It's Calling Stealing

Shalom;
Today has been busy as we prepare for Shabbat and tomorrow morning service. I have been listening to Genesis 6:9-10 as well as the blessings over and over again.
I am excited.
I am nervous.
I am scared.
I am so glad Mark is here.

This morning, as I was hanging clothes out to dry, I notice something different about the back porch. It took a few moments and......

Our sign was gone.

Either one of our neighbor's or someone off the street came up the Fire escape and removed our political sign.

Just a week ago there was a story in our local newspaper of people knocking MacCain signs down, switching Obama for MacCain's, tearing Bummer stickers off of bumpers. Even John MacCain's eldest son (who lives in Virginia Beach) has had his father's sign knocked down, even ripped apart.

No, I do not think this is funny.

This is childish.

As Americans we each have the right not only to vote, but to be able to chose who we wish to back without fear of being attacked for one's choice. You don't have to agree with my choice of president. Neither do you have the right to come onto my lawn, yard or porch and destroy my sign.

No one has the right to rip off a MacCain Bumper Sticker or tear up a Obama sign unless it belongs to you.

And if things are bad now, I cannot begin to imagine what election day is going to be like.

Mark and I will vote that day. And then we will spend the day with others in prayer.

For our next president.

For our nation.

For we as a people.

We need it.

The Joy of the Torah

Shammai said: Receive all people cheerfully.

- Ethics of the Fathers 1:15

Shalom:

Mark and I arrived at Beth Messiah for my practice reading.

And I had to quickly hurry out the door.

Dust. From the walls, the floor, dried paint, sheet rock dust.

I have asthma.

So, after I got my breath back, we went into the Rabbi's office to practice. Howard, Melissa, Mark and Rabbi were so loving and patience as I worked my way through the nerves and then slowly, began to take ownership of the Torah.

This is my Book, G-d's Word to me.

And I knew it! I could look at the words and find my place in the scroll and read the hebrew! I understood the words, the meaning. And as I sang them, filling the air with the Word of Torah, they took on light and life.

Last year, I was overcome with emotion and teared up.

Tonight, a peace came over me. I could feel Mark's smile as I chanted, knowing he shall be at my side Shabbat.

Last year, when I was called to the Torah, Mark was in Iraq. I sang my portion (the same one I am doing this Shabbat) over the phone.

This time, Mark will be here with me.

And that is the best part.

Things I Have Learned From Noah

Shalom;

What I have learned from studying Noah:

1.Marry someone you can imagine spending the next six or seven hundred years with.

2. Build your house well.

3. The family that builds together, stays together.

4. Give G-d your best work; your life might depend upon it.

5. It might take 120 years, but G-d's Word always comes to pass.

6. If anmials can obey the Vocie of G-d, what is my excuse?

7. Camel dung is great for roses.

Down to the Wire

Shalom:

Well, we are down to the wire; working on our journals to have them up to date when AOL's jouranls close down in a few days.

Plus, I am preparing to chant from the Torah this Shabbat.

No stress here......

For our new readers, we are Mark and Elayne.

But everyone calls me Laini.
This journal first began to keep our family and friends updated on the ever changing and oh so dull of the Reel Tribe.
At first, it was a way to keep everyone updated with Mark' deployment. But I quickly came to realize that this is our deployment and we were in this deal together.

Soon, I found myself sharing the struggles of being a military wife; the good and the bad, the highs and lows. The depression we suffer and the creative ways we both learned to not only keep putting one foot in front of the other, but even how we kept our romance going long distance.
My favorite part

This is indeed our journal, for our (Mark and Elayne) thoughts and feelings. That includes our laugher, tears, temper tantums, drama, and joys, as well love notes to each other and to our Beloved Yeshua HaMessiah.

As Messianic Jews, our faith is the very center of our lives and we enjoy sharing the beauty of our faith and tradition. Our faith is the heartbeat of our lives and we even share our struggles in that.
Thank you for blessing our lives with your brief presence in our little place in the world.
Your presence is always welcome.

Hop-Scotch

As I was coming home from picking up the Challah for our Shabbath table, I saw several Hop-Scotch boards drawn, clearly by children.
I remember during this time of the year, in the evening, after the supper washing up was done and the family was sitting outside, telling stories, Mummie, more interested in the present and the future, not the past, would come off the stoop and asking for a piece of calk, would draw the greatest Hop-Scotch board you ever saw.
Mummie thought childhood was a magical time and was already saying; 'mind you! enjoy this time; it shalln't come again." She would supply my younger sister and I a box of colourful calk (this was one of those times we didn't have to share) and encourage us to draw on the sidewalk. This is where I did so of my best artwork.
Ah...I can smell the calk dusk more. We would even have viewings of our latest "work." Too bad no one thought to take pictures. Having a piece of calk in her hand, Mummie would draw a Hop-Scotch board. Then my mum, sister and I and any cousins and/or neighorhood kids were about would play HopScotch. I didn't learn how to play HopScotch, jump rope, draw, respect for my elders, write or read in school.
Like learning to pray, tithe and study Torah, I learned all these things from my beloved mum. The other day, my mum told me: "Wait until you turn 70! It is the most wonderful, magical time of your life. There is nothing like it."

At 74, she would know.

What Would Noah Do?

Boka Tov:

This morning, I awoke feeling better.

A good night's sleep helps.

As I said in last night entry's, to stand before the Aron HaKodesh (the Ark whichs houses the Torah Scrolls) with the Ner Tamid (Eternal Flame) shining down as one's eyes are enlighten by the Words of the Torah is a high and holy moment in a believer's life.

One is fully aware of this is an Awe-moment that you are standing in the Holy Presence, standing on Holy ground, knowing that G-d is speaking to and through you.

Beth (Nutwood Junction) suggested I looked upon all of this as help from on High.

Thanks Beth; LOL, I started doing that last night...
The workers see this as just another job. Just as the builders who worked with Noah and his sons.

Noah preached while he hammered and sawed. So I shall look at sawdust as a good thing.
And G-d willing, one day when Mark and I have children, I shall teach, them as my mummie taught me and my sister, The Synagogue isn't just another building.

It is the Place where the Spirit of the Living G-d dwells. And not to treat her lightly.
It is a Torah unto herself.
Everything in the Synagogue is a piece of the Torah. From the 'gates' to the Ark, every piece is a letter of the Torah, that spells out His Word to us. We literally 'Walk Through the Torah (Bible).
And like the Torah, must be handled with love, care, respect and honour.

So, this Noah has an adjusted attitude.
I am Noah, and I am about to declare the Word of G-d before a mess-up world.
And more likely get the same hearing as Noah did.
And as Noah himself would remind me, that isn't my problem.

Noah was a righteous man, found perfect(which means holy, righteous) in his generation. He found grace with G-d, for he walked with G-d.

And that is the meaning for me as I prepare to Chant Noah this Shabbat; I am to be as Noah, found perfect (holy, righteous) in my generation.
And this week, I have been reminded that this is no easy thing to do.

Man Builds Noah's Ark

Man Builds Noah's Ark (exact scale given in Bible)

Working Replica of Noah's Ark Opened In SCHAGEN, Netherlands ..

The massive central door in the side of Noah's Ark was opened the first crowd of curious townsfolk to behold the wonder.

Of course, it's only a replica of the biblical Ark , built by Dutch Creationist Johan Huibers as a testament to his faith in the literal truth of the Bible.

The ark is 150 cubits long, 30 cubits high and 20 cubits wide. That's two-thirds the length of a football field and as high as a three-story house. Life-size models of giraffes, elephants, lions, crocodiles, zebras, bison and other animals greet visitors as they arrive in the main hold. A contractor by trade, Huibers built the ark of cedar and pine. Biblical Scholars debate exactly what the wood used by Noah would have been.
Huibers did the work mostly with his own hands, using modern tools and with occasional help from his son Roy. Construction began in May 2005. On the uncovered top deck - not quite ready in time for the opening - will come a petting zoo, with baby lambs and chickens, and goats, and one camel.
Visitors on the first day were stunned. 'It's past comprehension', said Mary Louise Starosciak, who happened to be bicycling by with her husband while on vacation when they saw the ark looming over the local landscape.
'I knew the story of Noah, but I had no idea the boat would have been so big.' There is enough space near the keel for a 50-seat film theater where kids can watch a video that tells the story of Noah and his ark. Huibers, a Christian man, said he hopes the project will renew interest in Christianity in the Netherlands, where church going has fallen dramatically in the past 50 years.
http://www.pbase.com/paulthedane/noahs_ark

History in The Making

No matter what your leaning for President, this week we have seem history in the making.
This evening I listened to folks getting upset over the election. Yes, passion are indeed running high.
But we keep forgetting, we are seeing history in the making.
In my mother's day, the thought of a woman of colour, standing and posed to be the next First Lady was never even imagained. A woman of any colour came close to the office, and now a woman could be VP.
The highest office could go to one of our nation's hero or a man of biracial herdiage. It is a time of first and in less in a week's time, we shall have a new President.
I will be honest, Senator Obama is not my choice. But as I watched history unfold, I have seen how far our nation has come.
Giving me even more reasons to be a proud American.
Whoever is elected will need us as a people, as a nation to pull together and prayer for him and those he appoints to lead with him.
Mr.MacCain.
Mr.Obama.
My husband and I are praying for both of you.

Remain Calm, Breath

The Holy Ark....Covered...

The Stairscase that doesn't lead to Heaven

Shalom:

I can't help but wonder if Noah got started this way....

This is our Synagogue. ....

It is being guttered and now remodeled.

Of course, we just had a renewal of vows this past weekend, and I am quite thankful I didn't have to face this when Mark and I were married.

I would have gotten married somewhere else.

Having come in to help with the Newsletter earlier in the week, I knew firsthand what the building looked like, I could see how slow the progress was.

But I was hopeful: after all, this is a Synagogue and it would be somewhat cleaned up for classes and services by week's end. And of course the workmen would have been instructed as to how to conduct themselves in a House of G-d and how to handle Holy objects.

Boy was I mistaken!

This evening I was told this mess might not be cleaned up by Ere Shabbat Service.

That this mess will not be cleaned up enough for me to even practice tomorrow evening. The Bimah (the platform from which the Torah is chanted) and the Holy Ark were draped in painter's cloth.

A Painter's Drop Cloth!!!!!!!

This is not how one treats the things of G-d!!!!!!

Well, at least the Ark was covered in plastic.

Yes, I was in tears.

To stand before the Aron HaKodesh (the Ark whichs houses the Torah Scrolls) with the Ner Tamid (Eternal Flame) shining down as one's eyes are enlighten by the Words of the Torah is a high and holy moment in a believer's life. Words cannot begin to express the feelings, the emotions....it is that sense of Awe knowing that G-d is speaking to and through you.

The person I was speaking to had no idea what this means. And after a few minutes, I stopped trying to explain.

The Synagogue isn't just another building. It is the House where G-d dwells.

It is a Torah unto itself.

Everything in the Synagogue is a piece of the Torah. From the 'gates' to the Ark, every piece is a letter of the Torah, that spells out His Word to us. We literally 'Walk Through the Torah (Bible).

And like the Torah, must be handled with love, care, respect and honour.

But I knew the Foreman didn't see the Synagogue as I; it is just another job to be done.

Like Yeshua would say....like throwing pearls before swine.....

So, I have to adjust my attitude. Again, not everyone cares or is even aware of the things of G-d, of how Holy He is.

That is for G-d to deal with.

Right now, I must remember who I am.

I am Noah, and I am about to declare the Word of G-d before a mess-up world.

And more likely get the same hearing as Noah did.

I am also reminded in class this evening....that we weren't always able to study and enjoy Torah in peace or in a beautiful place.

Right now, I am working on my own attitude, not to allow all the mess and confusion to bum me out, but use it as the platform for my Torah portion....

Noah too walked in a world that cared nothing about G-d or His Commandments.

And I am sure Mrs. Noah wasn't crazy about the mess in her backayard either.

One Marine's View

One Marine's View
PILOTS INTERNET BLOG
Posted: 23 Oct 2008 12:20 PM CDT
'We have H. R. on this flight', she said. (H. R. stands for human remains.)
'Are they military', I asked.
'Yes', she said.
'Is there an escort', I asked.
'Yes, I already assigned him a seat'.
'Would you please tell him to come to the flight deck, you can board him early', I said.
A short while later, a young army sergeant entered the flight deck. He was the image of the perfectly dressed soldier.
He introduced himself and I asked him about his soldier. The escorts of these fallen soldiers talk about them as if they are still alive and with us.
'Mysoldier is on his way back to Virginia ', he said. He proceeded to answer my questions, but offered no words on his own. I asked him If there was anything I could do for him and he said 'no.'
I told him that he has the toughest job in the military and that I appreciated the work that he does for the families of our fallen soldiers. The first officer and I got up out of our seats to shake his hand. He left the flight deck to find his seat.
We completed our preflight checks, pushed back and performed an uneventful departure.
About 30 minutes into our flight I received a call from the lead flight attendant in the cabin. 'I just found out the family of the soldier we are carrying, is onboard', he said.
He then proceeded to tell me that the father, mother, wife and 2-year-old daughter were escorting their son, husband, and father home. The family was upset because they were unable to see the container that the soldier was in before we left.
We were on our way to a major hub at which the family was going to wait 4 hours for the connecting flight home to Virginia . The father of the soldier told the flight attendant that knowing his son was below him in the cargo compartment and being unable to see him was too much for him and the family to bear. He had asked the flight attendant if there was anything that could be done to allow them to see him upon our arrival. The family wanted to be outside by the cargo door to watch the soldier being taken off the airplane. I could hear the desperation in the flight attendants voice when he asked me if there was anything I could do.
'I'm on it', I said. I told him that I would get back to him.
Airborne communication with my company normally occurs in the form of e-mail like messages. I decided to bypass this system and contact my flight dispatcher directly on a secondary radio. There is a radio operator in the operations control center who connects you to the telephone of the dispatcher. I was in direct contact with the dispatcher. I explained the situation I had onboard with the family and what it was the family wanted. He said he understood and that he would get back to me.
Two hours went by and I had not heard from the dispatcher. We were going to get busy soon and I needed to know what to tell the family. I sent a text message asking for an update. I saved the return message from the dispatcher and this following is the text.'Captain, sorry it has taken so long to get back to you. There is policy on this now and I had to check on a few things. Upon your arrival a dedicated escort team will meet the aircraft. The team will escort the family to the ramp and plane side. A van will be used to load the remains with a secondary van for the family. The family will be taken to their departure area and escorted into the terminal where the remains can be seen on the ramp. It is a private area for the family only. When the connecting aircraft arrives, the family will be escorted onto the ramp and plane side to watch the remains being loaded for the final leg home. Captain, most of us here in flight control are veterans. Please pass our condolences on to the family, thanks.' I sent a message back telling flight control thanks for a good job.
I printed out the message and gave it to the lead flight attendant to pass on to the father. The lead flight attendant was very thankful and told me, 'You have no idea how much this will mean to them.'
Things started getting busy for the descent, approach and landing.After landing, we cleared the runway and taxied to the ramp area. The ramp is huge with 15 gates on either side of the alleyway. It is always a busy area with aircraft maneuvering every which way to enter and exit. When we entered the ramp and checked in with the ramp controller, we were told that all traffic was being held for us.'There is a team in place to meet the aircraft', we were told.Itlooked like it was all coming together, then I realized that once we turned the seat belt sign off, everyone would stand up at once and delay the family from getting off the airplane.
As we approached our gate, I asked the copilot to tell the ramp controller we were going to stop short of the gate to make an announcement to the passengers. He did that and the ramp controller said, 'Take your time.' I stopped the aircraft and set the parking brake. I pushed the public address button and said, 'Ladies and gentleman, this is your captain speaking. I have stopped short of our gate to make a special announcement.
We have a passenger on board who deserves our honor and respect. His name is private XXXXXX, a soldier who recently lost his life. Private XXXXXX is under your feet in the cargo hold. Escortinghim today is army sergeant XXXXXXX. Also onboard are his father, mother, wife, and daughter. Your entire flight crew is asking for all passengers to remain in their seats to allow the family to exit the aircraft first. Thank you.'
We continued the turn to the gate, came to a stop and started our shutdown procedures. A couple of minutes later I opened the cockpit door. I found the two forward flight attendants crying, something you just do not see. I was told that after we came to a stop, every passenger on the aircraft stayed in their seats, waiting for the family to exit the aircraft. When the family got up and gathered their things, a passenger slowly started to clap their hands.Moments later more passengers joined in and soon the entire aircraft was clapping. Words of 'God Bless You, I'm sorry, Thank you, Be proud, and other kind words were uttered to the family as they made their way down the aisle and out of the airplane. They were escorted down to the ramp to finally be with the loved one lost.
I never did see the family. Another soldier died, another family grieved and we did what we could. That is the way it works sometimes. I get a call from the cabin; we work as a team to do what we can. That day everybody from the flight crew, to the operations center, to the 184 passengers onboard, we did what we could.Many ofthe passengers disembarking thanked me for the announcement I made.They were just words, I could say them over and over again, but nothing I say will bring that soldier back.
I respectfully ask that all of you reflect on this day and the sacrifices that millions of men and women have made to ensure our freedom, safety, and the right to live a good life.

Four, Four, Four, Four...

Laini's Four:
A) Four places that I go to over and over: Synagogue, Torah, Mark's arms, Starbucks
B) Four people who e-mail me regularly : Mark, Merry, Betty, Terry
C) Four other places I would rather be right now: Mark's arms....
D) Four people I think will respond: ??? E) Four TV shows I watch: Manna-Feast, I Love Lucy Reruns, anything Biblcal or historial , Fox News,

Marks's Four:

A) Azar's, Synagogue, Parnets's home, Dr.T

B) Sam, Laini, Dad, Darcy

C) With Lain (you fill in the rest) anywhere with Laini

D) Laini

E) Manna-Feast, Fox News The Mike Huckley Talk Show, anything historical of Biblical.

And yes, we know, that is five.....

About Last Night

Shalom:
We had a nice time at the bethany Adoption Banquet.
Yes, it was a fund raiser, but I cannot think of a better cause; to place babies and children in loving homes, give unwed mums other options other than abortion.
We asked for more imformation for adoption. This gives us another source to look at as well as still hoping will give us a child of our own body.
Both on the way there and the return home, we passed by a heavy turnout of police. We live not far from Harbor Park, a beautiful area for concerts and other events. The Public Parking Garage was full and I notice political signs from both parties.
I said to Mark: "I believe Mr.Obama or Mr. MacCain are somewhere in the area."
This morning's front page: Mr.Obama At Harbor Park.

So, now I am about to take a nap. Study is coming along well We plan to get to Synagogue so I can get some pratice with the Torah. It is a huge difference between chanting Hebrew from the computer screen to the actual Torah scroll. This way I can get use to it.
We also have a pratice tomorrow evening.
But right now, nap time.

Thanks For The Support

http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Scripture/Parashah/Summaries/Noach/noach.html

Shalom.
Well we just got home and I am about to do a little studying before we go out for the evening.
Mark wishes to say thank you to all who have said I (Laini) will do fine this Shabbat. He tells me the same thing and glad to have backup. The above link is are the verses I shall be chanting and the teaching behind them.
We had a great time with Mark's folks. We were a little late, but still had fun at the new Starbucks.
Only a few months old, it replaces an old Firestation and very nice. Marty (I Heard it At Starbucks) you would love it. Right now, the only 'colour' is the walls. But given that this Starbucks is a few blocks from The Naval Hospital, I am sure some very interesting folk shall soon appear.
Tonight, we are going to a Banquet, given by Bethany Christian Adoption. The couple that is hosting a table was just about to start the adoption progress when they learned they were going to be blessed with a child.
I have been told that this agency is helpful to couples like Mark and myself who are willing to have children born of our 'heart' as well as of our bodies. We know several families who have used their services and all have been pleased.
Who knows, this just may be the answer we have been seeking.

The New Look

Boka Tov:
We have recieved many nice comments about our new look.
While we really liked the Garden scence, the background bled into the pictures and made them hard to see.
So we did some more hunting and found this new template.
And we love it. We found that it not only reflects the feeling of "Welcome to Our Tent," but the very colours are the colours of our home.
So put up a pillow.
Here! have some Mint Tea and turkish delight and refresh yourself.
We'll take care of the camel....

Starbucks With the Folks

Boka Tov:
There is a new Starbucks in town and since this month is Dad Reel's birth month, (we celebrate the whole month) Mark and I are taking the parnets for Starbucks.
I had promised to do so last year, but then Dad began ill and other stuff happen as well.
Besides, this way Mark will get to join us. A nice break from study too.
**************************************************************************************
After Starbucks, again I work on my Torah portion. The Blessing before I know, just practice one word. One verse needs a little work, but it is coming.
But that last Blessing...OYE!!!!!
But with the help of G-d, my beloved and our Rabbi, I shal do this.
And.....drum roll please....I finished the outline for the Children' Story I am writing.
After Shabbat, I shall begin the tale of Ianna and....
well, I shall save that for later.
See ya later...

So! How is it Coming

"So, Laini, I hear your going to chant the Torah Portion this Shabbat. How is it coming?'


Does this answer your question?

How We Danced to The Music

Levi Stubbs, R.I.P
Levi, thank you for the songs we still dance to....
Motown legends gather to mourn Four Tops' Stubbs By COREY WILLIAMS, AP DETROIT -Motown Records founder Berry Gordy Jr. and performer Smokey Robinson were among the mourners at a funeral service Monday for Levi Stubbs, frontman for the Four Tops. "He will always be here," Robinson said. "You're going to turn on the radio and hear him tomorrow. He made his mark on the world. All of the world, you'll be able to hear Levi Stubbs forever." Stubbs died in his sleep Oct. 17 at his Detroit home. He was 72. His dynamic and emotive voice drove Motown classics such as "Reach Out (I'll Be There)" and "Baby I Need Your Loving." "He made us walk in his shoes, felt what he felt and loved what he loved," Gordy said. "He not only sang the song, he was the song." The funeral service at Greater Grace Temple reflected on Stubbs' importance to Motown, music and his hometown of Detroit. Members of the city council read two resolutions, including one that marked June 6 as Levi Stubbs Day. "He stayed in Detroit," Councilwoman JoAnn Watson said. "He could have gone anywhere, but he stayed with his wife, stayed with his group, stayed with the Four Tops." The Rev. Jesse Jackson called the Four Tops "a family story," remarking on the group's decades together under Stubbs' leadership. "You just do not find an Aretha Franklin," Jackson said. "You don't find a Marvin Gaye. You don't find a Smokey Robinson. You don't find a Levi Stubbs. They don't come in bunches like grapes. They are rare pearls."

Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch...you know that I love you...I can't help myself.....I love you and nobody esle...

Last month, Mark and I went to an event that welcomed home the heroes of the Iraqi war.

During the celebration, the music of Motown was played.

And how we danced the music.....

The Evil We See

Watching: Diana; In Her Own Words
Quiet Afternoon
If a man has beheld evil, he may know that it was shown to him in order that he learn his own guilt and repent; for what is shown to him is also within him.- Baal Shem Tov

Oh how true the above words are.
How often I will see or hear something and very quickly to judge others. There are people who can be quite cutting and biting with their words. Statements come quick and sharp.
There are times I am willing to give grace. At others, I am ready (and have a few times) to give as good as I'd gotten.
But how many times have I been sharp or short with another?
How many times have I'd seem a child disrespect their parnets and shake my head in disapproval and the Spirit of G-d remind me of my disrespect of my mum as a teen. How often i have heard the way spouses have spoken to their beloved, only to be reminded of a moment when my tone wasn't very loving or respectful. How often Mark has come home and thanked me for being his wife and loving him when he sees the disrepect of a man to his wife.
Today, as we worked on the Newletter, talk turned to, as they do these days, to the election.
Mark was telling me about a friend of ours who was home for a wedding, had actually been hit while walking the streets in New York.
Her crime?
Wearing a MacCain button.
And this story is true.
Why couldn't the walkerby just agree to disagree?
Mark often says the things we see in others that we don't like, are the very things that are in us.
How very true

ProLife, By Choice

Boka Tov:
Yes, getting an early start.
Mark has an appointment with the Dentist. I should have one in a few weeks. While he is having his pearlies worked on, I will be at Beth Messiah, our Synagogue, helping with the mailing as I listen to my Torah portion.
This Shabbat I will be "called to the Torah" I will bless G-d Who has given us the Torah and then read (chant) Genesis chapter 9:1-3 (I hope) in Hebrew. It is both a honour and humbling, for one at that moment takes hold of Torah and it becomes theirs in a very real sense.
So, as I fold NewLetters, I will be listening and practicing along with Wisdom (the name of my Laptop)
Yes, I named my LapTop.

Anyho, my last entry got a little heavy. And as I wrote a dear earlier, it was and is never my or Mark's intent to shove our morals or valves on others. They are just us. And if anyone felt that, I am sorry.
One family member did have a 'safe, legal' abortion. And almost died. When procedure went wrong, the family was dropped off at the ER bleeding and left. That the side you don't often hear.
But Margaret Higgins Sanger has been a ghost of a figure in my families for years. Having studied the life and work of this woman for in a history project in High School, I walked away with a greater value on Human Life, no matter the colour, how conceived or its condition once born.
Margaret Sanger promoted the idea of "race hygiene" (is the selection, by a government, of the putatively most physical, intellectual and moral persons to raise the next generation (selective breeding) and a close alignment of Public Health with "negative eugenics through " attempt to reduce the fertility of "dysgenic" groups. Sanger considered the unchecked multiplication of the "unfit" to be "the greatest present menace to civilization."
The unfit included Catholics (when she stated that she believed that they were “black moles ) Mrs. Sanger even spoke leaving the country if John F. Kennedy won the election (She did change her mind) 'Blacks,' and "Yellows.' She suggested Congress set up a special department to study population problems and appoint a "Parliament of Population." One of the main objectives of the "Population Congress" would be "to raise the level and increase the general intelligence of the population.
Sanger saw birth control as a means to prevent "dysgenic" children from being born into a disadvantaged life, and dismissed "positive eugenics" (which promoted greater fertility for the "fitter" upper classes) as impractical. Though many leaders in the eugenics movement were calling for active euthanasia of the "unfit," to her credit, Mrs. Sanger spoke out against such methods.
And while others felt the same, Racial hygienists played key roles in the Holocaus the Nazi effort to cleanse Europe of Jews, Communists, Gypsies, homosexuals, political dissidents, (uncluding Christians who hid Jews) the mentally reatarded and the insane.
And this is these are the reasons why Mark and I are not supporters of So-called Plan ParentHood.
As one dear friend says: to each his own.
And while we may all not agree on this and other subjects, I hope with understanding where we are coming from, we can agree to disagree without being disagreeable.
See ya later....

Pro-Life. By Choice

Pslam 139:13-16:
13. For you formed my inward parts;you knitted me together in my mother's womb.

14. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works;

my soul knows it very well.

15. My frame was not hidden from you,when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

16. Your eyes saw my unformed substance;in your book were written, every one of them,the days that were formed for me,when as yet there was none of them

There is a woman who during the 1930's, found at age 49, she was having a baby. Abortion of course at this time is illegal, but the doctor "knew someone" who could "rid" her of the "problem."
She said no, having the last of her children.
That child, a girl would grow up and become a career woman. She would meet a man, not the same colour or faith and have a relationship with him. When it was learned she was having a child, the man walked out the door, and only after the child was born, seeing her one time, walked again out the door and never looked back.
That child, a girl would grow up, become HealthCare Provider and Crafter. But at 16 years old, sadly due to being at the wrong place at the wrong time, with the wrong people, she was raped and found to be with child. Despite advise to abort, she carried the child, who is now a Chief in the Navy.
Her cousin would learn her last was baby would be a Down's child. She chose to reject doctor's advise and have the child.
The woman in the 1930's; my grandmother. Her last child; my mother.
Mummie chose to keep me when Daddy walked out on both of us.
And teenagers do stupid things and go places they should not. But my son was not a mistake. Nor just some mass of fresh that can be removed and tossed away like a growth or a tumor.
My cousin's son is now a young man and the happiest person I know.

But if Margerat Sanger had her way, my family line would have died with my mum.

Life; What a Wonderful Choice.

Psalm 146:3-4

Psalm 146:3-4 Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing.

This came up as a subject during Shabbat Dinner yesterday.
As believers, our true Hope lies in G-d, not Man. This does not mean we are not to do our part as Americans and vote.
But neither Senator Obama or Senator McCain are the Messiah. They can't walk on water, save the whale, change the heart of Terrorist or raise the dead.

Niether have the power to make the lazy work, keep husbands remain faithful, single women have enough self-worth not to open their bedroom door to anything male standing upright or stop teenager from strapping a bomb about its waist.

They do not have the power to turn Water into Wine or Dust to Gold. The problems we as Amercians have will not go away the moment either man is swore into Office. It doesn't matter if it is President MacCain or President Obama: our nation, nor the world will change overnight.

Sen Obama could very easliy die in office as MacCain; after all, young men die too you know.
Our hope, as the Psalmist wrote, is not in the power of earthy rulers, but in G-d.

The Holy One is The Only True Agent of Change.
We are continue to pray our leaders and future leaders and well.

Pray that G-d would give the next President, who ever he is, wisdom as to truly lead our nation.
And that dispite our different views on the state of affairs of our country, this is OUR NATION, we are all Amercians.

Prayer.

That is our only hope.

Word Crafter

As many of you know by now, I love to write. In fact, I am working on an outline for a children's book. The kind of books I would want my children and granchildren to read (Harry Potter is only good for feeding a nice fire. We as Torah Observe Jews do not read books or watch films with an occult Theme).
My sixth grade teacher caller writers WordCrafters. For in our hands in the power to calm and sooth or inflame. We can drive you to great flights of fantasy or cause you to feel the flames of hell itself.
A WordCrafter knows not only the power he/she holds, but sadly, sometimes, misuses that power.
Hitler comes to mind.
With the simple change of one word, you can change the meaning of a phrase. Some know this, some do not and some do not care.
Last night, Mark said something that hurt my feelings. I chose to forgive: after I made it clear I found what he said hurtful. My feelings were dismissed, but he took ownership of the pain he cause.
We must be aware that we share this world with others. And while we cannot tip-toe through this planet as if going through a mine-field, afraid we might set someone off, we also cannot be so thin skin that we can't give someone the benefit of the doubt what may not be a slight or insult.
And even if the words were meant as a slight or insult, it is more of an reflection of that person than it is of me or you.
**********************************************************************************
Word Crafter Part 2
Be nice to everyone you meet, they are fighting a battle you know nothing about .
John Waton.
Clyde send me this quote and I love it. In fact, I used it a few days ago with a friend.
This is why we must be willing to give others the benefit of the doubt.
I like the word grace.
The same grace that G-d shows me, I am to extend to others. Sometimes I do this well. Other times, I don't.
That is the meaning of "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." One Rabbi sid this way which is also good: "Don't do unto others that which you would not want done to you."
If I wish Mark to listen to me, then I need to listen to him. The hard part; even if he doesn't, that does not change the fact I should do the right time.
It is when each of us begin to love one another as G-d loves us and shine His Grace upon all we meet, modeling that which we claim to believe, then we become the agents of chance which we would like to see in our homes, nation and the world.

The Williness to Let Go

Funny the power of journaling.

As I wrote about my feelings of Mark and I not having a child (yet) once again peace flowed my being.

By getting rid of the bitterness in my being, I feel so much better.

Mark had the same thing happen Friday.

There had been something bathering him and after talking to Rabbi: he just let it all spill out, Mark slept like a baby.

As I once share, all of my life, I have wanted to know my father, a man who has never been a part of my life except for when I look in the mirror or when I dream.
My mum will not speak of him. Theirs was a brief affair and he walked away when learning he was to be a father.
I have nothing but a name-not even a picture. I have heard all of my life I look just like him, my build is the same as his and he was also a dancer. I also have his artistic eye.
Mark and I spoke again of my father this morning; we were watching a old video two men dressed in the old "cool cat" style of the 40's and 50's. I remember that my father dressed like that and he was a dancer. That is all I know. All of my aunts and uncles are dead; while alive they too would never speak of him. I have taken the little I know and have been researching my father's past. So far, no hits.
For years, I have prayed, hoping my mum would one day open up about my dad. I have from time to time ask questions; she doesn't remember. She doesn't wish to speak him. As I have said other entries, my mum doesn't speak of her past or family history.
This afternoon, I read a friend's journal entry.

About eroded locks and unhinged doors. And I got my answer.

The answer I have not wanted to face; I am not to know about my father. G-d has a reason for my not knowing and I have chosen to leave it at that.
G-d used this entry to face this truth and to stop me from picking the locks of my mum's memories for answers I may in the long run really don't need or wish to know. That is between my mum and G-d.
People come into our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime. I now understand, they leave the same way.
Just as my son chose to walk away from his family and deed us dead, so my did my father.
And that is OK. That is G-d's busniess, not mine.
Now I know there will be others who disagree with my conclusions. And that is your right to disagree. But please respect the fact that this is the answer G-d has given to me. And I am for the first time in my, at peace with that. I have been blessed with a wonderful, exciting life, filled with good friends, a loving husband and an Awesome G-d. I would have loved share my life with my father, my son and two grandchildren. But it is not to be and I shall not sit about in sack-cloth and ashes, mourning.

And now, I am also at peace with having a child. It will happen in G-d time. And whether G-d places that child in my womb or someone places a wiggling being in my arms, I am ok with that.

It gives me time to prepare our home for its coming.

If you love something, let it go.
If it belongs to you, it shall return.
If it doesn't return, it was never yours in the first place.

One Sad Moment

As wonderful as Shabbat was, there was a sad momnet.

Recently, we learned of a woman who expecting her second child. Her parnets, in their 60s is raising her first child who is less than a year old. This woman cannot care for the child and yet is carrying another. She along with her boyfriend are drug addicts and yet she drops babies like dumples while Mark and I, having suffered one miscarriage, long, desire and pray for a child of our own.

Today, the grandmother sat across from us. Once again, my tears flowed. Mark, knowing how I was feeling, just took me in his arms and allowed me to cry.

I marvel at the ease that women who don't want children can concieve from just a wink and a smile. How easy mums who can't take care of themselves, have children.

And what is worse treat that child like some kind of toy or puppy. Or worse; a means of gaining a monthly check.
I marvel at the ease women who care nothing about themselves can go onshooting up drugs, taking no thought as to how those drugs affect that baby.
Yes! BABY!

How they can take that precious gift that for reasons known only to Him, G-d granted to them, to an abortion clinic and have their precious child killed.

Yes I said KILLED!

Abortion is murder! It's orginal purpose was a design from a woman who thought there were too many "black and yellow" and we need to get rid of "these creatures." The true aim of Abortion wasn't " a woman's right to chose" but to wipe whole races of people.

So-Called Plan Parnethood doesn't tell you that.

How women who take no thought what they are shooting up in their veins and into the tiny life they are carrying under their heart.

But let someone suggest putting that child up for adoption, giving it to a couple that would welcome it with open arms and all Cain breaks loose. There are those of us that will (and have) take Crack Babies, Downs, etc.

But with adoption red tape, it takes years to get a child.

After all, we don't want to take these children from their "mothers" lightly.
I am struggling, I confess, with that bitter taste of "life is not fair!" Whenever I see this woman, I find myself becoming angry, and have to repent and give the matter over to G-d. I fight the feeling of evny, of wanting that which belongs to another.
Mark and I have been asked would we consider adoption.

Mark had asked during our engagment if I would consider adoption, since he was going through Cancer treatment.

But again, in this country, it takes years to adopt a child and getting an infant is a miracle in itself. Frankly we cannot afford international or private adoption, unless G-d works a miracle in that regard as well.

So, if it be the Holy One's will we shall a child.

Until then, I need to pray and keep giving this matter over and over again to G-d.

Sinus Update

Here we go again.....

Shalom:

Yes, I was back at the doctor's....again.

Two weeks ago I was asked to come in (Mark's Drill weekend) and direct the setup for the monthly congregation Shabbat Supper.

Sunday, we attended the wedding of our friends Rudy and Jerzeel and the next day was in Boone Clinic because I was so stuffy I could not sleep.

The doctor changed my medication and gave me something that opened up my sinuses.

Until Thrusday night when once again I was stuffy and could not breath.

The doctor at the Clinic was willing to see me that evening.

So, after we got things setup for Shabbat, off to the doctors we went.

Good thing I had my cameria with me so I could record this "I can't believe I am here," look.

The doctor gave me a strong antibiotic for 12 days and Prednisone (60 mgs the first four days, then 40 mgs, and until the end of the 12 day, 20 mgs) But it is doing the job. The doctor felt I might had a blockage that only the streiod maybe able to take care of.

If not, Ear, Nose and Throat here I come.

But I don't really see that happening. I am up and about, getting back into the dailys of life.

I'm even dancing again.

Answers and Changes

As I stated in an earlier entry, we have been facing some changes here, waiting for answers.
There was a training position Mark and a few fellow soldiers were up for and we had been waiting word for if Mark was up for the post.

Now we learn that the post will not open until Februay of next year.
So, we now have some answer to what is happening. Mark's leave ends tomorrow. (sep. 19)
So, he is back into the Army Reserves and looking for a job as a teacher (science) He had already started looking for work in August.

With a need for science teachers, Mark really should have no problem. In the meantime, he is also looking into tutoring.
I am looking into start tutoring Hebrew dance in about two or three weeks. Since both Mark and I are being called to the Torah (go up and chant a Torah portion), the next few weeks will be rather busy. I already have several students just waiting for when my first class begins.
Of course, all of this could change next week and we can find ourselves moving to Fort Story, Bragg or Drum.
All is in G-ds Hands and Time.
Mark said our lives would be one long honeymoon and adventure.
He didn't lie.

Time Goes On

As I continue to work on our journal: We Made Our Huppah
I have come to the section where I speak of the dancers.
It has been almost three and a half years. One of the daughters, Melissa is now living oversea, Sarah (the one who vow she would never marry) got married last summer to a wonderful guy in the Navy and another of the dancers is getting married next year.
Sam, one of Mark's best men, has since been to Afghanistan and now back home safe.

Paul, the other best man and Sarah, my Matron of Honour, have adopted a little boy from Africa, Abe.
Howard, who was one of our Huppah holders, became a widower and has since remarried and has now gained two daughter that adore him.
And in our family, the drama has died down.

Some.

Mark has since been returned to Iraq and is also safe and home. We are now enjoying this quiet time in our lives.
Three wonderful years I have been blessed with. Wonderful friends; old and new.

And a wonderful, loving husband.

May G-d grant us many, many more.

I Should Have Made Ten Pounds

Jerzeel chanting the Torah....

Jerzeel saying the Blessing over the Torah.....

Mark saying the Blessing over the Wine and Challah....

Laini saying the blessing over the Lights.......

Shalom;

Well we have said goodbye to another Shabbat.

Mark and I were once again honoured to kindle the Challah lights and say the blessing over the Challah and wine before the evening service started.

And it had been a wonderful time. To be honest, I hated leaving our home for service, so sweet and soft the Spirit that filled our home.

Our friend and brother Jerzeel chanted from Genesis 1:3 this morning. Once again we begin the Torah from Creation. And as always, the Torah does not change, but we are.

Later, we went to our Torah group for Lunch.

Mark suggested I make ten pounds of mash pototes, but I thought five would be enough.

Silly me....

I should have listen to my husband.

We got into a indept study of Genesis chapters one to three. And as always, it was an interesting study. Loud, at times heated, but rich in what we all took away.

Later, Mark and I came home, took naps an then, with a brief ceremony, sadly said goodbye to another Shabbat.

Tomorrow, we will attend the renewal of vows of a couple who have been married 35 years.

And I have to prepare for next Shabbat.

I am being called to the Torah

Bubba's 21th Birthday

21st Birthday

Bubba had long heard the stories of an amazing family tradition.

It seems that his father, grandfather and great-grandfather had all been able to walk on water on their 21st birthday.

On that special day, they'd each walked across the lake to the bar on the far side for their first legal drink.So when Bubba's 21st birthday came around, he and his pal Jim Bob took a boat out to the middle of the lake, Bubba stepped out of the boat... and nearly drowned! Jim Bob just barely managed to pull him to safety.

Furious and confused, Bubba went to see his grandmother.

"Grandma," he asked, "it's my 21st birthday, so why can't I walk 'cross the lake like my pappy, his father, and his father before him?"Granny looked deeply into Bubba's troubled eyes and said, "Because your father, your grandfather and your great grandfather were born in January, when the lake is frozen, and you were born in July, you dumb... "

Five Pounds of Mash Potoes

Shalom:

Well it is almost time for Shabbat and we are looking forward to our first meal at our new table.

Next week I having Tea Party for the women in my Torah study, so I am looking forward to serving my guest in our up-date-look.

Right now, I am finishing supper, including Shabbat Dinning with our Torah study.

Guess who is bringing five pounds of mash pototoes?

Well, I am feeding about 25-30 people. And they do smell good.

Besides, Mark is not going to allow any mashies out of the house without having a small bowel.

Good Shabbat everyone.

Our New Look

The very nice man who delievered our Dinning Set.

Our new DinningRoom. The other chairs will be delievered later.

I found a nice Autumn table cloth and this is it's first appearnace.....

The L-rd's Seat.

When I was a child, my mum would set the Dinningroom for Shabbat and all the Holidays. And Who sat at the Head of the table? Why the Head of home: G-d. Mummie always set a place for Him, to remind us that every good thing we have and enjoy comes from.

I have continued that tradition, but I cover the Chair of the Honoured Guest with a Prayer Shawl. And that is His place, Center in our home.

I remember Mark's sister asking about this tradition. I assured her I did not put food on His plate, nor did we expect Him to eat it. It was (and is) a reminder of in Who's Presence we are in.

And that He is most welcome in this home.