In Ancient Footsteps

Begin this evening by reading Psalm 27 in the twilight of the emerging new moon and then blow a blast of awakening on the shofar (if you don't have a shofar, make a loud noise!) and rejoice for your redemption draws near!

Review the list in your journal - are you making any progress on the following topics? Take a few minutes to review the list and your notes that you have jotted down under each one.

Spend a few minutes to reconsider how you can grow closer to the Messiah in each area and how you could have improved on any situations that arose within the day. Did you lose your patience at any time with the kids or your spouse? Were you in a hurry today and didn't notice that someone needed a bit of comforting or just a few kind words? Resolve to be more aware of those around you and their needs - you may have just missed a miracle!

We have touched on the subjects close to our own heart -a piece of land, our birthplace and our home, now let's branch out a little bit more and broaden our horizon.

All of us are given a unique insight into our own personal makeup and character. We know don't we when we 'miss the mark'? Sure we do - that still small voice within us always lets us know when something just isn't quite right. All of us have that inner sensitivity - sometimes we just need to tweak the old flesh in order for it to come to the surface a bit more.

Have you ever watched your children at play? Ever notice how even the smallest among them can be sensitive to the slightest rejection and break out in tears and run to momma's arms? The sensitivity that each of us have is a gift truly from Abba - He has given us this sensitivity so that we might nurture and care for it and allow it to grow so that we are aware of the needs of others around us - it is not meant to be kept for ourselves.

When a brother or sister is hurting, if our sensitivity level has been fine-tuned, we will immediately 'feel' or 'know' that they need comforting and we will step forward and offer that helping hand or broad shoulder or listening ear. We will stop and make the time for our brothers and sisters because we understand that this is the will of the Father. Sensitivity breeds sensitivity and the more you give away, the more yours will increase.

Many times, we will be in a hurry and will feel that we just don't have time to answer THAT number again (you do have Caller ID don't you?). You reason you just don't have time - but you may have just missed an opportunity to not only bless that person, but be blessed! After all, this life is but a mere whisper of smoke and there may not be many opportunities in your life - or theirs - to rise to the occasion.

So take the time, make it a special mission tonight and all of tomorrow to tune up your sensitivity level. The next person that enters your 'space' tonight - take a deep breath, look straight into their eyes, and give them your undivided attention. Forget whatever it is that you thought you had to finish - allow the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) to minister through you, to you and in you. You will be quite surprised at the blessings!

Enjoy a hearty Vegetable Soup by bringing the bounty of the fall Harvest together and enjoying it in your Succah!

Ingredients (serves 4)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
3 carrots, peeled, cut into small cubes
1 parsnip, peeled, chopped
1 celery stick, chopped
2 small zucchini, chopped
1 cup of green peas
6 cups beef stock or Chicken stock
4-5 diced peeled tomatoes
Optional 1/3 cup dried pasta
1/3 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, roughly chopped
Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic. Add carrot, parsnip, celery and zucchini and peas. Add stock and tomatoes. Stir to combine. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low. Cover. Simmer stirring occasionally, for about 45 minutes.
Stir in Pasta and cook for another 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste and decorate each serving with fresh parsley or peppermint.

New Moon sighted over Jerusalem 8-22-09

New Moon sighted over Jerusalem 8-22-09