May. 31, 2007 - What My Son Jesse is Reading

May. 17, 2007 - What I am Reading

Apr. 28, 2007 - Grandma Again

Apr. 26, 2007 - Starting School--Me!

Jan. 21, 2007 - In Touch Daily Devotional

Dec. 22, 2006 - Eighth Night of Chanukah

Dec. 16, 2006 - Chanukah Prayers

Dec. 15, 2006 - Chanukah Readings for my Family, Night One

Chanukah begins at sundown on December 15th.

Night 1: The L-rd is Our Light

 
Isaiah 60:19 

The sun will no more be your light by day,
       nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you,
       for the L-RD will be your everlasting light,
       and your G-d will be your glory.

Psalm 27  

The L-RD is my light and my salvation—
       whom shall I fear?
       The L-RD is the stronghold of my life—
       of whom shall I be afraid?

 3 Though an army besiege me,
       my heart will not fear;
       though war break out against me,
       even then will I be confident.

 4 One thing I ask of the L-RD,
       this is what I seek:
       that I may dwell in the house of the L-RD
       all the days of my life,
       to gaze upon the beauty of the L-RD
       and to seek him in his temple.

 7 Hear my voice when I call, O L-RD;
       be merciful to me and answer me.

 8 My heart says of You, "Seek his face!"
       Your face, L-RD, I will seek.

 11 Teach me Your way, O L-RD;
       lead me in a straight path
       because of my oppressors.

  13 I am still confident of this:
       I will see the goodness of the L-RD
       in the land of the living.

 14 Wait for the L-RD;
       be strong and take heart
       and wait for the L-RD.

Dec. 14, 2006 - What are you doing for Chanukah or Christmas this year?

We are lighting three Chanukiahs (Chanukah menorahs) this year.  I have a small, very Israeli looking menorah that is brass, small, with two lions holding a crown and the ten commandments.  I have a silver-colored, rather modern, large menorah that I bought on a trip to Newport this year, with money my mom gave to me to spend.  And finally I have a blue with gold accents, large china menorah.  There is one for each of the kids still at home to light.

I have an electric, very pretty menorah for the window that a friend bought for me about three years ago (it is my user image--beautiful!); and a cutout menorah for the window also.  The window in the living room has the cutout menorah, a Happy Chanukah banner, and we have lights surrounding the window that the cat keeps trying to pull down!  

We will be opening our celebration Friday night at service.  Many families bring menorahs, and we light them together.  I will get some pictures to post!  The Chanukah service is always wonderful.  

Beginning Saturday night, we will be saying the blessings and reading some history of Chanukah that I got from Hebrew4 Christians (http://hebrew4christians.com) and from Tirzah's homeschooling site (www.messianichomeschool.net).  Then the kids will light the appropriate candles.  We don't exchange gifts because we cannot afford them, but I did splurge and buy one daughter, Dusty, a blue and white small serving plate with Stars of David and it says Shalom.  It is her first Judaica for her home.

 

I bought my grandson, Hunter, a book on Chanukah because he loves to read,



and I bought my little granddaughter a $2 bracelet with beads and little Jewish symbol charms on it, because even at a year old, she likes to dress up.
 

I will make some special foods.  We are trying new latkes recipes this year.
 

What are you doing?  I would love to hear how you celebrate, and what your family traditions are!

Happy Chanukah and Merry Christmas!

love,
laurie

Dec. 8, 2006 - Another Psalm to pray for my children

Psalm 1:1-2

Blessed are Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja who do not

walk in the counsel of the wicked

or stand in the way of sinners

or sit in the seat of mockers.

But their delight is in the Law

of the L-rd, and

on His law they meditate day and night.

Amen

Dec. 3, 2006 - What I am Reading

Dec. 2, 2006 - What I Should Know

Philippians 4:11

Nov. 30, 2006 - Find the real doggie!

Nov. 30, 2006 - Pictures from Thanksgiving

Nov. 28, 2006 - Psalm 52:8-9

Psalm 52:8-9

But I am like an olive tree,
flourishing in the house of G-d;
I trust in G-d's unfailing love
for ever and ever.
I will praise You forever for what
You have done;
in Your name I will hope,
for Your name is good.
I will praise You in the presence of all Your saints.

The olive is an evergreen tree growing to 50 ft. in height with a spread of about 30 ft. The graceful, billowing appearance of the olive tree can be rather attractive. In an all-green garden its grayish foliage serves as an interesting accent. The attractive, gnarled branching pattern is also quite distinctive. Olives are long-lived with a life expectancy of 500 years. The trees are also tenacious, easily sprouting back even when chopped to the ground.

To be like an olive tree in the house of the L-rd, tall, sturdy, beautiful and thriving; expected to live a long time!  Our long time will be eternity with our L-rd!  Why?  Because we trust in the L-rd for our salvation!  We trust in His unfailing love.

Nov. 25, 2006 - What Do You Call Your Home School?

Nov. 22, 2006 - Happy Thanksgiving

2 Corinthians 4:14-15

We know that the One who raised Adonai Yeshua (Lord Jesus) from the dead will also raise us with Yeshua (Jesus) and present us with you in His presence.  All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

Nov. 20, 2006 - Clothing the Grass of the Field

  Picture was taken at Castaway Cay in the Bahamas.

Luke 12:27-28  "Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how G-d clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!"

The L-rd has been answering one prayer after the other lately, and some have been (to my family and I) very big deals.  I chose this verse, though, because He has answered prayers and provided my Hannah with some skirts and sweaters to wear to services.  Baruch HaShem (Praise The Name)!  She is so happy!

Nov. 19, 2006 - HAVE YOU EVER...

My answers are in gray:

01. Seen the Grand Canyon
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain--no, but does rock climbing count?  Oh, how I loved it!  The place I used to climb was along the Ocean.  The beauty of the rocks polished by the surf, the swirling of the waves as they were caught in little caves they had carved out of the rock.  Glorious!
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath
08. Said “I love you” and meant it--of course!  I have six wonderful children and two fantastic grandchildren.  I have said "I love you" within the last 1/2 hour. 
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise--I do this at least once a month.  I am a night owl.  Night is when I have my best times with the L-rd.
14. Seen the Northern Lights--There was a year when for one night they could be seen from Rhode Island, where I was living at the time.
15. Gone to a huge sports game--how about a televised gymnastics competition?  Also, Sam, Hannah and Jesse were in a national Martial Arts competition; they came in third (Demo Team).  I missed Grace's national gymanstics competition because of a snowstorm.  She had to go up before us, and when we left the next day it was snowing.  It turned into a snow storm, and they closed the interstate--we had to turn around and come back.
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables--there is nothing better.  I have also grown my own strawberries.  I love having my own garden.
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars--ugh, yes!  I am not a "camp out" type person.  Give me a nice room with a warm shower and a soft bed.
20. Changed a baby’s diaper--too many diapers to count!
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Eaten alligator
24. Given more than you can afford to charity.  Yes--we are not told to give what we can afford.  We are commanded to give.
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope--we bought a telescope for my science-loving grandson, who was almost 5 at the time.
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight--of course!
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight--and built snowmen, snow forts.  Once I got caught in the beginnings of a blizzard.  I was out with my two oldest, Seth and Dsuty, when they were little.  I was still carrying Dusty in a backpack.  We were waiting for the bus, and the snow was pelting us.  It was so cold!  I was trying to shield the little ones' faces from the snow.  We did make it safely home.
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster--yes, L-rd help me!  I was so terrified!
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment--I guess happy is what it is.  I have often thanked G-d for my life or times in my life.
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Been to Austria
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched whales--while on a Disney cruise, we just happened upon some whales.  The captain came over the loudspeaker and told us they were there.
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip--in the country in Pennsylvania, when I was 18, with some friends.  It was back when we could afford to do things like that with just a few quarters from each person to pay for gas!  My daughter Hannah and I recently took two trips to Rhode Island together.
48. Gone rock climbing--on real rocks, not indoors.
49. Taken a midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them--not by choice.  I was in Curacao, eating at a restaurant, and a man came and sat down with me and started eating.  There was nothing romantic about it.  They just don't have the "space" requirements that Americans have.  If there is an empty chair, they will take it!
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs--of course!
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sang karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day--ah, yes!  Bed, comfy quilt, and a good book.
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud--doesn't everyone?
64. Played in the rain--with my children!
65. Gone to a drive-in theater--I used to sleep in the back seat while my parents watched the movie.
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business--yes, but did not have the courage to continue it.  I did not continue with it, though.  I have no regrets about that.  I am in the L-rd's hands.
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Got married
73. Been in a movie--no, but my oldest, Seth, has been in two.  One was with Liv Tyler and Ben Affleck.
74. Crashed a party
75. Got divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days--baaaad flu.
77. Made cookies from scratch--of course--I'm a mom!  Now my Sam does it.  Sam is my youngest, 17 years old.  He is making cookies for Thanksgiving.
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an “expert”
83. Received flowers for no reason--from my children!  There is nothing better.
84. Performed on stage-in high school--does that count?  In "Oklahoma!"
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Kissed on the first date
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Been in a marching band
93. Been on a cruise ship--Disney Cruise Lines--awesome!  Oh, how I loved it.  It was the most relaxing time in my life.  I could never have afforded it, but a friend took me.  She was a travel agent.
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised children--six of my own.
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Passed out cold
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Driven on the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking.  Most definitely it was worship music, probably Marty Goetz.
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived--with barely a scratch.  Praise G-d.
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Ridden on a boat down the Danube River
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone’s heart

111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone--my nose, and as an adult was picking up firewood and one large log slipped, almost scraping off the tip pf my finger and fracturing the bone lengthwise--an open fracture.  I had a fantastic plastic/hand surgeon repair it, and have an almost invisible scar and nothing is mis-shapen! 
114. Dyed your hair--yes, but not any longer.  I tolerate my gray.
115. Shaved your head--no, but my son, Jesse, just shaved his two days ago.
116. Caused a car accident--yes.  My grandson was in the back seat, and wanted my attention.  I looked at him in the mirror briefly, and hit a car so hard I lifted the back end of the road!
117. Been elected to public office
118. Skipped all your school reunions--oh definitely!
119.  Built your own PC from parts
120. Gone back to school--yes, and I am going to do it again next September and go for my teaching degree.
121. Read the Iliad and the Odyssey--yes.  I always had great Literature classes in school.
122. Ridden a horse--and almost fell off!
123. Eaten Kangaroo meat
124. Had stitches--in several places.
125. Toured castles in Europe
126. Had your picture in the newspaper
127. Eaten sushi
128. Sold your own artwork to someone you didn’t know
129. Published a book
130. Written poetry--not the rhyming kind!
131. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
132. Fired a rifle, shot gun or pistol--once.  It was so much fun!
133. Had major surgery
134. Had a snake as a pet
135. Gone on an African safari
136. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
137. Visited more foreign countries than US states
138. Visited all 7 continents
139.  Lived in a foreign country for more than a year
140. Been swimming in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
141. Been to Niagara Falls
142. Lived on both sides of the Mississippi river--California on one side, many states on the other.
143. Sang in a foreign language in front of an audience
144. Been to the Berlin Wall
145. Taught a child to read--taught 6 children to read.  I used Rod and Staff, and loved it.
146. Been a DJ

Nov. 19, 2006 - Chanukah Shop

This year I am working in the Chanukah Shop/Judaica Shop (two different rooms) at synagogue.  What a blessing!  So far I have only worked on Shabbat after services, but I will soon have the opportunity to do much more.  It is so much fun and festive--beautiful blue and gold and silver everywhere.  What is most fun is the joy on everyone's faces as they choose gifts for people they love.  Both days have been busy.  I have not had the opportunity to do much "helping" people.  I spend most of my time writing up sales slips and bagging items.  Keeping busy is good--then I don't covet the beautiful things for sale--things I cannot afford!

Working in the shop is just a way to serve in the congregation.  A fun way, I must admit!  Another way that I serve is to go to Tuesday night prayer meeting, and pray for the needs of the people.  Both Jesse and I go to prayer meeting.  Jesse also enjoys work day.  There is one tomorrow, and I don't have a way to get him there, so he is walking the three miles to synagogue so he can fellowship and work.  Then he will probably walk home.  Hannah wants to start going to work day, too, but she is not a walking enthusiast.  She is waiting until I have Sunday transportation!

Nov. 15, 2006 - Out to Eat!

That is something we rarely get to do--go out to eat.  Being a single parent, I just cannot afford even a delivery pizza.  However, I got some birthday money, so after some discussion, off we went.

Choosing a place to eat is not easy.  Two of my kids are vegetarians, and have been for over eight years.  I wanted a fat-filled, cholesterol-laden hamburger, but that was out.  So we decided on Mexican.

We drove to Virginia Beach, to a restaurant called Plaza Azteca.  The food is wonderful!  Much to my surprise, when we got there, the large parking lot was full.  There was a party of 47 people waiting to be seated.  Forty-seven!  I don't know that many people well enough to go out with them!  We were seated before the 47 though, a nice table for four in a little out of the way corner of the restaurant.  We were served chips and salsa and drinks before the menus even came.  It was wonderful.

Hannah had the most unusual dinner of us all.  She ordered a vegetarian dinner that had a spinach burrito and a vegetable and cheese taco that was full of wonderful veggies.  The rest of us had the traditional chalupa/burrito/taco thing.

There was not much talking at dinner.  It was very relaxed, and we savored the food, and the time out.  It may be years before we can do it again.

Nov. 14, 2006 - Scripture

Exodus 25:1-2

The L-rd said to Moses, "Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering.  You are to receive the offering for me from each man whose heart prompts him to give."

Exodus 36:6-7

Then Moses gave an order and they sent this word throughout the camp: "No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary."  And so the people were restrained from bringing more, because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work.

Aren't these scriptures wonderful?  Moses asked for an offering, and the people gave so much that he had to tell them, "Enough!  We have enough!"  What would the world be like today if everyone gave what he or she is supposed to (meaning, what the L-rd put on their hearts, as in Exodus 25, verses 1 and 2)?  Wouldn't the churches be full to overflowing?  Wouldn't they be able to do more outreach than they do now?  Wouldn't more people hear the gospel?  Wouldn't more people believe?

Nov. 14, 2006 - Pets

We have loved our pets so much.  We have not had many.  I will start out with the pet we had the longest.

Though not the best picture to see what she looked like, this is my favorite picture of our border collie, Mindy.  She fell asleep with her paw on a page in an open Disney book.  The page has a picture of a dog!  Mindy was wonderful.  We had her for 13 wonderful years.  She was blind the last few years of her life, but generally got around well.  She even walked well on a leash.  Jesse would take her out and guide her around, and she loved that.  She was such a protective dog!  She played basketball in her sighted days, barking and hitting the ball to one of the kids with great accuracy, using both her front paws to hit the ball.  You could see the joy in her when she played basketball.

Ok, yes, I admit it.  We actually had a cat named Poopie.  Seth found him at a beach hot spot one night and brought him home.  He plastered the area with posters declaring that we had found a cat, but it was a month before the owner saw one and called.  He said the cat was often gone for weeks, and that the cat did not like their dog--if we were happy with him, we could keep him. 

He was not named Poopie from the start.  That came about because of his attitude.  The dear cat was a grouch!  We loved him, though, and he adopted Grace, and became her cat.  As you can see in the picture, he was a tad bit plump!

All of our cats have been rescues.  This is Herbie, the love of our lives, sleeping on the couch on the porch.  He was such a lover, but on the other hand he was quite a killer, too.  Herbie could catch any bird around.

Herbie came to us from a house across the street.  They had thrown him out as a kitten, and he lived on his own before he found us.  When Herbie came to us he was skinny, yellow with sparse hair, and his legs went out of joint at the hips when he walked.  He looked so awful that I was afraid to let the kids touch him, for fear that he "had something".  Our compassion soon took over, though, and we began feeding him.  He gained weight, his color changed to orange, and his hips strengthened, never to bother him again. 

Herbie is the only pet we ever lost.  He went to visit Grace at her apartment, and got lost.    I still feel guilt over him getting lost.  Our poor kitty.

Maynard came to us by way of Animal Control.  The people who had originally owned him were tired of him!  I cannot imagine, because he is a fabulous cat.  He is big, independent, and can leap over tall buildings in a single bound!  Wow, can this cat jump!  He is not a killer like Herbie.  If he finds a bug he will play with it, but any killings are completely accidental.  Maynard is more the lover.  His favorite toy is a long, black shoe string that he especially likes when my grandson Hunter is on the other end of it.  Hunter will play with Maynard until Maynard is tired.  Most other people play with Maynard until they are tired.  There is a difference.

Nov. 13, 2006 - Prayer

This is a prayer for my children, my children's spouses or boyfriends and girlfriends, and my grandchildren.  It is not my creation--it is based on Psalm 119, and was created by a friend for her children.  Please feel free to use it.

Blessed are Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja who walk in the law of the L-rd, Blessed are Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel ,Ally, Hunter and Jorja who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity; they walk in His ways. Oh, that their ways are directed to keep Your statutes. Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja will praise You with uprightness of heart when they learn Your righteous judgments. They will keep Your statutes. Oh, let Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja not wander from Your commandments! Your Word they have hidden in their hearts, that they might not sin against You. Blessed are You, O L-rd! Teach them Your statutes. Seth, Stephanie,  Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja will meditate on Your precepts and contemplate Your ways. They will delight themselves in Your statutes; they will not forget Your Word. Deal bountifully with Your servants Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja that they may live and keep Your Word. Open their eyes that they may see wondrous things from Your law. Your testimonies also are their delight and their counselors. Revive Seth, Stephanie,  Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel,  Ally, Hunter and Jorja according to Your Word, teach them Your statutes, make them understand the way of Your precepts; so shall they meditate on Your wondrous works. Strengthen them according to Your Word, remove from them the way of lying, and grant them Your law graciously. Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja have chosen the way of truth; Your judgments they have laid before them. They cling to Your testimonies. They will run in the way of Your commandments. Teach them, O L-rd, the way of Your statutes, give them understanding and they shall keep Your law; indeed they shall observe it with their whole hearts. Make Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja walk in the path of Your commandments, for they delight in it. Incline their heart to Your testimonies and not to covetousness. Turn away their eyes from looking at worthless things and revive them in Your way. Establish Your Word to Your servants Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja, who are devoted to fearing You, revive them in Your righteousness. Let Your mercies come also to them, O L-rd- Your salvation according to Your Word. And take not the word of truth utterly out of their mouth, for I, their mother, have hoped in Your ordinances, so shall they keep Your law continually, forever and ever, and they will walk at liberty. They will speak Your testimonies also before kings and will not be ashamed. Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja will delight themselves in Your commandments, their hands also will they lift up to Your commandments, and they will meditate on Your statutes. Remember Your Word to Your servant, upon which You have caused me to hope. This is my comfort for Your Word has given me life. I remember Your judgments of old, O L-rd and have comforted myself. I remember Your Name in the night, O L-rd, and I cry out to You, Who created heaven and earth, From whence does my help come? My help comes from You O, G-d! Be merciful to Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja according to Your Word. Cause them to think about their ways and turn their feet to Your testimonies. Cause them to make haste and not delay to keep Your commandments. The cords of the wicked one has sought to bind them, but I have not forgotten Your power! With all my heart I trust in You L-rd to deliver and set free Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja from every snare of the evil one! At midnight I will give thanks to You! In the morning I will give thanks to You and in the noontime I will give thanks to You! I will give thanks to You upon rising and upon my bed for You, O, L-rd, and only You, are worthy of my praise. G-d, I give thanks to You that Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja are the companions of all those who fear You, and of those who keep Your precepts. The whole earth is full of Your mercy; teach Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja Your statutes. You have dealt well with Your servants , O L-rd, according to Your Word. Teach them good judgment and knowledge. They went astray, but now they will keep Your Word and believe Your commandments. You are good and do good; teach Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja Your statutes. Your hands have made them and fashioned them; give them understanding, that they may learn Your commandments. Those who fear You will be glad when they see them, because I have hoped in Your Word. I know, O L-rd, that Your judgments are right. I pray, Your merciful kindness be for Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja's comfort. Let Your tender mercies come to them, that they may live and Your law be their delight. Let their hearts be blameless regarding Your statutes, that they may not be ashamed. Let their hope be in Your Word that they will not forsake Your precepts. Revive Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja according to Your lovingkindness so that they may keep the testimony of Your mouth. Forever, O L-rd, Your Word is settled in heaven. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; You established the earth and it abides, they continue this day according to Your ordinances, for all are Your servants. By Your precepts You have given Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja life, they are Yours, save them. The wicked one waits for them to destroy them, but I will consider Your testimonies and know that You are the great "I AM", the First and the Last, and that no weapon formed against them will prosper. I will remember that You stretched out Your hand and by Your Word were all things created that were created. That You are the all powerful, great and mighty One, the God of Israel, and that everything that has breath shall praise Your name. You, through Your commandments, make Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja wiser than their enemies; they have more understanding than all of their teachers, for Your testimonies are their meditation. They understand more than all the ancients because they keep Your precepts. Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja restrain their feet from every evil way, that they may keep Your Word. They will not depart from Your judgments, for You Yourself teach them. How sweet are Your words to Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja's tastes, sweeter than honey to their mouth! Through Your precepts they get understanding; therefore they hate every false way. Your Word is a lamp to their feet and a light to their path. They will keep Your righteous judgments. Accept the freewill offerings of Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja's mouth, O Lord, and teach them Your judgments. Let them not forget Your law or Your mercies which endure forever and ever. Your testimonies are Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja's heritage forever and they are the rejoicing of their hearts. They incline their hearts to perform Your statutes, forever, to the very end. Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja hate double-mindedness but, they love Your law. Double-mindedness has no place in them for they hold the thoughts and mind of Yeshua. You are Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja's hiding place and their shield; they hope in Your Word. Depart from Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Alli, Hunter and Jorja, you evildoers and every wicked demonic spirit, for Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja will keep the commandments of my G-d! Uphold them according to Your Word, that they may live; and do let me be ashamed of my hope. Hold Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja up and they shall be safe and they shall observe Your statutes continually. They reject all those who stray from Your statutes, for their deceit is falsehood. You put away the wicked one of the earth like dross; and he trembles for fear of You and is afraid of Your judgments. Do not leave Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja to the oppressors. Be surety for Your servants Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja for good; do not let them be oppressed. Deal with them according to Your mercy and teach them Your statutes. Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja are Your servants; give them understanding, that they may know Your testimonies. Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja's souls keeps them. The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to them. Look upon them and be merciful to them, as Your custom is to those who love Your name. Direct Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja's steps by Your Word and let no iniquity have dominion over them. Redeem Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja from the oppression of man and every demonic spirit that they may keep Your precepts. Make Your face to shine upon them and teach them Your statutes. Let rivers of water run down from their eyes because men do not keep Your law. Righteous are You, O L-rd, and upright are Your judgments. Your testimonies, which You have commanded, are righteous and very faithful. Let Your zeal consume Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja because Your enemies have forgotten Your words. Your Word is very pure. Therefore Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja love it. Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness and Your law is truth. Your commandments are their delights. The righteousness of Your testimonies is everlasting; give Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja understanding and they shall live. Cause them to cry out with their whole heart and hear them, O L-rd! They will keep Your statutes and they will cry out to You; save them and they will keep your testimonies. I rise before the dawning of the morning and I cry for help for my children; I hope in Your Word. My eyes are awake through the night watches, that I may meditate on Your Word and lift up my voice to You in prayers and intercessions, supplications and petitions on behalf of my family and others. Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness; and revive me according to Your justice. They draw near Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja, those who follow after wickedness; they are far from Your law. You are near Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja, O L-rd, and all Your commandments are truth. Concerning Your testimonies, I have known of old that You have founded them forever. Consider Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja and deliver them, let them not forget Your law. Plead their cause and redeem them; revive them according to Your Word. Great are Your tender mercies, O L-rd; revive Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja according to Your judgments. Open their eyes to see their persecutors and their enemies, let them not turn from Your testimonies. Let them see the treacherous and be disgusted because they do not keep Your Word. Revive Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja, O L-rd, according to Your lovingkindness. The entirety of Your Word is truth and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever. Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja's heart stand in awe of Your Word, they rejoice at Your Word as one who finds great treasure. They hate and abhor lying, but they love Your law. Seven times a day shall they praise You, because of Your righteous judgments. Great peace have those who love Your law and nothing causes them to stumble. L-rd, I hope for Your salvation for my children. They have the precious treasure and gift of Your Son, the Hope of Glory, within them. Continue the good work that You have begun in them until the day of Messiah Yeshua. Let my cry come before You, O L-rd; give Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja understanding according to Your Word. Let my supplication come before You; deliver Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja according to Your Word. My lips shall utter praise, for You teach them Your statutes. My tongue shall speak of Your Word, for all Your commandments are righteousness. Let Your hand become my help, for I have chosen Your precepts. I long for Your salvation in my children, O Lord, and Your law is my delight. Let my children's souls live and they shall praise You. And let Your judgments help them. Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek them, Your servants, for I do not forget Your commandments.

Psalm 120 Deliver Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja's soul, O L-rd, from lying lips and deceitful tongues.

Psalm 121
Do not allow Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja's foot to be moved. You Who keeps them will not slumber, behold He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The L-rd is their keeper; the L-rd is their shade at their right hand. The sun shall not strike Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja by day, nor the moon by night. The L-rd shall preserve them from all evil; He shall preserve their soul. The L-rd shall preserve Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja's going out and their coming in from this time forth and even forevermore.

Psalm 127
Behold, my children are a heritage from the L-rd, the fruit of my womb is His reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are my children.

Psalm 130
I wait for YOU L-rd, my soul waits, and in Your Word I do hope. My soul waits for You L-rd- more than those who watch for the morning- I say, more than those who watch for the morning. O my soul, hope in the L-rd; for with the L-rd is mercy, and with Him is redemption. And He shall redeem Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja from all their iniquities.

Isaiah 54:17
No weapon formed against Seth, Stephanie, Dusty, Tomme, Jesse, Grace, Andrew, Hannah, Samuel, Ally, Hunter and Jorja shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against them in judgment they shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the L-RD, and their righteousness is from Me," says the L-RD.

Isaiah 54:13-14
13 All my children shall be taught by the L-RD, and great shall be the peace of my children.
14 In righteousness my children shall be established; my children shall be far from oppression, for they shall not fear; and from terror, for it shall not come near my children.

Amen.

Nov. 12, 2006 - Sunday

Daughter dusty and her firstborn, Hunter, on his first day.

Hunter, age 5, and his newborn sister, Jorja.

Sunday is my day with Jorja.  Mommy is working, and Hunter is at church with Dad.  I love having Jorja and Hunter over.  I wish they lived next door!  Jorja is now almost 16 months old, and Hunter will be 7 in January.  How I love these two!

Both of them are fascinated with books.  Jorja comes over usually with one toy and three books that she will look at over and over again.  Hunter is an accelerated reader.  There is nothing better than loving books!

Today it is quiet.  All my kids are sleeping, Jorja is in a quiet mood, and it is dark, cold and rainy.  When I get a nap later it will be a perfect day!

Nov. 11, 2006 - Kristallnacht: The Night of Broken Glass

On the night of November 9, 1938, a horrific event occurred in Eastern Europe which came to be known as "Kristallnacht", or the "Night of the Broken Glass".  In one night, 1574 Jewish synagogues were burned to the ground or destroyed; over 1,300 Jews were killed; 30,000 Jews were arrested and sent to concentration camps; 7,000 Jewish businesses were destroyed; and thousands of Jewish homes were ransacked by Nazi stormtroopers and non-Jewish civilians.

Let us not forget.

Nov. 7, 2006 - Important to Read

There are people who do not understand Messianic believers.  I understand that--we are not well known.  But I find that I am sometimes discriminated against because people do not know what we are about.  These are the beliefs of my synagogue, www.bethmessiahsynagogue.com , simply put.  If you are a Christian, please read this.  You will see that we are brothers and sisters in the L-rd. 

1. . . . that the Bible, composed of both the Old Testament and the New Testament, are the only  infallible and authoritative Word of G-d as expressed in 2 Timothy 3:16.
   
   
2. . . . that G-d is one, as declared in Deut. 6:4, a united one or 'compound unity eternally existent in three persons' as expressed in Isaiah 48:16-17, 9:6-7;
   Genesis 1:1-3.
   
   
3. . . . in the deity of Yeshua Ha Mashiach (Jesus the Messiah), hereafter referred to as Yeshua, and that He is the 'seed of the woman' as G-d promised in Genesis 3:15 and that His virgin birth was to be a sign to Israel of His Messiahship as stated in Isaiah 7:14 and 9:6-7.
   
   
4. . . . in Yeshua's life, His miracles yesterday and today, His vicarious and sacrificial death as our atonement, His ascension, His personal future return for believers in Yeshua both living and passed on,  and His future establishment of His kingdom on earth.
   
   
5. . . . that the only means of being cleansed from sin is by grace, through faith in the shed sacrificial blood of Yeshua and that the regeneration by the Spirit of G-d is absolutely essential for personal salvation, as expressed in Leviticus 17:11 and Ephesians 2:8.
   
   
6. . . . in the present ministry of the Ruach Ha Kodesh (Holy Spirit), hereinafter referred to as Ruach, by whose indwelling the believer is enabled to live a G-dly life, as stated in Ezekiel 36:26-27.
   
   
7. . . . that the promise of the Father, as outlined in Acts 1:4-8, and the gifts of the Ruach Ha Kodesh, as foretold by the Jewish prophets (Joel 12:27-29; Isaiah 28:11-12), fulfilled in Acts 10-44-48, and as taught by the anointed Jewish apostle Shaul (Paul), are for believers today. (1 Corinthians 12:4-10)
   
   
8. . . . that Jewish people (descendants of Abraham through Isaac, whether through the blood line of the mother or the father) who place their faith in Yeshua as Israel's Messiah have not disowned or separated themselves from their race and their Judaic heritage, but remain sons and daughters of Israel (Romans 2:28-29).
   
   
9. . . . in the resurrection of both saved and lost, one to everlasting life and the other to eternal separation from G-d, the latter being consigned to a state of everlasting punishment. (Daniel 12:2 and Matthew 25:46)
   
   
10. . . . that the middle wall of partition which in times past separated Jews and Gentiles has been broken down, the strife between them eradicated by Yeshua Ha Mashiach (Jesus the Messiah). (Ephesians 2:12-14)
    
    
11. . . . that the new covenant body of the Lord is composed of both Jewish and non-Jewish people who have accepted Yeshua as the Promised Redeemer and that now they are to worship together in the house of G-d. (1 Corinthians 12:13 and Hebrews.10:2)
    
    
12. . . . in the partaking of the communal elements of the matzah (unleavened bread) and the wine, as instituted by Yeshua at His last Passover seder, and that the elements are symbolic of the Messiah's death and as the ultimate Pesach lamb and His resurrection.
    (1 Corinthians 11:23-24)
    
    
13. . . . in the immersion of believers (baptism) as commanded by the scriptures as an outward sign of an inward redemption experience, symbolizing the death of the old flesh and the resurrection unto the newness of life. (Matthew 3:16 and 28:18-20)

Nov. 5, 2006 - Psalm 15

Like most people, I love the Psalms.  On a forum I belong to ( http://forums.hebrew4christians.com ), a couple of us have started going through some of the Psalms, and just telling a little about what we see in them.  This is the first one I wrote.  Brief!   

Quote:

"O LORD, who may abide in Your tent?        Who may dwell on Your holy hill?   2 He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness,        And speaks truth in his heart.   3 He does not slander with his tongue,        Nor does evil to his neighbor,        Nor takes up a reproach against his friend;   4 In whose eyes a reprobate is despised,        But who honors those who fear the LORD;        He swears to his own hurt and does not change;   5 He does not put out his money at interest,        Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent        He who does these things will never be shaken.

Nov. 2, 2006 - Hurricane, 2004

Hannah, Jesse, Dusty, Sam and Grace--none of them looking their best!

I have been through enough hurricanes in my life to satisfy anyone's need for adventure!  Two years ago, however, we had one while we lived in Virginia Beach and on the water (note the water in the picture coming way up into our yard!!).  It was just a bit of the hurricane--not the eye. 

We decided to make the most of the storm.  I bought everyone hurricane goody bags, with colored pencils, Dover coloring books, and a few other things.  We got the game boards out.  Candles and oil lamps were in place, and matches were within reach.

When the rain and the wind started, I decided to show the kids how to use coats and sheets in the wind to allow the wind to hold them up.  We had so much fun!  Of course, it is something no little ones could do.  My grandson, Hunter, is safely on the porch with me, watching the fun but staying safe and dry.

                            Jesse

They have to balance and hold on tight!

The water came up so close to the porch that eventually we had to go in.  You can see it creeping closer behind Jesse.  They wanted to stay out, but I had to remind them that you never know what is in that murky water.  G-d's hand was on us.  The water stopped about two feet from the house.

We never needed the candles and oil lamps.  We were the only neighborhood that I know of that didn't lose power.  It was a true miracle that we kept quiet about, because many, many people were without power for weeks.  But what will we remember?  Playing in the wind and rain, together, like families should be.

Oct. 28, 2006 - Remembering

See how seriously they are working?

These are my two oldest, Seth and Dusty Rose, at First Beach in Newport, RI, where we lived at the time.  This is probably about 25 years ago.  I know it was in September.  How time flees us!  We didn't have a car, and used to get back and forth by walking or taking the bus.  We must have annoyed everyone, because bus time meant singing!  The wheels on the bus go round and round...  It was a wonderful time.  I wish that I had been journaling back then.  So many of you moms are on a wonderful path, journaling while your children are little.  Don't give it up!  You will be surprised at how reading it later will refresh memories for you and your children!  Don't stop just because they are getting older, and not as "cute" every day.  There are still things to treasure, wisdom showing itself for the first time, the trials of a child becoming independent.  Don't delete your blogs!  Print them out, scrapbook them.  Keep journaling.

I loved this time with my children.  I was single again, and didn't think there would ever be any other children in my life.  I never dreamed there would be six children eventually, though I really did want a larger family.  We were truly happy.

I remember walks with them to the park, holding Seth's hand as he so bravely walked on the stone wall.  Taking pictures of them on the slide and other park toys.  Pushing them on the swings.  Letting them watch tv in their sleeping bags while I studied my elementary education courses.  Using conversations with them for research in my psychology courses.  More than anything, I remember that overwhelming feeling of love for them.  It has not died at all.  I still love all my kids so much.  Keep loving your children, no matter what happens in your life.  Things you dreamed of, expected, will change.  But love conquers all.