Thursday, June 25, 2015

More on the Gathering

As life as we know it appears to be falling apart, I believe for those who are in covenant with Elohim, life is falling into place.  I still don't have the covenant agreement form drawn up, but as I post here it will give folks an idea of what to expect as well as insight to offer.  Until there is no buying or selling without the mark, it would appear that at least part time employment or external income would be needed for all residents.  Ten acres is big enough to sustain a dozen people for food and accommodate that much shelter, but we all will need our own time, space, and spending money.

I'm more than happy to share what I have, but here's three facts of life.  One:  Electricity isn't mine to share, it belongs to the power company, and they want money for power.  Two:  The internet service provider doesn't provide without sending a bill, but the good thing is, it will support 5 devices of technology simultaneously. and Three: Which is the most important, if I don't see you either in the garden or the chicken house or the pasture, I don't want to see you at the table.  We will all have to pitch in on the sustainability projects.

Perhaps I'm a bit too idealistic in this thought, but I truly do envision plenty of time for midrash, music, and fellowship with a shared workload.  Truth be told, I've had great times with visitors while working, but we all need our alone time with Abba and our own thoughts . . . at least I do.  Without quiet time with Adonai, I'm not fit for polite society, and although I don't term myself a loner, I do need my space.  I wrote in Peculiar Princess as to how I was assessing a better use of energy with better choices and one of those choices is fewer words flying out of my mouth.

I truly appreciate the written word over the spoken word, even though inflection is not always understood, idle words are more easily avoided when writing.  I've had numerous discussions with people via instant message in which they state that emotional expression is lacking and would prefer phone conversation.  I don't do that very often for the simple fact, I truly do prefer writing, and tend to be a bit reserved in my emotional expression.  Before becoming a believer and receiving my healing, I spent way too much time on the phone.  Lengthy phone calls tend to bring back old memories that are not so pleasant for me, but I'm willing to be penpals and message buddy with most everyone.  Yet I digress, back to the gathering.

I think it's going to be very important that we each maintain a certain degree of autonomy.  Without individual independence, it would make everything mine and everyone a guest and that simply would not work.  What's here is already owned, the tax man insists upon a name when the bill is sent every October, and that won't change.  Everyone who joins this gathering will be responsible for their own personal property and the taxation thereof.  I don't plan to build any permanent structures for housing, but will be happy to welcome those with RVs, TTs, 5W, tiny houses, and tents.

Although it will be necessary that electricity and internet service bills be shared, I pray many meals and spontaneous fellowship will be as well.  I've assumed this goes without saying, but perhaps it should be said.  This will be a community of Torah observant followers of Messiah.  I know there will be some differences in understanding, but the basic beliefs should be the same.

. . . they were all with one accord in one place.  Acts 2:1b

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Good Enough?

As I've been preparing for a community, I've had a gnawing doubt in the back of my mind.  YHWH has brought me a long way in the area of confidence, but He had a very long way to bring me.  I'm certainly not the woman I was when I found Him, but I'm still not the woman I want to be for Him.

I've hosted a couple of Sukkot gatherings and to be honest, I felt like the visitors were disappointed.  I'm a hard working woman who is willing to share most everything I have, but I'm not an entertainer and most everything I have is not state of the art trendy.  I love YHWH, I love Messiah, and I love people or at least try to love people.  I enjoy corporate worship, casual fellowship, and work.  Much of the work I do really doesn't feel like work, so I don't usually feel like I need much of a break.  My work is rarely stressful, although some of the things going on in which I feel led to sound a warning or intercede are not good things, I don't get caught up in stress or fear.  We are told to cast our cares upon Him for He cares for us.  Scripture tells me to be anxious for nothing, and I can do that in so many areas, but . . . I think I have been overly concerned, even anxious that others would find my life just not good enough.

So, as the end of days are unfolding and Operation Jade Helm 15 is going into place, while millions of chicken deaths will hinder the food supply, for those who may be considering relocation; let me give a little of the lowdown about myself and the Land of Goshen.  I came here expecting to have a small community gather.  First there is no television and no cable, and it is non-negotiable.  I had one child already try.  Believe me if I can tell the mother of my grandchildren, "No," I can say "NO" to anyone.  The current internet connection limits data to 20GM a month.  AT&T doesn't provide service in this "remote" area.   Depending upon which pasture is being grazed and if a gate is open, it takes 15-20 minutes to get to a blacktop road from my house.  Once on the blacktop, town is then 5 miles to the north west or another one is 10 miles east.

The illustration on the mainpage is fairly accurate, but the illustration is pristine considering those animated goats do not make any mess or cause any mischief like the real ones do.  Also to be considered is the grass, which is not always manicured in real time, like it is in the illustration.  The inside of the chicken houses cannot be seen in the webpage, but I assure you, chickens are complete and total slobs!  Now, on to the actual living conditions for humans.

I live in a manufactured home that has two additions a porch and two decks, plus there is an RV, and Berea Tabernacle, which is completely off grid.  My home is four bedroom, two full baths, good sized living room and kitchen with a laundry room /pantry and a bonus room.  I just spoke with the men who will be replacing the front deck and it is about to become doubled in size for gatherings and fellowship.   The back porch and deck are more suited for functionality than relaxation, as that is where the grill and soap shed are, but it affords enough room for chairs to provide for a small gathering.  There are other out buildings, and even an emergency outhouse with no roof, for when I'm on an outdoor project and don't want to take the time to remove shoes, etc.

I'm posting all this info because I really do believe folks are giving consideration to relocation and preparing to be a part of a community.  Several friends and I have already discussed the concept that there would be many of these "Goshens."  One friend also mentioned the value and viability of small communities and so I'll close with this.  I am a simple earthy woman who loves YHWH, follows Messiah and is happy to share what I have.  I am also happy to wish someone well when my lifestyle is not as appealing as one would hope.  I do sport an internet connection, that although the data is limited, it will support five computers.  Seems fitting for a five fold ministry.

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Messiah:  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of Elohim, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Messiah:  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Messiah:  Ephesians 4:12-15

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Mission Accomplished

I look at every single introduction and meeting as a potential open door and I tend to sometimes try to hard or stay too long!  Sometimes I miss the reality that a door is only for a one time event and is supposed to close when the mission has been accomplished.  I didn't realize until early this morning, a door has closed, that was supposed to close before the preservation moved forward.

A dear friend who passed away had wanted several of her friends and acquaintances to visit and experience the Land of Goshen.  I couldn't convince her that not everyone would be so taken in enthusiasm as she was about this endeavor, and in her last days I told her I would make sure her wish was carried out.  It was obvious right away that some of her Christian friends were not interested at all, so the door closing wasn't even really noticeable.  It didn't seem as though some of the first ones were seeking anything.  Rather, it was more of just gaining an experience and they were moving on to the next experience.

Then of course, there was my friend's family who wanted to bring her ashes to the Land of Goshen, but that wasn't really a time of seeking, either, just a time of gathering for a specific purpose.  The last two visits were different, though; as both sets of visitors already have land and were just touching base for ideas.   The first of the last visitors actually shared with me that they were at a crossroads of creating a working homestead or selling and moving back to town.  I really enjoy seeing photos of the couple's farm and since visiting here.  They have done a lot in a short time and they've acquired some livestock as well.   There was still one person on my friend's list and although many plans have been made through the years, they never came to fruition, until . . . a couple of weeks ago.

When this all began, every time someone visited I was hopeful they'd be joining Goshen, but obviously when someone already has land and has invested in their area, that's likely not the case.  So, as I mentioned these last two visits have been more of a chance to chat and fellowship, exchange a few ideas, encourage each other, and fulfill my vow to my friend.  It was the week of so much rain, when the phone rang about 8 in the morning.  This individual had an unexpected break in her schedule and wanted to head down that day.  I told her it was raining so I was going to take care of town business that day, but I'd be home before evening.  It was then that Abba showed me, this was the opportunity.  After all these years of plans, she would not have time to talk herself out of the trip, and so the plans were made.  She arrived, and although it was shemitah and rainy, we enjoyed the fellowship.

I'm blessed to be able to keep in touch with some of the folks who have visited here, via social media and telephone, but the open house visitation policy of the Land of Goshen has come to a close.  It's time to be ready for the permanent residents.

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Messiah:  contained in a letter to one of the seven churches