This is a subject in which I am not claiming any expertise, whatsoever. Scripture says we are to be modest, with very little detail as what that actually entails. I'll describe my own appearance, but I'm also going to give the reasons for my choice. I want to align my appearance with Scripture, but in true Scriptural obedience, I would be remiss to insist anyone else dress as I do. Before I continue, much of what defines a woman's modesty is the way she carries herself and conducts her behavior.
I wear a skirt and top, with an overblouse. I don't do that because I believe slacks are unacceptable, I do it because I have a complex about my own appearance of femininity. I can't help but wonder if many of the so-called definitions of modesty are really based more upon a hang-up than a sense of propriety. The women of Orthodox Judaism as well as some Christian denominations insist that long sleeves are to be worn. As we women get older, life shifts. I'll be honest here, I wear sleeves, because my upper arms are stereotypically now "grandma arms." I don't believe young women or even older women are being immodest if their arms are not covered. Shoulders revealed can have sexual overtones, but that is not always the case. Summer sundresses come to mind, not as immodest or seductive, but simply carefree.
In mentioning skirts, of course, length does determine modesty, and so does style. A very form fitting skirt can be immodest. As I write this, I feel like I'm offering all sorts of potential issues, and that is not the intent. I haven't even addressed form fitting blouses and head coverings . . . We certainly do not need to take tips on modesty from Islam. There is nothing wrong with a woman of YHWH looking attractive. We know Naomi sent Ruth to Boaz looking and smelling nicely. Esther was actually in a beauty regimen for several months. Sarah was beautiful, even in her golden years. Abba created women to have a beauty about them, and there's no shame in that.
Some women feel more comfortable with their head and hair covered, and that's fine, but it's not Torah. Paul said a woman should have her head covered to pray or prophesy in public. I, personally, cover my head, but leave my hair hanging long, when in public . . . to be ready to pray or give a word. It's not Torah, so it's not etched in stone! When it comes to modest tops, since women are not all built the same, there is no single answer. I don't believe we are called to diminish our form, but by the same token we should certainly not be putting ourselves on display.
When Messiah said to "be ready," I believe that also includes our appearance. An easy way for a woman to determine what it is to dress modestly, is to assess whether her attire is functional to be about the Father's business.
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Sunday, January 18, 2015
"It Is What It Is"
This particular phrase was included in some article listing ten lazy phrases or words. I don't think it's a lazy phrase at all. It's become one of my personal favorites. I do think it has the potential to equate with apathy or even stagnation, but it doesn't mean that for me. In this age of self-interpretation and redefinition, please indulge me as I share what "it is what it is" means to me.
When I use the phrase "it is what it is," I'll be honest; there is a dismissiveness to my tone, but it's because I can stop prioritizing the subject. I also have a new text initials which I associate with this phrase: SSER, which is "shoulder shrug, eye roll. To declare "it is what it is" means I no longer have to analyze the problem, try harder, or spend any more energy or effort on the focus of the phrase. It's a declaration of freedom! "It is what it is" means I've gone the second mile, I've turned the other cheek, I've shrugged it off, bit my tongue, and I can now let it go! "It is what it is," is also sometimes, just a statement confirming my first impression.
We all have make those acquaintances that have an odd rub, but we don't want to be negatively presumptuous. Then when the rub becomes apparent, the phrase is verbal permission to accept it and acknowledge that we instinctively recognized this, or in the case of being Holy Spirit filled, discerned the situation. I've learned it's not about being unfriendly, it's about maintaining a certain reserve in the relationship. Not everyone is going to like me or want to be my best friend, and even if they do, that doesn't mean I have to give something I don't have. I am called to be kind, humble, and caring. I am called to show compassion. We are to love people as Abba loves us, which also includes the fact we do not have to reinvent ourselves to win the approval of another, or stretch beyond our limits to accommodate demands. YHWH changes not, so we should not allow people to change us. YHWH should be the only one calling for and causing change in His children.
If we're appreciated, most of us will go far, far beyond what is expected. Even if I'm not appreciated, I will be patient for a time, but when expectations become demands, I stop in my tracks. My Heavenly Father, the King of the Universe allows me choices! He doesn't corner us as He leads. He does have a plan and I can certain attest to the fact His plan works better than mine ever did, but sometimes His plan doesn't include what we are striving for or who is striving against us. That's when it's time to accept the situation for what it is and simply tell Abba, "Thy will be done," which sometimes includes the acknowledgement, "it is what it is."
When I use the phrase "it is what it is," I'll be honest; there is a dismissiveness to my tone, but it's because I can stop prioritizing the subject. I also have a new text initials which I associate with this phrase: SSER, which is "shoulder shrug, eye roll. To declare "it is what it is" means I no longer have to analyze the problem, try harder, or spend any more energy or effort on the focus of the phrase. It's a declaration of freedom! "It is what it is" means I've gone the second mile, I've turned the other cheek, I've shrugged it off, bit my tongue, and I can now let it go! "It is what it is," is also sometimes, just a statement confirming my first impression.
We all have make those acquaintances that have an odd rub, but we don't want to be negatively presumptuous. Then when the rub becomes apparent, the phrase is verbal permission to accept it and acknowledge that we instinctively recognized this, or in the case of being Holy Spirit filled, discerned the situation. I've learned it's not about being unfriendly, it's about maintaining a certain reserve in the relationship. Not everyone is going to like me or want to be my best friend, and even if they do, that doesn't mean I have to give something I don't have. I am called to be kind, humble, and caring. I am called to show compassion. We are to love people as Abba loves us, which also includes the fact we do not have to reinvent ourselves to win the approval of another, or stretch beyond our limits to accommodate demands. YHWH changes not, so we should not allow people to change us. YHWH should be the only one calling for and causing change in His children.
If we're appreciated, most of us will go far, far beyond what is expected. Even if I'm not appreciated, I will be patient for a time, but when expectations become demands, I stop in my tracks. My Heavenly Father, the King of the Universe allows me choices! He doesn't corner us as He leads. He does have a plan and I can certain attest to the fact His plan works better than mine ever did, but sometimes His plan doesn't include what we are striving for or who is striving against us. That's when it's time to accept the situation for what it is and simply tell Abba, "Thy will be done," which sometimes includes the acknowledgement, "it is what it is."
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Hearing Our King
The last several weeks, perhaps months have been life changing for me. I've been having the best time of communion with Abba and Messiah in the wee hours of the morning, a.k.a. the middle of the night. This has changed my pattern of sleep as well as the course of my day. I don't know how long He will be meeting me, in the mid-night hours, but I'm certainly blessed by this time of prayer. I'm hearing so much and learning so much about intercession.
Bedtime is now around 9 to 10pm. Never in my adult life, have I gone to bed anywhere near this early. I'm wide awake and heading into prayer when the mantle clock strikes 2. This time with our Heavenly Father and Messiah varies in length and content discussion, but it always covers prayer requests of others and so far it has also involved hearing Them speak. It's become regular, but hardly ordinary. One of the first things I heard when this all began around Sukkot was, "It was time to move beyond the written Word." To be honest, that scared me. I really questioned if I heard properly, and then even worse, if I was hearing our Creator or another spirit. It jarred me that drastically! But it was a "Thus saith Adonai." It's taken some time to come into a fuller understanding of this.
Through the course of these mid-night prayer meetings, I've been given natural formulas, been given various words for those who have asked, and received a few unusual assignments as well. I've also received more than one fore-word of a coming event or situation in which I would find myself. It was through Hanukkah, I was reminded that everything our Creator does and everything Messiah did in just a few short years on earth, has not been recorded. As a matter of fact, John said the world couldn't contain the books it would take!
For years, I've made the statement, "Everything recorded in Scripture took place without the participants being able to turn the page to see how it turned out!" Since Hanukkah, Y'hshuwah has reminded me that faith is stepping out beyond what we can see. We know Moses wasn't as old as Abraham was having children, but we also know what Moses did . . . Elijah didn't bring plagues, but supply increased, at his spoken word and he did raise the dead. Joseph and Daniel interpreted dreams, and Daniel was kept safe in the lion's den. Only one apostle is reported to have survived martyrdom, but their lives were spent proclaiming the Good News, healing the sick, and offering deliverance. They all stepped out in faith, without being able to turn the page and read how it would turn out!
Y'hshuwah said, his followers would do greater things . . . The time is at hand to step out in obedient faith, truly believing.
Bedtime is now around 9 to 10pm. Never in my adult life, have I gone to bed anywhere near this early. I'm wide awake and heading into prayer when the mantle clock strikes 2. This time with our Heavenly Father and Messiah varies in length and content discussion, but it always covers prayer requests of others and so far it has also involved hearing Them speak. It's become regular, but hardly ordinary. One of the first things I heard when this all began around Sukkot was, "It was time to move beyond the written Word." To be honest, that scared me. I really questioned if I heard properly, and then even worse, if I was hearing our Creator or another spirit. It jarred me that drastically! But it was a "Thus saith Adonai." It's taken some time to come into a fuller understanding of this.
Through the course of these mid-night prayer meetings, I've been given natural formulas, been given various words for those who have asked, and received a few unusual assignments as well. I've also received more than one fore-word of a coming event or situation in which I would find myself. It was through Hanukkah, I was reminded that everything our Creator does and everything Messiah did in just a few short years on earth, has not been recorded. As a matter of fact, John said the world couldn't contain the books it would take!
For years, I've made the statement, "Everything recorded in Scripture took place without the participants being able to turn the page to see how it turned out!" Since Hanukkah, Y'hshuwah has reminded me that faith is stepping out beyond what we can see. We know Moses wasn't as old as Abraham was having children, but we also know what Moses did . . . Elijah didn't bring plagues, but supply increased, at his spoken word and he did raise the dead. Joseph and Daniel interpreted dreams, and Daniel was kept safe in the lion's den. Only one apostle is reported to have survived martyrdom, but their lives were spent proclaiming the Good News, healing the sick, and offering deliverance. They all stepped out in faith, without being able to turn the page and read how it would turn out!
Y'hshuwah said, his followers would do greater things . . . The time is at hand to step out in obedient faith, truly believing.
Sunday, January 4, 2015
What to Do?
Many of us in these last days are feeling torn . . . What do we do? How do we hope for unity while not compromising? How do we honor the last generation and protect the future one?
I found myself in what I thought was a very strange dilemma a few years ago. I have experienced similar situations along this narrow path, but I don't recall one that so blatantly hit so many Torah issues at once. The scenario was a stressful crisis, of course. Three of my grandchildren were here, my parents, Mr. B, of course, and myself all participated in this strange event that seemed to just continue to unfold . . .
One of the young kids had gotten out and was in the timber to the east, and was being attacked by another neighbor's dog. Mr. B got on his 4 wheeler with the eldest of the three grandchildren. Daddy and I headed toward the east fence, while mom stayed on the back porch with the other two grandchildren.
I had a special place in the back of the fence that I had made secure, but could be opened in the event of an emergency. Mr. B had taken it upon himself to wire that closed, securely . . . So I was trapped and I do not have the agility to climb a 4 X 4 fence. Mr. B arrived on the other side of the fence with my granddaughter, and directed her to rescue the goat from the attacking dog. As the feeling of being trapped turned into claustrophobia for me, Daddy did scale the fence and stopped the intervention. As I screamed for my granddaughter to get back, she did, Daddy got her to the 4 wheeler and grabbed the young goat to hand it over the fence to me. I carried it back to the house, treated the wounds and got it in a special pen with it's mama, but the trauma was far from over.
My poor granddaughter was truly traumatized and as she helped me with the little goat, we could all see Grandmother and Granddad's wheels turning. Life was about to become tense. Mr. B had already seen the fire in my eyes and was doing his best to lay low and be quiet. Daddy decided the best plan would be to shoot the dog. I had no problem with that, except; the incident had not occurred on my place. It just wouldn't be right to be shooting anything on someone else's property, since the danger had now passed. Although I agreed with his sentiments and even concurred that dog needed to be penned or put down; he wasn't happy with my response. Grandmother on the other hand, had other plans. My mother is one of those people who has an "endangered child story and devil parable" for all occasions. This was no exception!
Here I am, trying to honor my parents, and even though respect is lacking between Mr. B and myself, I do try to appear respectful . . . all; while trying to protect my grandchildren. This was a strange juggling act and I really didn't want to fail in obedience to Abba. It was then, that the test truly began.
My mother began her latest two fold"endangered child / devil parable" while the traumatized granddaughter ran down the hall near tears . . . I went with that child. Later the other two caught us up on the latest " child endangerment story / devil parable;" now referred to as "Another Episode of Grandmother Says." As for Mr. B . . . I began with "If you ever . . ." but quickly changed that to: "You better never send any of MY grandchildren into harm's way . . ." although I would include any child . . . He apparently got the message!
We are called to protect the lambs! That was such a time of discernment and having to choose, honor, respect, and protect. I pray I did it correctly! I'm sure my parents should have been honored that their offspring places child safety above all else, and Mr. B still got dinner that night.
I found myself in what I thought was a very strange dilemma a few years ago. I have experienced similar situations along this narrow path, but I don't recall one that so blatantly hit so many Torah issues at once. The scenario was a stressful crisis, of course. Three of my grandchildren were here, my parents, Mr. B, of course, and myself all participated in this strange event that seemed to just continue to unfold . . .
One of the young kids had gotten out and was in the timber to the east, and was being attacked by another neighbor's dog. Mr. B got on his 4 wheeler with the eldest of the three grandchildren. Daddy and I headed toward the east fence, while mom stayed on the back porch with the other two grandchildren.
I had a special place in the back of the fence that I had made secure, but could be opened in the event of an emergency. Mr. B had taken it upon himself to wire that closed, securely . . . So I was trapped and I do not have the agility to climb a 4 X 4 fence. Mr. B arrived on the other side of the fence with my granddaughter, and directed her to rescue the goat from the attacking dog. As the feeling of being trapped turned into claustrophobia for me, Daddy did scale the fence and stopped the intervention. As I screamed for my granddaughter to get back, she did, Daddy got her to the 4 wheeler and grabbed the young goat to hand it over the fence to me. I carried it back to the house, treated the wounds and got it in a special pen with it's mama, but the trauma was far from over.
My poor granddaughter was truly traumatized and as she helped me with the little goat, we could all see Grandmother and Granddad's wheels turning. Life was about to become tense. Mr. B had already seen the fire in my eyes and was doing his best to lay low and be quiet. Daddy decided the best plan would be to shoot the dog. I had no problem with that, except; the incident had not occurred on my place. It just wouldn't be right to be shooting anything on someone else's property, since the danger had now passed. Although I agreed with his sentiments and even concurred that dog needed to be penned or put down; he wasn't happy with my response. Grandmother on the other hand, had other plans. My mother is one of those people who has an "endangered child story and devil parable" for all occasions. This was no exception!
Here I am, trying to honor my parents, and even though respect is lacking between Mr. B and myself, I do try to appear respectful . . . all; while trying to protect my grandchildren. This was a strange juggling act and I really didn't want to fail in obedience to Abba. It was then, that the test truly began.
My mother began her latest two fold"endangered child / devil parable" while the traumatized granddaughter ran down the hall near tears . . . I went with that child. Later the other two caught us up on the latest " child endangerment story / devil parable;" now referred to as "Another Episode of Grandmother Says." As for Mr. B . . . I began with "If you ever . . ." but quickly changed that to: "You better never send any of MY grandchildren into harm's way . . ." although I would include any child . . . He apparently got the message!
We are called to protect the lambs! That was such a time of discernment and having to choose, honor, respect, and protect. I pray I did it correctly! I'm sure my parents should have been honored that their offspring places child safety above all else, and Mr. B still got dinner that night.
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Awakened to Shalom and Joy Overflowing
The other night I woke up as usual for my mid-night time of prayer. The stillness for that special time of prayer is so precious. Abba's voice is so sweet. Often, He does more of the talking than I do. Of course, the adherents of psychology would say I'm crazy, but that's okay. Our Heavenly Father was speaking to His people long before Freud and Jung were born, and long before James Dobson brought us "Christian Psychology." That particular term seems to be an oxymoron. I usually go back to sleep after our mid-night time of communion, and Thursday morning I awoke to shalom and joy that truly did pass all understanding.
Morning chores were such a delight! My Buddy Buck has taken a turn for the ornery, so I had planned to move him to the "naughty pen." Even being ornery with the herd, he heard me call him and came right to me. Although he's being good to me, he still had to be separated from the girls. His accommodations, to which I referred as the naughty pen, has all the amenities of the pasture with the exception of female company. Everything that morning just went to smoothly.
As I went through my chore pattern which could be described almost as ritualistic, so I don't omit or overlook anything, a thought came to mind. This homesteading project has not gone at all as I first thought it would nearly ten years ago. Through those times of things turning out differently, I often k'vetched [complained.] Yet, the reality is, it's turned out so much better than I imagined when I stepped into this plan! I've been forgiven for complaining, but the reality is, complaining requires forgiveness, and . . . repentance! The fact of forgiveness just washed over the joyful shalom I was already enjoying. Our Heavenly Father is awesome. Y'hshuwah Messiah truly is King of kings and Lord of lords. There is none on all the earth that compares to Him.
My life isn't perfect, but oh my! Since I've been following Messiah, my worst days now are better than my best days used to be.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love YHWH, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
As I went through my chore pattern which could be described almost as ritualistic, so I don't omit or overlook anything, a thought came to mind. This homesteading project has not gone at all as I first thought it would nearly ten years ago. Through those times of things turning out differently, I often k'vetched [complained.] Yet, the reality is, it's turned out so much better than I imagined when I stepped into this plan! I've been forgiven for complaining, but the reality is, complaining requires forgiveness, and . . . repentance! The fact of forgiveness just washed over the joyful shalom I was already enjoying. Our Heavenly Father is awesome. Y'hshuwah Messiah truly is King of kings and Lord of lords. There is none on all the earth that compares to Him.
My life isn't perfect, but oh my! Since I've been following Messiah, my worst days now are better than my best days used to be.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love YHWH, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Dying to Self is Not Like a Diet
I have realized yet another oddity about myself! Oy vey! Now I realize, when I think I've died to self, I need to realize, I'm a big girl! I'm beginning to wonder if my full figuredness doesn't correlate with being full of self . . .
I wrote an article in "Religiously Incorrect" and when I did that, I realized, last year, and the year before that, and several years before that I'd died to self . . . only to discover there's more of ME than I realized! Apparently YHWH sees me as big as I see myself in the mirror. There's a lot to my "self" so there's a ton of dying that needs to happen! What is wonderful, though; as the dying occurs, so far there has been no significant resurrection power directed toward these areas of self! HalleluYah!
I certainly don't want to have to keep dying over and over again. Even in the discovery of my areas of self, I do want to keep moving forward in victory! I do not want to keep "going 'round" the same mountain. Thankfully, the flesh and the enemy do not have resurrection power! I'm thankful we are given this life on earth to "be ready" for eternal life. Dying to self is not like going on a diet to lose 20 pounds. Dying to self appears to be a "process" that continues through the days of our life. In my recent desire to "show my hind-end" I came to realize, I'd truly rather bring glory and honor to my Heavenly Father and follow Messiah . . . That could be why we as a society, recognize the death process as a process . . .
Dying to self is quite a process, and there is not spiritual hospice. There are times it's quite painful, yet once it happens in a particular area I feel so light and good. I still remember a couple of years ago knowing what flesh remained was in the way of my walk and of the ministry to which I'm called. I want to be completely free of flesh and . . . fleshly desires. It seems the more I die to self, the fewer regrets I experience and the less baggage I have. I know I'm not there yet, but this big girl is feeling lighter every day!
I wrote an article in "Religiously Incorrect" and when I did that, I realized, last year, and the year before that, and several years before that I'd died to self . . . only to discover there's more of ME than I realized! Apparently YHWH sees me as big as I see myself in the mirror. There's a lot to my "self" so there's a ton of dying that needs to happen! What is wonderful, though; as the dying occurs, so far there has been no significant resurrection power directed toward these areas of self! HalleluYah!
I certainly don't want to have to keep dying over and over again. Even in the discovery of my areas of self, I do want to keep moving forward in victory! I do not want to keep "going 'round" the same mountain. Thankfully, the flesh and the enemy do not have resurrection power! I'm thankful we are given this life on earth to "be ready" for eternal life. Dying to self is not like going on a diet to lose 20 pounds. Dying to self appears to be a "process" that continues through the days of our life. In my recent desire to "show my hind-end" I came to realize, I'd truly rather bring glory and honor to my Heavenly Father and follow Messiah . . . That could be why we as a society, recognize the death process as a process . . .
Dying to self is quite a process, and there is not spiritual hospice. There are times it's quite painful, yet once it happens in a particular area I feel so light and good. I still remember a couple of years ago knowing what flesh remained was in the way of my walk and of the ministry to which I'm called. I want to be completely free of flesh and . . . fleshly desires. It seems the more I die to self, the fewer regrets I experience and the less baggage I have. I know I'm not there yet, but this big girl is feeling lighter every day!
Sunday, December 14, 2014
A Difficult Time of Year
This time of year seems to be difficult for so many. For some, the difficulty is in dealing with family after walking away from the traditions of this season. For others, it's the stress of participating in the traditions of this season. For many, it's the finances of life in general, and the fact this season, traditions or no, just seems to cost more in general expenses, like heating. For a growing number of us, this time of year seems exhausting. Darkness descends in what seems like the middle of the afternoon, which makes the day short and the bed inviting.
In my own personal situation, I have a touch of most of those variables listed above. I don't participate in Christmas or the commercial side of Hanukkah, so I'm not terribly popular with family, this time of year. Come to think of it, I'm not terribly popular with family, any time of year . . . yet I digress. Chores are a bit less enjoyable this time of year because of cold and ice. The critters are just not as sociable, as cold is not their favorite, either. My home is all electric and even with a fireplace and some off grid power, it seems the furnace or heat pump do have a negative impact on the light bill. I can't imagine what my bill would be, if I were going behind a couple of kids turning off lights and closing doors. With all this extra early darkness, I have discovered my futon is so much more comfortable, than it seems in the summer.
I'm not a bit depressed, so I don't think I have SAD, but I do realize this time of year takes a great toll on a number of people, and that makes me sad. So many go into debt for things that will be broken or tossed before the credit card is even paid off. Sadly, as our economy has continued to destabilize, many more families are struggling just to survive. While we are being told the economy is recovering, it's easy to see grocery store prices are continuing to rise. I found myself in a bit of a personal struggle that I have finally resolved, for now . . . I think.
I don't want to contribute to Christmas baskets or gifts, but I do want to help. By the grace of G-d, I've now been able to clearly see, January is a much more difficult month for many people than December is. There are a number of charities that are in full swing this month, but next month, when the tinsel has tarnished and the snow has settled, many folks will still be struggling. For those of us who do not celebrate the December 25th tradition, I have a great idea! For the past couple of years, I've tried to get the jump on donations to avoid the Thanksgiving/Christmas push, by making food and soap donations about the time school starts and taking coats and sweaters for donation in October. I've since realized another option and opportunity. We can offer assistance in January! The grocery store will still have it's "food pantry" basket by the door. Winter coats will still be needed. As a matter of fact, in my neck o' the woods, a winter coat really isn't needed until January. My heating bill is always worse in January and February, than it is in December; so there are ways to help without participating in the traditional seasonal charities.
It's taken a few weeks to come to this praise report, but I have come to truly appreciate the early nightfall through this difficult time of year. Regardless of the season, I'm good for about 4 hours after dark. In the summer, that's midnight or after, but right now, it's about 9 pm. Now that I'm ready for bed by 9pm, I have a great new prayer schedule. Since the daylight saving time shock last month, most nights I'm sound asleep before 10, but wide awake again around 2am. I have been having the best time of prayer through the early morning hours, then doze back off after five. It's still dark, so I enjoy another couple of hours of sleep, before the rooster begins crowing. This split shift prayer schedule has become such a blessing!
Many are facing difficult times right now. Prayer is certainly one thing I can do. Through that time of prayer, however; I have the blessed privilege of hearing what else I can do.
In my own personal situation, I have a touch of most of those variables listed above. I don't participate in Christmas or the commercial side of Hanukkah, so I'm not terribly popular with family, this time of year. Come to think of it, I'm not terribly popular with family, any time of year . . . yet I digress. Chores are a bit less enjoyable this time of year because of cold and ice. The critters are just not as sociable, as cold is not their favorite, either. My home is all electric and even with a fireplace and some off grid power, it seems the furnace or heat pump do have a negative impact on the light bill. I can't imagine what my bill would be, if I were going behind a couple of kids turning off lights and closing doors. With all this extra early darkness, I have discovered my futon is so much more comfortable, than it seems in the summer.
I'm not a bit depressed, so I don't think I have SAD, but I do realize this time of year takes a great toll on a number of people, and that makes me sad. So many go into debt for things that will be broken or tossed before the credit card is even paid off. Sadly, as our economy has continued to destabilize, many more families are struggling just to survive. While we are being told the economy is recovering, it's easy to see grocery store prices are continuing to rise. I found myself in a bit of a personal struggle that I have finally resolved, for now . . . I think.
I don't want to contribute to Christmas baskets or gifts, but I do want to help. By the grace of G-d, I've now been able to clearly see, January is a much more difficult month for many people than December is. There are a number of charities that are in full swing this month, but next month, when the tinsel has tarnished and the snow has settled, many folks will still be struggling. For those of us who do not celebrate the December 25th tradition, I have a great idea! For the past couple of years, I've tried to get the jump on donations to avoid the Thanksgiving/Christmas push, by making food and soap donations about the time school starts and taking coats and sweaters for donation in October. I've since realized another option and opportunity. We can offer assistance in January! The grocery store will still have it's "food pantry" basket by the door. Winter coats will still be needed. As a matter of fact, in my neck o' the woods, a winter coat really isn't needed until January. My heating bill is always worse in January and February, than it is in December; so there are ways to help without participating in the traditional seasonal charities.
It's taken a few weeks to come to this praise report, but I have come to truly appreciate the early nightfall through this difficult time of year. Regardless of the season, I'm good for about 4 hours after dark. In the summer, that's midnight or after, but right now, it's about 9 pm. Now that I'm ready for bed by 9pm, I have a great new prayer schedule. Since the daylight saving time shock last month, most nights I'm sound asleep before 10, but wide awake again around 2am. I have been having the best time of prayer through the early morning hours, then doze back off after five. It's still dark, so I enjoy another couple of hours of sleep, before the rooster begins crowing. This split shift prayer schedule has become such a blessing!
Many are facing difficult times right now. Prayer is certainly one thing I can do. Through that time of prayer, however; I have the blessed privilege of hearing what else I can do.
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