Sunday, December 30, 2012

Snow, Snow, Beautiful Snow!

We got 9 inches of snow earlier this week; then we added an additional 2-4 inches overnight.  It has made for some beautiful pictures as well as some yummy snow cream.  I hope you enjoy this picture  took last night with my phone.  (And I'm loving my new smartphone - It's an Android powered phone, and it can do everything I wanted it to!  :) ) 


Thursday, December 27, 2012

What day of the week is?

What day of the week is it? After spending the first three days of the week at the hospital, we have all been unsure what day it is!

On Tuesday, Gaga was discharged from the hospital. The final diagnosis was a TIA (mini stroke) incident as well as possible medication issues which resulted in a couple of medication changes. He is doing much better and looking more and more like himself. So that is a huge relief.

Then Wednesday, we got about 9" of snow! We ended up on a level 2 snow emergency which means that you should not be out on the road unless absolutely necessary. Our neighbor, Tom, who milks our cows when we are gone, came down and plowed our driveway. That was so thoughtful of him!

I have gotten almost all of my schoolwork done even with everything going on which has helped me to maintain normalcy. Plus we got to have snow cream this week! That was a great treat. So this week is ending much better than it started out...Praise Yahweh!

Monday, December 24, 2012

Off to the ER...

Well, this week did not start off as planned.  We enjoyed a wonderful Shabbat gathering on Saturday - learning a lot, enjoying good fellowship, and relaxing.  Then on Sunday afternoon, we went to visit Gaga (my grandfather). When we got there, the activities lady told us that he had not seemed like himself...falling asleep at lunch, not interactive, etc.  We headed right now to check on him.  He did not recognize us like he normally does which really made us realize something wasn't right.  I asked them to take his vitals.  His blood pressure was fine, his pulse was slightly low, but his blood sugar was elevated.  His level of consciousness was decreased.  After consulting with his primary care physician, we decide to head to the Emeregency Room where testing could be done to find out what was wrong.  They did a urinalysis, CT scan, chest X-ray, and blood work.  It all came back clear except for blood in the urine.  The EMTs suspected TIAs commonly called mini-strokes which are undetectable by testing.  They decided to admin for further testing and observation.  They also did more blood work and an MRI today.  Prayers for his quick recovery and diagnosis would be much appreciated.  We are also suspicious that a medication change a couple of months could be triggering some symptoms that he is experiencing, so we are working to get him off that.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Did You Know?

That I also have a financially focused blog where I post a weekly blog post? 

You can find it at www.moneymanagementmentors.org

Thursday, December 20, 2012

School's Done!

Well, I just finished all my schoolwork for this week.  That is such a nice feeling.  Hebrew lessons - Naturopathic Doctor Classes - Biblical Counseling - Creation Course by Holissa Alewine.  I'm a happy camper!  Now, I can focus on getting ready for Shabbat and enjoying a day "off" after a busy week.  This week, I had my two cleaning jobs.  We also had a care conference for my grandfather who seems to be holding his own at this time. 

Then Wednesday, we had a special treat - my friend, Nicole, got to spend the whole day here.  We had a wonderful just being together.  We worked on some of the Davidic Dances for Purify 2013 - Retreat for Hebrew Roots Singles.  We played some Phase 10 and just talked.  It was so relaxing for me...and I hope she felt the same.  :)

I also got a new phone this week - a Samsung Galaxy Proclaim, so I know have unlimited talk and texting which I'm greatly enjoying.  All for less than we had previously been paying through Verizon since we went with Straight Talk.  I carefully picked my phone for the features I wanted plus it is serviced through the Verizon network, so I kept the same great coverage. 

Well, it is late here, so I will close...  And maybe I'll have some snow stories to tell the next time I post as we are expecting a couple of inches here.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Life - Upside Down, Rightside Up, All in His Hands!

Last week was my busy week with keeping up on schoolwork plus working two days of the week at my cleaning jobs.  I had appointments on Monday and Wednesday as well.  Then the week started.  Sunday, I got all my schoolwork done right on schedule...then appointments and cleaning jobs started getting moved around.  My massage therapist was sick, so we had to cancel.  My own cleaning job was moved from Tuesday to Friday and moves like that start getting you all off...so my week was Upside Down, Rightside Up, but ultimately, Yahweh was in full control!  I got all my schoolwork done, both cleaning jobs done, and all appointments completed by the week's end! 

This week is going well.  My schoolwork is all getting done on schedule.  Plus I'm getting to enjoy the company of my best friend and "sister."  She is completing her STNA training as part of her schooling to become a midwife.  Her classes are not too far from us, so she's staying with us a couple of evenings each week.  I sure love having her here.  :) 

Well, I will close now and go eat my supper! 

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Purify 2013 Radio Ad

is really happy with how the Purify 2013 - Retreat for Messianic Singles Radio Ad turned out. Click here to listen to it - http://www.purify2013.com/Purify2013RadioAd.mp3.

Friday, November 23, 2012

Shabbat is here!!!

Well, Shabbat is here.  What a blessing each week it is to enter into our Messiah's rest which He provides us each week. All we have to do is obey and enjoy! 

We enjoyed a nice and restful Thanksgiving yesterday.  A family that we are friend with came down for the day from Holmes County area.  We feasted on turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, apple banana salad, pumpkin pie, and whipped cream.  Yum!  And double yum! 

Then last night, we did some Black Friday shopping...yes, we braved the stores...well, just one.  Walmart had a really nice 16 megapixel camera on sale for only $69.  My camera's battery clip had broken, so I was in need of a new one.  My previous one had lasted 7 1/2 years, so I was pretty happy.  The new one was really nice - a pretty silver color too.  We got to Walmart about 9:50pm for their 10pm specials which is when the camera went on sale.  We got a good position near the camera display...then when they ripped the display open, I dove in for one while Daddy guarded my back.  :)  I was able to get that plus the camera case I wanted.  I was wanting to get a memory card, and a lady overheard me talking about it.  While I was waiting for the camera, she went and brought one back to me!  That was so kind of her...she was a fellow shopper.  We quickly headed for the registers and were all checked out by 10:05 pm!!!  How's that for some successful Black Friday shopping?!  Then, today, we went up to Tractor Supply for our annual supply of water softener salt.  They always put it on the best sale today, and we buy a pallet load.  It's fun to watch all the trucks lined up to have the pallets put in their beds. 

And this afternoon found me studying, working on a few things for Purify 2013, and getting ready for Shabbat.  So now, I will wish you a wonderful Shabbat!

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Thanksgiving Will Soon Be Here!

Last week was my off week which I truly appreciated.  I completed my Nutritional Health and Healing Course, turned in my test, and was thrilled to get a good grade back!  :)  Wednesday, Daddy took me on a Daddy Daughter Date.  He likes to take that time to spend with me, make sure I am doing good emotionally, and to teach me how my future husband one day should treat me.  We went out to eat at Smokey Bones and had BBQ Beef Sandwiches - yum!  Then on Thursday, we had Thanksgiving with Gaga (my grandfather) at the nursing home with him.  It was our first family Thanksgiving dinner with him at Columbus Alzheimer’s Care Center.  The meal was delicious!!!  We had turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes, corn, green beans, dinner roll, and desert! 

This week, I had my two cleaning jobs on Monday and Tuesday instead of my normal Tuesday and Thursday with Thanksgiving being on Thursday.  I had to work extra hard to keep up with my school work as a result, but overall, I've done pretty well at keeping up with it.  One more lesson to get in on my ND (Naturopathic Doctor) studies and a couple more on my counseling course which is my minor.  It will get done. 

We are having company over for Thanksgiving tomorrow which we are looking forward to.  Momma's got the turkey ready and waiting in the fridge to go in the oven first thing in the morning.  The stuffing ingredients are prepared as well.  I made the pumpkin pie tonight.  Momma made the cranberry sauce earlier.  That just leaves the Sweet Potato Casserole, Green Bean Casserole, and Apple Banana Salad...yum! 

Plus today, I got to talk with one of my good girl friends, Laura.  We had a wonderful much needed girl talk.  I also worked with some good friends today on various ministry projects which I enjoyed.  Friends are a true blessing from Yahweh!  One thing for sure on my thankful list. 

Well, I will close now wishing everyone a wonderful Happy Thanksgiving!

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Purify 2013 - Hebrew Roots Singles Retreat



Have you longed for like minded fellowship with other Hebrew Roots Singles?

Would you enjoy some special time to worship our Messiah and King?

Do want to be challenged in your walk in Torah?

Would you like a time away when you do not have to worry about being "different" because you keep the Torah?

Then you will not want to miss this exciting time of learning, fellowship, and encouragement!

Join us May 30 - June 2, 2013!

Each day will be packed with teaching, testimonies, and worship as well as plenty of time for fellowship and food as we seek to encourage each other to walk closer to the Messiah.

Speakers will be Rico Cortes, Mike Clayton, David Rives, Jocelin Boutet, Daniel Clayton, and Terry Boutet with plenty of time for fellowship!

Find out more and register at www.purify2013.com

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Be Prepared - Emergency Essentials

My family has enjoyed the survival/emergency foods from Be Prepared. I've recently signed up as an affiliate, so if you shop there, would you mind clicking through the link below? This money will go to help support my ministry. Thank you!

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Saturday, November 10, 2012

Ponderings...

This past week was my busy week with two days being gone for my bi-weekly cleaning jobs.  While I enjoy them very much, it is a much busier week compared to my off weeks as I'm carrying the same school load whether or not I'm off cleaning.  That means I tend to do more studying in the evenings and possibly trying to double up on my off days.  It just makes me appreciate my off week that much more!  My off week is the week that I am able to work on articles for the ministry as well as other enjoyable things...plan time with friends...go shopping for fun...  :) 

I stopped by and saw my grandfather on my way home from work on Tuesday.  It was a harder time seeing him that normal.  I was greeted with the question of "Do you know where your grandmother is?"  I had to remind him that she had passed away over a year ago.  Alzheimer's is a very cruel disease!  The person is alive...yet not in so many ways.  I walked out about in tears.  It does make you appreciate the fragility of life and enjoy every moment of life. 

I've got a couple of exciting projects I'm working on which I cannot wait to share with you soon!  Until then, I will leave you in suspense...!!!  :)

Friday, November 9, 2012

Shabbat Shalom!

Shabbat...what a sweet peace and rest it brings. This is Yahweh's blessing on our lives in return for our obedience to Him. May you experience true rest and Shalom this Shabbat!

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Thoughts on the Book "It’s Not That Complicated: How to Relate to Guys in a Healthy, Sane, and Biblical Way"



My mom and I have recently been reading the book It’s Not That Complicated: How to Relate to Guys in a Healthy, Sane, and Biblical Way by Anna Sophia and Elizabeth Botkin.  Many of you have heard me speak on purity, so of course, I also enjoy reading various books on this topic.  It is refreshing to me personally as well as often teaching me something new.  I wanted to share a few things that really spoke to me out of this recent chapter we were reading.  

One of the first quotes that caught my eye was, “The Bible tells us that our relationships with people are a litmus test of our faith.  For us girls, our relationships with the guys around us might be the best of all, because of the unique possibilities and temptations they bring up.” (pg 111)

Being around guys and for guys being around girls can awaken thoughts and desires that are God given; however, the enemy may use these God given desires to try to take them into unhealthy desires.  We have the choice to either respond with a Godly response or allow the enemy to distort it.  As for me personally, I find asking myself the question of “Am I treating this guy like a brother?” as a good guard.  That means that even if a guy has caught my attention, you cannot tell from my actions or attitude any difference in how I treat him from any other guys who have not caught my eye.  This wall of protection helps to keep my heart in align as I seek to fully give that area back to Yahweh and keep it a healthy desire surrendered to Him.  

Another thought provoking quote declares “When we think of the attributes of a bad woman, we usually think of immodest clothing or fluttering eyelashes or suggestive body language.  Proverbs mentions all of these, but her weapon it warns against the most – by far – is none other than her tongue. 

 “Girls who ‘virtuously’ restrict their coquetry to their words rather than their appearance or body language – whether flattering or taunting – don’t tend to call themselves flirts.  ‘I wasn’t making eyes at him, was I?’  but who are they fooling?  They’ve kept their biggest asset, the deadliest weapon in the Forbidden Woman’s arsenal.  They’re just using their words to do what they know they’re not supposed to do with their eyelashes.” (pg 95)

This made me think back to Camp Yeshua this summer.  I helped with the girl’s purity session, and one of the topics we discussed was that although we may dress modestly (look the part) and have not a heart of purity, we are not being modest.  I think the girls were surprised when I pretended to flirt while dressed as a lady (in a skirt which I wear all the time) at the difference they saw.  It was surprising even to me and showed how important the heart really is.  

I liked how Anna Sophia and Elizabeth asked various guys to share a few thoughts to help expound on their points.  Timothy says… ‘We guys want to talk about important things - discipline our siblings, starting businesses, fighting the Lord’s battles – with our sisters in Christ (though we don’t always know how).  When a girl tries to appeal to our flesh, it’s pretty much impossible to go deeper, or frankly, to even want to.  We’d rather find someone who sees us, not as mindless animals to snare (Prov. 7:22-23), but as a human beings created in God’s image with the same purpose in life, weaknesses, and battles for holiness that she has.’ (pg 103)

“Rex says… ‘There are few things that a woman can do to more frustrate good men and set relationships on edge than dress immodestly.  If a young woman dresses sensually, she, whether wittingly or not, makes her attire the focal point of interaction with the opposite sex. A man who may genuinely care about her as a friend will find himself distracted by her dress. When he sees her, he will be wrestling with his thoughts, endeavoring to appropriately deal with the inappropriateness of her clothing, rather than having a relaxed interchange that would normally occur if she was dressed modestly. 

‘Women are worthy of respect, yet they disrespect themselves and invite further disrespect from men when they dress immodestly.  When women present themselves as an object of desire rather than a woman of modest dignity, they should not be surprised when men take the cues they give them.  While nothing excuses a man’s lust, if a woman dresses herself as a temptress, men will be tempted to think of her wrongly. If a woman wants to be thought of with respect, she should dress accordingly.’ (pg 104)

This book has been encouraging to me.  I had started it with my mom back in the spring, and then put it aside for a while.  It took me some time to figure out why…I finally realized why when I was talking to a friend here recently.  We were discussing how few guys there are who can have healthy interactions with girls.  But a girl appreciates a guy having a genuine friendship type interaction with her where neither of them are seeking something more…just pure relaxed friendship.  If it becomes something more, then it is only by Yahweh’s will and His direction in both of their lives.  My friend told me something interesting in response to this discussion, it depends on the maturity of the guy.  Is the guy mature enough to handle it?  And as my mom and I later talked about this, I thought it goes both ways – is the girl mature enough to handle it as well?  

So as we each seek to remain pure in our walk before Yahweh, may we seek to never defraud one another rather to “encourage each other, and build each other up.”  (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Hurricane Sandy and More...

Well, Hurricane Sandy has come to visit.  Thankfully being in Ohio, we were not in the coastal area which got so hard hit.  We had about 200,000 up near the Great Lake lose power, but only about 5,000 in the Columbus area.  So far, we still have power - Praise Yahweh!  None of the animals have wanted to go outside today as it has been this awful mix of rain, snow, and sleet with high winds.  We have enjoyed being inside by the woodstove which we fired up for the first time this morning.  And some hot tea too! 

This past weekend, my parents got to get away for the first time just as couple in a long time.  I hope it was a refreshing time for them...  With me being an only child and us being a close family, we mostly do things as a family, but this was good for them.  I stayed home, and my friend, Nicole, came and spent the weekend with me.  We enjoyed relaxing, talking, watching a couple of movies (Flywheel by Sherwood Baptist Church and Sense and Sensability a Jane Austin movie).  We even went out for pizza after Shabbat!  That was a fun treat. Our neighbor down the road milked the cow for us as I haven't been really involved in the care of the cow ever since I got gored by our steer 2 years ago.  That steer is in the freezor; however, I just haven't gotten back in the routine of going out and helping.  We had a good weekend, and everyone was refreshed.  :) 

Then, this week so far, I've been getting all my schoolwork done on schedule which makes me a happy camper!  As well as other items on my to do list.  Well, I will close now and finish up the last few things before enjoying some family time tonight. 


Friday, October 26, 2012

Shabbat shalom!

Well, Shabbat is here, and I'm certainly glad of it.  My to do list for the week is 100% done!!!  :)  And I feel like the Lord really allowed me to get everything He wanted done done.  One of my best friends, Nicole, is coming over for the weekend, and I can't wait.  I do believe I hear a "Jane Austin movie fest and lots of girl giggles coming on!".  :) 

I had my two cleaning jobs this week which I enjoyed particularly the one with my dad.  The Daddy Daughter time is really important to me.  And Mommy and I have picked back up on our book, It's Not That Complicated which I hope to share a few quotes with you as it is such a good book. 

Anyway, just wanted to take a few minutes to wish everyone a wonderful Shabbat! 

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Life...

Life has been busy since Sukkot, but I prefer feeling productive than not having anything to do.  Last week, I had a head cold - cough, stuffy nose, sneezing, etc.  I did not enjoy it; however, it was nice to just stay home!  I was of course taking my colloidal silver, ALJ (herbal tincture), Thieves oil, and more.  I never felt extremely bad...just tired, and I'm normally a pretty high energy person.  Also, I have found that ever since I had the dust induced bronchitis after Camp Yeshua 2011, I have to be extra careful to not be around dust when I'm sick as it quickly makes my cold worse.  So I rescheduled my cleaning job from this past week to this week.  I was able to keep up with all my schoolwork though which made me quite happy.

You've probably heard me mention school and wondered what I'm up to. I've gone back to school to become a Doctor of Traditional Naturopathy.  My family has always done a lot of natural health and alternative methods, so this only ended up being a natural progression for me.  Even if I never make it into a business (I'd rather get married and have a family), the knowledge and ability to help friends and family on the side is so worth it.  I'll be doing the school work for about three years, and my mom has told me the only thing that is allowed to interrupt it is the right young man finding me!  :)  That got a good girlish giggle from me.  I'm also completing counseling training, so that I will be a trained and certified Biblical (like Pastoral) Counselor through AACC (American Association of Christian Counselors).  That will be done late summer 2013.  I'm picking up a few other courses along the way like The Creation Gospel training through Holisa Alewine and The King Method (a form of natural healing that uses physics) from the King Institute out of Dallas as well as working on my Hebrew Language Studies.  Who knows where all the Lord might use this...

And I'm still of course keeping up with my ministry...  I'm blogging once a week on the Money Management Mentor's website which you can check out by clicking here.  I'm also working to build up funding, so I can spend more time on it and less on other income earning areas.

I'm also learning to walk away and relax which is so good for me.  I really unplugged during Sukkot...I checked e-mail via my iPad once a day and that was only skimming for Sukkot related e-mails...and did very little else.  My computer itself was only on 1 time that week!!!!  Now to keep up a focus on people and not computers.  Computers are only a tool...but they can become very distracting.  I think I've gotten my computer time down to about 1 hour a day and half that time is spent on my school work entering test answers (the rest of my schoolwork is paper and pen).  So I'm feeling a much better balance in my life that way.

Well, I will close now and finish up my schooling for the day...  Shalom to all!

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Sukkot

Sukkot was once again a wonderful eight days of rejoicing before our loving Heavenly Father.  We go by the sighted New Moon as seen in Jerusalem, so our Sukkot started on Monday, October 1.  We had a couple of families who wanted to Sukkot with us who go by the dark of the moon, so they arrived on Sunday.  Also, we had three of the families in our congregation come over on Sunday to help us finish preparing - mowing the yard, fencing in the chickens, pulling the last of the weeds, setting up tents, putting up tables and chairs, and fixing food.  It was a lot of fun working togther!

Monday began the real excitement with everyone arriving.  That evening as the sun set, we had our annual opening Thanksgiving style dinner.  Since the first Thanksgiving was either a Sukkot celebration or based on the concept of Sukkot, we have taken that back and made it a "new tradition" for our group for the past three years.  Momma fixes her turkey and dressing, and each family contributes a dish to go with it.  We then had our opening session and enjoyed lots of good fellowship.

By Tuesday, we began to establish a daily routine.  Get up, enjoy breakfast and fellowship for a while, watch a Hebrew Lesson by Jeff Benner on DVD, fix and eat lunch which was our main shared meal of the day, enjoy a rousing afternoon midrash, dance before the Lord in our Davidic Dance class, pull out some leftovers for supper, and then have an evening teaching session.  We often closed out the night with a movie such as Flywheel, Fireproof, and Courageous. 

On Sunday, we had Aaron and Tricia Leu who recently wrote the book Love Awakened join us and share their testimony which is a very touching story of Yahweh working mightily in someone's life.  Monday morning was our "Breakfast Brunch" which is where we feast on eggs, turkey bacon (which we ended up naming "Turkin"), pancakes, fruit, hashbrowns, and fruit pizza.  The children also enjoyed some special activities and crafts just for them like a making a banner which said Sukkot in Hebrew letters and decorating it. 

Throughout the week, I most enjoyed the teamwork and fellowship as well as the many Scriptural discussions.  I also took quite a few pictures which you can view by clicking here.  Hag Sameach! 

Friday, September 21, 2012

Camp Yeshua, Part 3

Well, I promised you Camp Yeshua, Part 3 which would be about the theme nights, the girl's purity session, and the women's swim, so I thought I would write that tonight.  Then I will only have one more "catch up" topic left...which should have me current with all the fun stories of my life come Sukkot.  :)  And then I'll have even more stories to tell! 

As you all know, Camp Yeshua is a highlight of the year for me, and it was once again.  Each year, we have various theme nights.  This year, we had Pop Culture Night, Neon Night, International Night, Tribulation Night, and Exodus Imminent Night.  I participated in the International Night by dressing up with my Israeli silk skirt, matching shirt, and Israeli covering along with a necklace I got while in the land.  This was the outfit that I was always getting mistaken for being Israeli in while I was in the Land.  Tribulation night is the night that I wear by camo headcovering to have some fun!  And the Exodus Imminent Night is our semi-formal night which I of course dressed up for!  :)  It is always amazing to see what the kids come up with for each night. 

The girl's purity session was on Monday afternoon which I co-lead with Ann Judah Stropes (Monte Judah's daughter).  She and I had worked separately on our parts, talked them through together, then finalized them on Friday right after we got in.  The session went really well, and I think the girl's lives were positively impacted as we talked about not just waiting for the right guy but being the right girl with a heart focused on Yahweh. 

And finally, my other favorite part is the women's swim.  This is when all the lady counselors go down to the pool after the kids are in bed.  This is a fabulous time for us to decompress, share our joys and struggles, and get some chocolate in!  It is just the boost we need as ladies to get through the week. 

I must close now with a Shabbat shalom.  And don't forget, if you haven't already seen them, you can check out my camp pictures by clicking here

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Yom Teruah and more...

This week has been a good busy week, and the beginning of the Fall Feasts which I absolutely love! 

Friday, Momma took us for a tailspin by having incredibly high eye pressure which I mentioned in my last post.  It is doing better than it was, but it is not all the way back down to normal.  Plus the medications are not fully agreeing with her body.  It is making her tired with minimal appetite; however, she is up and doing some again.  Please keep praying for her full healing.

Tuesday was Yom Teruah, and our congregation had a cookout out and gathering in honor of the High Holy day.  We had a nice group here with such a sweet spirit.  We provided the hot dogs and buns, and everyone brought a side dish to go with it.  We had a true feast.  After enjoying a great time of fellowship and feasting, we had a midrash on Yom Teruah which would be properly translated Feast of Shofars.  Everyone participated in the discussion...contributing some insight or question they had. You can see pictures by clicking here

Yesterday, we went to see Gaga (my grandfather) and take him his new bedspread for his room which he loved.  It was nice to see him so happy with something I had picked out just for him.  :)  We watched a bit of television with him while I knitted.  It is hard to find things to do with him due to his dementia/Alzheimer's, but we can often find an old timey show like Andy Griffith, Bonanza, etc or play Uno with him. 

Now today, I have been working on getting that to do list done, and it is looking pretty good.  The next thing to tackle is the Sukkot meal plan and working with each family as to their assigned categories.  I enjoy that...but it is a big task at the same time...coordinating each of the families. 

Well, off to work on finishing that to do list... 

Friday, September 14, 2012

Update on the farm, bakery, family, congregation etc...

Well, I guess it is time for an update on the farm, bakery, family, congregation...

The farm is doing well.  We have our two cows, a calf, chickens, and even a hen setting on her eggs, so we are hoping for baby chicks in a few weeks!  We also have two many kittens...that we need to find homes for.  We've been working to get our girl kitties fixed; however, we have a neighbor who has an unfixed male...so that doesn't help matters!  Daddy's bees are doing well...even though we lost part of a hive to wax moths.  The whole hived died out, but part of the bees moved in with another hive to make it stronger.  The two remaining hives are doing well, so that is good news. 

Our family bakery has been BUSY this summer.  We were working 16 hour days most of the summer with only Shabbat off.  It is nice to be slowing down now.  I did make a website for our bakery which you can check out at www.bakery.restorahtionfarm.com.  I guarantee you will be drooling!  You might even place an order.  :)

My family is doing well.  Daddy has been busy with architectural work plus the bakery and farm.  Momma has been too.  All the changes with Gaga (my grandfather) were hard on her, but she's done well.  Now, just to get her eye pressure under control.  Her eye pressure has been and is incredibly high and causing her extreme pain today. We went to the eye doctor, but the eye drops the doctor gave Momma aren't helping. My dad went to the pharmacy right before Shabbat for the only other medication which might help, but I know prayer works...so please pray for a miraculous lowering of her eye pressure!  That is our main family concern....

Our congregation is doing well.  We grow and change in numbers, but our core group stays steady.  We are busy preparing for our gatherings on Yom Teruah (Feast of Shofars often incorrectly called Feast of Trumpets) and Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles).  I'm really excited about both!  They are always special times.  

Well, I will close now and wish everyone Shabbat Shalom!

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Moving Gaga aka Grandfather Update

Well, life has been so busy here lately, but now that summer is dying down, I want to get back consistent in my blogging.  I thought I would start today by sharing an update on my grandfather. 

Many of you know that I'm very close to my grandfather whom I call Gaga.  He also has Alzheimer's and has had it for 14 years.  He had been in Marysville which is only about 15 minutes from us; however, due to some care issues, we moved him to Columbus Alzheimer's Care Center.  It has been a change for us.  He is farther away - twice the distance.  Plus we are now around all Alzheimer's/dementia patients.  We were used to most of the patients being "normal" versus seeing the memory loss in all.  Over time, I feel like this is going to become home.  They are very understanding of the memory issues and the related issues which is very helpful.

We had our first care conference this week which went really well.  They did something nice which most other facilities do not do.  The nursing aid who works directly with my grandfather was also included in the conference.  It was nice to get that specific hands on report.  So while the road has been rocky at times, he is overall holding his own, and we are adapting to the new place quite well.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Cedar Point

Yesterday, the young people in our congregation had our every other month outing.  This months' was our annual trip to Cedar Point which I always really enjoy. 

I do not like to ride roller coasters; however, there are plenty of other rides to enjoy.  I like Cedar Downs (the race horses), Super Himalayan, and the Scrambler the best.  I tried three new rides for me this time - Ocean Motion, Matterhorn, and Thunder Canyon (a water ride).  I liked Thunder Canyon the best.  I had never been on a water ride before, and it was so much fun!  Nicole and I rode side by side in the large raft which seats 10 people, and we both came away soaked!  Thankfully, Joseph had suggested to us girls to take changes of clothing which we all needed after the water rides!  :) 

We even took some time out to go walk on the beach (Cedar Point is right on Lake Erie.) which was very relaxing.  For supper, we ate at the buffet restaurant which was very nice.  It was all you can eat and cost the same as the other restaurants in the park which made it a good deal. We were all able to try various foods and get what we liked.  After making it back home around midnight, there were some very happy yet tired campers in our congregation! 

I'll post a few pictures on my Facebook tomorrow and put a link up to them in my next post. 

Speaking of more posts, here are some upcoming topics I'll be blogging on:
Camp Yeshua, Part 3 - theme nights, girl's purity session, and women's swim.
Chicago Restoration Conference and Trip
Moving Gaga aka Grandfather Update
Plus some on the farm, bakery, family, congregation etc... 

So talk to you again soon!

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Giveaway Results!

Congratulations to Tammie for winning the book giveaway of Rare Earth!  I really enjoyed reading everyone's entries and wish I had enough copies for each person who took the time to reply...  But since there is only one copy, I do hope Tammie enjoys it! 

Monday, July 30, 2012

Book Review: Rare Earth

As my flight took off heading to Oklahoma, I picked up the book I had been excitedly saving back to savor on the two flights I would be taking.  I had enjoyed his first book, Lion of Babylon, and wanted to find out what was the next adventure that Marc Royce would be going on.  This book is technically the sequal to Lion of Babylon; however, it is also a stand-alone novel as nearly all the other characters except the main character are new to this book.




By the time that I had reached page 50, my heart was pumping from the adrenaline.  I felt like I was in Africa which was the setting for this book.  I could just about smell the dirt, sense the fear among the people, and yet feel the hope that was being sought after.

As I was introduced to the various characters in the book - Charles, Philip and the elders, Kitra, Serge, and Crowder, I was not sure whom to trust and who not to.  As the plot deepened, you began to see that something was brewing under the surface...something so sinister that it did not care who or what it took to reach it's desired goals.

Again, Bunn did a fabulous job in his accurate portrayal of each person and the cultures portrayed.  I personally come from a Hebraic Roots Christian background, so I'm particularly familiar with Israel and many of the customs there.  He was very accurate in his portrayal of the Israeli desire for excellence, respect for life and people, and desire to protect it's own and others in need. 

At first I was not sure of Kitra.  She came across as a hard and stubborn person, but I soon came to realize that was just a wall she had built to protect herself.  As you came to know her throughout the book, you could not help coming to love her and want to protect her and her brother Serge who had gone missing!  As you came to understand the complexity of their lives, it made her become a person of much depth.

The many twists and turns throughout the book left you on the edge of your seat with no desire to put it down!  As the book came to a close, you were able to see how all the pieces finally came together to form a complete picture, but in the process, you had learned faith, asking questions, trust, and love.  By the time, I closed the book, I was a very happy reader and could not recommend it enough.

My only question is when is the next book coming out?  I cannot wait to see what happens as you are left with a question as you turn the last page...

Intrigued?  Get your own copy of Rare Earth!  Only one rule - you must have a U.S. mailing address.

To enter, answer the question of "If you were a secret agent, what three items would you keep on your person at all times?" by commenting on the blog.  If you sign up for Davis’s e-newsletter at http://www.davisbunn.com/news.htm  you'll get a second entry.  And if you like his Facebook page at facebook.com/davisbunnauthor, you'll get a third entry.  Tell me in your comment if you sign up for his newsletter and liked his Facebook page, so I can give you the accurate number of entries.  Deadline to enter is August 14, 2012.

In the meantime, enjoy this video preview:




Davis' Website and Blog:www.davisbunn.com


Please note: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.