Friday, May 29, 2015

Sabbath Music - Shalom Alechem






Ahhh, the Sabbath is coming.  Sweet time of rest and worship.  I hope you enjoy this song, which is a traditional part of our weekly liturgy.

I pray Hashem's blessings and peace for you, dear Gail-Friends.

(The art work in the video is by Alex Levin , and is so beautiful it makes me weep, yearning to see those beautiful scenes in person once again.)

*****************************

I'm sharing this post with some of my friends at :



Jennifer Dukes Lee Tell His Story


Hope in Every Season Homemaking Party


Charlotte at Spiritual Sundays

My Fresh Brewed Life with Barbie – Weekend Brew



Thursday, May 28, 2015

Thankful Thursday - Happy Things


We had a joyful Shavuot (First Fruits) celebration last weekend, and I thought I'd share with my Gail-Friends a photo of the happy first-fruits of our vegetable garden.  The tomatoes and the peppers are so sweet and delicious and so much better than store-bought.  We are thankful to have the beginning of a harvest, and  pray for many more. 

Here are some photos of other things that made me happy over the past month or so:

My Peace Lilly has abundant blooms and seems to be very happy in the new front-yard location.


My new plants - Gazanias.  They love the full sun and the flowers are brilliant varied colors of pink, white, yellow, orange, and purple.  

These pink flowers, and the painted bird my sweet husband found at a yard sale, make me happy every time I open my front door.  I'm so thankful for a gardener husband who grows all of these beauties.  (I am banished from touching the plants, as my touch is the kiss of death.)


I'm thankful for my patient husband, who stopped and turned the car around so that I could take photos of this happy garden in Jacksonville.  I would love to meet the gardener, who is surely a kindred spirit.  



A happy time was enjoyed by all when we joined area home-schoolers on a trip to the Kennedy Space Center:


My grandson









What are you thankful for this week?

***********************

I'm sharing this post with some of my friends at :


Jennifer Dukes Lee Tell His Story


Lyli at Thought Provoking Thursdays at 3D Lessons 4Life

Hope in Every Season Homemaking Party

Laura on Faith Filled Friday at Missional Women

Fellowship Fridays at Christian Mommy Blogger

Charlotte at Spiritual Sundays

My Fresh Brewed Life with Barbie – Weekend Brew






Sunday, May 24, 2015

Pray for our Supreme Court

                         

Franklin Graham has requested that American pray for the Supreme Court members who are hearing arguments related to same-sex marriage.

Last month, I wrote about this issue HERE, and so  I join him in praying and encourage the readers of Gail-Friends to pray and to pass on this information.  The SCOTUS decision is expected to be handed down in early June. 

The following quotes are from Franklin Graham on his Facebook page.  

"An alarm was sounded in this USA TODAY opinion piece yesterday—You need to read about it in the link below. If same-sex marriage becomes the law of the land it could have a drastic impact on Christian universities, organizations, and churches. Those who operate by Christian principles could be severely impacted and even shut down. God hears our prayers, and we need to pray that He will work mightily in the hearts and minds of our Supreme Court justices right now as they consider this monumental issue. There are nine U.S. Supreme Court justices, and I would like to pray specifically for one each day. Today would you join me in praying for Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. who leads the court? A Harvard graduate, he was nominated as Chief Justice by President George W. Bush and has served the court for ten years this September."

"Pray for Justice Clarence Thomas who has served on the court for over 23 years. I assure you this affects each and every one of us. There will be a storm of persecution against all people who follow God and His standards if this passes.   Justice Clarence Thomas was appointed to the Supreme Court by President George H.W. Bush in 1991, and has been a wise jurist and consistent defender of the Constitution. In the past, he has voted to uphold the biblical definition of marriage and has indicated that he does not believe there is a Constitutional right to same-sex marriage. Let's pray especially for him today--that he will continue to stand as a voice of truth and wisdom in the face of vehement opposition from gay rights advocates."

"Pray for Justice Antonin Scalia, who was appointed to the court 29 years ago by President Reagan. Pray the Lord will speak to his heart regarding the profound impact this decision will have on Bible-believing Christians in this country."

"Pray for Justice Anthony Kennedy served on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals before being nominated by President Reagan to the Supreme Court in 1988. Some say that Justice Kennedy may likely be the swing vote in the ruling on same-sex marriage being considered now. In the oral arguments phase a few weeks ago, he seemed to understand the vast implications if the court were to "throw away a millennia of marriage..." Pray for him especially, that he will realize the folly in doing just that."

"Pray for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who has served on the Court for over two decades. Those who support same-sex marriage consider her an ally in their fight to toss God's Holy Word aside. As the Supreme Court continues to deliberate over the constitutionality of same-sex marriage, let's pray that Justice Ginsburg's eyes would be opened to the truth of Scripture and that she would not be deceived by the arguments of those who seek to impose their "new morality" on our nation."

"Pray for Justice Samuel Alito. As advocates of same-sex marriage made their case before the Supreme Court in April, Justice Samuel Alito asked a pointed question: "Suppose we rule in your favor in this case and then after that, a group consisting of 2 men and 2 women apply for a marriage license. Would there be any ground for denying them that license?" Justice Alito seems to understand that ruling in favor of same-sex marriage would have far reaching implications. Today join me in praying that Justice Alito will have wisdom and stand strong for what we know is God's unchanging truth-- Marriage is between 1 man and 1 woman."

"Pray for Justice Elena Kagan.  Last year, she officiated at a same-sex wedding for her former law clerk. In 2013, Kagan—who was appointed in 2010 by President Obama—voted to strike down the federal Defense of Marriage Act which stated that marriage is between one man and one woman. There seems to be no doubt about how she is leaning as the nation awaits the Supreme Court's decision on the constitutionality of same-sex marriage. Today please pray that she will see the danger of deciding to go against God's law and standards."

"Pray for Justice Sonia Sotomayor was born to a family of immigrants and grew up in public housing in the Bronx. She is a great example of someone who reached the American Dream through hard work and determination. Unfortunately, she is also an example of someone who seems to be very misguided on the issue of same-sex marriage. She voted to strike down the federal Defense of Marriage Act in 2014, and homosexual advocates consider her an ally in their fight to make same-sex marriage the law of the land. Let's pray for Justice Sotomayor to have the wisdom to know that as a society we cannot survive if we turn our back on God's standards and His definition of marriage."

Pray for Justice Stephen G. Breyer.  I could not find information about his voting record on Rev. Graham's Facebook page.  I did find that he was appointed by President Bill Clinton, who has well-known liberal and anti-Biblical views.  Please pray that Justice Breyer will maintain common sense and the wise standard of Biblical marriage for our country. 

This quote from Rev. Graham says it all:

"I commend Barronelle Stutzman for living by the Biblical principles of her Christian faith, no matter the cost. She says in the Washington Post, "We've always heard that same-sex marriage would never affect anyone aside from the same-sex couples who wanted to be married. But a judge recently told me that my freedom to live and work according to my beliefs about marriage expired the day same-sex marriage became the law in my state."


I often hear quotes in the media to the effect that the "majority of Americans" agree with same-sex marriage.  It is interesting to note, however, that I've observed states vote on the issue and defeat it.  Appeals courts have then over-ruled the will of the people.  

This issue has immense and far-reaching effects on so many areas of our lives as Americans. For more information about how this issue will affect you, read this POST.  Also, we must pray for the homosexuals to accept G-d's view and to be set free from their bondage. 

We must pray, and add feet to our prayers. Contact your Supreme Court and your state and national representatives and let your voice be heard.  Tell them you stand for G-d's command on marriage - only between 1 man and 1 woman. 


***********


I'm sharing this post with some of my friends at :
Jennifer Dukes Lee Tell His Story
Lyli at Thought Provoking Thursdays at 3D Lessons 4Life
Hope in Every Season Homemaking Party
Laura on Faith Filled Friday at Missional Women
Fellowship Fridays at Christian Mommy Blogger
Charlotte at Spiritual Sundays
My Fresh Brewed Life with Barbie – Weekend Brew

Friday, May 22, 2015

Shabbat / Shavuot Music

I'm praising Adonai that Rabbi Jem and I have returned to complete health, and that this Shabbat, we will also celebrate Shavuot.  We will remember the giving of the Torah on Mt. Sanai, and when the Holy Spirit came in tongues of fire in Jerusalem about 1500 years later.  Afterward, we will enjoy the traditional food of Shavuot - CHEESECAKE!  To learn more about this joy-filled holiday click HERE.

Here are some Shavuot songs (and dancing)  for your enjoyment:  I love Davidic dancing and love being able to worship like this at our synagogue. Blessings to you all, and I hope to return to my regularly scheduled posts next week. 






**************


I'm sharing this post with some of my friends at :
Jennifer Dukes Lee Tell His Story
Lyli at Thought Provoking Thursdays at 3D Lessons 4Life
Hope in Every Season Homemaking Party
Laura on Faith Filled Friday at Missional Women
Fellowship Fridays at Christian Mommy Blogger
Charlotte at Spiritual Sundays
My Fresh Brewed Life with Barbie – Weekend Brew

Friday, May 15, 2015

Sabbath Music - Island of Peace and Rest

The Sabbath is a good time to lie in the grass,  listen to birds sing, and look at clouds and trees.



The Sabbath approaches.  Time to draw near to our Heavenly Father, rest, and worship Him.  I'm looking forward to this evening and time with mishpocha (family) at our synagogue.  We have missed two weeks, due to the death of my mother and then being sick with bronchitis. Praise Hashem, Rabbi Jem and I are both feeling much better now. 

May your Sabbath rest be sweet, and may you find shalom (peace) in His presence.

This is a Sabbath song by Zemer Levav that I love.



**************************



I'm sharing this post with some of my friends at :
Jennifer Dukes Lee Tell His Story
Lyli at Thought Provoking Thursdays at 3D Lessons 4Life
Hope in Every Season Homemaking Party
Laura on Faith Filled Friday at Missional Women
Fellowship Fridays at Christian Mommy Blogger
Charlotte at Spiritual Sundays
My Fresh Brewed Life with Barbie – Weekend Brew





Friday, May 8, 2015

Sabbath Music - To The King

Challah for Shabbat
This will be a Sabbath at home this evening for us.  Rabbi Jem is very ill with bronchitis, and this is the first time he has ever missed a service due to illness.  Please pray for him, and me, because I am coming down with a cold.

My heart is filled with praise as I look back over the last two weeks.  I felt the presence of my Heavenly Father through the last four days of my mother's life, and through the preparations and travel for her funeral.  He answered every prayer.  This song is my praise to him this Sabbath.  My heart is full.




                                                                                                                 
                                                                           *************************************************

I'm sharing this post with some of my friends at :
Jennifer Dukes Lee Tell His Story
Lyli at Thought Provoking Thursdays at 3D Lessons 4Life
Hope in Every Season Homemaking Party
Laura on Faith Filled Friday at Missional Women
Fellowship Fridays at Christian Mommy Blogger
Charlotte at Spiritual Sundays
My Fresh Brewed Life with Barbie – Weekend Brew


Thursday, May 7, 2015

Pray for America




Today is the National Day of Prayer.  My husband shared this quote with us:

"Sad will be the day when the American people forget their traditions and their history, and no longer remember that the country they love, the institutions they cherish, and the freedom they hope to preserve, were born from the throes of armed resistance to tyranny, and nursed in the 
rugged arms of fearless men."
Roger Sherman, signer of the Declaration of Independence.

That sad day has arrived.  Americans have forgotten.  Our leaders have forgotten, or never knew about the Biblical principles that guided our lives for so many hundreds of years.  I remember prayer and Bible reading in public school throughout my twelve years of education.  I also remember the Ten Commandments being in a frame on the wall of every classroom.


Our leaders are on a path to destruction, seemingly blinded by what they see before them.  Our President has lied to us repeatedly about important moral issues in order to get elected, and has begun a social agenda that will destroy the Biblical foundation on which our Constitution was established.

On this day of prayer, many quote the familiar Scripture in 2 Chronicles 7:14

14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

Please read this quote in context, especially the verses before to see what they had done before He spoke, and then read the rest of the chapter, as Hashem tells what He expects them (us) to do:

 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears will pay attention to the prayer made in this place. 16 For now I have chosen and consecrated this house, so that my name can be there forever; my eyes and heart will always be there. 17 As for you, if you will live in my presence, as did David your father, doing everything I have ordered you to do, and keeping my laws and rulings; 18 then I will establish the throne of your rulership, as I covenanted with David your father when I said, ‘You will never lack a man to be ruler in Isra’el.’ 19 But if you turn away and abandon my regulations and mitzvot which I have set before you, and go and serve other gods, worshipping them; 20 then I will pull them up by the roots out of the land I have given them. This house, which I consecrated for my name, I will eject from my sight; and I will make it an example to avoid and an object of scorn among all peoples. 21 This house, now so exalted — everyone passing by will be shocked at the sight of it and will ask, ‘Why has Adonai done this to this land and to this house?’ 22 But the answer will be, ‘It’s because they abandoned Adonai the God of their ancestors, who brought them out of the land of Egypt, and took hold of other gods, worshipping and serving them; this is why [Adonai] brought all these calamities on them.’”


It happened, just as Hashem said.  He destroyed the grand Temple, and pulled the Jewish people from the land.  Why? Because they abandoned His laws.  This same story is played out over and over again in the Scriptures.  His people rejected His laws and turned to pagan gods.  That has happened in our country. 

America  will only be saved by true repentence or "teshuvah" which means returning to Torah (His laws and rulings found in the first five books of the Bible).  

This message has burned on my heart for a long time now.  It's not popular.  Many of those who call themselves believers, and followers of Yeshua, completely reject His laws.  They forget, or never knew, that He is the same G-d who wrote the Ten Commandments and the other laws given in the Torah.  They forget that Yeshua was Jewish and followed those same laws Himself.  They mistakenly believe, as I once did, that the laws don't have to be observed any more.  They forget that Yeshua, Himself, said, "If you love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15)

I repented of the sin of rejecting His laws when I read these words spoken by Yeshua (Matthew 7:21-23)

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘L-rd, L-rd!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, only those who do what my Father in heaven wants. 22 On that Day, many will say to me, ‘L-rd, L-rd! Didn’t we prophesy in your name? Didn’t we expel demons in your name? Didn’t we perform many miracles in your name?’ 23 Then I will tell them to their faces, ‘I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness!" CJB

I pray for anyone who reads this to get on your knees and ask G-d if He would say that to you.  If you sincerely want to know, He will show you.  

On the day I prayed and asked that question, I had been in church all of my life, taught the Bible, witnessed door to door, and many other works in His name, but He said, "I never,  knew you."  I recognized that I had been following my religion, my teachers....but I had not been following HIS ways.  I repented and turned to Him, seeking to learn His Truth. I was led to Messianic Judaism. Obeying Him and following His laws has brought abundant blessings, wisdom and understanding to my life. 

My His Holy Spirit reveal the Truth to you, and to our country, before it's too late.  This is my National Day of Prayer appeal to Hashem.

 *************************************************
I'm sharing this post with some of my friends at :

Jennifer Dukes Lee Tell His Story

Lyli at Thought Provoking Thursdays at 3D Lessons 4Life
Hope in Every Season Homemaking Party

Charlotte at Spiritual Sundays
My Fresh Brewed Life with Barbie – Weekend Brew

Saturday, May 2, 2015

Go Rest High On That Mountain, Mama

She was beautiful at 18

My dear mother passed away on Thursday.  
Please pray for my family in the days ahead.  

And beautiful at 84


It doesn't seem real, and the song "Don't They Know" keeps running through my head.  Skeeter Davis wrote this song 
when her sister passed away and I understand 
the empty feeling she expressed.
  She was with me for 64 years. 
 I have the blessed hope of seeing her again one day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71zCm1ugVXc

I will be back after a while.



Here's a post about What My Mama Taught Me


This is the song she wanted played for her funeral, and we did.