Tag Archives: Yeshua

The New Normal or Not…

Death, Loving G-d, Loving Others, , , , , , , , , ,

Wedding receptions as we know are usually held after the official ceremony of the joining of a man and woman in holy matrimony. This is usually a joyous occasion to receive family and friends allowing the newly married couple to host guests and express their gratitude. 

The reception usually has several components in addition to hosting guests. It is a way of introducing the couple to society as husband and wife; creates lasting memories and it is a way for the couple to express personal, religious, and cultural traditions through music, food and decor.

round white ceramic plate near glass cups and groom sign
Photo by Natasha Fernandez on Pexels.com

Likewise, following a funeral, the reception or repast allows family and friends to gather to share memories, offer condolences and celebrate the life of the deceased. Further, memorial services/repasts express the religious, personal and cultural traditions through music, food and decor somewhat like a wedding reception. However, unlike a wedding reception, this sober celebration allows family and friends to say goodbye to the deceased and many times offer sincere or insincere follow up support to the bereaved.

After the wedding, many may talk about the event and reach out to the new couple, but as the weeks pass and folks return to their normal activities, frequent calls or check-ins cease. The same is true after a funeral. After a brief time, calls, texts, emails cease. The bereaved is left alone to grieve in the stillness, the darkness and the newness of daily living without their beloved.

Grieving is a hard and lonely road. And, few friends/acquaintances knew/know how to approach the subject, and therefore remained silent or distant. Most conversations usually danced around the elephant in the room as grieving percolated in my soul. Though conversations and check-ins are always welcomed, direct questions concerning my well-being were often longed for in regards to the death of my son. The new normal as some have coined is not normal, but a different forced reality. 

But, if it hadn’t been for Yeshua, my L-RD, Savior and King along with a few G-DLY people in my life, I probably would be in the abyss of depression and sadness even now. I thank G-D for the prayers and encouragement I received when my son passed. May HaShem bless them each moment of each day.

Aaron’s last steps as he climbed Stone Mountain – October 19, 2024

So now, approximately 16 months after his death, days are a little lighter and I am grateful. I have reconnected with a beautiful sister-in-the-faith who also experienced the sudden death of her son. Our reconnection and chats are uplifting and spiritually inspiring. However, not a day goes by that I do not think and/or mourn his absence. I still have difficulty looking at pictures when he is looking directly into the camera and I can see his eyes. Yet, if I focus on Aaron’s smile, I can see him in my mind’s eye, alive, happy and well. Of course, I would love for him to drop by and say hello…just wishful thinking, I know. But, I am holding on to the hope that we will see each other again in that glorious Kingdom of our Creator.

So why the rambling? I just want to encourage others. If you know someone that has lost a child (children) know that they are living with the pain of that loss each and every day. The pain does not go away, it just marinates in our hearts and either clarifies or clouds our vision. What do I mean?

As a believer and follower of Yeshua (Jesus), I know that ALL things work together for my good whether I like it or not; whether it was my choosing or my doing. And, although I struggle with wanting to be the boss and in control of my life, my son’s death has loudly and emphatically reiterated that I am not in charge. Not now, never have been and never will not be in control, especially as a believer in Yeshua. My control is only in choosing to live for Him and then allow Him to help me grow in trust, devotion and obedience to Him. Therefore, for me, Aaron’s death was and is clarifying. It is part of my sanctification as He transforms me.

For others, the death of a child might cloud or blind their direction and send them down paths of negativity and destruction. This ought not to be. And our prayers should be with those who die with their loved ones and have no hope. Though death is a temporary separation and it is painful, our hope is in the L-RD. When we have pledged our allegiance to Him, we believe we will be with Him in eternity.

So much more I could say, but I will wrap it up with this…put yourself in the shoes of someone who has lost a child, and remember to reach out to them every now and then. Don’t be afraid to bring up their loved one…we don’t want them forgotten and we want to talk about them. It brings comfort to talk about those we are separated from on this side of Heaven. 

I carried Aaron in my womb for 9 months. Today, I carry him in my heart … now and always.

May the memory of a child or children be a blessing and a comfort.

Loving ABBA,

Dee

The L-RD is near to the broken hearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 ESV

Uniquely and Wonderfully Made…

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Human beings are animals, not like dogs, cats, horses, cows, etc., instead, we are uniquely and wonderfully made in the image of the living G-D. All of G-D’s creation was made with His wisdom, His creativity and His unique incomparable touches which are visible for all to see and embrace. However, humans have not only been made through His wisdom, but have been created to house and acquire a portion (a very small portion) of His wisdom, knowledge and understanding in addition to all of the other cognitive properties we possess. Animals are not on the same level as human beings and though they should be treated responsibly, to hoist an animal over another human and/or a relationship is a violation of G-D’s design. 

We have been so beautifully created by the Master Creator.  Many of us fail to embrace our beauty within the framework G-D has designed to intensify our relationship with Him. He has created us to be vessels of His love, wisdom and understanding. He has created us to be His “tangible” presence in the lives of others. He has created us to worship and adore Him. If we love G-D, we love others and treat both accordingly as the Word directs in Deuteronomy 6:1-9.

We have been taught that our emotions, wisdom, cognitive abilities and understanding are seated in our brains. But, is this really the case? We have also been taught that the brain controls the mind? Hum, does it? Who or what is truly working within us? Is it self only or a combination of good, evil inclinations, the illumination of G-D’s spirit or the disastrous influences of the evil one and the world? Or are we a cosmological array of atoms evolved from some anonymous collaborative litter floundering through this thing we call living? Are we a hunk of dirt with a spirit or are we a spirit housed in clay traveling through life?

I personally believe we have been created and we are wonderfully designed by an uncaused cause who loves us, desires to fellowship and make Himself known to us. I personally believe that though human effort is involved, wisdom and understanding are gifts from G-D and housed in our hearts. I do believe that it is the mind that controls the brain. (A blog for another day.) I believe we have been specially designed to demonstrate who we love and to love others accordingly. And, yes we have a propensity for evil and oftentimes we struggle between doing what is righteous instead of succumbing to that which is evil.

I did a word study on the word heart and I was surprised to learn that of those who have had heart transplants, a significant percentage report not feeling like themselves with different preferences; and some have even said they have felt like another person was living inside of them. These reports have befuddled medical doctors. Huh? Like near death experiences are these accounts true? Can we believe these accounts since they are the words of the recipients. If the heart is the seat of wisdom, understanding or the lack thereof, as well as emotions, is it conceivable that the organ for pumping blood can also be a spiritual/invisible working entity person specific? If we are truly spiritual beings having a human experience, then why wouldn’t this be true? But, I digress…

Estes Park, CO

According to the Bible, wisdom is a gift. (Job 38:36, James 1:5) According to the Bible, understanding is a gift. (Daniel 2:21) and G-D has put wisdom in the innermost being of humans and given understanding to the mind of human beings. (Job 38:36) Further, though wisdom and understanding may be bestowed on us to some degree in our inner beings, we should pray for wisdom and understanding in order to be G-DLY led in all manners of life. (Psalm 119:34) 

One of the greatest biblical figures was asked by G-D what he wanted, which was almost like a “wish” from G-D. This particular biblical figure asked for wisdom. King Solomon who asked for wisdom so that he might serve the people of G-D, in order for him to discern good and evil. (1 King 3:9) WOW, what a humble leader to look to G-D in order to serve/govern G-D’s people. Did you get that? King Solomon realized his leadership was over G-D’s people [not subjects of his kingdom] and thus he desired to serve G-D by serving G-D’s people justly. Amazingly awesome!

The wisdom of this world is lunacy and contradictory to the purposes of G-D’s will for those who are called by His name. The depth of G-D’s love alludes us and we oftentimes walk circumvent to the dictates of G-D’s instructions. Instead, we clutch onto our narcissistic impulses and the world’s values in self-idolatry, again counterproductive to G-D’s desire for His beloved. We serve a passionately loving G-D whose patience seems endless and gracious. We are bestowed with an abundance of love, grace and mercy each day from our Father and L-RD.  Once we get a glimpse of His love, we ought to do better according to His will in all areas of our lives by obeying His commandments. 

Wisdom and understanding are gifts from G-D to humans in order for us to use our free will to serve and love Him, and consequently serve and love others. But in all of our knowledge, we need His wisdom and His understanding in order to serve Him in ways that are pleasing to Him. Our idea of good may not line up with HIS idea of good. And, since He is G-D, we might consider learning and applying behaviors which exemplify His will. 

Knowledge without wisdom/understanding can be obtained as a cognitive process.  We are created to understand basic and/or complex information; and we have a choice for our proceeding actions. Animals can not think analytically, express, evaluate, synthesize and respond accordingly using free will as G-D has proposed for humans. But wisdom, complete understanding and the practical application of “good” over evil is one of the ways we are set apart from the beast of the air and land. The test for the application of G-DLY wisdom, understanding and knowledge is obedience to our Creator, ABBA through our helper, the Rauch HaKodesh (Breath of G-D) according to His Torah.

My point, we do not in my opinion truly get how wonderfully and uniquely we have been created in G-D’s image.  We do not fully comprehend how much He loves us and desires to be the priority in our lives, thus why Yeshua came. Yet, conversely, we do not understand the harshness of His wrath at our denial of Him and all He has to offer. Our Father is both loving and just. My tiny glimmers of His love are my hope in this life and the life to come. He is Echad, One, the TRUE living G-D who has provided access to Himself through the love, mercy and authority of Yeshua (Jesus).

Belief in the creation of human beings, our uniqueness and being wonderfully made, as well as living in an aesthetically pleasing environment nullifies the notion that we exploded from a pile of matter. Look around at the beauty and complexity of nature and then consider the beauty and complexity of others and then yourself…we have been undeniably uniquely and wonderfully made. Imagine a world if we truly believed each one of us is uniquely and wonderfully made.

Musings in Him,

Dr. Dee

My New Book!

Health and Wellness, Loving G-d, Loving Others, , ,

I am so very grateful to all those who helped me to publish this book. It was written in the hopes that people who say they love G-D, would love their spouses, and choose to stay in their relationship. My prayer…you find some word or phrase in this work of love that will bless your heart and then share that with others.

May HaShem richly bless you!

Dr. Dee

Available on Barnes and Noble and Amazon

Book Review

Loving G-d, Loving Self, , , , , , , , ,

 

It’s been a while since I have written, but life has been great, not without challenges, but all is well! I am currently rereading the End-Time Devotional Kiss Me Again, by Jamie Lash. This is one of the most powerful devotionals I have read in sometime, and each day’s reading is a life-giving and life-changing “KISS” from our L-RD!

This book is birthed from 40 years of being kissed by G-d, ministering His love and truth to millions via television, speaking engagements, newsletters and books according to author Jamie Lash. Her interpretation of G-D’s message of love to His Bridegroom is HE is the divine covering for His bride in these last days. Lash’s book explores various verses from the Song of Solomon, and reveals what she believes the L-RD is speaking to His people during these End-Times.

This book is rich with insights, encouragement, and truths in a transparent and realistic way, in order to point the believer to Yeshua in all things; and to ignite and/or reignite  our dependence and devotion to Him.  Lash has decided to use the analogy of an umbrella to demonstrate how G-D covers us with His love, protection and so much more through His Son, Yeshua.

Listed below are the first 5 Umbrellas from Lash’s book.

  1. G-D is present even in the dark times.
  2. Yeshua’s (Jesus’) love is your umbrella.
  3. Yeshua will meet you in the secret place.
  4. Rest. Wait. Trust.
  5. G-D’s watchmen will point you to Him.

Read the book! It is worth the read and each “Umbrella” is deeply explored.  Each day you will be renewed, encouraged and compelled to trust in Adonai (L-RD) with all your heart, to do good, and feed on His faithfulness.

My prayer for us:  Abba, (Father) teach us how to embrace You fully in our lives and to turn our faces, hearts and attention towards You. Help us to remember and walk in Your love and salvation through our Savior, Yeshua all the days of our lives, and keep us close to you. Thank you for being the G-D of love and trustworthiness!

Blessings!

Dr. Dee