Tag Archives: Faith

You are my witnesses…

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“You are my witnesses”, says Adonai …

What does that mean to be a witness of Adonai (the L-RD)? When or how are we to be His witnesses?

Most of us might answer; to demonstrate the love of the Messiah through kindness, generosity, sharing the great news of the coming Kingdom and more. We might also suggest that being a witness for Adonai should occur wherever we find ourselves in front of others, including spouses, family, friends and enemies. And, I completely agree.

However, I believe there is an intimate time when we should show up as a witness for Adonai. Consider the rest of the Scripture: 

lush green rice terraces in bali with mount agung
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You are my witnesses, says the L-RD, my servant, whom I chose, so that you would know and believe me and understand that I am the one. Before me no god was formed; after me there has been no other. Isaiah 43:10 CEB

What do you mean, you might ask? For a moment focus on the words know, believe me and understand … I am the One. Now as most of us know, the book of Isaiah was written to the nation of Israel and speaks of prophetic judgement and redemption throughout the book. Yet, as believers in Yeshua, we are given the same mandate, i.e., to know G-D, believe Him and understand that He is He. How can we do this?

The word witnessing has several meanings. However, for the purposes of this blog, the dictionary meaning which is apropos; be the place, period or setting in which (an event or development) takes place.I believe that this kind of witnessing (development) begins during private prayer, worship and study of the Scriptures. Yes, again, we are called to public witnessing, no doubt about it! But for public witnessing to be authentic, genuine and Messiah centered, we must spend the time in prayer so that we can get to know and develop our knowledge of G-D and thus our relationship with Him. Still, knowledge without trust (believe Me – G-D) and understanding that He is Echad (One); our efforts to share the coming Kingdom of G-D is likened unto a noisy brass cymbal or trying to drink coffee from an empty cup. 

How can we share about our Heavenly Father if we aren’t actively pursuing Him consistently and daily? How can we know and believe Him, and understand that He is G-D and there is no other, if we are not dependent on His Spirit to reveal His love, truth and purposes to us? 

question mark on chalk board
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There are many brass cymbals banging to the tune of their own agenda and empty cups without drink. But, we believers in Messiah have been called to live and proclaim the truth of His plans for humankind. We have been given two mandates in the Word of G-D which encompasses everything we need to know and do. In Matthew 22:36-40, it reads:

Teacher, what is the greatest commandment in the Law? He replied, “You must love the L-RD your G-D with all your heart, with all your being,[a] and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: You must love your neighbor as you love yourself.[b] All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands. (CJB)

This blog is focused on witnessing or loving G-D first; and in order to love G-D first, we must spend time privately getting to know Him and developing in Him. I believe that this first witness to Him consequently flows into all the public witnessing and the G-Dly living He requires.

My point, consider reevaluating your prayer times and your efforts to read, study and meditate on G-D’s Word. Ask Him to reveal where and how you might improve in these areas so that your public witness might please Him and draw others to Him. Be sure to repent and keep pushing forward to please Him in prayer and study. Make prayer (worship, thanksgiving, repentance, petition, listening and doing) a priority as part of your daily existence. I also believe that our prayer life is a witness to the Father of our gratitude for the redemptive work of our Savior. 

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Before I close, I want to share a quick testimony. The other day, my husband decided to drive us to Blagaj, Bosnia & Herzegovina for sightseeing and lunch. Blagaj is about two hours from our home. This is a beautiful area of the country with gorgeous mountainous terrain. As we were approaching the toll booths, I heard that I needed to pray. So I silently prayed for our safety as we were traveling. Moments later as my husband was switching lanes to the left of him, a car came speeding up and honked as we were merging into the lane, nearly hitting our vehicle. We were both startled, but grateful that we did not have a car accident. Then later that evening as we were beginning to make a left-hand turn close to our home while the ongoing traffic was clear… all of a sudden a car came speeding and was within inches of hitting us, (second time in the same day). All I could see at that moment was the luminous piercing lights of a speeding car about to hit the middle of our car on the passenger side. My husband swerved out of the way and I am here writing to you. My husband was shaken and admitted that he was scared. He said, he knew he was clear to make the turn. The car came out of nowhere! We were both shaken but grateful we were not in an accident. I was in awe that I had been warned to pray prior to these two events in one day, and I was reminded that I hadn’t prayed before we left home. [Shame on me] But, praise the L-RD, we serve a loving Father who wants us to be safe and have times of enjoyment on the earth. He will remind us to pray at times when we forget because He cares for us.

Be encouraged…never give up on doing the intimate work with the Father through prayer, study and meditation. Our private witness sets the momentum for overflow into our public display. Be encouraged to work on your relationship with the Father daily through Yeshua, empowered by the Holy Spirit because you/we are His witnesses.

Growing,

Dr. Dee

A Grateful Heart…

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thanksgiving turkey with mashed potatoes and green beans
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How was your Thanksgiving to my American friends? Here in Central Europe, Thanksgiving as a holiday is not a thing. Thanksgiving is just another day. No turkey, no mac and cheese, no collard greens, candied yams, sweet potato pie…man, I am getting hungry! Wow, I miss those Thanksgiving feasts with my family and friends.

However, as believers in Messiah, thanksgiving is more than food and fellowship. Thanksgiving is a heart-felt deep gratitude for our Savior who died that we might have life abundantly in Him. Abundance in grace, mercy, forgiveness of our sins, protection, eternity and anything else ABBA chooses to grace or bestow on His children.

So, what are you thankful for today? I’m sure the list is extensive, but have you thanked the Father for what you have? Are you content with what you have or are you grappling for more?

In these fleeting moments of life, let me encourage you to be grateful and thankful for everything in your life…the good, the bad, and the ugly.  Take nothing for granted, but in all things praise the L-RD for He is the author and finisher of our faith. He loves us, grows us and sustains us as we continue to trust and love Him.

selective focus photography of yellow school bus die cast
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Know that we are holy people traveling this life to eternity. On our journey, it is imperative that we live like we have accepted Yeshua as our Savior, learn to love our Creator, obey His teachings, study His Word, love our neighbors and do good. We must learn to love Him for who He is and not just for what He can give us.  We must be thankful for our wonderful and majestic Creator. And, when we fail, and we will fail, we need to confess, repent and receive His forgiveness. 

He, ABBA is clear that we can do all things through Yeshua our Messiah, but we have to lay down the idols in our lives and humble ourselves before Him. Today, my friends…be encouraged, as I am encouraged as well. Let’s forge ahead in our pursuits to love and honor G-D with all of our hearts, thoughts and actions. Let’s remember to pray for each other and keep the eyes of our hearts on the One True and Living G-D. 

36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the L-RD your G-D with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. ”Matthew 22:36-40 NIV

I am thankful for all things in my life whether I “feel” grateful or not…can you say the same? If not, ask Him to help you develop a grateful heart. I Thessalonians 5:18; Philippians 4:6.

Loving Him,

Dr. Dee

Lifting us up in prayer…

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Your Kingdom is here! Your Kingdom is Coming! You are the GREAT I AM!

Open up the eyes of our hearts L-RD that we may draw closer to you and walk in your ways. Make us understand that who you are is defined in your name, and the way you relate to your people and the world. Build upon the foundation of our hearts that are anchored in the cornerstone of Messiah Yeshua according to your Word. Help us to know and serve you with humble hearts. May the fruit of your Spirit who abides within us as a down payment on our spirits, work through us for your glory. We are your children, your servants.

sun setting in horizon in nature landscape
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Remind us, ABBA, that our lives are without purpose, if we are bent on following ourselves instead of you. We were created to worship YOU and YOU alone. Therefore, our dearest ABBA demolish any and all idols erected in our hearts. Destroy all ungodly motives and purify our desires so that our living pleases you. Messiah is our Savior!

In this earthly tent as you know, better than we do, the struggle is real. But, you said we have overcome by the blood of the Lamb. Help us to walk in this truth. And, though there are many days we feel defeated, shameful, vile and worthless, we trust in your love because you are our only saving Hope.

This day ABBA gives us your daily bread, not just food for the body, but nourishment for our souls. Let us see and hear from you daily and be comforted and energized by your presence. Help us forgive all those who have hurt us, and help us forgive ourselves for all those we have hurt including ourselves. We know like King David, it is our crimes both explicitly and implicitly that have displeased you. Thank you for your forgiveness Oh Holy One.

Thank you ABBA that we are no longer  “dead men walking” but alive in Messiah because of your profound love and grace for those of us who kneel before you covered in the blood of Yeshua. Help us to live as we believe we are in You. Help us to embrace Your power to be salt and light in the earth. Help us to fully accept your molding of our character into your image and walk in obedience. We suffer ABBA because we are separated from you in these earthly tents. We suffer ABBA, because we choose all sorts of things over you. We confess and ask for forgiveness. Obedience is better than sacrifice.

Our hearts cry out to you and long to please you. We long to be with you and away from the entrapments of this world. Come L-RD, Yeshua. We fail daily and like Paul that which we should do… we don’t, and that which we shouldn’t do…that we do. (Romans 7:19-25) But, because of Yeshua, we can partake in salvation now and in the world to come. Praise Your Holy Name.

silhouette of man raising hands against a red sunset light under green clouds
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Thank you ABBA for loving us. (John 3:16-18) Thank you for your provisions and for your protection, your patience in wanting all to be redeemed. Thank you for the sealing of Your Spirit for those of us who accept the mercy, grace and works of Yeshua as our Redeemer. Thank you for the bloody price for our sin-debt though we do not deserve it. Thank you for our blessings. Thank you for our suffering because it draws us closer to you.Thank you for long-suffering as we wait for the return of Yeshua. Like Paul declared concerning the Messianic Community of the Thessalonians,  (I Thess 1:2-3): help our trust to produce action, our love – hard work and our hope – perseverance for we are the holy people of the L-RD.

You are the One True G-D and there is none in all the Universe greater than you! Help us to daily walk in this truth! Let others see your authenticity and love in us, so they may be drawn to you. Give us the strength to endure until the end!

We love you ABBA…I love you, ABBA!

dee 

One Year Ago…

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One year blew away and where did the time go! I spent time at the cemetery on my son’s first anniversary, (October 19) of his death. And though my heart is settling, it still seems surreal. Every day I think and mourn the death of my son, especially because he isn’t here for his son. But, I hold onto the promises of G-D believing I will see him again and that helps as I grieve his passing.

While in the US, I also had a chance to see family. Family that was estranged for a lengthy period of time, but Aaron’s death has brought us closer together, and for that I am forever grateful. So much has changed since his death, not just his physical absence, but even the way I view life and ultimately my own passing.

red petal flower
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I have a vigor and hope in the L-RD like never before. I am grateful to ABBA for the work He is doing in my life and those around me who are like-minded about the coming Kingdom of the L-RD. I have several g-dly people in my life that have comforted and encouraged, as well as admonished me this past year; and for all of them I am extremely thankful. 

As a mother, the death of a child is something I would not wish on my worst enemy. The pain, regret, deep sorrow, loneliness, and agony are emotionally devastating and overwhelming to say the least.  Yet, in my heart brokenness, ABBA has comforted me and continues to bring comfort and peace when my heart weeps. I am learning to live with the pain and not let the loss of my son hinder my growth in the L-RD. My grief has strengthened my faith in Yeshua though that may sound strange to some. 

Death on this side of Heaven is the result of sin and we all must meet the death-stranger someday. However, death is not the end, if we are in Messiah, Yeshua! Death is just slipping into eternity to be with Him. We can be grateful for the saving mercy of our Savior.

a marker and thought bubbles
If I could talk to Aaron…
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So, if I could speak with Aaron right now or see him for a moment, I would say… I love and miss you son so very much, and I can’t wait to see and spend time with you again. I thank G-D for the years He allowed you to be here with us. I carry you in my heart daily. I miss our talks, texts, fun outings, your barbecue :0) and even our squabbles. I am grateful that I got to be your mom. And, by the way Aaron, your son is doing okay. You would be proud of him.

The pain of losing Aaron is deeper that I can express, but the hope of Glory in Yeshua keeps me anchored as a child of ADONAI.

To all the moms and dads that have lost a child or children, I beg you to seek our Heavenly Father. To boldly take your pain to Him in prayer. He has promised to be near the broken-hearted. (Ps 34:18) Seek Him for comfort and peace. Refuse to get stuck in hopelessness, despair and anger, but be grateful for the time G-D allowed your child to be on this side of heaven. Trust Him, the Savior (sometimes hard), as you endure the suffering of loss. Honor Him and your beloved child (children) by staying under His covering and loving care.

Praise ABBA in all things!

Dr. Dee

The day the books are opened!

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torah and shofar
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Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day on the biblical calendar. On this day the High Priest entered the Most Holy Place once a year, “not without blood,” to make atonement for the sins of Israel (Leviticus 16:34). Heaven’s books were opened, sins laid bare, and forgiveness sought through sacrifice.

Yet even this solemn feast pointed forward to something greater. The writer of Hebrews declares: But when Christ came as High Priest of the good things that are now already here, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands… He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. (Hebrews 9:11–12)

On Yom Kippur, the final shofar blast declared that heaven’s gates were closing. Kippur means “covering”: either the blood covered your sins, shielding you from judgment, or you stood exposed before the Holy One. There was no middle ground.

The sprinkled blood on the mercy seat covered Israel’s sins for a year, but it foreshadowed Messiah Yeshua’s perfect atonement. His blood doesn’t just cover sin temporarily — it removes it completely. Those who trust in Him are clothed in His righteousness and inscribed in the Book of Life. But for those who refuse His covering, the shofar announces judgment. When the gates close, no one enters by their own merit.

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For me, Yom Kippur is not only a time to search my own heart — it’s a call to intercede for every soul who still needs salvation, for Israel, and for the nations. This day reminds us that the gates will not remain open forever. For believers, it is both a song of praise — Yeshua (Jesus) is our atonement — and a solemn warning: the countdown is moving swiftly toward the moment when the doors will shut and no second chances remain.

Let this day stir in you both gratitude and urgency: gratitude that you are covered in His blood, and urgency to pray and witness while there is still time. The hour is late, the trumpet is near, and eternity is at hand. May we be found faithful, clothed in His (Yeshua’s) righteousness, interceding for the lost — until the final shofar sounds and we stand secure in His presence forever.

Your family in the L-RD with much agape love,

George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah
George & Baht Rivka, Obi (Baltimore, Maryland), Elianna (Married living in Missouri)

Posted with permission…Dr. Dee

It’s a Great Day…

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Today is a great day as I am reminded about the goodness of the L-RD!

Taste and see that the L-RD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8 (NIV)

blue sea near mountains
Adriatic Sea…Photo by Luca Sammarco on Pexels.com

King David said in Psalm 8: 4-5 (CJB) When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and stars that you set in place – what are mere mortals, that you concern yourself with them; humans, that you watch over them with such care? 

So what should our response be to these two passages? 

I think we might want to exclaim: Glory to the Most High G-D who was and is to come! Glory to the King of the Universe who created oceans, seas, mountains and more. Thank you for the coming of Your glorious Kingdom and the redemptive work of our L-RD and Savior Yeshua. Thank you that You are always Good and Your Mercy is everlasting. Thank you that You are not like humans and You can always be relied on always. Thank you for Your protection, provision, sustenance and nurturing. Thank you for the time, talents and skills You have given each of us. Thank you for our friends, families and enemies. Thank you for nudging us, encouraging us, disciplining us so that our lives might reflect You. And, because you are holy, holy, holy and the most holiest…thank you for teaching us to respond, speak and live in ways which are pleasing to You. Thank you for being a forgiving and loving Father and giving us multiple chances to repent and grow closer to You. Thank you for your listening ears to our prayers. Thank you for Your salvation through Yeshua, AND SO VERY MUCH MORE! 

spiaggia san michele in sirolo italy
Adriatic Sea…Photo by Francesco Ungaro on Pexels.com

Sitting here by the Adriatic Sea in Tučepi, Croatia, I am overwhelmed by its beauty. The movement of the sea, the rocky mountainous terrain, blooming flowers, towering trees and rock formations which all exemplifies the fingers of our Creator. The vastness of the sea barely littered by human hands is a sight to behold. The mountains towering over the city and surrounding the sea reflects the beauty of G-D for us to admire and appreciate. This creative beauty gives us reason to pause and worship our Father.

I am amazed like the psalmist David that G-D would concern himself with us humans and that He watches over us with care. That He would create such beautiful places for us to live and care for. His love is beyond our comprehension, and yet available for us to embrace and cling to. According to a commentary in the Complete Jewish Bible, Israel’s sages teach that each person should proclaim that it is for my sake that Adonai created the world, and I was created to proclaim his greatness!

Therefore, regardless of whatever state we find ourselves, we can always find beauty around us and find something worth proclaiming the greatness of G-D. We can always look up to the Heavens, scour the earth and see the greatness of our Father. We can always proclaim His glory in the little and large matters of life. Today, while it is today relish in His Greatness and His Goodness!

So, today is a great day, and I am relishing in the goodness and blessings of our G-D! 

How about you?

Dr. Dee

scenic view of rocky turkish coastline
Adriatic Sea …Photo by zeynurmel on Pexels.com

Holiest of Holiness are YOU

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Holy, Holy, Holy is the L-RD Almighty… Isaiah 6:3a

close up shot of a person reading a bible
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We as believers have proclaimed, sang, read, preached, taught and more, these words… Holy, Holy, Holy is the L-RD Almighty! But, are we really comprehending and applying these words from the Scripture to our daily lives? Are we really living like holy children of the Most High and Holy G-D? Are we living as sanctified worshippers before our Holy ABBA? Ponder these questions for yourself.

Sin has affected and infected every single part of our beings and our living. Sin is not just our actions against G-D’s commandments, others and ourselves. But sin manifests itself negatively in our emotions, our perspectives and so much more. Our sinful eyes deceive us by the things we watch. Our sinful ears trick us by the things we listen to. Our humanistic reasoning dismisses Scripture and our cultural and political wars distract us from the truth. Oh, and I can’t forget about the Adversary whose desire is to kill, steal and destroy us.

Our health, our outlook, our intentions, our love, our relationships, our jobs, our marriages, our families, our finances, our hobbies, our use of time, our leisure, our entertainment and more are ALL affected by the sin nature we lug around each moment of each day, our flesh. What a grueling and tiring thought? Like a ferocious parasite, sin eats away at the soul, destroys logical and pure thinking, encrusts the heart, and distorts the truth! By the way, sin is any act which goes against G-D’s standards whether it be thoughts , actions or attitudes either overtly or covertly.

spotlight illuminating smoke
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So, who is the solution? Who can help our wretched selves see the light? And why do we need help to see the truth?

For those of us who profess to be believers in Yeshua as our Messiah, we know that Adonai is Holy, and because He is Holy and invites us to be a part of His Kingdom, we need cleansing. We need salvation, healing, deliverance and redemption which is only found in Yeshua (Jesus). We cannot save ourselves or be holy by any human means though we may think we can. Our efforts to save ourselves are racked with biases, manipulation, narcissism, self preservation, pride, arrogance and more. We need a holy and loving Savior. We need Yeshua’s redemptive work on the cross for the saving of our souls in this life and the life to come. We need the resurrected Messiah! We need His Truth!

HaShem (one of the Names of G-D) is Holy. And, because HE is holy, we need the Advocate, the Mentor, the Savior, the L-RD to stand in our stead before the Father for the forgiveness of our sins and to guide us into holy living.  We may try to get along without Yeshua, but our efforts will prove to be in vain and the consequences…heart wrenching. Thank G-D for sending us a Holy Savior, Yeshua who gets us.

Sin has separated us from a Holy Father and has doomed us all to a physical death. Yet, the story does not end there. G-D is about keeping His word, and when Adam and Eve sinned, He told them they would die…and die they did. Now, we are all under the curse of physically dying at some point. However, He also promised to send a Savior who would redeem all those who choose Yeshua by faith as an act of His grace, love and mercy. Make no mistake…He (Yeshua) died and loved us when we hated and disobeyed Him. We did not and do not deserve His grace. Yet, it is because of Him (ABBA) alone that the opportunity to accept Yeshua’s redemptive work is available to you and to me. G-D desires that none of us should spend eternity apart from Him or struggle through this life willy-nilly thrown to and fro by whatever.

Therefore, if we believe in Yeshua and keep His commandments out of love for Him and the Father, our redeemed fates are sealed by His Holy Spirit to participate in His Glorious Kingdom, once we have confessed our sins and our need for Yeshua to save us. We must believe and receive His redemptive work for us.

My point, without Yeshua (Jesus) we are sinful people doomed without hope. Regardless of how good we may think we are, regardless of how perfectly we keep all the commandments, regardless of how well we think we are loving G-D and our neighbors, regardless of how much tithing and good works may do….without the Savior, without a converted, contrite and humble heart throb for Yeshua the Messiah, it is impossible to please the Father. Therefore, it is impossible to save ourselves and thus impossible to be reconciled with the Holy Father.

So, today seek ABBA for yourselves. Scour His word. Commit and/or redirect your life and fully devote yourself to working out your salvation in Yeshua while today is today. He is knocking on the doors of our hearts whether we are believers or not (different reasons for the knocking). However, when you hear the knocking, I plead with you..answer the door, confess your sins, obey, receive His salvation and live for the L-RD!

eyeglass with gold colored frames
Photo by John-Mark Smith on Pexels.com

This is the great news of the Gospel. We do not have to live or die without Yeshua, without hope. We can begin living in and for Him now and each day by opening the doors of our hearts to His knocking!

The L-RD is holy and ready to forgive us our sins if we confess them, and guide us by His Spirit into holy living so we can dwell in the House of the L-RD.

Personal Perspective,

Dr. Dee

Scriptures Summarized: Isaiah 6: 3a; Phil. 2:12-13; Ep. 2:8-9; John 3:16-18; Romans 6:23; Acts 4:12; Rev. 3:19,20 [You are encouraged to read them for yourself.]

Struggling Daily…

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Since the death of my son, I haven’t felt like myself. I don’t recognize myself most days and some days I just feel like I am floating through waiting for my turn. Parts of me died with him, but parts of me resurrected with a new vigor for the L-RD. I embrace this new vigor for the L-RD.

Since the death of my son, I think about him and all our family members who have preceded me, and I wonder how they are doing and what they are doing. I miss them so much and of course wish we could have a chat. I know, I can’t talk to them or see them other than within my mind’s eye, but like a child I wish I could. 

Since my son’s death, many things have changed…some for the good, and conversely not so good. I am still wrestling with the timing of his death and his absence from our lives. My grandson just started high school, and I know my son Aaron wanted to be part of his high school years. From my limited perspective, I have difficulty understanding why G-D took Aaron at this time. I could say more, but…

brown sand
Photo by Miriam Fischer on Pexels.com

My point, no matter how much we say we love and trust G-D, I believe, in our human bodies we struggle with G-D’s timing and His will sometimes. And like Paul who wrote most of the letters in the B’rit Hadashah (New Testament)…paraphrased…that which I should do, I don’t do and that which I do, I should not do. Romans 7:13-25.

So, to sum up my dilemma as I am growing through my grieving…who can save me? Who can heal my broken heart? Who can forgive my plethora of sins and grievous acts? Who can restore my shalom and so I can hear the sound of joy and gladness? Who can create a clean heart within me and a resolute spirit? Who can rescue me? Thanks be to G-D, our ABBA (HE WILL/HE CAN) – through Yeshua our Messiah, our L-RD, whom I love, believe in and pledge my allegiance to.

Know my struggle is real like many who have lost a child (children). The pain has not subsided, but maybe that’s the point…to grow my dependence, hope and faith in the L-RD. 

Like the tide of the ocean that comes on the shore and quickly recedes; such is life.

Strained, Stretched, Struggling

Dr. Dee

A few Scriptures worth pondering: Jonah 2:9, Acts 4:12, Ezekiel 36:26, Titus 3:5

In the midst of sadness…

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On my son’s recent birthday it was a difficult day to breathe and keep a happy face for others. Most of the time, I feel as if no one understands my deep sorrow or even cares to hear about my deepest pain.  But even during my grief and sorrow, I am grateful to G-D, HaShem who has chosen to deliver me/us through Yeshua, if we pledge our allegiance and love to Him. I am grateful for the time I had with my son, and I am grateful to have been his mom. I am also grateful for his son who is growing into a godly young man and we communicate often.

blue present
A Special Gift
Photo by Suzy Hazelwood on Pexels.com

Yet, in the midst of my sadness, I looked forward to spending time with my grandchildren this summer. They are here with us! They are so full of life, love and energy. They are a reminder of why even during our grief, we can experience happiness and fun. This morning we had a wonderful Bible study and I was grateful for the opportunity to intentionally invest in them. My prayer…they will remember the words of the L-RD and act accordingly all their days and know that I loved and cherished them very much. 

Therefore, let me encourage you…love others like they are a gift from above for today maybe the last day you will see or speak to them. Be kind to those who pass your way, and every day pray and ask G-D through His son Yeshua, empowered by His Holy Spirit to lead you into His perfect will even when it is hard. Ask G-D to help you to always be the best version of Him as you navigate this life, so that others will be drawn to Him.

Remember: 1 Peter 1:24 – For all humanity is like grass, all its glory is like a wildflower —
the grass withers, and the flower falls off; 25  but the Word of Adonai lasts forever.

Love today…tomorrow may not come.

Growing in Him,

Dr. Dee

A midst in time…

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You don’t even know if you will be alive tomorrow! For all you are is a mist that appears for a little while and then disappears. James 4:14 CJB

Oh, how true! The sudden and unexpected death of my son has struck my heart in many ways and sorrowfully emphasized the truth of G-D’s Word.

The sunny morning of October 19, 2024 was a typical Saturday morning until about 8:45 AM. Just a quick overview: My son and his fiance went for a hike up Stone Mountain in the park where he collapsed and died (unconfirmed) of a heart attack. According to his fiance’, she caught his head before he hit the ground, no pain, no words, just one tear streaming down his cheek. 

Aaron’s last steps…

In the short video clip of him walking prior to his death, there is no indication that he was going to die in moments after the filming. In the clip, he is saying that they needed to pace themselves because it was going to be a long walk. He looked amazing in the video, so full of life, handsome and smiling. 

The day before his death, we spoke briefly in the kitchen and we had plans to have a family dinner either Sunday or Monday before I was scheduled to fly to Europe. But, everything changed when the phone call came that he had collapsed. I immediately jumped out of bed starting praying and texting all the believers I knew would pray, as well as the leader of the Community I belong to. 

My fiance and I rushed to get where we needed to be to see about Aaron. Once we arrived at the hospital he wasn’t there though he should have been. I “knew” in my heart something wasn’t right. Why was it taking the ambulance so long to get to the hospital? I believe he had died already. 

Once he got there, they attempted to revive him, and for a split moment we thought he was coming back when the doctor said they had a slight pulse, but the pulse soon disappeared and the doctor called it. As they were working on him I saw some of their work and there was such numbness coming over me that I can’t really explain. His fiance’ was with me the whole time and endured the loss of her future husband.  

But, as a believer I felt inadequate and disappointed that my “faith”, prayers and the prayers of others did not bring Aaron back to this side of heaven. We hear miraculous stories of near death experiences, people coming back from the dead, etc., and though I wish Aaron was still here, I realize that each person’s days are numbered. [Psalms 90:12; 139;16]. But, there is still that wishing, should-of, and more.. that I am still grappling with each day.

My heart is still broken and I still want … but obviously, not my will but the L-RD’s. So much more to say, but this is all I can muster for now.

Loving the L-RD, Yeshua and missing my son,

DD