What an exciting weekend we had on the fourth of July 2022. I am grateful for the freedom and the ability to celebrate July 4th in the United States of America. We decided back in February 2022 to visit a dear friend who moved to Buda, Texas for his birthday on July 3rd and stay a couple of extra days until July 5th. [Names of friends have been left out of this blog for privacy purposes.]
The entire trip was smooth and uneventful, beginning with our air travel from Denver, CO. The weather was pleasant, the flight was smooth, the airline was comfortable and accommodating. Our travel was wonderful to Buda as well as our return home to Denver.
Once we arrived at our friend’s new home, the accommodations were quite cozy and very lovely. Our host turned over his home to us, (a couple and myself); and stayed at a different location. Who does that? Give up their bed, their home, provide food/refreshments, and stays at a different location, so we could be comfortable and have privacy. This is very fine hospitality.
We met two awesome families who are friends of our host. They provided us with food, fellowship and made us genuinely feel welcomed. We received gifts, we laughed, played games and shared some personal stories. In addition, we had a tour of Buda and Austin and we were treated to a charming dinner at a restaurant in Buda called Mud Bugs. The following day we had a birthday dinner for our host at the famous Oasis restaurant in Austin. The hospitality was graced with generosity. Shout out to the folks who made our trip very memorable.
We went on a beautiful boat tour after our dinner at the Oasis on Lake Travis. We admired the beautiful homes and the breathtaking scenery as the boat captain entertained us. As many of you know, it is extremely hot in Texas during the month of July. But, our time on the lake was relaxing and comfortable during our evening ride. Our host paid for the boat tour as his “birthday gift” to us, and the captain of the boat refused to take a tip as his gift to our host. He asked for a positive review on FaceBook. Again, hospitality graced with generosity.
Lake Travis Texas
Our trip to Buda was a vivid reminder of the importance of love, friendship and the connection of “strangers” when we are interrelated by the same spirit of the living G-D! It was comforting to know and visit with like-minded people who are living their faith in an unique way filled with laughter, joy, gratitude and faithfulness. I was further inspired by their gracious acceptance of us and long to visit again.
I was also blessed to hear about some of their trials and tribulations; yet, I witnessed their steadfastness in the L-RD. Finally, I was surrounded by three wonderful married couples who seemed to be joyfully in sync with each other. This was awesome to witness, especially when divorce is so prevalent in our society.
All in all it was a very wonderful excursion away from home, and I am extremely grateful for safe travels as well as the all the exciting interactions. Thank you to everyone who helped make our trip so very enjoyable! Shout out and much love to you all!
Grateful Musings,
Dr. Dee
www.goodtimeaustin.com If you ever decide to take a tour on Lake Travis – ask for Chris. He was our boat tour captain. Good Time Tours: 512-924-2911.
This morning I read the entire book of Colossians, the letter from Yeshua’s Emissary Sha’ul to the Messianic Community in Colossians in the Complete Jewish Bible. As I read through G-D’s words this morning, I was profoundly reminded of the remarkable and incomprehensible love He has for His people. He demonstrated His amazing love through His son Yeshua providing redemption, i.e., the forgiveness of our sins and eternal salvation. Yeshua, who is the visible image of the invisible G-D, is supreme over all creation, and in connection with G-D created all things; those seen and unseen. [Col 1:14-16]
Rabbi Sha’ul wrote an eloquent prayer to the community of faithful believers that is appros for believers in Yeshua today.
Colossians 1:9 Therefore, from the day we heard of it, we have not stopped praying for you, asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will in all the wisdom and understanding which the Spirit gives; 10 so that you may live lives worthy of the Lord and entirely pleasing to him, being fruitful in every good work and multiplying in the full knowledge of God. 11 We pray that you will be continually strengthened with all the power that comes from his glorious might; so that you will be able to persevere and be patient in any situation, joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father for having made you fit to share in the inheritance of his people in the light. [ESB]
Are we praying for each other in the same manner that Sha’ul prayed for the community of Colossians? Are we modeling the profession of our lips in our homes, communities, workplaces, etc.? Do our lives represent fruitfulness and growing in full knowledge of our Master Yeshua? And if not, why?
Prayer, I believe, is one of our spiritual obligations, which draws us closer to the Father, strengthens our resolve, and keeps us focused on WHO is in charge, as well as reminds us of our fragility. I used the word obligations, which might imply a burdensome duty, but really prayer should be a want to, can’t wait to, need to, delightful and fulfilling time of loving and communicating with ABBA.
Prayer is a communication vehicle, which molds and empowers our relationship with HaShem. Prayer is our means of hearing and being equipped by ABBA to do His will. I believe that we must focus on prayer all through the day and night keeping ABBA first and foremost. Yeshua was very clear about prayer prior to His murder on the cross. He told His disciples to always pray to the Father on His merit and authority; and the Father would hear and answer their prayers. [John 16:23-24] Yeshua did not say to pray to Him. We have this same promise as we choose to be faithful to Yeshua and follow His commandments.
I also read an article from the Messiah Magazine, Issue 27, which First Fruits of Zion publishes. In this article which recounted various near-death-experiences, one individual who had an NDE found himself dead and before the throne of judgment. According to the article, the man was surprised by G-D’s mercy towards him. His confusion was resolved when he began hearing the prayers of his community through the angels. After returning to this realm, he related the exact details of the prayers to his community that he never heard before his NDE.
I have read many stories about the experiences of those who have what’s been coined NDE or near-death-experiences, but this was the first one which mentioned the profundity of prayers and actually hearing the prayers of others; and G-D displaying mercy based on the prayers of others for the person unaware. I hope that makes sense? Whether you believe this story or not, I believe our prayers are vital in this life for those we pray for irregardless if they know we are praying for them or not. I believe when we pray according to G-D’s will He answers those prayers according to what He deems is best.
Therefore, as we pray for one another, as well as ourselves, let us pray with eternity in mind, full of love and G-D’s best for each other. Let us pray that we will grow in faith and application as we navigate through this life, and let others see the fruit of our following Yeshua, so they might be drawn to Him.
My prayer for us: May the mediation of our hearts flow from our lips and may others recognize our commitment and love for our Creator and Savior through Yeshua HaMashiach, Jesus the Christ. May we humbly serve as members of G-D’s Kingdom in ways which please Him. And, when we fail, quickly run to Him with contrite and sincere hearts knowing that He has promised to forgive and restore us. When our faith is weak and the burdens of this life overwhelming, may we ask ABBA for help to walk in the power of our comforter, the Holy Spirit knowing that He will reveal all truth to us and strengthen us. Help us to live demonstrating our love to You, ABBA and others by keeping your commandments. In the name of Yeshua.
Let us not be overwhelmed by fear, but in Him walk in the power of His love and mercy.
Men are no good! They can’t be trusted! Men just want sex! They’re animals! Men are worthless! You don’t need a man to take care of you!The hell with them!
Have you heard such comments from friends, family, and/or co-workers? Have you paid attention to how men are ridiculed in the media, either blatantly or subtlety? I would venture to say we have all heard the aforementioned comments and many more; and we have been entertained by such foolish and degrading comments. Now, before you get tangled in a tizzy, the focus on this blog is about our men; husbands, brothers, sons and/or friends. So don’t go writing me about the injustices inflicted on women. I know all too well about the mistreatment of women, been there and have my graduate degrees with honors on being mistreated!
However, as a mother and grandmother of men, I want to know, why as a society are we hell-bent on demonizing our men! Think about it. The depth of the question is beyond the scope of this blog, but the evidence is all around us via media, within our work places, churches, synagogues and more. Instead of celebrating the great men in our lives who are doing what is required, we dog and degrade them! Should not be!
We have moved so far away from the principles of G-D’s Torah (His teachings, laws) especially in our marriages that many women emasculate or belittle their husbands even sons, either intentionally or unintentionally on a regular basis. Sometimes, emasculation occurs during the dating process leaving some women to wonder, why has the man ghosted them! So, if you do not espouse having a relationship with the Creator through His Son Yeshua, you might want to stop reading.
If you are still reading, marriage is G-D’s design between a biological male and a biological female; and within His design, He decided on the roles for each person…both equal in His sight and joint heirs in Yeshua, but different roles. Read your Bible. (Ephesians 5) However, regardless of one’s position within the marriage husband or wife, BOTH – (I am speaking to believers and followers of Yeshua) are required to love and respect each other, first submitted to G-D and then to each other. Yet, G-D told man to love His wife, because He knew men would struggle with the love part; and He told women to respect their husband and submit to His g-dly leadership, because He, G-d knew women would have difficulty respecting their man if He didn’t do or live up to their expectations.
Admit it! Many of us have extreme difficulty respecting our men/husbands, especially if they are inadequate in some way, including the bedroom. Thus as women, we can speak very harshly to our spouses in ways that wound them deeply, and in a manner which does not bring honor to G-D. G-D expects better from us and with the help of His breath, His Spirit, we can and should do better.
Some of us have been raised under an umbrella of criticism of men, because of negative female experiences. Others, joke about the “stupidity” of men, and are oblivious to how the toxicity of their words hurt men whether spouse, son, or friend. The media slams men due to the liberal notions prevalent in our society, as well as undesirable actions of many men. Now, I get that every man who feels emasculated or small has not been verbally abused by his girlfriend, mother or wife…but that is not the point of this blog. I am again, speaking to women who claim to love and serve G-D; yet, WE have failed in honoring and respecting our men in some cases. And, though in the heat of the moment or in the “fun” of the moment it may seem justified; we are called to always show honor and respect to our men.
A study was conducted in 2014 by a neuropsychologist named Dr. David Lewis. This study demonstrated that men experienced more physiological changes in an emotional experiment than their female counterparts. This study according to the article in healthyway.com, men feel emotions just as much as women, but are less willing to express these emotions openly due to societal expectations. Seriously, do we need a study to explain this to us? G-D’s word is clear on the vileness of the tongue and the necessity to love each other. (Ep. 4:29; Prov. 15:1; James 3:2-10) Any feeling or breathing human being is going to experience emotional currents both good and harmful. The expression of such feelings or lack of expression may be different, but emotional feelings are part of being human. My point, contrary to our stance on how men may or may not feel, it is imperative as women of Yeshua that we treat our men with respect.
Listed below are some comments, we make intentionally or unintentionally, especially when we are totally and completely enraged with our spouse, fuming with resentment and/or full of self-righteousness and bitterness. I confess, I have made derogatory remarks to the men I claimed to love. It wasn’t a pretty picture at best! I regret the disrespectful words I spewed in a belittling manner, and I have suffered grave loss because of my sins. Thank G-D for His forgiveness and learning from my mistakes.
Emasculating Actions/Comments:
Calling him degrading names. In a loving relationship, there is no room for name calling. Men have feelings too, and to tell a man he has no courage, a loser, etc., because maybe he is not dealing with a situation per your methodology will cause him to feel insignificant as a man. Worst, hit him with derogatory sexual remarks…duck for cover! (No physical violence of course.) Words bring life or death to the listener. Harsh words are a breeding ground for the evil one to infect the relationship with bitterness, hatred, anger, adultery, and death (divorce).
Pointing out his failings. Like us women, men are well aware of their flaws and do not need us to point them out or attempt to change them. In a loving relationship, we have to “love” the things we hate about the person, because part of loving someone is loving the whole person. If something is really an issue, then take the concern to G-D in prayer, and ask Him first to deal with the matter; and then to help you speak in kindness if applicable. And, remember, ladies, we spend an excessive amount of time and billions of dollars per year working on own our flaws. Maybe, we should spend just as much effort working on our inner woman.
Rescuing him in a conversation. This might happen in a conversation with others and you jump in, pushing him aside and begin to talk or argue for him. The fact that you intervened may cause him to believe you think he is unable to talk or defend his argument. Let him talk. He is a grown man and does not need a mother. If you are having difficulty keeping quiet, politely excuse yourself and take a moment to pray and adjust.
Criticizing him to family/friends. Keep your mouth closed! Personal matters between a husband and wife ought to stay between the couple, bar needing some counselling for a serious matter. Otherwise, criticizing your spouse because he doesn’t put down the toilet seat or eats with his mouth open or whatever, only glorifies that which you hate and makes him look awful to others. The point…don’t badmouth your man! Like momma use to say, if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all! Besides, many times when women badmouth their spouses, long after the couple has made up, others remember and view him less favorably.
Humiliating him in public.Arguments are inevitable. Couples disagree. Keep it private. If one argues in public, and the man retorts too loudly, then he could be labeled an abuser or the cops called. If there is arguing in front of the family, dad, brothers or Big Mama, then the issue escalates; and again, others will view him negatively. And, besides ladies, think about your reputation as a follower of Yeshua?
None of us are perfect, but as women who believe in Yeshua, we are commanded to respect our spouses. (Ephesians 5:33) And, though there are many other ways to emasculate or belittle our men, we ought to make a concerted effort to honor and cherish them. When we fail to honor the men in our lives, we ought to ask for forgiveness, even if we have belittled our sons, brothers, or other men.
If you have always honored and respected your spouse and others, then you are blessed and very special. For those who struggle in this area, ask G-D to help you. He is always available to hear our prayers and help us to overcome those sins which easily beset us.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn and confirmed that I will keep your righteous judgments. Ps. 119: 105-106
The noun form of the wordwillaccording to Webster’s dictionary means the mutual ability to decide to choose for oneself; strong desire or determination; a legal document stating how one’s property is to be distributed after death. The verb form of the wordwill, according to Webster’s dictionary, means to bring about by an act, bound to, to decide as by decree, to give or bequeath (to hand down) something in a will. Thus, when we say to ABBA (Father) of all creation that “I will follow”, we are in essence not only speaking an action concerning our choice to obey by decree or decision, but we are declaring our “death”i.e., death to our desires and determinations based on our self-idolatrous nature and desires.
Let me elaborate.
A will, a legal document exercised at someone’s physical death, is the distribution of personal properties and/or possessions. Therefore, as believers in the Most High G-D, once we have accepted the Master, Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus the Christ); we are to die to our flesh andwillall of our earthly possessions to him including our loved ones and enemies. Consequently, with the confession of our lips and the belief in our hearts, we have entered into a “legal” relationship with G-D through the blood of Yeshua and sealed by the Holy Spirit. However, legal and binding, covenant is a better term, because covenant means doing your part irrespective of the other person’s behavior. This is very comforting for those of us who know the L-RD, because unlike ourselves, He will never fail or leave us. And, with our best and most loving intentions towards G-D and others, it is impossible for us to walk in G-D’s type of love 24 hours each day. Thus, why we need a Savior!
Dying to the flesh is a conscious moment by moment endeavor and is accomplished via the magnificent inward and outward working of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit). [1 Corinthians 6:19; Ephesians 1:13; Titus 3:5] As believers we need the power, guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit because we are weak, frail and our hearts are desperately wicked when we seek to live apart from G-D’s teachings. Therefore, when wewill to do G-D’s will, we must ask the Ruach HaKodesh to assist us in being willing vessels for His purposes. We must have a strong determination to follow the Master regardless of the cost. We must decree to choose Him and entrust ourselves to Him. When we choose to join ourselves with the Master, Yeshua, we will experience Shalom and joy. [Philippians 4:7; Isaiah 35:10; 1 Peter 1:8&9] When we choose the Master, we will never thirst again in a spiritual sense, because we are created to innately know Him. [Matthew 5:6; John 4:14] Instead, we will begin to bask in His presence in this life and more so in the life to come.
G-D chooses to operate through willing believers to accomplish His will on earth. However, we must remember that doing His WILL is an act of our wills. It is a conscious commitment with maximum effort. If we seriously consider the Scripture in Matthew 7:21, Not everyone who says to me ‘L-RD, L-RD’ will enter in the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father in heaven; this should propel us to live as obedient servants for our heavenly Father.
Let us remember to willingly lift our hearts and our voices in worship, praise and prayer to the One who has created us. In addition, let our wills exemplify our daily death and burial with the Master, and let us run in the newness of our life in Him. And, when we fail and we will, quickly run to the Father in prayer and ask for forgiveness through our Savior and L-RD, Yeshua.
PRAYER: ABBA, Father lead me up the path of righteousness and I will follow. Father, I join my will, heart, flesh and mind to your will and desires as I walk in the salvation bestowed on me through Yeshua. When I fail, help me to quickly repent and turn from my self-idolatrous ways and focus my will, heart, flesh and mind on You. Help me to walk circumvent before you and others, so that I might please you with my life. I love you L-RD. In Yeshua, I pray.
War and Rumors of Wars…but the end is not yet. (Matthew 24:3)
In light of the current events between Ukraine and Russia the times we are living in are continually changing and becoming extremely darker. Evil lurks on every corner, every door post and everywhere people are positioned. And, as hard as it is not to be afraid, that is exactly what we must strive to be and do because of WHO we belong to.
Life can be very stressful and difficult when we constantly keep our minds and hearts embellished on the mayhem of this world. All areas of our lives will suffer, if we allow the evil of this world to supersede our faith in HaShem. It can be tough, but we cannot allow fear to overtake us as we watch evil, corrupt people attempt to rule and thwart the very liberties G-D has bestowed on us.
My mother recently died and being there to witness her last breath set me on a different trajectory in my approach to life. For many years, I have suffered with abandonment and rejection issues and as a result the one thing I so desired in life has eluded me. However, with her passing and my advanced age, I am realizing more each day that my lack of faith, my fear, and my deep interpersonal issues have hindered my ability to live a fulfilling life as G-D has intended. Ultimately, I am responsible for my response to ABBA and acting on what He has proposed for me. Those whom I have allowed to hurt me were tragic lessons and many years of wasted time wrapped in some happy memories. Now, I still have time to walk in His worth rather than the negative projections of others.
My point, as the adage makes plain, LIFE IS TOO SHORT! We have to stop worrying about all the “things” and choose to live, pray, worship and serve others, because we only have right now.
The families and folks in Ukraine and other war-torn countries or those in areas where extreme weather conditions have devastated their communities did not plan on enduring their current hardships. They are in need of our prayers at the very least. Not to mention the plethora of other calamities, ills, genocides and the list is endless, so it seems.
My encouragement to you, the United States is not exempt from any calamities that could come our way. Therefore, while you have today, prepare spiritually and prepare practically. Enjoy your family, love and forgive them, and put petty matters aside. Folks that have hurt you, choose to forgive them and let go of all bitterness, rage, hatred and malice. These tortuous attitudes only destroy you if you are harboring negative feelings towards others or yourself. I heard Steve Harvey say, holding on to unforgiveness, is like drinking poison expecting the other person to die! Profound – chew on that.
We are made in the image of G-D and we need to act like it. We need to have an attitude of gratitude and constant worship in our hearts and lips. Live each moment trusting and knowing G-D is our banner and strength. And, if war should come and destroy us all, we will arrive in heaven a little bit sooner.
Be blessed and know WHO you serve. He is the powerful and amazing G-D!
It’s been awhile since I have written and life has been full of twists and turns. Yet, by the grace of G-D, I am still here and possibly in my right mind. The pandemic has made all of us a little or a lot of something and I am no exception. During this pandemic, there was the threat of losing my job – gratefully, I am able to continue working remotely. My mom passed away in December 2021, and shortly after her death, my “what I thought” was my forever mate, abandoned the relationship, which realizing now was best for both of us. Yet, life keeps moving forward and no time to get stuck in the mud of “woe” is me or sink in self-pity. Yes, healing is vital, but I believe in active healing. More about that in another post.
Most importantly, I have much to be grateful for and this is where I choose to hang my life for G-D to see; and hopefully He will use me to help others. Today, while it is today, let me encourage you to choose life in ABBA and His way of loving you. Choose forgiveness towards others over bitterness and hatred. Choose goodness and mercy, instead of meanness and pride. Choose humility and meekness, instead of arrogance and domination. Choose agape love, because all roads lead to G-D. We choose either life in Him or separation from Him.
What do you say about what’s happening in your life? Let your heart sing to Him and He will respond. Remember, that which we worship, we become.
Today, I lift up Israel because you said in your word to pray for the peace of Israel. (Psalm 122:6) I pray for your Shalom to surround them and keep them safe during their various trials and tribulations as they war with their neighbors. I pray that peace would be their mantra and that they will learn to get along for better living conditions for all.
You are the G-D who sees and knows all things. Move across the land of Israel in a way which defines who YOU are and impacts the communities for YOUR glory. Thank you for listening to my prayer. I love you L-RD!
Lift Him up and behold the glory of our G-D and King! The head of His family and all the earth. Lift Him up and let His Name reign and be not afraid for He is good and desires to demonstrate His love for each of us.
Why are we so afraid and consumed with the affairs of this world? Oh how we have preoccupied ourselves with the activities of others who hate G-D and His people, especially with the hype and disasters surrounding COVID-19, the election, violence, scandals, and more.
There are so many commentaries about 2020 that it is hard to keep it all straight, no less who or what to believe. So much more negative than positive to say the least! Don’t you get tired of the “downers”, “doomers”, “gloomers”, “haters”, “violence-whores” and I’m sure you could add to this list. However, this blog is not about the wretched and the evils which attempt to torment our souls consistently on a daily basis! This blog is about and a reminder of the goodness of our L-RD.
I just want to list some positive personal points about 2020.
If nothing else it has deepened my appreciation for my family and friends. I had the opportunity to see most of them twice this year and that was a true blessing. See, we live in various states and countries, so seeing them was extra special this year.
I was blessed to buy a townhouse in the summer and that was a real blessing! I have had lots of homes and lost them all for various reasons. However, G-D blessed me with another home I can call ours…the L-RD’s and mine.
I was invited to teach at a middle school after losing my position at an elementary school. Initially, I was worried and upset about being placed in the right teaching position, but G-D worked things out better than I hoped and prayed for. I am also working at home, so I am grateful that I do not have to commute and I am grateful to work for a principal who believes and honors her staff.
Gyms were closed for a while, but they are back open. I put on some “COVID” fat, so I need to exercise. I am so grateful to get out of the house and workout on a regular basis.
On Friday nights, friends and myself usually get together for dinner, Torah Study and discussion of social issues. I am grateful that we did not allow COVID-19 to keep us apart and G-D has blessed us and our study for being faithful to Him. We’ve even had several new guests share a meal with us and fellowship.
Family Chats have also become part of our norm! We ZOOM from various places in the country in order to stay connected. Seeing family and laughing is so much fun on Zoom. I am grateful for this technology which allows us to interface.
My health has been great for the most part this year. I did, however, hurt my knee between the gym and missing the stairs not once but twice. My knee is on the mend, but it has been a process. I am seeing a physical therapist who has really helped me. I appreciate him and the work he is doing. I am grateful.
I am also so grateful for more things that I can name including my ability to think, write, read, see, hear, feel, walk upright, laugh, cry and even embrace boredom at times. Also, for all the provisions G-D has afforded me during this past year, including the very special man in my life.
So yeah, just like you I am so OVER COVID-19, but COVID-19 nor the ills of the world will determine my perspective. G-D as always proves He is greater than all the evils and mayhem of this world. We as believers, must believe He is greater and He will be with us always because He loves us.
If you have not received Yeshua (Jesus) as your Savior, L-RD, Redeemer and brother, you are missing out on Salvation and Shalom in this life and the life to come. Asking Yeshua to come into your heart and rule your life does not mean we will not face challenges, but He will always be with us every step of the way listening to our prayers, protecting and guiding us.
