Community, Shopping and Serving

I would like to introduce you to the Jamison Family.  

They are new but dear friends.  We met through a devine appointment from Yah (which are always the best becasue they are for His purposes ---which are always the best!  Right?!).  The Jamisons are using thier creativity to raise money so that they may serve the farmers in Israel this fall.  This faithful family wants to bless God's people and His land.  They all could not go, so they are hoping to send 3 representives from their family to volunteer in the vinyards with HaYovel.  Plane tickets, humble meals and lodging for 3 still adds up, so we are hoping others would be willing to help.   Would you consider shopping in their (VERY CUTE) Esty Store to help them raise the funds they need?

A Bushel of Laughter  is a store with precious and practical homemade items for yourself or to give as gifts.  They will custom make things for you - so keep that in mind as you browse!

Aren't these adorable?!!

     

Sweet and simple cards.

I have this set.  It is great to take with you for "quiet play".

You can't tell it by the photo, but these little pot scubbers are made from sratchy material that they crochet together.  They are tough on stuck on food - we really like them.  You can rinse them clean in your wash water or even through them in the laundry.  

This is my favorite way to make coffee!  You just rinse it clean and let it air dry.  These work as great all purpose strainer for all kinds of kitchen tasks (like dripping whey out of homemade cheese or straining herbs out of my tinctures, vinegars or oils) - so you might want to get more than one!  :-) 

Sweet Hair Clips

Go check them out to see what else they have.  While you browse, think of way you can bless them, the farmers in Israel and whoever uses these items!

Cozy Cloth is another etsy store that they dedicated to women's personal care items.  I can vouch for the comfort, practicality, and quallity these products, as I have used them.  I have made my own and bought several brands over the years and Cozy Cloth is my favorite to date!

          

They know that you don't run the stitching through both sides (which encourages leeking).They also know that the shape of the pad make a differnce in the coverage.  They have different sizes and obsorbancy levels to offer.  They are gracious and kind in answering questions as well.

They have also added this really neat feature:  The pads can be folded into a descrete little pack like the store bought ones!  You just fold it over and snap.  You can't even tell what it is!  It is a very discrete way to carry and store the little guys, be it in your purse or drawer.

This next item is what I like to call "the Missing Link" - They call them Wet Bags.  These bags make it so much more discrete and managable to use your cloth away from home! They have thought of every detail.  There are two bags that snap together (very easily) on the four corners.  This creates two seperate compartments that travel as one, which are ideally for a used and unused pads.  They have color coded the zipper at the top (BRILLIANT!) - so you can easily see and rememebr which is which. To wash, you simply turn inside out and toss in the machine or hand wash. The outside is cotton and this inside is waterproof fabric, so the bag is secure from leaks inside your purse.  The fold and snap design of their pads make it easy to tuck your day's supply in the bag without taking up too much space in your purse.  I just LOVE LOVE these bags!

       

Once you make your initial investment in your set, you are done. No monthly purchasing of disposable products like before.  They are far more healthy to use than the chemical laden products availabe on the market. They are very comfortable and you will never be caught without supplies.  If you use cold water and just hand rinse thoroughly at the time of changing - then throw the in them in wash at the end of each day, they stay fresh and stain free. In some homes where their are more than one lady in the house, they will color code thier supplies to keep them seperate.  While other families will just use them out of a common supply drawer but have their own wet bags.  I feel good knowing my daughters have not and will not have to use chemical filled pads---ever!

Life on the Farm, Bud Jamison

OK, I can't end this post without directing you to meet - The Papa.  He is a very talented artist whose paintings are just beautiful!  You can see Bud's Esty store here.  (He is an amazing husband, father and a treasured friend as well!)

                                                     Working on the Farm, Bud Jamison

Living Generously (Selflessly)

Yah uses the smallest things to teach us how to "die to self" and live for HIM. The rewards are great; This is where Shalom LIVES. When we let go of our own desires, expectations, opinions, comforts, and preferences, we rest in HIM in all circumstances and in all situations. We experience contentment and live with no regrets. We become equipped to serve and be a light to those around us. We love and forgive freely - with out demands, strings, conditions or exceptions. Our hearts are light and our endurance is strong. This is how I want to live for Him - giving of myself fully, shamelessly and without reserve. I need to be 'always at the ready', willing and able to respond as He leads. I need to see things through His eyes and speak when spoken through. I need to listen more than I talk. I need to encourage more that I correct. I need a servant's heart that is fully surrendered and accepting that my life is not my own - but it is HIS - to do with as HE pleases. I will be, a willing bride - clothed in white and spotless - even when He puts me "on the front lines" of battle and training. To YHVH be the glory forever and ever

!
 Shabbat Shalom,

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+

For Zion's Sake Cookbook

The books are due to arrive in about a week and we are taking pre-orders now. They will only be available while supplies last. This cookbook is sure to be one of my favorite cookbooks! (And I have a A LOT of cookbooks!) I have had the luxury of using it already and everything I have tried has been delicious! For Zion's Sake Cookbook has almost 1000 family approved and submitted recipes, as well as words of encouragement from Nancy Campbell (Above Rubies), homesteading tips and recipes, Scripture, healthy and whole food recipes in every category you could think of. There are also unique recipes that you don't see in just any cookbook, like gluten- free recipes, lacto fermented, sourdough, crock pot, make-ahead meals, hot cereals, vegetarian, international dishes, one pot meals, whole grain breads, unleavened recipes, the list goes on and on! This cookbook was put together by ladies from all over the country who love the Scriptures and have a heart for Israel. All the proceeds go to HaYovel who serve the farmers in Israel. Here are a few comments by some folks who are excited about the cookbooks release (many of which who have had a chance to get a sneak peak of its contents).

"Am I ever excited about this cookbook and thankful for so many good friends who participated!!" Lisa Brown

"Using this cookbook will reconnect me with precious friends and pleasant memories." KC

"I am anxiously waiting to try all the new recipes!" Penny D.

"A piece of Family Week all year round!" (And who wouldn't want that)!! Mrs. Sherry Glass

"I can't decide how many to buy!" Pamela S.

We hope you will get a few copies to share as gifts and please share this information with your friends. Order your books today - it is for a good cause and it's a great book!

For mail in orders, cases, international orders or questions, Email or call Lisa Brown at 1-615-765-7976.

For Paypal Orders now:
You may buy 1 - 5 books, click the buy now button, below:

To make a donation of any amount to cover handling costs or give extra the ministry, click here:

If you are just getting to know who HaYovel is - here is a quick glimpse:



HaYovel Promo from Zac on Vimeo.