Selling the Farm!

We are selling the farm!  This is such a bitter sweet decision.  Yah has granted so many memories and adventures here.  He has granted us so many learning experiences and times for growth.  He has granted us the sweetness of friends and family.  We have ministered too and been ministered too.

We have poured ourselves out in this place.  Blood, sweat and tears have gone into our land, our buildings, our animals and community.  We have feasted here and gathered here on Shabbats and every day of the week! We have loved it all and we are so very thankful for this time here on Shalom Farm.

We are not moving far.  Because our community is scattered all over the Middle TN area, we will still stay connected.  We will look for place closer to Nashville, another farm, hopefully; So that we can be closer to my husband's new work territory.  We are excited for the next season and what Yah has for us in it.  He rained on us and reigned in us all that is set apart and good.  He is faithful and He teaches us to be as well.  I firmly believe that we should leave a place better than we found it.  This is our father's way and it is good - oh so good!  So we'll see what He has in store for us next.  We'll keep you posted when it unfolds!

Here are photos from our Realtor (and sister in Messiah and The Word).  Spread the word if you know anyone who is looking for an (uncertified) organic farm in the Middle TN region.  (Summertown, TN)

http://view.paradym.com/applets/flashviewer2/viewer.asp?t=3830146&sk=22&prt=10003

In Him,

YHWH Looks on the Heart

This video brings tears to my eyes - because I know the depth of which the family believes and walks out this concept being taught in this sweet family made video.  It is made by the Coover family.  We met the Coovers in PA early in this chapter of our faithwalk.  YHWH kept crossing our paths in special ways- that did (and continue) to reach very deeply in ministering to my personal soul.  We learned right away that we shared the many things.  One of which was Yah's heart for adoption.  (we are all adopted by Him!!)  We were both walking out the early stages of our adoptive families when we first met about 8 years ago (from the time of this writing).  The Coover Family have opened their home and committed their lives to receive children out of the American domestic foster system who would not easily placed in homes.  They are children with very special needs.  YHWH is using the willing hearts of the Coovers to fill in that gap.  This is a rich and selfless life - which focuses on service, stewardship and decispleship in Yah's ways.

Enjoy this sweet video the children made. It will give a glipse into their life.  They sent me this video in an email note, with an announcement that they were on their way to Florida (from Maine) to pick up another baby whom  was being added to their family (Little baby Samuel is not in the video, becasue it was made prior to his coming home).  Their arms, hearts, home and life is devoted to that which Yah has put on their heart to do!!!!! I am blessed to call them brothers and sister.  Blessed to call them friends.

This is Kingdom living!   I realize the body has many parts and  each part has its special place.  I do not think that everyone is called to do what the Coovers do.  However, it is very impirtant that we do the part that Yah assigns for us!  I pray you are convicted, encouraged and inspired to open your hearts fully to the way that Yah is calling YOU to walk out His Gospel in fullness and how you represent His name. (No matter if or how you may pronounce it!)  To exhort you to go above and beyond "the norm" for YHWH!  To live zealously, passionatly, wholeheartedly and without reserve or care for what it may look like by the world's standards!  By doing so - your life testimony with bring Him honor and glory and your treasures will be stored (and protected) in HIM!

To learn more about the Coovers:  You may like to visit their websites -

www.RealMessiah.name

www.LoveTheUnbornBabies.name

In Him,
 

Yah Willin', If The Creek Don't Rise

I thought I would share a funny story with you that was shared with me, by a dear friend of mine.  (You can see them in our Memorizing Scripture Section - as they have done the Het and Lamed Portions of Psalm 119!) They live on a rural property that requires crossing a river to enter and exit.  This is acually fairly common in our community - as many of us our homesteading.   (Another family in our community had their collection system washed away inthis same storm on their off grid farm!  Last year, We got stuck crossing yet another family's creek trying to enter their property in our 15 passenger van one (cold water) winter day.  Their team of work horses pulled us out that day!)  Anyway, last week we had a series or stormy days in succession.  When you live on a property like that - your freedom and flexibility is subject to the condition of the river that you must cross.  You learn quickly to "step in time" with Creation and your Creator when living this way. We meet at this family's home once a month for Shabbat Fellowship, "Ya willin', if the creek don't rise". The Pappa (Gary) of this family travels to work daily "Yah willin', if the creek don't rise" (but if it does he works from home remotely).  It's a different way of life - but they wouldn't trade it for anything, because they know it is what Yah has called their family to do.

The following is the tale of this last storm, as written my "the momma" (Nancy) as she needed to get in and out of the property during a storm to pick up a very important package that could not wait.  She wrote this in response to friends who were inquiring as to their condition during the storm - to see if they needed anything. (I share it with permission of course!)

We had ordered some baby chicks through the mail and knew that when they came in we'd need to get them from the post office right away and get them under the heat-lamp setup we'd made for them. Well, this morning at 8:00 -- after rain had been pouring for a couple of hours -- I got the call from the postman that the chicks had arrived. Knowing I didn't have much time to get them before the creek might be too high to cross, I grabbed the boys and we all jumped in the van to get the chicks. We had to go across town to the co-op to get some feed and supplies before getting the chicks, and when we got back to Green Acres, the creek was too high for the van to go back across.

After consulting with Gary and deciding that the back-road-route was not an option, the boys and I took to the trail on foot. We wrapped the chick-box in the wool sweater I'd been wearing and charged Jonathan with the safe transport of the chicks. Chris shouldered the fairly heavy block of wood shavings we needed for them, and I toted the bag of chick feed along with my purse (which some of you know is the heaviest item of the lot, mind you.) We all then started on the approx. 1-mile trek that would get us home without having to swim the creek. In a heavy rain that had us drenched not long after we left the car, we walked up the road, down the railroad tracks, across the creek via the railroad bridge, down the steep, muddy railroad embankment, across/through a swollen side creek, and through the woods toward home. We were all quite a site. My denim skirt was hilarious -- like wearing a wet bedspread. I have to say I'm proud of my boys, as they joined in with good spirits.  We trekked along singing songs like, "Detour, There's a Muddy Road Ahead," making a grand adventure of our wet journey. We finally arrived home safely with the chicks, who seemed none the worse for the soggy wear, and we got them all settled in just fine.  They are living in luxury in Granny's bathtub, thanks to her generous and venturesome spirit.  '-)

Meanwhile, Gary had decided he'd better head home while he still had a chance of crossing the creek. Not long before he got home we all saw Shalu (The Family Dog - Pyraneese ) standing on the other side of the creek, unsure of how to get home.  Gary was able to join up with her and take her with him in the truck. He soon found out, though, that all road route options were "out" for his truck as well, and he and Shalu had to take to the trail on foot like we'd had to do. They chose to go a different route, though, hoping to avoid having to cross the swollen side creek the boys and I had had to cross. Little did they know, though, that their choice was even more challenging. Their route took them to the bridge down-road from us that crosses Mill Creek, but that bridge had already begun to be covered with water, and water had flooded around the bridge as well, causing rather deep spots on either side. Long story, but picture Gary -- in his khakis and zero-tread dress shoes -- wading across hip-high water with one hand on Shalu's collar and one hand holding his laptop up high to keep it out of the water. I don't know if Shalu has ever swum before, but if not she has now. Gary said she seemed to know he was there to help, and she trusted his encouragement to swim along with him.

Well, the two of them made it back safe and sound. We've all now been dried, hot-chocolated, and souped and are relishing a cozy afternoon in a warm, dry house. Our "16 head of livestock" (as Gary likes to put it) are snug and happy as well, and we are all thankful for the safety and memorable moments Yah provided for us today. Thanks for checking in on us, Luci. We pray you are all fairing well with the weather. We will look forward to seeing you all soon "Yah willin' and if the creek don't rise!"

Love,
Nancy  

Meet Michael Life and His Family

I would like to introduce you to a special family in the Body of Messiah and in which we are blessed to walk with here in our community. 

 A couple months ago, they experienced a very trying, heart wrenching tragedy in their family and  

here is their story.  

This is a story of faithfulness. A story of love, devotion and commitment.  A story of overcoming, of community and of the mercy and grace of our Heavenly Father and His redeeming love that supersedes the worst of circumstances and prevails.    It is a story of thankfulness and appreciation.  It is a story of family.

I was not one who was present (on site) that is mentioned in this story - but rather one (like others I am SURE) who was miles away, but QUITE present in The Spirit, praying, and crying out and pacing and mourning with them in this 2 week process of waiting on the Father and interceding for needs of the family and the life of the baby.   Seeing these pictures and hearing this story once again - made my heart over flow with sadness and love and gratefulness all at the same time.  Who can explain it?  Except, that it be LOVE! Love for the Father; love for His people and compassion for the loss and pain that we must endure until the Messiah returns to "set it all straight".  It is a bitter sweet thing... a bitter sweet thing indeed.

This family are small organic dairy farmers, who run a CSA to reach out to folks and provide for their family (and to work together as a family unit).  They live in close community with a small group and despite their large family  they always have "time" for others who may bring a need or question to them.  They are always reaching out.  They are zealous for Yah and His ways and live honorably, as you will see (testified)  by the quotes posted in the "updates" of the site listed above.  

Personally speaking, in this past few months alone, Todd has been gracious to answer farming and milk cow questions  for us, as we have been struggling to cure our milk cow of mastitis for months.  He has graciously offered His bull's services to us (for free).  He even offered to take our cow to his own farm to try to nurse her back to health himself (even though he has plenty of "concerns" right now).  We have been trying for months without success to help her heal, while other's suggested we give up and dry her up or eat her - Todd offers hope and help when we are feeling our most defeated!  Why do I tell you this?  Because everyone who knows the Vincents has some sort of story of encouragement or hope that they have received from them!  They are just that kind of family.  I felt the need to share one of my one"testimonies" of how I am in the midst of being blessed  by them,  as I write this post!

'Friends/family in common' who live in their small community have put together the site linked above to HELP THEM for a change.  They wanted their story to be told and wanted to see if we could pull together like the community described in Acts to help meet the needs of this family as they are coming out of a very hard season in their lives.  (No matter where we all may live!!) The Vincents have incurred some debt with medical bills and other trials have occurred with their family van.  (They have been borrowing a vehicle to run their goods to Nashville for their livelihood - just making modest ends meet as well as sold a couple of their needed livelyhood-producing cows.)  While we can not change those things which have happened in the past months, we can rally around them in support to help bear the burden with them.

When praying about this post - this chapter of Scripture came to my mind Hebrews 11.   I read it and felt that is speaks VOLUMES as to the Scriptural faithfulness that has been lived out during this very hard time.
So often adversity and calamity will crush a person's spirit and whose faith is not rooted in their Savior.  However, this family has and continues to walk in such faith as described in Hebrews.  I know their reward is in YHWH and they never ask for anything more...but we...who walk with them are hoping to bless them in this small way - so that their burden may be lightened and they may be a little more free and mobile to continue their Kingdom work.  Many of the folks in our community, live very financially humbly in order to minister and serve, yet we are giving all we can.  I felt led to reach out to YOU, our extended family of believers, to see if you might pray about assisting us in blessing the Vincent family as well.

Gratefully and Humbly and Sincerely,

Online Accountability

I was just recently introduced to a web service called Covenant Eyes.  It is a brilliant concept for online accountability! This is a tool that can be used as a prevention measures or as an accountablity partner if anyone in your home may struggle or may be vonerable when it comes to pure and righteous content before thier eyes/ears online.  I find it partcularly ideal if there has ever been a struggle in this area.  It is customizable - and I think it could be the kind of tool that could help keep Men//Women and Youth who are seeking after Yah's ways to use the interent and stay above reproach!  Check it out!

http://www.covenanteyes.com/blog/about-covenant-eyes/

Community and Family

Community and Family are becoming one and the same for us. As we continue to walk in faith with folks who are zealous for our King and willing to surrender all to serve him..we are continually humbled, challenged, encouraged, inspired and edified even in this world that is becoming increasing hostile toward Yah and His people.

I am very blessed to live in a developing community that is entrenched with young adults and children who are zealous for purity and family values.  This is VERY encouraging to us, because that is a great commitment and value in our own family. This would not happen of course if it were not for the parents who are deliberate and commited to raise their children in this way.  We are so thankful for those who have gone before us!  It is such an encouragment and gives us such hope for our children in a world that offers little of either, to our youth (and parents) today.

Our children are between the ages of 3-15 at the time of this writing.  We have been so blessed over the course of the last 6-7 years to witness (and be a part of) a broad community that values Torah, Messiah, Family, Purity and living fully committed set apart lives for Yah.  We get to see the FRUITS of other families whose young adult-children are remaining pure until marriage.  It is a beautiful thing to witness and be a part of!!! 

As I reflect on it – I can see that there are many things we have in common:

·        We all have decided to live for YHWH (Yah/God).  To stand alone – if need be – for the truth that He had revealed to us through His Scriptures, His Ruach Ha Kodesh (Holy Spirit) and His Messiah Y'shua (Jesus).

·        We all have a passion for Scriptures and studying them to gain a greater understanding of Yah and our place in His plan and willingness to shape our lives to fit HIS plan, instead of shaping our idea of God to fit ours.

·        We all highly value family and faithfulness and have decided to cultivate a “family culture” as our core ministry and purpose.

·        We all have chosen to live modestly within our means and deliberately choose livelihoods that provide us the freedom to worship Yah and even to minister to others as a priority and lifestyle.

·        We all have learned to respect one another – even in our differences;  Be they lifestyle or doctrinal understandings.

·        We all have chosen to support, encourage and stand together – while at the same time we stand alone before our maker, responsible for our own walk/choices.

·        We all have a desire for purity, modesty and cultivating a humble teachable spirit before our maker and our brothers and sisters.

·        We all respect the role and responsibility of the Father/Husband as the head of the house hold and encourage him in it.

·        We all love and appreciate and edify the role of the Mother/Wife and encourage her in it as she “completes” the marriage picture and applies the many gifts that Yah has given her.

·        Most (but not all) of us have given up most of the things that people see as "normal". Things like public or Christian school, pop culture, TV, pop music, pop fashion, independence, extracurricular youth activities that pull them away from family and divide the family in many directions, amusement/entertainment focused hobbies, etc... and traded them for things that we value more.

We are a peculiar people...and we are OK with that. :-)

We don't agree on everything, mind you.  Here are some good examples of things that may be believed or practiced differently:

• Biblical Calendar Reckoning
• How to pronounce (or whether to pronounce) the Name of YHWH (YHVH)
• Living in close proximity and where we may meet for Sabbath.
• Opinions on Israeli Politics
• Opinions on Evangelism 
• Lots of things … actually.....but we are growing in wisdom, not to let these "disputable matters" cause strife in The Body.
• We may even disagree on the interpretations of some particular verses in Scripture and how it should be walked out!  In Christianity, pride and legalism causes a "church devision" and a new denomination.  (As seen - by the thousands that exist today.)  We have all seen it and are learning how to humble ourselves so that we stop duplicating that. We strive to allow Yah to work these things out in our hearts as we grow in the wisdom of His ways and His character.  So that we may truly understand LOVE and walk in it with in the family unit that Yah has designed for that very purpose!

I am very thankful for the those whom Yah has brought together in our extended family of believers. Even though we are not perfect, we know that we are all His and encourage one another in the process of being transformed for His glory.  We know that we have been bought and paid for with a price and we are willing to give our lives in thanks.  I am thankful for their zeal, passion and commitment to the King and to their families.  I am thankful for their contrite hearts and their willingness to serve their brothers/sisters.  I am thankful that they are raising possible husbands and wives for my own children - who share the same values and who serve the same King!  I am thankful that I do not have shallow fellowship that causes me "to be quick to leave the building" and get on with my day; I am thankful that we do not need to be justified by title or pastor or doctrine or require people to conform to standards imposed by certain people or church politics. Rather, one that is centered around serving Yah and His purposes.   I am thankful that Yah is knitting us together in His very unique way - so that we may be a light to the Nations...for generations to come - should Y’shua tarry longer than we thought.  May Yah always be the center and may it always be so!  Praise Yah!

Purim Puppet Show

This is a "re-post" from Purim two years ago.   We wanted to bring it back to the top in case anyone wanted to use the script and do their own show this year!

We celebrated Purim this past Shabbat with some good friends and put on this puppet show for the kids. We laughed, nashed Hamentash and enjoyed putting on this light hearted puppet show about the story of Esther.

We wrote this play a couple years ago and thought it would be fun to record it to share y'all. Due to a technical error on the video, we lost the opening scene, so I had to add a brief text intro to catch everyone up on the plot. (sorry) It is comedy and we had to improvise on some props (Like Mordichai being paraded around town on a mechanical cat instead of a horse as was written in Scripture!) We did this with no practice and one day of preparation...It runs about 25 minutes total. We hope you enjoy it.

Chag Purim!

Ben and Pamela

If you would like a written copy, here is the Purim Play Script.

Community and a Bat Mitzvah

A Bat Mitzvah

First a little about us:   This not a traditional Jewish style Bat Mitzvah, because our way of worship is not a formal one in a synagogue or church, which is most often the case in Judaism or Christianity.  Rather, we gather in homes and may rent larger public places to meet for special occasions, such as this.  Each individual man is the head of his household and student of The Word and is responsible for guiding his family is living out Scripture based life.  Each family is responsible for their own Halahkah (walk).  This is a carried out in partnership with their committed wives, who most often are homeschooling their children.  There is no "leader" except YHVH (God).  There is no "creed" like you find posted for each denomination, but rather  the entire Bible, every verse in it's proper context, is our creed.  There is no distinct organization except by people within the group connecting through the Father's leading.  There is order and respect for our elders, however everyone who is committed is encouraged to contribute and participate; man, woman and child. This is done in respect and love, with humble hearts and reverence for our King.  He is our governor and it is HE whom we are ALL under. We encourage the older men to train the younger and likewise the older women to train the younger. There is a strong desire for purity and raising families for service to our King.  We have chosen to follow the examples given in Scripture to live set-apart lives, while at the same time being a light to the world.   We have realized that we are constantly growing and changing IN HIM and that each individual needs room and encouragement to do that!  Because this specific event was recorded during Sukkot, which is a Biblical FEAST of The LORD, this group is a larger community of people coming together from many areas and from out of state, but who are connected through the love of the Father and the love for His ways.  This made the Bat Mitzvah quite special.  

 The Hebrew term "Bat Mitzvah", means "Daughter of the Commandments". This is the first Bat Mitzvah this group has ever done.  The parents created a outline and invited the group to contribute.  It's purpose was to encourage and recognize the girls as coming to a place of responsibility and accountability in their faith. This is a transitional time in their lives, they are no longer small children and they are on their way to becoming women.  It is a beautiful and tender time of life.  Each family has had their private times of recognition and encouragement for their daughters, prior to recording this event.  This event was to further encourage the young ladies, while also encouraging the community to continue training their children up in the The Way.  It is not a short video -- 2 1/2 hours long.  We hope you are blessed.  Feel free to comment or ask questions at the bottom off the page.

Children's Silent Shabbat Play (video)

Say NO to GMO

We're fast approaching a tipping point on the labeling of
genetically engineered foods. With California's proposition 37
coming before voters November 6, and with 91% of the
American public supporting the right to know, 
we've decided that now is a perfect time to 
launch a national petition to Congress.
We want OUR version of a REAL labeling bill, 
not a bogus one created by Monsanto.

Sign the petition here:
http://www.care2.org/gefood

GMO - Genetically Modified Organisms

I can not stress enough how important it is that we educate ourselves on the reality about GMO Foods within our midst. The presence is growing quickly and if we do not take a stand our health, economy and entire food system will be turned upside down beyond repair. This is so very very very serious. This applies to everyone of us..if you eat..it matters to you! Your quality of life and those around WILL be effected if you do not ignore this topic. The following is a trailer to a very INFORMATIVE trailer of a documentary that explains and shows the scope and magnitude of the importance with GMO Food right now. http://geneticroulettemovie.com/ You may watch the full length movie online for a donation of 2.99. You may also purchase the DVD to share with others.

 

Here is another link to a study on GMO foods and their effects.  But this is just s very small picture.

I have been passionate about the food we eat for over 20 years. However, I have not shared many resources here on the blog. I hope to do more of that, because I have been watching the food system slip into crisis for years and years. It is a slippery slope to disease, death and pore quality of life that is ONLY there for 2 reasons:

 1. Because of greed on the parts of those who are implementing it.
 2. Because of the ignorance or complacency on the part of those who are consuming it.

 If we are not taking specific and diligent steps against this - we are acting in one of the two roles that contribute to it.

It is very sad that even this most simplistic of things such as food has become so corrupt - but the truth of the matter is that it HAS! Everyone needs to take heed to this. A message to women and mothers - While some husbands/fathers may contribute to this - YOU are the most responsible for what gets served at your table and sent in your lunchboxes. You are responsible for setting the example and the standard. Please educate yourself on what you are putting into your children's mouths. The allergies, food in-tolerances, hormone imbalances, birth defects, autism, miscarriages, immune disorders, and many many many related diseases we are seeing are no co-incidence. They are the result of changes in our world that have happened rapidly..we are poisoning ourselves. IF we WAKE UP and respond..it does not have to continue. We CAN make a difference! (Please - watch the video above!)

Solutions:
1. Get educated.  You must know what the problem is - if you hope to fix it.
2. Learn to prepare and enjoy whole foods! Turn away from prepared packaged foods.
3. Buy local food from local farmers.  Interview them, learn how they grow it.  Support them and buy their food so that they will be able to support their families and you may eat well! This also builds sustainable communities in a myriad of ways!
4.  Find (or START!) local co-ops to help bring good food to families at more reasonable prices that families can afford!

For foods that you still need to purchase from "stores". Here are some resources to help you find food that has NOT been Genetically Modified:

• True Food Shoppers Guide
• Non GMO Food Shopping Guide
• Non profit non-GMO certification project
• A great blog article (and a great blog) : http://nourishedkitchen.com/gmo-free-food/

Here are some links to some GMO and Real Food Watchdogs so that you may get and stay informed:

• Say NO to GMO
• GMO Compass
• Natural News
• Institute for Responsible Technology
• Weston A Price Foundation

This post has been shared at the Homestead Barn Hop

A Little Tour of our Farm

I just opened a new page - to give a little tour of our farm.
I would like to update it modify it as it grows, eventually with videos and lots and lots of picture.  So be sure to check back on it from time to time.  :-)

Psalm 119, Dalet

Betrothal - Life with the Warrens

It is my pleasure to introduce you to the Warren Family. We had the pleasure of meeting this family a couple years ago at Family Week in KY. When I was corresponding with Nancy (Momma Warren), I thought I would put this post in the "hopper" to do "down the line". But as the day unfolded...I found I could not wait to share them with you any longer! :-) They are from Oklahoma and have 4 older children (all pitcured above - with the newest addition to the family!). Even though our personal time with them was brief, it was sweet. This family's light shines bright for Yah. They love Him and live their lives - as sold out servants for Him. I am looking forward and am hopeful that we will get to know them better in the coming years, as they are an inspiration and encouragement to our family. They have raised their children to follow in His ways and their first son has just gotten betrothed this past fall! They have given me permission to share their story with you. If you want to be encouraged and just a peek into another family's life who is "walking" in Yah's Torah as best as they know how, in love and full acceptance Messiah...you might want to "follow" their blog...I do! :-) If you would like to meet them in person - you may be able to find them at Family Week (sponsored by HaYovel) or serving in the vineyards of Israel with HaYovel, or maybe you will see them in OK or in their big 'ol bus passing through your town as they minister (through life) where ever Yah sends them!

Here are Berret and Devin's Betrothal Links:

Bride in the Vineyard! (Or as Heather would say, "the vineyard snatchin'"!) If you are a 'Romantic' you must start the story here and you might want to get the tissues because..your gonna need them! (I did!)

Both Families prepare on the morning of the betrothal.

Pictures of the betrothal! So beautiful!

The young couple's pictures in Jerusalem. No one catches 'New Love' like Heather Meyers!

Agina, be sure to go back and visit their family blog...Life with the Warren Family, as the wedding is coming soon!

I am so blessed by witnessing (and sharing) these people and events with you! Having "come out" of the world and it's belief systems and it's casual approach (and warped views) of the holy covenant of marriage, these examples help us see there is so much more!!! I am soo very encouraged and hopeful for the next generation of young people who are raised in the Scriptures and who are strong enough IN HIM, to live set apart lives right from the start! How blessed they will be - NOT to have to sort through all the pain and damage that comes with the world's ways! Oh...These young people are still human and will have plenty to contend with in life..but they are "light years" ahead of us whom had who had to purge those things in which we adopted/subscribed/lived out...when Young People give their hearts and lives to Yah early on and choose to live for Him - they are a powerful force to reckoned with in the Kingdom of Heaven!!!! I rejoice with dance and singing for the banner of love that Yah has placed over them! May they always stay under it's glorious protection and provision!! May we be encouraged to press into the things that Yah has called us all to do! May we, as mothers and fathers, NEVER FORGET...we are raising Israel!! (YHVH's children)

In Him,

The Lily Cupboard - Book Review

The Lilly Cupboard, by Shulamith Levey Oppenheim is a sweet, captivating and heart wrenching children's book about a little girl whom her parents sent to the country to live with a Dutch family during the war in an effort to protect her from what they saw happening to Jews where they lived during World War 2.

25 pages, recommended for ages 4-8 (Although I think it is appreciated by all ages!) The illustrations, done by Ronald Himlar are beautiful.

This book helps open conversations about trust, love, bravery, the importance of obedience. Also how sometimes we have to do things that are scary or that we don't want too... just because they are the right things to do. I highly recommend this book. (Even though it IS heart wrenching!)

Yieing Yips are an Abomination

We spent last Shabbat at a dear friend's house and the Pappa was sharing with us some of their parenting experiences recently. Like us, they have little ones and are currently training them how to remain truthful with how they speak and be careful exaggeration. They are using the Scripture in Proverbs 12:22 as a reminder for the children:

Lying lips are an abomination to YHVH, but those who act faithfully are His delight.

Well, the other day, two of their boys were upstairs, playing and the Pappa overheard a disagreement unfolding, so he stopped what he was doing and took his attention to the base of the stairs to listen and see if he needed to intercede. The next thing you know, he hears his 4 year old son (who doesn't quite have his L's and Y's worked out yet), declaring boldly to the 6 yr old brother, Eli:

"Eyi, Yieing Yips are an abomination to Yehovah!!!"

(I thought that story was priceless!!)

Thanksgiving and Considering Others

When ever I get the chance I love to cook for Thanksgiving. Having left home early in life (15 yrs old) those first few Thanksgivings away from home, were spent at friend's homes. Other's mothers/grandmothers would invite me to their family's meals knowing that I would likely be alone. That really touched me, and still does today when I think of it. It is good for us, as the matriarchs of our homes, to extend a hand out to people around us who may not have family to gather with on this day. A warm hand extended out in hospitality is a blessing that reaches into any one's heart! These women who extended their hand to me so many years ago - where neither religious nor spiritual women - just women who had eyes to see another's need and were willing to open their homes. How much more should we, Women of Yah, be quick to look for those whom we can extend warm fellowship and a feast?

It didn't take long before I, as a single young lady, started doing the same in my own little apartments. I have hosted some interesting groups for Thanksgiving, let me tell you! And in some interesting apartments too. With a little creativity and the willingness to serve, it doesn't matter how big your place is, or what kind of dishes you have, as long as you have an honest desire to bless another - it will be beautiful!

A side note: I am very happy to say that restoration took place within my family and whenever possible - I prefer to spend it with family whenever we can, but we still keep an open eye out for those whom we can invite into our family gathering for a day. Just like those women did for me - when I needed it. I have so much to be thankful for!

Over the years I have gleaned tips here and there from different places, family and friends on ways to prepare. Each Thanksgiving looks different. I may host and serve the home meal at my place or gather with others elsewhere. I always like to offer to bring SOMEthing to help the hostess, no matter how far we may be traveling to be together.

It is good to be open to what unfolds each year. It is good to host for others and it also good to give others the opportunity to host if it be their desire.

If you are going to someone else's home for Thanksgiving, consider a couple of these simple ways to ask to help your hostess:

Before the day arrives when invitations are accepted, that is the perfect time to ask what you can bring and do to help. This helps your hostess plan around any contributions and lightens her load from the start. In addition to food items, things to consider that one might not think of is if she might need any extra dishes,serving utensils or cookware to accommodate a crowd (especially if you have a new hostess). Chairs or extra tables might be helpful too. Also if you have kitchen gadgets that are helpful, you might make mention of them, crockpots, plug in roasters ovens, steam tables or hot plates are all very handy for keeping many dishes warm or ready to serve. If you are creative and love to decorate and you fell it appropriate to suggest, you could offer to decorate or set the table, ot bring the family china. If it's not 'that kind of crowd', you can ask if you can help supply sturdy paper ware for the event. If you are able, you might ask if you may arrive early to help before others get there.

Foods that are easy to take to another place are homemade bread or rolls, dessert, a homemade holiday beverage like Wassail, eggnog, warm mulled apple cider or punch. Other things would be, herbed butter or homemade jam. If you don't have recipes you comfrotable preparing you might onsider asking your hostess if she has a recipe of her own that you could prepare at your plae and bring! Or if you don't fancy your self much of a cook, you might bring a bottle or two of wine or something from a special bakery. If it is a full day event, and people are gathering well before the meal, you might ask if you may bring some appetizers or snacks to fill in the wait-time. That delicious aroma fills the air and appetites increase (especially if there are lots of children present). All these things are easily prepared ahead,transported and ready to serve, and will be a blessing to the hostess and the other guests. Challah is a wonderful addition to a Thanksgiving table, it is pretty and for those who are not used to having it, it is a very special addition!

When you get there, ask if there is anything you can do to help (set the table, do dishes, sweep the floor, shovel snow, play with small children, run the garbage out, set up a buffet table, move furniture around to accommodate people, etc.) Prepare your older/able children with this mindset before you arrive as well. This will help train them in a servant's mindset and bless the hostess that much more!

Clean up can be a huge task after thanksgiving! The chef has often spent days preparing this meal and it would be so nice if she could enjoy the meal and company! The best guests will jump in and be sure to take the brunt of the cleaning tasks from their hostess. (Some family's have a tradition of the men blessing the women by taking on the clean up themselves and letting the women visit!!! Now, THAT is dreamy!) If their are lots of teens and tween present, maybe you could secretly co-ordinate with them and have them jump in and take of clean up! Some of your most prideful or service oriented hostesses will resist, but don't be fooled - it is a blessing - don't take no for an answer! Just get to work. (Many hands make light work for all.)

I hope your Thanksgiving is filled with considering others as more important than yourself (Phil 2:1-4), and in doing so, you too will be blessed!

Thankfully Yours,
pamela+

Thoughts on Thanksgiving

We have a National American Holiday that comes around on the last Thursday of November each year, called Thanksgiving. It mean different things to different people. To most, I think it mean lots of food, family, football on TV, naps, and a day off work. To others it means lots of cooking, and gearing up for Christmas shopping which is often kicked off the next day (called Black Friday) while other watch a very long and elaberate po-culture perade that takes pale in NYC called the Macy's Day Parade. To many Protestant Christians it becomes spiritualized as they starve for the heritage of some sort of spiritual ancestry to relate too. So they focus on the Puritans' faith and the concept of thankfulness of the food harvest. Some serve in soup kitchens and food drives (not as a lifestyle, but as a way to observe the holiday season and avoid football). To many (increasing) politically correct humanists and Marxists, it represents the power-hungry white religious man taking land away from the native Americans, and the only way to solve that is to let the government even the score. To vegetarians, it means tofurkey and hoping Grandma remembered to make some stuffing outside the turkey in separate dish, or that they will show up with their own little container of vegetarian gravy. How do I know? I have witnessed (or been through) each phase of these idea's and expressions on this day!!

However, now...I see it a little differently. Many Americans who have left their main stream Christian denominations with a desire to walk out the Scriptures (as best they can), unhindered by the (false) doctrines of man, also have mixed emotions about this holiday. They have to ask themselves; is it OK to celebrate holidays that are not given by Yah? Is there a compromise in my allegiance to Him, if I do this? Is this an example of mixing things of the Nations with His Name? (Which Yah clearly warns against in the Scriptures.) They ask these questions, not out of religious oppression, rather, out of a sincere heart to live a life pleasing to the Father. They have a DESIRE to live a life of reverence, obedience, submission and love; They want a life that glorifies HIM (not them). They have given up so much already, and they are willing to give up WHATEVER they should, if it gets in the way of their walk with the Most High Elohim. We understand the passion and zealousness of these brothers and sisters, we too are zealots and feel the same way! However, in our home we so no compromise or contradiction in celebrating this simple national holiday of Thanksgiving with friends, family and community. It does not compete or take away from Yah's Feasts. We do not try to make it something it isn't, by adding all kinds of significant religious importance to it. (Rather it is an opportunity to let Yah work in our relationships with others.) Granted, it pails in comparison to Yah's Biblical Moed (Feasts) because it lacks the amazing depth and spiritual significance of those Times...but there are many opportunities to express Yah's love on this National Holiday and meet people right where they are - no sermonetts necessary. If Yah opens the window to someone's heart and they are asking you for understanding (which OFTEN happens if you are walking in love), than you have an opportunity to speak with them in love as an honest friend - not as some "churchy authority" speaking down to a lay-person who needs to "get religion". If Yah does not open that window for us - for whatever reason, then we certainly don't go ahead of Him and try to "enlighten" closed hearts, do we???

Personally, we really try to steer clear of the whole football - holiday shopping hype, that is often related to this holiday, that is a personal lifestyle conflict for us. We also know what it is like to have alcoholism in the midst on that day too....that too, is a personal conflict for us that we try to avoid!! (If that is a built-in element to your experience in the past, I want encourage you to pray for ways to overcome that in Yah's name. You will be surprised at what He may show you to do, if you are open to His council! He has shown us different things in different years, but each year we follow His lead faithfully- it always works out!)

We see Thanksgiving as a wonderful holiday to gather with extended family (first). If that is not an option, than we extend an invitation to community that we would not otherwise keep the Appointed Times with. Most people can get the day off work (often two)because the majority of businesses close on this day; this allows a great opportunity for families to get together. We love to minister to others with hospitality. It is such a Hebraic expression of love, generosity and respect for those you serve!! Thanksgiving is a wonderful opportunity to do that with out compromise. People's hearts are open too it and for some , if you had not asked them, it would have been a lonely and loveless day for them. (Thanksgiving actually starts a season of great depression for many secular Americans. Suicide rates sky-rocket at this time. I have witnessed this element, as a very close family member took his own life, one week after Thanksgiving, 23 years ago. Thanksgiving was the last day I ever spoke to him.) Most of our family does not keep the Feasts of Yah, or understand the Scriptures as we do, but Thanksgiving is "neutral ground" for special family time to come together. Christmas, Easter, St Patricks Day, Halloween, (the list goes on and on) would be compromises that we personally, are not quick to make. :-) Offering or excepting hospitality under the premise of being thankful is a fine place to connect with people!!

The words of Paul come to mind below as he is counseling the believers about living in the Spirit in Colossians 3:12 Put on then, as Yah’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15And let the peace of Messiah rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16Let the word of Messiah dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to Yah. 17And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of Yeshua, giving thanks to Yah the Father through him. It seems to us that this should be our "lifestyle", our disposition all the time. That we should be strong enough in Him, to walk in this manner wether we are in an auto garage, a store or amidst any people who understand things very differently than us. Like Yah, we should BE consistent and true regardless of the setting... sometimes I think we cower in silliest places. What strength has Elohim if a turkey dinner with family compromises our walk with Him? What strength has our faith and our walk? He has put us in our families and communities to be a light there. Are we ministering to them and loving them right where they are - just as He does with us??? We feel that we should not override that assignment and "hide his light under a bushel". We need to remember, it is NOT US who sets us apart; it is HIM who sets us a apart, so that we can be equipped to minister and glorify HIM amidst "the Nations". What is our purpose here, but to glorify Him? We do that by living and loving as humble servants, willing and ready to lay down ourselves for the sake of others, as an example of His amazing grace and patience and sovereignty.

Having said ALL THAT - No matter if or how you may choose to "do Thanksgiving", May you truly be thankful that you are set apart unto Him, and May you walk in His mercy and love toward others in this upcoming season.

Expecting!!

While we were camping last week, for Sukkot, we discovered that we are expecting our 7th precious child (coming sometime next June)! We are very excited! The kids are giddy with joy and anticipation and questions. They are all doting over me and doing what they can to give me the rest I am finding I need already. If I come to mind, please pray for me and the wee-one in my womb, as well as for the precious ones who are so lovingly picking up the slack for their mommy who must slow down at times in the many coming months.

We count it all joy to be entrusted another child of The Most High to teach train up in His Ways (Torah). It is such a great responsibility and privilage all rolled into one. Blessed be the God of Israel whose heritage and promises are everlasting to those who are grafted into His family (Isreal) through faith and obediance.

Joyfully!
pamela+

Sukkot Song for Children