Imagine Palm Sunday/Passover 29AD

When I think of Palm Sunday, I like to picture what it was really like back then. 

The context brings it to life for me. 

Imagine Jerusalem at Passover - 

Crowds of Jewish pilgrims filled the city, the air thick with excitement and reverence. You could hear the chatter of families, the bleating of animals, and the laughter of children. The smell of fresh matzah and roasting lamb drifted through the streets. Passover wasn’t just a story from the past; it was a living reminder of God’s promise to deliver His people. And deep down, many were hoping He would do it again.

He shall judge between the nations… neither shall they learn war anymore.” (Isaiah 2:4)

“Then the Lord will go forth and fight against those nations…” (Zechariah 14:3)

 “And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives…” (Zechariah 14:4)

“One like the Son of Man… to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom.” (Daniel 7:13–14)

“The Lord also will roar from Zion… But the Lord will be a shelter for His people.” (Joel 3:16)

“The day is coming, burning like an oven…” (Malachi 4:1)

 “But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise…” (Malachi 4:2)

Then Yeshua arrived. Not on a grand white horse, not leading an army, but riding a humble donkey. That wasn’t just a random choice - it meant something. Every single step the donkey took reminded people of old prophecies they’d heard in the synagogue. You could almost feel the hope rising in the crowd, as if ancient promises were finally coming true right before their eyes.

Zechariah 9:9 (ESV): "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey."

But wait. This wasn’t the king they had pictured in their prayers or whispered about in hope. Instead of a majestic ruler in royal robes, here was someone humble and approachable. It must have caught them off guard. Still, their voices rose up together, full of hope and longing, shouting,

 “Hosanna!”

That cry wasn’t just a word. They meant it. It was a mix of desperation and hope, passed down through generations who longed for deliverance. Some were asking God for help, but many were also hoping for freedom from Rome’s heavy hand.

But God was doing something even bigger than they could imagine. He was sending their Messiah - a Savior, to set His people once and for all, free from sin and bring them back to Him.

God's timing is everything. Just days before Passover, when families were choosing their lambs for sacrifice, Jesus walked right into Jerusalem for everyone to see. People watched Him, asked questions, and tried to figure out who He really was.

There He was, the Lamb of God, walking among the people.

The crowds cheered and praised Him, but most didn’t really know who He was. He knew so many would miss what He was really about. 2000+ years and we know that He is our humble King. The Lamb of God. One day, He will come as the Lion of Judah, and the Jewish people will recognize Jesus as their Messiah upon His return, as foretold in biblical prophecy.

Zechariah 12:10 States that the Jewish people will look upon Him whom they have pierced and mourn for Him. 

Revelation 1:7 declares that every eye will see Him, including those who pierced Him, and all tribes of the earth will mourn. 

Romans 11:26 affirms that all Israel shall be saved, indicating a future mass recognition of Jesus as the Deliverer.

Written April 13, 2025, where it sat in my Drafts because I didn't have the confidence to share with you all. 

Possible Snow, Blessings, and a Sacred Season Ahead

Flowering Quince 

 Well, hi there! I guess it’s been a few days. Time got away from me, so I thought I’d poke my head in to say hello. I have a few projects underway that have kept me focused and away from blogging.

Let’s see… what can I tell you?

We’re all doing well. I think I mentioned that Behold Israel sent us over $1,000 worth of books and materials to give to college students, at no cost. Along with hats, stickers, bracelets, and pamphlets, my husband has built a wonderful rapport with Beyond Israel. Now we’re looking to purchase a canopy and are even considering starting a small Bible and prayer group in our home for the college students.  Things are really opening up, and we are grateful to be a small part of what God is doing.

We celebrated Valentine’s Day with a simple brunch. Many places were packed, so we ended up somewhere without much atmosphere, but the omelets were delicious, and honestly, that’s what mattered most, as well as the company! 💕

Yesterday was our 24th wedding anniversary. The weather was rainy and cold, so no hike this time. We also forgot it was Presidents’ Day, which meant many of the antique stores were closed. Oh well, what are you going to do? We still enjoyed each other’s company and had a sweet day of reminiscing. We wandered through Tractor Supply and the Grange Co-op for spring inspiration, and yes… the baby chicks are in! 🐤🐥

☃☃☃

Apparently, we may even get some snow. February and March are our best chances for that last little hurrah of winter. Temperatures are dropping, and old man winter is breathing his chilly breath on us all. The difference between us and those of you who just endured a big freeze? We’re actually hoping for it! Since we usually enjoy mild weather, any dramatic change feels exciting.

I’ll believe it when I see it, though. I’m skeptical of weather reports. We follow two independent local meteorologists, and while they sometimes miss it, they’re usually far more accurate than the networks.

Here are a few photos from the last time it snowed—almost to the date, February 2023. 

That storm shut the city down, but it was so much fun. My husband finally got to use the snow shovel my sister gave us when they moved from Colorado. He was like a little boy out there, absolutely delighted. 

We had about six to eight inches, which is practically unheard of here.

It looks like she is smiling - I'm thinking it is her collar. Hard to see, since she is so black. 

She LOVES the white stuff, and when she sees it on the side of the road when we take a drive, she starts whimpering...

She loves the snow but hates the rain. 

The birds sure like the white stuff, too. 

Snow sure does dress things up, doesn't it? Makes everything so picture perfect. 

Thankfully, I keep a good stock of food, so we’re set. But of course, we were nearly out of toilet paper, so I had to make a quick run to the store. I went early this morning and did not notice any panic-buying. Californians are so laid back.  

But if we ever run out, we know where to go: Char keeps a six-month stash and still worries it isn’t enough. I remember my parents doing the same in their later years. Funny how that happens with people, and why toilet paper? 

Do you have a fear of running out of toilet paper? 

I just took these pictures, and it was sunny. 

Come on, now - how can they say we're getting snow? 

Earlier, we had a thunderstorm and hail. 

The back yard is soaked - weeds are popping up, and almond blossoms are getting bigger and are more pinkish. 

Right now, it’s 44 degrees, which is very cold for us, and we’re expected to drop another 10-15 degrees overnight. We might just wake up to snow. BSF is on standby, and many of our members live in the mountains, so we’ll see how that goes.

Yes, we’re a bunch of weather weenies.

Loquat season is here. The freeze won't hurt them - the lowest we get will only be in the 30's. 

The Pomegranate tree is starting to bud...

Liberty and Guardian are excited about the possibility of snow, too. They’re hardy birds and know how to hunker down. No eggs yet, but we’re patient.

Before I sign off, I’m going to take a short break from blogging. 

We have places to go and people to see. 

There’s a lot happening, and my mind and heart are elsewhere. This is always a very busy season for us, with Chinese New Year at the Joss House in Weaverville, my birthday the first week in March (72!), Daylight Savings, St. Patrick's Day, Palm Sunday, Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and then Easter and with family and old friends sprinkled within. While my faith tradition doesn’t follow a liturgical calendar, these seasons still invite reflection, gratitude, and renewal.

As we move toward Passover and Easter, my prayer is that we all pause to remember God’s faithfulness, His deliverance from sin, and the hope we have through redemption and resurrection. May your coming weeks be filled with peace, renewal, and quiet joy that will last 365 days instead of just 40 days! 

Lord willing, I’ll be back sometime after Easter with hopefully more blog fodder than I know what to do with. Then again, don't count on it because I might not. 

Have a blessed six weeks. I know I will.

Debby

A Taxing Hodgepodge

1. Do you complete your own taxes? 

My husband does our taxes.

Besides actual taxes, what's something you've found taxing lately?

Preparing for our Seder on the first night was taxing. I'm definitely feeling my age. There was so much cooking, but we all had a good time.  

2.  What are three values you treasure most in a friendship? 

Honesty 

Conviction 

Authenticity 

3. Do you meal plan, or do you mostly wing it? 

 I have a flexible weekly meal plan 

Share your dinner menus for this week. 

Wednesday - cheese and spinach ravioli with ground beef meat sauce and garlic green beans

Thursday - chicken tacos 

Friday - (Good Friday) Homemade pizza 

Saturday - Passover Seder at Jewish Synagogue 

The Menu at the Temple. 

Appetizers: Gefilte Fish & deviled egg, crudité vegetables with olives & horseradish dip

Matzo Ball Soup (vegetarian broth)

Supper:

Vegetable quiche with potato crust

Lasagna with zucchini noodles, spinach, marinara, tomato sauce, cheese

Scalloped potatoes

Roasted sweet potatoes & carrots with onions

Crustless/ gluten-free Cheesecake with Strawberry sauce

Sunday—Easter—grilled chicken salad and Parmesan crisps.

 Since it’s Easter, we may invite the kids over at the last minute. I haven’t decided yet. In that case, we’ll have either hamburgers or BBQ chicken thighs, potato salad, fruit salad, and chips. 

Monday  - pork chops, mashed potatoes, gravy and roasted bell peppers 

Tuesday - jump for the cupboards (whatever we can find in the fridge or cupboards) from the week. 

I grocery shop on Fridays. 

4. Thomas Sowell is credited as saying, ''There are no solutions, only trade-offs.' Agree or disagree? Discuss.

Every decision comes with costs and sacrifices, and there's no perfect answer. I choose to embrace the abundant life that Jesus offers rather than making trade-offs.

5. What's the best perk you've enjoyed at a job. 

I was a live-out nanny for a wonderful family in the Silicon Valley for 14 years. They provided me with an excellent salary, a van, an expense account for the kids, and even covered my medical expenses. At the time I was a divorced mom and they were supportive and always allowed me what I needed to be a mom to my own children.  The mom, Anita, was pursuing her master’s in Physics at the time, and I helped with the kids, including 3-year-old twins and a newborn. I worked 60 hours a week in those early years and received generous gifts, including beautiful hand-me-down clothes and shoes since we were the same size. It was the best job I ever had, and I still keep in touch with the family. 

6.  Insert your own random thought here. 

Spring Flowers and a New Garage Door.

 

At last, I’ve carved out a moment to check in this Saturday! It’s been an exhilarating whirlwind over the last couple of days —

This morning, I wandered out to the backyard to admire the vibrant blooms that are starting to emerge. The poppies are unfurling their delicate petals, showcasing brilliant hues of orange that dance in the gentle breeze. Soon, a charming array of smaller poppy plants will join the display, promising an explosion of color in just a month’s time. The anticipation of their arrival adds a sense of excitement to the already lively garden.

I am always amazed by how these little Johnny Jump-ups manage to withstand the winter. They are nestled together in a pot alongside one of our palms. 

Soon, the lavender will burst into a vibrant bloom, filling the air with its sweet, calming fragrance as it paints the hill with hues of soft purple and violet.

The Marguerite daisies bloom beautifully in the spring. Their cheerful yellow presence adds a splash of color to the hill that I can see out my windows - 

That robust rosemary bush nestled beneath it will soon burst into a vibrant display of delicate blue flowers. 

The Irises are a delightful sight, captivating anyone who gazes upon them. The white iris, adorned with vibrant yellow accents, stands out with its striking contrast, creating a stunning visual harmony that coordinates with the margarite daisies further up the hill. 

Although I appreciate the beauty of all colors, I find myself particularly drawn to vibrant oranges, sunny yellows, serene blues, and the enchanting spectrum of purples for my gardens. 

A delicate purple wildflower stands gracefully amidst the swaying grasses on the hill. Its petals catch the morning light, promising a burst of color soon to come as more of its kind will eventually bloom nearby. 

The sweet and delicate aroma of orange blossoms envelops the air like a gentle, intoxicating mist, filling the senses with the future promise of a sweet juicy orange. 

The African daisies are spreading gracefully from their pot, their vibrant blooms spilling over the edges like a colorful cascade. However, their luxurious growth has led to a rather leggy appearance, and I find myself in the difficult position of needing to thin them out. It's a task I often dread, as I have grown quite fond of their lively presence.

The vibrant red geranium, a cheerful staple in many California gardens, flourishes effortlessly in our sunny climate. Unlike in other regions where they might be sheltered indoors during colder months, here they thrive outdoors year-round, as long as there is sunlight.  I’m excited to take some cuttings soon, nurturing them into new little plants. 

Gerbera Daisy

My late sister's cherished flower serves as a beautiful reminder of her. 

Check out my Cistus salviifolius, or Sage Leaf Rock Rose. This evergreen shrub has green, wrinkled leaves and delicate white flowers with yellow centers. Each flower lasts just one day, but new blooms appear daily for weeks.

Cistus salviifolius is a drought-tolerant shrub native to the Western Mediterranean basin, specifically in southern Europe and North Africa.

I have two of these bushes on my hill, lovingly planted by my dad. Throughout most of the year, they quietly play a supporting role amidst the vibrant landscape, their rich green leaves providing a lush backdrop for other more flamboyant flora. However, it's in the spring that they truly step into the spotlight, bursting into a dazzling display of pretty white blossoms.  For the remainder of the year, they stand as steadfast green bushes. 

The leaves of the red seedless grape vines are flourishing. I hope that we won't face the pest invasions that plagued us during the past couple of years.

In the backyard, a delightful old rosebush thrives, adorned with a multitude of vibrant buds, each brimming with promise. I can't wait to share the sight of these roses in full bloom.

In Other News...

Yesterday morning, the contractor contacted us with a request to move our installation date up to yesterday instead of Monday. This unexpected change of scheduling worked out great for us. It not only allows us to complete the work ahead of schedule but also opens up our Monday for other important tasks.

I really like the new door; it feels incredibly solid and substantial, giving a strong sense of security. I'm glad we made the switch—the old door practically disintegrated as he was taking it apart, and it was definitely time for an upgrade. 

However, I've noticed something that I might delve into more later—the trim around the door seems to change in appearance based on the lighting. At times, it has a bluish hue that stands out, while in other lighting it looks perfectly identical to the door. It's one of those details that only seems to bother me. 

With this new addition, we now have quite a bit of trim painting ahead of us. We must also ensure the front door is the same color as the garage door. I'm a stickler on that. 

I've been here longer than anticipated, and time has slipped away. My guests will arrive shortly for dinner, and I still have a few things to prepare to ensure the Seder is perfect.

Have a great evening - 

Debby

“By faith, He kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.” – Hebrews 11:28

 

April - What Happened to all my Blank spaces?

Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart,
    and the pleasantness of a friend
    springs from their heartfelt advice. Proverbs 27.9

I'm finally getting around to sharing my April Calendar from my handy dandy Dollar Tree Calendar! 

What do you have planned for April?

Wow, I’ve got a lot on my plate—maybe even more than I can handle! I’ll definitely be leaning on God for strength to tackle it all with grace and a positive attitude. 

NO GRUMBLING ALLOWED! 

Tomorrow is our last class fellowship of the year (not the study—we still have three weeks left). This is a time of fellowship and sharing. To make it special, my husband and I baked some apricot Hamantaschen. I felt bad for not bringing them last month for Purim. He took charge of making the dough while I whipped up the apricot filling from dried apricots. They’re all bagged up and ready to share with everyone! 

Friday Teen Challenge is coming by to help us out with some weed pulling, especially the pesky Vinca. I'll be busy grocery shopping in the morning, but later in the day, I'm taking a lunch break to walk with a friend of mine at Clover Creek. We'll find a bench to eat our bagged lunch. 

I'm so excited for Saturday (and a bit overwhelmed) because it's the first evening of Passover, and the whole family is coming together! 💗💕💘💓

Then, on Sunday, we have our church potluck, and the theme is family favorites. My husband is planning to bring his mom's delicious carrot pineapple side dish, which everyone loves! 

 

- On Monday, we’re excited to have our garage door installed!

- Then on Tuesday, we’ll be getting a free estimate for the leaf gutters—

- Can't forget about the Good Friday service coming up!

- And next Saturday is the Temple Passover Seder! I’ll give you more details on that later. 

I used to love having a packed calendar back in the day! I remember using different colored felt pens for each family member, creating a beautiful rainbow of events and activities. But these days, I find I prefer having more blank spaces on my calendar. Still, there are always a few things I really look forward to, and April just happened to be the month when all activities and events collide.

I've been reading some of you who are feeling troubled about world events and our economy. I empathize with your suffering, and the most meaningful gift I can offer is my heartfelt prayer.

Heavenly Father, 

You are sovereign over all nations, and nothing is beyond Your control. I ask for Your peace to calm the hearts of those worried about our country and world events. Remind them that You are our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1).

Strengthen all of us to be beacons of hope and love in our communities, reflecting Your light in times of uncertainty. Thank You, Lord, for Your faithfulness and love. I trust in Your perfect plan and know You are always with us. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen

Keep your eyes on Jesus

Debby