Gail-Friends

Friday, May 6, 2016

Sabbath Music - Reach Out to Jesus

For two weeks prior to Passover, I was sick and unable to attend the synagogue for our Erev Shabbat service, so I held a worship service at home. The photo above was taken on our patio and shows the candles, siddur (prayer book), wine and bread. This night, I was really sad, and lonely because I really missed being with our mishpacha (family) and having the fresh-baked challah provided by one of our members.

At sundown, I lit the candles and began to say the prayers out loud. An amazing thing happened at that moment, when a beautiful red cardinal flew into the yard and perched on a nearby tree. First, I should explain that in our service, we have responsive readings. The rabbi or cantor reads, and then the congregation responds. Well, on this Sabbath night, I began the first reading, and when I finished, the cardinal sang. All the way through the readings, he responded with a song at the end of each and every prayer. Then, when the prayers were finished, he flew away.

I tell you, Gail-Friends, it was a holy time. I know Hashem sent that little bird to join me in worship and to encourage me in my time alone at home. What a blessing. What a JOY. G-d is so very good to me. This is just one of the many times He has sent birds to minister to me, and I truly was blessed on that Sabbath evening. In my illness and sadness, and in my worship alone, Hashem took my hand and comforted me with His sweet presence.

This song was very special to me during my time of sickness: Reach Out to Jesus, sung by Elvis. The words brought me great comfort and I hope they bless you, too. (If the embed doesn't work, you can click on this LINK to enjoy the song.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiStcVpkCok

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Thursday, May 5, 2016

National Day of Prayer 2016

Today is the National Day of Prayer, and this is my prayer from my heart:

"Father, I praise You for the great blessing of being born in America. I was born in the 1950's and thank you for the peace our country has known ever since I've been in this world. I praise you that our country was founded on the principles of Your Holy Word. I remember how I used to hear the Bible every morning in school and how we prayed at the beginning of each school day. Forgive me for not standing up for You when the Bible and prayer were removed from our schools. Forgive me for not being involved in the selection of G-dly men and women for public offices on the local, state and national level. Forgive me for thinking that our country would always be a nation under Your holy laws. My indifference and neglect of my duties as a citizen have led to the downfall of our country. Forgive me for not praying every day for my country. Forgive me for disobeying Your Word by thinking it's really not important to obey everything You say. Forgive me for listening to preachers and teachers who told me to disobey your commandments, especially the commandment about Your Sabbath. You said, "above all my Sabbaths you shall keep." I'm so sorry for the part I've played in the demise of my country. I'm sorry for being afraid to speak up for You because of the threats of people and the government about politically correct words. Forgive me for not diligently teaching Your Truth to others. Help me to be fearless in telling people Your truth because it sets us free and gives us peace and comfort. I thank You that Jesus paid for these sins, and I praise You for His blood that paid the price. Father, I resolve to obey You in all things and to diligently study Your Word so I can know what "wicked ways" means because you said, "If my people who are called by My Name will humble themselves and pray, and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and heal their land." I will do this, and Father, I pray for You to have mercy on America. I know it can only come through repentance and a return to obedience to Your Word. Your Word and Your Ways are LIFE, and I pray for every one who reads this to repent, and turn to You, accept that You are the one, true G-d and our only hope is in You." Amen

I invite you to add your own prayer in the comments.

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Mishpacha at Passover

At the seder, we remember.

As promised, here are some photos from our Passover seder last week. To learn more about Passover and the meaning of the seder, click on this LINK.

The photo above is of LaVonne and her husband, David. LaVonne is an amazing artist, and very gifted in needlecraft arts. She designed and hand embroidered this Torah ark cover for the synagogue and presented it to us at the seder. The cover is embellished with tiny pearls, and is truly an awe-inspiring work of art.

We had a full house, with every chair filled.

Spending time with family (mishpacha) is priceless, right?

We began the evening with my lighting the candles

and reciting the prayer in Hebrew and English.

Kagen read the four questions, and was quite the entertainer.

His antics kept everybody laughing.

The affikomen was hidden, and Taylor found it. Then she had to haggle with Rabbi to redeem it. She's smiling because she got $15.00. What negotiating skills!

As part of the seder, we always set a place for Elijah,

and the children look out the door to see if he's coming.

For Elijah

The children didn't see him that night. Each year, we pray Elijah comes soon, and that Hashem will speed the return of our Messiah, Yeshua.

We remembered, worshipped, prayed, sang, laughed and, of course, we ate. We had tons of food. After all, Passover is a commanded feast. And we had four different kugels for dessert -- cinnamon, raisin, peach, and strawberry-chocolate chip! I think this will be a new tradition at our synagogue because they were such a hit. A big thank you was given to the ladies who cooked them, and for all who helped set up, brought food, and helped clean up after the seder. That's what mishpacha does.

After the seder, we danced.

Rabbi Jem loves to dance and I do, too.


Rabbi dancing with Abigail.

Abigail is four years old, and she is a hoot. She talks constantly and says the funniest things. I asked her mother if she's keeping a record of her hilarious observations. She said, "No, because I'd be writing all day long!" That's true! I love, love, love being around children. They just make life so wonder-FULL!!!! Every one of the children in our congregation is a joy to be with. Most are home-schooled, and extremely smart, too.

I hope you had a wonderful Passover with your mishpacha,

and I'd love to hear about your Passover celebration.

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