When I look out the window, there are buds starting to smile from empty branches. Some days its even warm enough to be outside without a jacket, and the grass is getting green again.
I’m loving the days when the sun shines so brightly.
I’m thankful for flowers that will bloom, days that will be longer, memories that will be made, and lessons that will be learned.
Winter is not forever.
It’s only a season.
Spring is coming soon.
I’m thankful for the Creator who makes all things new. Out of dry, winter soil, He causes beauty to rise. Out of our faltering human hearts, He causes His light to shine.
What a miracle it all is.
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.
He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
(Ecclesiastes 3:11)
This blog has been quiet, so I’ll give you a lil’ recap. :) I’m excited about a trip to Israel planned for this spring! (Yes!!! I have a ticket!!!! I’m amazed at how the Father has brought this about! :D) I’m also still loving being a babysitter, spending time with family & friends, and simply living life day by day.
I continue to be amazed by the beautiful things around me.
Yeshua is so good.
Here’s a little of winter’s beauty:
one of those random moments when you’re standing in the kitchen and you discover a piece of art:
colorful pens & pencils in a jar
bundling up to write poetry in the cold
thrift store shopping
Saturday night game nights
bright yellow yarn (‘cuz it brings sunshine to my winter)
crocheting & listening to Audrey Assad music
my sister restoring our great-grandma’s quilt:
fluffy snowflakes falling (those are special ’round here ;)
late-night baking
late-night snacks
laughs with Uncle Dave & Aunt Debbie
“Visit many books, but live in the Bible” C. H. Spurgeon
Lately I’ve been realizing how crucial prayer is in walking with my Savior day by day. It’s something that I’ve slacked in over the years. Prayer is something that’s hard to understand. What exactly does prayer do? I don’t know sometimes. But I do know that it’s essential. It’s powerful. And it’s something so simple, that I often forget how big it is.
It connects us to our Creator.
“יהוה has heard my pleading; יהוה receives my prayer.” Psalm 6:9
It’s a way to love one another.
“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those cursing you, do good to those hating you, and pray for those insulting you and persecuting you,” Mathew 5:44
“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men,for kings and all who are inauthority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness anddignity.This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
1 Timothy 2:1-4
It gives us courage and faith.
“And He spoke a parable to them, that they should always pray and not lose heart,” Luke 18:1
It keeps our souls from harm.
“Watch and pray, lest you enter into trial. The spirit indeed is eager, but the flesh is weak.” Mathew 26:41
It works in ways we cannot see.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12
It makes miracles happen.
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” 1 John 5:14
Yeshua showed us how to pray.
“But He was often withdrawing Himself to lonely places and praying.”
Luke 5:16
“This, then, is the way you should pray: ‘Our Father who is in the heavens, let Your Name be set-apart, let Your reign come, let Your desire be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread.And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into trial, but deliver us from the wicked one–because Yours is the reign and the power and the esteem, forever. Amen.'” Mathew 6:9-13
I hope these verse and quotes encourage you to today.
Whatever you’re holding inside your heart, pour it out before Him. He’s waiting to hear your voice, to bring you peace when you surrender, and to refresh your thirsty soul with His Spirit.
♡ Ephesians 3:16-21 ♡
I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Messiah may dwell in your hearts through faith.
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Messiah, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the assembly and in Messiah Yeshua throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
So many things have made this autumn beautiful. I’ve been filling my Beautiful Things journal more than ever before. It’s such a happy lil’ book that reminds me of Yahweh’s goodness in my life.
“Let Your kindness and Your truth always watch over me.”
Amen.
What are some beautiful things that you’re grateful for today?
P.S. I’ve been enjoying this artist’s music lately. I love how he sings so passionately about Yeshua Messiah and the land of Israel. (Plus, he has the chords for all his songs on his website.) This song is a wonderful reminder to trust Yeshua and follow Him.
Sometimes the Father shows us how fragile we humans are–how completely dependennt we are upon Him. We don’t generally like to be reminded of that truth. We’d much rather be tough and strong, and perfect in every way. But that’s not me, and I’m pretty certain that’s not you either, dear reader.
If my guess is correct, you’re a lot like me. Desperately in need of a Savior. Continually needing reminded of His goodness, His faithfulness, His truth, His Word, His peace that passes all understanding and shatters fear and doubt.
This past month, I’ve been pondering many things. I suppose that’s nothing new for me, but normally I’m more talkative on this lil’ blog. Sometimes though, words don’t seem to be the right thing to say.
Life is amazing, y’all.
We serve an awesome God.
And yet there’s some heartbreaking things that happen in this fallen world. There’s tears that we don’t plan on crying. There’s news reports that we don’t want to hear. There’s battles in our souls that we feel worn out from fighting.
And yet, there’s joy that overtakes our hearts in unspeakable ways.
There’s healing.
There’s friends and family and fellowship that makes the meaning of life deeper.
And there’s hope that can’t be taken away from us.
No matter what.
Because there’s Yeshua.
And He is always near.
Waiting for us to pour our hearts out to Him. Longing to embrace us when we’re crying. Wanting to encourage us when we’re down.
There’s the countless ways that He speaks to our hearts.
There’s the endless miracle of eternal life.
There’s the greatest blessing of knowing Him.
There’s His joy in the sorrow.
His comfort in the pain.
It seems that every day I grow more amazed at what a blessing it is to breathe the autumn air, to hear the wind howling through the empty treetops, to live in a home surrounded by the ones I love.
Life is a gift.
Life is a mystery.
I’m still pondering that. And I’m pretty certain I always will.
There will always be much to ponder, because I can’t figure Yahweh out. I can’t wrap my mind around His ways. I can’t understand the story He’s writing sometimes.
But I do know Him to be true. I know Him to be faithful. I know Him to be the best at orchestrating lives. The best at healing hearts. The best at anything and everything. Because He is the Master of all.
Sometimes it takes tears to realize that. Sometimes it takes sorrow to see the joy. Sometimes I don’t have the words to capture what I feel, but I do have a bit to share, and that is….
Today
Hug a little tighter
Breathe the air in deeper
Pray harder
Listen closer
Cherish
Life
Don’t fear death
or separation
or the future
or the past
Look at the faces
Of the ones you love
And realize how
Blessed
You are
To have them
Today
My friends at Radical Femininity have invited me to co-host the “What Are You Thankful For?” linkup party. From November 11th-25th you can share your blog posts on the theme of Thanksgiving or thankfulness on the link-up at the bottom of this post! :)
Thankfulness is a powerful thing. It doesn’t erase the problems in our lives, but it does change the way we view them. It helps us to see Yahweh’s hand leading us day by day, to recognize His goodness in every situation, and to focus on the beauty in this world. Having a thankful heart doesn’t just help us be more joyful and content, it lifts others up too.
Sometimes it takes a bit of creativity to find the positive side to things. It’s easy to complain. It’s easy to get frustrated or discouraged. But it’s not by our might that we can keep a thankful heart. It’s by His strength. It’s by His Word and Truth guiding us through life. It’s by the joy that He has placed in our hearts that we can rejoice in all things. And sometimes when we look at the big picture, the things we most dislike are actually mercies in disguise.
What if Your blessings come through rain drops? What if Your healing comes through tears? What if a thousand sleepless nights Are what it takes to know You’re near?
And what if trials of this life Are Your mercies in disguise? ~“Blessings” by Laura Story~
It’s easy to talk about thankfulness.It’s easy to read the Scripture verses about thankfulness, or listen to the songs that remind me of God’s goodness. But in my heart–where only He sees–I know whether I’m living in a spirit of thankfulness or not. I know when the enemy has crept in and planted ungrateful seeds in my heart. And it’s only when I fix my eyes on my heavenly Father, when I remember His faithfulness, His almighty power, His unfathomable love and care for me, that I can see how wrong I am to feel frustration toward Him.
Thankfulness is a daily journey, a walk of contentment, and a work in progress in my heart. I’m so thankful to the ladies at Radical Femininity for inviting us to this party, because it’s such a wonderful reminder to keep a cheerful heart. I’m also thankful for all the other co-hostesses celebrating this too. And I encourage you to check out their lovely posts on thankfulness and comment/follow!
Thankfulness can flood our hearts when we’re overwhelmed by the giant blessings in life, but sometimes blessings come in smaller, every day happenings. And it’s in those seemingly insignificant things that Yahweh can touch our hearts in a special way when we stop to observe the beauty around us and thank Him for it. Here’s just a few things that I’m thankful for and have written down in my Beautiful Things journal lately.
noisy reunions {because there’s a lot of us & we’re having fun}
sweet notes from even sweeter friends
sibling laughter
poems that slowly grow
optimists
leaves that rustle under stroller wheels
crisp autumn air
&
trees that look like fireworks in the sky
Now it’s your turn!
What are you thankful for?
If you have any posts on Thanksgiving or thankfulness, please join the party by linking your post below. Or leave a comment about what you’re thankful for today. Let’s share the many blessings that He has given us and behold the joy that it brings! <3
There were lots of pictures taken on this trip. Between my brother, my friend Melanie, and me, there was almost always a photo being snapped as we toured the Land.
Photographing the photographers! :)
It’s always good to find a balance when traveling though, and at times I purposefully left my camera behind, so I would enjoy the sights without staring through a lens. But, alas, pictures and videos are the best for saving memories, and they’re also perfect for sharing with others. So quite often I had my little point-and-shoot on hand, because you just never know when you’ll discover something beautiful.
Here are some pictures and passages.
Feast of Tabernacles
Dwell in booths for seven days; all who are natives of Israel dwell in booths, so that your generations know that I made the children of Israel dwell in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt. I am יהוה your God.’” (Leviticus 23:42-43)
These booths (Sukkot in Hebrew) are set up all over Jerusalem outside restaurants and homes. Many of them are decorated elaborately, and at night you can hear the families gathered inside, singing in Hebrew, chanting prayers, or talking to one another.
Photo by Melanie
For in the day of evil He hides me in His booth; in the covering of His Tent He hides me. (Psalm 27:5)
Jerusalem
It’s estimated that 100,000 people came to Israel for the festival!
Thus said the Master יהוה, “Once again I shall let the house of Israel inquire of me to do for them: I shall increase their men like a flock.“As a set-apart flock, as the flock at Jerusalem at her appointed times, so shall the wasted cities be filled with flocks of men. And they shall know that I am יהוה.” ’ ” (Ezekiel 36:37-38)
Thousands gathered to hear the priestly blessing at the Wailing Wall.
The Jerusalem March went up the street across from where we were staying. It was amazing to see thousands of Christians from around the world showing their support for Israel.
Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the children of Zion exult in their King. (Psalm 149:2)
These gentlemen brought smiles to our faces as they bursted out singing in the Old City.
Walking through the Arab bazaar is like walking through a kaleidoscope, with shops overflowing with zillions of shiny and colorful trinkets for sale. It’s quite different than shopping in the United States, since the shop owners expect you to haggle for the price that you want. Sometimes you have to walk away to get them to lower the price enough. You can get a good deal if you play it tough. ;)
“It’s no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer; then off he goes and boasts about his purchase. (Proverbs 20:14)
Photo by Melanie
Sweet Home Alabama followed us there!
I loved the delightful umbrellas hung above this street. :)
The Galilee
And He began to teach again by the sea, and a large crowd was gathered to Him, so that He entered into a boat, to sit in the sea. And all the crowd was on the land facing the sea.” (Mark 4:1)
This tour boat on the Galilee is called the “Jesus Boat.” From the shores of Capernaum, we could hear the Christian music they were playing.
And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He went into the congregation and taught. (Mark 1:21)
This is an ancient synagogue at Capernaum.
“And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to the heaven, shall be brought down to the grave. (Luke 10:15)
We have only the remains of this city today, just as Yeshua prophesied.
En Gedi
After Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, “David is in the Desert of En Gedi.” So Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and set out to look for David and his men near the Crags of the Wild Goats. (1 Samuel 24:1-2)
This is one of the many waterfalls at Ein Gedi (an oasis in the Negev desert). I can see why David and his men hunkered down here!
The voice of one crying in the wilderness, “Prepare the way of יהוה ; make straight in the desert a highway for our God “See, I am doing what is new, let it now spring forth. Do you not know it? I am even making a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. “For יהוה shall comfort Zion, He shall comfort all her waste places. For He makes her wilderness like Ěḏen, and her desert like the garden of יהוה. Joy and gladness are found in it, thanksgiving and the voice of song. (Isaiah 40:3)
There were lots of ibex in the park. Isn’t this one adorable?
The Garden Tomb
“He is not here, for He was raised, as He said. Come, see the place where the Master lay.” (Mathew 28 6)
This is said to be the Garden Tomb. It is one of the most beautiful places in Jerusalem. Wafting through the air was the sound of a tour group from Africa singing “It is Well With My Soul” in their native tongue.
The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)
!ישוע חי! עם ישראל חי
{Yeshua (Jesus) is alive, the people of Israel are alive!}
I hope you have enjoyed this mini tour of Israel, and I hope that one day God will make a way for you to visit His Land too. Pictures truly don’t do it justice. There’s no place on earth like Israel, and no other city like Jerusalem. Out of all the earth, this is where Yahweh has placed His Name forever. It’s where Yeshua walked,. It’s where Bible stories come alive.
It’s also where tension and terrorism is raging right now.
Let us never forget to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
Psalm 122
I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the House of יהוה.” Our feet have been standing Within your gates, O Jerusalem! Jerusalem is built As a city that is bound together, Where the tribes have come up, The tribes of יהוה, A witness to Israel, To give thanks to the Name of יהוה. For there the thrones of right-ruling were set, The thrones of the house of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, Let those who love You be at rest. Peace be within your walls, Rest in your citadels. For the sake of my brothers and companions, I say, “Peace be within you.” For the sake of the House of יהוה our God
I seek your good.
“For יהוהyour God is bringing you into a good land with streams and pools of water, with springs flowing in the valleys and hills; a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills. When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise יהוה your God for the good land He has given you.” (Deuteronomy 8:7-10).
I am so thankful to Yahweh for the opportunity to visit that good land.
Here’s some of the beautiful things:
Sabbath in Jerusalem Jerusalem honors the Sabbath unlike any other big city in the world, and that’s an amazing thing to be a part of.
The market on the Sabbath
Visiting a Messianic Synagogue The congregation was overflowing with believers form all over the world. There was such diversity, and yet so much unity. The teacher talked in Hebrew. Someone in the congregation translated into English (for which I am very thankful!). A lady sitting in front of me took notes in Chinese, and a lady behind me quietly translated the teaching into Norwegian for her friends. His message was themed on Joshua 1:7–“be strong and courageous”–and how we should not fear death. It was especially powerful considering that it was preached at the start of this recent wave of hostilities in the Land. There was such peace in all of our hearts as we sang familiar hymns and Hebrew songs together, including some of my favorites: Ram Venisa, Come Thou Fount, and Blessed Assurance
The sandy hills of the Judean Dessert Not only was the desert picturesque, it was also fascinating to see Bedouin dwellings, camels, and shepherds leading their flocks of sheep, as we drove along the highway. It reminded me of Yeshua calling Himself the Great Shepherd, and explaining that we are the sheep of His pasture. Suddenly 2,000 years seemed so much closer.
Washing clothes by hand Okay, so this might sound like an odd “beautiful thing,” but I felt like a real Israeli as I washed my clothes by hand in the apartment where we were staying. The kitchen window was open and I could hear Jerusalem outside and breathe its dry air. (Any time that I get to feel like a native, it’s a beautiful thing.)
The worker who loved his work He was an older man, with a gentle smile, kind eyes, and a peaceful countenance that defied the noise and hustle of the open-air market. I could tell that he delighted in his job as he slowly selected the carrots, oranges, apples, or pomegranates–whatever we requested–to press into juice. He told us how it was good for our health, and seemed to get as much pleasure in serving us and as we did in sipping that delicious fresh-pressed juice.
Israeli flowers
I love how many beautiful flowers there are in Israel, especially considering that it’s in a desert climate.
“The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.” (Isaiah 35:1a)
Reading Hebrew This was my first trip to Israel since learning how to read Hebrew. It was exciting to read the signs and labels and be immersed in a culture where Hebrew is the native language. Note to self: I should have learned to read a long time ago! (It’s actually quite easy.)
Fellowshipping in the park with friends When family in Messiah from all over the world gathers in His city at His festival to worship Him, it’s the most beautiful thing of all! Here’s one of the songs we sang together (led my James Block).
P.S. If you’ve never heard James Block’s music, I’d highly recommend you do. He mostly sings the Psalms and returns God’s Hebrew names to the text.
I know it’s been a while since I last posted. Life has been busy and blessed, and I’ve been taking more time to cherish this thing called “life” rather than write about it. Sometimes it’s good to take a break, but I’m looking forward to sharing about the many things that Yahweh has been doing in my life.
A few weeks ago, I had the incredible opportunity of celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) in Jerusalem with some of my family and many friends from around the world.
We joined a group of believers for an amazing time of prayer for the Land of Israel. (It was hosted by Cry for Zion.)
It was a good trip, with lots of sightseeing and memory making (it was my brother’s first time in the Land.).
It’s hard to describe a trip to Israel. It’s not like a normal “vacation,” because Israel is different than anywhere else in the world. Every time I’m there, it’s life-changing. This time one of the lessons that hit home with me is that I need to be praying for Israel more than I have been.
While I was there I felt the tension in the air. Psalm 122–“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem”–takes on a deeper meaning when I’m standing in its streets, when friends talk of the riots that raged outside their hostel, when an ambulance speeds past, and when news reports are from just up the road.
Since flying back to the States, the tension in Jerusalem has risen drastically. Places where we felt safe a few weeks ago have now been affected by terrorism.
So often in the States, I live my life without standing for Israel like I should. It’s during these times when Israel is in distress that I feel the most unhelpful. But there is one thing I can do–something any of us can do anywhere–pray.
For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, till her righteousness shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch. (Isaiah 62:1)
During my Bible reading, the promises to Israel have been jumping off the pages. Yahweh has made a covenant with Israel, and He never breaks his covenants. He has promised to give the Land of Israel to the children of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob forever; and He is faithful to His Word. He has not forgotten His Land, and we shouldn’t either.
But I want to do more than just pray for Israel. And as I seek the Father, surely He’ll show me what to do. He has ways for all of us to stand for the Promise Land.
It is by His strength that Israel will become all that He has promised it to be.
“But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create,
for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy.
I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people;
the sound of weeping and of crying
will be heard in it no more.
(Isaiah 65:18-19)
I long for the day when Yeshua Messiah brings peace to Jerusalem.
Those who trust in יהוה are like Mount Zion,
which cannot be shaken but endures forever.
As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
So יהוה surrounds his people
both now and forevermore.”
(Psalm 125:1-2)
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Let those who love you be at rest.”
(Psalm 122)
