THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN'S APPROACH TO 9-11

 The 11th anniversary of Sept 11, 2001 is coming to a close.  How do you feel?  Sad?  Remorseful?  Drained? Fearful?   I daresay that if you followed any of the high-profile observances of this day, you are not feeling good, uplifted, hopeful or empowered.  All of this leads me to question "Why do we continue to remember this event with negative emotional energy; monumental structures; costly airfare to "be there"; time off from productive work; songs of sadness; etc. etc. etc.?  What would Messiah do?  The most devastating event in human history--the turning point which changed global calendars forever--His death and resurrection is observed with rejoicing and celebration.  So where is the disconnect?

Virtuous Women are cognizant that tragedy and heartbreak are part of life.  Whether or not you had a loved one who died on 9-ll, you have had tragedy.  Someone you know, someone you loved has died and the pain of loss is real to you.  What does our Book of Wisdom counsel us to do in times of difficulty, loss and grief?  Predictably, it is 180 degrees opposite of what the world does!  Here are some concepts to consider on this most auspicious day ...

"... This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before us."  ~ Philippians 3:13

"Brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things." ~ Philippians 4:8

"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who have died, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope.  For we believe that Christ died and rose again, and those who died in Him will God bring with Him when He comes again." ~ 1st Thessalonians 4:13-14

"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption is near."  ~ Luke 21:28

Sept 11, 2001 OR The Great Tribulation?

Thus, we are not to sorrow in this day or even remember the day with sadness and remorse.  We are called to FORGET the tragedy of the day, but remember those who have passed on ahead of us with the blessed hope of seeing them again.  When September 11, 2013 rolls around, consider a celebration in the Messiah Who paid the ultimate price of death and resurrection and the promise of His soon return with our beloved ones who've gone before.  There is a greater tragedy coming... a time more horrible than the Earth has ever known... will you be ready?   B'shem Y'shua ha M'shiach

WIDOWS CHEATED OUT OF SOCIAL SECURITY

"Wither Thou Goest, I will Go With You"

Government promises made, are not promises kept.  The reality of  a widow's social security pension is the latest in a string of broken promises as reported in the Aug 24, 2012 edition of MarketWatch.  And it's a clear-cut reason why virtuous women do not put their trust in Government. 

 

We trust in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob because HE is the one Who cares for the widows and the orphans. 

 

As women of faith, we are to be like Ruth who, knowing not her future in a strange land, she trusted in the God of her husband's family.  Many women are left in great financial straits when they become widowed.  Today's economic culture is crumbling for women of all ages.  But the promise of the Kinsman Redeemer is a promise that will never be broken.  He says "Even if your father and mother forsake you, I will take you up."   ~ Psalm 27:10

 

When I became a widow unexpectedly, the Lord directed my path to follow the role model of the Proverbs 31 woman with a home-based business.  He continues to prosper me in all things--health, home and financial peace.  Consider this course for yourself, and I will teach you what He has taught me. Click to learn more:  http://janetmcbride.marketingscents.com/goland11

 

"Trust in the Lord with your whole heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." ~ Proverbs 3:5-6



THE MYSTERIOUS OBITUARIES OF ELUL



A few years ago, I encountered a Jewish medical doctor who told a most intriguing story.  He said that in his many travels, he would often occupy himself with reading the local obituary notices of whatever city he was currently traversing.  Over a 20-year period of tracking these death announcements, he observed a mysterious, yet altogether traceable thread of predictability surrounding these occurrences. 

 

In the weeks preceding the Biblical observance of Yom Kippur, there is a striking increase in the number of obituaries published.  This also coincides with the month of Elul on the Hebrew calendar.  My own husband, a Messianic Rabbi, passed away half-way through the Month of Elul in 2010.  During the days following the death of a loved one, Jewish families participate in a ritual prayer, remembrance and time of rest called "Sitting Shiva." This tradition helps to heal the grieving process.

If the increase in deaths during Elul is true, it could be tied into an incumbent piece of what the Book of Ecclesiastes calls "....an appointed time to die." (Eccl. 3:2) While there is no empirical evidence that such a phenomenon visits the Planet every August, tradition needs no such proof for the avid believer.

HOUSE OF JUDAH - PHOENIX, AZ 1998



Yom Kippur is the Day of the "Covering" when Torah observers prepare for and participate in traditions to ensure their sins are "covered" and to have their names recorded in the Book of Life for another year.  It is believed that those who die preceding this event, were not recorded in the "Book" during the previous Yom Kippur.

FOR THE MESSIANIC BELIEVER, our belief is in the finished work of Passover and First Fruits.  Our names are written in the "Lamb's Book of Life," once for all time. 

MONTH OF ELUL - THE ART OF AGING

Month of Elul - God's Preparation Time

The Month of Elul on the Hebrew Calendar are the 30 days preceding the Biblical Feast of Trumpets.  Traditional Jews observe this Feast as Rosh Hashana, the New Year.  It really is the New Year--the Birthday of the World--as this is the same day as the evening and morning of the first day in the Book of Genesis. 

"Elul" has been interpreted as an acronym, with its Hebrew letters "Aleph," "Lamed," "Vav," "Lamed" representing the words "Ani L'Dodi V'Dodi Li" which is translated "I am my Beloved's and my Beloved is Mine." ~ Song of Songs: 6:3

 

Elul is a time of repentance, introspection, fasting and prayer, and a recognition of where we are in life.  For the Virtuous Woman, she rejoices in her days--at every age. She does not defile her body (the Temple) with Botox, dangerous diets, toxic implants or barbaric cosmetic surgeries. "Strength and Honor are her clothing and she rejoices in the times to come." Proverbs 31:25  

 

So, let's celebrate L'chaim during this transforming Month of Elul ✡    Shalom!

WERE YOU CREATED OR WERE YOU MADE? YES!



Discovering our Hebrew Roots



Today's Hebrew lesson is on the creation of the Virtuous Woman.  Like everyone else on Planet Earth, you are "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made," according to the Psalm 139:14.  But what makes you so special and so different from all the other 7 billion inhabitants of our glorious planet? 

In the Hebrew language of Genesis, the creation story  makes quite a distinction within the six steps of our emerging existence.  The distinction is this:  When the Hebrew word Bawrah is used as in Genesis 1:1 "...God created the Heavens and the Earth," it literally means that the Universe was shaped out of nothing that existed before.  Imagine!  It just came into being.  But when the word is Asah is used as in Genesis 1:7 "...God made the firmament..." - the firmament was formed and sculpted out of already existing materials.  So, mankind was formed from the dust of the Earth--Asah, already existing materials.  But when God breathed the breath of life into that form, that breath or His Spirit was Bawrah -- just as it was in Genesis 1:1.  It was wholly new, not like anything that ever existed before.  Singular; Unique; One-of-a-Kind.  And for every child formed in the womb, this is still true.

So, while we are "made" by our parents from their already existing DNA, the life force within us--that breath from God--is "created" in us, the first of its kind....Bawrah.  And that is why you are like no one else who is, was, or ever will be in the future.

The Virtuous Woman is Fearfully and Wonderfully Created and Made (Bawrah and Asah)!

VIRTUOUS WOMEN WEAR MANY HATS

WEAR VIRTUE LIKE A BEAUTIFUL CHAPEAU

Timing is everything and it's time for Women of Faith to step into the roles they were born to live.   To paraphrase a popular saying, "Behind every great man is a woman with many hats.”  While this may be true, the Virtuous Woman of Proverbs 31was more than just the inspiration behind a man--she flourished in her own right. 

It’s quite obvious from reading of this super woman, she was the consummate "multi-tasker."  She mothered her children; managed the household; mentored other women; directed her staff; created fabulous designs; demonstrated financial savvy in the real estate market; profited from her vineyard; and evoked praise and adoration from her husband.  When a need arose, she filled it.  When a crisis occurred, she met the challenge.  She was confident and compassionate, and her husband did not worry about money because she prospered in all her endeavors. (Proverbs 31:11)  So how did our virtuous woman accomplish all of this and yet remain balanced in her many roles?

The Proverbs 31 woman lived her calling and did it well because she was equipped to handle the call.  Not every woman is destined to be like her.  All too often, expectations are put upon women beyond their ability to perform.   Sometimes, women do this to themselves--Unreasonable Demands of Perfection!  Later in our journey, we will discuss the Saboteur of Perfectionism.  But listen to me now when I tell you that it's okay to NOT be the Queen of Everything!  You only need to reign supreme in the Domain to which God has called and equipped you.             

IMPART THE BLESSING

Baruch ata Adonai

SHABBAT SHALOM!  That is, Rest and Peace to you.  It is the Eve of the Sabbath for Jewish and Messianic Christian households around the world.  As women of faith, we are to be about our Father’s business, watching over the welfare of our families and our homesteads. 

The Virtuous Woman watches over the ways of her household.”  Proverbs 31:27

The very first thing to do--the most important thing--the action that will change the entire vibrational frequency of your home--is to bless it!  The Blessing is the heart and soul of Shabbat.  A woman lights the candles because it was foretold that "a woman would bring forth the Light of the World." Bless your rooms and your spaces; your doorposts and lintels; your windows and portals.  Bless the beds that are slept in and the table at which you break bread together as a family.  Bless your coming in and your going out.  Bless your husband and bless your children.  This authority is the Gift the Father has given and it can rock your world!  The power of the blessing cannot be overstated. Remember, "The Power of is life and death is in the tongue, and we shall eat of the fruit of whichever we choose to impart." ~ Proverbs 18:21   

Listen to the Teaching on the Shabbat Blessing with Janet McBride from the House of Judah, 1998:

Visit me at and request the complete Shabbat Blessing in Hebrew:  www.womanscents.com