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Post by mystic on Dec 8, 2018 5:59:34 GMT -8
So I made it through last night in good fashion, let's see if I can get through today in the correct way. Doing some research yesterday I came across this which makes it SO MUCH EASIER and has taken a major worry away from me, thank God I found it! www.chabad.org/calendar/candleLighting_cdo/locationId/370/locationType/1/jewish/Candle-Lighting.htmSo I lit a candle i had lying around here, reflected on it for a little then pulled up some bible accounts on Sling TV [History of the Bible and some short bible stories]. Did some praying and meditating in between and that was it. I must say looking at the bible stories showed me some things I had never considered, those stories show more in-depth accounts from the side of those people involved like the Good Samaritan, the woman who touched Jesus's clothes, the blind man who Jesus healed and Lazarus's wife's ordeal. My fav though was Abraham and Isaac's situation with the sacrifice. I used to think that David displayed more faith than Abraham i had always taken that account way too lightly just simply thinking well Abraham knew God would come through for him eventually so no big deal that he had to kill his own son BUT looking at everything in that film from both Abraham's and Isaac's side, man it brought tears to my eyes. NOW I have a much different view of Abrahams's sacrifice and why he very accurately should be the Father of Faith! I think every father on this earth should should look at this particular story with these two actors. This is what i try to explain to people that some bible movies and documentaries can help you understand scripture and reveal things to you that you would not get from any other source or just by reading the bible alone. Far as what to do on Saturdays for leisure, now during the winter is no issue at all because by the time i come back from Church today at around 6pm Shabbat will have ended. It will be during the summer months when everyone is outside and sun sets around 9-10pm that will be the times in question knowing how to hang out for those 3 hours. Getting drunk is not an issue for me, it's mainly the music issue i will need to settle somehow as there can be tunes with questionable lyrics but I guess I can do what I normally do on any day, I ignore [tune out] any song on the radio which has questionable lyrics. Wish me luck that I can make it through till 5.15pm today  |
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Post by alon on Dec 9, 2018 1:35:20 GMT -8
So I made it through last night in good fashion, let's see if I can get through today in the correct way. Doing some research yesterday I came across this which makes it SO MUCH EASIER and has taken a major worry away from me, thank God I found it! www.chabad.org/calendar/candleLighting_cdo/locationId/370/locationType/1/jewish/Candle-Lighting.htmSo I lit a candle i had lying around here, reflected on it for a little then pulled up some bible accounts on Sling TV [History of the Bible and some short bible stories]. Did some praying and meditating in between and that was it. I must say looking at the bible stories showed me some things I had never considered, those stories show more in-depth accounts from the side of those people involved like the Good Samaritan, the woman who touched Jesus's clothes, the blind man who Jesus healed and Lazarus's wife's ordeal. My fav though was Abraham and Isaac's situation with the sacrifice. I used to think that David displayed more faith than Abraham i had always taken that account way too lightly just simply thinking well Abraham knew God would come through for him eventually so no big deal that he had to kill his own son BUT looking at everything in that film from both Abraham's and Isaac's side, man it brought tears to my eyes. NOW I have a much different view of Abrahams's sacrifice and why he very accurately should be the Father of Faith! I think every father on this earth should should look at this particular story with these two actors. This is what i try to explain to people that some bible movies and documentaries can help you understand scripture and reveal things to you that you would not get from any other source or just by reading the bible alone. Far as what to do on Saturdays for leisure, now during the winter is no issue at all because by the time i come back from Church today at around 6pm Shabbat will have ended. It will be during the summer months when everyone is outside and sun sets around 9-10pm that will be the times in question knowing how to hang out for those 3 hours. Getting drunk is not an issue for me, it's mainly the music issue i will need to settle somehow as there can be tunes with questionable lyrics but I guess I can do what I normally do on any day, I ignore [tune out] any song on the radio which has questionable lyrics. Wish me luck that I can make it through till 5.15pm today
There are some good Messianic tunes (and some really awful ones too) on You Tube. Check out the Messianic Music and Dance and Books and Videos sub-forums here for some great ideas.
As for chabad, it can be a great resource. However always keep in mind they are an Orthodox site, and so may contain things which go against Messianic beliefs.
Dan C |
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Post by mystic on Dec 9, 2018 5:53:30 GMT -8
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Post by alon on Dec 9, 2018 11:47:06 GMT -8
Any of their straight sided candle holders with no engraving, no flutes, and no decorations will be your best bet for ease of cleaning. They have several styles and colors and materials which meet those specifications, at a wide price range too. Just choose one of those that suits you.
Cleanup is easy. Wash in warm soapy water using a non-aggressive scouring pad. Then rinse slowly with a boiled kettle to melt off any remaining wax. Let cool, then check to make sure you got all the wax.
Dan C
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Post by mystic on Dec 11, 2018 6:38:22 GMT -8
Thanks, I am thinking I can use these candles here to not have any potential fire issues: quickcandles.com/richland-tealight-candles-white-unscented-set-of-125.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiA3b3gBRDAARIsAL6D-N-FnTB4u80R3QpgYrIGSwmTCTj3BmhKzLrRDqEkMRqwW_vCYkCEOZsaAvPjEALw_wcBI can simply place one on a saucer and that's it, no cleaning or fire hazard issues, Can you tell me if using this type candle will be against any Shabbat rules please? Also regarding leisure activities, I am confused by this below, can anyone shed some light on this please? The Sabbath is a day to bond with family, appreciate the creation and do good, perhaps visiting the widows and orphans (James 1:27). The Sabbath should be a delight, not by doing our own hobbies, interests and pleasures, but by honoring God and seeking to please Him and do His will (Isaiah 58:13-14). |
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Post by alon on Dec 11, 2018 14:34:19 GMT -8
Any candles you choose should be fine. Some like to get blue and white candles, but it isn't necessary. Some like special Shabbat candles that are intertwines, but again, not necessary.
What part of "The Sabbath is a day to bond with family, appreciate the creation and do good, perhaps visiting the widows and orphans (James 1:27). The Sabbath should be a delight, not by doing our own hobbies, interests and pleasures, but by honoring God and seeking to please Him and do His will (Isaiah 58:13-14)" are you having trouble understanding?
Dan C
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Post by Elizabeth on Dec 11, 2018 17:00:36 GMT -8
If I understand, there can be some conflict between the idea of leisure activities and not doing your own thing. With kids, you have to do leisure activities to a certain extent such as games and walks or whatever. We've also walked to a park when the weather was nice. I think visiting with each other and any activity that you can include G-d in is kind of the line for me. It's hard to draw the line with "visiting" though in a divided household because topics can be too common and contrary to the intent. That's why I find myself withdrawing a lot, but that's not good for me mentally and emotionally and it sets me up for criticism. It's just a hard balance in a divided house and the tide is against you. Focus on enjoying your son as a gift of G-d or time with G-d in your leisure activities is probably a good line to draw for leisure. You also have to kind of watch the games you play I think because trivia and some games also introduce a lot of what's common into your day too.
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Post by alon on Dec 11, 2018 19:21:41 GMT -8
mystic and Elizabeth, the Israel Bible Center just sent me something that might help you both:
Matt 12:2, 6-7; Hosea 6:6
WHAT IS GREATER THAN THE TEMPLE?
Yeshua’s disciples plucked grain on the Sabbath and were accused of violating God’s commandment (Mat 12:2). But Yeshua explained something greater than the Sabbath, and even the Jerusalem Temple, had arrived.
What can be more important than the Sabbath? In first-century Jewish thinking, Sabbath laws could be set aside for certain reasons. For example, because of danger to someone’s life, a need to perform circumcision, or any duty in the Temple. To everyone’s amazement, Yeshua explained, “something greater than the Temple is here” (Matt 12:6).
Before rushing to the familiar notion that it is Yeshua himself who is greater than the Temple, notice He did not say “someone,” but rather “something greater” (μεῖζόν; meizon). He was not speaking about a person.
Immediately after he quotes Hosea 6:6: “God desires compassion more than sacrifice.” The word translated as “compassion” (ἔλεος; helios) is neuter in Greek. This “something greater” is “God’s favor” — the kind of divine grace that is often translated “loving kindness” (חֶסֶד; chesed). It is God’s favor — his chesed — that is even greater than the Temple.
As Jesus’ disciples walked through the grain fields on the Sabbath they were hungry, and despite the fact that it was a day of rest, Yeshua offered his hungry disciples chesed — the compassion and grace that allowed them to eat. This kind of loving kindness will always be more central than the Sabbath or the Temple in people’s relationship with their heavenly Father.
This is what I mean when I say "don't make this hard on yourself." It is not license to just do what you want, obviously. But cut yourself some slack. Try and get it right, but trying too hard to get it too right is not rest, but its own kind of work! Relax. And if you should later find you've done something wrong, ask forgiveness and rest in God's chesed (or helios, if you prefer).
Dan (just all kinds of relaxed) C
note: I edited the article from IBC for the sake of brevity, but the green part is entirely theirs
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Post by mystic on Dec 13, 2018 4:51:03 GMT -8
If I understand, there can be some conflict between the idea of leisure activities and not doing your own thing. With kids, you have to do leisure activities to a certain extent such as games and walks or whatever. We've also walked to a park when the weather was nice. I think visiting with each other and any activity that you can include G-d in is kind of the line for me. It's hard to draw the line with "visiting" though in a divided household because topics can be too common and contrary to the intent. That's why I find myself withdrawing a lot, but that's not good for me mentally and emotionally and it sets me up for criticism. It's just a hard balance in a divided house and the tide is against you. Focus on enjoying your son as a gift of G-d or time with G-d in your leisure activities is probably a good line to draw for leisure. You also have to kind of watch the games you play I think because trivia and some games also introduce a lot of what's common into your day too. Elizabeth, you seem to read my thoughts and put them into words very well better than I do, maybe we share some of the same issues? Everything you wrote above is accurate and applies to me. Yes, deciding on just what is "my" leisure and is it in line with Sabbath rules is an issue. Also as you've very accurately stated, this divided household does not make things easy for me since I am the only one observing Sabbath so all of their leisurely activities won't always be in line with mine. |
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Post by mystic on Dec 13, 2018 5:14:01 GMT -8
mystic and Elizabeth, the Israel Bible Center just sent me something that might help you both: This is what I mean when I say "don't make this hard on yourself." It is not license to just do what you want, obviously. But cut yourself some slack. Try and get it right, but trying too hard to get it too right is not rest, but its own kind of work! Relax. And if you should later find you've done something wrong, ask forgiveness and rest in God's chesed (or helios, if you prefer). Good advice, I had tried way too hard on my first attempt, tomorrow I am going to "try" going through the Sabbath with a more relaxed effort while the Holy Spirit helps me figure out what leisurely activities of mine will be in line with God's requirements for the Sabbath. |
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Post by Elizabeth on Dec 13, 2018 8:23:54 GMT -8
If I understand, there can be some conflict between the idea of leisure activities and not doing your own thing. With kids, you have to do leisure activities to a certain exten such as games and walks or whatever. We've also walked to a park when the weather wa nice. I think visiting with each other and any activity that you can include G-d in is kind of the line for me. It's hard to draw the line with "visiting" though in a divided household because topics can be too common and contrary to the intent. That's why I find myself withdrawing a lot, but that's not good for me mentally and emotionally and it sets me up for criticism. It's just a hard balance in a divided house and the tide is against you. Focus on enjoying your son as a gift of G-d or time with G-d in your leisure activities is probably a good line to draw for leisure. You also have to kind of watch the games you play I think because trivia and some games also introduce a lot of what's common into your day too. Elizabeth, you seem to read my thoughts and put them into words very well better than I do, maybe we share some of the same issues? Everything you wrote above is accurate and applies to me. Yes, deciding on just what is "my" leisure and is it in line with Sabbath rules is an issue. Also as you've very accurately stated, this divided household does not make things easy for me since I am the only one observing Sabbath so all of their leisurely activities won't always be in line with mine. I think we do have similar issues. I have erred on the side of letting too much go for the sake of peace I think. I'm trying to re-establish reasonable boundaries again recently. I think your posts have caused me to re-evaluate things in a good way because at some point there will be nothing remarkable about the day other than not doing housework on one hand or a greater amount of pressure and conflict on the other as my husband picks at anything I do related to G-d and interrupts prayers with my children. I get angry he's teaching them the exact opposite of what I'm trying to teach them just because he's hostile toward G-d. He's undermining me.I wish G-d would deal with Him because it's like everything will go no where good or just be lost if He doesn't. Keeping quiet doesn't work cause he'll keep pushing until I have to explain myself just sp he can pick it a part and criticise. That's how Saturdays have gone for a long time if I try to keep them about G-d. I started trying to focus on a gentler and quieter spirit but then it was like no conflict but a day filled with worldly conversations and silly games. I haven't found the balance so maybe it is me trying too hard, but the only alternative to that seems to be not trying at all. My husband used to sleep all day, and this sounds terrible, but the kids and I enjoyed Saturday's in a more holy way when he was doing that. Now they are playing computer games, counting down the time till they can eat out, and complaining. So it feels like why do I try often. I'm trying to get back to enjoyable days, but it seems like that's impossible so that try but don't try somehow is a balance between caring but trusting G-d I think. I tend toward give up and don't care after a while when nothing seems to work. |
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Post by mystic on Dec 13, 2018 10:45:42 GMT -8
Hmnn, seems you, myself and my Aunt Daisy are facing similar issues. With Daisy she is a Pastor but cannot find peace in her own home. Here I'm in a house with a mix of Atheists, Hindus and Christians, well Sunday Christians would be more accurate. Noise coming from other rooms when I am trying to meditate and pray in peace and quiet. To be quite honest the only leisure i have here is TV and computer, if I have to give those up then what am I left with? I had told someone recently that keeping the Sabbath in my surroundings is very hard to do, I know this sound bad for God to hear it but it's the truth. As Yosi had rightly told me, if this was a household with everyone on the same page then it would have been much easier to do but here it's the exact opposite of that.
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Post by alon on Dec 13, 2018 10:46:30 GMT -8
If I understand, there can be some conflict between the idea of leisure activities and not doing your own thing. With kids, you have to do leisure activities to a certain extent such as games and walks or whatever. We've also walked to a park when the weather was nice. I think visiting with each other and any activity that you can include G-d in is kind of the line for me. It's hard to draw the line with "visiting" though in a divided household because topics can be too common and contrary to the intent. That's why I find myself withdrawing a lot, but that's not good for me mentally and emotionally and it sets me up for criticism. It's just a hard balance in a divided house and the tide is against you. Focus on enjoying your son as a gift of G-d or time with G-d in your leisure activities is probably a good line to draw for leisure. You also have to kind of watch the games you play I think because trivia and some games also introduce a lot of what's common into your day too. Elizabeth, you seem to read my thoughts and put them into words very well better than I do, maybe we share some of the same issues? Everything you wrote above is accurate and applies to me. Yes, deciding on just what is "my" leisure and is it in line with Sabbath rules is an issue. Also as you've very accurately stated, this divided household does not make things easy for me since I am the only one observing Sabbath so all of their leisurely activities won't always be in line with mine.
Dan C |
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Post by alon on Dec 13, 2018 11:01:04 GMT -8
I think we do have similar issues. I have erred on the side of letting too much go for the sake of peace I think. I'm trying to re-establish reasonable boundaries again recently. I think your posts have caused me to re-evaluate things in a good way because at some point there will be nothing remarkable about the day other than not doing housework on one hand or a greater amount of pressure and conflict on the other as my husband picks at anything I do related to G-d and interrupts prayers with my children. I get angry he's teaching them the exact opposite of what I'm trying to teach them just because he's hostile toward G-d. He's undermining me.I wish G-d would deal with Him because it's like everything will go no where good or just be lost if He doesn't. Keeping quiet doesn't work cause he'll keep pushing until I have to explain myself just sp he can pick it a part and criticise. That's how Saturdays have gone for a long time if I try to keep them about G-d. I started trying to focus on a gentler and quieter spirit but then it was like no conflict but a day filled with worldly conversations and silly games. I haven't found the balance so maybe it is me trying too hard, but the only alternative to that seems to be not trying at all. My husband used to sleep all day, and this sounds terrible, but the kids and I enjoyed Saturday's in a more holy way when he was doing that. Now they are playing computer games, counting down the time till they can eat out, and complaining. So it feels like why do I try often. I'm trying to get back to enjoyable days, but it seems like that's impossible so that try but don't try somehow is a balance between caring but trusting G-d I think. I tend toward give up and don't care after a while when nothing seems to work.
As kids get older and when one parent is undermining the other, they will naturally be drawn to the apparent freedom of sin. Perhaps you could stress in your readings/teachings the consequences of sin. Then pray they will come to see this in their lives in ways that won't mess with the rest of their life. But in the end, it is they who will have to choose. Just give them the best example you can. It won't make the sting any less when they choose wrong, but it will prevent the double sting of knowing they did wrong because of you. And that is worth a lot right there. But there is also the chance they will at some point come to see the error of their ways and repent in part because of your example.
Dan C |
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Post by Elizabeth on Dec 13, 2018 14:30:54 GMT -8
I think we are a small preview of a bigger upcoming picture. I think this will be every true believer's story at some point as the world draws closer to the Kingdom so there's no sense quitting when ultimately you have no right to expect to escape it anyway. We won't be welcome anywhere to the point we're all but killed off before the Kingdom comes, so on some level I can accept not to expect too much. Yet, I know G-d can move. I'm just not sure how much we'll have to go through and what the result will be.
My biggest issue is my kids, but maybe G-d will use this to prepare them because I think the truth is going to turn out to be more like what we're living than the general population of believers understands or is ready for; at least in the US. In some ways we might end up better off to really understand what it feels like to have no options simply because that's the point the entire world will get to for believers before it's over. I just hope I can get myself together enough that G-d can use all this mess to my kids strength and wellbeing.
I also think my husband knows and understands more than he's willing to face or admit, so I think, G-d will either intervene on our behalf or use us to reveal Himself to my husband. Thing is, I believe He already has, but my husband doesn't want to acknowledge G-d. It scares me then that we'll just be dragged down and through it.
I don't know how G-d can handle it, but I do believe this story is going to continue to be repeated in many lives as He sifts the chaff from the wheat simply because the lines of faith are not determined by family or church home, but by individual.
I married young and wrong, but I knew just as many churchgoers who didn't turn out any better so as the world gets more hostile hopefully the younger generation has more informed choices about the truth of a person before they marry. It just seems like we live in a generally immature culture so maybe as it gets harder to be a believer here, people will mature more quickly and then holier marriages become more frequent.
There's a lot to overcome, and we just need G-d to overcome it. I think what I'm seeing is that it's going to hurt a lot more than I used to think. But it's more consistent with the way G-d moved in the scriptures then what people have come to "imagine" (I hate that song) because He's working to get people's attention and using us on their behalf. He has us, but even if He knows He won't get someone's , He is faithful to try to the fullest so we're going to witness a lot of loss and endure a lot of pain and suffering as a body before it's over. But you never really have room to complain when you consider what we've put G-d through. I just hope He saves my kids.
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- there are 70 faces to 
