My Kind of Day!

The Gregorian calendar read Tuesday, August 27, 2013.  The calendar of YHWH, according to various perspectives is varied, as always . . . I believe it was the 21st day of the 6th month.  It was one glorious day.  I had so much to do and it was all so varied, which is right up my alley!  I awoke early to a time of prayer and devotions.  I like to begin the day early with my Heavenly Father.  It is so wonderful to be seeking Him as the day dawns.

I have my little morning ritual regarding my coffee making.  Nobody in their right mind would put up with the way I do it, but like perked coffee, not drip.  So, I have a Corning Ware stove top percolator.  That requires me to pay attention, or clean up my stove top, so I have just the right amount of time to turn the stove on high, brush my teeth and get dressed before it begins to perk.  The sound changes as the first "perk" takes place, then I turn the stove down to low, and head out to do the morning chores.  I realize my quirks are not necessarily noteworthy, but by the same token, we do all have our little routines and uniquenesses, even oddities that are just the way we are.  I love going out the door and talking to the critters.  When they hear the door open, they each express their own morning greeting.  My, I sort of headed down and unexpected tangent, but it was the groundwork for a great day.

As I finished the chores, I noticed some okra was ready, so I picked it and headed into the house.  The day was brimming with activity and opportunity.  I had one peck of beans already snapped in preparation for canning, and several orders for a new product that has been so popular, I already had to make another batch.  Last year when I broke my arm, I developed a great natural topical pain reliever, and folks are liking the product.  The day was looking great!  There were three article ideas bouncing in my head for the next edition of the Goshen Gazette, as well as the need to take some mail to town.

Once the green beans were in jars in the canner, I set the timer and went to the lab to start making the CHINICREEN.  I realize this sounds strange, but I was just so excited to be able to be so busy and so much being accomplished.  It didn't take long to get the product made and the orders filled, so I had a bit of time to begin my articles.  The timer sounded as I was finishing up the titles and topics, so it was time to get ready to go to town.  There was just an air of excitement as to how efficient this day was going and I just knew my steps were ordered by Abba.

I realized how late it was in the month, and I probably wouldn't be out again before the 1st, so I stopped and paid the electric bill.  I'm not fully off grid, but the wind and solar offer a notable reduction.  I am blessed to only have two bills and month and both can be paid locally, so that's efficient as well.   Took the shipping orders to the Post Office, headed to the farm store, and then to what I'd call a Surplus Store on the outskirts of a town in my neighboring state.

Just a fun fact, here.  I had called earlier to find the address of this place and asked where they were from the larger town I'd be in.  He told me seven miles due west across the state line.  I got on 7th Street in one town in one state, went due west, and the street number never changed in the next town or state.  I was in search of pots for the green house for the winter, and found them at a bargain price!

Headed for home, and arrived in time to get a big glass of ice cold water before chore time.  The critters and I enjoyed the evening as always, then I came in, poured a glass of wine, thanked the King of the Universe for such a wonderful day, and sat down to write this article.  It truly was my kind of day!  

I Can Do All Things Through Messiah, Who Strengthens Me

I've repeated this passage from Philippians 4, several times in my life; but the other day, it literally rose up in my spirit and not only came out of my mouth, but coursed through my body.

There have been occasions in which I've asked YHWH to please give me the strength He endowed upon Samson.  Those were events in which, of course great strength was needed.  I never held the usual perception of Samson.  I didn't picture him to be some sort of power house or Mr. Universe kind of guy.  I picture him to be sort a scrawny little odd ball, not so amazing in his physical appearance or in his "way with women . . ."  I'm sort of like how I picture Samson, only the fluffy female version, in that I'm not a picture of physical perfection either, and I was just noticing in the last few months, how much harder it is to get the lids off jars and how much heavier the canner seems.  So, what happened the other day has no other explanation, except the power of YHWH.

I went out early Sunday morning to make my chore rounds, as usual.  "Everyone" greeted me as usual and were in their usual places enjoying their grazing.  I let the chickens out, made sure everyone everyone had water and gave Azalea access to her hay for the day.  Poor Azalea has to be fenced off from her hay for the night, as she will not even sleep to keep eating . . .  I finished chores and came in to begin my day of publishing the Goshen Gazette.

One of the hay bales had toppled over, just since I'd made my rounds.  I went out and to my horror, Velvet was not greeting me at the gate to tell me something had happened.  I walked all around the pasture and timber calling her and realizing another goat, Nova, was also unaccounted for.  My heart was truly sinking as I considered with dread, what may have occurred.  Those bales weigh over a 1000 pounds and it wasn't 1/2 gone.

I headed toward the truck, hoping I'd be able to drag the hay bale and tried to prepare myself to face something I knew I did not want to see.  Meanwhile, Mr. B. headed for the 4 wheeler.  He said it would get better traction than the truck.  I was good with that, as I tried not to think about the circumstances.  The rope went around the bale but was placed to catch under the edge of the bale in one spot, as it became taut.  As the 4 wheeler spun, that one lip of the bale lifted just enough that Nova sprang out of there like a Jack-in-the-box.

My arms literally flew in the air praising YHWH and thanking Him for that amazing miracle.  This was a little pygmy goat under a big round bale of hay which was too heavy for the 4 wheeler to drag.  This is no light weight 4 wheeler, either, it's a Yamaha Kodiak.  As I moved closer to that bale, I became aware of my own claustrophobia and just cried out to YHWH that I didn't want Velvet to suffocate under that horrendous pressure and weight.  YHWH saw my heart.  I know she's getting older and I'm semi-prepared to face her final days, but I didn't want her to go that way.

I've had Velvet longer than any other goat on the place.  Velvet lived at the other place, she moved with me!  So many memories I have, include that silly little goat, and they began to flood my mind.  I used her photo just this last week in my Sabbath greeting on Facebook.

The rope was still taut, keeping just a lip of that bale off the ground, enough to get my hands under it.  I was so focused, I really didn't even realize what was happening.  The next thing I knew, I had the west side of that bale propped up on my knees and my little Velvet had clearance to come out.  She was drenched in her own sweat, panting, and very unstable in her stance, but she was alive!

Answered Prayer

I waited for an answer to a specific prayer for two years.  I didn't take it before the Throne every day, it was simply a request for an opportunity.  It was nothing earth shattering.   Really, most would probably believe it to be very insignificant, but it was something that was important to me and even though I didn't ask repeatedly, YHWH answered it with a very unexpected opportunity!

A couple of years ago, an acquaintance was looking to rent a tiller or use one.  I volunteered to loan him mine, but it came with a condition.  He could borrow my tiller.  I'd fill it up before he left and send a gas can with it, but rather than replace the gas, I'd prefer that he just paid me for the gallon or whatever he used.  He knew immediately why I requested that.  The gasoline in our state all contains ethanol and it wreaks havoc with small engines and the rubber hoses.  I buy my gasoline on the reservation.  My people know corn was created to be food . . .

He came and got the tiller, per our agreement.  When he returned it, he offered me too much money.  I said that was too much and I didn't have any change.  He said keep it, he didn't have anything smaller.  So, that was how it went.  Then, sadly, our region experienced some drought and when I asked about his garden, he used the adjective "epic" in front of the word fail!  It was at that point, I really sought YHWH.  The money wasn't a huge sum, but I felt bad and told Abba, I felt bad.  I asked for an opportunity to "make things right."

Considering it all started over a garden idea, as I posted photos of garden produce, I offered to share the excess with folks nearby, but no takers.  He and I even chatted a time or two about he "just might" check with me through "such and such" season, but in two years, he didn't.  We'd inadvertently run into each other once in awhile in town, but no opportunities ever presented themselves, and although I didn't voice the prayer repeatedly, YHWH saw that it stirred in me every time I ran into this gentleman.

Glory HalleluYah!  The opportunity came.  There was a post that someone was looking for farm fresh eggs, I commented that I knew where there were free range hens that didn't eat GMO grain and gave a price.  The next thing I read was a comment from my tiller friend.  He asked, where, and I responded, my place.  He said, he should have remembered.  So with that we made some tentative plans for him to purchase eggs.

Now, here's where it really gets good.  I realized I was going to be in town before the week-end, so I mentioned to him, I could bring them by, if he liked.  I put them in a cooler, took care of business and when I got there with two dozen eggs, he of course reached for his wallet.  I've noticed that about men.  Their arms go opposite directions, in a transaction.  With one arm they reach toward the item and with the other toward their back pocket.

It was then that I said, no charge.  He began to rebuff, but then I told him, "I prayed for the opportunity to give him 'his change' from the gasoline and this was the answer to my prayer."  He accepted that and thanked me, and shared the circumstances with others.  Considering the fact that money has no eternal value and no one had been wronged in the situation; yet He still answered my prayer, clearly tells me He truly is concerned with every detail of our lives.

I just love being the daughter of The King of the universe!

Ain't No Way to Treat a Lady . . .

If I'm not mistaken, this was the title of a Helen Reddy hit, nearly forty years ago.  This blogsite may offer just too much introspection or cover topics that some in our society believe should remain undiscussed, but I've seen and heard, the world view is quite vocal and the "agenda machine" is willing to reach out and discuss everything, so I'm feeling led to do the same.  Here's the warning:  The revelation began in the bath tub.  As a rule, I'm a shower person, but I was feeling drawn to draw a bath.

Just as I was about to run bath water, the phone rang.  The gentleman from whom I buy hay called and said, after his two bulls had gotten in a tussle causing some significant damage to his truck, it was back up and in good repair.  It was too wet to get out and make hay, so he'd bring over the couple of bales I needed.  This area has gotten over a foot of rain in less than 3 weeks, so saying it's too wet to make hay, means it's really muddy in the pasture, too.  My hay man is only about twenty minutes away, so my bath was postponed; and I went out to move livestock and open gates.  This place sits high, as the terrain goes, so he didn't think there'd be any problem.  Other than a couple of ruts, things went pretty smoothly.  We got the hay transaction accomplished, he left, and I once again headed to my bath.

As I washed my face and arms, I realized, why my lifestyle is better suited to a shower.  I don't go barefooted when it's muddy so I can take my sandals off at the door, and I knew I'd gotten my clothes dirty, but I had no idea just how grubby I'd actually gotten in all that mud!  I remembered back to a time when my grandchildren were younger and would just get filthy here on the place.  The term of endearment, "grub muffin" was coined, but so far only one grandchild has maintained the interest to continue that title.  Now, I see where she gets it.  As I pondered my own life and interests, I could easily see why men would not be so interested in a woman like me, and I thought again of my granddaughter who is so much like me.

The guys of my generation were taught the green to be desired was paper and a respectable career was one in which they didn't get their hands dirty.  Land ownership was fine, but working the land was not a desired career.  The mantra was "work smarter, not harder."   These days, however; the times they are a changin'.  The men of younger generations are realizing the value of the soil.  Industry doesn't hold the same appeal or promise it did for the older generations.  Some of these younger guys are realizing,  rather than a dead-end career or uncertain employment to pay off student loans; working the land and using their talents, is in fact working smarter, not harder!

Back to the perspective of this dirty princess.  Being a seven year old "grub muffin" is adorable, even now at 14 she can pull it off for a bit, but a 55 year old, not so much . . . And so I thought of this crazy feminist movement our society produced, and even though the ERA never came to fruition, many women have positioned themselves to compete with men, and it's become expected for a woman to work like a man, even if she doesn't earn like one.  Yet, to be able to "have it all," seems to render so many to still be quite unhappy.

I, on the other hand realized, and will share this information with my grandchildren and anyone who will listen.  The Proverbs 31 woman probably got dirty on occasion.  I'm guessing Ruth got dusty, maybe even perspired out there in Boaz's field.  I can honestly tell any young lady, the right man will appreciate your interests and love who you really are.  It's okay to get dirty, if you get cleaned up afterward.  The right man might even be out there getting dirty right along side of you, well actually; with the right man, it will be the other way around.

My message to young ladies is, a woman can work with her hands, she can work the land, and she can still be a lady.  As a matter of fact, Proverbs 31 gives quite an amazing list of what a woman can do and is capable of, and in that she is praised and called blessed.   A man worthy of respect will appreciate a capable woman, even if she needs a bath before she makes dinner.

Bitter Sweet Acceptance

Last week I spoke of beauty from ashes, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to be a daughter of the King, but I've gained a fuller perspective.

As a young girl, I used to cry out to G-d at night.  I wanted to be all the things I wasn't.  I didn't want to be so different from other kids, and I wanted to be grown.  I did well in school, scholastically, but not socially.  I was different, but I didn't understand the gravity or the blessing of that difference until recently, very recently.  I remember being called horrible names at school.  I was even slapped and hit.  I told my mom, but she didn't think anything should be said, so I said nothing at school, and nothing more at home about it.

I remember as desegregation took place, I thought I would finally not be so different, but I was wrong again. I was brown, which meant I wasn't white and I wasn't black and so the comments and the exclusion didn't stop.  Then I met Messiah, but only met Him, I wasn't yet following Him.  I did learn to be religious, though; and in a strange sort of way, that made the feeling of being so different, somehow, less painful for awhile.

I was a good student, so I hid myself in my studies and my religious beliefs.  I didn't know of the real relationship with Messiah that was possible or the indwelling of the Great Spirit of our Creator, so I struggled and I tried for a time, and then I simply gave up.  The day, I realized YHWH still loved me, and introduced to me the concept of an actual relationship, my life was changed forever . . .  but also, in some ways, I'm still who I was.  For a time I thought it was my lack of surrender or spiritual immaturity, but it was my understanding that was flawed.  My uniqueness and my social awkwardness is a gift.

I'm friendly, but I am still socially awkward, and so are a number of young people.  Many people lack the self-confidence this society promotes, and that is not necessarily a bad thing for those of us who do lack.  We are promised the strength of YHWH in our weakness and I've been blessed to experience that, but more importantly, YHWH has used my weakness to demonstrate His strength.

My granddaughter who has visited has CP.  She's mildly affected, but it is noticeable.  Clearly, kids being what they are, just small humans, are not always gracious in their treatment of her.  These are different times in which we live, and her skin tone is much lighter than mine, but her uniqueness also draws sometimes negative attention.  She refers to herself as an "outcast."  I was able to hear the things she was saying and to offer her comfort in the things she must face.  I'm very proud of my grandchildren.  I greatly enjoyed her visit, and I am literally thankful that I know what it's like to be what she calls an "outcast."

Beauty from Ashes

Life hasn't exactly turned out the way I expected it to, or to be truly honest; the way I'd hoped it would.  I struggled with that for a time, I mean struggled, literally with YHWH.  I now walk like Jacob . . . But there is a firm reality within me, that may not have ever come to be, had it all turned out "happily ever after," by our societal standards.

I am truly looking forward to these High Holy Days that are coming up.  I feel like it's going to finally close the door on some old sadness and open the door to some very bright opportunities.  I truly, in my heart of hearts, could not be sorrier for the things I did before I came to YHWH in Y'hshuwah.  I also, could not be more grateful to know I've been forgiven by Him.  

I still remember Him asking me if I was willing to give up everything I thought I knew . . . That was a much bigger question than I realized and my answer, "Yes," was a much bigger statement than I could have possibly realized.  I think, of all the doctrine, I thought was sound, the only three things I still believe are.  1.  Our Creator is Supreme over all, and now I am blessed to know His Name, which is translated in English; YHWH.  2.  His Son did come to show us how to live, and to give Himself for us, that we can be forgiven and follow Him.  3.  He's coming again.

Everything else has changed, and changed dramatically!   I do not believe in OSAS.  I'm not expecting a pretribulation rapture.  I do not believe in being stuck in our sinful mistakes, nor am I expecting YHWH to fix all the mistakes I made before I came to Him.  Some things I did, I simply have acknowledge the mistake, accept the consequences, and let go of the condemnation.  I am reminded many times over of the Patriarchs in my life.

I've already compared my wrestling with the similar results of Jacob.  I am frequently reminded of the number of times Abraham took matters into his own hands.  He lied about his wife, not once but twice, and then we're all familiar with the child outside of G-d's plan . . . While we all like to cling to the promise of Abraham, we sometimes forget the covenant responsibility he carried to be called YHWH's friend.

I've come to accept the fact that I won't be nominated for "Mother of the Year!"   Having gotten an early start as "the Woman at the Well," a loving earthly marriage isn't likely in the plan for me, but I have a wonderful Bridegroom who adores me and is coming back for me!   In accepting the fact that I simply cannot make these matters right.  My effort doesn't even meet societal standards!  But, I've discovered G-d has a different standard.  To earn approval is nice, but to be loved and forgiven is unsurpassed.

I've learned being content in all things, is to experience the beauty; and it's not my job to clean up the ashes!  HalleluYah!

On My Way

I believe our testimonies should be ongoing.  I never enjoyed those, "I remember 25 years ago . . ."  Those testimonies are precious, but we need allow YHWH to provide His people with as many current events as the will of man and love of money is coming up with.  With that being said, I have to share the next portion of the move with a qualifying statement.  With less than 50 miles to go, to complete the entire transaction, cashier's check in hand, I very clearly saw a pillar of cloud.  It was almost due south, just a tad to the west.

Immediately, doubt flooded my mind.  I wasn't doubting G-d, oh no!  I began to entertain the idea that I'd "jumped the gun" and made a wrong decision.  Seriously, after everything that had gone so right, and so blessed, I began to wonder if I'd made a mistake.  I've mentioned before, just how insecure and unsure of myself, I am.  Allowing myself to receive victory to overcome my own inferiority complex and lack of confidence has been quite a journey of surrender for me.  So, here I am in the passenger seat, pointing out the pillar of cloud to my husband.  Just like with the pillar of fire, he had some "explanation" that simply held no logic, so I didn't pursue the conversation any further.

It was then that the reality truly began to kick in for me.  My life was not based upon my confidence in me or in any longer taking the blame, automatically.  I simply spoke to YHWH and stated, if I've missed something or gotten out of order, please stop the direction and momentum.  I don't care what I lose financially, or in a relationship.  I had been praying every step of the way, and truly believe this to have been ordered by my Creator.  Such a peace washed over me.  I remembered a preacher friend of mine, saying, "G-d didn't bring you this far to drop you now."

Little did I realize at the time, even with naming the place EinGedi, which was an oasis, not a destination, that this would be a place of refreshment and further preparation . . .  I had so much to learn, and in His mercy, He was going to allow me a few baby steps.

Now there are homestead blogs all over the internet and Torah Observant groups, but frequently those two don't overlap greatly.  Eight years ago, I didn't have an understanding about milking around resting on Sabbath and the difference between gardens and fields.  I didn't know how to make agrarian offerings, and how to count the herds and flocks as to which ones belong to YHWH.  Oh, I'd read it, but I can attest to this fact. I soon discovered, not only did I need to read and re-read, Torah, I'd still have to consult the Author and need the power of His Great Spirit in the accomplishment of the practical app.  Y'hshuwah gave many agricultural parables, but I had a lot of questions.

I'm so thankful He allowed me to start out small . . .