Prayer: When Faith Falters

Jesus Walks on the Water

²² Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. ²³ After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, ²⁴ and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
²⁵ Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. ²⁶ When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
²⁷ But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
²⁸ “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
²⁹ “Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
³¹ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
³² And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. ³³ Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

(Matthew 14:22-33 - NIV Translation - Biblegateway.com)

All of us are in a continual spiritual battle. When the battle is one of faith sometimes we don't even recognize it. Even disciples who knew Yahushua personally, and could see Him directly in their presence could falter. Why? Like us, Peter faltered because he did not keep his focus on the Lord. Just like the Father's voice, sometimes faith is quiet. It can be far from the most commanding thing in our lives. 

In this world there are gales, torrents and torments that can be difficult not to focus on. Our Father never fails to see and save us from our circumstances if we just surrender over to Him. Sometimes we need to trust something greater than our emotions or even instincts about our lives (or lives of our loved ones) being in peril. Fear can surely increase pain and sorrow and keep us from following the path made and commanded for us. 

In this past year my faith has grown because there have been a lot of gales. With all of the circumstances, I have had the option of focusing above the water on Our Father and My Saviour or being overwhelmed by circumstances and sinking. I have seen financial precariousness, the sway of emotions and hormones with a blessed and unexpected pregnancy (that is now supposedly days away from week 42), my husband's career change to follow his calling and open a new business (see here), my father injured severely and myself incapable to help him (to name a few). I mention these things because I have already seen answers to prayer amidst these storms. 

With many prayers, and revealing my need to those who were willing to pray with and for me, I have been blessed to have journeyed through this pregnancy with no cholestasis (a liver condition I experienced with the last two pregnancies). In one instance, I have a beautiful memory of my husband anointing me and placing his prayer shawl (talit) over me as the representative covering of Our Father. I felt His Spirit rest upon me in power and peace. I have also claimed less fear and worry (even with added hormones) than I would have habitually accepted about similar even less stressful events in the past. Beyond that, I feel and know in my heart, My Father's benevolence, His desire to bless me and our family. This is only possible because the Set Apart Spirit truly is a gift for all who believe on/in Yahushua; this Spirit is a Spirit of peace and power. The life of Jesus attests to all manner of miracles and healings every day; it is a will, a love and a power for today too. 

Bird family I drew with 4 little ones - believing for the good to come.

Lastly, believe in the encouraging word of God you get from others and that you read in His Word. Sometimes when we feel we are in the midst of oppression we feel far from the promises of Yah. Trust that as surely as you have felt your Father's Set Apart Spirit anointing you to pray for someone or share a word, gesture or love with them, brethren can be truly and rightly compelled to pray (and receive a word) for you. Do not worry if your emotions are so spent or the spiritual battle is so thick it is hard to feel Yah's nearness. Just believe. He has promised He will never forsake or abandon us (Deut.31:6,8). The Messiah was in the beginning and will be until the end (Gen.1 and John 1). He knew each of us before we were ever born, before we came forth from the womb (Psalm 139 - especially verse 13). As He is eternal, these promises are eternal, meant for each believing child (and let us indeed all be like children in this). 

I pray this finds you, regardless of circumstances, believing in His sovereignty and love in your life. I pray Father that I can grow nearer to you in belief, through the sacrifice and salvation offered through the blood of Messiah Yahushua, rebuking all worry, fear, doubt, impatience and frustration by the authority you have gifted us. May this message matter to those who have ears to hear it and may they know in their hearts your love for them and the love that I have for them in my desire to share this sweetness.

With love, 

Natalie

In dark times persevere, you will know the warmth and light of the Father better than before the storm. Here is a short, powerful testimony to the truth, love and light amidst the darkness.

Power of the Word & Spoken Prayer

Texas Weeds-May 2013-Natalie Lomas

  

 God spoke the universe into existence (see Genesis). Words have power. Elohim gave of His authority and made us in His image. This power is exemplified in many different ways. Some people exhibit gifting in music, others are fantastic gardeners that can get anything to grow. All people are capable of cultivating good fruit in spiritual life and relationships by believing and investing in the right words. 

The most important words are His. His Word is ever present, eternal and living. Any lost, confused, and forsaken can seek His Word for truth, wisdom and comfort. Prayer in agreement with His Word is monumental. Sharing His principles in our lives with loving, forgiving words is essential. 

I have been unexpectedly asked by friends (that I didn't even know too well at the time) if I would like them to pray with me right at that moment (and usually right at the right moment at that- i.e. when I was upset/concerned). They saw an emotional need and they were willing to give it over to Heavenly Father and become a little vulnerable to remind me of His power and love and the salvation through His Son. Those prayers that others have prayed for me have changed my life. These people helped paint a picture in my faith walk and they emboldened me to share that love and beauty with others by praying with them aloud as the need arose (regardless of how well I know them or whether it means stepping outside of my comfort zone). 

Though I always believed G-d existed, I only became really comfortable with talking with Him in the last few years. He showed me that sometimes our sweet, precious little ones need to hear us pray aloud as well. Whether it is a prayer in a desperate moment, a prayer to abate frustration and ask for angelic aid, or a prayer of comfort or blessing before bed, when children hear us pray they learn. They learn that we love them. They learn that there is someone always listening who they can cry out to anytime. I am trying to train my mouth and my mind in His service. I have my struggles, but I have faith that challenging moments only draw me nearer to My Father. I will cling to Him and depend on Him. It is a blessing to be here on Earth together where we can pray for and help one another.

Sketches of my loves in action - 2012-2013

I am thankful. I thank G-d for the blessings He continuously provides (He is always true to His promises) and for all of the gentle, patient reminders from wise ones about taking it slow, breathing and sharing the simple life with my family. Thank you to my friends and family who have encouraged me time and again with the flowering kindness of words of love and truth. Thank you Heavenly Father for showing me love without limit in Your miracles, Your Word, Yahushua and every day. 

 

Shalom - Natalie

The Prayer of Repentance leads to Redemption

The Sinner's Prayer

Recently, I have been blessed to begin to understand the sort of penitent prayer spoken of by Yahushua in Luke 18:10-14 (NIV), He said:

¹⁰ “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. ¹¹ The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. ¹² I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’¹³ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’¹⁴ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Even experiencing the blessing of salvation over 7 years ago, and in observing Yom Kippur for five of these years, I never came close to a prayer with such depth and feeling. I likely figured that this was because I had never sinned as much as this man. Ha! Elohim is opening my eyes to the wickedness I have walked in and I finally get this prayer, I can feel it in my bones! Repentance leads to life. What caused this sudden change and focus? How can I explain the moving of the Spirit when it works in such amazing ways that are far beyond my comprehension? 

One thing to be sure: Our Father knows His times and His seasons and He was preparing me for the redemptive work of His Son at Passover by asking me to seriously start cleaning, way in advance. 

Cleaning House Spiritually

The cleaning I am talking about is spiritual. He wanted me to humble myself before Him and truly ask for forgiveness for very particular sins, beseeching Him for His guidance as to any other ways I may have sinned against Him and am sinning still. Why would He want this when I am saved by the blood of His Son? Because sin still exists and we are still guilty of it regularly (i.e. hard hearts, wrath/frustration, lust etc). Undoubtedly, when we sin we are disconnected from Our Father. Thankfully, His mercy and love extend beyond all human understanding and He forgives if we ask His forgiveness. 

These two things from Yahushua's ministry come to mind in regards to repentance: 

1) Matt. 23:25-26 (The Scriptures - Institute for Scripture Research/ISR):
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are filled with plunder and unrighteousness. 26 Blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside of them becomes clean to.

SIDE NOTE: the Pharisaic hypocrisy spoken of here and in other place is by no means telling people not to obey the Law given to Moses, but rather not to obey man-made laws and traditions (Yahushua's other words testify to this, see more in the blog below).

2) The story of the prodigal son, of which I have provided an excerpt below. Luke 15: 17-24(NIV):

¹⁷ “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! ¹⁸ I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. ¹⁹ I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ ²⁰ So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.²¹ “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’²² “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. ²³ Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. ²⁴ For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

 Many know this story of the prodigal son and are well aware of other loving references to rejoicing over finding/regaining what has been lost (i.e. the one sheep gone astray). It is obvious Our Father and Our Savior rejoice when the children turn to/return to Him. This isn't just a verse for the unsaved, look! It is for people who are already His children, who are already a part of His flock, but have still wandered away. Are we really turning to Him as believers? Are we returning/turning and repenting when we sin? Can we recognize sin? Or are we continuing to walk in sin? These are personal and hard questions we need to ask ourselves. We need to be vigilant and diligent.

Diligent Vigilance and Obedience to His Word

Yahushua also said these things:

Matt. 7:14:

¹⁴ But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Matt. 7:21-23:

²¹ “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Master, Master,’ shall enter into the reign of the heavens, but he who is doing the desire of my Father in the heavens. ²² Many shall say to Me in that day, ‘Master, Master, have we not prophesied in Your Name, and cast out demons in Your Name, and done many mighty works in Your Name?’ ²³ And then I shall declare to them, ‘I never knew you, depart from Me, you who work lawlessness!’

Whoa! Do these verses make you tremble and regard your walk very weightily? I hope so, the fear of YHVH is the beginning of wisdom. 

The word lawlessness in the ISR translation above exposes the flaw of accepting salvation without acknowledging the need for obedience. Worshiping Our Father any old way we feel like doesn't work. It didn't work for the multitudes when they bowed before the golden calf and said they were sacrificing and praising YHVH, and it won't work now. If you truly believe the history laid bare in the Torah you can not turn away from the law. Children without guidelines quickly find the path to destruction. You can't be in fellowship and acknowledge the sovereignty of the Creator of the universe if you refuse to accept His commands. He is the same from everlasting to everlasting. Yahushua said,

¹⁷ “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. ¹⁸ For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. (Matt. 5:17-18)

 In an anointed teaching by Jim Staley with Passion for Truth ministries, Jim shares the tale of a pastor who had an afterlife experience. To get to the meat and potatoes of it, this man died and went before the throne of God. He had been a pastor for many years and he was saved by the blood of the Lamb. He felt the perpetual continual amazing love of The Father in the heavens, but He also felt something else, judgment and shame. Our Father was not pleased with His life! How much more does that make you tremble? He came back of course, he had another chance. Our God is unlike any other, a God of infinite forgiveness and mercy. How we operate in this forgiveness is critical. We need to be very diligent to continually humble ourselves before Him, asking forgiveness and seeking His will above all else. 

Sometimes those people working lawlessness don't even know it. That is why Elohim's Word is a blessing. His whole Word. All of the Scriptures is good and meant for profit. I have heard a Christian scholar say that the Old Testament is the New Testament concealed and the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed. How true that is! If you give up on the guidelines and the need for obedience you are missing a critical part of the picture. If you miss out on the Messiah you miss the connection to Our Father through infinite love and forgiveness. Both parts weave a masterful and beautiful picture!

We were not called to be comfortable in this life. Many times over the Messiah and His disciples mention that His Children will receive persecution. The right pathway is never the easy one, but we must do what is right anyways. Turn to His Word. Turn to Him in prayer.

Why I follow the Law

Our Messiah said, 

¹⁵ “If you love me, keep my commands." (John 14:15)

I doubt it's a revelation to anyone reading, but Our Messiah is Jewish, the commands He is referring to as the Word made flesh (John 1) are in the Torah. He wants us to be obedient children so that we can be near Our Father and be protected from harm. There is no burden in the 'law', it is a pleasure to obey and grow closer to YHVH Elohim, it is the best way to show your respect for Yahushua's sacrifice.

Any parents or children reading this may already be quite familiar with parental love. That is to say, the two following facts are obvious in a healthy relationship between parent and child. When the child is obedient and respectful the relationship and bond between child and parent deepens. Obedience shows trust. This is the other important fact: in spite of even righteous anger, love wins out where it is allowed to foster, especially when it is nurtured by repentance. Most parents have forgiven their children way above the 490 times mentioned by Yahushua and will continue to forgive them continually because there is no limit to their love. 

We all fall short, yes, but don't be lazy in your faith because of it. If you have a physical, spiritual or emotional hurdle, praise Elohim because He made a way, and a place, a means by which you can turn to Him! If you feel your prayers are not being heard maybe it is time for you to repentant. Why not let Him take your life and change you? You will never be in better hands and we have nothing, no inheritance, and no promise, without Him!

 Proverbs 6:23 reminds us, "For the command is a lamp, and the Torah a light, and reproofs of discipline a way of life."

The Sermon on the Mount Sheds Light

Let's consider the Sermon on the Mount, many times over at that (Matt. 5):

³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴ Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
⁷ Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Beyond this Yahushua made it very clear that sins in our hearts are sins before our father.  Here is part of that Word (Matt. 5:21-22): 

²¹ “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder,^[a] and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ ²² But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister^[b][c] will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’^[d] is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

So yes, we have need of repentance! Especially the children who accept the blessing of being saved by His Name and His stripes. 

My Testimony

I share this because it is true. It is a testimony the whole Scriptures and daily life verifies and it will not be held back. The Messiah's continual message was one repentance! Don't just trust me, the Set Apart Spirit and the Word itself are my witnesses. All of these passages are important, I only apologize for the fact that a blog like this can little do them justice when they are so beautifully interwoven much beyond the limits of a few verses or my explanations.

I share this because my whole life, even as a child I have been looking for the truth, love and freedom, and this is it: belief in Yahushua the Messiah and obedience to the will of the Father. I share this because I have been led astray, little understanding the powers and principalities at work (Ephesians 6:12) in this world and falling into every snare out there (Proverbs 29:25). I share this because the forgiveness and love I have been given are so phenomenal and profound that they overcome even my mountains of errors and sins. 

There is hope. Yahushua's light will not be overcome by the darkness. Ready yourselves spiritually, dig in, be set on His foundation because dark days are coming and indeed are here. Pray for me the same prayer I pray for all of His children: that we can give up on complacent comfort and push into the uncomfortable to be the light bearers He would have us to be. Yahushua said, 

¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matt. 5:13-16)

Photo by Kim Romain depicting Havdalah service

Do not hide your lamp under a bowl/basket! Be bold in His Word and know His Word so that you can be bold and rebuke the devices of the enemy! Be one of the wise virgins, prepared with knowledge of the times and His spiritual oil. 

Lastly, I mention that a phenomenal book titled, Tortured for Christ, also helped bring me to my knees. The story is that of an atheist of Jewish lineage who was saved and became a pastor in Romania. Under the communist regime he was tortured and imprisoned for over 14 years. Because he truly knew the Messiah, the Messiah saw Him through. He came out sane and strong in faith. Friends, this man tells of when he was released and how much his heart ached as he walked by each soul on the street and longed to know if they were saved. He cried for hours when people he knew had sinned. 

Yah help us! We need to do our best to straighten our walk now while life is easy so that we will not be deceived by the lies of the world and lead others astray or fail to provide the light in the darkness that Our Father has commissioned us to reveal. There are many out there who need to know the comfort and love of this merciful God in the midst of hardship(notwithstanding each of us and our families even if we are not in this precarious position yet). May Elohim grant us wisdom, His spiritual discernment and courage to overcome. You can get the book Tortured for Christ free here.  

If you have ever appreciated anything about me as a friend or family member please pray deeply, repenting for any personal wrongs and for the continued wickedness of the world. As we reveal our need for the Father's guidance and set our path firmly on Him, He does not neglect to provide guidance. Simple, honest, penitent prayers are heard, He wants His children to turn and be healed. The Nehemiah Prayer Challenge guided me how to pray anew and is a fabulous resource!

Our Creator actually desires to dwell with us, all of Scripture points to this, but He demands a clean bride. Let's clean out the sins, the deceits and the strongholds and let's be ready.

In Yahushua's precious name, 

Natalie 

The Greatest Survival Guide

In the last five years there has been an increased interest in survivalism. Anyone looking at the world and the disintegrating state of the union that is/was the United States of America, has cause for concern.

I have been considering the fabulous interviews and front line reports released by courageous free-thinking patriots (see InfoWars and NaturalNews for two honest, informed surveys of our present condition). I have also been praying. If this is the beginning of THE final one world government, IF we see tyranny becoming the norm, what do we do?

It is always wise to remain informed and to be prepared. That said, Elohim has His own plans for the Earth that we are not privy to in their totality. We can do our best with limited time and resources, but no matter how much you prepare (store/buy) the most important preparations are spiritual and mental (see this awesome short article about being prepared in such a way-thanks Candi). Do not neglect your time in the Word in these moments. 

Know that Our Father promised to write His Word on our hearts. The absolute hands down best survival guide that I can think of is the Scriptures. There are currently countless free resources with good translations on smart phones and the computer. Get to know the Word now and personally so that no one can twist it and deceive you (whether innocently or intentionally). If you see some freedoms going away you should prepare and consider that the liberal western world may encompass and try to overcome the christianity/christian principles we take for granted. As they say, the best defense is a good offense: His Word and continual prayer.

There is hope. Elohim will pour out His spirit, He will provide. He provided for the tribes of Israel as they wandered in the wilderness. Will we trust Him? Are we prepared to depend on Him? Pray to Him? Stop our grumbling? Please please please pray with me now. Know that Elohim has chosen you and your family for this time, for His purpose, and all He does is good (though we little understand it).

Consider this as well, while you are considering: please consider that there may not be a rapture before an upcoming tribulation. Here is a link to a video interview with a Pastor that explains where the pre-trib rapture idea came from and why he believes it is false. He sought the answer first in the word of the Messiah. This is sound. The Bible is a living Word and we are blessed to live in a time/age where we can easily own and read a copy in our own language. Remember, history repeats itself and historically the disciples and early believers were brutalized, tortured, killed. 

The Messiah said (sources from the biblegateway.com NIV version),

^{Matthew 5:10} Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you 

and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  

¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, 

for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

also

John 15:²⁰ Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’^[b] If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.  

²¹ They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me.  

Now, don't just accept this or read your Bible in snippets, go read these things in their full context! There is so much more!

From what I have seen, from very telling sources, even with civil unrest and socialist agendas unfolding, the United States is still not a bad place to be. Check out this fabulous video on Strategic Relocation (from which I derived my last comment) by security specialist and world traveler Joel Skousen.  Be encouraged. Don't let lies and fear disable you. Pray always and see what Elohim calls you to do in everything. If you feel called to research more, I've heard that this is a good survival blog.

Below are some pictures from this last Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles). Each year Elohim shows me something new in His feasts. He showed me this year that there is great hope. Where things seem impossible and uncertain to us (like spending longer than a week in a tent with two little and a baby), He has it in His hands. I am telling you, it is no small miracle that He was with us during our short stay in the wilderness, watching over our children, and our spirits! He turns all trials to joy! He doesn't remove us from hardship. He sends us through it so that we can be better servants to Him (Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Daniel, Job etc.). I look forward to the work He is doing in all of us.

Daddy and Little Man

Exploring with all the kids

Mama and Zach during Sukkot

Zoe and Elianna sending you our love

I keep praying for you my beloved ones.

Shalom,

Natalie

Precariousness of Present

Can you recall that feeling of awe, majesty and vulnerability caused by looking up at the starry heavens on a clear evening? As the dark expanse stretches out in all directions you focus in on a twinkling ember here and there until your eyes adjust and you slowly take in the full panorama. The horizon that normally marks your steady existence now remains hidden and mysterious in a world of shadow as you cast your eyes, your fates and your faith out and upward. It is staggering and fantastic to have these moments to reflect on how small, read not insignificant, our lives truly are. We are little out there alone, but we are a part of something greater. We each have invisible, expansive webs that connect us to friends, family, community and most especially Our Creator.

Recently, I met with this type of vulnerability in a different place. Even from within the insulated confines of my warm abode I felt a chill shudder down my spine as I contemplated the many precarious pathways which mankind is traversing. The rate at which things are happening in the world of late are impressive and sometimes oppressive. In the U.S. we have seen everything from shooting tragedies and resolutions to restrict 2nd amendment freedom to fracking misadventures in Bayou Corne. And this is little compared to the electrified current underlying all relations in the Middle East as Syria, Israel, Iran and Egypt perform a deadly war dance and hover on the precipice of a massive war which could began minutes or months from now.

TX Scissortail by Natalie Lomas - July 2012

So what is one to do? We can not run away from reality. Denying the truth is no more effective at keeping one happy than it is at keeping them safe. That said, there is certainly no gain in losing oneself in twisted, sensationalized headlines and news reels. The world is what it is. We are made as creatures of action and truth. There is an inexplicable liberty and freedom that come with owning the truth. No matter what occurs on a grand global scale, Elohim has important work for us to do on the small scale as well. So what do we do with all this horror? The hurt?

We have to share burdens.  Please be there for me when I shake and I am weak. Know that as long as my heart beats my prayers will continue, my hands will be here to steady you and my arms will be here to hold you.

We can all aid one another with simple kindness, compassion, faith and love. As hardship and fear threaten to undo the bonds of peace, we can lean on one another! We are mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, children and neighbors. There is great importance and empowerment in recognizing that we were made with a place and a purpose. In times of trial and trouble, we must all seek YHVH in prayer and revisit His Word continually for truth and direction.

Elianna reading Scriptures while wearing a prayer shawl

Paul professes that a sort of spiritual armor is vital in Ephesians 6. Verses 6:17-18 from the NIV Bible read as follows,

17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

We must pray for each other, it is imperative.

Paul testified that the set-apart Word is essential to our protection and perseverance. All of the Scriptures are good and all is for profit. Let me share the following which has provided me great comfort recently:

Zoe with her homemade puppet wearing the armor of God.

Micah 7:7-8

7 But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,
I wait for God my Savior;
my God will hear me.
Israel Will Rise


8 Do not gloat over me, my enemy!
Though I have fallen, I will rise.
Though I sit in darkness,
the Lord will be my light.

It continues,

15 “As in the days when you came out of Egypt, I will show them my wonders. ” 16 Nations will see and be ashamed, deprived of all their power.






Check out the entire chapter or research any other passage online at biblegateway.com.

Psalm 91 is another comforting scripture. You can turn to it for reassurance about virtually any fear you are battling through.

Our Messiah himself told us we need not worry on multiple occasions because Our Father is a benevolent  provider and worry will certainly not add to our lifespan (Matt. 6:25-34).  And in regards to the time that is upon us, in Matthew 24:4, Yahushua states,

"“Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains. 9 “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."

This is His world, YHVH appoints the times and the seasons. No matter what happens worldwide or what personal battles ensue, do not be discouraged. Do not be misled, afraid of one another or afraid of the massive expanse outside your door. Not only has Elohim made us family in spirit, His Son has also promised us that when things get hard and we feel as though we could take no more, He will appear.

Zach, 5 months

Luke 21:25-28
25 “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

In the meantime, there is still joy and happiness in this world. His grace and life remain. Daily you can see new, innocent life, budding plants, a friend's smile. If He delays judgment against the wrong it is for the sake of His patient benevolence; His willing wish that none should be lost. You are not insignificant. Your trials are not of little importance to Him. He knows you and always has, from the beginning to the end. You are a significant part in His intricate web of existence.  Do not forget....

Love,

Water Baby and My Rebirth

This is my first post and the reason I decided I had something to share.


Like most people, I am in awe of the daily miracles: cicadas buzzing in the twilight, clouds billowing and dissipating in the warm summer sun, laughing children running after evasive, iridescent bubbles. I am also familiar with daily trials: sickness in the family, financial hardships, spiritual battles. So here I am just one, a warrior, a mother and I am trying my best to paint a picture pleasing to My Heavenly Father and healthful and healing to my family. I am painting with prayer.


Nothing exemplifies the remarkable change faith has made in my life like the blessed opportunity I had to birth our third child at home. Some odds for a natural birth were stacked against me. I had gotten pregnant 18 months after a cesarean birth  (the beginning of the recommended window for safe/healthy pregnancy and delivery) and I battled with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, or ICP (which some argue requires induction just shy of the full 40 weeks).


Through prayer, I overcame the fears that tried to block me from even trying. We were blessed with a financial gift that made contracting a midwife possible. Elohim guided us to Amanda Prouty who believed so strongly in natural birth that she took on a VBAC and did everything she could to accommodate us.


In the first weeks of pregnancy the battle was spiritual, centered around health concerns, and fear of failure. The final weeks were a battle of a different sort where I often slept only a few hours within a 24 hour period due to itching. It is hard to describe this totally consuming sensation. I had experienced ICP with Elianna (baby #2) but, due to the late onset of the ICP with Zekaryah (baby #3) I decided not to seek the script for Urso to help with the itching. The last few weeks were, in some ways, more difficult than the delivery.


It was a battle. I tried my best to prepare with research, but there was so much I couldn't forsee. Where my power and ability ended Heavenly Father held my hand. I prayed. Friends and family prayed. I waited to see what picture He was painting. I knew many beautiful, righteous, prayerful, healthy ladies who had experienced complications that kept them from being able to complete their home birth as they had desired.


On March 3rd, 2012, after active labor kicked in Baby Zekaryah was born at home.

O como dicen en Español, el dio a luz.<<I love the way it is said in Spanish, directly translated this expression to birth means to give light. Our Creator has animated us with His breath and set His light within ever since the beginning of Creation! And remarkably, there are still simple testaments to Him and His faithfulness in our colloquial conversation. Zach's labor was fast and intense. Though he was the one born in the water I felt I was the one reborn. Though I was elated immediately just holding him and having had the freedom to labor my own way at home there was a much deeper picture, with richer colors that would be painted in the weeks to come. I began to have more faith not just in My Creator, but in His Creation, especially myself. I began to own the strength He has given graciously to all women, particularly mothers. It was a gift that has changed my whole perspective on parenting, discipline (self-discipline included here) and life.

Here I am to tell those of you facing challenges, those of you contemplating a VBAC, or another baby even though you battled through cholestasis before, you can do it! I am no one of great import, but Elohim blessed me in such a way I would go through all the pain and itching all over again for the same result. My prayer is that somehow via this venue I can serve Our Creator YHVH and reach other mothers, friends and homeschoolers.

 May praise to Elohim remain on our lips as surely as His Spirit is a continual companion in our hearts. In the name of His Son, Yahushua (AKA Yeshua, Jesus), who gave everything so that we could be made whole and complete knowing Him in all of our ways, every day, I write this to you in love,