Thoughts from the Negev

So many people are struggling in this world. G-d have MERCY! I feel incredibly grateful for the blessings that have been poured out upon me…. my wonderful husband and amazing kids, especially. That is, not to say that we too don’t have trials — but even for those, I am equally as thankful — they have helped me learn how to be more patient, loving and creative. What are you thankful for?

~Thoughts from the Negev :)

Everyone is talking about the heat. We humans are such creatures of complaint. When it’s summer, it’s too hot. When it’s winter, too cold… too fat, too thin, too rich, too poor etc. etc. etc.

For what we have received today, may the Lord make us truly thankful…. and more importantly, for what we have not received.

~Thoughts from the Negev :)

Several of my close and friends and family are going through IMMENSELY difficult things right now.  Sickness, attempted suicides and death. My heart is utterly grieved. I want to comfort them…. and help them find that place of hope and peace and joy.

It’s quiet…. and the kids are asleep. And I am sitting in the dark… contemplating the great mercy and love that I believe G-d desires to pour out on each of my precious friends, even through these tremendous trials.

“I have read in Plato and Cicero sayings that are wise and very beautiful; but I have never read in either of them: Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden”. ~ Augustine

~Thoughts from the Negev :)

Clean house. Moist whole wheat and spelt challah made. Buckwheat,almond chocolate cake too. On the way up to Jerusalem to see the fam. It’s a good day. Shabbat shalom to all of you! ~Thoughts from the Negev :)

My kids crack me up. Today, Obi very randomly looked at me and said,  “When I turn into a grown up I want to live in Israel Texas”. Ha! What makes you laugh??

~Thought’s from the Negev :)

Yes. Give, give, give…. and just when you think you can’t give anymore, give yet again. Our talents, our time, our possessions. Serve, especially when we’re not noticed. Wash feet, and keep washing, sometimes with our tears. This is how we make an impact on the world. We are living in unprecedented times— and I want to make a difference. How bout you?

~Thoughts from the Negev :)

Dear friends~ so it’s official… we are coming back to the US for another tour late fall/winter of this year. PM me if you are interested in having us sing/speak/teach Israeli dance! Hope to get to hug you!
~Thoughts from the Negev :)

Y’know? It’s really OKAY – not to be okay sometimes. Times are tough. Life can throw curve balls that we may not be prepared to handle. It’s okay to hurt. It’s okay to grieve. It’s okay to talk about it. I have found that it makes us hurt MORE when we hold it all in. Open up, allow yourself to be transparent. It’s a good thing.

And be encouraged. Each of us has a purpose. Seek it. Walk in it. Don’t lose hope… new and exciting things are just around the bend!

~Thoughts from the Negev :)

How strange is it to live in a country so volatile, so terror stricken and war bound — yet daily life goes on like normal, as if nothing is happening? Israelis are just used to it. We go to work everyday, taking busses,  fully aware of the warnings out that suicide bombers are on the loose. We still cook and clean, have our congregational meetings and visitors from afar, and take our kids to the park and write our daily devotions — although practically in our back yard, there has been nonstop activity. We can hear the target practice daily just yards away in the desert.  Jets and helicopters continuously fly overhead and we see the military tanks daily driving in and out of the dust. When you really stop to think about it…. how bizarre.

The fear of the LORD leads to life, And he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil.

Proverbs 19:23

~Thoughts from the Negev :)

There is reason to live today. There is reason to rise above the weariness that lately seems to come so often. There is a purpose. It was not just by chance that we got to where we are today. DO NOT GIVE UP! If I must run this race with endurance, you must too! We need eachother. Take my hand — you hold me and I’ll hold you — and we’re gonna do this thing together.  Shabbat Shalom!

~Thoughts from the Negev :)