Here or There?

It goes without saying that celebrating the holidays in Israel is exciting and unique. For the last month our grocery store has carried sufganiot, donuts, and I bought several Hanukkah presents and our candles at this same grocery store. We have giant Hanukkah menorahs on all of the round-abouts and our neighbors set their family menorahs out on the ledge for all to see. The holidays feel completely different here, mostly because they actually feel like something, at a national level.

While visiting the Temple Institute (with the PBlakes) I bought Cassidy a dreidel. Once we got it home I took a closer look and realized it's an Israel-specific dreidel. A dreidel has four sides and each side has a letter on it, and some jewels if you have a fancy one like Cassidy. The four letters stand for the phrase,  "נס גדול היה שם", Nes Gadol Hayah Sham – "a great miracle happened there". The ש stands for "there" but the one we have doesn't have a ש. Instead it has the letter פ because it stands for "here".  A great miracle happened here. And that is really fun, even if means you have to put money in the pot during the dreidel game.

Our Israeli dreidel and our American dreidel

Emmylou Achinoam

Our second daughter arrived Monday night at 9:05 after a smooth and quick delivery. The grace of G-d was very evident during the whole process -- the baby was never in distress, I was only in labor for three hours and she arrived into my arms healthy, pink and ready for love. We are so thankful for your prayers and care throughout this pregnancy and especially during the labor. Being part of a body so big and loving has made her arrival extremely exciting.

Throughout the last few months we talked through a handful of names we thought appropriate for our daughter. There was never a long list, which made it easy and difficult at the same time. At Yom Kippur we received a prophecy about our baby being a strong warrior and as I prayed about what this meant the L-rd gave me Revelation 9-12. Surely this child will proclaim a powerful message. There are few names for girls that carry the weight of "strong warrior" but when Tom turned to our list of names we gathered while pregnant with Cassidy he found Emmylou. At one point it was our #1 choice for Cassidy, but obviously we ended up not using it. 

Now we can see the leading of the L-rd: Emmylou means famous warrior.

Since I was not 100% in love with the name I asked the L-rd, repeatedly, if Emmylou was supposed to be her name. I heard YES every time. I began to bless her spirit by calling her Emmylou and I started to feel the importance of her name. Now that she is here she is definitely our Emmylou.

The middle name was also a process for us. We did not hesitate with giving her an "American" and somewhat old-timey name, fitting in with our other children, but felt it would be helpful for her to have a more Hebrew/Israeli middle name. Depending on where her Father leads her, she might end up back in Israel and if that is the case we want her to have a name she can use here that will fit more with the culture plus she was born in Jerusalem!

We had several options we considered: Tikvah (Hope), Simcha (Joy), Halleli (Praise). I kept coming back to something completely different -- Achinoam. I first heard this name at our Hebrew congregation and immediately filed it away for later use.

So what does it mean?!

My brother is a delight.

How do you say it?!

Ach- ee-no-ahm. If it's too much to gather phlegm for the Ach, it's ok to say it with a hard 'k' sound. The point is to connect with the eternal perspective that though her brothers are not here they are part of her life and part of her message. 

In the weeks leading up to her birth the L-rd spoke about her middle name. I like the previous names mentioned but none of them resounded in my heart as much as Achinoam (for obvious reasons, right?). Then about a week and a half ago, as I blessed her spirit out of Arthur Burk's book, Blessing Your Spirit With the Blessings of Your Father and the Names of G-d, I felt the stirrings of His timing and His will. The title of the blessing was "Used by G-d to Turn the Enemy's Plans Upside Down" and the scripture was Esther 9:20-22:

Mordecai recorded these events, and he sent letters to all the Jews throughout the provinces 

of King Xerxes, near and far, to have them celebrate annually the fourteenth and fifteenth days 

of the month of Adar as the time when the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month 

when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration. 

He wrote them to observe the days as days of feasting and joy and giving presents of food to one 

another and gifts to the poor.

We just observed these events in Jerusalem on Sunday and Monday, the holiday called Purim, when young and old alike dress up in costumes, dance in the streets, feast like kings and give gifts of food to each other. It had not occurred to me that my due date was so close to Purim. The two seemed like such separate events. But in that moment of calling Emmylou's spirit to attention and blessing her to recognize that "the death of Jesus on the cross was not the end of something, but rather the beginning" I realized something. I asked Him about her middle name and He told me, no her name is not Hope or Joy or Esther. She is not your Hope, or your Joy. I AM. It is through her that I am giving you more hope and joy, but just like that blessing said, it is about Me. And in that moment I knew Achinoam, my brother is a delight, was the name. It connects her, and all of us, with the eternal perspective that we live this life for His glory, for His Kingdom, and whether we get to delight in our brothers now or when the King returns, it is all a delight because it's from Him.

And now that she is here, in our arms, we are delighting in His ways. Three and a half years after Zeke joined the Heavenly Army we now have another warrior for the Kingdom. And though Achinoam means a singular brother, it represents Zeke and Wyatt and every other loved one that has been called to prepare the way of the L-rd's return. 

Teach them to your children

As part of our tour of Jerusalem/Northern Israel with Tom's parents we stopped at the Kotel (the Western Wall). On our way out we saw what is supposedly the world's largest mezuzah. Mezuzot are placed on doorways of homes, businesses and gates (including our apartment), in keeping with Deuteronomy 6:4-9:

"Sh'ma, Yisra'el! ADONAI Eloheinu, ADONAI echad [Hear, Isra'el! ADONAI our G-d, ADONAI is one]; and you are to love ADONAI your G-d with all your heart, all your being and all your resources. These words, which I am ordering you today, are to be on your heart; and you are to teach them carefully to your children. You are to talk about them when you sit at home, when you are traveling on the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them on your hand as a sign, put them at the front of a headband around your forehead, and write them on the door-frames of your house and on your gates.

Oh, and that's our fourth child growing in my belly. Not as famous as the giant mezuzah at the Kotel (nor as big!) but I though you might like to see.

He is unpredictable

I remember when Zeke was in the ER at Shawnee Mission Medical and I looked at the clock as it approached midnight. I thought, "Surely he will be fine. August 24th is Aunt Ann's birthday." Just nine months before our visit to the ER my aunt died suddenly, presumably of a heart attack. She was the only aunt I knew and my mother's only sibling. So that night, as we watched the medical staff fight to keep Zeke breathing I could only ask for God's mercy and believe that he would let August 24th continue to be a day of celebration.

But just a few hours later, after a safe transport to Children's Mercy Hospital, the staff ran out of options.  Our son was connected to tubes and machines and he wasn't making any progress. At one point, when the doctor told us he thought Zeke had a 50/50 chance we truly believed this was good news. The L-rd was going to work a radical miracle and bring our little guy around. We prayed that even though Zeke coded several times, for too many minutes to count, that the Creator of the universe would bring Zeke back to complete and perfect health. But we believed it would happen on this side of eternity.

We left the hospital that morning stunned. I am still overwhelmed by the thought of that day. It is incomprehensible to me. One day we had our beautiful Ezekiel John, named after Aunt Ann's husband, and the next day we were left with empty arms.


Writing this I feel a deep pain inside. I'm still disappointed that we only got ten days with him and that if he had remained with us he would be a three year old. But comfort comes with the truth of the word of G-d. I've posted it before, and I'll probably continue to post 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 because it is now a part of me, part of my story: 

Now, brothers, we want you to know the truth about those who have died; otherwise, 

you might become sad the way other people do who have nothing to hope for. 

For since we believe that Yeshua died and rose again, we also believe that in the same way God, through Yeshua, will take with him those who have died. 

We visited the garden tomb today, a beautiful spot that replicates what the crucifixion location and tomb would have looked like. There is a door inside the tomb and a sign there says, "He is not here, for He is risen". It is because of this amazing action -- that Yeshua did not stay in the grave -- that we have the true hope of seeing our sons again. G-d is loving and good and stands with us in our grief. He must have been grieved to let His Son go to earth, to walk among men. He must have been grieved to see the way His Son was treated by people, some ungrateful for his miraculous power and some worried about losing their earthly power. He must have been grieved to watch His Son suffer unspeakable physical torture. But He allowed it because of love and goodness. So we spend this day, and every other, remembering that He is good and His love endures forever (Jeremiah 33:11). And this I know is true, because it, too, is a part of my story.

Hope

What are our thoughts on a day like today, the second anniversary of our oldest son going to be with the Lion of the Tribe of Judah?

The grief is deep, and painful, and the beautiful memories are mingled with the longing for his smile. So we hold Cassidy a little tighter today, play a little more, give her gifts, in order to remember that she is still here, and He is still good. And He is.

We received a priceless gift last night at King of Kings during worship. As we worshipped the L-rd for His goodness and power the band began to play "How Great Thou Art". We sang this song to Wyatt before bed ever since he was an infant. I suppose in the beginning of motherhood I resorted to something familiar and beautiful, something I used to sing with my own father and mother in church. And then when Wyatt was old enough he would request it. The verses themselves are filled with powerful imagery that speaks to both me and Tom, but it's really the chorus that has taken root deep within:

And so, as we stood there, weeping for the son that is gone, we heard the L-rd speaking to us, individually. Ultimately He said the same thing: "Though I am the Almighty, and I gave everything for the redemption of mankind, I care. I care about you." Thinking of His blood poured out for us is humbling and awe-inspiring. Knowing He cares about the details of our lives -- our pain, our joy, our needs and our hopes -- revives our hearts and and renews our strength.

I will always point to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 as a cornerstone to my journey. "Now, brothers, we want you to know the truth about those who have died; otherwise, you might become sad the way other people do who have nothing to hope for. For since we believe that Yeshua died and rose again, we also believe that in the same way G-d, through Yeshua, will take with him those who have died."

Do you have Hope?

Passover, Firstfruits & the Feast of Unleavened Bread

This is a great week to celebrate our freedom from sin through Yeshua; the Lamb who laid down His life has called us into His flock (John 10:16). We hope you all celebrated the resurrection of Yeshua this Sunday with joy and thanksgiving.


The week here was filled with excitement: the Palm Sunday walk into the Old City; a moving Maundy Thursday service at Christ Church with a walk to the Russian Garden of Gethsemane; a fun Pesach Seder in Haifa with new friends Friday night; and on Sunday, at King of Kings, we had a celebration that He didn't stay in the grave but instead conquered death.


We encourage you read the portion for this week, specifically Exodus 12:21-51 and Numbers 28:16-25, as well as Leviticus 23:4-21. Passover, Firstfruits, the Feast of Unleavened Bread and Shavuot (Pentacost) are great illustrations that G-d's word is alive, and there's more to come!


We are still in the week of the Feast of Unleavened Bread and since all items containing leaven are not permitted we're getting creative with our food (we're not traditionally a gluten-free family). Here is a sweet and tasty recipe worth making during this week, to remember how good it is to live without sin (leaven) and how sweet it is to live in Yeshua.

Chocolate & salt for me and Cassidy; caramel & salt for Tom

Caramel & Chocolate Covered Matzo
(Courtesy of  www.thekitchn.com)


4 to 5 pieces of matzo
1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
1 cup chopped bittersweet chocolate, or semi-sweet chocolate chips
Toppings, as desired, sea salt, peanut butter chips

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and/or parchment paper.

Place the matzo in one layer on the baking sheet, breaking it when necessary to fill the pan completely. Set aside.

In a large sauce pan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Once the mixture reaches a boil, continue to cook for an additional three minutes, still stirring, until thickened and just starting to pull away from the sides of the pan. Remove from heat and pour over the matzo, spreading an even layer with a heat-proof spatula.

Put the pan in the oven, then immediately turn the heat down to 350 degrees. Bake for 15 minutes, watching to make sure it doesn't burn. If it looks like it is starting to burn, turn heat down to 325.

After 15 minutes, the toffee should have bubbled up and turned a rich golden brown. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate over the pan. Let sit for five minutes, then spread the now-melted chocolate evenly with a spatula.

You can leave it just as is, enjoying the simplicity. Or add your favorite toppings while the chocolate is still melted.

Let cool completely, (I put mine in the fridge so it will cool faster) then break into smaller pieces and store in an airtight container.

The Apartment Story

Trust in ADONAI, and do good; settle in the land, and feed on faithfulness. Then you will delight yourself in ADONAI, and he will give you your heart's desire. -Psalm 37:3-4 (from the daily devotional Jesus Calling, March 6^th)



Our first Sunday in Jerusalem we went to a congregation called King of Kings. There were all different nationalities at the service done in English. The music exalted the King of the universe and the teaching message challenged me. Reuven Ross focused on the Martha/Mary personalities, exhorting us to focus first on the L-rd and His heart. Cassidy attended the children's program and loved it, learning a new song about obeying her parents.



When Tom came in January he met a guy named Robert, a tourist who stayed with a friend from UHL and he also attended King of Kings. At the end of our service Robert came up to us and holding his camera he said, "I have something for you". He flipped through his photos and told us he had been out all day taking pictures of the city because he was leaving this week to go back to the States. He showed us a picture of a realtor's sign. "I was walking around French Hill,” he said, “and passed this sign. I felt like I should go back and take a picture of it, and now I know why. For you!" Tom wrote down the realtor's name and phone number and we talked a while longer with Robert before hugging good-bye.



You see, we had a bit of a struggle with our first realtor, (we didn't see any apartments) and this new name was a light of hope for us. After we had been here about a week without a home Tom called Robert's realtor from the picture, Nelly. We told her we wanted a 3-bedroom apartment with some sort of patio or garden area. She said there wasn't much available right now but she would find some things for us to see.



Since the home is my domain (as a homemaker) Tom suggested I make a list of the things I was hoping for. This is the list: a nice kitchen; a good view; 3 bedrooms; shelves in the bedrooms and kitchen; a clean bathtub; good lighting; top floor, and not too high; nice neighbors; room for a desk by a window in the living room (for me); room for a baby. I gave it to the L-rd, knowing He had a plan and would find us the right home. I prayed repeatedly for the best.



When Nelly took us out she had three apartments she wanted to show us. The first one was a 2-bedroom place with a large sunroom-type area that I thought might work for Tom’s studies. He didn’t think it was possible and wasn’t willing to overlook the cabinet doors coming off their hinges in the kitchen or the large leak in one of the bedrooms. The second apartment was another 2-bedroom, or more like 1 ½ bedrooms; the second room barely had enough room for a single bed. We were disappointed with our prospects. Nelly said she had one more she could show us, but it was definitely out of our price range.



And here’s where I need to explain something about renting an apartment in Jerusalem. When they say they’re unfurnished they mean completely unfurnished – no stove, oven or refrigerator. Sometimes no light fixtures. The longer we waited to get an apartment the more stressful it became because Tom’s school started soon. Thinking about finding beds, a table and chairs, kitchen items as well as all those big appliances was daunting. So when you add up all those items it’s another chunk of change, on top of rent and paying the realtor a finder’s fee (which is just how it works here). We were beginning to wonder where and when we would find a home.



The last place she showed us was definitely out of our price range, but she thought the owner might come down a little. She opened the door and we could barely believe she was showing it to us. We walked into an open floor plan, with an island in the kitchen that overlooks the dining room table and the living room. The light streamed in from large glass sliding doors that led to a patio. A big patio, overlooking a green space below. Three good-sized bedrooms, with beds and dressers. A clean bathtub in the hall bathroom. A shower in another bathroom. Large windows in every room. And the kicker: a desk next to the patio doors in the living room. We could barely contain our excitement and yet deep down inside we knew it was ridiculous to be looking at this place. Nelly calculated some numbers and suggested what we could offer the owner. We told her we’d have to talk and pray about it.



On the way home I told Tom it was everything I prayed about. Well, almost everything. It wasn’t on the top floor; it’s the third, with one more above us. I guess technically, if you’re going to ride the elevator, it’s floor -1, but that’s a technicality. It was a nice place so I presumed the neighbors would be nice. He began to do his mental calculator game; he factored in the large appliances, couches, beds, table and chairs. We talked about saving money since Cassidy and I might not come home the first year since she’ll be in school when he will be traveling (possibly). Where else could we skimp in order to have a nice, spacious, clean home?



As most of you know, we posted on facebook about our apartment saga. We actually had a place to stay in southern Jerusalem while we searched, and that was a blessing beyond anything we could have imagined. Being in a hotel for three weeks wouldn’t have been possible. We also had a great roommate which brought us back to our days on Mastin Street. We love sharing life with other people. But as school began for Tom it became a large time commitment to get back and forth from school in French Hill to home in Talpiyot. Sometimes a two hour commitment, on the bus, one way. Hence the urgency to get a home in French Hill. We also wanted to wait until we were in French Hill to start Cassidy in school; the commute would have been very long and her school starts at 7:30.



We wanted to do our due diligence and contacted another realtor, hoping she had some different options. She showed us one: a 3-bedroom apartment with a little garden area, completely unfurnished but doable for sure. We went home and Tom ran the numbers again. The difference between the nice, furnished apartment and the ok unfurnished apartment was still too much to swallow. We could make the second place work, we’d just have to move quickly to get it cleaned and furnished.



Then we got news: someone out in our circle of supporters wanted to bless us, beyond our expectations. They wanted to give money specifically for the nicer, fully furnished home. The donor recognized our desire to host, both locally and globally, and this place was perfect. How could this be happening? Someone cared enough about our home in Jerusalem that they would finance the difference between our budget and the price we negotiated with the owner. Miraculous!



But the story doesn’t end here. It still took a while to get into the place; with our money transferring from the States, the fast of Esther and Tom’s classes it became difficult to meet with the owner’s son and lawyer to sign the contract. We finally agreed on a date: March 8^th, Purim. This is the day Jews (and anyone who loves them) everywhere celebrate their victory over the murderous Haman because Esther approached the king, found favor and saved the lives of her people. We were ready to celebrate too! This happened to be a Thursday, which means we rented a car Thursday afternoon and had to have it back by Friday at 2, because the rental car store closes for Shabbat. Tom moved all of our suitcases down three flights of stairs while I packed up the rest of our things (did I mention I had the stomach flu?). We got all of our things moved in one night, which turned out to be a perfect timing because a woman was coming in from Taiwan that evening and had plans to stay at the apartment in Talpiyot where we had just moved out of!



For the first few days in our new place Tom was in shock. I think every few hours he said, “This place is so nice”. I believe the L-rd answered my prayers about a home not for my sake but for Tom’s. He’s worked hard since before we got here to make this move as easy as possible. I know it blesses him to be in a clean, comfortable home and I praise Jesus that He gave it to us in such a miraculous way. Once we moved in we talked with Tom’s family about the place and his sister Susan reminded us of the dream she had right after we left Kansas. She dreamt that we “found a great apartment with the most amazing kitchen.” When she heard the details of the kitchen she exclaimed, “In my dream it had an island and an open floor plan!” What a confirmation of G-d’s plan for us.



Our socks are officially knocked off by this blessing. For years I took for granted how nice my home was; all the little details we spent years working on made it ours and we loved it. Being in a new space is hard, but having the L-rd look after all the details made the transition so much easier. Now we’re beginning to function like we used to (sort of), and we’re even having our first guests over for lunch on Friday! We pray the L-rd uses this space as a refuge not just for us, but for all of His people.



Once again, thank you for your prayers! Just like Esther we can approach the throne of the King and ask for His favor. It doesn’t always look like we want it to, but it is His best for us. Halleljuah!

Visa Miracles

UHL's administrative offices in Gilo

We visited with Tom's school director today and it was a helpful few hours. There are three very kind women who run the school office and we got some great news. Seeing as our visas are in Hebrew we didn't quite know what we got, though we knew the expiration date was about a year out. Come to find out not only are they for a year but we have multiple re-entry, which means, L-rd willing, we can come home, (or somewhere else) anytime we want and it won't be a hassle. The ladies were excited about this, since it seems visas are a very tricky thing over here. They said last week the state employees went on strike and anyone who had an appointment for a visa during that time lost their appointment and had to wait for a new one. So... Thank You! We know it's because the L-rd heard all of our prayers for this to come together. It may seem little, but having a year-long, multiple re-entry visa is a huge blessing and one we will not take for granted. In the few days we've been here we've heard some extreme stories regarding visas -- good and bad. We're thankful to be one of the good stories and sincerely appreciate all of your prayers.

Warm enough in the sun for ice cream

We then headed up north to meet with George, a gentleman who helps students at UHL get situated. While we didn't look at any apartments he did show us (me) around French Hill and I feel such a peace about the area. It might have been the warm sunshine or the ice cream, but the area is beautiful and pretty quiet compared with the rest of the city. We're praying for a nice 3-bedroom with a patio or garden (and good view) since there will be so many nice days. Apartments typically have limited heat so being able to sit in the sun makes a big difference on our cold bones. We believe He already has a place picked out for us, we pray we have the ears to hear His decision. Please pray with us!

The Old City

If you haven't heard, we're here! We arrived flawlessly with all of our bags and a little bit of jet lag. The apartment where we're staying temporarily is wonderful and we're fully anticipating a nice place of our own up north soon.

A view from our apartment.
Can you see the sheep on the grass, near the street?

Today we counted our blessings. It was a cool 55' and the sun was out so we hopped on the bus to go into the city. We visited Cassidy's school and it is going to be a nice fit. Jacob's Ladder is a Messianic school run by some amazing women and an Israeli named Jon. The classes are small and the content dense and we believe that in less than a year Cassidy will be a fluent Hebrew speaker.

The Old City's Damascus Gate

We visited the Old City today as well, since it's about a block or so from Cassidy's school. We walked through the crowded Muslim quarter to get to the beautiful Kotel, the Western Wall. Cassidy and I spent some time praying for the first time at the Wall and the L-rd graciously reminded me that He will return here, in power and glory.

Tomorrow we meet with Tom's advisor and then someone affiliated with the school is going to show us some apartments. We're praying the L-rd will show us the right one; what that will look like we don't quite know. But rest assured, we'll fill you in once we know!

Shalom!

Ordination

Last Sunday evening our local congregation, Kingdom Living, and our international covering, Tikkun International, laid hands on us and blessed us by ordaining us into ministry. The wisdom, love and power of the people involved Sunday night is almost unspeakable. Throughout the last 5 years we've journeyed closely with Paul Blake and Eric Simon and others to better understand the importance of Israel, and how G-d desires us to function within His Body of followers. One of Kingdom Living's board members and the man who ordained Paul, Hal Linhardt was there to lay hands on us as well. Additionally, Tikkun America leader and prophet John Glueck laid hands on us and blessed us into the ministry. During the ordination, we could feel the tangible presence of G-d and were filled with encouragement and support from others within the Body of Messiah.

Eric, Hal, John and Paul, with Tom and me

We see how G-d is moving us to Jerusalem, by giving us confirming words, providing a buyer for our home during a difficult market, bringing along men with wisdom concerning the finances (thank you Dad and Brenton!), and providing the finances themselves. Ordination was one more step of commitment that brought along encouragement. They ordained Tom as a teacher, and it's been made apparent that this is what he should be doing as he prepares to give two more teachings this week to groups hungry to connect with the importance of Israel. The L-rd used study to bring hope to Tom in the last two years and he is bearing fruit from that time. His education at UHL will further his own understanding of the Scriptures and will allow him to impart more to others.

It's hard to grasp how much there is to study and learn, yet as Tom gains clarity on one issue he sees another topic to dive into. We're blessed by the partnership of so many and thank you for giving of your time, energy, words and finances. Your partnership with the L-rd and with us makes this all possible. If you have questions or are curious about Tom's studies, please contact us. We can meet with you or send you his thesis, which seems like only the tip of the iceberg now that a few months have passed since he finished it. We are blessed that the L-rd is infinite and that He desires us to know Him. We pray He draws each of you closer to Himself as you journey with us.

B'resheet

In the beginning G-d...

And so begins another cycle of reading through the first five books of the Bible, the Torah. Every week Jews read and study a prescribed section of the Torah and come together to discuss it on Sabbath, as well as throughout the week. While we as gentile followers of Jesus are still fairly new to this we can tell you that every year we find ourselves reading something new, or have new questions or different light bulbs go on as we continue to study. The L-rd speaks through His word, even if you think you already know what it says.

This year is the first year that we have Gospel portions to go along with the Torah portion. Knowing the words of our Rabbi Yeshua effects how we live and respond to one another. We can't study it enough. If we read the Book from beginning to end then we see the connections G-d laid out to show us how infinite and amazing He is.

For instance: We all know that Genesis 1:1 says, In the beginning G-d. And then John 1:1 says, In the beginning was the Word. This reminds me of Deuteronomy 30:14 (which we read not too long ago):...the word is very close to you -- in your mouth, even in your heart; therefore you can do it! Then because there is continuity in scripture (as Tom loves to point out) we turn to Revelation 19:13 and read: He was wearing a robe that had been soaked in blood, and the name by which He is called is, "THE WORD OF G-D".

There are many things that can be said about these passages, and perhaps Tom will make an appearance commenting on these things, but for me it's the simplicity of Scripture. In the beginning, G-d. In the meantime, G-d. In the future, G-d. Who was and is and is to come.

As you study Genesis 1 what stands out to you? Perhaps it's the first time you've really read it, or maybe it's just been a long time. Doesn't matter, it's still there for you to pick up and read. We'd love for you to join in, so we've posted the portions for each week on the left sidebar. You might not make it through every week, but I'm sure the L-rd will bless whatever time you give Him. May His Word bring refreshment to you as we enter these chilly times of Autumn and Winter.

At the beginning of David Stern's translation (The Complete Jewish Bible) is this blessing:

Praised are You, ADONAI our G-d, King of the universe,

Who gives the Torah of truth and the Good News of salvation to His people Israel

and to all the peoples through His Son Yeshua the Messiah, our L-rd.

Amen.

Continual Confirmation

From Leah:
I spend most days thinking about what it's going to be like for us in Israel. I am not a city girl; I like my yard, my large kitchen, my car. And in a few months all of that will change. Through the last 10 months the L-rd has continued to redirect my heart. Every time Tom suggests something about Israel (for starters going there) I take it to the L-rd and ask Him to help me. You see, I trust my husband. He is wise and loving, he cares very deeply for me and wants to change the world. But while he jumps, I stand on the ground and ask, Do I have to? But even though I move slower than him, I do move.

So when we found out about Tom getting into the Doctoral program the question came up about selling the house. I did not want to sell. Keeping it meant coming home, but for Tom it meant stress and uncertainty. As I was telling a good friend about the situation, and our opposing viewpoints, he said something that I couldn't escape. "Well, I guess that means the decision hasn't been made and you both need to keep praying about it." I thought that meant Tom would eventually see my way and decide to keep the house. But then I prayed and realized we should sell. And though at times it seems like I'm constantly laying down my own way the L-rd encourages me, and the Holy Spirit tweaks my heart so I'm excited about the next step. And He makes a way so it's not as overwhelming. Which means that we already have a prospective buyer, but can use any prayers that things will go smoothly.

A few weeks ago an acquaintance shared something very powerful with us. She did not know our plans for moving to Jerusalem. She said that while she was praying for us she felt like we were supposed to move to Israel and minister hope to the secular Jews there. The L-rd even gave her Isaiah 61:1-3. She kept this to herself because directional words require much prayer, confirmation and good timing. She told us about this only after she heard us talking about our move with some other people. After she shared Tom showed her his belt buckle, the one I had made for him, with the scripture reference of Isaiah 61 on it. This is the passage the L-rd gave Tom years ago as part of his calling to teach.

Everything she spoke resonated with us -- our move to Israel, the Isaiah passage for Tom, and for me personally the desire to communicate hope to secular Jews in the Land. I hold tightly to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, Now, brothers, we want you to know the truth about those who have died; otherwise, you might become sad the way other people do who have nothing to hope for. For since we believe that Yeshua died and rose again, we also believe that in the same way God, through Yeshua, will take with him those who have died. This is the hope of our calling.

I am grateful the L-rd works in my life and my heart and that He speaks to me personally. But when someone hears from the L-rd on my behalf it is also powerful. Having continual confirmation helps us to move forward when things seem overwhelming or uncertain. And it reminds us that He is in control and will speak when we wait and listen.

We are grateful for all of your prayers and time spent in intercession; it changes our lives. And yours, we hope.