlic and lime juice so that the pieces are well coated. Sprinkle generously all over with salt and pepper. Keep chilled while preparing the rest of the soup.

2. In a large covered pan (such as a Dutch Oven), coat the bottom with about 2 Tbsp. of olive oil and heat on medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook a few minutes until softened. Add the bell pepper and a tsp. of salt. Cook for a few minutes longer, until the bell pepper begins to soften. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and green onions. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, uncovered. Stir in the chopped cilantro.

3. Use a large spoon to remove about half of the vegetables (you'll put them right back in). Spread the remaining vegetables over the bottom of the pan to create a bed for the fish. Arrange the fish pieces on the vegetables. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Then add back the previously removed vegetables, covering the fish. Pour coconut milk over the fish and vegetables.

4. Bring soup to a simmer, reduce the heat, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings. You may need to add more salt, lime juice, paprika, pepper, or chili flakes to get the soup to the desired seasoning for your taste.

Garnish with cilantro and green onion. Serve with rice or crusty bread.

The Stove Box Clubhouse

2010-05-27T17:54:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, we had to replace the stove here at the Lopez family house. The glass top cracked and we were concerned that it wouldn't be safe to cook anymore on it.

So, we got a new stove. And with a new stove comes a free gift; a HUGE BOX!!

We set it aside and have been talking about making it into a house. I have been waiting for the right day to do it, and today turned out to be the day!

So, we got some paint and went at it. It was so much fun for me and the kids. The day was beautiful and it was so nice to be outside.

Thinking about inheritance

2010-05-26T17:11:00.000-07:00

Last night, I was listening to a teaching about resting in Yah's promises. The teacher was saying that the Scriptures are sort of like a will. Since we are the sons and daughters the Almighty, Abba (Father), and since He sent Y'shua to die for us, we have an inheritance entitled to us. It is ours for the taking. Yes, we are restored to covenant (Halleluyah!!), but we are also promised other things. These things are meant for us while we are here on earth; like having life more abundantly and being free from oppression, bondage to sin, and fear. The sad part is that most of us don't realize all of the blessings that are ours for the taking, or maybe we just don't know how to take them.

I went to bed thinking about this and woke up this morning to find my daily reading was Romans 8:14-18

"For as many are led by the Spirit of Elohim, they are the sons of Elohim. (Want to know what your inheritance is? Read the next line). For You have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you have received the Spirit of Adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are children of Elohim; And if children, then heirs; heirs of Elohim, and joint heirs with Y'shua; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us."

I could go on and on about how much this scripture speaks to me right now. I struggle a lot to keep myself in a place of victory. Whether it be fatigue or stress, fears about the future, anxieties about the present, etc...etc....

The Father is really teaching me the importance of knowing His word and His promises. If I can remember what HE promised to do for me in my life, I can stay afloat. I won't sink into any sort of "poor me's" or self-pity when I go through something hard.

I am also learning the importance of suffering. Suffering with strength, courage, and wisdom. Without complaining or murmuring when I go through (or grow through) something in my life.

I know that Abba, Yah, has to help me to grow up spiritually, and I believe that in order to do so, there is going to be some pain involved.

BUT, if I can remember His promises and stay in PEACE throughout the process, I will see that trials are a small price to pay compared to His glory , which will be revealed in me(See last line of verse above).

a birthday party and the beach

2010-05-24T18:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we celebrated Yosef's 1st birthday. He really doesn't turn 1 until tomorrow, but we wanted to do it over the weekend. So....

We grilled out and ate a lot of amazing food. The boys played hard and got so dirty that we decided to give them an outside shower with the water hose. It was pretty funny to see them running around naked.... Overall, a great day.

Today, Uncle Claudio and Aunt Veronica decided that they wanted to take the boys to the beach, so we all piled up and drove to the island. It was so much fun for the boys and I and I am so thrilled to be able to be so close to the water.

I am sitting here with a sunburn....

A liitle jingle

2010-05-22T22:28:00.000-07:00

Last December, Solomon was asked to do a little jingle for Avi Mordechai to use for a promotional video he was doing. Avi said he wanted it to sound like the John Denver song "Country Roads", so Solomon set out to make a song with a similar vibe, and a "Hebraic" twist...

A couple of days ago, Avi sent out the video and I thought I would share it with you.

You have to wait a couple of minutes into the video before you hear the song, but you will know it when you hear it.

It is also kind of cool, because I got to sing too!

Who knows, maybe we will make a business out of creating jingles. It was really fun!

Here is the link

Shabbat Shalom!

sleepy Thursday

2010-05-20T19:07:00.000-07:00

It was a hard day for me. I felt very sleepy all day.

But I went for a nice bike ride in the evening and it was refreshing.

Solomon is at a prayer meeting tonight with a couple who is curious about keeping Shabbat. They are planning to go to Israel in October too.

I am praying that we would meet people who help us to realize our potential and that we would also help others to learn and deepen their understanding of the Torah and the Father's love.

Yosef has been really restless at night, so I am really hoping for a good night's rest tonight.

Until tomorrow....

Wednesday: The light at the end of the tunnel

2010-05-19T18:37:00.001-07:00

I am really starting to relax into our new home. I am starting to feel like myself again and all the tensions from the long list of "to do's" and responsibilities is growing shorter....

You know how you have to push through sometimes, well there was a lot of extra energy required of me over the past 6 months; things like packing the house, garage sales, selling our home, the long drive, adapting to a new environment and people, etc.....and I think I am finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I am learning how to take care of myself again and to make time to rest. It is such a wonderful thing!

Deep sigh....

A bike ride and the smell of salt

2010-05-18T19:17:00.000-07:00

I went for a bike ride just before the sun went down. I wore my headphones and I worshiped the Almighty (outloud :0), while I rode.

It is always during these times that He reminds me of what He is doing in my life. I gain perspective that is SO valuable to my peace of mind.

Tonight, it was a reminder that He makes all things beautiful in His time.

My husband and I would like to build our own house one day. But for now, we have to wait. Wait for Solomon to start his new job, to solidify our dreams, and then move on.

So for now, I am learning lessons of community. If you didn't know, Solomon's family is hosting us in their home until we get on our feet.

I am learning to take joy in seeing someone else's happiness when I help them in the garden; even if it means I miss that alone time I am used to.

Y'shua said that if you want to be great in His kingdom that you must learn to be a servant.

It is also written that we are to honor our father and mother. So, we choose to help as much as we can.

On a personal note, I believe that the hard part is learning to serve out of the riches of your heart and with a happy heart.

But, I am learning that to do that, I must be connected with My Heavenly Father in such a way that I am gaining strength from Him along the way.

So, no need to get into specifics, but there are tons of blessings about our new environment, and there are some challenges.

But, like I said earlier. I KNOW that I am becoming a better person.

So, I praise Yah!

Sing louder, the blessings

2010-04-04T08:21:00.000-07:00

In the face of all uncertainty and completely out of our normal element, it is tempting to complain. But, something always stops me. Even without all of my things and the comforts of "my space", our current situation here in Texas is truly a wonderful blessing. I am challenged daily as the enemy wants to remind me of how I am not in control, and then the Father reminds me of How it is HE who is in charge.

I must remember to praise Him loudly and speak His blessings and the words and promises of His love. Even when I don't feel like myself, or I don't feel this or that I must praise Him loudly....

Of the many perks of being here, the food stands out...Here is a meal that Solomon's sister Cynthia prepared last Friday night. This is some serious authentic food....unbelievably good!! She is an amazing cook. They are called "Gorditas."

Enjoy.

Sorry, you'll have to stop by Texas to see what they taste like!!

Remember Surrender

2010-02-21T16:52:00.000-08:00

I'm not going to lie. This transition has not been easy. There have been many ups and downs over the past several months as we have watched the Father redefine our life and the way that we work and live. One by one, Solomon's work contracts have dried up and we have been tested as to whether or not we would trust in Him, or turn to fear.

We knew that in order for us to leave (We've always known Texas was next for us, we just didn't know when), we could not have any strings tying us down. Work was one of those strings. So, we had some help with motivation when we learned, last October, that we would no longer be able to receive the main source of our income. Slowly, Abba took all of our income away and we have struggled with feelings of complete elation and excitement to feelings of doubt and frustration. All of these feelings of doubt ALWAYS subside quickly though, as Abba never fails to remind us that He is doing something here. We just have to surrender and let Him lead us Home.

“Yehovah is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise Him. (Psalms 28:7)”

Here I sit. One week away from our planned departure date. I am having trouble writing because there is so much to say, and it has been so long since I have blogged. Things are all piled up in my mind and spirit.

What I really want to say is that Yah is good! And that I am so grateful to all of our friends who took the time to come over last Shabbat. We had such an awesome time and it brings me so much peace to know that we are leaving on the wings of all of your prayers.

Time after time Abba amazes me with His love and how HE uses each of you to bless His name and do His work.

My heart is so full after seeing everyone, reading cards, and eating the MOST amazing cake in the world.

There have been many fears about finances and feelings of fatigue or discouragement for us as we have been pressing forward for the last few months; through prayer.

And through you all, Abba has strengthened us and reminded us, once again, that HE has us "in the palm of His hand" and that we are to rest in His perfect love.

The power of the positive words that were spoken to us are immeasurable....

Proverbs 12:25

Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.

Proverbs 16:24

Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

Here are some images of the wonderful people and words that encouraged us and reminded us to never fear about the future...

This says:

Psalm 121

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.

The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

So, I chose to surrender to my Heavenly Father and His perfect plan for our life. And I thank you again for believing in His promises and for encouraging us likewise. What a wonderful blessing to have you as a friend!

Our future may be uncertain, but not completely. We are certain that Abba loves us. We are certain that He has wonderful plans for us. We are certain that we always have rest in Him. We are certain that we are ALWAYS free, as long as we remember to surrender to Him, fight the enemy, and CLAIM our peace!

The next week is going to be a little intense as we make the final push to get things done. I probably won't be blogging until we are on the road!! What a feeling that is going to be!

Please continue to keep us in your prayers.....and remember to check back here from time to time to see where we are, what we're doing, and how the Father is leading us.

And please STAY IN TOUCH!

We love you all so much and are so grateful that our paths have crossed.

Numbers 6:22-27:

"Then Yehovah spoke to Moses saying, 'Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, "Thus you shall bless the sons of Israel. You shall say to them:

Yehovah bless you, and keep you;

Yehovah make His face shine on you,

And be gracious to you;

Yehovah lift up His countenance upon you,

And give you peace."'

So they shall invoke My name on the sons of Israel, and I

shall bless them."

Purple Tree Beads

2010-01-29T06:48:00.000-08:00

www.purpletreebeads.com

Last week, to my surprise, I received a gift from my step sister in Arkansas. She sent me this beautiful necklace with blue stones. I wanted to share her website with you, incase you ever are looking for original, unique, hand-crafted, and stylish beaded jewelry.

I hope you will remember it, and pass it on to your friends. I am sure she would customize pieces for you too, if you wanted her to.

I know how much you all love authenticity and originality, so here it is.

The End

2010-01-21T05:51:00.001-08:00

Well....our fast is over, but our journey is only just begun. The past few weeks have been such a wonderful time for Solomon and I; full of realizations, and dreams, hopes....

Our immediate situation hasn't changed much yet, our house is still for sale and we are still waiting for breakthroughs with work. But the interesting thing is that after seeking the Father, those immediate things don't seem so big anymore. After getting an idea of the big picture and the things that YHVH is doing in His people, money doesn't seem so important.

We realized that the true riches are in feeling connected with something bigger than ourselves and in finding out that we could live freed from the burdens that weigh us down; things like fear, anxiety, and stress.

I realized that I don't want to let the enemy speak into my life anymore concerning my children. I have been missing out on enjoying the simplicity of their existence because I worry so much about "doing a good job".....it's not up to me anyway!

So, I let go of that last night and I hope to move on with a renewed sense of joy.

Solomon set up his monitors last night and will probably be working on the creative aspects of volume 2 for the next couple of months.

He also has a couple of venues lined up over the next months.

These things are exciting, these are the areas YHVH is moving right now, so this is where our focus is.

Below are the pics of our last days of the fast.

Both of the boys, resting on their palette. We have been pretending that we are staying in a hotel, watching movies.

Last night, we broke our fast with Blackened Tuna and potatoes. It was too spicy for me, but Solomon loved it. Doesn't look very pretty....
Here is my bowl of chocolates. I ate about half. Plan to give the rest away!!
My Yossi bear, resting in his baby swing. I didn't think he fit in it anymore, but he still snoozes great in it!!
Thanks for sharing in this journey with us! We will be sure to keep you all updated on all the progress and praise reports to come!!

For now, we plan to spend this rainy day at home, resting!!

Shalom!

Tav:two sticks

2010-01-20T03:14:00.000-08:00

The Ancient picture is a type of "mark", probably of two sticks crossed to mark a place similar to the Egyptian hieroglyph of , a picture of two crossed sticks. This letter has the meanings of mark, sign or signature.

(www.ancient-hebrew.org)

______________________________

Ezekiel 37:15-2

The word of Yehovah came to me: "Son of man, take a stick of wood and write on it, 'Belonging to Judah and the Israelites associated with him.' Then take another stick of wood, and write on it, 'Ephraim's stick, belonging to Joseph and all the house of Israel associated with him.' Join them together into one stick so that they will become one in your hand.

"When your countrymen ask you, 'Won't you tell us what you mean by this?' say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign Yehovah says: "I am going to take the stick of Joseph—which is in Ephraim's hand—and of the Israelite tribes associated with him, and join it to Judah's stick, making them a single stick of wood, and they will become one in my hand.' Hold before their eyes the sticks you have written on and say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign Yehovah says: I will take the Israelites out of the nations where they have gone. I will gather them from all around and bring them back into their own land. I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel. There will be one king over all of them and they will never again be two nations or be divided into two kingdoms. They will no longer defile themselves with their idols and vile images or with any of their offenses, for I will save them from all their sinful backsliding, and I will cleanse them. They will be my people, and I will be their God.

" 'My servant David will be king over them, and they will all have one shepherd. They will follow my laws and be careful to keep my decrees. They will live in the land I gave to my servant Jacob, the land where your fathers lived. They and their children and their children's children will live there forever, and David my servant will be their prince forever. I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant. I will establish them and increase their numbers, and I will put my sanctuary among them forever. My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their Elohim, and they will be my people. Then the nations will know that I , Yehovah, make Israel holy, when my sanctuary is among them forever.' "

____________________________

Psalm 119:169-176 (Tav Portion)

Let my cry come near before You, O Yehovah; give me understanding according to Your word.

Let my supplication come before You: deliver me according to Your word.

My lips shall utter praise, when You have taught me Your statutes.

My tongue shall speak of Your word: for all Your commandments are righteousness.

Let Your hand help me, for I have chosen Your precepts.

I have longes for Your salvation, O Yehovah, and Your Torah is my delight.

Let my soul live, and it shall praise You, and let Your judgments help me.

I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Your servant; for I do not forget Your commandments.

Shin: pressing oil

2010-01-19T04:32:00.000-08:00

The Ancient picture for this letter is , a picture of the two front teeth. This letter has the meanings of teeth, sharp and press (from the function of the teeth when chewing). It also has the meaning of two, again, both or second from the two teeth.

(www.ancient-hebrew.org)

________________________________

But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of Elohim;

I trust in Elohim's unfailing love forever and ever.

Psalm 52:8

Exodus 27:20 And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always.

_______________________________________

Psalm 119:161-169 (Shin Portion)

Princes have persecuted me without a cause; but my heart stands in awe of Your word.

I rejoice at Your word, as one that finds great spoil.

I hate and abhor lying, but Your Torah do I love.

Seven times a day do I praise You because of Your righteous judgments.

Great peace have they which love Your Torah: and nothing shall offend them.

Yehovah, I have hoped for Your salvation, and done Your commandments.

My soul has kept Your testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.

I have kept Your precepts and Your testimonies: for all my ways are before You.

YahSpace

2010-01-18T16:02:00.001-08:00

Solomon found out about this recently...wondering if any of you folks had heard of it?

Click, to check out Yahspace

Resh: Order of the home

2010-01-18T09:20:00.000-08:00

The Ancient picture for this letter is , the head of a man. This letter has the meanings of head or man as well as chief, top, beginning or first.

________________________________________________________

1 Cor. 11:3

"Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Y'shua, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Y'shua is Elohim."

_________________________________________________________

This is from an e-mail that I received recently, from Henry Wright's , "Be In Health", ministry.

MINISTRY HELPS

A primary causative reality in ungodly order is: the role reversals in the family-dominant female in the mother and the passive male in the father.

The confusion coming out of this dynamic is subtle and results in an open door for the dumb and deaf spirits to gain access to the soul. Thus, the neurology of the individual is impacted.

The driving force behind ungodly order is: the buildup of bitterness that has been simmering in the generations.

First, we find bitterness in the females who have contempt for their weak husbands and second, we find bitterness in the husbands for the dominant wife. In addition, a deep penetrating resentment fuels the ungodly order. That is the self-hatred the man has for himself.

To Identify Ungodly Order in the Home You Might Ask the Following:

· Does the husband relegate all discipline and financial decisions to the wife?

· Is the wife in fear that if she doesn't handle things, everything will fall apart?

· Is there a matriarchal mother-in-law too involved in the marriage? Perhaps the passive husband had a dominant mother or the matriarchal wife is just repeating what she saw growing up.

· Are children's needs a higher priority in a marriage than the spouse's?

· Is the wife the spiritual leader of the home? Responsible for seeing that the children get to church and are educated in the ways of the Lord?

· Are decisions about employment, housing and credit shared?

· Is there respect for the father?

· Does the mother encourage the children to keep secrets from the father? 'Daddy doesn't need to know about this' or 'Don't tell Daddy.'

· Does the wife show respect for her husband in public or is she always talking over him as if he were invisible?

· Do the husband and wife display affection towards each other and model a healthy relationship for the children?

· Is the wife constantly "sharing" with her girlfriends, Mom or sisters personal issues about her husband instead of talking to him directly?

Any one of these issues may indicate that there may be ungodly order.

ROOTS

In looking at the possible spiritual root issues of autism, we have found often there would be spirits of: generational ungodly order in the home (dominant females and passive males); dumb and deaf spirits out of occultism; inherited bitterness, anger, rage, and resentment; self-bitterness, self-hatred, self-rejection, and guilt.

___________________________

Psalm 119:153-161 (Resh Portion)

Consider my affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget Your law.

Plead my cause, and deliver me: Quicken me according to Your word.

Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not Your statutes.

Great are Your tender mercies, O Yehovah: Quicken me according to Your judgments.

Many are my persecutors and my enemies; yet I do not decline from Your testimonies.

I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not Your word.

Consider how I love Your precepts: quicken me, O Yehovah, according to Your lovingkindness.

Your word is true from the beginning: and EVERY ONE of Your righteous judgments endures forever!

The Fountain, The Men, and The Chocolate

2010-01-17T13:48:00.000-08:00

Well....we're back in Hickory for a couple of weeks and we're nearing the end of the three week fast. So many things have happened in the past few weeks that are worth praising Abba for, but I will leave them for later....

One of the reasons that we came back to Hickory was because Solomon had a meeting this morning in Statesville, another reason was I wanted to see how the house was looking.

We came in Friday and we got a call that the house was to be shown Sunday, two times!! This was great news, of course, but it meant that we would all have to be out of the house all day today.

After a short scare with Ben last night and some red throw up (blueberries) on the couch, we woke this morning and made good time, leaving the house by 9:30.

On the way out, I noticed all the dead, brown flowers in the flower bed and my heart sunk. I had just finished cleaning the house perfectly, how could I let someone's first impression be all those dead, overgrown flowers?

So, Solomon went on in the other car, and I stayed behind to clean out the flower bed in the rain......

The boys watched cartoons in the car while I cut and threw away as many dead flowers as I could.

It took about 45 minutes, and then we were on our way to meet Solomon.

We got to Statesville, and my stomach was growling....I had to eat!

So, we found a little Thai place and we bravely went in (Me, Eli, Ben, and Yossi)!!

We made it through lunch with no drama and I even noticed a few people looking at us like, "Wow, those kids are well behaved!"....It was marvelous!!

Solomon had a wonderful meeting with a local congregation leader in Statesville, which was really encouraging...

Then we headed to Charlotte! We had to go to the Apple store, so we went to the really nice mall....If you've never been there, it's one of those malls that you couldn't buy anything in, unless it is on Clearance!

Below are some pictures of the things we did and saw in the mall.....

Here are the boys at the fountain...No, Eli didn't jump in!!!

This really tickled me. I imagine all of their wives were off spending their money, while they watched the game. There must have been 20 guys sitting there!!
Ok. I know sugar is bad, but chocolate is SOOOO good. And since we are ending our fast on Wednesday night, we are already planning the evening. After the kids go to bed we are going to sit and eat chocolate and watch the funniest movies we can get our hands on. We haven't watched any TV during this fast either, so it will be great to unwind a bit and laugh. I think it is important to take a seriously look at things through fasting, but it is also important to relax, laugh, and enjoy life too.

So, here is the chocolate store where everything was 50% off! (See, heaven must want us to eat chocolate!), I bought one of each of the chocolates in the bins in the center of the store....Yum! I promise not to eat them all at once!
Yeah! It was a great day, with lots of victories. And whether or not the house sells, at least we have peace knowing that we are covered wherever we are, and that we are always where we are supposed to be, right now.

Shavu'a tov my friends! (Have a great week)

Quph:Circling the Throne

2010-01-16T13:12:00.000-08:00

The various meanings of this letter are sun, revolution, circle and horizon. This letter can also mean condense as the light gathers at the sun when it is at the horizon. It can also mean time as the revolution of the sun is used to calculate time. Hebrew, Greek and Arabic agree that the sound for this letter is "q". The Modern Hebrew and Arabic name for this letter is quph, a parent root.

(www.ancient-hebrew.org)

_______________________________________

What better way to illustrate Quph's meaning (light gathering, and circling) than to talk about the throne room. The visions that Isaiah and John had showed a beautiful image of the heavenly court that circled the Throne.

Isaiah 6

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw Yehovah seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple.

Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.

And they were calling to one another: "Kadosh, Kadosh, Kadosh is Yehovah Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory."

At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.

Revelation 4

After this I looked, and behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were a trumpet talking with me; which said,"Come up here, and I will show you things which must be hereafter."

And immediately, I was in the spirit: and behold, a throne was set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. And He that sat was to look upon like a jasper and sardine stone: and there was a rainbow around the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. And round about the throne were twenty four seats; and upon the seats I saw twenty four elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads, crowns of gold.

And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of Elohim.

And before the throne, there was a sea of glass like unto a crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.

And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.

And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, "Kadosh, Kadosh, Kadosh, Yehovah Elohim Tzevayot(Almighty), who was, who is and is to come."

And when those beasts give glory and honor and thanks to Him that sat on the throne, who lives forever and ever, The twenty four elders fall down before Him that sat on the throne, and worship Him that lives forever, and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying," You are worthy, O Yehovah, to receive glory and honor and power, for You have created all things, and for Your pleasure they are and were created."

Psalm 119: 145-153 (Quph portion)

I cried with my whole heart; hear me O Yehovah; I will keep Your statutes.

I cried unto You; save me, and I shall keep Your testimonies.

I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in Your word.

My eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate on Your word.

Hear my voice according unto Your lovingkindness: O Yehovah, quicken me according to Your judgment.

They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from Your Torah.

You are near, O Yehovah, and all Your commandments are truth.

Concerning Your testimonies, I have known of old that You have founded them FOREVER!

Tsadey: lying in ambush

2010-01-16T06:36:00.000-08:00

The meaning of this letter is the side of something as well as hunting and chasing through the idea of laying down in ambush. The modern name for this letter is tsade, a child root from the word tsad also meaning side. The phonetic sound of the letter is a "ts" in both ancient and modern Hebrew.

(www.ancient-hebrew.org)

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"Blessed be Yehovah, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle - my lovingkindness and my fortress, my high tower and my deliverer, my shield and the One in whom I take refuge." (Psalm 144:1)

Psalm 119:137-144 (Tsadey Portion)

You are just, O Yehovah, and Your judgments are fair.

The rules You impose are just, and absolutely reliable.

My zeal consumes me, for my enemies forget Your instructions.

Your word is absolutely pure, and Your servant loves it!

I am insignificant and despised, yet I do not forget Your precepts.

Your justice endures, and Your Torah is reliable.

Distress and hardship confront me, yet I find delight in Your commands.

Your rules remain just. Give me insight so that I can live.

Pey: the power of the tongue

2010-01-15T19:00:00.000-08:00

This pictograph has the meanings of speak and blow from the functions of the mouth as well as the edge of something, as the lips are at the edge of the mouth.

(www.ancient-hebrew.org)

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This is something I think we can all agree on. We need to learn to be quiet! Oh, how hard it is to fight the urge sometimes.

Solomon's mom has a saying, "The first response is usually the flesh. Wait, and the right answer comes after." I have a feeling she is right.

There are plenty of warnings in the bible on the subject:

This one has got to be my favorite,

"Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace."

Proverbs 17:28

These are all great too.... Food for thought. Have you ever just blasted someone with all of your emotions and then regretted it? Me too.

"A fool vents all his feelings,

But a wise man holds them back."-Proverbs 29:11

" Do you see a man hasty in his words?

There is more hope for a fool than for him."-Proverbs 29:20

"But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they

will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your

words you will be justified, and by your words you will be

condemned. "-Y'shua (Matthew 12:36-37)

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There are also Proverbs about what good can come from our mouths, if used correctly.

Proverbs 10:20 "The tongue of the just is as choice silver"

Proverbs 15:4 "A wholesome tongue is a tree of life"

Proverbs 10:11 "The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life"

Proverbs 10:21 "The lips of the righteous feed many"

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Psalm 119: 129-136 (Pey Portion)

Your rules are marvelous. Therefore, I observe them.

Your instructions are a doorway through which light shines.

They give insight to the untrained.

I open my mouth and I pant, because I long for Your commands.

Turn toward me and extend mercy to me, as You typically do to Your loyal followers.

Direct my steps by Your word! Do not let sin dominate me!

Deliver me from oppressive men, so that I can keep Your precepts.

Smile on Your servant! Teach me Your statutes!

Tears stream down from my eyes, because people do not keep Your law.

Ayin: seeking to strengthen

2010-01-14T14:20:00.000-08:00

The Ancient picture for this letter is a picture of an eye . This letter represents the ideas of seeing and watching as well as knowledge as the eye is the window of knowledge.

(www.ancient-hebrew.org)

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"Certainly Yehovah watches the whole earth carefully and is ready to strengthen those who are devoted to Him."

-2 Chronicles 9

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Psalm 119:121-129 (Ayin Portion)

I do what is fair and right. Do not abandon me to my oppressors!

Guarantee the welfare of your servant! Do not let the arrogant oppress me!

My eyes grow tired as I wait for Your deliverance, for Your reliable promise to be fulfilled.

Show Your servant Your loyal love!

Teach me Your statutes!

I am Your servant. Give me insight, so that I can understand Your rules.

It is time for Yehovah to act-they break Your law!

For this reason, I carefully follow all Your precepts. I hate all deceitful actions.

Do we close our eyes?

2010-01-13T18:02:00.001-08:00

In light of this terrible disaster in Haiti, I felt it appropriate to talk about brotherhood of the nations.

It seems logical upon looking at this scene to say, "How terrible, we should do something!" Sadly, many times we do nothing, saying that perhaps it was judgment for disobedience...

Could that be true?

Well, I have come to a different conclusion. The more I read Torah, the more I see that even before Y'shua ever came onto the scene, YHVH made mention of "the stranger" VERY FREQUENTLY. He always made provision for those who were in need. We must remember that it is NOT OUR JOB to judge, it is our job to love and share for those in need.

Who is the stranger? The nations. They are our long lost brothers and sisters, all of whom need to come back to their Father's house, just as we do.

My prayer is that their hearts would turn towards Yah and that they would be transformed in Him.

I am not sure what I am going to do to help yet, but I found this page and wanted to share it with you.

How to Help

Luke 10:29-37

But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Y'shua, "And who is my neighbor?"In reply Y'shua said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" The expert in the Torah replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Y'shua told him, "Go and do likewise."

Proverbs 11:24-25

One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Isaiah 58:6-7;10

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter-- when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? ...and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.

Samech: enclosed by thorns

2010-01-13T05:44:00.000-08:00

There are several possibilities for the original Semitic pictograph including (a fish), (possibly a thorn), (a window?) and (a thorn). The pictograph is used almost exclusively through the history of this letter. This picture has the meanings of pierce and sharp. This letter also has the meaning of a shield as thorn bushes were used by the shepherd to build a wall or shield, made to enclose his flock during the night to protect them from predators. Another meaning is to grab hold as a thorn is a seed that clings to hair and clothing.

(www.ancient-hebrew.org)

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After we read about Samech this morning, we went out to a park that we had never been to before. It was a beautiful, cold day and the park was perfectly suited to our needs, with a picnic table for lunch and an awesome play area right next to it.

After we had been playing a while, I noticed this area over off to the side..... It was a perfect circle, surrounded by rocks and tall grass.... It made Solomon and I think about the meaning of Samech, and the protective wall that the shepherd would build around his sheep. It's hard to see, but Solomon is standing in the middle of the circle with Yossi.
Here are the boys playing with a new friend they met, named Gabriel (which means, Yah is my strength!)
Here we are sitting on the rocks at the edge of the circle.
Today felt like a breakthrough day in a lot of ways. The sun was shining, our hearts were a little lighter, we got a little financial blessing in the mail (Praise Yah!), and we had the chance to spend some time together as a family.

When we got back, I felt inspired to start a collage that I have been planning. I found this book at the "free shed" in the Chatam County recycling center, it was filled with beautiful photographs, so I took it. My mom had the frame in one of her closets.

The images are all things that I think of when I dream.....

Psalm 119:113-120 (Samech Portion)

I hate vain thoughts, but I love Your Torah.

You are my hiding place and my shield.

I find hope in Your word.

Depart from me , you evildoers, so that I can observe the commandments of my Elohim.

Uphold me according to Your word, that I may live; and let me not be ashamed of my hope.

Then I will focus on Your statutes continually.

You have trodden down all them that err from Your statutes; for they are deceptive and unreliable.

You remove all the wicked of the earth like dross; therefore, I love Your testimonies.

My flesh trembles for fear of You, and I am afraid of Your judgments.

Nun: the next generation

2010-01-12T06:55:00.000-08:00

The ancient pictograph is a picture of a seed sprout representing the idea of continuing to a new generation. This pictograph has the meanings of continue, perpetuation, offspring or heir.

The Modern Hebrew name is “nun”, a Hebrew word meaning continue, offspring or heir. This two-letter word is the original name for the letter. The phonetic sound for this letter is “n”.

(www.ancient-hebrew.org)

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Psalm 119:105-112 (Nun Portion)

Your word is a lamp to walk by, and a light to illuminate my path.

I have vowed and solemnly sworn to keep Your just regulations.

I am suffering terribly O Yehovah, revive me with Your word!

O Yehovah, please accept the freewill offerings of my praise!

Teach me Your regulations!

My life is in continual danger, but I do not forget Your Torah.

The wicked lay a trap for me, but I do not wander from Your precepts.

I claim Your rules as my permanent possession, for they give me joy.

I am determined to obey Your statutes at all times,

to the very end.

Mem: stormy waters

2010-01-11T18:05:00.000-08:00

The Early Semitic pictograph for this letter is a picture of waves of water. This pictograph has the meanings of liquid, water and sea, mighty and massive from the size of the sea and chaos from the storms of the sea. To the Hebrews the sea was a feared and unknown place, for this reason this letter is used as a question word, who, what, when, where, why and how, in the sense of searching for an unknown.

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"Chaos from the storms of the sea".... the storms rage when we are on route! Their is opposition and turmoil when we leave our comfort zone and seek the truth and change for the better. The tough part is keeping from getting sea sick!

Despite all the great uncertainties, I am rejoicing in the simple things today.

Some pictures from today:

Eli's green apple. This is the first picture EVER that Eli has actually colored something inside the lines. He usually draws all over the page. I am so proud!

YB watching Ammi feed the dogs, from his washing machine overlook!
The beginnings of Goolash!!! It is like a veggie lasagna, minus the bad stuff.
My blogging spot! The fireplace is right in front of this couch.
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Psalm 119:97-104 (Mem Portion)

O, how I love Your Torah! All day long I meditate on it.

Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for I am always aware of them.

I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on Your rules.

I am more discerning than those older than I, for I observe your precepts.

I stay away from the evil path, so that I might keep Your instructions.

I do not turn aside from your regulations, for You teach me.

Your words are sweeter in my mouth than honey!

Your precepts give me discernment.

Therefore, I hate all deceitful actions.

Lamed: directed by the shepherd's staff

2010-01-09T16:24:00.000-08:00

The Early Hebrew pictograph is a shepherd's staff. The shepherd staff was used to direct sheep by pushing or pulling them. It was also used as a weapon against predators to defend and protect the sheep.

The meaning of this letter is toward as moving something in a different direction. This letter also means authority, as it is a sign of the shepherd, the leader of the flock. It also means yoke, a staff on the shoulders as well as tie or bind from the yoke that is bound to the animal.

(www.ancient-hebrew.org)

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I chose to highlight the red portion of this definition because I realized something today. If I do not take this fast into a different direction, I may not make it to the finish line.

Everything started off wonderfully, and I was really enjoying my time of prayer and meditation.....

Then, I realized that seeking a deep spiritual insight everyday was quite exhausting and a little bit unloving to myself.

If a fast is supposed to bring you to a breaking point, it happened for me today.

I was soooo sleepy and just emotionally exhausted for most of the day. After a lazy morning, we took the kids to Kidzu (a hands on Kids museum). That was lots of fun!

Then we came back to the house and I was SUPPOSED to be going back out to the grocery store, when I realized that it was just TOO much!

Expecting myself to produce something for the blog everyday, plus doing normal "mama" stuff was just taking it's toll.

I needed a nap!

So, I took one.

I awoke refreshed and WAY more relaxed.

My perspective has changed a bit.

For the rest of the fast my motto is going to be, "Slow and Steady; with LOVE!"

No more trying to think of profound things to write about all day long, no more putting together long strings of ideas..... Just Love.

1 Corinthians 13:7

"Love....always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

If YHVH gives me something to say and it is loving to myself to write about it, I will. Otherwise, I will probably just do a quick little bio about the letter of the day....Kappish?

When I woke up from my nap today, I thought about this running game on Grandma's Wii. If you get going too fast, you fall. I thought it was fitting for my lesson today, which I am feeling is this, "slow down, the race you are running is long. Love yourself, because if you do not, you won't be able to give love to others. In fact, if you don't learn to rest and love yourself, you will end up being a vacuum for those around you; an endless hole that needs to be filled."

Click HERE to watch a very short video I made on "The Race".

I must remember to take great care of my physical being if I want to keep up with my Spiritual being. And in order to find endurance and finish the race, I must know my limits.

Y'shua even took naps!!

Mark 4:37-40

A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Y'shua was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"

Scriptures about finishing the race:

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” 1 Corinthians 9:24

2 Timothy 4:7

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Hebrews 12:1

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us”

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Psalm 119:89-96 (Lamed Portion)

O Yehovah, Your instructions endure; they stand secure in heaven.

You demonstrate Your faithfulness to all generations.

You established the earth and it stood firm.

Today, they stand firm by Your decrees, for all things are Your servants.

If I had not found encouragement in Your Torah, I would have died in my sorrow.

I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have revived me.

I belong to You. Deliver me! For I seek Your precepts.

The Wicked prepare to kill me, yet I concentrate on Your rules.

I realize that everything has it's limits, but Your commands are beyond comprehension.

Kaf: bent in submission

2010-01-09T05:12:00.000-08:00

The Ancient form of this letter is the open palm of a hand. The meanings of this letter are bend and curve from the shape of the palm as well as to tame or subdue as one who has been bent to another's will.

The Modern Hebrew name for this letter is kaph, a Hebrew word meaning “palm” and is the original name for the letter. This letter is pronounced as a “k”, as in the word “kaph”, when used as a stop or as a “kh” (pronounced hard like the German name Bach), as in the word “yalakh” (to walk) when used as a spirant.

(www.ancient-hebrew.org)

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Looking back over the past week or so, I can see how I have been dealing with a lot of thoughts and ideas, leaving application out of the picture completely. So, today I decided it was the boys' day. They were going to be a part of the study. In fact, i think that I might do a kid friendly lesson of each of the letter's meanings from now on.

So, We started with reading about Abraham, since he is a good example of bending to the Father's will (as Kaf describes). We talked about what it means to listen and shema and that obeying always brings blessings.Then I realized that they were not following me at all!!! So, I moved them into individual chairs and we talked about our ears and what they are for....Then they started going on and on about all the things they hear...Ben said, "I hear an octopus", and Eli said, "I hear a fish"....apparently, there was an aquatic theme going on!

Here they are opening their hands to demonstrate Kaf. (They were really struggling to sit still!) We talked about how Abraham's blessing was that his family would be very big and that there would be so many people that it would be like the stars in the sky.

So, Hearing+Doing Abba's will= Blessings........
And what are blessings? We decided to write blessings down on stars to remind us what good things come when we listen to Yah and obey His voice.
Eli's blessings were; "Abundant Life", "Daddy", "YB", "Favor", "Freedom", "Eli", and "Purpose".
Ben's blessings were, "Joy", "Food", "Health", "Mama Maggy", and "Ben"

Psalm 119:81-88 (Kaf Portion)

I desperately long for Your deliverance.

I find hope in Your word.

My eyes grow tired as I wait for Your promise to be fulfilled.

I say, "When will You comfort me?"

For I am like a wineskin dried up in smoke.

I do not forget Your statutes.

How long must Your servant endure this?

When will You judge those who pursue me?

The arrogant dig pits to trap me, which violate Your law.

All Your commands are reliable.

I am pursued without reason. Help me!

They have almost destroyed me here on earth, but I do not reject Your precepts.

Revive me with Your loyal love, that I might keep the rules You have revealed.

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Yud: made by the hands of Yah

2010-01-08T07:48:00.000-08:00

The Early Semitic pictograph of this letter is an arm and hand. The meaning of this letter is work, make and throw, the functions of the hand. The Modern Hebrew name “yud” is a derivative of the two letter word “yad” meaning "hand", the original name for the letter.

The ancient and modern pronunciation of this letter is a "y". In Ancient Hebrew this letter also doubled as a vowel with an “i” sound. The Greek language adopted this letter as the “iota”, carrying over the “i” sound.

(www.ancient-hebrew.org)

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Isaiah 54:16-17

"See, it is I who created the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its work. And it is I who have created the destroyer to work havoc; no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of Yehovah, and this is their vindication from me," declares Yehovah.

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The reason I chose to refer to the Isaiah passage above is because I want to talk about what it means to be created by the hands (YUD) of the Father, the struggle that ensues, and the victory that is awarded us.

Solomon and I have been talking about identity today.

We sat at the table this morning and I shared with him how I felt I was in a "funk". I hadn't been sleeping well and I just felt tired.

My spirit, however, has been soaring since I started blogging.

Everything that I have written has really been to teach myself the things that I felt Abba wanted me to know. So my mind has been awake in a way that I don't think I have ever experienced before.

When I go to bed at night, I am so filled with wonder and thoughts that it takes me a very long time to fall asleep. By the time I have really wound down, Yossi Bear wakes up and wants to nurse...and nurse.....and nurse....He is teething and I am his comfort.

So, needless to say, I am tired.

And last night, I dreamt of people who used to be in my life. People I was friends with before I dedicated my life to Yehovah.

When I woke, I was even more weary, because I had been revisiting old feelings of confusion and lack of identity; feelings that used to be very strong in me.

So, Solomon and I started talking about why.

We both agreed that it was probably an attack from the enemy. An attack to distract me from what I am trying to do here. I am trying to hear Heaven. I am trying to move forward on the path that Yehovah has set before me. I am trying to change for the better.

The old feelings of fear and defeat that used to be in me are no longer there, but the Adversary wants to remind me of who I used to be, in order to "work havoc".

In Isaiah it tells us that we are weapons, created by the blacksmith, and that no weapon forged against us will prosper.

This all ties into the letter Yud and it's meaning.

YHVH created us with His hands. We are His. Our TRUE identity is in Him and the destroyer doesn't want us to find out , or realize that identity. He wants to remind us of our old identity so that we will feel less worthy. But YHVH says that it is our heritage to prevail. So we must.

My prayer today is that you and I (and our families) would PROSPER against ALL attacks of the destroyer. I pray against all attacks of distraction and discouragement.

And I pray that you and I would reach our full potential, arriving at a place of completion, fulfillment, and purpose.

May we claim our true heritage in Yehovah!

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Psalm 119:73-80 (Yud Portion)

Your hands made me and formed me.

Give me understanding so that I might learn Your commands.

Your loyal followers will be glad when they see me, for I find hope in Your word.

I know, Yehovah, that Your regulations are just.

You disciplined me because of Your faithful devotion to me.

May Your loyal love console me, as You promised Your servant.

May I experience Your compassion, so I might live!

For I find delight in Your Torah.

May the arrogant be humbled, for they have slandered me!

But I meditate on Your precepts.

May Your loyal followers turn to me, those who know Your rules.

May I be fully committed to Your statutes, so that I might not be ashamed.

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Scriptures that pertain to our true identity:

Ephesians 2:10
For we are Elohim's workmanship, created in Y'shua Messiah to do good works, which Elohim prepared in advance for us to do.

Matthew 5:14
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden."

Tet: Surround Me with Songs of Deliverance!

2010-01-07T09:07:00.000-08:00

The original pictograph for this letter a container made of wicker or clay. Containers were a very important item among the nomadic Hebrews. They were used for storing grains and other items. Wicker baskets were used as nets for catching fish.

The meanings of this letter are surround, basket, contain, store and clay.

(www.ancient-hebrew.org)

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"You are my hiding place;

you will protect me from trouble,

and surround me with songs of deliverance. (Selah)"

Psalm 32:7.

I wrote a whole other post last night and this morning. It was all focused on the word basket and the use of baskets throughout scripture. It took me several hours to pull together the scriptures, ideas, and pictures. Then, I posted it. When I went to look at it, all of the formatting was messed up. The words were cut off and you couldn't read it.

I decided to just delete the whole thing and start over. It was too literal and not encouraging enough.

Apparently, Abba wanted me to take another approach.

So, I started over.

And now, I am thinking about WHAT baskets do, instead of what they are, or where the are used in scripture.

Baskets hold things together. Things that without support could not normally be held together.

Think about it; grain or water would just fall to pieces and spread over the earth if they were not placed in some sort of container.

What does this mean to me?

It means that I, the grain or water, need to be held. Something outside of me needs to keep me from falling apart; especially when times are tough.

And if you are a believer, you will most likely see some tough times. I have heard it said before that when we were born again, we entered into a battle and we will be fighting it until we die.

We need help. We need to be held together by the Father, by the Word, and by each other.

Whether or not we see the results we would like to see in our lives, at least we can rest, knowing that our Creator will Surround Us during the tough times and eventually we will sing songs of deliverance!

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Psalm 119:65-72 (Tet Portion)

(Subnote: I particularly like this portion because it speaks to the power of fasting, and it's ability to focus us spiritually. It also speaks to priorities, saying that the Torah is more important than silver and gold.)

You are good to Your servant, O Yehovah, just as You promised.

Teach me proper discernment and understanding!

For I consider Your commands to be reliable.

Before I was afflicted, I used to stray off, but now I keep Your instructions.

You are good and You do good.

Teach me Your statutes!

Arrogant people may smear my reputation with lies, but I observe Your precepts with all my heart.

Their hearts are calloused, but I find delight in Your Torah.

It was good for me to suffer, so that I might learn Your statutes.

The Torah You have revealed is more important to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.

Hhet: A Story of Protection

2010-01-05T18:50:00.001-08:00

The ancient pictograph is a picture of a tent wall. The meanings of this letter is outside as the function of the wall is to protect the occupants from the elements, halp as the wall in the middle of the tent divides the tent into the male and female sections and secular as something that is outside.

The Modern Hebrew name for this letter is hhet meaning a string. A very similar Hebrew word is hhets, meaning a wall and is most likely the original name for this letter. The sound of the letter, in ancient and modern times, is a guttural "hh" (as in the “ch” in the name Bach).
(www.ancient-hebrew.org)

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When thinking about tents and the ideas of protection from elements, the story of Balaam came to me. Do you remember it?

I love this story, because as hard as Balaam tried to curse the tents of Jacob, he could not...

He could not curse what had been blessed by YHVH.

If you have not read the whole version, it is worth a read. The story starts in Numbers 22.

During the time that Israel was in the wilderness, their reputation became so powerful that nations and rulers heard of them, long before they came into their territories.

Israel was so intimidating to King Balak, that he decided to hire the prophet, Balaam, to curse the tents of Jacob. His hopes were that they would somehow be weakened and his kingdom would be safe.

King Balak sent his messengers to bring Balaam the prophet...

However, Balaam had some issues on his journey; Yehovah manifested through a donkey and then as an obvious Angel, both times warning him to stop.....Despite all the signs and interventions, Balaam still tried to do the job he was hired to do. He still set out to curse Israel.....
He built a few alters and each time he prayed to Yehovah, he found it impossible to curse Israel. In fact each time he prayed, his desire to BLESS the tents of Jacob became stronger....

After his third attempt to gain Heaven's approval to curse the nation, he gave up...

Numbers 24:1-7

"When Balaam saw that it pleased Yehovah to bless Israel, he did not go as at the other times to seek for omens, but he set his face towards the wilderness.

When Balaam lifted up his eyes, he saw Israel camped; tribe by tribe;
and the Spirit of Elohim came upon him.

Then he uttered this oracle:

"The oracle of Balaam, son of Beor; the oracle of the man whose eyes are open; the oracle of the one who hears the words of Elohim, who sees a vision from the Almighty, although falling flat on the ground with eyes open:

How beautiful are your tents, O Jacob, and your dwelling places, O Israel.

They are like valleys stretched forth, like gardens by the rivers' side, like aloes that Yehovah has planted, and like cedar trees beside the waters.

He will pour the water out of His buckets and their descendants will be like abundant water; their king will be greater than Agag, and their kingdom will be exalted."

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Remember the definition of Hhet? ...."being protected from the elements, by the tent walls and a division from the secular, or outside world". In the story of Balak and Balaam, the Tents of Ya'akov were protected from the outside/secular elements. Specifically, sorcery and cursings.

I guess my final thoughts would be to remember the importance of falling WITHIN the camp that Elohim has blessed. Interesting, the Psalm portion today seems to saying the same thing: It also shows us how to stay within his covering.

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Psalm 119:57-64 (Khet Portion)

Yehovah is my source of security. I have determined to follow Your instructions.

I seek Your favor with all my heart.

Have mercy on me as You promised!

I consider my actions and follow Your rules.

I keep Your commands eagerly and without delay.

The ropes of the wicked tighten around me, but I do not forget Your law.

In the middle of the night I arise to thank You for your regulations.

I am a friend to all Your loyal followers, and to those who keep Your precepts.

O Yehovah, Your loyal love fills the earth.

Teach me Your statutes!

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May we all stay in the safety of Your righteous tents!!

Zayin: Instruments for the Harvest

2010-01-05T06:23:00.000-08:00

The ancient pictograph for this letter is and is some type of agricultural implement similar to a mattock or plow. The meanings of this letter are “harvest” or “crop” as this tool is used in the harvesting, “food” as from the harvest, “cut” from the function of the implement and “broad” from its shape.

The Modern Hebrew name for this letter is “zayin” but was originally the parent root “zan”. When the Greeks adopted the letter its name was originally “zan” but later became “zeta”, the modern name for this letter in the Greek alphabet.

The phonetic sound for this letter is a “z” as it is in Greek and Arabic.

(Jeff Benner:www.ancient-hebrew.org)

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Hebrews 9:35-38

"And Yashua went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When He saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to Yehovah of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."

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Today, I think I will meditate on what it means to be laboring in the field. What is the harvest, and how do we labor?

Solomon shared a vision he had with me. He said he saw all of these Hebrew Israelites sitting in a room. They had all been hired into this company (the company representing the TRUE Kingdom of Elohim). Everyone was sitting in orientation and learning the handbook, studying about how to be a good employee...but no one was leaving orientation.... No one was actually getting up and going to work with Y'shua.

So, again..what do you think it means to labor? How do we work for YHVH's restoration? How do we heal disease and affliction in His name?

Have you heard of the Waller's? They are just one example of how we can work in the field. Funny, the are LITERALLY working in the harvest, but are also working towards the restoration of the people within the House of Jacob.

(Thanks to Kallie, for referring this video.)

Harvest 2008 w/extras from Zac on Vimeo.

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Psalm 119:49-56 (Zayin Portion)

Remember Your word to Your servant, for You have given me hope.

This is what comforts me in my trouble, for Your promise revives me.

Arrogant people do nothing but scoff at me. Yet I do not turn away from Your Torah.

I remember Your ancient regulations, O Yehovah, and console myself.

Rage takes hold of me because of the wicked, those who reject Your law.

Your statutes have been my songs in the house where I live.

I remember Your name during the night, O Yehovah, and I will keep Your law.

This has been my practice, for I observe Your precepts.

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MAY WE ALL LEARN TO BECOME MIGHTY ZAYIN'S (TOOLS FOR ELOHIM'S HARVEST).

Vav: secure

2010-01-04T10:58:00.000-08:00

Vav:

The original pictograph used in the Early Semitic script is a , a picture of a tent peg. The tent pegs were made of wood and may have been Y-shaped to prevent the rope from slipping off.

The Modern Hebrew name for this letter is “vav”, a word meaning “peg” or “hook”.

As the pictograph indicates, this letter represents a peg or hook, which are used for securing something. The meaning of this letter is to add or secure.

This letter is frequently used as a prefix to words to mean “and” in the sense of adding things together.

(Jeff Benner: www.ancient-hebrew.org)

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Psalm 119:41-48 (Vav portion)

May I experience Your loyal love, O Yehovah, and Your deliverance, as You promised.

Then I will have a reply for the one who insults me, for I trust in Your word.

Do not completely deprive me of a truthful testimony, for I await Your justice.

Then I will keep Your law continually now and for all time.

I will be secure, for I seek Your precepts.

I will speak about Your regulations before kings and not be ashamed.

I will find delight in Your commands, which I love.

I will lift my hands to Your commands, which I love, and I will meditate on Your statutes.

YB (Yossi Bear) Is Crawling! another mini post

2010-01-04T10:50:00.001-08:00

Yossi started crawling about four days ago and he is leaving no stone unturned! He has been watching his brothers for 7 months now and is so excited to be able to finally explore.

It is so cute to watch him discover the world he has only been able to look at for so long.

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Getting Ready!

So excited!!
Off I go....
A little more protection never hurts...
All tired out...

Hey: Breathe on me!

2010-01-03T05:58:00.000-08:00

The original pictograph for this letter Heh is , a man standing with his arms raised out. The Modern Hebrew and original name for this letter is “hey”. The Hebrew word “hey” means “behold”, as when looking at a great sight. This word can also mean “breath” or “sigh” as one does when looking at a great sight. The meaning of the letter is behold, look, breath, sigh and reveal or revelation from the idea of revealing a great sight by pointing it out. The Modern Hebrew sound for this letter is “h”. Originally this letter doubled as a consonant, with an “h” sound, or as the vowel sound “eh”. When the Greeks adopted this letter it became the “epsilon” with an “eh” sound.This letter is commonly used as a prefix to words to mean “the” as in “ha'arets” meaning “the land”. The use of this prefix is to reveal something of importance within the sentence.

(Jeff Benner: http://www.ancient-hebrew.org/)

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Genesis 17:1-5

"When Abram was 99 years old, Yehovah appeared to him and said,"I am the sovereign God. Walk before Me and be blameless. Then I will confirm my covenant between Me and you, and I will give you a multitude of descendants." Abram bowed down with his face to the ground, and Elohim said to him,"As for Me, this is My covenant with you: you will be the father of a multitude of nations. No longer will your name be Abram. Instead your name will be Abraham because I will make you a father of a multitude of nations. I will make you extremely fruitful. Iwill make nations of you, and kings will descend from you."

*The difference between Abram and Abraham, in the Hebrew language, is the letter Hey.*

So, in essence, Yehovah placed His breath in Abram as he made His covenant with him.

Since the letter Hey represents the breath of Yehovah, we can conclude that it is also a representation of the Ruach Ha Kodesh (the set-apart, or Holy Spirit).

So. put together all of these ideas; a man standing with his arms raised (in awe of great beauty), revelation as a result of a great sight, the breath of Yehovah/the Ruach Ha Kodesh, and you will get a beautiful picture of a person encountering Elohim in a very powerful way.

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Psalm 150: Praise Yah!
Praise Elohim in the sanctuary!
Praise Him in the sky, which testifies to His strength!
Praise Him for His mighty acts!
Praise Him for His surpassing greatness!
Praise Him with the blast of the horn!
Praise Him with the lyre and harp!
Praise Him with the tambourine and with dancing!
Praise Him with stringed instruments and the flute!
Praise Him with the loud cymbals!
Praise Him with the clanging cymbals!
Let everything that has BREATH praise Yehovah! Praise Yehovah!

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Psalm 119:33-40(Hey portion)

Teach me, O Yehovah, the lifestyle prescribed by Your statutes, so that I might ovserve it continually.

Give me understanding, so that I might observe Your law, and keep it with all my heart.

Guide me in the path of Your commands, for I delight to walk in it.

Give me a desire for your rules, rather than for wealth gained unjustly.

Turn my eyes away from what is worthless! Revive me with Your word!

Confirm to your servant Your promise, which You made to the one who honors You.

Take away the insults that I dread!

Indeed Your regulations are good.

Look, I long for Your precepts.

Revive me with Your deliverance!

Dalet: Doorpoints

2010-01-02T07:31:00.000-08:00

Heb 3:13 "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness."

What is sin exactly? Is it a sin to doubt? Is it a sin to hate yourself or to think that you are not good enough? Is it a sin to be depressed?

Rom 14:23 "everything that does not come from faith is sin."

Some questions for you.......

If we are made in Elohim's image, then we should reflect His qualities, right? Others should look at us and think,"Wow, that person is so peaceful! I want to know more about the God that they are serving!" Sadly, this isn't the case most of the time in the Body of Messiah.
I know that I struggle with these things every day.
So, why do we spend so much time in fear or anxiety about things? Why do we fight with our loved ones, or display a lack of patience and trust in God??
Shouldn't we be walking in the peace that Yah has promised us? EVERY DAY!? Shouldn't we be aware of His great love and provision each and every moment?

How do we become the peaceful, trusting people that Elohim intended us to be? Are we supposed to just "Will" it into existence, or is there more to it?

Since we are studying about the letter Dalet today, and it is represented by doorways. Solomon and I thought it would be appropriate to discuss doorpoints.

Doorpoints are places in our lives in which the enemy tries to enter into our souls. Places where dark spirits would try to overcome you and dominate your thought process and existence.For example: Let's say you had something traumatic happen to you when you were a child. Maybe it was a childhood disease and you had to be hospitalized and put on heavy medications. The spirit of Fear would most definitely take the opportunity to creep through the closet door of your soul and snuggle up with you. It would feel comfortable and you would most likely become one with the fear. It would be very real to you. Over time, the fear would be as natural (and subtle) as your hair or face. You would be told that it was just your personality to be meek or melancholy, when in actuality, it would be bondage.

We are ALL made to rejoice and be whole.

Gal 5:1 "It is for freedom that Yeshua has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."

What kind of slavery is he talking about?

Slavery to sin, fear, addiction, rejection, bitterness, envy and jealousy, or other unclean spirits.

One of the things that Solomon and I have talked about before is that usually the spirit is justified by some means. For example, you probably have a GREAT reason to be bitter with someone or something after they hurt you, so the spirit of bitterness comes along saying,"knock, knock..can I come in?" You then have a choice to make about whether or not you agree with it's whisperings. If you choose to let it in, that bitterness will get very comfortable and will probably become evident in many areas of your life.

Luke 11:20-23 "But if I, with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you."

If you rebuke it, and don't agree, then you maintain your peace and move on. You are in harmony. You have avoided letting a potentially life threatening message into your body. Think about it. If you are letting something such as bitterness dwell in you, then you are one with it. You are an embodiment of bitterness. It defiles you.

Hebrews 12:15 "Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;"

(Real quick....we talk a lot about unclean meats and tzitzit and shabbat, but what this is saying is that something as simple as a subtle bitterness towards ANYONE; church, religion, etc...can cause you to be defiled)

Isaih 35:8 "And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called the way of Holiness. The unclean will not travel on it; it is reserved for those authorized to use it- fools will not stray into it."

We can not afford ourselves the luxury of allowing these sinful spirits into our bodies.

Paul says, "Be angry, but do not sin." in Ephesians 4:26

To sin, would be to let your anger develop into something other than forgiveness.

I can think of so many doorpoints; dissapointment with work or family, struggle with finances, past hurts with churches or religious leaders, hurts from our fathers, etc....

We must acknowledge that sin is a very real entity that is waiting to overtake us:

Genesis 4:7
"Is it not true that if you do what is right, you will be fine? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door. It desires to dominate you, but you must subdue it."

We must subdue it. But How?

2 Cor 10:3-5 "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Messiah."

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Please don't get me wrong. I do not pretend to understand the depths of the spirit world or portray that I have somehow overcome all of the spiritual battles in myself. Quite the contrary, I am only sharing these things because Abba has me and my family in a place where we are just starting to understand the importance of spiritual warfare.

We only want to share so that perhaps you can begin to see what we are seeing.

In all of our efforts to find truth, we have forgotten that there is still a battle raging within us. A CRUCIAL battle for our souls.

To be fully equipped to fight this battle, we must have the belt of truth (torah), the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace (not fear, anxiety, and stress), the shield of faith (and faithfulness), the helmet of salvation(yeshua), and the sword of the spirit; which is the word of Elohim.

We can't leave out anything.

Eph 6:10-18 "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the believers."

The enemy would like you to believe that the truth is "out there" because He knows of the power that lies within us, and wants us to be distracted from it. We must realize that all we really need is our Father's love, and we already have it. We will not find it in our intellect or anywhere on earth, but within.

Because we have already been given the spirit of Messiah.

When we overcome the things that keep us opressed, then the truth(Messiah) WITHIN will shine through.

Read this and remember....

2 Timothy 1:7 , "For Elohim did not give us the spirit of Fear, but of POWER, LOVE, AND A SOUND MIND."

Gimel: Foot Day

2010-01-01T13:06:00.000-08:00

Our foot day was fun. I was calling it foot day because we were on the letter Gimel, and the Gimel is represented by a foot.

Our morning:

Solomon was asked to do a jingle of sorts for the shorter version of a promotional video for Avi Ben Mordechai's tour from Egypt to Israel. So, we spent some time looking at the original (longer) video and talking about what the music should sound like for the condensed version. Oh man, would it be fun to go on THAT tour.

We dreamed about that after watching the video.

Click to see what would be an awesome ADVENTURE.

About 12:00, we decided to go out exploring. There is an old mill town near here, called Bynum. Most of the old houses are owned by artsy people now and they have claimed the community for themselves. We thought it would be a good place to walk. So we did.

The slideshow below is of all of the interesting things we encountered today; some at Bynum and a few at another place we passed on the way home.

Also, you will see a picture of a white house that I thought would be a lovely place to live! I'm now calling it my dreamhouse.

After spending probably WAY too long trying to figure out how to best post a custom slideshow movie(ended up posting on my Youtube page as you see), I finally realized that I should probably give all this stuff a rest. I was getting very irritated, and I still had to clean up before Shabbat.

So, now it is dark and I am resting on the couch with a cup of tea. The boys are watching "Cars" for probably the 100th time. I hope that doesn't make me a bad mom. I have these visions of family time and singing + reading on Erev Shabbat, but for now we don't have any family traditions. We just go with the flow.

Tonight, it's a movie while I blog.
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Moving on to the meditations for tonight/tomorrow: Let's talk about the letter Dalet

The basic meaning of the letter is “door” but has several other meanings associated with it. It can mean “a back and forth movement” as one goes back and forth through the tent through the door. It can mean “dangle” as the tent door dangled down from a roof pole of the tent. It can also mean weak or poor as one who dangles the head down.The sound for this letter is a “d” as in “door” as it is with the Greek and Arabic equivalents.

(Jeff Benner: http://www.ancient-hebrew.org/)

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Psalm 119:25-32 (Dalet Portion)

I collapse in the dirt. Revive me with Your word!

I told You about my ways and You answered me. Teach me Your statutes!

Help me to understand what Your precepts mean! Then I can meditate on Your marvelous teachings.

I collapse from grief. Sustain me by your word!

Remove me from the path of deceit!

Graciously give me Your law!

I choose the path of faithfulness; I am committed to Your regulations.

I hold fast to Your rules. Oh Yah, do not let me be ashamed!

I run along the path of Your commands, for YOU enable me to do so.

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SHABBAT SHALOM!! May you rest fully and discover some wonderful truth today!

Gimel: walking

2009-12-31T17:02:00.000-08:00

The earliest known pictograph for this letter is a picture of a foot. The letter has the meanings of walk, carry or gather. The sound associated with this letter is a “g” as in “go”.

(Jeff Benner http://www.ancient-hebrew.org/)

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Psalm 119:17-24 (Gimel Portion)

Be kind to Your servant! Then I will live and keep Your instructions.

Open my eyes, so that I can truly see the marvelous things in Your law!

I am like a foreigner in this land. Do not hide Your commands from me!

I desperately long to know Your regulations at all times.

You reprimand arrogant people. Those who stray from Your commands are doomed.

Spare me shame and humiliation, for I observe Your rules.

Though rulers plot and slander me, Your servant meditates on Your statutes.

Yes, I find delight in Your rules; they give me guidance.

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I was really struggling to get started today and found myself never really completely "getting up". I stayed in my pajamas for a long time and even crawled into Eli's bed with he and Ben for some cozy book readings. It was lovely. I puttered around the house and cleaned a little here and there, but mostly just enjoyed not doing much of anything.

I was in peace until I had to get dressed and leave the house. I just didn't want to mess with all the things that it takes to get out of the house. We went to pick up Grandma's car from the shop and then we went to go get the groceries..... we made it through though and got back to the house with just enough time to clean up and start dinner.

Dinner was delicious again....

Meditating on the letter Bet, which was the letter for all of the day today (before sundown), I guess I can see how blessed we are when we are in our homes. I love being at home. It is the only place to truly rest.

May you have a beit Shalom (a house of peace).

BIg Bugs Don't Cry: a mini post

2009-12-31T09:17:00.000-08:00

Did anyone ever tell you that there is no reason to cry? Or that crying is for babies?
I was just listening to a cartoon that my boys were watching about bugs and about crying, and I started thinking about it.
Have you ever been somewhere in public and started to cry (at a movie or a funeral or perhaps at a church)? Did you stop yourself from crying, and suck it back in?

Why do you think that we do that? Why is there is such accusation around crying?

Who do you think is whispering in your ear that you are weak and stupid for crying and that you should be embarrassed?

Crying is such a beautiful way to process and heal. It is a natural release that Yah has given us, because HE knows that we need it..... Why would we have that in our design if we weren't supposed to do it?

I can remember renting "The Notebook" when I was pregnant. I sat in bed and watched it and I cried THE WHOLE MOVIE! I don't think I was crying just because the movie was emotional. I think I was crying for everything. Everything about life, my journey, my past, my fears.....
I wonder if I had bottled things up.
I was taught very early to stuff emotions and NOT to cry.
I think because of that, my soul fills up like a rain cloud and just POURS eventually.

I wonder what my emotional state would be if I were more open to crying. Would I allow myself to feel ALL my emotions, to process them, and to move on??

Rain + Sun= a rainbow
So, the more we allow ourselves to feel pain or joy, the more we cry and allow the Light of Moshiach to shine upon all our fears, sorrows, and deep longings- the more beautiful rainbows we will see.....

I heard someone say once,"Tears shampoo the Heart".
So, Cry ON, My Sisters!!

Bet: inside the tent

2009-12-30T18:16:00.000-08:00

Ok. Bear with me. Sometimes my inspirations come in strange form. I was lying in bed the other night and looking at children's bible videos on Youtube with my boys when we came across this video. At first, I thought it was cheesy and kind of annoying...then they got to the chorus and my spirit got excited.

Watch this, then I will explain.... notice that the weird little guys steps are being directed by the lights...just like our steps are being directed by light.

Our God, is an Awesome God. He provided strength for Solomon and I all day today, a day that would have been a very bad day without His strength and joy. We had some bad news about Solomon's work and after that we spent the majority of the day at a car dealership, trying to diagnose a problem with a car that my mom just bought. By all means, there were plenty of things to worry about. It would have been a great day to lose peace and get in a fight with each other, but we didn't. We both felt so much peace because we have no guilt. We are seeking the Father with all of our hearts and HE is directing our steps, even on the hard days.

On the way to the dealership, I remembered that I saved that Youtube video on my iphone, and we listened to it over and over. It was so much fun because my boys got into it too.... they were singing along!

We came home and had a lovely dinner. It actually was a great day and I can see the letter Alef's wordpictures if I look. He is the strong ox who is leading us, and is also helping us carry the burden of the yoke. We still have work, but we don't have to fear.

Halleluyah.

Ok. So. For tonight, into tomorrow, the letter is Bet:

A bit about Bet:

"The Hebrew word (bet) means house or tent as well as family. A common designation for a family is to identify the “house” of the family patriarch such as in “The house of Jacob”.

The meanings of this letter are house, tent, family as well as in, with, inside or within as the family resides within the house or tent."

(again from Jeff Benner's website, www.ancient-hebrew.org)

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Psalm 119:9-16 (Bet portion)

How can a young person maintain a pure life?

By guarding it according to Your instructions!

With all my heart I seek You.

Do not allow me to stray from Your commands!

In my heart, I store up Your words, so I might not sin against You.

You deserve praise, O Yah!

Teach me Your statutes!

With my lips, I proclaim all the regulations You have revealed.

I rejoice in the lifestyle prescribed by Your rules as if they were riches of all kinds.

I will meditate on Your precepts and focus on Your behavior.

I find delight in Your statutes; I do not forget Your instructions.

Alef: 22 days of Praying with our eyes open

2009-12-29T16:32:00.000-08:00

Solomon and I have decided that we are going to do a Daniel Fast together. No meat, sweets, or alcohol for 3 weeks and one day; 22 days.
There are several circumstances in our life right now that are needing serious prayer and a mighty act of YHVH.
So..... we have decided that for the next twenty two days, we will seek the Father and His plan for our lives. As you probably already know, we are in the process of selling our home and are looking to relocate and redefine our lives.
We are also in a place where there are lots of questions about work; what, where, with who...etc....

In conjunction with our praying, we are going to be looking at each Hebrew letter; one for every day. Just to try to enrich our understanding and awareness of the Father's language, mind, and heart. This means reading about each letter and looking for ways to find truth through their pictures.
We will also be reading Psalm 119, since it is broken up into 22 parts; one for each letter.
AND, I will be sharing about it all here. Some days I may just write about the letter and some days, there may be something profound to share....we'll just have to wait and see what the Father has to show!

Day one: All About Alef

The original pictograph for this letter is a picture of an

ox head - representing strength and power from the work

performed by the animal. This pictograph also represents

a chief or other leader. When two oxen are yoked together

for pulling a wagon or plow, one is the older and more

experienced one who leads the other.

Within the clan, tribe or family the chief or father

is seen as the elder who is yoked to the others

as the leader and teacher.

Al (Aleph)
By Jeff A. Benner (www.ancient-hebrew.org)

Psalm 119:1-8 (Alef portion)

How blessed are those whose actions are blameless, who obey the Torah of YHVH.

How blessed are those who observe His rules, and seek Him with all their heart, who, moreover, do no wrong, but follow in His footsteps.

You demand that Your precepts be carefully kept.

If only I were predisposed to keep Your statutes!

Then I would not be ashamed, if I were focused on all Your commands.

I will give You sincere thanks, when I learn Your just regulations.

I will keep Your statutes.

Do not completely abandon me!

9:00 ramblings

2009-12-18T18:02:00.000-08:00

I sit here, in front of a fire. It's snowing outside. Ben and Eli are asleep. Yossi is scooting around the room in a walker. He has found a pile of sticks that are in a basket next to the firewood. I gathered them yesterday so that we would have a fire and dry wood to use while the weather is bad. I think he's ok....
Parenting is a lot about deciding what is acceptable for your children to do and what is not.... I often question...
I often question myself too... probably too much.
I read somewhere that weak parents happen because they have fear or guilt within themselves and they lack the strength to stand up to their children because of it.
The kids end up being the rulers.
I think that is so true. If you are doing things that you know are not upright (like watching too much tv), then you will doubt your ability to be a righteous role model.
I guess rightly so...too much tv doesn't create respectful people.
The adversary knows these things too and he will accuse me any chance he can. He just loves to whisper doubt into my ear.
I almost NEVER watch t.v. for myself, but if I do, it's usually TLC or something. I like to watch those cake shows. Mostly because I like cake, but also because of the artistic and creative aspects of the designs. It really is all of my favorite things....
Although, sugar is evil..... so they say. I agree partially. I know it is a drug.
So, my point is. I have a hard time watching any t.v. at all because I always feel guilty.

Moving on......

There are so many things I could write about.
But I think I have to say something about "Trader Joe's". OH MY GOSH!! I LOVE THAT STORE!!! There is a new one here in Chapel Hill and it is like shopping in heaven.
Seriously. Maybe it's just the contrast from the Hickory Wal-Mart that I have been going to for the last 5 years....Wal-mart, need i say more. Depression reigns there.

Anyway, at TJ's, the people are nice, the prices are low, the food is great; mostly organic, and the environment is appealing.... I feel so grateful to be able to shop there. If only for a little while, while here.... I will enjoy it.

Moving on, once more.....
I feel happy.
I feel peaceful.
I feel warm.
I feel.

I know life isn't about feelings, but it is nice when your feelings are good. It seems like sometimes in life, things all make a little more sense.
And then sometimes we are sad and nothing makes sense.
Been there.
That's why I know that peace is so powerful.

I am a mother. I make homes safe and fun. I make my husband feel like a king.
I discover the world again through the eyes of my children.
I get discouraged and annoyed. I repent. I ask for Abba to show me another way.
I wait.
Usually something completely outside of my own doing will happen, and I will know that I am loved and that everything does not rest on my shoulders.

Ahhhh.....

You are reading all of this??? Really???? Wow...that's commitment!
That's why I love you. Commitment.

Moving on again.....

Just put another log on the fire.
Ben is making lots of sounds in his room......

Solomon is coming home Sunday from being away for a week. I miss him.

Dusty Saddles

2009-09-13T03:38:00.000-07:00

My alarm went off at 5:25 this morning. Day One of my efforts to stand against the waters of every day life. The raging current of chores, meals, diapers, nursing, clean-up, etc. It has been bothering me for some time, but I haven't felt strong enough to do anything about it. My spiritual life has been hurting since my last pregnancy and I haven't been able to get motivated to change, until now.

*Note to self* It takes about 3-4 months after having a baby to be able to feel "normal" enough to start on a productive schedule. Really, it takes longer than that to feel completely ok, but my spirit and soul are longing for refreshment now!

I spent the whole week away last week; part of it in Georgia, visiting my Grandma, and the other part in Greensboro at a hotel. The time away was just what I needed to gain perspective and make plans for improving family life.

Anyway, so here I sit, having coffee in PEACE!! Oh, what a feeling! I open up my e-mails to see if anything is worth reading and I see there isn't much, but there is an e-mail from Daily Bread (they send out a scripture a day, via e-mail). I open it up and it says the following,

"But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Yashua Messiah. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."

2 Timothy 3:12-17

It is just what I needed to hear this morning. I need to know that it is important for me to connect with the Creator. That He is interested in my salvation, my walk, and me. I need to know that He is watching over my efforts and guiding me along the way, to make sure that I see what HE wants me to see and that I learn what He wants me to learn. One thing at a time.

The thing that stood out to me about this verse from 2 Timothy was, " you must CONTINUE in the things which you have learned"...... Just because I have not mastered the art of being a beautiful, spiritual, pregnant woman (I may choose to sleep instead of get up early to pray and get my heart right), doesn't mean that I shouldn't get "back on that horse" again, when I am strong enough to ride that is.

The other part that I liked was how scripture is "able to make you wise for salvation". Doesn't that sound nice? I want to be wise. I want the blessings of salvation. My prayer is that Abba, YHVH would meet me in my efforts to change, that HE would encourage me along the way in whatever way He sees fit. I pray that HE would feed my spirit, so that I am more peaceful throughout the day, and so that I have more to give to my children.

I know that on my own ability, I am not capable of attaining righteousness, so I will use 2 Timothy as my outline; allowing scripture to be used "for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."

It is like He is cheering for me, "KEEP GOING MADELYN, YOU CAN DO IT!! IT'S WORTH IT. I PROMISE. YOU WILL BE A BETTER PERSON IF YOU SEEK ME. YOU WILL HAVE MORE PEACE, BE COMPLETE, AND BE EQUIPPED TO DO MY WORK. IF ONLY YOU WOULD ASK ME TO SHOW YOU HOW, AND SEEK ME!"
All I have to do is "Saddle Up!"

Sleepy Manny

2009-06-05T17:49:00.000-07:00

I forgot how much newborns sleep. I guess I got used to having toddlers, and was expecting Emanuel (a.k.a. Manny) to sleep less than he is..... I mean, he sleeps ALL THE TIME. He has moments of wakefulness, so I am not worried, but find it fascinating how much time he spends dreaming.....

Speaking of dreaming, look back up at the pictures posted and see if you can tell what he is dreaming about.... here are my guesses....

1. I wonder what I should do for a living when I grow up?

2. Okay, no dreams here...just plain passed out....

3. Riding a horse?? I don't really know, but he's holding his blanket...

4. Definitely at a rock concert..notice the hands

By the way," thanks for the swing Ammi, it's really great!"

just to make you smile....

2009-01-13T19:03:00.000-08:00

I guess sometimes it's nice to just relax and enjoy something silly...

So, here it is...

We are preparing for a two week trip to Texas this week and I couldn't be happier about being out of the house for a little while before bambino #3 arrives.....

Hope everyone is well, and thriving in life.

Love to you all,

Kung Fu Panda and Asian Dumplings

2008-11-25T19:53:00.001-08:00

One of the things that I think is so hilarious about me when i am pregnant is that my cravings are usually sparked by some visual stimulation.

Our neighbors invited us over one night to watch the movie,"Kung Fu Panda". They have a HUGE TV. I mean Huge....He installs home theaters for a living so, I guess that makes sense...

Anyway, we watched the movie and it was alright. Pretty funny in some parts, a little violent for our boys, but nevertheless....

What I thought was so funny about the whole thing was that at the very beginning of the movie, they showed a little bowl filled with Asian Dumplings... Mind you, these were cartoon dumplings...and I was still triggered.

I had to have them!! I guess I should note that I really love dumplings anyway, and I never get to eat them because they are usually made with pork.

So, we went home that night after the movie and I went to bed.

The next morning I woke up and immediately looked through my cupboards to see if I could make dumplings from the things I already had.

I found broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, and turkey sausage...

Sounds weird, huh? Well, it became more Asian when I blended everything up very finely and cooked it in ginger and soy sauce...mmmmm....

Once I had the filling taken care of I had to make the wrappers.

So, I just mixed flour and water, and then rolled it out into a thin circle.

After cutting out the wrappers, I filled them with the yummy mixture, cooked them in oil, added water to the pan, and then boiled them for 15 minutes.

The sauce was good too; just spicy teriyaki with a little bit of apple cider vinegar mixed in.

Oh yeah!.......

Some thoughts on simplicity

2008-10-29T06:58:00.001-07:00

I received this e-mail forward from a long time friend of mine, and because of it's title, I hesitatingly decided to read it. It is called, "God lives under the bed"... I have been thinking lately about the importance of keeping our relationship with the Creator simple, pure, and full of trust. I have been saddened to see many people being led astray by so many questions and the "need to know". These journeys we take in the pursuit of knowledge, or in seeking to understand the divine, somehow always lead us to places of darkness and confusion...at least when they are done without a temperance of faith in Him, trust, and love.

My prayer is that we will all remember to keep our relationship with the Father simple. Even when we are studying deep things, may we remember that He is our "Abba" and that he truly cares for us in such a deep and special way. I pray that we may all remember to rest in His perfect love, and that all of our questions about religion or spirituality would be filtered through a deep understanding of His shalom. Do we really need to know EVERYTHING?? Or do we trust Him??

Here is the forward: BTW, I am not saying that we should be this simple, it is just some food for thought.

Shalom, m.

GOD LIVES UNDER THE BED

I envy Kevin. My brother Kevin thinks God lives under his bed. At least that's what I heard him say one night.

He was praying out loud in his dark bedroom, and I stopped to listen, 'Are you there, God?' he said. 'Where are you? Oh, I see. Under the bed...

I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room. Kevin's unique perspectives are often a source of amusement. But that night something else lingered long after the humor. I realized for the first time the very different world Kevin lives in.

He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties during labor. Apart from his size (he's 6-foot-2), there are few ways in which he is an adult.

He reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year-old, and he always will. He will probably always believe that God lives under his bed, that Santa Claus is the one who fills the space under our tree every Christmas and that airplanes stay up in the sky because angels carry them.

I remember wondering if Kevin realizes he is different. Is he ever dissatisfied with his monotonous life?

Up before dawn each day, off to work at a workshop for the disabled, home to walk our cocker spaniel, return to eat his favorite macaroni-and-cheese for dinner, and later to bed.

The only variation in the entire scheme is laundry, when he hovers excitedly over the washing machine like a mother with her newborn child.

He does not seem dissatisfied.

He lopes out to the bus every morning at 7:05, eager for a day of simple work.

He wrings his hands excitedly while the water boils on the stove before dinner, and he stays up late twice a week to gather our dirty laundry for his next day's laundry chores.

And Saturdays-oh, the bliss of Saturdays! That's the day my Dad takes Kevin to the airport to have a soft drink, watch the planes land, and speculate loudly on the destination of each passenger inside. 'That one's goin' to Chi-car-go!' Kevin shouts as he claps his hands.

His anticipation is so great he can hardly sleep on Friday nights.

And so goes his world of daily rituals and weekend field trips.

He doesn't know what it means to be discontent.

His life is simple.

He will never know the entanglements of wealth of power, and he does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. His needs have always been met, and he never worries that one day they may not be.

His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it.

He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished. But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax.

He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others. His heart is pure.

He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept, and when you are wrong, you apologize instead of argue.

Free from pride and unconcerned with appearances, Kevin is not afraid to cry when he is hurt, angry or sorry. He is always transparent, always sincere. And he trusts God.

Not confined by intellectual reasoning when he comes to Christ, he comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God - to really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an 'educated' person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion.

In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my Christianity I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith.

It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions

It is then I realize that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances - they all become disabilities when I do not trust them to God's care

Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn? After all, he has spent his whole life in that kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of God.

And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I'll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed.

Kevin won't be surprised at all!

Succot at home

2008-10-25T16:47:00.000-07:00

This year, instead of camping away from home for a week, we decided to build a Succah on our back deck. We put a table on the floor with lots of pillows and a cot for Solomon to sleep on. The walls were made of burlap, so the breeze still blew, but the bugs couldn't get in.

We had to put a tarp up on the second day, because it was rainy. This also helped to hold the heat in.

We had three sets of visitors (Ushpizin) throughout the week and we traveled to Greensboro on one day.

It was a nice balance of festivity and comfort. I was still feeling pretty sick because of being in my first trimester, so it was nice to know that I had the comforts of home nearby at all times. I really love having the Feasts as a part of our life. It is such a joy to be refreshed each year with family time and fellowship with friends.

Sorry, Mr. Blog

2008-10-13T19:29:00.000-07:00

I looked at my last post and it was 5 months ago...sorry, mr. blog. It took some inspiration from friends to get me motivated again...

The main reason for my MAJOR lack of writing is that SO much has happened in the last months that every time I sit down to write, I can't think of where to start.....

The secondary reason is that Solomon has really been putting in long hours with his new job and then using his evening time to record, edit, and master the album he has been working on...

By the time I put the boys down, I usually am so tired that I end up falling asleep too....

So, we had our house on the market for a little while and we were really open to whatever the Father had planned for us. We both felt like some things needed to change in our lives and that we needed to be more connected with our greater purpose to find more joy.

As it turns out, we didn't have to move across the country to be in the Father's will.

We had talked about Texas, where Solomon's family lives, and I was really ready if that is what was meant to be...

Turns out that for now.. we are still supposed to be in NC...

Solomon found a job that he loves, and he is able to use all of his giftings while doing it.

And I feel, for the first time in a long time, that I can rest here.

It is nice to know that I am where I am supposed to be.

So, we will continue to take it easy for now....

And hopefully, I will blog a little more...

A bright spot in my week

2008-05-20T12:19:00.000-07:00

fter reading over a couple of books given to me by a friend, I was inspired to start spending more time with my children; doing activites and training.

If you know me...this means making a list. So, I eagerly printed out a schedule on my computer and posted it on the fridge to keep me focused.

Our normal daily activities were outlined; but now there were specific times for trying new activities.

The activity I chose for this week involved putting a piece of masking tape on the floor and pretending it was a bridge to walk across. It sounded simple enough to me; so I put the tape on the floor and excitedly showed my boys what to do....

I even sang a song. Over and over I tried to get them to "walk the line" by showing them and singing the song. I became very frustrated; frustrated and confused.

Should I discipline them into paying attention to a fun activity?? I am still not sure about that...

The funny thing is that they were absolutely clueless as to what I was doing; or that I was even trying to teach them something.

So, I stopped for the morning, but I couldn't help but feel a little discouraged.

Hours went by and I moped about my disappointment a little and then I decided to change my perspective.

I don't think that Abba wants me to push for things and get frustrated. What is the point of education if it is not done in love. I think He wants a peaceful atmosphere in the home; a sweet annointing...and it starts with my attitude.

So, I put down my agenda and I enjoyed my children. We cuddled and read and they chased each other with the little ball I bought them.

Then I heard Eli doing his version of "1,2,3" and then running (as sort of a build up before taking off).

Then it hit me.....Maybe he would like to know more about numbers!

So, I printed off some flash cards and we sat down to look at them.

I was blown away!! I couldn't believe how many numbers he knew by sight!!

I wasn't even aware that he could recognize ANY difference....

but he knew several.

It was a wonderful feeling and I think that I learned a valuable lesson.

--Take cues from your kids. Let them show you what they are ready for. Stay in peace and always maintain a sweet atmosphere. If anything gets in the way of that; re-route.-

To see a video clip of this amazing boy, click below, and go to the video that says eli counts;

http://gallery.mac.com/ourtorahstory#gallery

A lesson from the bushes

2008-05-03T07:27:00.000-07:00

Everyday, when I walk past the "Rhody" bushes in front of my home, I think to myself, "that is so strange".

None of the bushes that look healthy and strong are bearing any flowers. And when I think back on it; they never have!!

The bush that is weak and frail, however, has the most amazingly beautiful flowers blooming all over it.

I think that there is a lesson here.

When we go through trials in our life, or we become completely powerless over situations; when we are broken....we have the opportunity bear beautiful flowers and bloom. If we (the bush) can allow the Father to work through us, to better us through trials, then we can begin to allow the flowers of love, forgiveness, compassion, mercy, and submission to bud in our spirit.

I have noticed in my life that only when I have been completely submissive and broken before the Father has he been able to take over my life and do his will. These times are the only times when I have truly "flowered".

I can not grow his beautiful flowers by doing anything on my own ability. I need Him to show me how to change for the better.

I, personally, am still seeking to find balance here.

I want to be a strong woman. To fight for what I care about.... and I know that I will have to make myself strong through practice and time.

But, there are times when I want nothing more than to admit that I simply cannot do everything on my own and i need my heavenly Father to strengthen and guide me. I need His perfect love to show me the way through this life. I need his comfort.... I need to let go and cry out....I am a weak bush on my own.

If I can let go of my fears that tell me that I must always be a beautiful bush and that things must always "look right" to passers by, and I can accept that He has me covered through every experience that I will ever go through...maybe then I will begin to let go and bloom in His eyes. If I am always worried about keeping myself strong and maintaing healthy branches, I have missed the point. I rejoice that I am weak, because it means that He will help me and I get to rest under His covering.

So, I encourage you to allow yourself to be vulnerable. Vulnerable to change, to growth, and vulnerable to uncertainty. Perhaps you will notice that you, yourself, are like my little Rhododendron bush.

"Father,help me to bear your beautiful flowers!!"

_________________________________________________

"Abide in me, and I in You. As the branch cannot bear fruit itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can you, except you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches: He that abides in Me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without Me, you can do nothing. If you abide in Me, and my words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you."

-Yochanan 15:4-5,7

_________________________________________________

.

well....

A Sukkot Miracle

World's Best (and easiest!) Banana Nut Muffins

Prayer Chain

Time 4 Learning

Coming Home.

Praise Yah! I'm going to be full time at home again!!

Isaiah 54:13

Isaiah 43

Who knew a gutter could be so cute?

Let the pictures tell the story....

Another great idea!

Getting Organized without going broke

Maybe it's just me...

Wildflowers, CD's, and a FIRE!!

Video Update Oct 2010 Part 1.m4v

Video Update Oct 2010 Part 2

Playing House, The Best Thrift Store, and Announcing, "The Down Home Bungalow"...

Blessings on Yom Kippor

Pictures rom my little corner of the world....

The Week In Review

Long Enough for the Sponge to Stink!

Shabbat, sweet Shabbat!!!

Going to Carolina

Moqueca~Brazilian Fish Stew

The Stove Box Clubhouse

Thinking about inheritance

a birthday party and the beach

A liitle jingle

sleepy Thursday

Wednesday: The light at the end of the tunnel

A bike ride and the smell of salt

Sing louder, the blessings

Remember Surrender

Purple Tree Beads

The End

Tav:two sticks

Shin: pressing oil

YahSpace

Resh: Order of the home

The Fountain, The Men, and The Chocolate

Quph:Circling the Throne

Tsadey: lying in ambush

Pey: the power of the tongue

Ayin: seeking to strengthen

Do we close our eyes?

Samech: enclosed by thorns

Nun: the next generation

Mem: stormy waters

Lamed: directed by the shepherd's staff

Kaf: bent in submission

Yud: made by the hands of Yah

Tet: Surround Me with Songs of Deliverance!

Hhet: A Story of Protection

Zayin: Instruments for the Harvest

Vav: secure

YB (Yossi Bear) Is Crawling! *another mini post*

Hey: Breathe on me!

Dalet: Doorpoints

Gimel: Foot Day

Gimel: walking

BIg Bugs Don't Cry: a mini post

Bet: inside the tent

Alef: 22 days of Praying with our eyes open

9:00 ramblings

Dusty Saddles

Sleepy Manny

just to make you smile....

Kung Fu Panda and Asian Dumplings

Some thoughts on simplicity

Succot at home

Sorry, Mr. Blog

A bright spot in my week

A lesson from the bushes

YB (Yossi Bear) Is Crawling! another mini post