Thursday, September 30, 2010

The Blog Guidebook


Have you heard about the Blog Guidebook?  It's a wonderful place to find the type of blogs you enjoy.  I love how they break down categories. ( My favorites are decorating and sewing.) There is also an area called "blogging for newbies"  I'm loving that because I'm a newbie!

They have a button up top for "link parties" and "giveaways".  You'll find a whole new world, once you get started with link parties.  Believe me, there is a party for every day of the week.  It's also a great way to win prizes!  Recently I won a beautiful lavender sachet pillow that was hand embroidered, AND two lovely fragrant bunches of lavender tied in pink ribbons.  All of this, just for making a comment on a blog.

You may also list your blog on the Guidebook.  It's a great way bring new people to your blog...and to meet new friends.  


The Blog Guidebook is a great resource for how-to information.  Stop by and check it out. at www.blogguidebook.com  or just click on the button above.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Reflections on the High Holy Days (Part 1 of 3)

The blowing of the shofar marks the beginning of  Rosh Hashanah as well as the beginning of the new year  in Judaism.  So, my dear friends, "L'shanah Tova" which is the traditional greeting we use to wish each other a blessed and happy new year. The holiday began at sundown on September 8.    Yes, I know I'm late, but better late than never, right?  Happy 5771 (on the Jewish calendar)!!

The Holy Scriptures tell us to observe this holiday.   In Leviticus 23:24 it is known as Zikhron Teruah  or "Memorial of Blowing (of trumpets).  In Numbers 29:1, it is called Yom Teruah "The Day of Blowing (of trumpets)". The Jewish holidays (or High Holy Days) began with Rosh Hashanah, which literally means "Head of the Year".

Our service includes the blowing of the shofar 100 times!  I'd said in a recent post that my husband, Rabbi Jem, would be doing it, but as it turns out, one of our members, David Jackson, took his place.  Rabbi was coming down with a cold (as was I), so this was a great blessing to have someone who could stand in for him.

The holiday reminds us to think about the year behind us and the year ahead, and begins the ten days of awe.  During this period, we are to search our hearts for any sins we've allowed to creep in, and to examine our relationships to see if there is anyone to whom we owe apologies or amends.  Those who are medically able also fast during the ten days of awe, as fasting clears the mind, and enables one to hear G-d's voice more clearly.



This year, on Rosh Hashanah, we also dedicated our new Torah mantle and ark curtain.  Since the High Holy Days are a time of holiness, we use white as a visual reminder of its' importance.  I'll talk more about that in my next post , which will be about Yom Kippur.
As Messianic Jews, we believe our Messiah has come, and his name is Yeshua in Hebrew (Jesus Christ).  In studying about this holiday, I think it is interesting to note that it was not until 1500 years after G-d instituted the holiday that it was called Rosh Hashanah.  When the Jewish Temple was destroyed in A.D. 70, Jewish practice changed radically.  Yeshua changed things drastically because He was and is the fulfillment of the Feast.  I can testify that when he comes into a life, it's a whole new world.  More about that change, both in Judaism and in my life,  in my next post.


I'm linking up to Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers and Spiritual Sunday

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Feast of Tabernacles

Our grandson, Jonathan, playing the drum during worship service! 
So much has happened since my last post:
  •     Yom Kippur - with some wonderful insights I will be sharing soon.  Also will post pics from our service.
  •     Our trip to Washington DC
  •     Our bout with the flu  :(
  •     Sukkot - Feast of Tabernacles preparations
I am working diligently to prepare for our BIG celebration of Sukkot this weekend.  I love this holiday and can't wait to show you how we celebrate.

I'll be back on Monday!

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

L'shanah Tovah

At sundown today, Rosh Hashanah begins - and with it, the beginning of the High Holy Days.  

As believers, we are commanded in Numbers 29:1  

"And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a holy convocation.  You shall do no customary work.  For you it is a day of blowing of the trumpets."  (See also Leviticus 23:23-25).


The next ten days will be days of quiet reflection for me as I search my heart for hidden sins that may have crept in.  I look forward to setting aside my normal activities to focus on listening to G-d's voice.  This is a beautiful time of drawing close to the Father, feeling His presence, and hearing His sweet and loving voice.

During the Rosh Hashanah service tonight, my husband Rabbi Jem will blow the shofar.  I am always amazed that he can do this because he has a greatly diminished lung capacity due to asthma.  It is  a testimony of his love and dedication for Adonai.  He is  a remarkable man empowered by our awesome G-d.  
After Yom Kippur, September 17, I will return to the blog-world.  Until then, Shalom and Blessings to you all. 

Thursday, September 2, 2010

I love white

In my home, I decorate with items that are special to me.  Each one has a story.  This vignette sits on a table in my foyer, surrounded by framed photographs of my family. 

The angel was a gift from a friend and reminds me that G-d's angels are always near me, protecting me and my loved ones. The crystal brooch belonged to my mother and reminds me to honor her.

The little girl praying is actually a night light that I disassembled.  Isn't she precious?  She reminds me to pray for my loved ones.

The framed scripture is from Isaiah 40:1-2 and reminds me to pray to be of comfort to all I meet.  It especially reminds me to love the Jewish people and to tell them about Yeshua the Messiah.
Here's the scripture:


 Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your G-d.
 Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the L-RD's hand double for all her sins.

I'm linking up to White Wednesdays at Faded Charm:  
http://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com/2010/08/white-wednesday-63.html
and Spiritual Sundays at:   http://www.bloggerspirit.blogger.com/
and Simply Beautiful at http://www.aglimpseofbeautiful.com/