☘️ From Snowfall to Spring Hope

 

No, I’m not back early from my blog break. I just wanted to poke my head in to say hello, do a little March decorating around here, share a quick February update, and let you in on what’s been on my heart.

I am so very much enjoying this break from daily blogging. I have to admit, I never thought I could stick with it, but I must have truly needed this pause. It has been such a gift.  A season of rest, reflection, and quiet, and I’m savoring every bit of it.

I want to reassure you that I am not closing down this blog. I’ll still be here, just in a gentler, slower rhythm. I’m prayerfully considering scaling back my posting, though I haven’t yet decided whether that will look like once a week, once a month, or something else. Hopefully, by April, I will have come to a decision. 

In this quieter season, I’ve been writing on Substack, and it has become a meaningful outlet that allows me to study, research, and write in the way I feel God is currently leading me. Some of what He is placing on my heart feels very personal, very tender, and not quite right for this blog space, and I’m learning to honor that. I want to write in obedience, freedom, and peace, rather than out of habit or expectation.

I have so much swirling around in my heart and mind -  thoughts about discipleship, mentorship, serving God, evangelism, the Jewish roots of our faith, replacement theology, and everything in between. It’s definitely a stretching season for me. 

And without boring you all to tears, a few new opportunities have come my way that I’m carefully considering and, of course, praying over. For now, I’m thankful for this pause, for God’s gentle leading, and for each of you who continues to walk alongside me here.

👇👇👇

February UPDATES

In the last post, I was hoping for snow, and it came the very next morning. It was lovely. The flakes drifted down from the sky like manna from Heaven, falling softly for about four hours. Then it stopped. I was sad to see it end, but an hour later the sun appeared, the temperature rose, and by mid-afternoon every tiny piece of that snowy manna was just a memory.

Of course, Laydee could hardly wait to get outside and do what dogs do best in the snow. 

The trees looked especially beautiful dressed in white. 

We probably had about an inch and a half, though there were some big flakes - nearly two inches across. Not being very knowledgeable about snowflakes, I was quite impressed.

It wasn’t like our bigger storms from years past, but we loved every minute of it. There were lots of texts flying back and forth, sharing snow photos with friends and family.

After a crane swooped down and ate all our fish, we decided not to replace them and just let the frogs be. Right after I took this photo, I went outside and saw a frog resting under the frog couple. It was pretty cute!

Yesterday was such an amazing day! We were able to attend a fantastic all-day conference hosted by Friends of Israel. It was uplifting - full of hope - especially with everything going on right now. Plus, connecting with so many like-minded people from all over Northern California made the event special and enjoyable! 

Many events and holidays are coming up in March. ☘️☘️

✅March 3 is Purim, which starts at sundown on March 2, 

✅St. Patrick's Day, March 17 ☘️

✅ Spring, March 20. 

✅Palm Sunday - March 29 🌴

Thanks for stopping by, and I’ll see you again in April. 

AND a Happy March and Spring to everyone. 🌷

1. "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19, Mark 1:17

2. "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." Matthew 16:24

3. "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live."

John 11:25-26

4. Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14;6

5. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Mark 8;36

Not Our Will but God's Will

Laydee is recovering well - I’m eagerly anticipating when she’ll get her bandage removed and can enjoy life "freely again."

How did everyone’s Thursday go? 

Since it’s now 5:00 PM PST, I’m beginning to think back on my day. In earlier blogging times, I would express my thoughts in the mornings while enjoying a cup of coffee. Now, I tend to share my reflections in the late afternoons, after my day is largely complete. This timing suits me better during this season of my life. 

Yesterday at BSF was truly interesting, with everything flowing seamlessly. I feel blessed to be surrounded by incredible women. One new member shared a belief rooted in her faith, suggesting that Adam's transgression was a noble act that led to humanity's mortality - an essential step for achieving exaltation and godhood. 

Say What? 

She conveyed her belief that God the Father, who was once a mortal man, achieved divine exaltation. This path to godhood transformed him into an eternal being, characterized by a physical body of flesh and bone. She also noted that Jesus journeyed to ancient South American civilizations to spread his teachings. 

I felt my cheeks get warm as I listened to her -  I shared my disagreement politely. I hold a strong sense of guardianship over God, His Word, and so on, and I had to inform her that I didn't subscribe to what she shared with us, and most of the ladies there also spoke up. It didn't seem to faze her, and she said she would be back. 

I did tell the others in a text message once I got home that we should all speak with love and respect, because she is there for a reason. We must maintain our focus on God's Word. 

I've already looked up some information about her church, and oh boy... My husband recommended that I read the book, The Kingdom of the Cults, by Walter Martin. 

At the college today, my husband encountered some students who wanted to argue with him and recorded a video of the exchange. He maintained his composure while the students shouted at him for around 20 minutes, trying to draw a crowd, but most of the other students simply walked by. When it was over, a teacher approached and expressed gratitude for his patience, which he attributed to God because, deep down, it was challenging not to say something he might later regret.

Clearly, God is working through both of us - granting us precisely what we asked for: to be more courageous and to do His will.

My husband messaged our Pastor after he got home and expressed his frustration. Our Pastor sent back one of his favorite quotes: 

Debby

 

Thursday This and That

Just a couple of weeks ago, my Aloe Vera plant began to show off its beautiful blooms! It was such a delightful surprise to see its vibrant flowers emerging, adding a burst of color and life to the space. 

The following day, a fierce wind swept through, casting a wild dance of gusts that sent the lovely yellow blossoms tumbling to the ground. 

Bummer!

My son recently shared a delightful photo of a rabbit he spotted at the Cal Vet Home. He insisted it was a big one, likely a jackrabbit! Isn’t it adorable? 

This morning, I snapped a photo of the side table from yesterday's post. I decided to put it upright for now since we haven't yet rolled out the weed barrier and laid down the rocks. Plus, I felt a twinge of guilt for the bumblebees that like to seek refuge under it. 

You can see that this table has seen better days—it's worn and definitely on its last leg. But I can’t bear the thought of tossing it aside just because it’s not in its prime anymore. Rescuing these pieces and breathing new life into them has always been a challenge I enjoy. It’s like a bit of adventure, finding beauty in the imperfect!

The idea that God restores our brokenness and never discards us is a powerful testament to His love, grace, and faithfulness.

Dumpster Diving

Before moving to Shasta County, I lived in San Mateo, near San Francisco. A friend and I decided to go dumpster diving when students cleared out of their dorms at Stanford, and we found amazing items, including furniture. This experience sparked my passion for dumpster diving. 

In San Mateo, our garbage company offered Spring and Fall clean-up days for disposing of unwanted items for free. My friends and I turned it into a semi-annual ritual, cruising through affluent neighborhoods like Woodside, Atherton, and Hillsborough, searching for treasures. The finds were incredible—furniture, kids' toys, and bikes—all of which I repurposed for my daycare.

I was particular about dumpsters and avoided those that smelled. 👃

That side table is the last remnant from my Dumpster Days. I found it in the mid-1990s, and it has been with me for around 35 years. 

After finishing the front section, we’ll tackle the grass area. We still need to agree on a plan. 

Currently, we’re working on trim painting using a method that works for us. We take breaks and chop the project into manageable chunks, spending an hour or so painting in the morning, then treating ourselves to lunch and a nap. After that, we take a small bite of another project. Then it's time to clean up, put away, and have some dinner. 

That's how we roll -  balancing productivity with a little self-care! This way, we are not exhausted or bored. 

I say BIG DEAL

When our new garage door was installed, I noticed an intriguing blue tinge to the gray. However, during painting, the paint color didn't match the door, which bothered my OCD tendencies. In my younger days, this would have stressed me out, but I reminded myself: 'Big deal!'

It's not the end of the world

Who cares what the neighbors think

In the big picture of life, it's not that important. 

I want to avoid unnecessary drama over a couple of shades not aligning perfectly. I might paint the black strip, but it's not a major concern. Interestingly, the steel door matches the paint at certain times of day, which messes with my mind.  😵

**Additionally, we've discovered some pieces of wood trim with dry rot that need replacement and painting. It seems this home project keeps evolving, doesn’t it?

We have a couple of big events.

Tomorrow evening, we will be attending the Friends of Israel Conference in Redding, with attendees from across the country. (7 pm-9 pm) On Saturday, the event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Afterwards, we'll change clothing and head to the Rodeo around 5 p.m. for Armed Services Day, where my husband will represent the Coast Guard. (He served 10 years in each service, both the Navy and Coast Guard) We’ll sit with other Veterans and their families and enjoy a Tri-Tip dinner.

I wasn't going to attend until they mentioned dinner...

Char will meet us there.  I can leave after dinner and the opening ceremonies if needed, while she and her dad enjoy the rest of the rodeo. I'll play it by ear!

I think that about sums up what's going on. 

I may or may not post tomorrow or Saturday...

Until then, 

Debby

Update on Elias * and some other things

 

From Elias's Grandma:

"I wanted to share an update on Elias' progress as he continues his journey toward recovery. Last week, he began more intense physical therapy, and we are thrilled to see some positive changes.

Elias is now able to hold himself up in a sitting position, which is a significant milestone for him. His left leg has become noticeably stronger, and he can kick with it. We're also excited to report that we've seen slight movement in his right leg over the last few days.

These improvements give us hope, and we're praying for continued strength and recovery for both legs. We understand that this might be a long road.

We're also seeing glimpses of his joyful spirit returning, as he's starting to smile more often. This means the world to us, and we ask for your continued prayers and support for his spirits and healing.

Thank you for being a part of Elias' journey. Your love and encouragement make all the difference. "

I wanted to share about one of the remarkable women in my BSF study group. Rene underwent brain surgery in December, and was back in three weeks!  Today she having breast surgery for cancer. It truly breaks my heart, especially knowing what a beautiful soul she is—someone who has always placed her trust in God with an unwavering spirit. Despite her own struggles, she radiates positivity and often finds ways to comfort those around her. She sent me the meme from James 5:16 last night as we texted back and forth.  I'm hoping to hear some news in the next day or so -  I don’t want to overwhelm her during this time.

Last night, my husband was experiencing a pretty bad headache that has persisted for a couple of days, along with back pain. He had spent a significant amount of time in the yard yesterday - cutting branches off a tree and preparing them for trash pickup, which likely contributed to all of this. This morning, he had a hard time getting out of bed due to the considerable pain and decided to visit the VA clinic for evaluation. Although he is fine, the clinic recommended that he allow his back to rest for a couple of days. 

My husband tends to maintain a hectic schedule, exacerbated by his ADHD, which makes it hard for him to just relax. The clinic also suggested he take Excedrin for his headache. Consequently, due to his limited mobility, both he and Patrick will not be going to set up the table at the college tomorrow. I have opted to stay home from my BSF class and arranged for a substitute in my place; that way, I can make sure he stays put and gets the rest so he can heal. 

This is the first time I have missed my class - oh well. He would do the same for me. 

We have just received a significant package from Amir Tsarfati's Behold Israel, and we couldn't be more excited! God is truly opening the right doors for us in this ministry, not only to colleges but also to churches in the area. It is our deep desire that God will stir the hearts of all Christians to understand and love Israel and its people.

The pens and bracelets are appealing; 

They sent about 30 books! 

_________________

Are You Noticing the Signs of the Times?

In the Bible, Jesus spoke about the signs that would make it clear His return is near. What are those signs? And are they evident today?

As a Jewish native Israeli who is a Christian, Amir Tsarfati has a distinct perspective that weaves biblical history, current events, and Bible prophecy together to shine light on the mysteries about the end times. From his vantage point in the Middle East and through careful Bible study, Amir points to evidence that informs us the return of the Lord is imminent.

In The Day Approaching, you will learn…
 

• God’s plans for the world, Israel, the church, and you
• that the signs of Christ’s return are visible all around us
• about the smoke screen of deception that will lure people away from truth
• how even now God is revealing Himself to people and changing their hearts
• of the wonders that await us in Jesus’ future millennial kingdom

As you seek hope and clarity about earth’s final days, let the Bible alone be the resource you turn to for answers.

_________________

As I said, we just received this while I was writing this post, so I am anxious to go through it all - and start reading that book! 

Stay tuned to the Hodgepodge for tomorrow - 

 Have a blessed evening. 

Debby

Saturday's Catch up Post

 

You’re all so sharp—I knew you’d figure it out! Just having a little fun with you all. Keep those amazing brains working, huh? 

Happy Saturday! 

I will do some catching up with all of you about the last couple of days.

On Friday, my husband and his friend Patrick traveled to the college to set up their Friends of Israel table.  

With prayer surrounding them, they experienced a remarkable absence of confrontations—only positivity prevailed, and they were warmly welcomed by everyone who approached the table.

In addition to the Community College, we are blessed to have two Christian colleges in our midst. While we're still awaiting a response from Simpson, we are excited about Shasta Bible College. One of the professors visited their table and graciously invited my husband and Patrick to share their insights with students during Wednesday's Chapel on occasion.

How cool is that? 

It is inspiring to see many denominations striving to overturn the years, or even centuries, of replacement theology.

I went out with my son, Foodie, in the morning, which is always a nice visit. 

When I was alone, I stopped at a funky place that had a lot of metal art and sculptures I liked.

And these unique bird baths - 

This is my favorite. 

I visited the little market to check on the offerings at the farmer's stand. The farmer's wife informed me that her husband was currently  "ripping" the ground. This process is essential for loosening the soil, which improves its quality and prepares it for planting.

Heck, I'm a city girl - I had no idea. 

The dog was enjoying the freshly turned earth, relishing the cool, moist soil beneath his paws. 

On the farm, there’s always a task waiting to be tackled, particularly when the sun is out and the weather cooperates. 

I admire her unique and eclectic style rather than perfectly manicured yards. 

I love how she can turn just about anything into a container.

Amazing the pumpkins are still remaining intact and in good condition.

I've always wanted to try this... she's got a few "flower beds."

Spotted this heron...

Looks like she’s been working hard at her little stand. She’s got goats milk soap with blackberry sage and lavender scents.

4 berry Jams left 

Heart glass-shaped bath salts with dried roses and lavender grown on their farm.  

A sweet little Valentine's gift...

What an inspiring woman!

I think I mentioned once that she grew up on a dairy farm and has never left the farm life. 

I don’t get why I put myself in these situations. I had no cash at all! They go by the honor system, but I’d rather just come back with cash and buy more. I believe the honor system is great for situations like when you might be short a dollar or so. It’s more about helping each other out rather than just using it as a way to take things without paying.

This is Fire cider

This particular remedy seems to strengthen the immune system and can help prevent ailments commonly associated with cold weather. Its flavor is unique. Additionally, it has a potent aroma that some might describe as off-putting or pungent. 

I came home and got ready with my husband to go out to eat with Navy and his wife at my favorite Mexican restaurant, which was packed and loud. We usually dine out midweek, so I had to use my outside voice to talk. The food was delicious, and we had a great time. The lively, boisterous atmosphere created an energetic vibe that made the evening enjoyable.

It's a little after 5 pm and time for me to rustle something up for dinner. 

Enjoy your evening and I'll see you soon. 

Debby