The Month of Elul ~ The Vision

Good morning…..

I love when God gives me a picture…..my own illustrated lesson!!!  A picture is something my mind can grab hold of….think about……remember…..when things are difficult, I can think back, remember the picture and it builds my faith.

The month of Elul is about preparing our hearts to meet with the KING ~ preparing ourselves for a new year.   

The KING is in the field, but where are we spiritually?  Where am I?

If you could see where I live, you would flip…..literally!  I know, many of you live in nice houses, with beautiful yards and lovely gardens.

I don’t.

We live in a mobile home….an older one.

We moved our mobile home here, back to the land my husband was raised on it the mid 90's.  We’ve stayed here because at different times family members have needed our help.  ~ We did spend three years, living with my mother, taking care of her before her death. ~ But basically we have been here in this spot, for 16 years.  When we first moved here, I said we would live here for eight years……I wonder if God laughs at the our “plans”?

My oldest brother-in-law never married.  He took on the task of helping raise five younger brothers and the financial responsibility for his mother.  My f-i-l was never very responsible when it came to taking care of his family.  But he has long since been forgiven and he passed away a number of years ago.  Shelby, the oldest, made is living dealing in government surplus.  Some of you really don’t have a clue when I say that…..think junk!  We live on six plus acres, much of which is covered with junk….interesting junk, junk that has value monetarily ….but junk!

It isn’t until you get out by our garden, the junk begins to grow less and less….you can see the areas we have cleared, making room for the garden and places for the animals to graze.  You can see the clearing between the trees where we want to build.  And just beyond that, you see the pasture.  We share a rather large pasture with other family members…a “junk free” pasture….the FIELD.

Here is where I always picture the King…..when HE IS IN the FIELD…funny, HE is always walking west to east….like HE is returning from a journey.

Yesterday afternoon, I was sitting out by the garden.  From where I sat, I could see junk, less junk, clear areas…the field.  And it was as if I was that little girl ……and as I ran from the house to the field, I passed all of this.  The closer I got to the KING, the less junk!

The vision (translated)….the closer we draw to God, the King of kings, the less junk we have in our lives.  We lay it aside ~ it no longer weighs us down.  We are free in HIM.

“Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings.”

~ 1Peter 2:1

It’s time.

Time for us to break free from the junk that holds us back, that separates us from our KING!

Blessings,

Cheryl 

Building Our Homes Together ~ September 7th

“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?”

Romans 8:31

Building Our Homes Together, With JESUS!

 

Week # 14

Be sure and go visit Linda at Prairie Flower Farm, for more 

*Building Our Homes Together With Jesus* posts!

Hi Y'all!

I have been working on a Bible Study ~ covering the Month of Elul ~ but after taking two days off over Labor Day, I decided to post a Building Our Homes Together segment before continuing the study.

Praying God is blessing your homes!

Our weather has been so much better….cooler, the last 3 days!  I love it!

Last week was the local County Fair.  For us, the County Fair has always been a family thing.  Something we do together.

It is one of those “traditions” that we all enjoy.

(My favorite part of the fair, is watching the youngest grandbabies in the Ag barn, while visiting with old friends.  That leaves Papaw and the grown kids free to chase the older grands up & down the midway!  I admit it, I am too old mature to enjoy riding the rides. LOL )

 

And usually (like this year), fair time also marks the first few evenings of cooler ~ *jacket weather*.  The air begins to have that certain crispness to it and you realize *A*U*T*U*M*N* in all its glory is just around the corner!

All of this reminds me, it is time to think about preparing our homes and pantries for fall and work on a few projects for the up coming holidays.

Have you been thinking?  Maybe unlike me, the procrastinator, you have already begun preparing your home, stocking your pantry, and working on projects for the holidays.

Here are my “lists” for fall

For the home…..

Preserve some fall leaves in glycerin to use in fall flower arrangements.

(you use 1 part glycerin to 2 parts water)

I’d like to find some pretty red maple leaves, along with some yellows and browns.

Make a dried apple garland ~ alternating dried apple slices and cinnamon sticks.

Make some fresh apple jack scented soap.

For the pantry…..(& freezer)

We are getting ready to plant fall turnips.  They are so good!

This month I plan to stock up on the following:

1 case of crackers

3 large containers of peanut butter

A variety of canned soups

Add to the amount of flour in the freezer

Buy one turkey for the freezer

I plan to put up…..

More grape jelly

*Make jalapeno jelly

Apple pie filling

And continue freezing okra

*Usually, I make Chow-chow, however this year we don’t have the green tomatoes.  So, I’m going with jalapeno jelly.

Projects for the holidays…..

I have been making “what for who” lists.

This year we will be sticking with practical/useful items….

This isn’t the time for frivolous gifts that may or may not be used.

I will be making candles, soaps, along with jellies for many of our gifts.  These will be added to decorated baskets, along with a few other things.

For the two youngest grands, I am planning on making fleece-tied quilts with pillows to match.

The *middle* group of grands….art and craft supplies.

The girls will be getting the weaving looms (and loops) for making pot holders.  The boys the copper sculpture sheets for making wall hangings for their rooms.

The older boys….hunting/camping supplies.

Grown kids….

(These are the most difficult and I am still thinking!)

Plus they read…here, from time to time.

I'm thinking about putting together a family cookbook!

That's what I will be up to for the next few weeks!  That, along with homeschool and the normal everyday chores!

Blessings, 

Cheryl 

The Month of Elul ~ Day 5

Okay, on checking the calendar, we are actually Day 3!  I think this is the first time I have ever been on time, much less ahead!

*Smile*

Yesterday, we learned the 13 Attributes of God. I had planned for us to start examining our own attributes - the good, the bad, & the ugly - but it seemed fitting that first we look a little deeper into what the Elul of Month is truly all about.

We already talked about this being the time when 

 

"The King is in the field!" 

 

HE is approachable during the month of Elul and HE is waiting for you to 'turn around' to make, in Hebrew, TESHUVAH! Turn around, right now and be paniym paniym - face to face (פנים אל פנים) with your Maker. Acknowledge your sins, your shortcomings, and your failures in order for you to make the straight mark of Torah. Then commit your ways to walking as Yeshua walked, humbly before the Father. Forgive freely, as He has forgiven you!

Elul is the first month of the rest of our lives. The Hebrew letters are Alef, Lamed, Vav, Lamed and is based on the acronym produced from the first letter of the words in the verse in 

Song of Songs 6:3,

 

AniL'Dodi, v'Dodi Li' ~ I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine.

It is the month that holds the key to unlocking the inner and most potent intentions of our heart. The beautiful and romantic phrase from the Song of Songs represents our relationship with our Creator and our relationships with each other.

When we begin to examine our own hearts, remember it is because HE desires us to be in a face to face relationship! HE desires to forgive us, that we might achieve this very thing. This is a time of love, forgiveness, and growing a deeper relationship, not a time of condemnation.

HE LOVES YOU VERY MUCH!  

 

AniL'Dodi, v'Dodi Li'

Blessings,

Cheryl

Life has given us a full plate today!

A very full plate! ;)

 

 

A quick note ~  to cover a lot of things.

             

Yes, it's Friday!  I will still be fasting and praying for everyone's needs.  You can leave your request in the comments if you'd like.  You can also email me or leave a comment on Angela's blog, Free Spirit Haven.

Look in my sidebar for more contact information! 

Many of you, I have talked to this past week, I will definitely be lifting your needs to our Heavenly Father.

Several of you also follow Linda's blog, Prairie Flower Farm.  If you haven't read the post she put up last night, do so...NOW.  Prayers are being answered!!  God has moved!  HE did as HE promised!!  He has made the crooked path straight and the rough places plain!!!  J & T got to visit  with V....he said, YES!!!  He is ready to be adopted and will be coming to America!  (He'll be a Kansas Jayhawk.....oh, well - just teasing).  God has done an amazing work!  So much to be thankful for!!!

HalleluYah!

 

My friend, Pam ~ In Ancient Footsteps

is doing a newsletter during the month of Elul.  If you would like, go by and sign up to receive her teaching!  Pam is much more knowledgeable than I am and you will enjoy! 

 

If you do, you will notice mine and Pam's dates do not match.  There is a reason for that (I am probably wrong ;) ), but it is okay.  If I am a little ahead, I won't feel bad should I have to miss a day.  Plus I will have the option of writing or not writing on some really busy days.

 

One last thing, you may have noticed my "button" is missing.  Beth, my friend who designed this site, has been experiencing some problems.  Her blog was "hacked".  Because of that, she lost some of the info she had worked on and is having to reload some things.  My button will be back soon!

If your blog needs some work, go visit with Beth.  She does an awesome job. 

New followers, WELCOME! 

 

Well, I think that about ties up my "loose ends."  Praying each of you have a wonderful Labor Day Weekend! 

 

The Month of Elul ~ Day 4

 

This chart lists the 13 Attributes of God and it is from 

 

El Shaddai Ministries.  

 

They have a tremendous site and it is loaded with different resource and teaching materials.

 

As you can see, the attributes are numbered, then written in Hebrew.  They then provide the transliteration, the English translation and the meaning of that particular attribute.

 

Today, I just want you to look at the different attributes.  The Father's personality is complex.  It is like a diamond with many facets.

Because we are made in HIS image, we also, are complex creatures.

After looking over this chart be sure and read Galatians chapter 5.

Over the weekend, we will begin to look at some of our many faults facets.

Have a wonderful weekend, a blessed Sabbath, and may your home be filled with Shalom (peace!)

Blessings,

Cheryl

            The Thirteen Attributes of God   (Ex 34:6, 7)         

Number	Hebrew	Transliteration	English Translation	Meaning
1		YHVH	The LORD	His Covenant Keeping Unchanging Nature
2		YHVH	The LORD	Emphasizes His Unchanging Character and His Mercy
3		EL	God The Creator/King	Underscoring His Capacity For Mercy
4		RACHUM	Compassionate	As For a Child in the Womb
5		CHANAN	Gracious	Showers Grace and Favor to the Undeserving
6		EREK APAYIM	Slow to Anger	Patiently Waits For You To Repent
7		RAV CHESED	Abounding in Lovingkindness	To Both the Righteous and the Unrighteous
8		EMET	Truth	He's Fair and Equitable in His Justice
9		NOTZEIR CHESED L'ALFIM	Keeps Lovingkindness for Thousands	His Generational Covenant Devotion is Boundless
10		NOSEI AVON	Forgives Iniquity	Intentional Sins
11		NOSEI PESHA	Forgives Transgression	Rebellious Sins
12		NOSEI CHATAH	Forgives Sin	Inadvertent Sins
13		NAKEH	Who Cleanses	He Cleanses Sin

Meeting the KING of Kings!

The Month of Elul ~ Day 3  

 

Sometimes we say a lot of words and end up not being able to convey the message we desire to share….the heart of the matter just doesn’t come through.  It is like we are trying too hard.  If you write much, you understand what I am saying.

There are other times, we say something without thinking and it is profound!  Often, we don’t even realize what we’ve said.

Stacy Lynn at A Life Lived Well, left a comment yesterday that was profound:

“When you said, to imagine being free of work and distractions, walking in a field, it was easy. I thought of when I was a child and how totally at peace and filled with joy I was when I was in nature. I wasn't a Christian then, but I think at that young age it didn't matter...I was meeting the Father.”

Doesn’t the Bible say, “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.”  

 ~ Isaiah 11:6 ~

And in both Mark and Luke ~ “Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.”  (Mark 10:15 & Luke 18:17)  

 (I can be pretty thick-headed, but when God takes the time to write it twice, even I know it is important!)

Let’s imagine ourselves greeting the King of Kings in the field.  You are young ~ maybe seven or eight ~ you know it’s HIM, the KING….but to you, He is ABBA, Father…you are so happy to see HIM, giggles pour out from deep inside.  When you get close, you see HE is like light itself….but it comes from HIS eyes, they shine with love, HIS smile lights up the space surrounding you, because it says joy (joy unspeakable, but without the utterance of words).  HE stretches out HIS arms to welcome you in a warm embrace …without thinking, your steps become faster and you leap into HIS waiting arms!  HIS smile encompasses HIS whole face and HE asks if you would like to walk with HIM for awhile?  HIS voice is soft, yet powerful.  You feel like you are wrapped in HIS strength and in HIS love, all at the same time.  He puts you down, to walk beside HIM.  HE takes your small hand in HIS.  Your feet begin to skip …….

Today, in your journal take time to consider what your field looks like.  Are there wildflowers blooming?   Can you hear the sound of a creek; the water rippling over small stones in the background?  In the distance, can you see golden heads of wheat gently waving softly in the light breeze?  

 Maybe you happen upon a small rabbit or a baby wren…..

Describe what you see in your mind.

Next, what would you talk to HIM about?  Would you tell HIM things you have been doing or would you be full of questions?

Write down what you would like to say if you were in the field with the KING of Kings….ABBA!

ABBA, today may we draw close to YOU in a special, childlike manner, without concern for the cares that normally plague our days.  May we experience YOUR loving kindness that brings joy to our hearts anew.  May our love for YOU be deeper than any ocean, may it consume our beings and may our trust in YOU be made complete.  

Father, if YOU be for us, who can be against us?  (Romans 8:31) I am so thankful to be able to call YOU ABBA!  Because I love being YOUR child!  Amen and amen!

“Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.”  

~ Acts 2:28

You can sign up for Pam Staley's newsletter for the month of Elul at her website, In Ancient Footsteps.  You will enjoy!

To read:

The Month of Elul ~ Day 1

The Month of Elul ~ Day 2

Tomorrow we will begin to look at the Thirteen Attributes of God.  Until then......

 

Blessings,
Cheryl

The King Is In the Field!

The King Is In the Field!

Sorry, I didn't get this posted last night.

The Month Of Elul, Day 2

Most of the year, for the Jews, the days of the year are divided into two categories, the Mundane ~ those days in which we work and the Holy ~ the days when there is no work and time is dedicated to learning about and worshiping God. 

 

The Holy Days include the Sabbath and the Feast Days.

For centuries, the majority of the people worked in the fields, today many of our work “fields” have changed. We are no longer made up of primarily farmers, striving to feed our families. Our fields are many ~ teachers, lawyers, doctors, nurses, bankers, clerks, etc. Still, we are in the “field” going about our work ~ the Mundane.

Elul is the month when the King (of Kings) leaves HIS throne and walks in the fields greeting HIS people. For the people it is a month when the Mundane and the Holy become intertwined. While it is a time of self examination, it is also a time of joy!

 

For we that are Christian, the month of Elul most represents our daily walk with Yeshua – Jesus. 

It is a beautiful picture of 

 

GRACE and FORGIVENESS!

Just as God came down to meet with HIS people on Mount Sinai, 

HE is in the field anxious to meet with HIS people during the month of Elul! 

Just as HE forgave the people for their transgressions while waiting for Moses, He stands ready to forgive each of us!

 

Do you see the beautiful picture that is being painted here?

 

The following is a portion of what Pam wrote last year:

This is the time when all of Israel has the opportunity to walk with the King in the field of life. The next 40 days are significant in many ways, but the most significant is that  

HE is IN THE FIELD. This is the time when it is considered to be a wonderful opportunity to simply meet Him where you are! He has left His throne and is walking in the field (of life) and is now approachable to all who seek Him out.

For those of us in the 21st century, this may be a difficult thing to comprehend - as most of us don't even live near a field, much less can imagine ourselves enjoying a stroll through the prairie grass or enjoying any wildflowers. But just sit back, imagine yourself without the cumbersome trappings of household chores or stressful work days, and imagine yourself walking peacefully through a beautiful grassy field dotted here and there with intricate, colorful wildflowers bending in the evening breeze...and all of the sudden, you look up - and there HE is .... examining the tiny violets that are poking their heads up through the cracked earth, picking a little wild dog rose to smell it's faint aroma and slowly but purposely walking through His creation. You are in the field...with the KING.

What would you do? What would you say? How would you act? Meditate on that for a few moments and allow yourself to raise your eyes and gaze into the face of the KING. Grant yourself the privilege of an audience with the One you pray to each and every day from afar.

As you reflect on this image, write down the thoughts that come to your mind as you imagine yourself walking and talking with the King of Kings. Keep a daily diary for the next 40 days and you will begin to draw a picture of not only how you view your life, but as Messiah views your life as well. Areas in your life that need an overhaul or just a tweaking will suddenly come into focus and you will wonder how you could cling to some of those unnecessary habits.

Let us join together ... and prepare for the coming of the Messiah!


Thought for the Day

Today is the beginning of the rest of your life. Open your diary or notebook, and write down My Journey - DAY 1. Remember, this is the month of accounting and preparation. In Aramaic the word Elul means 'searching' - so we are searching during this special time period to prepare ourselves to meet the King at Rosh HaShannah - the Day of Blowing - the Awakening! It is during this time that we will make an accounting of our life, our walk, our ways, our thoughts, our past and our future in order to ready our lives, in order to make our wedding clothes spotless.  

He may return soon! Are you ready?


In your journal, underneath the title, write down these questions:



1. Am I serious about wanting to draw closer to the God of my Ancestors....the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob?



2. Am I willing to look honestly and openly into my life and examine the little 'habits' that cling to me causing me to miss the mark?



Write down your thoughts on these two questions and meditate on this scripture.


”Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. The LORD executes righteousness And justice for all who are oppressed.”

~ Psalms 103:1 - 6

 

Heavenly Father, I am excited that YOU truly are in the field...always, not just during the month of Elul.  I am thankful, that YOU are ever mindful of each of Your children...even though we are far from perfect.  Still, we are loved and cherished by YOU!

Father,  I pray for each person who comes by and reads this blog...for each follower, for each family member, and for the stranger out there, that YOU will bring my way...May each one be blessed of YOU.  May they seek YOUR face and Your will for their lives.  Please be with us, as we continue our journey through the month of Elul.  Amen & amen!

To contact Pam Staley, visit her website In Ancient Footsteps.

To read The Month of Elul, Day # 1 go here.

May each of you be blessed!

Cheryl

A New Month ~ A New Journey

New followers, WELCOME....hope I don't scare you off! LOL....I figure if you are following me, you don't scare too easily!  Hope you will join in this journey for the next 40 days.

Many of you know, I love studying the rich Hebrew roots that has given us Yeshua (Jesus), the Word of God (the Bible), and many of our laws and customs.  Today (August 30th) is the beginning of the month of Elul on the Hebrew calendar.  For the next 40 days, I am going to attempt to blog my way through a Bible study on the month of Elul.  It is a special time!

Last year, I followed Pam Staley's study.  I haven't heard from Pam as to whether she plans on doing a study this year or not, so I decided to "wing it".  I learned so very much last year (thank you, Pam!) and I am hoping to add to that knowledge this year.  Would love for you to join me!  You will be blessed!

"And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel. And Moses went into the midst of the cloud, and gat him up into the mount: and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights." ~ 

Exodus 24:17 & 18

The Month of Elul
August 30th to September 28th (2011)

Day 1

Elul is a very special month, a time of experiencing God’s grace and His mercy. We can trace its beginnings back to the time of Moses around 1313 BCE, a few months after the Israelites left Egypt.

The people of Yahweh received the Words of Torah seven weeks after they left the Pharaoh's rule and entered into an eternal covenant with their God. Unfortunately, only 40 days later, while the great man of God (Moses) was still up on the mountain, they sinned by worshiping the golden calf.

As Moses descended the Mountain of God and his eyes fell upon the idolatry of this newly born nation, he was so incensed that he smashed the two stone tablets in which the finger of YHVH had inscribed the Ten Commandments. However, his love for the people caused him to ascend the mountain for another 40 days to plead with his God to spare them.

Early on the morning of the 1st of Elul, Moses once again ascended Mount Sinai, taking with him the stone tablets he had hewn, by divine command, for God to re-inscribe the Ten Commandments. On the mountain, God allowed Moses to "see My back, but not My face" (which Maimonides interprets as a perception of God's reality but not His essence) -- the closest any human being ever came to knowing God -- and taught him the secret of His "Thirteen Attributes of Mercy" (Exodus 33:18-34:8).

For the third time, Moses remained on the mountain for 40 days, from the 1st of Elul until the 10th of Tishrei (Yom Kippur), during which time He obtained God's whole-hearted forgiveness and reconciliation with the people of Israel. Ever since, the month of Elul serves as the "month of Divine mercy and forgiveness."

May we enter into this 40 day period with great expectancy, as we prepare our hearts for (Yamim Nora’im)the Days of Awe, by getting our spiritual houses in order.


Father, we are blessed to be able to come boldly into Your Presence because of the sacrifice of Your precious SON, Yeshua (Jesus). Even so, it is good for us to remember the times and the seasons that You established since the beginning, the Ancient Ways, for Your Word says, "For I am the LORD, I change not."
(Mal 3:6 ) By seeking the old, we draw closer to the TRUTH and become more aware of all Yeshua did on our behalf that we might obtain mercy, forgiveness, healing and so much more. Open our eyes that we might see clearly. Make us more aware of that which is True and pleasing to YOU as we begin our journey. May our faith grow stronger with each step and may we draw closer to YOU. Let us not take anything for granted, but accept YOUR blessings with humility and grace. In the Name of Yeshua, Amen!

"Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls." Jeremiah 6:16 (a)

Blessings,

Cheryl