Christmas from the Neighbors

Just before dinner last evening, my neighbor from across the street stopped by with a delightful surprise—a batch of freshly baked cookies. 

Do you share Christmas baked goods or specialty treats with your neighbors?

Growing up, the holiday season in my neighborhood was a time when our neighbors would shower everyone with their culinary creations. One family would gift us with their homemade tamales, warm and wrapped in vibrant corn husks! Our Italian neighbor delighted us with a rich Eggplant Parmesan, lovingly prepared by their Nonna.  We also received sweet gifts like divinity candy, with its airy texture and velvety fudge that melted in your mouth. Not to mention the beautifully decorated sugar cookies, adorned with colorful frosting and sprinkles, each one a little work of art. Those festive exchanges created a sense of community and warmth that I miss. 

So, this became our dessert after dinner! 

Not all of it! We'll munch on it for a couple of days. 

I have just wrapped up this week's study of Revelation 6, which covers the opening of the Seven Seals of Judgment. It's quite intense material, and there is more to come. Tomorrow, we will have our leader's discussion group, where we will discuss our study and the 30-minute lecture. After that, we will break into our individual groups to facilitate discussions among our members. It has truly become a great honor to shepherd these women.

The time I sacrifice each week has been challenging, but I am gradually learning to improve my time management skills. I am dedicated to this process, and my commitment remains strong. I am gaining more from this experience than I am giving. My reliance on the Holy Spirit to equip me truly amazes me. If I hadn't been a believer before, I certainly would be now, as I am experiencing blessings beyond measure.

One area that I am particularly pleased with is the study of Homiletics. It has opened up scripture to me in ways that I cannot fully describe. I am excited about this and wish to share it with others. I hope everyone can learn to break down scripture and gain a deeper understanding of its meaning.

I have created a page for those who love to study the Bible and wish to dig deeper, using Homiletics and Revelation 6 as an example 

https://myshastahome.blogspot.com/p/homiletics-for-revelation-6-example.html

Just to let you know, I am still learning this method.  What matters is that I am doing it and getting a lot out of it. 

I find this so adorable: when I start printing something, she quickly runs to watch. It truly fascinates her.

"Susie, you silly cat!"

She pushed her paw in so far that she jammed the cartridge.

Once I post this, I might find time to sift through my collection of sentimental Christmas treasures. 

Lord willing, I will see you all tomorrow...

Debby

Tuesday's Hidden Tidbits

This morning we have smoke - 

The Shoe Fire here in Shasta County,  is at 5,124 acres and is 29% contained. 

As you can see, the sweet gum is starting to showcase 

the very beginnings of fall color...

I'm doing laundry. 

I program my washer to start around 5 a.m. to use the lower rate for electricity. 

We do the same with the dishwasher. 

I plan to start getting my cooler clothes out - and refreshed (jeans and long sleeves) although I tend to run hot - it's still good to start getting them washed and ready. I won't have the time to be doing all of this, during the holidays. 

This morning was the coldest so far - 47* 

It will be 75* for a high today. To me, those are perfect temperatures. 

This Redbud tree (which is more like a bush) that the birds gifted us, has some beautiful color. 

We will keep this one. 

As I’ve shared previously, my roses thrive beautifully in the cooler months here. My theory is during our scorching and arid summers, the heat saps the energy from my roses, preventing them from blooming abundantly. They survive the sweltering days, conserving their strength, and when the refreshing coolness of autumn arrives, they burst forth with vibrant blossoms, bringing life and color back to the garden.  

I can always count on my roses. 

When nurtured in the right conditions, I can thrive and blossom, regardless of the challenges life presents me. Their vibrant petals and resilient stems remind me that beauty and strength can emerge even from adversity. I make sure now to take moments for myself to rest and rejuvenate my soul by allowing time for devotion, prayer, and reflection, embracing stillness in this busy and confused world. These times of dormancy are essential for my growth and well-being, allowing me to emerge refreshed and ready to bloom. 

Yesterday, I bid farewell to my Christian counselor. I sought her guidance after a painful fallout with my stepdaughter, which left me feeling betrayed and hurt. I allowed those feelings to weigh me down, but now I recognize that those past issues are behind me. This newfound clarity empowers "this rose"  to look ahead with strength and positivity. It’s a good feeling, and I’m grateful to God for Kristina, who helped me get "unstuck."

The geraniums will stay outside for the winter. 

Early this morning, we heard water hitting the roof near the kitchen window and thought it was heavy rain. However, my husband found out that a sprinkler head had broken, shooting a powerful spray of water high into the air - it looked like Old Faithful. 

A mum that I have had for several years - 

That's all I have for this morning - or afternoon where most of you are at. 

Enjoy today! 

Debby

 

What I am learning about myself these days...

It's Thursday afternoon - the sun is starting to dip low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow through my window. I find myself sitting at my desk, fingers tapping away on the keyboard as I let my thoughts flow freely. I'll go back and refine my words later, but for now, I'm just letting my thoughts pour out onto the screen.

I wouldn't have believed it, if someone had told me last year that I would be actively participating in a huge ministry dedicated to supporting and empowering other women. "No, not me, God. I can't do that!" 

When really, I was saying:

God, I don't trust you

God, I won't do that

God, I know better than you

I realize now that I have been closing myself off to my own spiritual development. I have always been cautious and reluctant to step out of my comfort zone and place my complete trust in the Lord. But God has known me from the very beginning and has been intricately involved in forming and shaping me, until my time. 

Earlier this year and part of last year, I sensed a stirring within me that propelled me to make some changes, although I couldn't fully comprehend it at the time. I closed one blog and started a new blog from scratch - I knew I might lose some followers. We also made the decision to leave a church that didn't have a strong focus on supporting Israel and the Jewish people. Eventually, I found a new church that welcomed us, and I felt at home there. I got involved in a 9-week course on Jewish ministry and was later invited to join the Tikfah team. Tikfah, (which means "Hope" in Hebrew) is a ministry that organizes volunteers to serve and support the Jewish community within our area. It's been a rewarding experience being a part of this team. There are only a handful in my area. And then BSF. 

source: freedesignfile - starder

I am learning that I should never confine myself to a narrow Christian mindset. I need to break out of my comfort zone and be open to new experiences and opportunities to do God's work. I shouldn't limit myself to ministering just to my family, as that can be a way of avoiding broader responsibilities. Instead, I need to fully trust in God's plan and take those bold, uncomfortable steps forward, knowing that He will support me. (and He has) 

It's essential for me to always examine my level of trust in God and my love for people.

There is a hurting world out there - if not us, then who?