jeremiah616

jeremiah616

As I watch events being played out across the world stage, particularly what appears to be the increasing marginalization of America and the daily ratcheting up of the outcry against Israel to make even more concessions to those who would destroy Her, I am left with an ever increasing sense that time is short. It is almost as if the "birth pains" are now increasing in intensity by the day.

As the world looks on with dismay and perplexity, we as Believers need to focus our attention more and more on the "author and finisher of our faith," the Word, and the need to take inventory of those things in our lives that may hinder us from "running the race that is set before us."

And as we focus our attention on those things that are above and not on the temporal, may our Yahweh instill in our hearts a sense of urgency to redeem the time, that we may serve Him boldly and that our lives may in every way glorify the King of Glory.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

As the last hour of this wonderful Shabbat is passing by I sit and look out the picture window to the scene outside. It has been a very blustery day with an occasional rain, but it is quiet now.

Immediately as I look out the window I see the large Mimosa tree just beginning to leaf out. As the wind begins to cease, the mourning doves that feed at my window have returned for their evening meal. Beyond the tree that is now filled with many different birds singing their evening songs, I can see a palette of color from the flower garden below. 

Behind the pansies and snapdragons is the vegetable garden. The beds have just been tilled and rich dark soil added. They lay there quietly awaiting the new planting that will happen soon. The trellises above the garden paths are covered with Night Blooming Jasmine just beginning to bloom. As the evenings warm, the night will explode with their intoxicating fragrance. 

As I look beyond the trellises I can see the large herb garden filled with rosemary, sage, lavender, and mint. The lambs are there playing and nibbling freely. Beyond is the back fence that borders the grassy city park. I can hear the sounds of children at play as I watch families returning from the synagogue.

These are the sights and sounds I am blessed with from the roof top accommodations at Hands of Mercy. Although the work week is always filled with much to do, the quiet rest that Shabbat brings is welcomed. I am so blessed with such a beautiful and peaceful place to live. Baruch Hashem! And yet just under the surface of this tranquility is the reality that we live in a place where rockets ravage the people and landscape much too often. 

The week ahead will be a busy one as we prepare for a diaper give away to needy moms. Hands of Mercy were recently blessed with a donation of 5000 diapers and so we are planning a social event for our needy moms and their small children and babies. We will be busy at the start of the week with making gallons of lemonade and homemade ice cream and sorbet. 

The lambs will also need to be bathed and groomed tomorrow so they can be ready for the children to enjoy. As the moms come for their diapers they will also be able to ‘shop’ for clothing for the babies and children from our clothing donations, and then enjoy some ice cream and lemonade as they watch their children interact with the playful lambs. 

I am so very thankful for the faithful prayers and financial support you so graciously provide that helps to allow me to serve here. The service you provide is greatly appreciated. Thank you for allowing His goodness to flow through you. Todah Rabah!