Thoughts from the Negev

I could go on telling you about the list of trials we have faced in the last few years, and I’m sure you could go on telling me about yours too… but I wont. Because I realized something. These trials are really just great opportunities in disguise. Opportunities for us to grow as a person, to put our trust in a strength above our own and learn how to be compassionate toward others. The quicker we realize this the more easily these things pass and the more content we learn to be. I believe that understanding this is the key to a long happy life. Now, I won’t go as far as to say I enjoyyyy the trials we face, but I do love the results. How about you? :)
~ Thoughts from the Negev

So may prayers have gone out for our land and our family these last few weeks. You cannot imagine How meaningful that is to us. We feel those prayers and appreciate them so much– thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
I hope you are feeling the prayers we are now praying for your family and the US now too! Crazy things going on in the world today. We love you and cherish our friendship especially at times like these. ~Thoughts from the Negev :)

Things have calmed down a bit as far as rockets falling for the time being, thank G-d. But Obi is still waking up randomly in the night which doesn’t make for a good nights sleep for anyone. :( Still, we find rest in the fact that 
G-d’s ways and plans are higher than ours. He understands the times and the seasons. He knows our comings and our goings. We are ever grateful that He allows us be a part of what He’s doing here in the Land. Thanks for your continued prayers. 
~Thoughts from the Negev :)

Well, maybe not officially at war yet. But even as I write, rockets are falling just some 15 – 20 miles from us. How weird is it that I am updating my blog and bombs are falling just down the road? Surreal. That having been said, I want you to know that in our hearts we are at peace, trusting that G-d sees a much bigger picture that we see. He understands these things and He has His purposes for allowing them. So we wait… and pray…and trust.
But I will sing of Your power; Yes I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; For You have been my defense And refuge in the day of my trouble.~Psalm 59:16
~Thoughts from the Negev

Wow. Some craaaaaazy things goin on in the world right now.  Rioting from Syria to London.  Stock market volatile ups and downs.  It is nearly impossible to put your trust in any earthly thing right now. There is but one way to be at ease, without fear.

For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm. Proverbs 1:32-33

~Thoughts from the Negev :)

Tonight began a very serious time for the people of Israel – it is T’sha BeAv, the dreaded date that not only were both the first and the second Temple destroyed but a date on which many other bad things have happened to our people. Will you keep us in your prayers for a peaceful next 24 hours? Blessings to all of you!

~Thoughts from the Negev :)

Tonight began a very serious time for the people of Israel – it is T’sha BeAv, the dreaded date that not only were both the first and the second Temple destroyed but a date on which many other bad things have happened to our people. Will you keep us in your prayers for a peaceful next 24 hours? Blessings to all of you!
~Thoughts from the Negev :)

I am realizing that it’s just a simple a fact of life — there are givers and takers, lovers and haters, doers and talkers. I personally have had a very rough year, and I know a number of others who’ve been struggling with heavy things. But get this — it is ESPECIALLY in the midst of  times like these, when everything seems to be caving in on us — that we need to stop going in circles about our own issues and struggles and just WALK AWAY. Get a NEW PERSPECTIVE.  GIVE, LOVE , DO something for someone in greater need than ourselves.  It may take the very last bit of strength we have— but it will save our life! I don’t know about you but I am done with my sulking already! I want to be a giver, a lover, a doer —  a mover and a shaker!

Praying for victory for all of us  :)  ~Thoughts from the Negev

Wow. Its so good to have Shabbat here once again. New friends, and old too– I pray you’ll get a chance to experience Shabbat in Israel sometime soon. It is so special. :) Wherever you are today however, may you experience His peace and rest. Shabbat Shalom!
~Thoughts from the Negev :)

An old Cherokee one night, told his grandson about a great battle that goes
on within each person. He said, “My son, the battle is between two “wolves”.

One wolf is Evil — anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed,
arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority,
and ego.

The other is Good — joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility,
kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.”

The grandson contemplated for a moment and then asked “Grandfather,
“Which wolf wins?”

The old Cherokee very simply replied, “It’s the one you feed.”  ~ Author Unknown

~Thoughts from the Negev :)