Seeing with His Eyes

Well, good evening my friends. Hope you had a wonderful and restful Shabbat. I had to work at the office this Sabbath, but hope Papa will understand. And I did get to help several folks so that would make it a mitzvot perhaps. So, let's talk about the love letters He sent me this week.
I chose the above picture taken by an awesome person overseas because it is called a snowflake. We call them lily of the valley here, but if you look closely, there's a difference. The Lily of the Valley flower looks just like the one pictured above, but without the little dots on each petal. The ones with the dots, are called Snowflakes. And while I'm fairly certain they're in the same family, there are several less obvious differences. Snowflake flowers are common (bordering on wild) in most of Europe, are one of the first flowers of spring to bloom and will grow even in snow if the temps are above freezing. (They also are in my flower beds! Grin)  These lovely little harbingers of spring look so dainty and delicate, but are tough as nails! The Lily of the Valley that grows here in the south US, are also some of the first flowers to bloom and herald the coming spring. But are not nearly as hardy as their European cousins, although just as lovely.
So, you ask, what were the love letters??? And what does this have to do with flowers. Well, glad you asked. This week was a little difficult in that we had lots of changes in our programming (not all that worked, thank you so much!) several clients (which is when we found out our programming wasn't working right.....ARGGGH!) and an awful lots of interruptions of all kinds. So as I was taking a quick break one day, I walked outside for a few minutes away from phones, people and headaches. There, under the sign for the office, my sweet Little Critter had made a flower bed for me and then we planted some pansies. Those little dears were 'looking'' at me with their little heads raised towards the sun, their leaves spread in praise to Papa and looked incredibly beautiful. I think they may be related to Snowflakes......why, you ask? Well, they've had no real care other than being planted. It was freezing this morning (and the past several mornings!), we've had no rain in several weeks, and little sunshine for them. But there they were looking so incredibly beautiful and joyful! I quickly thanked Papa for the beauty of them and He prompted me to look for the Letter. I actually found two Love Letters when I thought about it. Little Critter had wanted to plant bushes under the sign for the office....but I told him how much I love pansies. So out of love for me, that's what he planted. So there was one Love Letter....my son loves me enough to plant flowers I like, to cheer me during drab, dreary days. The second Love Letter was that it didn't matter how stressful the past few weeks have been on them, they were so grateful to be in a bed, in the sun,protected (by the sign) from the wind blowing things on them and still alive....and here I was stressing about things that really didn't matter. If Papa cares so well for little flowers, won't He do the same and more for me?!?!

Another  Love Letter had to do with the way the Snowflake and Lily of the Valley look so much alike. We have all kinds of clients come in our office. Some are the most awe inspiring folks, and some, well, let's just say they aren't role models I'd want my child to emulate. We have young folks, middle age folks, and old folks, folks with pink hair, some with green hair, some with no hair and some with really long hair. So as we were explaining the new tax laws to folks, I realized that I found myself  using different language for the different ages/educational levels ect. When I asked Papa to help me see our clients with His eyes, I realized they are each like the Snowflake and Lily of the Valley flowers. They each have their strengths and weaknesses, things they understand easily and things they don't. I saw a husband lovingly help his wife with siging the paperwork when she couldn't figure it out even with my finger showing her where to sign. I saw a young single mom accept that the way she'd done things before would need to be changed to help her and her kids. I saw a criminal offender treat me with respect even when Dodi had to leave the office (and I was trembling inside in fear). I saw an unemployed biker/truck driver who's mom has Alzheier's  patiently  re explain to his slightly confused wife what I had just said to her. It was incredible. All these folks with troubles of their own, each thinking of someone else besides themselves, and not whining or complaining about their situations. Awesome! I saw the spark of Papa in each one of them! How cool is that?!?!?!
So as you go thru your week this next week, ask Papa to let you see each person you meet with His eyes. Look for those Love Letters He sends us and let me know what you find. May He bless your week with lots of joy, plenty of health and very few aggravations. Shalom.

An award-how cool!

One of my homeschool friends gave me this award. Isn't that cool?! I love the flower on this award....I love orange flowers. They're unusual and always beautiful. Doesn't Papa do great work?! LOL!

Well, I suppose this means I should write something cheerful and sunny, eh? This past week has been kinda tough...although not really in a bad way. I put up 4 qts of green beans, (gave one to Rabbi for first fruits), 3 gallons of spinach, made up three trays of zucchini pizzas, found a new recipe and made scalloped zucchini, a huge batch of yellow squash sauteed with onions, garlic and butter, and still have 10 zucchini sitting on my counter waiting for me to put them up. We now need to repick green beans, zucchini, yellow squash, dill, parsley, onions and broccoli and cucumbers. Whew! So while it's been really tough, it's in a good way. This is our sixth year to plant, so we expected a large crop.....just didn't think it would all come ready at the same time! LOL! For those wondering what the sixth year has to do with it, let me explain. In Torah, it tells us that just as we are to have our weekly Shabbot, and our harvest Sabboths (at Pesach or Passover, Shavuot or Pentecost and Sukkot or Tabernacles) and our Jubliee years (every 50th year), the land is to have a Shabbot every 7th year. So you plant on the sixth year, do NOT plant on the 7th year and let the land rest, then plant again on the 8th year. And YHWH promised the land would produce enough on the sixth year to last until the harvest on the 8th year. So we expected a large crop of  veggies this year,  but whew!!!! I even have lettuce coming up from last year!!!! And our blackberries we planted in March are fruiting!!!!! Isn't Papa wonderful!?! Just as His Love Letter to us says, we're having a HUGE crop and if I can just figure out how to put everything up, we'll have veggies for the next year easily! I'm just blown away by His blessings to us. 

What was that? Where in Torah does it say that? Well, silly me. I'm sorry. You can find this commandment in Leviticus 25:1-7. Now I know many folks will say they are under grace and not law....that the "Old Testament" doesn't apply to them. But I would respectfully ask those who think this way to reread the Book of Leviticus. You'll find several places in there where it says "this is to be for all generations". I believe we're one of those "all generations." Also, while I agree that our sins are covered by the Grace of Yah, I don't know that I understand what you are using to do away with the "Old Testament". Yeshua said He didn't come to do away with the Law (poor translation, really said Torah which means instruction) but to bring it to fruition. He was a Jewish Rabbi.....don't you think it would be a really bad example if He didn't follow Torah?! Well, those are just my thoughts. Please feel free to respectfully explain your thoughts if you so desire. 

Now, if I understand this award, I need to pass it on to some of you! How cool is that?!?! So here goes, I joyfully pass this award on to:

1.Conservative Outrage-
Pops does a great job on his blog and is such a sweetie!
2.ahavah-Emunah
Ahavah has another blog that will lift your spirits and often make you giggle! 
3.hadassahthetraveler
Hasassah is such an inspiration! How this woman does all she does is amazing!!!!
4.ohboomoments
Nanc is a hoot and a half! If you don't giggle at her site, you need to check your giggler! She's a joy!!!!
5.Skippy
This friend of mine is kinda new at blogging, but is doing a great job. I'm proud of him as he searches his way to fulfilling YHWH's plan for his life.
6. Is It Only For Jews?
This is another friend who's a bit new to blogging, but is doing a great job! I'm impressed with his energy.

I have a couple of other folks I'd love to give an award to, but they haven't blogged for several weeks or months....so James, Chris, Malcontent, Gayle and Abouna....know you're winners in my book!!!

So I hope each of you have a great week, are blessed beyond belief and take the time to find those little Love Letters Papa sends each of us daily to remind us how much He loves us. Shalom.

2010 begins....and a note to my friends

Sure hope everyone had a great holiday season. We had a great Hanukkah! Lots of food, fun and family time. We also had a great time with both families. Just returned from the hinterlands where we spent almost a week with the in-laws and Little Critter got spoiled rotten!!! (It'll take me weeks to unspoil him! Oy vey!) MIL was so sweet, she cooked for us several nights up there and kept asking if her menu was acceptable to us. Bless her heart, I know from experience, that trying to cook healthy food that's both Kosher AND on Dodi's diet is a trick!!! But she did a good job. Of course there were far too many carbs, but we adapted. We also got to see some snow! It was after dark, so hard to see, but I went out and played in big, wet, gloppy snowflakes until I was soaking wet and freezing cold. (Being a lizard by nature that didn't take long.....oh boo!)

Now we're home again and getting ready for school to restart, tax season to begin and all the great things Papa has planned for us for this year. I predict things will get more and more crazy in the world around us, the economy will most likely NOT get alot better for the time being, and there will be plenty of things to really make my blood boil if I let it. (I've read the back of the book....it could get downright scary for a bit! You should read it too....just know the 'good guys' win, the 'calvary' comes in just the right moment and things WILL get better....eventually) But I propose to remain as calm as my nature will allow as I let Papa handle things as only He can. I propose to do all I can to make my little space in this world as peaceful and loving as I possibly can....knowing Nana, dear sister and asundry others will make that as difficult as possible. LOL! But Papa calls me to love Him with all my heart, mind, soul and strength...and to love my neighbors as myself. So all I can do is my best to live up to that mitzvot (commandment).

My wish for all my readers, friends and family is that this year 2010, will see all of you so covered in Papa's love that you not only grow closer to Him with every breath you take, but are so covered in His blessings you can't hold them all and have to share them with others. May each one know His love, His word, His rest as you follow your journeys towards Him. And may His plans for each of us come to fruition so that we each become more and more the people He ordained us to be before the beginning of time. Shalom my friends.

OH, PS....I almost forgot. I need to warn you that my posts may continue to be rather sporadic for the next few months. I am not only the office manager, lead tax preparer but also owner in training of a tax office. And tax season has begun here in the US. So I'll be working horrible hours, while continuing to homeschool Little Critter, keep the house as best I can, and still take care of my folks and cousin. So my life will become hectic on steroids for a few months.. I love what I do (especially during the 'off season' which is after April 15th. LOL!), I'm good at it, and Dodi and I both feel this is where Papa wants us to be right now. So if I'm not here as often, don't fret....feel free to leave messages, and I'll answer as I can or email me. Again, it may take a couple days to hear back from me, but I WILL get back to you. I'll be praying for you daily as I always do and will post as I can. So enjoy these winter/spring months and I'll be back ASAP.
Pops, that means you take care of yourself!!!! Don't make me have to come fuss at you!!!!! There's still adventure out there for you Honey.. enjoy the adventure. I'll be checking on you....and praying for you.
Gayle, don't work so hard! Enjoy the life you have....it's a great life! Come see me, I miss you!!!
AOW, hug Mr. AOW for Little Critter and I and know we still pray for you both.
Abouna...do NOT let the turkeys get you down...you know what's coming and it will be good in the end!
Skippy, keep writing...you're doing a great job and don't worry about your needs. Papa WILL supply them!!!! Keep searching, looking and knocking. He'll answer you. If we can help, just call!
Nanc, darling girl, you keep being you and know I'll be here if you need me Sweetie. You are a jewel!!!
Ahava, I'll be checking on you....and fussing if necessary. You take care of yourself Sweetheart. You're precious...to me and to HIM!
Local Malcontent, I miss hearing from you dear friend. Hope you're well. I pray for you and Leti daily and know He'll take care of you both....and Dillon too!
Christopher, I haven't seen anything from you in months....I pray your health issues aren't preventing you from posting. You have wonderful things to share and there's tons of folks who need your wisdom. Be blessed.
Quiet Life, I pray things are easier for you now that husband is home and that you're having the time of your life! I enjoy your occasional posts and pray His blessings on you and your family. And thanks to your husband for keeping us safe and doing what he does! He's awesome and you're more awesome for being a military wife!!!!I know how hard that is, and the sacrifices you make on a daily basis. Thank you for being you.
If I missed anyone, please forgive me....I'm only on my second cup of coffee and not functioning well yet. Just know you're prayed for and wished all His best for you. Shalom

Psalm 20

Hi friends. It's been awhile again since last I posted. It got pretty chaotic here, and while I had a couple things I thought about posting, I ran out of steam before getting to it. I even pulled my 'round to it' coin out and it didn't help. Oh, well. What? You asked what a 'round to it' is? It's a coin that says "I have so much to do today I hope I can get around to it all." It's a joke thing that Pawpaw gave us years ago....

Well, moving on. Little Critter and I were doing Torah study this week, and ran out of Torah portion before we ran out of week....so we read Psalm 20. Have you read it lately? It's an incredible Psalm. So, as this week seems to be a week of horrible news all over the place, I thought I'd share it with you, my friends. It's almost like a prayer. So this is what I wish for you this next week....

"1. For the leader. A psalm of David:
2. May YHWH answer you in times of distress, may the name of the G-d of Ya'akov (Jacob)protect you.
3. May He send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Tziyon. (Zion)
4. May He be reminded by all your grain offereings and accept the fat of your burnt offerings.
5. May He grant you your heart's desire and bring all your plans to success.

6. Then we will shout for joy at your victory and fly our flags in the name of our G-d. May YHWH fulfill all your requests.
7. Now I know that YHWH give svictory to His annointed one-
He will answer himn from his holy heaven with might victories by his right hand.

8. Some trust in chariouts and some in horses, but we praise the name of YHWH our G-d.
9. They will crumple and fall, but we will arise and stand erect.
10. Give victory YHWH!
Let the King answer us the day we call."

Isn't that wonderful?! Now if we go back to verse 4, that's spoken of in Acts 10:3 when the angel appears to Cornelius and says YHWH remembered all his prayers. So that means that the prayers we submit to Papa are remembered by Him and count as though they were burnt offerings. Pretty cool, huh. Those that are Torah observant know we still offer burnt offerings according to Leviticus 23. For instance, each Erev Shabbat (Evening of Sabboth) when we make the Challah (bread) for the evening dinner, as we braid our loaves of bread, we save a piece of dough for YHWH. We cook Papa's piece with our loaves and before we start the ceremony for lighting candles to welcome Shabbat, we take the piece we'd cooked for Papa and go outside to present it to Him. It may sound strange to some, but once you've done a couple of times, it just doesn't feel right without it. Little Critter loves this part! He breaks his piece of bread into many pieces, says the prayer with us then throws his pieces in all 6 directions. (I realize we only do that during Sukkot, but he loves to do it, and we don't stop him. I enjoy it too. It's fun to thank Papa from each direction and toss our crumbs out for all the little birdies and worms (and stray cats) to enjoy.) Now, do I burn my bread each week? Good grief NO!!!! That would be a waste of the resources Papa's given me! But I do cook the bread in my gas oven so it's like an unburnt burnt offering. (or something like that)

So as we all head into another week that no doubt will bring distressing news from all directions, remember that this is the prayer I pray for each of you this week. And as we prepare for Thanksgiving, let's not waste much time being distressed by all the lunacy surrounding us. Let's concentrate on the things we have to be thankful for and remember that the lunacy just means the sound of the shofar (trumpet) is getting closer each day. Shabbat Shalom my friends. Spitfire

Mind boggling words this week

This week's Torah portions included Genesis 1-6:8, Matthew 1 & 2 and from the Prophets, Isaiah 42:5-43:10. So Little Critter and I read them during the week. (I split the readings up and we do a couple chapters a day. That way we have time to discuss and talk about them and he can learn more from them.) Well, I have to admit, we were both comforted as we read the creation story and the birth of Yeshua in Matthew. But when we read Isaiah...I was just stunned at how beautiful those words are. I've read them many times before, but all of a sudden this week, several phrases just jumped out at me. So I'd like to share them with you, my friends.

First, in this passage of Isaiah, YHWH is talking through Isaiah to not only the people of  Israel, but talking TO Yeshua....and also to US. That's what struck me this week, YHWH was talking to US!!!! Too cool. Ok, so if we look in Isaiah 42:6, look at this phrase:"I am YHWH, I have called you in righteousness, I will also hold you by the hand and watch over you...." Now, imagine the young Yeshua studying his Torah lesson and seeing that. Can you imagine how wonderful He felt to know it was Papa talking to His Son?!?! Even now, when I read it, it makes me feel so incredibly loved and special...He's called me, He's holding my hand and watching over me. Even ME!!! Whew. Kinda makes ya feel you can go out and do incredible things, doesn't it. Well, before you run out to make the world so much better a place than it is right now, please hang on a minute...there's more. Yep, there's more.

Jump down to Isaiah 43:1-3. Have ya found it? Let me help you..."But now says YHWH who formed you O Ya'ackov (Jacob); and He who made you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I called you by name; you are MINE! When you pass thru the waters, I will be with you...."

Did cha catch that? "Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by name, you are MINE!" Jumping Jehoshaphat!!! Doesn't that just make your heart swell? He calls us by name...we are HIS! Ok, I'm ready to start dancing now. Happy dancing, happy dancing. He knows my name. He's called me by that name. I am HIS!!!! Now for those who are wondering why this is so exciting for me. Let me explain. I'm not any great beauty, my younger sister was the beauty. My youngest sister had a figure to die for and all the boys eyed her...in fact, I didn't have a figure until after age 40! True story, I was still getting asked for ID when I'd go get wine for Shabbat after Dodi and I got married...I was 36 years old!!!!!! I grew up with speech problems so got teased all the time and was severely hearing impaired (though no one realized it till I was 27 years old...all just thought I talked funny. LOL!) I was told often that I was 'piddly' (meaning unimportant, not worth much) and inconsequential by family members....I believed it for years. I was (and still am to a large extent) the odd one in the family. Now, don't get me wrong, my family is wonderful....but I didn't quite fit in. (Still don't) So for the creator of the universe to know my name and call me important enough for Him to take notice of me is thrilling to me. But don't we each feel that way sometimes? Kinda like we're invisible to those we love the most? Well, dear friends, now you know...Elohim (Almighty G-d) knows your name and calls you HIS! Pretty cool huh?

Keep going...it just keeps on getting better and better!!!Down in verses 4 and 5 He tells us "Since you were precious in My eyes, you are honored, and I love you;and I give men instead of you and peoples instead of your soul. Fear not, for I AM with you;"  Didn't I tell you it got better?! See, no matter how dark and disparate it looks around us, no matter what our leaders attempt to do or take from us, we who believe in Yeshua are honored and loved and YHWH is with us. So there's no need to be afraid. If He created all we see, and provides food and shelter for the birds of the air wouldn't He also take care of us? Of course He will. He just told us He is with us....He knows our names, holds our hands,  He loves us and is with us...always. WOW!!! So while I may get momentarily angry or irritated with what politicians are doing or not doing, with the goof that just cut me off in traffic, or the teenager that just dumped the leftovers of his Happy Meal in my yard while yelling obscenities at Little Critter or I....I'm not afraid. Papa's with us. He will take care of all of it. And He'll do it in such a way that those who don't know Him will understand He did took care of the problem. He Does stand by His words. And He loves us. Whew! So awesome.

So as we go into another week, my friends. Never forget what we read today. He knows your name, He holds your hand, loves you and will be with you....though it all. So stand proud, be fearless, listen  for and follow His voice and do great things for His honor. Now, let's go through this week praising Him and making this world a better place. Shalom, Spitfire

Life is going on.....and on....and on

Folks, I'm sorry I haven't blogged in the last 10 days...it's been more hectic than normal  and  I haven't taken the time to write much more than checks!!! LOL! Oh,well. Things will get better.....one day. Let me catch you up on what's going on.

We didn't get to spend nearly as much time in our Sukkah as we'd hoped. Between the rain, the colder weather and Dodi fighting the flu....well, I know Papa will understand. We had a blast the few times we did get to spend time in it. And are now plotting and planning how to make it better next year. (with more room for some small cots to sleep on...one for each of us even!!!!!) We did get to celebrate several times with our fellowship at the corporate Sukkah. That was fun...it was way different from what we normally do, but it was fun even so. We're truly blessed to have found a group of like minded believers!!!!

After Sukkah ended, we danced ourselves silly with Simchat Torah. This is a celebration found in Leviticus 23:35.It is a celebration of finishing the yearly Torah portions and beginning again on them.It also denotes the end of Sukkah. It's a day to praise, sing, and dance with the Torah. The Torah is held by various members of the Synagogue while they dance to music and is passed to others. Most all are eligible to hold the Torah and dance with it. It is an absolutely thrilling thing to be able to dance with a scroll written so many years ago and dictated by YHWH Himself! Whew! I thought sure I'd lost several pounds after all that dancing.....unfortunately, those pesky pounds seemed to find me again latter in the week.......oh boo.

Little Critter and I have restarted school in earnest again. We had been doing our Torah studies and some other reading, but not all subjects...kinda waiting on Simchat Torah to restart everything all at once. So Monday we restarted. We did Torah study, new word for the day, Hebrew practice, spelling, , science, some art, listened to music and discussed rhythm, and math. Didn't get to History/geography, but not to bad for a first day back. We were also somewhat slowed down due to Dodi being home sick.....bless his heart. He finally admitted he felt horrible, and missed two days of school. (something that doesn't happen often during football season!!!) Tuesday turned into a horrible, awful, no good day....Little Critter woke up cranky, Dodi felt better, (thank Yah!) but I woke up from sleeping on the loveseat feeling like a human pretzel being unwrapped. So we didn't get much done Tuesday. Today has been MUCH better!!!! Dodi's back at work, Little Critter woke up much more cheerful and has worked really hard to make up his work missed from yesterday as well as do today's work. Even the Sun came out today to allow me to FINALLY get some laundry done! So we're dancing again....well, OK, maybe not dancing, but at least we're smiling! Points in our favor! LOL!

I hope each of you have had a wonderful and blessed week while I was overwhelmed here. Somehow it seemed there was not enough hours in any of my days to get all my stuff done. And I have no doubts it will happen again...but I have a plan to make sure I don't get overwhelmed again. I just remind myself "I can do all things thru Yeshua who strengthens me", then I remind myself to 'rejoice, and again I say rejoice in everything!" I find that if I do this, I get three times as much done, no one gets too cranky with me, and I don't get so cranky with anyone else. It truly makes life more pleasant...even in unpleasant situations.

So my sweet friends, keep reminding yourselves how precious you are to Abba (Father), spend plenty of time in His Love Letter to you, and just know it will get better....also know I pray for you daily even if I don't always say anything on your blogs.... I read them all. Shalom, Spitfire

Finishing Psalm 27

Ok, now that we've made it thru the first of the Days of Awe...the ten days between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, let's work at finishing Psalm 27. The following verses are some of the most powerful in my humble opinion. So let's get going.......

"11.Teach me Your ways Adonai; lead me on a level path because of my enemies-12. don't give me up to the whims of my foes; for false witnesses have risen against me., also those who are breathing violence.

13. If I hadn't believed that I would see Adonai's goodness in the land of the living...
14. Put your hope in Adonai, be strong and let your heart take courage! Yes, put your hope in Adonai!"

Isn't that awesome!?! Can you imagine the Creator of the Universe teaching you His ways?! It just gives me goosebumps to think of it!!!! I want with all my heart for Him to teach me His ways! I wouldn't mind a level path just to make my life a little easier....but then again if it was too level, I might forget all I owe Him for His mercies towards me. So while my life often gets hectic and I often become frazzled....I really can't complain. We always have food to eat (even if not always our favorite things to eat), we have a great house (with only a couple leaks....Grin) we live in a great town, in a wonderful state, in a wonderful country....the only way things could get better, I reckon, would be to be living in Israel during the 1000 year reign of Yeshua. (Jesus).

But look at that last line....One interpretation of that phrase 'put your hope in Adonai' states that a more correct translation would be 'wait on Adonai' , to wait for His perfect timing. So as we watch our country being torn apart by divisive forces, and our world getting darker and darker in terms of morality, sanctity of life, and just manners in general, take heart. "Put your hope in Adonai and be strong. Let your heart take courage!" Adonai is still in control. He's not at all surprised by what's going on. He knows what He's doing.

I was listening to a speaker tonight, who stated that if we wanted to know what's going on in our world, reread Exodus 1-3. It talks about a new Pharaoh coming to power who didn't know Joseph or the covenent made with Joseph. And he began to institute laws to keep the Israelites from leaving Egypt...by oppressing them. The speaker (Bill Cloud) then stated that when President Obama was being inaugurated, the Torah portion came from Exodus 1-3....and that YHWH had done this not to punish the Israelites, but to draw them out of Egypt. But first, they had to relearn how to depend on YHWH....not on the Egyptian system to take care of them. (Anyone see some parallels?!) It was a very interesting speech.  And as I looked thru Exodus 1-3, I was struck by the similarities. Perhaps what's going on now in the US is to get us to stop waiting for the Government to take care of everything for us and lead us back into depending on Him who loves us more than anything. Perhaps if we'd learn to put our trust in YHWH and put our hope (or wait on His timing) in Him instead of having to have everything we want right this minute, we'd see a great change come about not only in this country.....but in the world. Or perhaps....just maybe, we'd hear a loud trumpet call...and see a magnificent white horse....It's a thought.

Well, my dear friends, I pray you have a blessed week. I pray those of you who just celebrated Rosh Hashana were renewed and blessed, that those who celebrate it next weekend will also be renewed, strengthened and blessed, and that those of you who don't celebrate the Feasts and Festivals of YHWH would have a great, blessed week....and feel drawn to celebrating with us. (Only because the Torah (Bible) tells us to and because it is SO enlightening, and fun to boot!) Pray for my Mom please. It appears she had a mini stroke this past week.....and this worries my Dad and I. Now I pray for each of you daily. Shalom, spitfire 

My heart's cry

As we continue going thru Psalm 27, verses 7-10 speak to my heart SO much. See what you think.

7. Listen, YHWH, to my voice when I cry; show favor to me; and answer me. 8. My heart said of you, "Seek my face." Your face, Adonai, I will seek.9. Do not hide your face from me, don't turn your servant away in anger. You are my help; don't abandon me; don't leave me, G-d my savior. 10. Even though my father and mother have left me, Adonai will care for me.


Wow, isn't that something!?! In the Interlinear Bible, the original Hebrew says in verse 7: Shema YHWH.
Now in Hebrew Shema is usually translated listen,but it means SO much more than that. It's really more like: pay attention, hear me, attend to what I'm saying with no distractions. So King David was telling YHWH that he wanted the Almighty's undivided attention. Can you see yourself doing that? Is your relationship with the Creator of the Universe so close and real that you feel comfortable saying to the One who made you, "Pay attention here! I'm talking to you!" There's days I'm not so sure I have that close a relationship, but it's what I want. David then goes on in the original Hebrew to say: 'my voice when I call and favor me and answer me.'

Not just show me favor, but favor me. You know, you've seen your kids do this: "pick me, pick me Mommy! I want to help you, pick me!" I can just see David, the king of  Israel praying and saying "YHWH, listen up, I've got to talk to you and I want you to not only hear me but favor me."(pick me or show favoritism for me and answer me) Keep in mind, this is the man that was called a man after G-d's own heart. So don't you think he could ask anything and YHWH would hear him?! Hmmm. What a great relationship they had to have had. A relationship I aspire to and feel certain we all wish we had with Papa.

Verse 9 also has a slight variation in the Hebrew. Where the translations say "don't turn your servant away in anger.", the original Hebrew says; " do not turn away in anger your servant." While this may seem to be no big deal, look a little deeper. The first one says kinda like 'don't send your servant away because you're angry'. While the Hebrew seems (at least to me) to be more of  "don't turn yourself away YHWH when angry with your servant." It appears to me to be like with our children again....do we send them into their room because we're angry with them for an infraction, or do we turn our back to their little faces and then ignore them being there. That's a pretty big difference. One is a discipline meant to teach a lesson, the other a punishment intended to hurt. Does this make sense?

Then in verse 10 I love the phrase "Adonai will care for me." David's just stated that he'd seek Papa's face, that Papa was his help. Even if everyone of any importance left him, even then, Adonai will care for me. Doesn't that just give you goose bumps?! If we look back into ancient history, the most important people in a person's life were their parents. Children were considered a 'gift from YHWH', a treasured property to be cherished. And in this time period, children were not considered adults until they'd reached the age of 20. They lived with their parents until that age or if they'd married young, they lived next to their parents (or inlaws). So no matter who leaves you, or deserts you, or treats you badly....Adonai will care for you. That just makes me want to dance and shout for joy!

I'll be honest with you dear friends, there've been times in my life when it felt like everyone I loved had turned their backs on me. Some in anger, some in disgust, some in total apathy. And it hurt!!!! I didn't know if I could survive it....but through it all, Papa cared for me. He dried my tears, he held me in His arms, He whispered in my ear how precious I was to Him, how wonderfully He'd made me and even  how proud He was of me. He never left my side...through all the ugliness, the horribleness, the darkness....He stayed with me. He heard me and showed favor to me.....and cared for me. What a glorious promise this is. He's done it for me. He'll do it for you, dear friends. Papa is the same, yesterday, today and tomorrow...He never changes. So if you're going through a rough time, or feeling like everyone has turned their back on you....read and ponder these verses. And remember.....He WILL do what he promises to do. And Yeshua promised He'd NEVER leave us. I pray you believe this and that my little scribblings here have brought you some joy today. Be blessed, know you're loved....and know I pray for you. Shalom, Spitfire

One of my favorite parts of Psalm 27

As we continue to go thru Psalm 27, we've come to one of my favorite parts! I LOVE verses 4-6. So here we go:
"4. Just one thing have I asked of YHWH; only this will I seek;
to live in the house of YHWH  all the days of my life,
to see the beauty of  YHWH and visit in His temple.
5. For He will conceal me in His shelter on the day of trouble,
 He will hide me in the folds of His tent, He will set me high on a rock.
6. Then my head will be lifted up above my surrounding foes, 
and I will offer in His tent sacrifices, with shouts of joy; I will sing, sing praises to YHWH."

Can you imagine that friends? To live in His house?! Wow! I just know Papa's house is a marvelous and wonderful place. To be able to see Him face to face and visit in His temple just blows my mind. I can hardly wait for this to occur!!!!

And the picture of the Creator of the Universe caring enough about me to hide me in the folds of His tent!!! Do you realize how much that would show His love and care of us?! Oh, just think....when any trouble comes along, all we have to do is call on Him and Papa comes, scoops us up and then hides us in His tent. Now our troubles can't find us! We're hidden from them and surrounded by His love. We're set high on a rock....above the troubles. What an awesome picture! To think I'd not have to worry about what to cook for dinner, about Dodi's diabetes, or if  Little Critter is learning enough, or Nana's growing infirmities (both physical and mental), or Pawpaw's growing hearing problems or Dear Cousin's heart problems...or the garden drying out....or eldest son's latest troubles.....or....anything. WOW!

Now, don't get me wrong, I don't spend all day worrying about these things. I know Papa has everything under control. And I know He's working things according to His plans....not mine. But the idea that all worries and troubles would be completely gone is just amazing to me.  I want and seek for it to happen NOW! (Yes, I don't have a large supply of the "P" word......what is the "P" word? Why patience of course. You don't think Spitfire was given me as a nickname just because of my red hair did you?! LOL!) But since the prayer commonly called the Lord's Prayer states "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven", I really don't see why it couldn't happen here. If I can just learn to leave all my worries in His lap and let Him take care of them instead of constantly taking them back from Him....sigh. Well, I'll have to keep working on it, won't I. And I pray, dear friends, you learn this lesson also. To be able to leave your worries with Papa and not constantly take them back to see if you can fix them. (I know I'm bad about that. red face.) He loves you more than you realize and wants to hide you in His tent...and take care of all your worries. Please let Him. He does it SO well!

And the part about seeing the beauty of YHWH really appeals to me also. I know how much beauty I see around me but I just know there's beauty beyond my imagination even to see. Oh what joys I'm sure there are in Papa's house! To see the sapphire throne, the garden like setting, the beauty of His face. Sigh. In the meantime, I will enjoy the beauty around me. Then I can imagine how much more it will be in His house!! Too cool! Talk about sensory overload! My poor little mouth will be hanging open so much I'll most likely have birds building nests in it. LOL!

Well, I hope today's little blurp has been helpful to you. When I feel overwhelmed with all I'm trying to accomplish in a day, I read these verses....and it comforts my heart no end. May it comfort yours also. It's just another of Papa's Love letters to us....Let me leave you with a picture of some of His beauty here.

 
Now I think I have some singing to do! Shalom, Spitfire

Just keep trusting, just keep trusting.....

Continuing our look at Psalm 27, let's look at verses 2 and 3.

2. When evildoers assailed me, to devour my flesh,
my adversaries and foes, they stumbled and fell.
3. If an army encamps against me, my heart will not fear;
if war breaks out against me, even then I will keep trusting.

Well, if you're even halfway conservative, no matter what your political persuasion, you most likely feel assailed and encamped against. And in many ways, you are. There's an all out push to stuff Papa in a box, hide Him in the closet and then lock the door while telling the world He doesn't exist. And then, to go after those of us who would much prefer He be left out in the open, free to do with this world as He sees fit and reminding all of us of the ways we're to travel this road of life. But we seem to be in the minority. OK, then just let us worship the way we wish to and don't stuff all this humanistic, atheistic, hedonistic stuff down our throats. I have nothing against atheists or hedonists.....not my place to come down hard on them. My job, as I understand it, is to point out Papa's Ways and His desires for them and their lives with grace and love. (Boy is that hard some days!!!!!)

But as it said in verse 1, Adonai is my salvation and light, the stronghold of my life. So do I need to fear? Heavens, no. I still say that if He could move several million (or thousand depending on your counting) Israelites thru the wilderness for 40 years without once having to replace their clothes, or shoes and making sure they had food and water that whole time, He can certainly take care of my loved ones and me. He is the same yesterday, today and forever....He never changes. He's not like normal men that change their stories to suit their purposes. He's the Eternal, the Creator, the El Shaddai,  the YHWH Yirah. He knows how many hairs are on your head, how many blood cells in your veins. Don't you think He also knows the desires of your heart, your needs, your hopes. Yes, Beloved friends, He knows more about you than you know yourself. And He promised in His love letter to us that a)He would never leave us alone, b) He loved us with an unending love, c) no one could grab us out of His Hand, d) He would fight for and with us to make sure we stayed His and best of all, e)He'd cover us with His wings (the corners of His cloak)and be our rear guard.

So, to paraphrase my favorite brain dead fish....just keep trusting, just keep trusting.
Shalom, Spitfire
My thanks to the writers of Nemo and especially Dory for the title. Giggle, giggle.

Happy Preparation day for my Jewish friends. For those not Jewish, have a great weekend!

Do not fear....

Well, as we move along thru this Hebraic month of Elul, several of my friends have assured me I have not offended them this past year. Whoo, I can sleep now...well, perhaps a little later. Grin!

Another Elul tradition is to read/recite Psalm 27 as part of our daily prayers. So I thought I'd share a few verses from that Psalm that seem magnificently appropriate for our times my next few posts. It just amazes me sometimes that words that were penned 1000's of years ago are still pertinent today. Boy, isn't Papa wonderful?! OK, moving along here.....

1. Adonai (G-d) is my light and salvation;
whom do I need to fear?
Adonai is the stronghold of my life;
of whom should I be afraid?

Well, hey, that one verse is enough!!! Just think about it, friends. Or as David the Psalmist would say...Selah, which is Hebrew for think about it, ponder this, meditate on this. Or in modern English (Texan dialect) "chew on this till ya get it!"

If we belong to Adonai, then who do we need to fear?! Do we really need to worry what those folks in DC are trying to do to us? If the Creator of the Universe is our provider, then can anyone here really do us in? I think not!!! Now, before a few friends get all upset, I am NOT saying we don't need to make our voices heard on subjects dear to us. (For example this monstrosity the House turned into a bill supposedly about health care!) Torah teaches we are to be in submission to our leaders....WAIT---Don't start yelling yet! Submission means (according to Mr. Webster) yielding to or submitting....now submitting means: yield; refer or present; offer; suggest.

Did you see that? Look closely at those last three definitions....refer or present; offer; suggest. So even being Torah Observant, I have every right to present or offer my opinions of what's going on. I also have the right to suggest other ways to accomplish something or suggest that if it's good enough for WE THE PEOPLE, it's good enough for our representatives...Do you see where I'm going here? The trick is, according to Torah, my words must be spoken in love, with kindness. We must learn to 'come and let us reason together.' And if I'm doing that (even if the other party is acting foolish and rude!) then I have nothing to fear! My Papa, the One who created those turkeys, the One who knows our thoughts (and theirs) better than we do...well, He'll take care of me. So am I just sitting around thinking I don't have to do anything because Papa will take care of me??? Oh, come on folks, most of you know me better than that! Yes, I've most likely got a dossier in DC about 6 inches thick for all the emails I've sent to everyone I could send them to voicing my opinion on the healthcare/insurance reform/Obamacare mess. But I'm not really worried about the outcome. I have no insurance....just a major medical plan in case of an emergency...like having one of Little Critter's 'inventions' crush me or something.... giggle..

I haven't had insurance for almost 4 years.....and haven't needed it. Papa has taken care of all my needs. Now I realize not everyone can do that....Dodi for instance. Until his diabetes is under better control (which will happen much faster and better after football season short of a miracle!!!!) we need to have insurance for him! (The insulin alone is impossibly expensive and when you add in the other 4 meds he takes....well you get the picture.) But I know that even with Dodi, that Papa has it all under control. If we simply trust Him to take care of the things we need....He'll do it. Hey, He made sure several thousand (or million depending on the counting) Israelites had enough food and water for themselves and all their servants and all their critters during 40 years in the desert! AND made sure their clothes and shoes didn't wear out that whole time!!!!! Don'tcha think that if He could do that, He can easily take care of your needs, sweet friends? Oh, I KNOW He can!!!

So as we continue thru Elul, searching our hearts and repairing/restoring relationships....let's also not neglect repairing/restoring the most important relationship we can have....the one with Papa. Wouldn't it hurt your feelings if your child told you he/she was afraid there'd be no food for him/her tomorrow....or that you wouldn't provide clean clothes for them? How much it must hurt Papa's heart when we doubt that He'll take care of our needs....Let's each ask Him to forgive us for doubting His provisions and work on not fearing. I hope this was helpful to you. Shalom, Spitfire

He who seeks

This week's Torah portions dealt with Moise (Moses) talking to Papa as the Israelites are about to go into the Promised land. I had to giggle a little bit as Little Critter and I were reading this passage this week. If you'll look in Deuteronomy 3:23-26, I think you'll giggle too! It's not quite a funny in the Niv or Message Bibles, but in the Complete Jewish Bible even Little Critter said "Mommy, Moise sounds like a baby whining and begging for something!" After I got finished spitting my coffee across the room and choking on what I had been trying to sip on when he said that, I had to agree with him. (Trust Little Critter to wait until I have a full mouth of something to say something oddly profound...sigh)

The rest of the Torah portions this week included Isaiah 40 and Acts 3-5.. They were interesting reading, but it was the Deuteronomy section that stood out to me. Papa told the Israelites that if they sought Him with their whole hearts (Deut 4:29) that they'd find Him. That no matter what happened, if they turned their backs on Papa, if they forgot to follow His Rules (Mitzvot), if they just decided to do whatever they wanted to do instead...Papa would always be there with them. Not pressuring them, not begging them, not bribing, cajoling or threatening them....just there. Waiting. And as soon as the Israelites looked for Papa, He'd answer them. WOW!

Yeshua reiterated this idea in Luke 11:9-10 when He said "ask and it will be given you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you." Now isn't that amazing??? The Creator of the universe, the One who was and is and is to come, the all powerful, all knowing Father of all living things said that if we just looked we'd find Him there with us....anywhere, anytime. That just blows my mind. What an incredible gift to us from Him! And it's right there in His Love Letter to us all. How amazing. Nothing hard to understand about it. No fine print, impossible rules, no having to know the blood types of your last six dogs and 4 cats....just seek, look for Him and He'll be there.

My friends, I spent a good portion of this week shuttling family members to the doctors, and reading that abomination our House of Representatives came up with for Health Care Reform. Times are looking pretty grim. The darkness of this world is growing with a rapidity that is stunning in it's magnitude. I urge all of my readers to be sure they've looked for Papa. Please ascertain your standing with Papa. The sounding of the shofar signaling the end of the world as we know it can not possibly be far off....and I would truly hate not being able to meet you when we all join Papa in the new heaven and earth. If you'd like to know more about how to seek Papa and find Him, don't hesitate to email me. I'd love to share with you more about my Dearest Papa. I pray each of you talk with Him today, be blessed by His love and His joy. Dance with Him. It's an exquisite activity. Feel His loving arms wrapped around you as He whispers of His love and plans for you in your ear. Be blessed my friends. Papa's still in charge and those folks in DC can only go so far before that shofar will call us from this place. Have a blessed Shabbat for those who are also Torah Observant. For my friends who aren't, have a blessed weekend...and don't forget to go to His House this weekend....He's waiting to give you a love letter! Shalom, Spitfire

Two points for me!

Earlier this week, we had an appointment to go talk with the Dietitian. This was a requirement from the new specialist Dodi went to a few weeks ago that angered me so deeply. So I was not excited about this 'visit', but we went anyway. As some of you know, Dodi is diabetic. Has been for 15 years or so. And the first 5 years, we managed his blood sugars with diet alone....no meds. After 5 years, he started on oral meds and over the last 10 years the dosages have progressively gotten higher and higher with more and more drugs going into his system. This has bothered me for years.

Now, I will admit I have not always been good about cooking all our meals from scratch....but for the last year or two have gotten much better about it. I have, since his diagnosis, been good about trying my best to all I could to use foods and supplements and spices that would help control his blood sugars as naturally as possible. (I'm not sure I trust all these man made drugs to not screw things up worse than before.) So we've been on an Atkins type diet for about 4-5 months now. We don't even keep sugar in the house (unless dear cousin buys it for his coffee and occasionally I buy him a small pkge), we grow as much fresh veggies as we can, and I buy fresh when I have to. I can or freeze our produce and use it during the off seasons. So I felt we were doing pretty well.

Surprise, surprise, surprise! The dietitian agreed that we were doing quite well! WOHOO! Now, she advocates adding more carbs into our diet and eating less protein...but that doesn't make sense! Why add foods that turn straight into sugars into the diet of someone with uncontrolled high blood sugar?!?! So we're taking some of her advice and going with the advice of the wholeistic doctor on other parts. What does this mean for us? Well, for those of you who prepare Shabbat dinners.....it's like making Shabbat dinner for most every meal only in smaller portions. But we're beginning to see some really positive results from this. Dodi has lost almost 50 lbs, his blood sugars are now running 200 and below (they were in the 400's!) and he's feeling much better most the time. Now if we can just get him off the insulin shots at night, life will be awesome! (He only takes the insulin at night, during the day he still uses oral meds.) So your prayers would be appreciated as we attempt to defy the medical community at large and cure him of his diabetis. I realize everyone says you can't cure diabetis....but I know the Creator. And I also know HE didn't create diabetis......He created Dodi with perfectly functioning body parts, and healed him of this wretched disease over 2000 years ago. We're just waiting for Dodi's body to line up with the Word of YHWH and show that healing.

I pray things are going well for each of you and you're enjoying your summers. We're trying to stay as cool as you can in triple digit temps but we're still having fun....just inside. LOL! You know it's hot when even the lizards don't want to come out and play until after sundown!!!!! Have a blessed weekend, a restful Shabbat and know I pray for each of you daily. May Papa load you up with love letters this weekend. Shabbat Shalom, Spitfire

Aging gracefully? Not me!!!

I found this picture on a friend's blog and had to laugh! This is me trying to teach the boys soccer!!! Ok, maybe I'm not quite that old, but some days it sure feels like it!!!! But there's also a real truth in this picture and phrase. I know several friends who are my age or younger but act like really OLD people. How sad. Each day we all have a choice to make: will we choose to rejoice that this is the day Papa made, or will we complain about our aches and pains and choose to be miserable? Hmmm. Now let me think about this a minute....OK that's long enough. I choose to rejoice. I've had problems in my life....I'm a multiple cancer survivor, had a near fatal accident at age 18 (not my fault....other driver wasn't watching the road and ran right over my car), years of braces, therapy, meds and doctor's vists, I've buried dreams, children and family members, been beat up, accosted, and had a gun put to my head. But ya know what? Papa watched out for me in each and every instance. Sure, there were times (more than I like to admit to) when I yelled and ranted that Papa wasn't being fair! But with time, His patience and love, I've come to see that many times what I wanted was NOT the best for me at that period of time. So I choose to rejoice in each and every day. Do I enjoy being stuck inside all day with an overly active wormy boy because it's raining???? Who are you kidding?!!!! I threatened to call the Salvation Army to come get him last week if he didn't calm himself!!!!! But even on those days, I'm thankful (perhaps a little grudingly) that he's healthy, active and bright. So do I need to 'act my age'? Goodness, NO! I don't advocate acting like a brainless teenie bopper. But just because the calendar says I'm a certain age and society says I should be pigeon holed into a certain behavior doesn't mean I have follow the rules. I'm old enough to be the parent of most of Little Critter's friend's parents...and yet they act older than I. What's wrong with that picture? Papa promised Moses 120 years of life. And when Joshua went into the Promised Land, he and Caleb were in their 80's but still as fit and strong as 20yo men. That's my goal. I want to be 80 years old and still dancing with my Papa, playing with my grandchildren, climbing trees, flying kites and working in my gardens. Age-you just back off! I'm choosing to rejoice in this day my Papa made. I pray you each choose to rejoice daily also. Even the hard times and travails serve a purpose....they make us more like our Savior, Yehsua (Jesus!). Kinda gives you a new perspective, huh. So thank Papa for those aches and pains....it means you're alive, it's not even close to what Yeshua suffered for you to have eternal life, and if it's that bad, it only has one way to go....up. So rejoice. Don't become old, be as a child rejoicing in the blessings you have. Shalom, Spitfire

Blessings and more blessings!

Well, my friends, I pray you had a delightful weekend. We were SO blessed it's almost bragging to tell about it! We had a delightful and quiet Shabbat Friday evening with just the 4 of us. I love having guests, and cooking for lots of people, but it was really nice to have just us here. Then we got rain! Now, I realize most folks would think that's no big deal, but here in Central Texas, we're in a 5 or 6 year drought. So anytime we get rain, it's a blessing. And between Thursday and Saturday we got almost 5 inches of rain (though not all at once.) My little garden is just dancing with delight!!! It's so fun to see the little seeds grow inches overnight after a drink from Papa!!
Then Saturday afternoon, we got to go to a Messianic Tabernacle not more than 40 miles from here!!!! Talk about excited!!! Dodi was a bit hesitant at first, but he loved it (OK, we sat near the incense pot and he could have done without that....but that was his only negative comment!!!) Now, in all fairness to Dodi, this was his first experience with a Jewish Service other than what we do at home. So it was all brand new for him. And Papa blessed all three of us so much that Dodi said he'd like to go again! OH, Happy Dancing all over the place! We both felt we belonged there and didn't feel so much like outsiders as we do in our other churches. Now, don't get me wrong, we aren't going to flee the Christian churches we attend. But as the 'odd' ducks it was wonderful to feel at home and not quite so 'odd'.
Then to just pile on more blessings, when we went to church Sunday night, there was a visiting preacher. He asked to pray for several of us after the service and annoint us. When he got to Dodi, he confirmed something we'd been praying about and questioning Papa about without even knowing anything about it! Then he laid hands on Little Critter and anointed him into the service of Papa. He looked into Little Critter's eyes and proclaimed that Little Critter will be a blessing to many and lead many thousands to our Father. Oh, my mother's heart was about to burst!!!! That's what Papa told me when Little Critter was born!!!! Confirmation from someone who had no idea Little Critter is adopted, and consecrated to Papa at birth. Too cool! Then, when I felt my heart couldn't hold any more blessings, he looked at me. He annointed me and told me I had a heart that Papa loved! He said I had the heart of Mary and I would need to say "May it be as You have said", but that Papa would be in control and it would all be a blessing to many! Can you imagine?!?! Me with the heart of Mary! Oh, may I live up to the prophecy of the prophet. Now, do I believe I'll get pregnant or anything like that....PLEEAAASE! I believe this means my prayer to be used by Him to bless others will occur. How cool is that! I saw it as confirmation that what Dodi and I are trying to do with Little Critter and our lives is on track with what Papa wants us to be doing. So, I'm blessed all over the place. More than anything, I want my Papa to be pleased with my life and what I've done with it. So I pray each of you, my dear friends, hear His voice this week as He whispers into your ears to tell you how much He loves you and how proud He is of you also. And if you don't know Papa in a personal, real way, please contact me! I'd be thrilled to tell you about our wonderful Abba. Shalom, Spitfire

Where did the time go?!?!

This past week our other church we attend had an evangelist come visit for several days. He was from South Carolina and the cutest little skinny red head! But he preached without fear. It was cool listening to his Southern drawl and his questions for things we regularly say that made no sense to him. Anyway, after we'd gone and listened to a couple of his services, he gave an altar call (as he did after each service I'm told. I missed a couple of services due to work...booo) and imagine my surprise when I felt a cold spot beside me where Little Critter had been standing! Now, Little Critter professed his faith in Yeshua years ago when he was either 4 or 5....he was watching The DJ Club and when they talked about accepting Yeshua, he did! But while we were thrilled, we also wanted to see what happened when he was old enough to really better understand the implications of what he'd just done. Obviously, last Saturday, he understood. He walked up there with no prompting from either Dodi or me and told Brother Jeff he wanted Yeshua in his heart. (OK, this mommy knew he already HAD Yeshua in his heart, but wasn't going to belabor the point!) As he stood up there, I was almost shocked at how tall he'd gotten. And how broad his shoulders were getting...and how he no longer looked like a little boy, but somehow on that short walk seemed to have grown into an attractive young man. While he answered the questions of faith in a clear strong voice, I was shocked at how grown up he sounded! Good Grief! My Little Critter is growing into a young man!?!?! When did THAT happen????? How did I sleep thru this metamorphosis??????? He's not quite a butterfly yet, but he's also not a cute little wormy, squirmy caterpillar either. Ye gads! Does that make him a grub??? Perhaps. But before I gross myself out with this analogy, I know that when we finish the grub stage, he'll be an incredible butterfly. I've seen signs of the man he'll be, and while there's still plenty of rough edges to work on, for the most part, it appears the shape is there and is only in need of some serious polishing. Then I realized, he'll be 9 years old in two weeks. NINE YEARS OLD?!?! No, time can't be flying by that fast....can it? That means that we only have 4 more years before he'll have our version of a Bar Mitzvah. Only 4 years before he's responsible for his words, actions and is considered a young man! Deep and heavy sigh. My little wormy, squirmy, giggly, darling boy is far too rapidly becoming a young man who will far too quickly become a grown man. Oh, I understand more fully the bitter sweetness of things stored in Mary's heart as she watched her little darling baby become the man Hasheem planned for Him to be since the creation of the world. While I'm proud of Little Critter and the young man he's becoming, I find myself often missing those 2 am cuddles while I fed him, or the giggles and laughter as we took showers together when he was 2 and 3, or the exuberance we felt when he learned to blow bubbles for himself. The excitement and pride we both felt when he learned to read for himself. I miss that trust that he'd come to me with his little booboo's for me to 'kiss and make better'. I realize I'll have some more time to gather my sweet memories to treasure later, but oh, how grateful I am that Papa led Dodi and I to home school Little Critter. I can't imagine the pain of missing so much of the last several years that most parents miss. But for the life of me I can't figure out where the time went? Oh my friends, I pray you treasure each moment you have with your children and grandchildren while they're little. Those times that so often feel like they'll last forever.....don't. They end entirely too quickly. And one day soon, you'll be like me, wondering where DID the time go? Treasure those darlings you have like our Papa treasures us and spend every moment you can with them, teaching them of Papa, loving on them, and watching as they grow. It's an adventure there are no words to describe, but an adventure that has eternal implications. Well, I'd better stop now before I start sniveling....or as Little Critter says "Mom, don't get mushy!". So be blessed this week, and look for those love letters from Papa. Shalom, Joie....who's feeling proud, sad, thrilled and beginning to wonder if this is the beginning of menopause......,again!!!! LOL!

Blessings

Well, tonight I had something different happen. As I've said before, we celebrate Shabbot. Part of the Shabbot service (service? perhaps activity would be a better word), is that the parents typically bless their children. I mean they place their hands on their children's head or shoulders and pray a blessing over them. We do this each Friday night after communion (blessing and partaking in the wine and bread) and before we pray blessings over who ever we choose to bless that particular night. Little Critter really likes this part of Shabbot. Each of our guests join in and they pray blessings over him also. But tonight, Little Critter turned the tables on me. I had to work all day today (10 hours with no break) and so Dodi put Little Critter to bed. (I'd just gotten in and was hungry! So was eating my now extremely cold dinner.) When Dodi came back out to the den, he said "Little Critter would like you to go in to his room. He'd like to bless you Mommy." I was a little startled, and figured it was a ploy to delay bedtime. But I went into Little Critter's room and sure enough he said " Oh, Mommy, thanks for coming in. I'd like to bless you. I think you could use a blessing." Well, let me tell you, out of the mouth of babes!!! I've been kinda feeling like I live at the office more than at home this past two weeks. (Lots of time off for others that they can't help needing, but means I don't get my time off....the perils of being the Office Manager...sigh) Anyway, he proceeded to place his little hand on my shoulder, and proceeded to pray such a beautiful and (dare I say it?) almost adult blessing over me that I almost cried. It was SO sweet and beautiful. (Not to mention timely!) Of course I then blessed him and prayed over him. (I do this nightly before I go to bed, but he's usually asleep.) And as I came back into the den, I felt so blessed. Not only by Little Critter, but by Papa. He knew I've been having a rough time with clients who don't think before they engage their mouths...and therefore forget to use their manners. And trying to keep the house from being condemed for health or safetly reasons while I'm working. (You know how it goes, you work 10 hours then do laundry until the wee hours of the night so you can get up and do the same thing the next day!?!?! And try to remain cheerful, friendly, helpful and NOT grouchy all the same time when all you want to do is take about a 12 hour nap!!!!!!) So Papa had my darling Little Critter (the wormy, squirmy child who loves to find my last remaining nerve and jump up and down on it!) bless me with words that just flooded my soul and my heart with Papa's love and with Little Critter's love for me. What a joy! My children may never rise up and call me blessed....but tonight, my Little Critter blessed me. I don't know if it gets any better than that! I pray you try blessing your children, my friends. It creates a bond that is hard to explain and a closeness that nothing can break. And I pray that one day, your children will bless you also. It will thrill your hearts more than words can tell! Have a blessed week, full of love letters from Papa. Shalom, Joie

Joseph's Tablecloth

As I was trying to explain Joseph's coat of many colors to the littles in the Sunday School class I teach they were having trouble understanding how special this was. So I gathered up some fabric scraps and we laid out a crazy quilt type of table cloth for the table in our classroom. We had fun arranging all the little squares and rectangles of various kinds of material and various patterns to make something beautiful. This week I'll sew it together for them and take it back to church for the kids to autograph a square each. As we were laying out the materials, we talked about which color did they think Papa liked best? And which piece of material did they think Papa would like best. We had one square of material with different colored handprints on it. They all decided Papa would like that material best because it had the handprints of all kinds of kids on it. (Aren't littles wonderful?!?!) Then I explained that they were like those pieces of fabric. Each of them was different, their personalities were different "colors'...some were bright and shiny, some were quiet and subdued, some were vibrant but fragile. But not all of them were the fabric with handprints on it. Then I asked which of them Papa loved best? Dead silence for several minutes....then the yongest little (a 5 yr old boy) said he believed Papa loved him best because he was sturdy and bright at the same time. (as he's pointing to one of the squares of material!) Of course the others all informed him that Papa loved them best! The look on their faces when I told them they were all correct was priceless!!!! You mean Papa loves each of us best?!?!?! How can He do that? The following discussion was delightful as I lead them to see the wonders hidden in each one of them.
After church ended, and we went home, I contemplated that class. It occurred to me that Papa taught me as much as He did the children. What had been a spur of the moment idea turned out to be a blessing for all of us. I thought I'd come up with something to help keep the wormy, squirmy boys involved and also something the little girls would delight in, when all along I was following a still, small voice wanting to minister to me. The kids decided I was like a scrap of brocade....pretty, but kinda scratchy (meaning I insist on manners and minding in the classroom) but really strong and unbreakable. Now for a group of 5-11 yr old kids, that was an incredibly accurate picture of me. (Not too sure about the pretty part, they just like playing games with me!) But I am pretty strong, (at least will wise) and my faith is unbreakable, and sometimes I do get 'scratchy' when the kids are acting like little heathens! And to be honest, it blessed my heart to see that they understood that while I sometimes get 'scratchy' (I loved their definition of it) it was because I loved them and wanted others to see what wonderful kids they are. And as we finished up our project, they were delighted to see themselves in the little tablecloth we'd made. The bright, shiny young lady who really is quite fragile. The littlest boy who is strong, but dark colored due to a homelife that doesn't offer much support to him. My Little Critter who chose a scrap full of color and movement but all in dark colors representing his active body and mind, but also his fight with himself and his desire to 'do it all himself'. They saw each other's strengths more than weaknesses and celebrated each other in words. And I as the teacher was taught by these darling little heart stealers. What a blessed day. I was also confirmed that while my teaching methods are often unorthodox, the kids are learning about Papa and His love for them. And seeing how precious they are in His sight. I hope you can understand how precious YOU are to Papa. I hope you see the love letters Papa sends you dear friends. Even if it comes from little heart stealers....LOL! After all, 'out of the mouth of babes...." Be Blessed and have a great week. Shalom, Joie

A treasure

I found something I've never seen in my Bible the other day. Little Critter and I were doing Torah Study (Bible study) as we do every day. We were reading the Torah portion for this week in Exodus. When we got to Exodus 19:5, I had to stop and read it a second time! I don't know about your translation, but I use the Complete Jewish Bible translation by David H Stern. Now, I have several other versions, but I prefer this one since it's translated from the original Aramaic/Greek/Hebrew. And in Exodus 19:5, it says "Now if you will pay careful attention to what I say and keep my covenant, then you will be my own treasure from among all the peoples, for all the earth is mine:"
Did you catch it? Do you see it? We can be Jehovah's own treasure!!!! Can you imagine??? The King of the Universe, the creator of all living things, the One who IS love, the great I AM wants to call me His own treasure!!! WOW!!! It suddenly struck me, that in His eyes, I'm not just a piddly little homeschool mom who works part time, serves at two different churches and attempts to keep the house clean enough to keep it from being condemned. In His eyes, I can be His own treasure!!!! Now, if you think about that a minute that's pretty astounding. Papa can have anything He wants, He created it all! But what He wants is for you (and I) to be His own treasure. Not just a special people, not just a chosen race, not just a group of priests, but His own treasure.

I'm sure there's plenty of folks saying, "and your point is?!?!" But think about it. The dictionary says a treasure is " something that is considered to be precious, to be of great value, cherished" So see, it really is incredible. The creator of the universe says if I listen to His voice, and obey His covenant, I can be His precious, cherished and greatly valued own treasure. Not just one of the crowd, not just another freckled faced, red head with a temper and a warped sense of humor....His own special treasure. I am just blown away. I know I've read that verse about eleventy million times in the past....usually from a different version. None of them say I'm a treasure. (although I did find it say the same thing in The Word version at church today). What a wonderful love letter from my Papa to me. I'm a treasure. And you can be a treasure too. All you have to do is listen to His voice, pay attention to what He says, and follow (or obey) His covenant. (you can find the covenant in the 10 Commandments where He boiled it all down into 10 laws to follow for a long life.) It kinda gives a new way of seeing things doesn't it? Instead of seeing yourself as just another seeker of truth (or whatever you call yourself) you are a treasure.....and not just any treasure, but the treasure of the Great I AM, the creator of the universe. WOW! I pray you'll get this deep inside yourself and believe it. Talk about a self esteem booster!!! So my dear friends, as you prepare for your next week, remember you can be His own treasure, act like a treasure and don't forget to thank Him for His deep abiding love for you. Be Blessed this week and Shalom, Joie

A quicky from Papa

I'm sorry to have been silent so long. It's tax season here in the States, and I work as office manager of a tax office. So lately I've been working entirely too many hours. But Papa has been faithful to send me quick little love letters. I just keep running out of energy and time to write about them. So I want to take time for a quick one here. Today things were quickly going into a downhill slide. It seemed the more I tried to pull things back into something that would resemble a calm, peaceful place to work the more things went wrong. Then as I was about to really get aggravated and no doubt say things I really didn't want to say....here comes Papa to the rescue! My boss, the owner had just finished speaking to me in a less than respectful manner, and my red hair was about to provide enough electricity to light our town for the next 10 years, when a client called and said "I'd like to make an appointment with Joie to do my taxes." The receptionist asked if someone else could help her, and she replied "No, Joie does a great job with our taxes and we'd rather wait for her!" Oh, thank you Papa. How awesome your timing in reminding me that when I treat others the way I want to be treated, they notice it....and remember it. We have 3 other women who could have done her taxes, but she preferred me. Their taxes aren't difficult, in fact they're quite simple! They could do them online for free, but they preferred to come in and have me do them for them. What an honor! What a pat on the back for me. I've even told them in the past they could do their taxes onine for free....and they continue to reply, but then we couldn't come see you! We'd rather pay you to do our taxes and know they're done correctly. OK, now my little heart is singing and my death grip on my temper is easing to a more comfortable tension. After finishing their taxes, and having several giggles along the way, I couldn't help but thank Papa for seeing I needed a pat on the back and sending these lovely angels my way. So next time you're having one of "THOSE" days, look around. I'll bet you'll find an angel or two waiting to pat you on your back too! Papa is so faithful to remind us of His love. Be blessed and know that if I don't get back for another week or so, tax season is just that.....only a season! Shalom, Joie