Shabbat Blessings

I was watching a reality show the other night (first mistake I know) but noticed a common theme through a couple different episodes.  That was, everyone in the show from kids to parents seemed to crave the idea of slowing down and have a meal together.  You know, a ‘family meal’, where Dad’s, Mom’s and Children talk of their day, what happened, things they’ve seen and things they’ve done.  The real purpose behind this though is the fact that family, children and adults, get to ‘connect’.  There is a purpose behind sharing a meal with someone, beyond the natural point of filling our belly.

This leads me to my ultimate point in writing this post.  Our Father has sanctified and set apart a blessed day, the 7^th day, Shabbat, for us to partake in a meal with our family and Father.  HE has given us a chance to connect with those around us in our family and friends, to slow down and put the worries of the week behind us and to be present in HIS midst.  There seems to be something not only physical about sharing a meal and the breaking of bread with people, a covenant in and of itself, but something spiritual.  Something that transcends our worldly knowledge, but connects us and draws us closer to one another and YHWH. 

In this same way, this is a set apart time for us to listen to HIM, for our Father to listen to us and for us to pray out in our Father’s name and feel refreshed.  All of us want to be heard as individuals, and Father has given us a whole day to do exactly that; not only be heard, but to listen, to learn, and to grow.

I pray that as more believers come into the knowledge of Torah, they open their eyes, open their ears, but more importantly open their hearts to the wondrous beauty our Father gave us in keeping his Torah.

Psalm 119 1-2:

 

ALEPH. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.

Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.

Hanoch Young Visits Virginia

We hosted a Mr. Hanoch Young the monday before Thanksgiving back in November of 2014. It was such an honor.  We had such a great time and we truly feel blessed to have met him and visit with him for the short period of time we had.

He spoke based on the scripture "In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel..."   Jeremiah 3:18

      

"Are you one of those people who are inspired by the Prophets? Do you feel drawn to Israel? Feel a sense of kinship with the Jewish people? Did you ever feel that maybe YOU are supposed to be one of the 'Watchmen on the Walls?" Have you ever wondered, WHY? Come hear Hanoch Young, direct from Israel who will be teaching about the Restoration of ALL of Israel - the promised reunification of Judah and Ephraim!

He is an Orthodox Jew and a former New Yorker, has been intensively studying and teaching about the return of ALL the tribes of Israel for twenty years. Having made Aliyah (immigrated to Israel) in 2009, all of his energy has been focused on outreach to those who have been led to feel that they, too are part of Israel. Having become a licensed Israeli Tour Guide to be better prepared to help returning Ephraim and all Bible Believers become reacquainted with Israel, Hanoch has been building bridges with Ephraimtes and Christians throughout the world.

He travels periodically to the United States, he has been bringing a message of activism, mutual respect and inclusion, all based upon the teachings of the prophets on the reunification of ALL of Israel - the single most dominant theme in all the prophetic teachings. Hanoch's exciting, dynamic style, combined with his background and education in addition to his caring and warmth make him a unique messenger from Israel. Coming from Modi'in - the ancient home of the Maccabees, Hanoch is bringing his call for a Revolution for the Restoration to our town."

It was really interesting we had some people who didn't want to come because he is Jewish and feel he would be pushing the whole "judaism" on us.  But they missed out!  Because he recognizes us as Ephraim and meets us where we are.  

If you get the chance to host Mr. Young we highly recommend it.  Please take a look at his website Kolyehuda. 

~Blessings!!!

Israel Inspired-Can Christians Observe Torah?

Take a listen to the broadcast - starting at 12:45 - let me know what you think.

One thing that stands out to me is how these radio hosts understand that there's a difference between Christians observing Torah and essentially practicing first century Christianity, and Christians practicing Judaism and pretending to be Jews. And they're not offended by the former.

Sound Cloud Voice of Israel Israel Inspired- Can Christians Observe Torah?

~Blessings

New Moon Not Sighted 11/23/14

The New Moon was not sighted due to being concealed by clouds.  Here is a link to Nehemiah Gordon's post explaining the 9th new moon begins Monday night November 24, 21014.  

Photo by Rebekah Bibb

Blessings!!!

Maturing - It's Not So Bad After All

I think I have finally come to the conculsioin that maturing in my forties isn't so bad.  Here's just a few of the plus(s) as I contemplate my life on this Shabbat:

- I enjoy taking naps on Shabbat
- I realize I am not as concerned about what other people may think
- I enjoy the small things in life; like watching birds play in the backyard, squirrels eating off a corn cob, and beautiful flowers starting to bloom
- I like taking deep breaths and 'taking it all in' and am not as concerned about everything in life like I used to be
- I look at the gray hairs in my beard or on the side of my head and say to myself, 'man that looks good, looks like 'wisdom' is finally coming in'
- I enjoy the family time more then ever before, like sitting around a fire pit eating smores with a chill in the air and warmth by fire all at the same time
- I am thankful and feel immensely blessed where I am in my life and career, and while I want to go further and do more, I realize that the 24x7 chaos of trying to get there isn't all that's cracked up to be
- And yes, I tear up once in a while as I watch my teenagers, reminiscing about when they were just babies and holding them or playing games or reading books
- And most of all..........I realize my teenagers will be adults one day, have their own kids and life, and may go through similar situations me and Mrs P. went through, then I sit back, get a big smile on my face and say 'baaaahahahahahahahahahah'.

Yes folks, being in your early forties isn't so bad after all.  Remember, work hard, play hard, and most of all give the glory to our Father YEHOVAH in all things.

Shalom!!!

The Joy of Believing

Since I haven't blogged about anything in quite some time, I thought why not on this beautiful Shabbat day.

I read a posting this morning that Hebrew Roots and Messianic believers can many times take the joy out of being a believer.  I can somewhat relate to that because it seems many posts on various media outlets only pertain to negativity and division between YEHOVAH's two groups of believers.  Instead of relishing in the fact that we have many people, all on the same road trying to serve and learn about the Father of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, we instead criticize and belittle........every.......little........thing someone does or does not do.

It seems many believers become so arrogant in what they've learned, that everyone else has to conform to their standard or else we just don't measure up.  Instead of growing together, someone ends up creating their own doctrine (probably unintentional but it happens) others need to conform too.  No wonder there are so some many 'doctrines' in the first place.

So today my friends, whoever and wherever you are, I would ask you to let the joy of believing fill your heart, find peace in yourself and your HIS belief system, learn to work next to and discuss issues of doctrines as adults (please as adults not as kindergarteners) with open hearts and minds so we can all grow and learn.  Remember, our Father says 'iron sharpens iron', not 'this iron is sharper then yours so if you don't conform to these 11 minute principles I will cut you down'.

YEHOVAH's words, HIS son and his covenant with us is so beautiful, so engaging and poetic, that don't we owe it to HIM to be kind and loving to our brothers and sisters no matter where they are in their walk.  I believe we do.  Find the joy again in Father, let HIM reign down Glory and Mercy in your life, relish in what YESHUA did on the cross and be the light we are called to be; not by saying it, but by living a friendly, joy filled life helping each brother and sister along.

Shabbat Shalom

Photos of Israel~ Beautiful

To see all fifteen photos click here.

Blessings!!!