A Sunday Post

Happy Sunday. 

It's another sunny day! The temperature is currently 62 degrees, but it feels cold in the shade. Once the sun sets behind the mountains, it will really get chilly fast! 

It was only 31 degrees this morning!

Oh, and I also picked up some of these mini wooden crosses to share with random people - spreading a little hope and inspiration.

Many hands make light work.

Being a member of a small church offers a unique sense of community that is hard to find in larger megachurches. Everyone has a role, and I truly appreciate that. I’m part of the hospitality group, where every Sunday, along with three other ladies, we ensure that our congregation has their coffee and donuts after the service.  We pick up the donuts, carefully slice them in half to minimize waste, prepare the coffee and hot water, and set out paper plates, napkins, and pitchers of ice and water in the fridge, ready to serve when our service is over and everyone comes downstairs. 

Since my husband and I live closest to the Bagel shop, he takes on the task of picking up the bagels and cream cheese. Both the donuts and bagels are pre-ordered and waiting for us. All we have to do is pick them up. 

Now, my husband will be working the sound system and they can rotate. It truly feels good to be so plugged into our church community.

 

Good news about the FOB situation. He found it in the basket where we keep the dog's leashes and harnesses. He discovered it just in time because he had checked with a local locksmith on Friday. The locksmith quoted us 50% less than what the dealer had quoted, and he was about to order it through the locksmith!

Saved 100% 

by not having to buy one in the first place. 

So, I found the tile I had initially given him and stood over him as he placed it on the key ring and activated it.

 Lord willing, he should be good. 

Yesterday, we gathered to celebrate the life of Gail's husband, a beloved member of both his church and Gail's temple. The interfaith memorial was a beautiful tribute, highlighted by a karaoke sing-along of "Whiter Shade of Pale," which brought laughter and joy. As well as a stunning guitar rendition of "Fire and Rain".

Each memorial is unique, just like the individuals we honor, and the Rabbi recited the beautiful Kaddish and El Rachamim prayers.

Afterward, we enjoyed a dinner together. Overall, this memorial was uplifting, and I left with a sense of peace. I only met Randy twice, but we were really there for Gail, who appreciated our presence.

That's a wrap for this Sunday post! I hope you’re all having a lovely evening and feeling excited about the week ahead. It’s amazing how fast these weeks fly by, isn’t it? Let’s make the most of them! Enjoy your night!

 

This and That on a Monday

Today has unfolded beautifully - 

It's amazing how my perspective on Mondays has changed since my husband and I embraced retirement; they now feel like a refreshing start rather than a frantic beginning to the week.

The oranges I brought home from a neighbor’s tree are truly a delight. Each bite reveals an explosion of juicy flavor - hands down, the best oranges I’ve ever tasted! I even incorporated them into the Orange Cardamom olive oil cake, I baked on Christmas Day. 

All before noon, I made a quick trip to the store - I dashed in to get a much-needed haircut and also picked up a calendar from the Dollar Tree to mark up with appointments. 

In 2025, I will join Pamela and Ginny as they showcase their monthly calendars on their blogs on the first of every month. I figure, why not? This year, I find myself having several calendars instead of the usual one.

I like to keep a magnetic notepad on my refrigerator, so I picked this one up at Dollar Tree. It doesn't "wow" me—they were picked over, and I could find none that I really liked, but I needed one as I used the last sheet today. Then I found out that the magnet on the back doesn't even hold it up. I will take off the other magnet and glue it on. 

You can do it - yeah I guess I did. 

Christmas has been tidied away, and this year, I kept it minimal with just one tote. The outside nativity and the decorations inside are gone, along with the stockings that were hung with care and the Santa boots. 

The house is a mess. 

Yet, what remains is Jesus. 

May He always be front and center in our lives, and not just for a season.

Yesterday around dusk, we went downtown because the Chabad Center from Chico came to light the Hanukkah menorah in our town. A large group of them drove up with their children and brought latkes and sufganiyot (jelly donuts) to share for free with the public. There was some dancing and music as well.

You might already know that they are Hasidic Jews, especially if you live on the East Coast.  They follow Orthodox traditions, and the men typically wear tzitzit, dark clothing, and often a hat. We don’t have many Hasidic Jews here in California; you usually find them in cities with large Jewish populations, such as New York City or Philadelphia. 

Definitely not in Shasta County!

The Rebbe (as Hasidic Jews refer to their Rabbi) and his wife have nine children! They were very friendly and welcoming. We met up with some members of our Tikvah team and a few from the Synagogue.

It was windy, so they had to tie the hanukkiah to a heavier one. This one was made from PVC piping. And yes, the boy is dressed up like a dreidel. 

FYI

A Chabad is a vibrant Hasidic outreach organization dedicated to providing spiritual support and connection to non-observant Jews. These centers often serve as vital hubs for Jewish life, particularly in areas with a significant population of Jewish students, such as college campuses. 

Typically, a Chabad house is located just off campus, where a Rebbe—a spiritual leader and teacher—along with his family creates a welcoming environment. These houses serve as a sanctuary for Jewish students seeking community, offering a variety of programs and activities designed to foster a sense of belonging and cultural identity. 

The Rebbe and his family open their homes to students, hosting Shabbat meals, holiday celebrations, and engaging and informative educational classes. This warm, familial atmosphere makes the Chabad house a cherished place for many, providing a comforting "home away from home" where Jewish students can connect with their heritage, seek guidance, and build lifelong friendships. 

Whether it's through festive meals, study sessions, or simply a place to relax and socialize, Chabad houses play a crucial role in bridging the gap between less observant Jews and their cultural and religious roots, enriching their college experience with meaningful Jewish engagement.

Getting ready to pack up. 

I spoke with the Rebbe's wife, who highlighted the challenges in Chico and the Bay Area, especially on campus after October 7, 2023. Despite being in Chico for 17 years, they’ve faced security concerns, feeling the absence of supportive neighbors. 

This is why, as Christians, we must stand united with our Jewish brethren, regardless of the cost!

Years ago, I watched movies and historical documentaries that depicted Europe in the 1930s and 1940s, illustrating how people turned against the Jewish community during that time. I remember thinking that I could never be part of such behavior, and I'm sure many others have felt the same way.

Yet, here we are in a critical moment in history where we must not bury our heads in the sand. We must remember that "Never Again" is a call to action that must be heeded today.

After we left the gathering we went out for Mexican food for dinner. 

Today was a beautiful, sunny, and clear day. Although it was a bit chilly with some cool breezes, the high reached 56 degrees. Brrrr, but it felt nice in the sun! It looks like there won't be any rain this week, so we can dry out from the rain we had last week. I wish it was like that all winter - rain one week and dry the next.  

Tonight, we're grilling BBQ chicken on the patio.

We have no plans for New Year’s Eve other than doing what we always do. I’m perfectly fine with my husband and me being “old farts.” We’ll probably watch a movie and enjoy some ice cream!

I hope you are all doing well and looking forward to a wonderful New Year. I know I am, and I can’t wait!

Hugs,

Debby

 

Margie's Potato Latkes

This is the kind of old-school recipe that, once you do it successfully, you can experiment with to make it your own. I've added fresh garlic to the potato mixture when it was just family. Not everyone likes garlic like we do. 

Margie's Potato Latkes' 

6 large potatoes grated

2-3 large onions grated

2 well-beaten eggs

2 tbsp. flour

1 tsp salt

pinch of pepper

4 tbsp. of shortening (I use a vegetable oil) 

 Peel the potatoes 

 Soak in cold water - 1 hour in the refrigerator

Remove from water - grate potatoes and onions and drain the excess starch and onion juice

 Add well-beaten eggs

 flour 

 salt

 pepper. 

Mix well by hand or wooden spoon.

Meanwhile, have skillets sizzling hot with oil. 

Drop a large spoonful of the potato mixture and fry to a deep brown and both sides. 

*The Oil must be sizzling HOT, or they will be greasy and soggy. I pretty much keep my cast iron on high-medium heat. 

Don't be stingy with the oil -  

 it is Hanukkah!

Traditionally, it is served with applesauce or sour cream

*Throughout the frying, skim the skillet of crisp pieces or they will burn and smoke

*If your smoke alarm hasn't gone off, your skillet isn't hot enough. (JK) Turn on fans, open windows...

*I work two cast iron skillets at the same time when I am making them for a crowd.

 

Sitting Shiva

 

Something interesting happened yesterday. I learned that my new friend Gail's husband had passed away, and we were invited to "sit shiva" with her. Although I've heard of this Jewish custom, it was my first experience. Wanting to respect the tradition, I looked it up online to avoid any missteps.

What is Sitting Shiva? 

Genesis 50:10

When they reached the threshing floor of Atad, near the Jordan, they lamented loudly and bitterly; and there Joseph observed a seven-day period of mourning for his father.

Job 2:11-13 

When Job’s three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him.  When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him; they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads.  Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was.

Visiting a mourner typically involves supporting them for seven days through conversation, meals, prayers, and reciting the Mourner's Kaddish. A common expression of sympathy is, "I'm sorry for your loss." Nothing more needs to be said at this time.  During my visit, we washed our hands, sat on low, uncomfortable stools, and all mirrors were covered. Although I didn’t inquire about her husband’s passing, it was evident he had been ill. We read prayers together for about 30-40 minutes, and I signed up to bring her a meal on Christmas Eve.

We had also picked up Susan, another Temple member in her 70s using a walker, who lived nearby. She surprised me when she firmly stated, 

"I won't accept Jesus - never, never, never." 

I had to chuckle and reassure her, 

"My friendship with you is unconditional." 

I don't think she expected that response from me. She's encountered in the past some rude christians and I don't want to be like that.   After our conversation, she invited me in and she gave me some chocolates to take home.  I’m happy to say I made another new friend. When Gail wasn't able to take her to the temple, she asked if I could be her backup. Of course - we're going anyway, and she lives nearby. 

So, last evening took a turn I never expected! What started as a typical night transformed into something extraordinary. After I talked on the phone with Gail, we changed clothes, laced up our shoes, then out the door for a quick hamburger meal. Then went from there to pick up Susan. 

I am deeply grateful to God for the privilege to serve His lost sheep. 

Until Next Time, 

Debby