WELCOME WEEKEND 😊

Before the Shabbat hour arrived tonight, I went for a short hike along the lower end of the Pacific Way Trail this morning – then, I cleaned the bird house and feeder Bob built for me: they needed to be sanitized. The bird house will be stored away until Spring; but the feeder will feed birds year’round, so it went back up on the cast-iron-stake Bob pounded into place our first year here (Bob only lived in this house with me, for 18 months). It comforts my heart to see visual examples of his love for me; now that he walks the golden streets of Heaven, with Yeshua 😊

Cleaning bird house & feeder.

Cozy bird's nest; wisely built.

Foaming cleaner.

When this is thoroughly dry, I'll store it in the shed until Spring.

The feeder will be put back in place, to feed bird's all year'round.

Inside, my smallest Angel Wing plant has blossomed.

Shabbat is a Jewish holiday that happens every week – I have Hebrew DNA in me, so I honor Shabbat. I do not practice orthodox Judaism, as I believe orthodoxy has seriously strayed from the purity of the original Shabbat.

I recognize, and honor, Shabbat according to Scripture: though Yeshua, speaking the New Covenant guidelines, does not command the Sabbath to be kept … He is the Son of God and understood the importance of the Sabbath – and being born into the line of a prominent Jewish family that could trace it’s roots back to the beginning of the practice of the Sabbath, I have no doubt whatsoever that He acknowledged and practiced keeping Shabbat 😉

But as I mentioned above … I do not hold to the religious rigidity of orthodox practice of the Sabbath.

I do, however, as a Messianic Christian Believer … set Friday evening and all day Saturday to nightfall aside to rest my body, relax my mind, and enjoy friends – all to-do Lists, hard labor, and daily worries and shelved until Monday: I do not acknowledge them during my ‘Island of Rest’ period of time.

I find it peacefully exciting to know that all around this world – in every community, every Jewish and Messianic Believing home in those communities –people in their special way, are practicing the peace of Shabbat 😊

Other than personally entering into the Shabbat, there is no one specific way to celebrate this weekend Holiday. In other words, there is no {incorrect} way. One is allowed the freedom to eat a special meal … or not; one can eat their meal and drink their wine with a partner or with friends … or not; one can think about the past week, and consider the week ahead … or not.

The only requirement is focus on Elohei, and just breathe easy.

Of course, feeling gratitude towards Elohei and for those around you is good, too – and enhances the Shabbat experience 😊

SHABBAT GOBLETS hold 4 oz. wine.

L'Chiam!

AUTUMN WALK ON THE DIKE; Pacific Way Dike Hike

This morning, I pulled on a pair of jeans I have not been able to shimmy into since 2019: I've shed that much weight. I was stoked!.

Then, I drove into town to fill the gas tank – I’m driving to Graysriver tomorrow afternoon to spend the day with  stoked! friends, there. I’m looking forward to seeing the gals 😊

The weather was pleasant with a 65-degree temperature … and matching humidity level, so after putting the gas nozzle back in place, I decided to take a short hike along the lower end of the dike on 42^nd.

Green Day – ‘Boulevard of Broken Dreams’ song: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5EXKDlf44M)

There was hardly anyone else on the trail; I saw maybe a total of 5 other people. I was okay with that. I saw a bird I’d never seen before – and looked it up in my Bird Book, when I got home. I saw a cute little Pomeranian: it was friendly and begged for petting, which was surprising because most poms are little barking biters. I talked with its owner for a bit, and she was friendly too 😉

Pacific Way Trail - 2 miles ‘rnd trip a third of the way; 200 calorie loss.

Clouded Autumn sky.

A fat fuzzy-wuzzy caterpillar.

Fuzzy-Wuzzy Weather Prediction:

(https://www.almanac.com/woolly-bear-caterpillars-and-weather-prediction#:~:text=When%20spring%20arrives%2C%20woolly%20bears,bear%20its%20distinctive%20striped%20appearance.)

American Bittern; a medium-sized Heron.

Free floating turtle.

‘All Creatures Of Our God and King’ Hymn:

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0d3gO6qDLNA)

A Great Blue Heron.

Mallard ducks.

'Lilly'. I call her 'Foxy Lady' because she has a fox face; Lilly is 13 years old.

Jimi Hendrix – ‘Foxy Lady’ song:

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9kLEpvHWAw)

When I got home, I collected the mail … and instantly saw red when I read why the car licensing has gone up. WTH – Longview does not have a ferry! Longview is now charging us for driving through the city we live in; don’t they collect enough damned taxes from us already for the “privilege” of living in this shithole … meant literally, as city “council” is 100% demonrat and insists on running Longview like calimexarabia where tent cities reign, and people behave like uncivilized animals??? The ‘State Parks’ fee is laughable since the State Parks are now charging parking fees and insisting, we schedule a ‘visit registration online’ – why should I be required to pay an additional fee through the car licensing department? And why the hell should Washingtonians be forced to comply with a mandated Law to adhere to calimexarabian ‘laws’ that are nonsensical and illogical! I do not live in calimexarabia … I live in Washington. If insleeze wants to brown-nose and kiss newsom’s ass, he can move to calimexarabia.

The annual car licensing goes waaaaay beyond licensing – it has become another political tool to bludgeon The People with ☹

95% of this billing is 100% bullshit.

I needed to bring a relaxing peace vibe into the day because Shabbat Eve would quickly be arriving … so, I quickly refolded the paper and stuck it back in its envelope – and out of sight until the Due Date arrives.

I also pulled out my small stash of Jasmine tea, and used a bag – I bought this tea with Bob, and I’ve been hoarding what little is left for special occasions: today qualifies. Autumn is filled with memories of Bob; Bob was born on the cusp of Autumn’s arrival in 1949, I met him when Autumn started in 1966, our daughter was conceived the first Autumn of our first year of married life in 1974 (and her daughter was born in Autumn), our Anniversary date always heralded the arrival of Autumn … and Bob got the devine summons to 'Come Home. Son' in the Autumn of 2018.

I want to meet tonight’s Shabbat hour with peaceful thoughts 😉

There's only 5 left ...

Benefits of drinking Jasmine Tea

(https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/jasmine-tea-benefits)

EPHESIANS ~ Chapter 3/Thursday Bible Study

 

In this Chapter, Apostle Paul is explaining why he is in prison … and why persecution for the preaching of the Gospel is to be expected and a cause for joy.

 

Instead of running to the government of this world to stave off persecutions, Christians need to read Ephesians 3, for a clear understanding of the cost of Christianity.

 

**********

Ephesians ~ Chapter 3/Thursday Bible Study

A Believer to Be a Steward of Elohim’s Grace

“And why am I prisoner? It is because I am for *Yeshua Ha’Mashiach; it is because of my work for you **Gentiles. I assume that you have heard that ***Elohim appointed me to be a steward (agent, guardian, custodian) of His grace (kindness, mercy, favor, benevolence/generosity, blessing, good will) intended for you. You know, too, how He made known His mystery (secret, complexity) to me by a direct revelation (disclosure, eye-opener), about which I wrote a brief account once before. By reading that, you will be able to understand my insight into this mystery of Christ. It was not disclosed to the sons of men in other generations as fully as it has now been to His holy apostles and prophets by the ****Ruach HaKo’desh. That mystery is this – that through Yeshua Ha’Mashiach, the Gentiles are joint-heirs (meaning co-heir; a person who inherits jointly with another heir) with the Jews, and are members of the same Body (group, society, essence, majority), and share the promise with them. (vs. 1 – 6)

The Church (Body of Believers in Christ) to Preach the Gospel to All Mankind

I was made a minister (preacher, monk, holy person) of this Gospel, according to the grace Elohim gave me and by the exercise of His power. To me, least of all the saints, this favor (gift, permission, pleasure, good turn, approval) was given, namely, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable (deep, profound, bottomless, vast) riches (resources, treasures, assets, possessions) of Christ, and to make all mankind understand the meaning of this secret, which *****Elohei Ha’Elohim, the Creator of all things, kept hidden for ages. Through the Church the supreme (highest, ultimate, absolute, extreme, matchless, unmatched, dominant) wisdom (understanding, insight, discernment) of Elohim must now be made known even to the angelic powers of Heaven. Such was His eternal purpose, fulfilled in Christ Yeshua our Lord. And because we are in union (cooperation, agreement, treaty, relationship, partnership, bond, wedlock) with Him and believe in Him, we have access to Elohei Ha’Elohim in boldness and confidence. Do not, then, lose courage because of my sufferings on your behalf, for it all does you honor (value, respect, approve, dignity, credit, badge). (vs. 7 – 13)

Paul’s Intercessory Prayer for the Church

So, I bow my knees before the Father of our Lord (Peer of the realm, Master) Yeshua Ha’Mashiach. It is from Him that every family in Heaven and on earth takes its name. So I ask Him, then, that from His wealth (abundance, large quality) of glory (splendor, greatness, grandness) He will give you His Spirit to strengthen you with power within your heart. I ask also that Christ may dwell in your heart through faith, and that your roots may be deep and your foundations strong, because of love. And that you and all your fellow-Christians may receive power to grasp (hold onto, comprehend, awareness, sense, take in) the dimensions (extents, aspects, elements, factors) and to understand Christ’s love, which is really beyond human understanding, so that you may be filled with the fullness (flavor, detail, abundance) of Elohim. He who exerts (uses, applies, wields, utilizes) His power within us is able to do in full measure far more than all that we ask for- or can think of. May He be glorified in the Church, through Yeshua Ha’Mashiach, to all generations, forever (continual, endless, constant, always, at all times, indefinitely, no sign of stopping) and ever! Amen.” (vs. 14 – 21)

*Yeshua Ha’Mashiach: is Hebrew for “Jesus the Messiah”; the name Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Yeshua.

Christ (from the Hebrew word, Ha’Mashiach ישוע המשיח & the Greek word, Christos/khris-tos) = The Anointed, Yeshua the Messiah, in both languages.

**Gentiles = people who are not Jewish.

***Elohim (Hebrew: אֱלֹהִים, romanized: ʾĚlōhīm: [(eloˈ(h)im]) is a Hebrew word meaning "Gods – Father, Son, & Holy Spirit". Although the word is plural in form, in the Hebrew Bible it usually refers to a single deity “Behold, the Lord – the Lord is One”, particularly the at God of Israel.

****Ruach HaKo’desh: In Hebrew, the Holy Spirit (רוח הקודש, Roo-ahk hah-Koh-desh) refers to the divine force, quality, and influence (aka, power) of God.

The Holy Spirit (Luke 3:16 & 11:13; 1 Corinthians 6:9; Ephesians 1:13 & 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 4:8; Titus 3:5; and Jude 1:20), is referred to more than 90 times in the Brit Chadashah.

*****Elohei Ha’Elohim (Hebrew word: אֱלֹהֵי הָאֱלֹהִים)) = God of gods; above all gods.

**Ephesians 2: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2022/09/ephesians-chapter-2thursday-bible-study.html

SEEING RED - In A Good Way 😊

Fall comes around every year … and so does Fall prep. This Fall, the front porch steps needed attention; they were painted in the Spring of 2019, but foot traffic has scarred them and that needed to be tended.

I’ve been procrastinating with the task.

I don’t like people watching me – but here, at Heron Pointe, where houses are literally within a stone’s throw from each other there’s no way to avoid someone watching every move you make. It’s unnerving.

This morning I had to ignore the busybodies and just “get to it!”

So, I gave myself a few pep talks while I drank my morning coffee … then I got the leftover paint from the shed and got busy.

I also wanted to overwinter the garden hose in the shed, so I would need the wheel barrow (the hose basket is bulky to heft and carry); so, I loaded the wheelbarrow with the paint can, a broom (to sweep the steps clean), and a heavy-duty hammer maul … then I moved the geranium bins so I could get through the breezeway with the wheelbarrow.

Overwintering bins for my geranium collection.

I had noticed the other day while lifting the geranium pots from the porch steps, that the top step board looked like it was starting to pull away, so I thought I’d hammer it back onto place before I started painting.

Poor craftmanship - I never noticed this before today.

That was not as easy as assumed it would be! I struck with force several times (I have mentioned in several posts that I am not a gentle person) – but the hammer just bounced back; and the spent energy was useless ☹ The board was not budging.

The hammer just bounced off - the board never moved at all.

So, I placed the hammer back in the wheelbarrow … opened the paint can, stirred the paint, and got busy. Whoever was peeking out their window to see what the widow was up to, had a pretty good view of my jean-clad-ass-end for a half hour.

Just paint touch-ups today, so rot doesn't set in.

Much better.

The steps weren’t the only things that needed refreshing: while the steps dried, I switched out the Summer-themed porch decors to Fall updates – and I trashed the owl rug. It no longer {fits}.

This porch rug was tossed ... it no longer fits my life.

Harvest Wreath & Harvest Welcome sign; front porch.

Scarecrow Rug; moved to the carport porch.

And the coho bench will be sold. The bench no longer {fits} either: I bought the bench for Bob … and Bob is no longer here. I have been sitting on it, but in all honesty, it is just taking up space; and I am not comfortable having it around. I know that sounds silly, but that’s the long and short of the situation. So, it has got to go. I am pretty confident that it will quickly find new home, to be appreciated by a new family.

The bench represents Bob, and as much as Bob is still very much part of my life – he is not here, he will never be here again, and I have got to move on with my life. The bench will be replaced with something that fits my personality: something new for a New Life.

It has taken a loooong time for me to come to this point; I am “moving forward” in ways that make sense to me.

FALL CHANGED IT ALL

It was the Fall of 1966. Specifically, the September of 1966.

Fall was in the air, and Cupid was everywhere, being kept very busy by the students in both schools.

The High Schooler’s would walk down to the Elementary Grade School cafeteria for lunch; they would walk down after the younger students had finished their lunches. I was standing by the corner of the building, watching some of the Middle School kids playing tennis … AND THEN … Bob walked past me.

Bob’s Graduation Picture; 1967.

ALL of my attention was snagged by his presence. He was pure masculinity, and delicious eye candy: my heart whispered, “He’s the one.” The entire school year, I took up residence at the corner of the school building, just to watch him walk past me in the noontime hour. I was a skinny little thing – not noteworthy at all, and Cupid’s dart with my Name on it never struck the heart of the Love of My Life. 1966 eventually morphed into 1967 with the New year, and HE (aka, The Face) graduated. He never walked past that school corner again ☹

I did date before Bob, but none of the other fellas ever touched my heart the way HE did; two came close … but my heart would always whisper, “They are not him. He is the One”. Those poor guys never knew they were being pitted against a face without a Name. LOL

I had grown up quite a bit between 1966 and 1974: I wasn’t a little skinny waif, anymore. And by an ironic twist of fate, I met HIM again 7 years later – and this time, he DID notice me 😊 Joy and jubilation!

We dated exclusively, every night after Bob got off work as well as weekends; my parents and siblings never saw me unless it was a dashing blur as I changed clothing. By the end of August, we were married; we shared 44 Autumn’s together, before the last Autumn of 2018 began his journey Home Beyond the Clouds.

Wedding Pic; August 27th, 1974.

Riverside Park in Lexington; the last place Bob ever walked this side of Heaven. We had been walking here for decades – September 2018.

My nose still burns, and my eyes tear up, when Autumn rolls around … but, I’m getting better at dealing with this time of year. I’ve aways enjoyed Fall and Winter, and I’m starting to enjoy those seasons again. They are strange to experience without Bob, but in a way, I AM still experiencing them WITH Bob: Bob will always be a part of me. As long as I breathe, the memory of Bob will always be a vital part of me; everything I think, feel, say, contemplate, and enjoy – is immediately infused with a memory I shared with Bob. It can’t be helped. That’s just the way it is. From the first moment Bob came into my life, he WAS the main focus of my life; it was an instantaneous, living thing: I loved him, I loved him, I loved him.

And death has not killed it. I loved him then. I love him now.

But I am beginning to embrace a New Life, and the realities of a life without Bob in it. That is what Bob wanted – and expected of me. I’m sure he is smiling and nodding his head in approval, with these new steps I’m taking forward. They are awkward but painstakingly necessary. They are scary, yet exciting. They dovetail the Past and the Present, making space for a Future.

And I am learning to love Fall and Winter all over again, too.

ATTITUDE OF POSITIVE EXPECATION

The months are getting longer, but the days are getting shorter.

The shorter days are getting cooler.

Fall is arriving – tomorrow is actually the First Day of Fall.

So, this morning while drinking my morning coffee, I ran a list of things through my thoughts that have to get done before frost arrives; last year Jack Frost came early, and I’m hoping to outwit him this year 😉

It’s a tight-rope walk. The nights are definitely cooling down – but the afternoons are still quite warm (mid-70’s to upper 80’s). So, while drinking my coffee and contemplating what needs doing, I decided to wash the spotty dust off the car: surprise rainfall at surprising locales on my drives had pitted the dusty residue (from dusty gravel driveways) on the Highlander. It needed washing. I may be able to get another washing in … but if sneaky Jack decides to repeat what he did last year, at least the car got washed today; before frosty weather makes it dangerous to do so until warmer Spring days.

After that task was completed, I hauled the garbage bins back from the pick-up curb. I also took the pruning shears out of the shed and gave the decorative maple tree out front a trim; new-growth-limb suckers were looking unattractive – and overhanging limbs were seriously overstretching the curbside. All that needed to be cut back. I took out some dead limbs, too: and ended up promptly filling the emptied garbage bin half full, again. Oh well …

Then, I gathered all my potted geraniums off the front porch and trimmed those back so they fit nicely into their overwintering bins placed in the carport breezeway. I transplanted the trimmings and set them in a livingroom window, so I have ‘spares’ if some of my potted plants die (some do, no matter how safely they are stored); some of the original red flowering stock is 29 years old; the fancier strains are somewhere around 10 years old: nothing lasts forever – eventually things need to be replaced with younger stuff 😉

After placing the transplants in the window bin, I noticed that one of my cactuses have blossomed! It’s early, but it’s nice to see 😊

Geranium transplants.

Early-blossoming White Christmas Cactus.

Tonight, is the night I drive across the boundary line, and spend time with my Kelso friends – I was pushing it timewise: I had just enough time to wash the dirt out from under my fingernails (the polish was ruined, and no time to fix that), and wash/dry my hair, before I had to rush out of the house and across town.

I like spending time with these new friends … and there’s space for them in my life because I am currently rearranging some things in my life. And that’s okay. Life is always changing course, and we have to go with the flow: things change, people change – life goes on.

Different Depths of Love Post:

(https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2022/09/different-depths-of-love.html)

It was a busy day today.

It was a day rife with an attitude of positive expectations.

It was a day of satisfied accomplishment, and self-encouragement, that feeds hope for this new life of mine.