What is Torah to YOU?

A good friend recently asked a similar question on her site, TorahFamilyLiving.com and I thought it was a great question! This was my answer from the depths of my heart. What is yours? This is the next chapter of Scripture that we are committing to memory in our homeshul, as Yah continues to write His Word and the love of it on our hearts.

Psalm 119
Aleph
1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the LORD!
2Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
who seek him with their whole heart,
3who also do no wrong,
but walk in his ways!
4You have commanded your precepts
to be kept diligently.
5Oh that my ways may be steadfast
in keeping your statutes!
6 Then I shall not be put to shame,
having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
7I will praise you with an upright heart,
when I learn your righteous rules.
8I will keep your statutes;
do not utterly forsake me!
Beth
9How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.
10 With my whole heart I seek you;
let me not wander from your commandments!
11I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
12Blessed are you, O LORD;
teach me your statutes!
13With my lips I declare
all the rules[c] of your mouth.
14In the way of your testimonies I delight
as much as in all riches.
15I will meditate on your precepts
and fix my eyes on your ways.
16I will delight in your statutes;
I will not forget your word.
Gimel
17 Deal bountifully with your servant,
that I may live and keep your word.
18Open my eyes, that I may behold
wondrous things out of your law.
19I am a sojourner on the earth;
hide not your commandments from me!
20My soul is consumed with longing
for your rules at all times.
21You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones,
who wander from your commandments.
22Take away from me scorn and contempt,
for I have kept your testimonies.
23Even though princes sit plotting against me,
your servant will meditate on your statutes.
24Your testimonies are my delight;
they are my counselors.
Daleth
25 My soul clings to the dust;
give me life according to your word!
26When I told of my ways, you answered me;
teach me your statutes!
27 Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will meditate on your wondrous works.
28 My soul melts away for sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word!
29Put false ways far from me
and graciously teach me your law!
30I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I set your rules before me.
31I cling to your testimonies, O LORD;
let me not be put to shame!
32I will run in the way of your commandments
when you enlarge my heart!
He
33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes;
and I will keep it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
and observe it with my whole heart.
35 Lead me in the path of your commandments,
for I delight in it.
36 Incline my heart to your testimonies,
and not to selfish gain!
37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
and give me life in your ways.
38 Confirm to your servant your promise,
that you may be feared.
39Turn away the reproach that I dread,
for your rules are good.
40Behold, I long for your precepts;
in your righteousness give me life!
Waw
41Let your steadfast love come to me, O LORD,
your salvation according to your promise;
42then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
43And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
for my hope is in your rules.
44I will keep your law continually,
forever and ever,
45and I shall walk in a wide place,
for I have sought your precepts.
46I will also speak of your testimonies before kings
and shall not be put to shame,
47for I find my delight in your commandments,
which I love.
48I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,
and I will meditate on your statutes.
Zayin
49Remember your word to your servant,
in which you have made me hope.
50This is my comfort in my affliction,
that your promise gives me life.
51 The insolent utterly deride me,
but I do not turn away from your law.
52When I think of your rules from of old,
I take comfort, O LORD.
53 Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked,
who forsake your law.
54Your statutes have been my songs
in the house of my sojourning.
55I remember your name in the night, O LORD,
and keep your law.
56This blessing has fallen to me,
that I have kept your precepts.
Heth
57 The LORD is my portion;
I promise to keep your words.
58I entreat your favor with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise.
59When I think on my ways,
I turn my feet to your testimonies;
60I hasten and do not delay
to keep your commandments.
61Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,
I do not forget your law.
62At midnight I rise to praise you,
because of your righteous rules.
63 I am a companion of all who fear you,
of those who keep your precepts.
64 The earth, O LORD, is full of your steadfast love;
teach me your statutes!
Teth
65You have dealt well with your servant,
O LORD, according to your word.
66Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
for I believe in your commandments.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I keep your word.
68 You are good and do good;
teach me your statutes.
69 The insolent smear me with lies,
but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;
70their heart is unfeeling like fat,
but I delight in your law.
71It is good for me that I was afflicted,
that I might learn your statutes.
72 The law of your mouth is better to me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
Yodh
73 Your hands have made and fashioned me;
give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
74Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
because I have hoped in your word.
75I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76Let your steadfast love comfort me
according to your promise to your servant.
77Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;
for your law is my delight.
78Let the insolent be put to shame,
because they have wronged me with falsehood;
as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
79Let those who fear you turn to me,
that they may know your testimonies.
80May my heart be blameless in your statutes,
that I may not be put to shame!
Kaph
81My soul longs for your salvation;
I hope in your word.
82My eyes long for your promise;
I ask, "When will you comfort me?"
83For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,
yet I have not forgotten your statutes.
84 How long must your servant endure?
When will you judge those who persecute me?
85 The insolent have dug pitfalls for me;
they do not live according to your law.
86All your commandments are sure;
they persecute me with falsehood; help me!
87They have almost made an end of me on earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.
88In your steadfast love give me life,
that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.
Lamedh
89Forever, O LORD, your word
is firmly fixed in the heavens.
90Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
91By your appointment they stand this day,
for all things are your servants.
92If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
93I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have given me life.
94I am yours; save me,
for I have sought your precepts.
95The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,
but I consider your testimonies.
96I have seen a limit to all perfection,
but your commandment is exceedingly broad.
Mem
97Oh how I love your law!
It is my meditation all the day.
98Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,
for it is ever with me.
99I have more understanding than all my teachers,
for your testimonies are my meditation.
100I understand more than the aged,
for I keep your precepts.
101I hold back my feet from every evil way,
in order to keep your word.
102I do not turn aside from your rules,
for you have taught me.
103How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104Through your precepts I get understanding;
therefore I hate every false way.
Nun
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
106I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
to keep your righteous rules.
107I am severely afflicted;
give me life, O LORD, according to your word!
108Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O LORD,
and teach me your rules.
109I hold my life in my hand continually,
but I do not forget your law.
110The wicked have laid a snare for me,
but I do not stray from your precepts.
111Your testimonies are my heritage forever,
for they are the joy of my heart.
112I incline my heart to perform your statutes
forever, to the end.
Samekh
113I hate the double-minded,
but I love your law.
114You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in your word.
115 Depart from me, you evildoers,
that I may keep the commandments of my God.
116Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live,
and let me not be put to shame in my hope!
117 Hold me up, that I may be safe
and have regard for your statutes continually!
118You spurn all who go astray from your statutes,
for their cunning is in vain.
119All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross,
therefore I love your testimonies.
120My flesh trembles for fear of you,
and I am afraid of your judgments.
Ayin
121I have done what is just and right;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
122Give your servant a pledge of good;
let not the insolent oppress me.
123My eyes long for your salvation
and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
124Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love,
and teach me your statutes.
125I am your servant; give me understanding,
that I may know your testimonies!
126It is time for the LORD to act,
for your law has been broken.
127Therefore I love your commandments
above gold, above fine gold.
128Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right;
I hate every false way.
Pe
129Your testimonies are wonderful;
therefore my soul keeps them.
130The unfolding of your words gives light;
it imparts understanding to the simple.
131I open my mouth and pant,
because I long for your commandments.
132 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
as is your way with those who love your name.
133 Keep steady my steps according to your promise,
and let no iniquity get dominion over me.
134 Redeem me from man’s oppression,
that I may keep your precepts.
135 Make your face shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes.
136My eyes shed streams of tears,
because people do not keep your law.
Tsadhe
137 Righteous are you, O LORD,
and right are your rules.
138You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness
and in all faithfulness.
139My zeal consumes me,
because my foes forget your words.
140Your promise is well tried,
and your servant loves it.
141I am small and despised,
yet I do not forget your precepts.
142Your righteousness is righteous forever,
and your law is true.
143Trouble and anguish have found me out,
but your commandments are my delight.
144Your testimonies are righteous forever;
give me understanding that I may live.
Qoph
145With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O LORD!
I will keep your statutes.
146I call to you; save me,
that I may observe your testimonies.
147I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I hope in your words.
148My eyes are awake before the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promise.
149Hear my voice according to your steadfast love;
O LORD, according to your justice give me life.
150They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose;
they are far from your law.
151But you are near, O LORD,
and all your commandments are true.
152Long have I known from your testimonies
that you have founded them forever.
Resh
153Look on my affliction and deliver me,
for I do not forget your law.
154 Plead my cause and redeem me;
give me life according to your promise!
155 Salvation is far from the wicked,
for they do not seek your statutes.
156 Great is your mercy, O LORD;
give me life according to your rules.
157 Many are my persecutors and my adversaries,
but I do not swerve from your testimonies.
158I look at the faithless with disgust,
because they do not keep your commands.
159Consider how I love your precepts!
Give me life according to your steadfast love.
160 The sum of your word is truth,
and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.
Sin and Shin
161 Princes persecute me without cause,
but my heart stands in awe of your words.
162I rejoice at your word
like one who finds great spoil.
163I hate and abhor falsehood,
but I love your law.
164Seven times a day I praise you
for your righteous rules.
165Great peace have those who love your law;
nothing can make them stumble.
166I hope for your salvation, O LORD,
and I do your commandments.
167My soul keeps your testimonies;
I love them exceedingly.
168I keep your precepts and testimonies,
for all my ways are before you.
Taw
169Let my cry come before you, O LORD;
give me understanding according to your word!
170Let my plea come before you;
deliver me according to your word.
171My lips will pour forth praise,
for you teach me your statutes.
172My tongue will sing of your word,
for all your commandments are right.
173Let your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.
174I long for your salvation, O LORD,
and your law is my delight.
175Let my soul live and praise you,
and let your rules help me.
176I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant,
for I do not forget your commandments.


Beruch,

pamela+

Complete Torah Curriculum

Have you hoped for a complete Torah Curriculum for your children? It is finally here! Tom Bradford (one of our all time favorite Torah Teachers!) has completed a home-school curriculum! This is designed so that it can be used in churches and home-churches and in families. For the children's series, there is a textbook and a Teacher's Guide for each book of the Torah. He also offers a curriculum for Adults, which consists of a study guide and text book for each book of the Torah. This format is done in Kindle, EPUB or PDF formats.

I haven't gotten my hands on them yet (but intend too) and am seriously considering taking the adult course for my own study and reference even though we have already been through His Torah class (all the way to 1 Kings). We are very excited to explore these resources! Our experience with Tom's classes over the last 5 years has been nothing but praise!

If you would like to take Torah Class for FREE, you can always do that in printed or audio formats.

UPDATE: I am not the only one who is excited about the new curriculum. Kim, had posted the following comment in our homeshcool group on the Messianic Keepers at Home Forum that I found to be very helpful:

"I spoke with Mr Bradford, who stated that the adult vs homeschool textbooks are almost exactly the same... the main differences are found in the teachers manuals... the adult teachers manual include indepth study for personal use, but the TM for the homeschool version is geared more for homeschooling... The other great addition to this, is the weekly audio teachings on the torah class website that can be added to your torah lesson.. as it goes along with the weekly homeschool lessons. "

I want to clarify here, that what Kim refers to as Adult teacher's Manuels are called "adult Study Guides" on on the site. We are going to go order ours now!

In Him,

Song ~ Stay at Home (Poem)

Stay, stay at home, my heart, and rest;
Home-keeping hearts are happiest,
For those that wander they know not where
Are full of trouble and full of care;
To stay at home is best.

Weary and homesick and distressed,
They wander east, they wander west,
And are baffled and beaten and blown about
By the winds of the wilderness of doubt;
To stay at home is best.

Then stay at home, my heart, and rest;
The bird is safest in its nest;
O'er all that flutter their wings and fly
A hawk is hovering in the sky;
To stay at home is best.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1878

This is one of my favorite poems - ever! Yah revealed it to me when He was training me to Keep my Heart at Home.

Torah School

I have recently joined the team over at Torah School to contribute to the blog there. I am very excited and blessed by the opportunity. I must admit that WordPress is...well SCARY to me. I am a fish out of water and it takes me "FOREVER" to do the slightest things...so my posts are very very slow and sparce to date...but Ben just figured out how to use our (yet undeveloped website) to post pdf's so we have made a slight break through today. This week we are sharing our Family Torah Reading Plan that we developed for our older children as a part of our homeshul. It is simple..but is working wonderfully for us so we thought it worth sharing. (Some times its the simple things that are the most wonderful - don't you think?)

I just thought I would make the mention, in case you wanted to put it on your list of places to visit. It is a fairly new project...but it will grow as we do!

Much Love,

Love Your Nieghbor as Yourself

Lev 19:18 'You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am YHVH.

In Him,

Kandoo Kangaroo

Kandoo Kangaroo Hops into Homeschool, by Susna Ratner is a precious little children's book especially for your preschoolers up to about 2nd grade. It seems to make both children and mommy smile every time we read it. It is a sweet book about a 6 year old little "girl" kangaroo who starts getting inquisitive, asking her momma all kinds of questions and their is very natural response to easing her into the idea of homeschooling. It edifies family, a lifestyle of learning, relationships. community and Scripture. The animations is also very attractive. It gets a thumbs up from this mommy!

Learning Herbs

I have mentioned before, that a few months ago, we started using HerbMentor.com to add to our resources for our herbal studies. It is the site that you get linked to when you become a member at LearningHerbs.com . We have been so pleased with all they have to offer! We are learning so much! It is a very casual atmosphere; A real grass roots effort. Maybe not always the most polished - but always valuable info which takes the intimidation out of learning. It is a wonderful tool for us to use as a whole family.

They offer so much information in so many formats that we can always find things we can learn and DO right away. There are video lessons, audio lessons, written lessons. Their are web conferences, and forums, there is even a monthly mentor conference call where you can talk directly to Herbalists to ask questions and contribute to discussions. There are tons of free book downloads. They team up with lots of other herbalists for these courses and materials so you get a wide variety of teachers. They even have a wonderful herb identifying board game (we have it and play it with the kids). They also offer discounts at Mountain Rose Herbs. Their generosity with information is like none other I have seen! There is a small monthly membership (SO WORTH IT) that can be canceled anytime. I can not edify this resource enough.

This site is for you if you:

• Always "wanted" to try natural herb things, but never got round to it
• Buy all natural remedies, but don't know how to make them yourself
• Want to become more self sustainable and learn how live more naturally
• Want to learn to identify and use wild plants/food/herbs
• Wish you just had some one to show you how to do stuff, because you can't imagine learning this from a book
• Would like just learn how to use the herbs from your own kitchen cabinet or grocery shopping cart as natural remedies
• Wish you could just learn how to make tinctures, infusions and salves with a kit and have someone walk you through it (they have that too!)
• Are like me - already on your way, making your own remedies and have supplies, but are always learning....

You will be able to get A LOT out of LearningHerbs.com if you only use them. Check it out. There are a bunch of freebies you can get before you even become a member!

p.s. Did I mention they also teach anatomy and physiology too?? I know I'm forgetting stuff!

The Context Matters

Last Shabbat when we were meeting with friends, one of them mentioned this video and said it was a good illustration of the important of understanding the Scriptures in context to share with others. I got to watch it today and agree! It is recorded in two parts, but is less than 15 minutes total. It promotes a coarse which I have not yet taken, but a dear friend is in the process of taking the course and she highly recommends it. (Maybe she will comment here??)

However, we have taken a course which we also rave about, and have recommended to many others, who also agree! Unlike the FFOZ course, it is free. The link is listed on the right side of this blog at the top and it is called Torah Class...in case you are interested.

Home School Family

Turn Music off in the upper right had corner to before starting video.

We laughed so hard at this video, we cried! Maybe it's just us?!

Great Homeschool Resources!

I am very excited to announce a new source for great Homeschool resources!

I found myself searching for something a little more structured to help me teach English to my spirited new adopted daughter who just came home from Haiti, 4 weeks ago. She is five, and has learned some English letters in her preschool at the orphanage, but only identifying them and writing some. She doesn't seem to have any understanding that they have their own sounds. She has a very limited attention span. I also realized what I did for my other children would not be so easy to do with her. The only English she knows are the few words she has picked up since she has been here. This is very different from teaching my birth children who had a basic command of the spoken English Language and a vocabulary to connect things to! Not to mention I have been reading them books daily since they we about 6 month old! My newest daughter has not had any of that. My approach would have to be different. Not to mention, I have an active three year old and another adopted daughter who just came home at the same time (the older one's little sister) who is 2 1/2, but behind equivalent to a 1-1 1/2 year old in development. And if that is not enough to add to my challenge...I am pregnant with little lamb number six and am well...a bit queasy these days! :-) My cup runs over and I wouldn't change a thing....but I just realized I needed a little more help than I did before. :-) So...I started searching for some good materials. I found a company whom I think I am going to be VERY pleased with. I just received their materials today. And while this review has NOTHING to do with the new Phonics and Math program I got from them for my 5 and 3 year old....but another book I got at the same time.. the Complete Guide to Celebrating Our Messiah in The Festivals. I have a chance to review the first 186 pages during nap-time today and boy am I excited!!! So excited, that I came down stairs and ordered their Science Curriculum for my older ones (Considering God's Creation) and am hoping to order their two Bible Study/Ancient History Guides (Remembering God's Awesome Acts , and Remembering God's Chosen Children) which cover the first five books of the Bible and I think she has a third in the making. That is... after I talk with my Husband about them I really want Him to see these. (I didn't get a chance to go through the Math and Phonics ones sitting on kitchen counter as I type. I think it's gonna be a long night of browsing tonight after bedtime!) :-)

This book to the left is the size of a phone book and exceeds the only other book I have seen similar to it- BY LEAPS AND BONDS! (almost 700 pages!) It is a priceless tool for families who want to learn/teach about Our God's Appointed Times together! It is newly released. Well done!!

You may recognise some of their things from large distributers like CBD but to check out all their resources go directly to their website:

http://www.eagleswingsed.com/

Ooohh this is gonna be a good school year!! Eww the baby is waking... Enjoy!

Tea Bag Dryer

My (almost 9yr old) son surprised me with a prototype of my upcoming Mother's Day gift. I am a blooming herbalist, making my own teas, tincture and salves for our family's health and medicinal needs. I am really big into the teas. I have made my own reusable tea bags out of muslin because I found they work better than the metal tea balls. This has resulted in me "drying tea bags" above the kitchen sink constantly, since the whole family drinks tea regularly. I was using the tops of wine bottles, but it was really unsightly, impractical and took up a lot of space. So my son (being the industrious little creative engineer he is!) made a very cute solution for me for Mother's Day! We hung some wet bags up on it and it works great! He says it's just a prototype, that he wants to make another one which is more sturdy because it will get so much use. Don't you love the details? The green grass, and laundry basket with muslin in it! I just LOVE IT!

Alef Bet Song

Our Family Precepts

Learning to develop good character has always been the core of our family values and in doing so we quickly realized that mommy and daddy needed reminders as much as the children! We have done lots of things as they were younger, but we find as our two oldest ones are entering into a different stage of growth, that we need to adapt too those needs (while still continuing with the basics for younger preschool children).

Greg Harris had a wonderful idea of creating a list of "21 rules". I am very sensitive not to simply train our kids how to "act" but to train them up in how to "live and be". So hopefully that is reflected in our list, because that is our greatest challenge as parents. First, we must be men and women of true substance, than we train our children to be the same. We have spring boarded off Greg's idea using precepts from things the Torah teaches us in a way my children will remember. This is what we came up with. (This is also subject to getting updates from time to time as needed.)

Our Family Precepts

1. We love, trust and obey YHVH.
2. We love, trust and pray for each other.
3. We tell the truth.
4. We do the right thing; even when no one is looking.
5. We are careful and thoughtful.
6. We say what we mean and we mean what we say.
7. We do all things without grumbling and complaining.
8. We do not make trouble with others.
9. We clean up after ourselves.
10. We forgive.
11. We listen with our eyes, ears and our hearts.
12. We are helpful.
13. We guard our hearts to keep them kadosh.
14. We guard our bodies to keep them kadosh.
15. We finish what we start.
16. We encourage one another and build each other up.
17. We accept correction to learn from our mistakes.
18. Its not “mine”; its YHVH’s.
19. Be a blessing – think of others first.
20. We obey from the heart.
21. No excuses – take responsibility.
22. People are more important than things.
23. When we do not know what to do, we ask.
24. We remember our "Mams" and "Sirs".

We go over them in the morning at breakfast time until they memorised by all. We use them as reminders of "what we stand for" and how we choose to live; to hold each other accountable, as we continue to be transformed into the likeness of our Messiah.

Scriptural Songs Kids LOVE (and parents too!)

Music has always been a big part of our family life. My children have been raised singing praises to Adonai. Even our two year old has a song in his heart and Scripture on His tongue; It's a beautiful thing. Here are the wonderful resources that have blessed us. Each is a priceless gift for children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews! Below are samples for you to review.

Steve Green: Hide Em in Your Heart 1 and 2

http://www.worshipmusic.com/spd1245.html

Family LIfe, Adore Him (samples below)

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=CD81717-11&netp_id=419534&event=EBRN&item_code=WW&view=covers

Judy Rodgers

This is the link to her website. While "Go to the Aunt" is our Kid's favorite, we have them and love them all!
http://judyrogers.com/catalog.php?item=3&catid=CDs&ret=judyrogers.com%2Fcatalog.php%3Fpage%3D1%26category%3DCDs

Seeds of Faith

http://www.worshipmusic.com/883727000320.html

Seeds of Courage

http://www.worshipmusic.com/883727000221.html

Seeds of Purpose

http://www.worshipmusic.com/883727000528.html

Understanding the Bible in Context

Someone asked a very good question the other day...that I wish I had the maturity and wisdom to answer better than I did. She said, "How do we know, what has passed away and what hasn't?" That question is HUGE in our faith. It is a dividing line that I believe The Father is calling His Children to really examine in this time if history. If we study History of the Church it is very clear that we (like the priests in the Synagogue in Jesus' time here) have added ALOT to God's Commands. We need to recognize the thin ice that we are on...if God so harshly judges His chosen people, what makes us think He will not do the same to those whom he allowed access to himself later? (Which Paul warns us about in Romans 11) Yes - He is merciful, but He is also JUST.

Back to the question: How do we know?? We study God's Word like our life depends on it...because it DOES! We pray repentance and ask God to remove the scales of doctrine that are before our eyes and helps us to see the truth in Scripture. We learn to measure our doctrine against Scripture not measure Scripture against our doctrine. We humble ourselves to the point of recognizing that we are NO BETTER than the Jews at their worst moments and recognize that it is THEIR FAITH we are joining. It helped us in this "humbling process" to study church history...all the way back to Jesus. Then to start with the Scriptures Chronologically through the whole Old Testament, in context with help from people who understand it;s context!! This is not a small task!! But it is so important...it is the foundation of our faith. We are doing this, with the help of teachers who understand the contexts and cultures from which it was written, from a Hebrew perspective, from a Hebrew understanding. We lack this in our churches in general. As we learned more abouty church histroy and how things "are", we realized it was the common thread in seminary to focus on Greek and Latin not Hebrew. So much is lost in that. As we have done this, we have come to love our faith and our Savior that much more. The more we learn about "the root" the more edified and glorified our God becomes. He has hidden so many treasures in His Word that are just waiting to be discovered by people who are willing to do what it takes to find them. Doing this has connected so many pieces to this great puzzle which were left hanging in the balance before. Things that had to be "swept under the rug" and treated "unknowable" or "irrelevant" before. We have found Jesus so richly illustrated all through the Old Testament. We have found, that the New Testament teachers and most of Jesus' audience were Torah keepers and many things Jesus spoke of where things that where built into the Jewish understanding, by learning these things it makes the rich words of our Savior even MORE powerful. They jump off the page in ways I can't describe. We thought we were "one fire for the Lord" before...now it is as though he took this pilot light of faith that we used to think was "on fire" and HE has joined us to the mighty pillar of fire that burns day and night. I am like a big ol' blow torch. I pray I use it wisely because I mean no harm. But I know my zeal for the truth that is unfloding before my eyes spills out of me at alarming rates and be really overwhleming for people. It is scary (in a good way) but their is no place we would rather be...

We are learning to recognize patterns in God's Scripture that reveal "who HE is" and how His plan is unfolding. We are learning that while the Word of God is infallible the people aren't and His Book records it all. Not everything is an instruction, many things are just records of people messing up...badly. We need to know the difference. We need to know it so well that we can understand the difference between, instructions and examples, warnings and invitations, and above all, literal and parable, poetry and direct warnings, we need to understand the contexts in which things are written, as best as we can. We have learned that their are many "sayings" and references that are very cultural. For instance, we might say, "that is so cool". We know what we mean, but someone who is not from the culture, translating a foreign language easily misses these things in their context and translations or interpretations come out wrong. There are also many instances of double word meanings. If you don't understand the context or cultural setting, it is very easy to misinterpret or translate that word. Until we can learn the original languages, we need to connect with teaching coming from people who are very solid in that.

We need to study, live and love like their is no tomorrow. We need to accept that we will be judged and we need to do everything in our power to understand "the rules of the game", by which we will be judged. He who has ears let Him hear.....

While we use many resources for study, I can not say enough about Tom Bradford's teachings. You can down load them in audio or written text. THEY ARE FREE. IN our over 12+ years of diligently seeking after God, we have never encountered a more thorough, level, solid teaching in our lives. He is dedicated to accuracy. If ever their is speculation he makes sure you know it. If ever He interjects opinion...he tells you. But 98% of what He teaches is solid documentable facts, from a Hebrew perspective. If it is controversial or split understanding, he tells you both sides. If there is something that he can find no explanation too in all his extensive searching, he is not to proud to say so! It is drenched in history and context. It is taught methodically and systematically. It is done starting with Genesis 1 and covering one chapter at a time in great detail. He cross references things as needed, but with great care and precision. This class is not for those who want a feel good, hype session. This class is a long series (YEARS) of in depth study. In the last six diligent months of non-stop Torah Classes, we have learned more solid Scriptural truth then 12 years PACKED with seminars, retreats, sermons, books, prayer meetings, small groups, and bibles studies ALL PUT TOGETHER! How could that be???? You can only find out if you walk through it yourself. I beleive God is calling His Bride closer to himself to prepare for the last days. He is calling His people into Holiness. He has allowed us "milk" for long enough, He wants to prepare His bride, the time is near. For those with ears let them hear. If you have ever thought, you would like to "go deep"; This is the place. If you have a spouse - take it together...trust me...you will want to talk about what you are learning!! (It has done amazing things in our relationship with God and each other!!) Here is the link to info about Him and to the classes. You will never see Scripture the same...and that's a GOOD thing!

About Tom Bradford www.torahclass.com/about.html

Access to Classes www.torahclass.com/studies.html

Search Recipes by Ingrediants!

My name is Pamela and I am a cookbook addict...OK I said it.

I love to read cook books! I get such great ideas, and have learned about the wonderful science of cooking this way. Yet, when I want to find something, I will often go online, because it so much more efficiant then thumbing through my bookshelves when I need to make a shopping list or get dinner going. So I was excited to find this website. You can search recipes by ingrediant. So if you have cornmeal or kumquats and you don't know what to do with them, go to this site and punch in the ingrediants and it will list hundreds of possibilities!

This is a wonderful way to help change your families diet too, by using whole foods. Maybe you want to bake with honey instead of sugar, or whole wheat flour instead of all-pupose but you don't know where to start...here you go!

It's also a great tool for budgets! Maybe you see a great deal on ripe tomatoes or banana's at the store, buy a bunch and make a bunch of yummy things and freeze them. This is also wonderful this time of year with fresh produce and such. (I just got a food dehydrator and will be doing alot of these things wiht htat. I will be sure to post my dehydrating adventures too. )

It's quick and free. Two wonderful things. Happy Kitchen Science!

www.RecipeLand.com

A Modern Day School Pledge

WRITTEN BY A 15 yr. old SCHOOL KID IN ARIZONA :

NEW School prayer :

Now I sit me down in school
Where praying is against the rule
For this great nation under God
Finds mention of Him very odd.
If Scripture now the class recites,
It violates the Bill of Rights.
And anytime my head I bow
Becomes a Federal matter now.
Our hair can be purple, orange or green,
That's no offense; it's a freedom scene.
The law is specific, the law is precise.
Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.
For praying in a public hall
Might offend someone with no faith at all.
In silence alone we must meditate,
God's name is prohibited by the state.
We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,
And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks.
They've outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.
To quote the Good Book makes me liable.
We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,
And the 'unwed daddy,' our Senior King.
It's 'inappropriate' to teach right from wrong,
We're taught that such 'judgments' do not belong.
We can get our condoms and birth controls,
Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles.
But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,
No word of God must reach this crowd.
It's scary here I must confess,
When chaos reigns the school's a mess.
So, Lord, this silent plea I make:
Should I be shot; My soul please take!
Amen

My Top 12 Books for (Homeschooling) Moms

These are powerful life changing books - Updated and Revised

1! The Bible, (in many translations)
2. Homeschooling for Eternity, Skeet Savage
3. Mama's Torah, Wootan
4. The Ministry of Motherhood, Clarkson
5. The Mission of Motherhood, Clarkson
6. Educating the Whole Hearted Child, Clarkson
7. Celebrating our Messiah in the Festivals, Mortimer
8. Heart of Wisdom, Sampson
9. Home Grown Kids, Raymond and Dorothy Moore
10. Home Spun Schools, Raymond and Dorothy Moore
11. For the Family's Sake, Macauley
12. The Way Home, Mary Pride

Expelled, No Intelligence Allowed

The new film that is out in theaters now, with Ben Stein called EXPELLED, NO ITELLIGANCE ALLOWED is a must see!!

It is a documentary with some slightly humorous relief in the way of B&W film footage woven through the interviews and other video footage. This film is about the big business of Science, Education, Freedom and Fascism.

I don't want to give it away but it you are interested or concerned about any of the following topics you will get something from this movie!

Freedom
Education
Science
Truth
The Jewish People
The American People
America
Taking a Stand /Being Informed
Facsism
Human Rights
Religious Rights
Your Children's Education
(or even if you went to school/College!)

I encourage every teacher, student and parent to view this film! There is so much more to learn on these topics, but this film is a great start to inform the general public who wouldn't have otherwise known. This is one we will have in our library, when released on DVD.

As always your comments are welcomed and encouraged.

Piano For Life

We have stopped our piano lessons after 4 years. For those of you who know us, you know this was a very big (and hard step) for us to take. We studies Suzuki Method with an amazing teacher whom we love (and become personal friends with), but we felt the Lord bringing us to a cross road. It was a hard decision to make, but like always, when we you obey the Holy Spirit, the provision is Sovereign.

This is a season of education and preparation in our family. As much as we loved our lessons and teacher, and as much as we learned from them; The Lord was bringing to my attention many things to come, and I began to see that our lessons were going to come to an end. It was a blessed season that served its purpose well, ( I couldn;t have arrived at this place without them), but I realized it would be "missing the turn" God had fro us, if we continued. I don't have all the answers, but it seems that we are to be spending this time more closely together and developing different areas of our understanding of music to better prepare my children to become independent musicians and "hold on to" the things they have learned and better discover how to apply them in our lives outside of the scheduled curriculum that was required by the program we were in. The Lord impressed upon my spirit that NOW was the time to do that. I could try to rationalize and "figure out why" saying, "Oh, it must be because my hands will be full with three babies soon", or YHVH is drawing my and my chioldren more near to each other (which may very well be the case)! However, what I am learning is that, I don't need to know "why". I simply need to trust and obey that still small voice which I have come to know and love with a passion. He never fails me, there is nothing more precious than walking in The Spirit. I would much rather walk with the Spirit with a blind folded, gagged with my arms tied behind my back then to have everything laid before me in a clear cut "proven plan" of someone else design. I have learned there is no such thing (as the perfect plan) and the Holy Spiritone far exceeds all attempts to control things - when it comes to Shalom in the home!!

I researched "alternatives" to our new path of study. I didn't want to "quit" without a plan. The kids play far better than me, and my teacher advised against the move. Logically, I can't blame her. On paper, it looks like a move destined to fail. How can I teach my kids piano, when they know more than I do??

Then the blessed Holy Spirit whispered in my ear "Trust Me": so I will! We will take it one day at a time and have given it "a semester" and will honestly assess things in September. The last thing I want to do is "loose" the kids ability to play piano. Rather I want to enrich it, give them more independance and freedom in it, and equip them to BE musicians who not only use their music to minister to others, but to Worship YHVH and to teach others (like upcoming syblings to start). :-)

In the mean time, I am using music flash cards and games for reading. Hymn books for to increase our repertoire and strengthen our reading. Intermingling stories Classical Composers and Hymn Writers for History now and then. WE continue to reviewing Suzuki pieces to keep that difficult fingering moving, and for our "professional" we are using Mark Almond's Piano for Life series of lessons. He is fabulous! It has opened a whole new and exciting world of music to us. I believe we will come into a place of "owning it" like never before. His instruction is clear and methodical. If we need to repeat it, we simple replay it. We never had that luxury with weekly lessons, we had to wait until we saw our teacher the following week when we got stuck or try to call/email - which sounded great, but really was not very helpful. (There were many times, I wish I would have recorded our lessons with our Suzuki teacher.) :-) With the Holy Spirit as our "motivator", and in home courses we "click with", it is very encouraging and exciting to think that we may be able to make this transition, not only smoothly - but with great success. (I have the best job in the WORLD!)

Anyway, that is where we are and what we are doing. I will keep you posted from time to time. Maybe we will be the "Partridge Family" of the 21st century after all. HA HA!!

p.s. I got another course, from someone else - but it was "night and day" compared to Piano for Life. It was not clear communication, hard to see the keys, and very discouraging. So not all home courses are created equal in my opinion!

http://www.pianoforlife.com/