Thursday, November 10, 2016

It Was Right in Front of Me, The Entire Time

Mother Earth is referenced repeatedly by fellow tribesmen and although I couldn't put my finger on the difference, I knew Mother Earth did not correlate or equate to "Mother Nature."  In a recent conversation, my uncle stated unequivocally that Native American tribal history has a greater handle on spiritual truth than most of mainstream white American Christianity and he's right!  That's not to say, we tribal folk have not been sidetracked, distracted, and flat out taken wrong detours, but there is more than just a thread of truth in the term "mother earth," and is far removed from paganism or new age mysticism.

The term, "Mother Nature" always seemed to negate the reality that it is Father G-d who controls the weather.  I'm also old enough to remember Dena Dietrich in the Chiffon advertisements.  The entire premise seemed to allude to a "shared" status of deity, which I simply could not accept.

In searching and researching some of the presentations I give, I have come to the realization I am both, deeply spiritual and quite earthy.  It is one of my self-realized dichotomies that has to remain in the proper order to not become imbalanced.  What transpires in the natural realm is nothing more than the manifestation of what is ordained in the spiritual realm.  With that being said, I'm heading back to the Scriptural truth and tribal wisdom in the reference to "Mother Earth."

Mother Earth is not mother nature!  Scripture mentions early in Genesis, chapter 1 to be precise, that YHWH called the earth to "bring forth."  In King James vernacular, bring forth is also used to describe giving birth.  Luke 2, Mary "brought forth her firstborn son . . ." Y'hshuah pre-existed his earthly birth.  He took on an "earthly" form.  Even non-tribal folk speak frequently when discussing spiritual matters, of "earthly bodies."

When Native Americans use the term "Mother Earth," it's far from a new age concept, at all.  It is acknowledging that the Creator of the Universe is our Heavenly Father and He placed his spark of life into the dust of the earth to create us, thus creation, in a sense, was "conceived" through Mother Earth.  The concept of mother earth is continual in production and reproduction, in that within a seed contains the spark of life, but until that seed is placed in the earth, nothing happens.  The earth in and of itself does not produce, but once a seed is received into fertile soil, Mother Earth nourishes, supports, and sustains life.  Even the reproductive terms used to describe women are referenced in regard to the earth.  There is barren land and there is fertile soil.

Just as our earthly fathers expect us to honor our mothers, as good children who honor our Heavenly Father, we are called to care for our mother, our mother earth.  Which brings the issue of Standing Rock, fracking, and pasture lands to the forefront.  Humanity was not given dominion over the earth or air, land nor water; but rather the animals of the land, birds of the air, and fish of the sea.  We are called to take care of and protect the natural resources our Heavenly Father has created.  They are for the benefit of all creation, not the greed of man.

Genesis 2:7, 9, 19 all indicate the Native American understanding of creation definitely includes mother earth.

And YHWH Elohim formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.  Genesis 2:7

And out of the ground made YHWH Elohim to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food . . . Genesis 2:9a

And out of the ground YHWH Elohim formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air . . . Genesis 2:19a

Monday, September 26, 2016

Spiritual Manifest in the Natural

Realizing many are planning for someone else to get the ball rolling, I'm going to take this time to encourage everyone to "bloom where you are planted!"  We've got to get serious about actually implementing everything we are talking about.  I listen to so many people who are very knowledgeable about Scripture, natural health, and simple living.  We should be utilizing the social media to continue to share information,while we can, but I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, YaH is not going to put us all in the same place.

I'll use the Land of Goshen, for example.  I know basic gardening, animal husbandry, and sustainable living.  I know considerably more about natural health, herbs, and oils, because I've been living that way much longer.  I hear from people regularly, who know or claim to know as much about the same subjects, so it would only make sense to encourage each other and establish these places in many locations.  Regardless of our "druthers" I speak with many people who cut me off mid sentence and have the same knowledge I have, which is fantastic!  We aren't just parroting, but actually possess the same knowledge, which can separately be shared to twice as many.  There is no need to have all of us in one place.  As the end of days unfold, we need to be in many places for YaH to use us.

The Land of Goshen is about to expand, officially, with a learning center called "Bethesda Renaissance Villa."  Guests will come for a four day, three night visit to learn practical application of Scriptural truth in this culture, basic sustainability, natural health, and various ways to lessen dependency on the system.  Obviously, all of that cannot be taught in four days, but it is my belief that those who are interested will already have a working knowledge of some of these topics, or they will return for another "4 day week-end" teaching.  We'll keep the costs as low as possible to make return visits affordable.  The students will then take their knowledge back home with them and work toward establishing what they have learned and / or experienced.

One of the most difficult issues we will cover, is the words of Messiah, as to who our enemy will truly be.  He never said it would be an invading country or violent religion, He said it would be of our own home and we wouldn't be received in our own country.  That is not an easy truth to accept or reality in which to live.  As we do attempt to "community up" each of us will have our own "special circumstance" that we'll have to deal with.  Simply expecting others to see our circumstances as unique will not suffice in these last days.

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the Torah of thy Elohim, I will also forget thy children.  Hosea 4:6

Sunday, September 11, 2016

Six Figures

I read and hear the reference to "six figure salary" regularly, these days.  Like everything else in our society, once something becomes common place, it's really not so special, after all.  I still remember the time when six figures was considered, "more than comfortable!"  Now, I get those offers in my email and hear a number of people talk about making a six figure salary.  I've never, personally, earned a six figure income, but . . . I've been married to a couple of men who earned a very nice living and our joint income was "comfortable."  That, however; is now ancient history and when those men were earning "comfortable" incomes, six figure offers were the exception and far from the norm.

Now that so many are "worth" six figures, that will only cause expenses to increase.  The cost of services are outrageous and the price of groceries is constantly on the increase, regardless of the cost of fuel or size of harvest.  I'm taking a different approach and embracing a different kind of challenge.  I've managed six figures on occasion, and I came to realize, the more figures to manage, the more life costs, so . . . I began my trek, heading the other direction on the economic continuum.  It seems there is always a great deal of expense and debt involved when dealing with a six figure income, and I can only imagine it's worse now that everyone is worth six figures!

I still budget and manage an annual six figures, even seven; but there is a decimal point involved.  In listening to so many people speak of their dream home, or downsizing, or homesteading, or whatever . . . I just cringe at the idea that folks really aren't taking the warning or advice to get out of debt!  Some are thinking they still have 10-20 years to get out of debt and hopefully they do.  While others seem to actually believe more free stuff from Washington will help the economy.  More free stuff from Washington is wrong on such a fundamental level, I can't even offer an opinion with any dignity, at all.

Frequently, I hear people say, "money is a necessary evil," and for now that may be true, but; Scripture tells of a day there will be no buying and selling without eternal consequence, so while I'm still using money for the time being, I have spent the last 20 years of my life, trying to reduce the dependency and necessity of it in my life.  I have a business and I have bills, but the day may come that my products are used in trading, and I learn to live without a few luxuries I now enjoy.  Please, believe me, I am not anti-money, but I am taking a stronger stand against debt.  Statistics indicate, most folks are truly living paycheck to paycheck, so that means any disruption of income could lead very quickly, to serious losses of true necessities like food and shelter.

As a boomer, I have to admit that I haven't acquired and amassed as much as many in my generation.  I also admit, I really don't care.  My goal has been to become independent of the system without amassing debt, so I've worked at this rather "slow and steady."  Slow and steady is not my nature, but in this society, "instant" usually involves debt.  In the Aesop Fable of "the Tortoise and the Hare," I'm not naturally a tortoise type individual.  That has taken my Heavenly Father to instill patience to acquire what He has ordained.  He has caused me to be content with what I have and to spend my extra money and energy on expanding this ministry and conducting business in the exact opposite manner as corporations and mega-church.  I'm here to say, it works and works quite well.  I am not independently wealthy, but in nearly 22 years of ministry, I have never asked for a donation.  YaH has provided in His timing.

As a matter of fact, this lifestyle works so well, I don't need an accountant, a body guard, or spokesperson.  My income is adequate, and my expenses are actually less than they were thirty years ago . . . My expenses seem to be decreasing as the years continue.  So, I am able to keep my product prices low, and give away for those in need, as well as make my books available through internet borrowing sites, and the extra at the end of the month is going toward the next project Adonai has for me.  It may be slow going, but by that same token, unexpected gifts have come in at very special times, still maintaining the spending within six figures . . . including a decimal point.

But my G-d shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Messiah Y'hshuwah.  Philippians 4:19 

Sunday, May 8, 2016

Loss of Compassion or Discernment?

It is with a heavy heart, I've been doing some serious soul searching.  There is a realization about myself and this place that I wasn't ready to accept, much less embrace.  In listening to the various opinions in America, from political to religious to morality to the label of terrorist and hate speech, there are a whole lot of folks who'd best not come knocking on my door when this mess collapses.  I'm usually a fairly patient person, and try not to be too judgmental or at least give folks space to "come around," but there isn't time for that anymore.  If you've had more than two conversations with me, you know where I stand on the following issues, but I will post my perspective publicly here, so there is no misunderstanding.  I'd hate for someone to waste their time and effort trying to make it here when they would only be refused or sent away . . .

Since this is an election year, let's start with politics.  Extremists abound on both sides and I don't want to listen to or feed either side.  Most of the Bernie fans I've heard, have mouths and attitudes like Trump and most of the Trump fans seem as entrepreneurial as Bernie.  Hillary fans are just plain sad . . . and as for Ted Cruz, he's a religious guy that openly believes Monsanto has upgraded creation.  No double speak there . . . So, if you truly believe any of these people are going to fix America, when they fail and they will, please know those of us who are being called names now, won't be rolling out the red carpet.

On to religious differences.  In all fairness, this place was established by a direct call from our Heavenly Father to be based on the Bible.  PERIOD, it's simply not up for debate, so if you are New Testament only, or pantheist, or hedonist, you won't like it here.  Believe me, I've stood my ground to some very disturbing name calling and I'm still here.  I'm related to people who will not be taking refuge here, so please understand I have absolutely no motivation to compromise my spiritual beliefs or make concession.

As for morality, I've been forgiven much by our Creator, so your past is irrelevant as long as it is in the past.  Parents with grown disrespectful unrepentant kids, this will not be a shelter for them.  This place is here to help folks who actually want to live according to Scripture through the end days.  I will not debate morality because I didn't write the rules to begin with, therefore they won't be changing.  I'm stuck with a few rules myself, that I'd like to change, but I'm not about to give up the blessings and anointing, so I aim for obedience.  Times will be difficult enough, we surely do not want chastening to be necessary!

As for the label of terrorist and hate speech, I've already been introduced to that . . . Nothing says "tolerance" like someone screaming obscenities.  Truth will be labeled hate speech.  I believe the Bible is true, so if you don't like what the Bible has to say, you won't like the atmosphere, here.  Save yourself the aggravation . . .

In sorting through this, I was truly afraid I'd lost compassion, but I was wrong.  The Word of YHWH is the only Truth and anyone or anything that comes against it cannot be here.  Adonai has allowed me discernment, that I would use my resources and energy wisely in showing compassion to those He will be bringing.  Discernment is not a loss of compassion, at all; it's the clarity to see where the compassion should be directed.  

 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.  Hebrews 5:14 

Sunday, March 13, 2016

Waxing Sentimental

As far as the internet goes, I've been relatively quiet.  There is a lot going on around the world, and right here on the home place, and I've had a great deal to think about.  It's certainly not all bad, not at all, but I just felt the need for some quiet contemplation, or even more basic, like I'm simply out of words.  The world wide web doesn't need my immediate reaction to anything and everything.  You know how "they" say, whoever "they" are that women speak nearly 3 times as much as men do, and the scientific research says it's because of Foxp2 protein in females.  Perhaps my level is lacking.  For the past two months, I've been speaking every week and the phone calls have increased, therefore it seems I'm simply out of words when I sit down to type.

Finally, the words are here to share an experience that both saddens and gladdens my heart.  I recently purchased a beautiful goat.  She was truly stunning! . . . As goats go.  I knew she was bred and her freshening looked to be soon, when shortly after I'd gotten her, she simply wouldn't or couldn't get up.  She was head up, eating, drinking, chewing a cud but just couldn't get her back legs to hold her.  I conferred with experts who said they'd seen it in cattle, and it was likely due to a pinched nerve from the pregnancy.  As long as she was eating and drinking, they felt, she'd probably come out of it and be fine when she kidded.  One man even told me, he'd had a cow down for nine days before she calved, and everything turned out fine.  That's not what happened . . .

Although "Princess" was head up and eating at evening chore time, the next morning, she was still head up, but I could hear the beginning of the death rattle.  As the day moved forward, I could see her failing, but she didn't seem to be in any pain.  Once I realized her death was approaching quickly, I thought of the kids.  I could see them moving in her.  I called a friend who worked on a big Oklahoma ranch and whose son is the manager of said ranch.  I told him I was losing the goat, but wanted to try to save the kids.  He said he and his wife would be right there.  As the sun was setting, Princess's breathing became very shallow and slack.  We prayed and he said we'd have one minute to make an incision after she breathed her last, and one minute to get the kids out before they drown in the amniotic fluid, and . . . he couldn't promise we'd be successful.  Of course, I was aware that, I just had to do all I could do . . . if the results were unsuccessful, I at least knew I'd done all I could.

Without graphic details, the time came, and we discovered she was pregnant with triplets.  As fast and furiously as we worked, their little lungs were already filling up.  One of the kids never did make a sound or draw a breath, but two of them did!  We dried them, we patted them, and I literally slung them over my forearm, head down, so the fluid would drain.  My friends and I were a mess.  My coat and shirt were soaked in amniotic fluid, but those two little kids were breathing!  We brought them in the house and laid them on more fresh rags, with fluid still draining.  We had them as dry as we could get them, they were warm, and I was thawing colostrum.  My friends left, saying they'd check on us all later, and I set up the "tub" which has practically become a fixture of furniture, it seems.  Wanting to keep the kids dry and clean, I decided I needed to get cleaned up before handling them, so I got them snuggled in and headed to the shower.


My faith was a bit wavering that evening, but they drank a couple of ounces.  I just wasn't sure what I'd awaken to, so I slept on the living room couch where I could hear them.  Sure enough, they let me know in the middle of the night, two ounces wouldn't hold them til morning.  The two little kids did survive and thrive, but I had no plans of keep them.  Their papa was not the breed I want to raise, so I was faced with the hard cold reality of homesteading.  If I wasn't going to keep them, I needed to find them a home while they were still bottle babies.  If I kept them until they were weaned, they just might end up as someone's dinner . . .
















The morning of the sale I gave them their bottles, they are munching a bit of hay now, and loaded them up to be sold as bottle kids.  They won't bring the price of weaned kids, and that's just fine.  I was the only mama they ever knew and it was hard loading them, but this was the right time for them to become someone else's babies.

Sunday, February 14, 2016

Moving Forward

In moving forward, the realization has come, with doors opening, others are closing.  In all my excitement of preparing and projects of advancement, I have overlooked a bit of "clean up" that is needed.  I simply cannot drag any of my past mistakes and misgivings into the future plans.  So, in this time of preparation, there has also been a cleansing . . . That may seem like it should be a given, and no need of mention, but when it's spiritual and emotional cleaning that is needed, it's not always so obvious.  I had a few "cobwebs" that were seriously overshadowing and impeding the view, but like literal cobwebs, they gather so slowly, they aren't noticed until you run into them, or someone visits . . . Then there was the baggage . . .


I also have another trait that I'm not so proud of, when it comes to new projects and expansion.  The general maintenance isn't as thorough and often amounts to little more than hitting the high spots, which makes it all the easier for the "cobwebs" to gather dust, unnoticed.  Fortunately, with a daughter who likes to expose all my past regrets and closet skeletons, a surprise skeleton falling out is likely not an issue.  What has required my attention is my own acceptance of some areas of my less than embraceable reality.  It was almost as if the glare of reality was softened by the cobwebs.  But no more, it's time for complete acceptance and letting go, to move forward, and I'm truly excited about it!

In less than a month, I'll observe a milestone in my earthly adventure.  Two actually, back to back, and I have prayed and feel very inspired to spend my energy and emotions quite wisely in the days ahead.  The cobwebs are being cleared, my mental and spiritual "house" is getting a long overdue sprucing, but more importantly, a fence is now up.  Actually it's a hedge, a hedge of protection.    There is a gate, but the fence will not be moved, unless ordered from On High.  There will be order here in the Land of Goshen and some things are simply non-negotiable.  YaH willing, I am planning a good year . . . I believe a great deal of the way "it goes" will depend upon my attitude.  I have no control over a number of things that occur and certainly no control over the behavior of others, but I do have control over my reaction.  Even more basic than that, though, I expect this next year to be more a time of taking action and less reaction.

Big plans are being shown to me and unfolding around here.  I am open to suggestions, but will not be inviting compromise or chaos.  I am not a perfect hostess, nor am I a lonely extrovert, so if someone doesn't like the accommodations and arrangements, I understand.  That is completely acceptable to me.  I do my best to be gracious, but the bottom line is, I want to please YHWH and the opinion of humanity comes after that.  The problem of the divided house has been pretty much resolved in an unusual way, and I intend to maintain my effort without further dispute.

Some of the baggage was a bit tougher to toss, but it's exciting to begin this expansion, clean.  Four years ago, I heard "enlarge the tent" and began the process of adding two additions.  The additions weren't for the reason I was hoping at the time, but that's all right.  I didn't have too many cobwebs of memories to clean up on that one, so it didn't take long.  The field is now prepared, the house is complete, now it's time to gather those who are called to work together to share and help those who are seeking.
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of YHWH in Messiah Y'hshuwah.  Philippians 3:14









Sunday, January 24, 2016

The Bigger Picture

As I've shared the latest revelation with a few close folk, there has been a consistent comment from them all.  "It's all going into place so quickly!"  Honestly, it hasn't felt that way, AT ALL!  I remember crying to YHWH even before I began homesteading . . . "When?  I'm ready!"  Well, over 10 years later, I can look back and say, "Not only was I not ready, I was clueless!"

So often we think we know what the plan is, when the reality is; it's so much bigger than we know.  Ten years ago, I was certainly not ready for the things that are coming into view, now.  I wasn't ready three years ago, but . . . Abba has readied me.  I'm going to keep this short about Goshen, because it's so much bigger than just here.  Many are feeling an urgency to be in place, to be ready.  We know we must have our lamps filled with oil.  Many of us sense the time of preparation is coming to a close and we just aren't sure we are where we're supposed to be.

I truly thought when I heard land with a well, when I got there, I was ready . . .  I was so wrong!  The first tiny homestead was just a training camp.  Now that I see the next step on the horizon, I would have never envisioned this or been able to wrap my mind around it, when this place was still remote wilderness.

So many times we think we have to see more of the plan to step out in faith.  I'm learning stepping out in faith is not nearly so overwhelming as seeing the bigger picture!  I honestly could not have understood or envisioned what I'm now watching unfold!  So thankful now, that when I thought I was "ready," Abba continued to keep me tucked under the shelter of His wing, until He had readied me!

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.  Hebrews 11:8

Friday, January 1, 2016

Even Animal Discussions are Extreme

I didn't get to fully read both sides of the argument, as one side simply posted they had received an email advising this person against "humanizing" pets.  Without knowing the details of the email, I will say the response seemed beyond extreme, but then it occurred to me, it's just part of the extreme polarization going on in this country.  We don't just disagree, we are vehemently polarized.

In reading the extensive response the writer posted, I didn't have the impression the person who was against humanizing pets was promoting mistreatment of animals, or promoting Michael Vick, but rather was simply expressing their view against folks treating animals like they are human.  The response was vitriolic in nature, and quite accusatory, which could be why the author does take solace in treating their pet as if it were human.  The author went so far as to call the person cruel and even quoted Scripture that seemed entirely inappropriate for the topic at hand.  Again, I didn't see the original email that "prompted" this public berating, but in the lengthy written lecture, there was no reference to any justification of cruelty.

As an animal lover, who admittedly refers to my critters as my social life, I found the letter of correction to be reflective of what's wrong with so much of our society.  First, without any reference to actual justification this written response was in a tone, I wouldn't use on a dog, much less a human.  Many folks refer to their dogs as their fur babies and it would seem that the status of dog has been elevated beyond "man's best friend."  I've noticed the folks who are the most extreme in their insistence to humanize their dog, usually have no children . . . while others have debilitating health issues or live alone, greatly valuing the companionship of their four legged friend.

Rex Harrison, as Dr. Doolittle, has crossed my mind many times as I've thought about this.  He and I share a birthday, by the way . . . I enjoy animals the way our Creator made them.  I love all the various critters here in the Land of Goshen, but I don't want to humanize any of them.  There's no need.  Goats and guineas do not need to act like each other, or like sheep or like me for that matter.  The dogs are all very unique in their personalities and that's as it should be.  They all communicate very clearly and I understand their language.  It's the same with the goats, chickens, guineas, and donkey.  My cat, Snowflake, is relatively new, so she and I are still getting acquainted, but truth be told, I hope she maintains her cat qualities since I don't like mice.

I've also noticed most folks who do humanize their pets, seem to talk a lot about how many problems their pets have, especially with anxiety issues.  As I read the published lambasting this individual posted, I thought of all the comments they've made about the problems their "humanized dog" suffers.  This is by far not the only example of humanized dogs having issues.  By all means we should care for our animals and special pets are just that, special.  I believe when we have a pet, even livestock that is faithful, loving and loyal, we owe it to them, to treat them as they were created to be.

Being human seems to be difficult enough for human beings.  Could it be, "humanizing" a dog actually creates stress for the dog that these precious creatures would not ordinarily have?  Maybe humanizing a pet is cruel . . .

A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast . . . a Proverb of Holy Scripture