One Month

Shalom:
It has been one month since our lives changed.
It still feels like yesterday that we moved in and Mark started his new job.
And yet, at the same time, it feels as if we have lived in this house for years.
The feeling of the house is truly family; me, Mark and our roommate Chris, along with the furry babies, Monti and Peanut.
More about Peanut later.
It is clear that G-d has knitted our hearts together. Chris, who is going through a new beginning as well, is more like a younger brother than a roomie.
Peanut and Monti are still working through their relationship.
And me? It is so nice being the lady of the house, having a nice big kitchen to cook in and once Mark cleans the stove, bake in.

This is Mark with Jose and Monti. Jose and Monti were the best of friends. But Jose didn't like men and began growling at Mark and snapping at his owner, Chris. So, sadly, Jose had to be re homed.
A few days later, came Peanut:

Peanut is a 16 or 17 year old Beagle who's owner was moving out of state and couldn't take Big Girl with her. And she is truly a big girl, but like Monti, very loving. However, both Peanut and Monti are use to being The Dog of the house, so they are not exactly great friends.
At least Monti doesn't try to push Peanut off my lap.
We are still unpacking and packing, trying to find places to put stuff. There are days I am ready to just throw everything into the trash.
And then I remember the goodness of G-d and change my mind.
One month ago, Mark did not have a job and we were facing eviction.
One month later, we are now living in a house we are renting for less than we rented our former apartment with everything included. Mark has a job he loves and this evening he will come home with his second paycheck and will be able to pay our rent.
How good He is. How faithful.
Just today I was encouting the deeds and miracles He has performed, the love He continues to pour into our lives.
How easy it is take such blessings for granted.
That is why I believe keeping a journal is so important. To remind ourselves what He has done. This is the purpose of the various Feast of the L-rd; to remember, to recall, to celebrate.
For all my readers who are still looking for work, for are in of a movement of G-d in your life. He did it for us and He will do it for you. He has brought us through the fire and the storm, and we have come through intact, not even smelling of smoke.
Hold onto His unchanging Hand.
I haven't.

A Sukkot Miracle

Shalom:
Thank you, thank you, thank you, to everyone who has prayed for and with Mark and I these past several months. For the letters of encouragement, for those who donated to PayPal to help support us, for the cards and the phones calls. All of you are amazing.
As all of you know, Mark has been looking for work for two years. Last year, we had a false start with a job that lasted only several weeks due to the fact that it was seasonal work.
Twelve weeks ago, Mark began attending the ,Building Trades Academy.
The Building Trades Academy Inc., is a 501(c)3 entity that strives to deliver workforce education, training and employment services that lead to better jobs and careers in the building trades to low-income residents of South Hampton Roads through partnerships with industry, government, and community organizations; to deliver vocational training through partnerships that enhance the community and promote affordable home ownership (yes, I copied this off their website) Since, in the past two years, we have gone from an 60,000 a year income to under 10,000 making us an low-income family, Mark was able to enroll.

And frankly, it is exactly what Mark needed. Mark not only received the needed skill for the various construction trades, but how to succeed in his new field of employment, but they also receive life skills training. Mark's training was  as if he really on the  job, and he would indeed come home happy from a hard day's work.

 It was a tough twelve weeks including me falling and spraining my knee and wrist, Mark getting a summer cold, the death of our friend and brother David and little money to live on.
The last week of school, the students worked on various jobs sites for four days without pay, putting into use the skills they have obtained. For, it was Lincoln Military housing. And he loved it. Each day he came home with stories of the things he did, the people he had met and how he would love to work there. On his last day, Mark was asked to apply for a job.
The next day, 28th of September, the 199th of the Building Trade graduated, including my beloved.

And yes, I am very proud of my man....

 This past Thursday, Mark was hired by Lincoln Military housing; as soon as the background check and the results of the drug test comes in, he goes to work.
A few weeks ago, friends from our former church suggested we on to their deacon and ask for assistance, so that we can avoid eviction. The night before Mark's interview, he met with two of the deacons.. These dear men prayed for us and felt what we needed was a fresh start. What we own was too much for them to help with. But they offered the following; that they would be willing to pay for first and last month's rent and help us move. They even e-mailed the next day a list of places we should check into.
Before his interview, Mark stopped to see our rabbi to tell him what has been happening. He was so happy to see Mark, and even gave Mark the name of someone who had apartments to rent. When asked how I was doing and knowing I needed medication, rabbi wrote Mark a check to cover the cost and even filled Mark's gas tank.
Amazing!
Yesterday morning, Mark, Monti and I went to see the first house on the list. The property manager lived in their house and was renting the bedrooms. We fell in love with the house and with Chris. There is very little furnishing and we offered the use of ours while we live there. Yes, we are moving into a house for at least six months to help get us back onto our feet. We will actually be paying thirty dollars less to rent a house!
So, while we still have to go to court for eviction, we will have a place to live and soon Mark will be returning to work.
I said before I believe in miracles and I still do. Mark and I are living proof that G-d is Faithful.
I hung on to the belief that He would not allow us to be put our on the streets. G-d has brought us too far, has done too much for us, to just drop us. Jews and Christians were His hands and Feet.
He has been faithful, so faithful.
I told my mother I was believing for a Sukkot miracle.
And there it is.

Valley of Dry Bones

Miracle: is a phenomenon not fully explained by known laws of nature or an act by some supernatural entity, known or unknown, outside force. Some scientist-theologians suggest that miracles are not violations of the laws of nature but "exploration of a new regime of physical experience. Others perceive the act as coincidence. Religious often refer to this as Divine Providence.
Divine Providence: G_d is directing, even recreating every minute detail of creation. This is the underpinning of the Orthodox believer's world view, particularly as regards questions of interaction with the natural world.

Boker Tov:
Yesterday, I wrote about waking with a sense of joy and wonder. This morning, the feeling wasn't as intense, but still there.
I believe this feeling, this slow change in my emotions is due largely in part to a miracle I have witness unfold the past five and a half months.
I have a friend, one I have written about a few years ago who had been quite sick. Mark and I took him in and nursed him back to health.
Sadly, his health went south again and this past January, once again we watched as my friend David battled another serious illness, this time, Mastitis. Today mastoiditis is easy to treat and rarely serious, but in David's case, it was. And given his other health problems, this made treating  him more difficult. David was in hospital for weeks, receiving antibiotics by IV. He was also on a feeding tube. The doctors and nurses worked overtime to restore David's health.
Many times I stood at David's bed, asking G_D: "can these bones rise up and live again?" I knew G_D could bring him back.
But it would be a miracle.
A few months back, David heard of someone who lost his home, needing a place to stay. David agreed to allowed this gentleman to stay in his apartment for a few weeks. His new room-mate and his girlfriend got David's apartment cleanup and ready for David's return.
David's health improved enough that he was released from Rehab Saturday. David's doctor didn't think this was a good idea, that David wasn't really strong enough to be released. But doctor was over-ruled.
So, Saturday morning, Mark and I picked David up and took him back to his apartment. He walked out, with a new cane and socking feet, no shoes. Not even bedroom slippers.
I hide both my anger and my tears.
Rick was at the apartment, waiting for our arrival. Rick's girlfriend, Bonnie was there as well, making for a warm welcome. I had suggested to both Rick and David that Rick be added to David's lease. This would work out well for both of them; Rick would have a place to live and David would not be alone.
I wrote on facebook that David was back home and at least one person I know where to bring David a meal Sunday.
A month ago, David was on a feeding tube.
Given how sick David was even a month ago, it is a miracle that David is even alive. G_D isn't ready for him yet.
Seeing what G_D did for David, renews my hope, my faith that G_D shall move through our lives the same way. Our financial looks dire. It looks like we could lose everything.
But as I watched David slowly walk up the steps back to the apartment he himself didn't think he would ever return to, I have renewed home.
I look around home, at a empty checking account and ask "can these bones live again?"
Yes, they can.

Our Pal Monte

Shalom:
Thank you to everyone who comment about the newest member of our family, Montague. Yes, he is a dear, he is indeed a gift from G-d, a small package of fur.
Even now he is sitting at my feet, looking at Mark.
I remember one evening, Mark said, "we need Monte more than he needs us."

It true. As we go through this storm in our lives, we do need this little furry bundle of joy.
A very social dog, when taking Montague for his walks, he doesn't mind at all people stopping to pet him, showering his greeters with kisses.
Dogs, however, a different story.
While we find he gets along with most dogs, he isn't like PitBulls. He gets along pretty with the big dogs in our neighourhood, from time to time I do have to pick the little guy up, since he thinks he is much bigger and badder than he really is.
For example, we took Monte for a doctor's visit at the SPCA this morning. It's much cheaper, so there is no excuse not to have a pet cared for.
As we were checking out, a Great Dane came in.
Thankfully, Mark had a good handle on Montague, because he was up, barking and every to take the Great Dane on.
As one of the Assistance said, "little dude, you are way out of his weight class."
We knew Montague was an older dog, it seems he is at least 13 years old. And he looks very good for his age. He does have gum disease that has to be treated, there is a good chance he might even lose his teeth.
Sadly, we just can't afford to take care of his teeth right now.
So, after my own test this afternoon, while Mark had a doctor's appointment, I added the needs of our little guy along with our own.
There are times it is hard, but one has to keep holding on, keep praying, keep believing.
And then I see Monte looking at me. Then at Mark.
He trust us. He knows we love him and we will take care of him. He has faith is us.
The same trust, the same faith, Mark and I have to have in our Heavenly Father.

In The Hands of G-d Part Three

Shalom:
Well it is a rainy night here in Norfolk. A nice evening for hot coco and a good book.
Mark is looking for a job online while I catch on the blog.
Right now, we are taking things one day at a time.
Yesterday, I took all the bills, laid them on the dinningroom table and prayed; "G-d, we cannot pay these bills. We don't have the money, we don't have jobs, we have no way to pay these bills. So I am giving them to You. Our hope is in You. I believe, somehow, someway, You will provide for us."
Yeah, I know it sounds strange.
But I do believe that the Creator is our Father. That He indeed listens to our prayers. That He does answer. It might not be the way or matter we wish, or in the time we think, but He does answer.
I remember years ago, one of my friends said to me, "good morning, beautiful."
I laughed and asked if I am so beautiful, why doesn't I married. Or at least someone ask me out everyonce in a while.
His answer: "G-d is preparing your husband."
Excellant answer and quite right.
Many times we may be ready, but G-d is still working out the details.
Or we ourselves may not be ready for that new job, that house we are praying for other for that mate.
Sometimes we forget, G-d sees the whole picture, whereas,we can see just so far. And that means learning to trust our Heavenly Father.

I took this picture just before Mark and I took off for New York. At first, it was just a cute picture.
But now I see it a little differently.
While dad is watching for the traffic, son was looking down at his little legs on the petals. He had no fear of where his father was taking him. He trusted his daddy enough to just go for the ride, knowing his daddy will get him where-ever they were going safely. Total trust.
That I would be as trusting of my heavnly Father as this little boy.

In The Hand of G-d Part One

Shalom:
 Well it is Januray 2012.
So far, so good.
I'd just read comments made on the blog. Thank you so much for your good wishes and prayers. Even sharing what is going on in your lives.
We live in interesting times. For many, they give thanks for still having jobs, homes, good health. But they feel the pain of those who have lost any of or all of the above.
Up intil several months ago, I felt secure.
 Now, not so much.
After years of being on welfare, between private duty work as a HomeHealth Care and having a small home business, I worked myself off.
It is how I supported myself as I worked torwards my next goal; getting out Public Housing.
And that is when I met Mark.
As many who follow this blog know, we started off as friends, then became bestfriends. Finally, seeing that G-d was playing the role of Heavenly MatchMaker, we were married.
I was so thankful and blessed that Mark didn't judge me by where I lived. Grady Park was and still is a very nice neighour and pretty decent for Public Housing. He spend many an evening at my dinningroom table, sitting watch a movie or he would pick me up for service at Beth Messiah.
After we were married, we lived in my tiny little apartment for two months as we looked for a another place to live. Something bigger. Something nice.
 We found a beautiful place in Historial Ghent and moved. Making two of my dreams come true.
I was finally moving out of housing and I was moving to the very neighour I had spend years working torwards moving to.
I still remember the morning we moved out of my old apartment. I remember walking throught the empty rooms, knowing I was leaving to begin a whole new life. Welfare is a form of slavery, captured by cans and cannots and you have to work youself off to get free. Some, like my son, got out by joining the Navy, choicing to make an career of it.
Here I was, with a gold band on my left finger, standing in the middle of an empty kitchen. My fomer kitchen.
I couldn't help but cry. Neighours came to say goodbye, wish me well, thanked me for being an wonderful neighour and friend. I got hugs and kisses and even a nice card made by one of the children.
My next door neighour, an older lady, even asked me if I knew what I was doing the right thing by leaving.
I understood what she was asking. I was leaving the known, the safe. It would easy to stay and settle.
"What if that man loses his job? What if that man up and leaves you. They do that you know. Then what are you going to do, then. This has been your home for so long...." 
I understood her concerns, her fears. I was like a granddaughter to this dear woman. She had watched out for the the pass several months that I had lived in that apartment and I knew she would miss me as well as worry about how I'm doing.
My answer; "I shall do as I have always done, Trust G-d."
(She's since moved in with her son and his wife)
I said goodbye and waved goodbye to my old life.....
That was six and a half years ago.
Today, I am sitting in a hotel room after attending another military event with my beloved. He's gone to get supper while I apply ice to my right ankle. (I twisted it stepping on a stone) wreatling through fears of having to return to housing, to food stamps.
Not because my husband left me, but because other than hubby's unemployment checks and army reserve pay, there is no steady income. Mark, being an reservist has been looking work for now 14 months. Interviews that don't turn into jobs. I once again face an health issus we hope to get answers to this week.
We really cannot afford our apartment, so we are now looking into Section 8.
Frankly, I hate it. But I also know if things don't turn around, that is where we are heading.
My answer is still as it was six and a half years ago: I shall trust G-d.
It isn't blind faith, or I hope faith. It is rememebring how He cared for me in the past, that He is keeping us now.
And whatever happens, I keep one hand in the hand of my beloved, and the other hand, in the Hand of the Lover of our soul.

A Samuel Moment

Shalom:
I awoke this morning in the worse pain I'd had in days. So into the shower I went. Ahhh nice hot water...
While taking my shower, Mark came in the bathroom and asked:'Yes?"
He thought that I had called him.
I hadn't.
So, back to making breakfast he went (yes, Mark makes breakfast and for the single ladies, no you can't clone him)
About ten mimutes later, here comes Mark again. "Yes? Did you call me?"
"No, dear."
Remembering my Torah studies, I called, "if you hear your name called again, I would say 'hinneh' (Behold)
"I am doing that right now." was his answer.
If you recall young Samuel was about seven years old when he too heard G-d calling his name. He was asleep and each time he heard his name, he went running to the High Priest Eli, thinking he was calling him. Eli wisely realize the L-rd was calling the boy. Often times, G-d will speak through a voice that is familiar to us.
So Eli told Samuel the next he the Voice, go into the Holy Place and say, "your servant is listening.
So Mark spend about 30 minutes in the Prayer Room as I prepared for the Day.
Mark came out, smiling. It was clear that indeed G-d wanted a few minutes with "his child." G-d wanted to assure Mark of His love for him and He was indeed guidinf his steps.
Yes, I know someone wonder if it was the 3a.m pizza speaking or what was in his cup of coffee. For G-d doesn't speak to people like this anymore. G-d doesn't speak. There is no G-d.
Are you sure?
Once an old rabbi was asked by one of his students, if G-d still speaks.
The rabbi answered: "Yes, The Holy One is always Speaking. The question isn't is The Holy One Speaking, but are you listening?'

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.