April 30, 2011
Spring has finally sprung and we are getting out for more walks now and starting yard work/ gardening.
I have a plan to loose weight and perk my whole system up.
Juicing seems to be a good option for me. My body responds really well to getting at least 50% of my daily nutrients through my drinks. Focusing on a GAPS no grain meal in the early evening and then a dairy snack like a smoothie or cottage cheese with fruit in the evening for protein to keep me satisfied until morning.
Not much weight loss yet but I am feeling better and maintaining more energy.
I'm not sure if my thyroid problems have corrected or not. But I am not looking back, just trying to keep up what seems to be helping.
Today I will be juicing for lunch and eating a large salad with tuna. Dinner will be veg. soup from the beef stock of yesterdays beef stew.
Looks like possible rain but will be going on a family walk and a power walk with Talitha.
Making plans to get my hair styled and possibly start tanning.
School and Business goals are ten hours of work on The Natural Foodist for this new week and 3 hours of personal blogging. Jonny will start the play group on Tues. and I will meet new people in the community.
Luke will complete his blog post do math and phonics everyday.
Same for Timmy.
Lina will do some handwriting pages each day.
Sophia and Jon will do activities pages each day.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Addressing our current beliefs to people in my life is something I have not had to do really before because we are so locally alone at this point. But I will attempt to share with you so you might understand where we are in life:^)
In trying to simplify it is easiest to simply say we are not mainstream Christians anymore. Even prefer to simply say we are 'believers.' Believers in the Most High, In Yehshua the messiah. We have journeyed to learn more of who 'Jesus' is. He is of Jewish linage which is very significant. Hashemn who bears the personal name YHWH we feel deserves that reverence -to be called his chosen name. We chose to follow after the guidelines he gives in the whole of scripture... which means studying the first five books the Tanakh Hebrew Bible in depth and viewing the new testament from the disciples Jewish heritage/ Hebraic mind. It is amazing to allow ones self to grasp that when Messiah came he did not do away with the old testament scriptures he and his closest friends were all of Hebraic mind. They never stopped being Jewish and they never condemned the ten commandments. They never told us to disregard any of the words of YHWH. They told us to come out of the paganism of the world.
All of this started in both Mike and I before we met but grew within a few years of our marriage. We haven't celebrated Christmas for several years, Easter, or any of the other non commanded Holidays. Holy Days are shown in scripture to be the A Concise Overview of the Seven Feasts of Israel seven feasts of the Lord. All other holidays have such pagan roots, it is clear after even lightly researching, so we just don't do them. Each year we learn more about the feasts each year and are learning how to obey/ observe and ENJOY them!
We try to have a 7th day sabbath each week ( Friday sundown to Saturday sundown). Mike is still on second shift but in the summertime he should be able to apply within his company for a first shift position and then we can help observe together more fully. As it is now we don't worship as a family until Saturday afternoon/ evening.
This shift of heart and mind happened slowly but consistently over the years. While yet in Toledo we often found ourselves exhausted trying to attend and serve in the church. Mike was struggling heavily physically. He had many quite delirious experiences. Though some men can work 12 hours and stay up going to church and then sleep after arriving home in the afternoon and do relatively okay, he couldn't. Symptoms of sleep deprivation were very scary and life threatening. I'd say the biggest changes took place after we left Toledo and tried to find new fellowship. Mike also had a very physically demanding full-time job on third shift. We spent significant time in several churches, traveled at length to try to find a good fit and kept hearing from YHWH that we needed to be separate. Every year we'd find our focus was less mainstream Christianity and more of a search of what does the Bible really say about what the Father expects of us as believers. We went through times feeling that we could not obtain regular fellowship and a place to serve.We questioned were we sinning or being stubborn against the requirements of YHWH but it became clear the struggle was more with local churches than with YHWH himself. Each year we'd have a new life come into our family we knew or energies were limited. What was gonna go and what was going to remain in our lifestyle was constantly in question.
Before we left Toledo our extended family relations had deteriorated. And with in that first year away we'd broke it off with our loved ones. Hoping to raise a new believing generation... being first generation believers is not remotely easy. And we chose to leave the emotionalism that came with trying to fit those not seeking YHWH into our lives. We were wanting a different kind of life than our parents and siblings. Those relationships constantly drained us of our focus on our individual walk. Not only that having contact with my mom became truly dangerous.
And we have not re-entered those relationships in all these years (7). We prayed very regularly about what YHWH wanted us to do and He kept showing us to stay separate.
In summary we have been in a type of wilderness and only more recently found fellowship in contact with others of similar walks ( through internet friendships). Very specific things have happened to get us in contact with these families. We feel very blessed to have study partners and continued hope for the future that is unfolding for us.
We are also having knowledge of ways to physical healing open up to us. And that is a major focus right now.
May our minds and bodies be renewed.
Shalom
In trying to simplify it is easiest to simply say we are not mainstream Christians anymore. Even prefer to simply say we are 'believers.' Believers in the Most High, In Yehshua the messiah. We have journeyed to learn more of who 'Jesus' is. He is of Jewish linage which is very significant. Hashemn who bears the personal name YHWH we feel deserves that reverence -to be called his chosen name. We chose to follow after the guidelines he gives in the whole of scripture... which means studying the first five books the Tanakh Hebrew Bible in depth and viewing the new testament from the disciples Jewish heritage/ Hebraic mind. It is amazing to allow ones self to grasp that when Messiah came he did not do away with the old testament scriptures he and his closest friends were all of Hebraic mind. They never stopped being Jewish and they never condemned the ten commandments. They never told us to disregard any of the words of YHWH. They told us to come out of the paganism of the world.
All of this started in both Mike and I before we met but grew within a few years of our marriage. We haven't celebrated Christmas for several years, Easter, or any of the other non commanded Holidays. Holy Days are shown in scripture to be the A Concise Overview of the Seven Feasts of Israel seven feasts of the Lord. All other holidays have such pagan roots, it is clear after even lightly researching, so we just don't do them. Each year we learn more about the feasts each year and are learning how to obey/ observe and ENJOY them!
We try to have a 7th day sabbath each week ( Friday sundown to Saturday sundown). Mike is still on second shift but in the summertime he should be able to apply within his company for a first shift position and then we can help observe together more fully. As it is now we don't worship as a family until Saturday afternoon/ evening.
This shift of heart and mind happened slowly but consistently over the years. While yet in Toledo we often found ourselves exhausted trying to attend and serve in the church. Mike was struggling heavily physically. He had many quite delirious experiences. Though some men can work 12 hours and stay up going to church and then sleep after arriving home in the afternoon and do relatively okay, he couldn't. Symptoms of sleep deprivation were very scary and life threatening. I'd say the biggest changes took place after we left Toledo and tried to find new fellowship. Mike also had a very physically demanding full-time job on third shift. We spent significant time in several churches, traveled at length to try to find a good fit and kept hearing from YHWH that we needed to be separate. Every year we'd find our focus was less mainstream Christianity and more of a search of what does the Bible really say about what the Father expects of us as believers. We went through times feeling that we could not obtain regular fellowship and a place to serve.We questioned were we sinning or being stubborn against the requirements of YHWH but it became clear the struggle was more with local churches than with YHWH himself. Each year we'd have a new life come into our family we knew or energies were limited. What was gonna go and what was going to remain in our lifestyle was constantly in question.
Before we left Toledo our extended family relations had deteriorated. And with in that first year away we'd broke it off with our loved ones. Hoping to raise a new believing generation... being first generation believers is not remotely easy. And we chose to leave the emotionalism that came with trying to fit those not seeking YHWH into our lives. We were wanting a different kind of life than our parents and siblings. Those relationships constantly drained us of our focus on our individual walk. Not only that having contact with my mom became truly dangerous.
And we have not re-entered those relationships in all these years (7). We prayed very regularly about what YHWH wanted us to do and He kept showing us to stay separate.
In summary we have been in a type of wilderness and only more recently found fellowship in contact with others of similar walks ( through internet friendships). Very specific things have happened to get us in contact with these families. We feel very blessed to have study partners and continued hope for the future that is unfolding for us.
We are also having knowledge of ways to physical healing open up to us. And that is a major focus right now.
May our minds and bodies be renewed.
Shalom
Saturday, December 04, 2010
A few thoughts... during this week of Chanukkah.
The more I study the Hebraic Mind I realize the thought is something that is under attack. In modern education we see that much of the structure is Greco-Roman at its foundation. In fact our whole modern society has been so heavily influenced by the ancient Greeks and Romans that we are often unaware of the significant spiritual influence this has on our lives.
I myself have gone from basic observance of this to acknowledgment that for me it is not acceptable to shrug off... to embarking on some deeper study.
Much personal confusion over life in this world has become full of clarity in even this elementary knowledge of Torah! What do the words of scripture mean in the Hebraic? What does it mean for the believer? I can't turn my back to understanding.
I want it for myself I want it for my children! Enough to accept that there is often little acceptance of this walk from the world around me. And even those most dear to me those believers that have been truly supportive in so many ways may not understand this 'thing' growing inside me.
I want a Hebraic Mind!
We are reading completely through Maccabees this week. It is so strait forward and makes so much sense both historically and spiritually. I want to know it and teach it!
The more I study the Hebraic Mind I realize the thought is something that is under attack. In modern education we see that much of the structure is Greco-Roman at its foundation. In fact our whole modern society has been so heavily influenced by the ancient Greeks and Romans that we are often unaware of the significant spiritual influence this has on our lives.
I myself have gone from basic observance of this to acknowledgment that for me it is not acceptable to shrug off... to embarking on some deeper study.
Much personal confusion over life in this world has become full of clarity in even this elementary knowledge of Torah! What do the words of scripture mean in the Hebraic? What does it mean for the believer? I can't turn my back to understanding.
I want it for myself I want it for my children! Enough to accept that there is often little acceptance of this walk from the world around me. And even those most dear to me those believers that have been truly supportive in so many ways may not understand this 'thing' growing inside me.
I want a Hebraic Mind!
We are reading completely through Maccabees this week. It is so strait forward and makes so much sense both historically and spiritually. I want to know it and teach it!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Walking in the Light
This month we have spent several evenings walking in the light of the moon.
We are not experiencing the fullness of the Holy Days in outward appearance of carrying out traditions but our hearts are being trained toward Torah and it is a beautiful thing!
Our precious baby was born a preemie late July and at the two month mark is still in need of extra care.
I am convinced that my physical self is to be spent primarily for her at this time. Though this means little ability to DO the things I'd like to start traditions in my childrens lives; I am rich for being slowed down to ponder and seek Him. This good thing being produced in my heart is only growing so it will be overflowing in the appointed time for our family to 'know' the fullness. Praise Yah!
One thing that has been a blessing is walking under the night sky and observing the moon while appreciating the beauty of the stars while breathing in the fresh night air.
The way our days have a very slow start with dad waking late morning and going to work early afternoon... then I put on another meal do as many chores as possible and either give the kids some instruction or NAP with the littlest ones... We wake and I must give supper... after supper if there is any light out or NOT we take a walk about every other evening down the street to the sidewalk path around our rec park... it is open there and we can see the sky well. I learnt how to nurse the baby holding her to my chest while walking it is so nice to get 30-40 mins of walking in. It is dark so the kids stay near me in the quiet and don't ask me to go to the park though we have left early several times to do the park first:^)
Last night as we walked we talked more about Sukkot and the little girls talked about all the good fruits and veggies the Lord has given us as well as what we want to get from the grocery on Sunday. The boys and I discussed how we might make a Sukkot next Fall. This year the weather is so favorable I pray many are enjoying being outdoors pondering His care this year. May the Spirt be heard by us all.
Monday, August 30, 2010
An informal Geneology
Was pondering our family backround recently and asked a few questions of an older family member on my mom's side and found that my grandfather was 100% Hungarian; his parents immigrated here from Budapest in the early 1900's. Knowing that Budapest has a large population of Jews I wonder if I might have 'jewish blood.' I don't know how clear I can trace my bloodline but I am thrilled at the possibility of getting more information and showing my kids my findings.
For our homeschool we have been delving little by little into the ethnic back rounds of our family lines.
With so many interesting peoples to explore worldwide I decided we should narrow a bit and focus on the mix we find in family.
Husband
Irish
German
Hispanic
Me
Polish
Irish
Hungarian
Kids
Irish
Polish
Hungarian
German
Hispanic
So we will be doing quite a lot of globe trotting this year!
Was pondering our family backround recently and asked a few questions of an older family member on my mom's side and found that my grandfather was 100% Hungarian; his parents immigrated here from Budapest in the early 1900's. Knowing that Budapest has a large population of Jews I wonder if I might have 'jewish blood.' I don't know how clear I can trace my bloodline but I am thrilled at the possibility of getting more information and showing my kids my findings.
For our homeschool we have been delving little by little into the ethnic back rounds of our family lines.
With so many interesting peoples to explore worldwide I decided we should narrow a bit and focus on the mix we find in family.
Husband
Irish
German
Hispanic
Me
Polish
Irish
Hungarian
Kids
Irish
Polish
Hungarian
German
Hispanic
So we will be doing quite a lot of globe trotting this year!
Confessions and Courage...
Typing one handed though tedious gives one time to be reflective. Frankly, I am overflowing with reflection as I am pinned down nursing this little premie 24/ 7. She is such a China Doll!And her 22 month old brother is getting so SOLID. Such a contrast... the big guy needs to be overseen constantly as his hugs and snuggles are quite passionate.
The month of Elul has been great for me. However, I struggle with the other family members being less interested than I of course the family consists of an overworked daddy and several immature children:^)
I don't know why expect more out of the situation!
Last night was a revelation to me... I reread some Parsha's aloud to the family. The kids were easily distracted by Jonny and being goofy, fidgety, and ended up playing. Luke got close to me so he could hear PTL and I just kept reading otherwise I would be stopping every sentance to correct the others. I did this for the first several attempts but then took on an inner determination that I would just keep reading and pray that "those that have ears would hear!"
Reading in Duet. 28, 29, 30 was good for the soul. I'm glad I did it even though the rest of the family was less than attentive. Dad said that inbetween his attempts to get the children to settle and the times they were noisy he got 'some' of what I'd read. And the baby was getting a nurse the whole time.
The emphasis of NOW; THIS MOMENT (ha-yom hazeh) was good to form the altar in my heart of determination to keep walking forward with the Father as we build a spiritual family... instead of looking at the immaturity and lack I usually get discouraged over I choose to walk forward.
Typing one handed though tedious gives one time to be reflective. Frankly, I am overflowing with reflection as I am pinned down nursing this little premie 24/ 7. She is such a China Doll!And her 22 month old brother is getting so SOLID. Such a contrast... the big guy needs to be overseen constantly as his hugs and snuggles are quite passionate.
The month of Elul has been great for me. However, I struggle with the other family members being less interested than I of course the family consists of an overworked daddy and several immature children:^)
I don't know why expect more out of the situation!
Last night was a revelation to me... I reread some Parsha's aloud to the family. The kids were easily distracted by Jonny and being goofy, fidgety, and ended up playing. Luke got close to me so he could hear PTL and I just kept reading otherwise I would be stopping every sentance to correct the others. I did this for the first several attempts but then took on an inner determination that I would just keep reading and pray that "those that have ears would hear!"
Reading in Duet. 28, 29, 30 was good for the soul. I'm glad I did it even though the rest of the family was less than attentive. Dad said that inbetween his attempts to get the children to settle and the times they were noisy he got 'some' of what I'd read. And the baby was getting a nurse the whole time.
The emphasis of NOW; THIS MOMENT (ha-yom hazeh) was good to form the altar in my heart of determination to keep walking forward with the Father as we build a spiritual family... instead of looking at the immaturity and lack I usually get discouraged over I choose to walk forward.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Women and their roles...
I just happened upon this 'discussion' amongst Jewish women.
Its quite a lot to read through but I found it fascinating
-the views of the place of the woman in the home and how much effort to learning...
http://www.berotbatayin.org/womentorah.htm
Thinking on this has been helpful to me, as my husband, like some of yours is not as on fire for learning Torah and observing in our lifestyle as me.
Because he is not remotely hostile toward Torah I have much hope.
As I am pinned down with a little nursling I am able to read more!
This is such a blessing!
However, I am very impressed that when the next season comes ( in the next 4 weeks ) I will be called upon to WORK under grace towards our growth in living out Torah.
I see that being as committed to my job as a wife, mother, AND home-maker as to Torah learning is key to fulfilling the dream of more spiritual unity in our home.
Routine and meaningful family tradition have a place and can be the glue we need to put it altogether.
So I ask myself how does that look for us?
It being mid August I know that the fall festivals are approaching.
Along with academic home education of our children I am approaching these months with plans for the spiritual lessons we will focus on.
I am doing what I can to keep their minds sharp and bodies exercised.
So that they may have focus...
I am not giving up on training for obedience -respect of us as parents and also respect of what Hashem has given them individually.
It may seem a LONG road to travel but it is the only road!
I have been slowly working toward a general routine... this is my ideal.
SATURDAYS: Shabatt~ we shall have scripture readings and spiritual lessons, a family meal with blessings, time at a park or in the yard, and we may do some shopping for our needs after a meal in the evening as the sun goes down.
SUNDAYS:
Home projects,
laundry, shopping,
cook large meal with left overs for the following day,
home education planning and review of academic and spiritual work with dad.
outdoor activities
MONDAYS:
light day of academics,
prepare a crock pot meal for next day
a folding laundry day,
a day we may do errands or appointments,
indoor exercises
TUESDAYS:
long day of academics,
Bake Bread and breakfast cookies,
outdoor activities
WEDNESDAYS:
long day of academics,
light meals and prepare meal for next day,
outdoor activities
THURSDAYS:
light day of academics,
whole house tidy up, take all sheets of beds/remake, laundry completed,
Bake Bread -challah and flat breads,
print spiritual lesson sheets gather supplies/ materials
indoor exercises
FRIDAYS:
academic wrap up, hs supplies and work areas tidied,
two meals prepared one for the evening the other for Sat.
Mom gives blessing and instruction in the evening
Work specifically with boys lessons...
***During work week family brunch or lunch and spiritual time before dad goes to work.
I just happened upon this 'discussion' amongst Jewish women.
Its quite a lot to read through but I found it fascinating
-the views of the place of the woman in the home and how much effort to learning...
http://www.berotbatayin.org/womentorah.htm
Thinking on this has been helpful to me, as my husband, like some of yours is not as on fire for learning Torah and observing in our lifestyle as me.
Because he is not remotely hostile toward Torah I have much hope.
As I am pinned down with a little nursling I am able to read more!
This is such a blessing!
However, I am very impressed that when the next season comes ( in the next 4 weeks ) I will be called upon to WORK under grace towards our growth in living out Torah.
I see that being as committed to my job as a wife, mother, AND home-maker as to Torah learning is key to fulfilling the dream of more spiritual unity in our home.
Routine and meaningful family tradition have a place and can be the glue we need to put it altogether.
So I ask myself how does that look for us?
It being mid August I know that the fall festivals are approaching.
Along with academic home education of our children I am approaching these months with plans for the spiritual lessons we will focus on.
I am doing what I can to keep their minds sharp and bodies exercised.
So that they may have focus...
I am not giving up on training for obedience -respect of us as parents and also respect of what Hashem has given them individually.
It may seem a LONG road to travel but it is the only road!
I have been slowly working toward a general routine... this is my ideal.
SATURDAYS: Shabatt~ we shall have scripture readings and spiritual lessons, a family meal with blessings, time at a park or in the yard, and we may do some shopping for our needs after a meal in the evening as the sun goes down.
SUNDAYS:
Home projects,
laundry, shopping,
cook large meal with left overs for the following day,
home education planning and review of academic and spiritual work with dad.
outdoor activities
MONDAYS:
light day of academics,
prepare a crock pot meal for next day
a folding laundry day,
a day we may do errands or appointments,
indoor exercises
TUESDAYS:
long day of academics,
Bake Bread and breakfast cookies,
outdoor activities
WEDNESDAYS:
long day of academics,
light meals and prepare meal for next day,
outdoor activities
THURSDAYS:
light day of academics,
whole house tidy up, take all sheets of beds/remake, laundry completed,
Bake Bread -challah and flat breads,
print spiritual lesson sheets gather supplies/ materials
indoor exercises
FRIDAYS:
academic wrap up, hs supplies and work areas tidied,
two meals prepared one for the evening the other for Sat.
Mom gives blessing and instruction in the evening
Work specifically with boys lessons...
***During work week family brunch or lunch and spiritual time before dad goes to work.
Friday, June 25, 2010
I lost interest in this blog a while back as I was stumbling along shifting toward Torah and so now I have come back to make it a place for compiling what I now know of Torah and how the journey unfolds. I feel now that I am firmly set on this journey. Not that it is perfected, no. But that I am now very sure this IS the direction Abba has me going.
This week I've meditated on John 15.
John 15 (Complete Jewish Bible)
1 "I am the real vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 Every branch which is part of me but fails to bear fruit, he cuts off; and every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes, so that it may bear more fruit. 3 Right now, because of the word which I have spoken to you, you are pruned. 4 Stay united with me, as I will with you -- for just as the branch can't put forth fruit by itself apart from the vine, so you can't bear fruit apart from me. 5 "I am the vine and you are the branches. Those who stay united with me, and I with them, are the ones who bear much fruit; because apart from me you can't do a thing. 6 Unless a person remains united with me, he is thrown away like a branch and dries up. Such branches are gathered and thrown into the fire, where they are burned up. 7 "If you remain united with me, and my words with you, then ask whatever you want, and it will happen for you. 8 This is how my Father is glorified -- in your bearing much fruit; this is how you will prove to be my talmidim. 9 "Just as my Father has loved me, I too have loved you; so stay in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will stay in my love -- just as I have kept my Father's commands and stay in his love. 11 I have said this to you so that my joy may be in you, and your joy be complete. 12 "This is my command: that you keep on loving each other just as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than a person who lays down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends, if you do what I command you. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a slave doesn't know what his master is about; but I have called you friends, because everything I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, I chose you; and I have commissioned you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last; so that whatever you ask from the Father in my name he may give you. 17 This is what I command you: keep loving each other! 18 "If the world hates you, understand that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, the world would have loved its own. But because you do not belong to the world -- on the contrary, I have picked you out of the world -- therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember what I told you, `A slave is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you too; if they kept my word, they will keep yours too. 21 But they will do all this to you on my account, because they don't know the One who sent me. 22 "If I had not come and spoken to them, they wouldn't be guilty of sin; but now, they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Whoever hates me hates my Father also. 24 If I had not done in their presence works which no one else ever did, they would not be guilty of sin; but now, they have seen them and have hated both me and my Father. 25 But this has happened in order to fulfill the words in their Torah which read, `They hated me for no reason at all.' 26 "When the Counselor comes, whom I will send you from the Father -- the Spirit of Truth, who keeps going out from the Father -- he will testify on my behalf. 27 And you testify too, because you have been with me from the outset.
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