THE ISAIAH SEAL (BULLA)

CHRIST WAS PREDICTED BY THE PROPHET ISAIAH IN THE 8th Cent. BC – In 1987-88 the late Israeli archaeologist, Eliat Mazar discovered a small clay bulla (seal) from the southern wall of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem in her Ophel excavations. The seal was discovered from wet-sifted material that was taken from an Iron Age layer close to bedrock that was near a foundation trench cut for a wall of a Herodian vault. It dates to the 8th Century B.C. (the time of the prophet Isaiah). In 2015 Eliat’s team discovered another intact bulla with the inscription, “of King Hezekiah of Judah” located just 10 ft away from the clay Isaiah bulla. The book of Isaiah records pivotal events in the spiritual and political life of ancient Judah in the 8th Century B.C.. From an archaeological and historical standpoint, it is one of the most well-attested books in the entire Old Testament. Isaiah contains some of the most extensive prophecies about the coming of Israel's Messiah and the nature of His reign on earth.

Isaiah predicted Christ (Israel’s Messiah) 700 years before he was born; that He would suffer and bear the sins of His people; and that He would return to gloriously reign on earth forever.

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel (“God with us”) - Isa. 7:14

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be on His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. Upon the throne of David and over his kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgement and justice from that time forward and forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. - Isa. 9:6-7

There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots, The Spirit of the Lord shall rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. His delight is in the fear of the Lord, and He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, Nor decide by the hearing of His ears; but with righteousness He shall judge the poor, And decide with equality for the meek of the earth. He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins, and faithfulness the belt of His waist. The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and calf and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them… - Isa. 11:1-6

He was despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were our faces from Him; He was despised and we did not esteem Him. Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him as stricken, Smitten by God and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. - Isa. 53:3-6

In Luke 4:17-22, Christ Himself affirmed that He was the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecies (cf. Isa. 61).

DECEMBER TREASURES; Coalinga-CA

I'm feeling a bit punk 😒 today, so it was a kick-back, p.j.'s. kinda day; thankfully 😘, I have an understanding 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨 husband - he would have picked up the slack … and more than once told me to hand over and do nothing until my tail stopped dragging, but I am not a sluggard. I can go slow and still honor my responsibilities 👌

I enjoy being a Wife 😊 - and all that implies. Today's miserable punkiness isn't handicapping.

The weather will eventually warm up again 🌞 This time of year - here, in Coalinga-CA, it does chill down overnight (sometimes cools to 35-degrees overnight): but it heats back up to a pleasant warm 60-degrees by noon. December here feels like a crisp WA State spring day. If I wasn't feeling punk, I'd be enjoying it.

The stuffy nose, sneezing, and dull headache, will eventually ease up 🙏 with the seasonal weather adjustment.

Quiet company, gentle moments, a simple hearty meal, warm candy-cane cocoa, and time unhurried is how we spent out Day - as night settled in.

December treasures of a quiet, productive life.

And now, it's time for a vintage movie flick, while I work a couple more WIP rounds …

Minerva showing a bonus surprise.

Val's Steamed Meatballs: 1-lb. Beef 'burger, 1 egg, 1 onion, diced small, 3 garlic, minced small, 1 TBSP. parsley & 1 tsp. Jamaican Jerk seasoning~ shape into balls & steam with veggies of choice.

Picking up work on my little gingerbread Preemie-NB gown …

Humphrey Bogart | The Treasure of the Sierra Madre Movie: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5Z-H63SUBg)

And later on, upstairs - I'll be sliding towards slumber with Clive 📖👍

HISTORICAL EVIDENCE FOR JOSEPH IN THE BIBLE

Image of a Portrait head of pharaoh Sesostris-Senusret III

Is there evidence for the Biblical Joseph?

According to the Scriptures, Joseph rises to the position of second to the Pharaoh. The question is whether there is a time period in ancient Egypt that corresponds to the story of Joseph? Well there is an event in the life of Joseph that can help us to place Joseph in Egyptian history. Due to the famine Genesis chapter 47 describes how Joseph began to buy up all the property and wealth of the Egyptians and transfer it to the Pharaoh. In the following year with the continuation of the famine Joseph was able to purchase all the farmland and transfer it to Pharoah. As it is written in Genesis 47: 20–25

{{20 So Joseph bought all the land in Egypt for Pharaoh. The Egyptians, one and all, sold their fields, because the famine was too severe for them. The land became Pharaoh’s, 21 and Joseph reduced the people to servitude, from one end of Egypt to the other. 22 However, he did not buy the land of the priests, because they received a regular allotment from Pharaoh and had enough food from the allotment Pharaoh gave them. That is why they did not sell their land. 23 Joseph said to the people, “Now that I have bought you and your land today for Pharaoh, here is seed for you so you can plant the ground. 24 But when the crop comes in, give a fifth of it to Pharaoh. The other four-fifths you may keep as seed for the fields and as food for yourselves and your households and your children.” 25 You have saved our lives,” they said. “May we find favor in the eyes of our lord; we will be in bondage to Pharaoh.”}}

This would have been a major social revolution in ancient Egypt. Is there a period of time in Egyptian history that corresponds with this tremendous transfer of wealth and power?

The Egyptologist Charles Ailing has identified this time to the Middle Kingdom during the reign of Senusret III (1878–1843 BCE) (1). During his time the powerful nomarchs were broken up and lost their power. Up until Senusret III the nomarchs who were feudal overlords each ruled one of the 12 nomes of Egypt. However that all changed almost overnight when they seem to have ceased to exist and their power was transferred to the Pharaoh. Egyptologists really don’t know why? Nowhere is it mentioned the cause but this would have been a major socio-economic revolution in ancient Egypt. That is why Dr. Ailing places Joseph’s famine policy as the reason and cause for this break up and transfer of wealth and power.

This would place the early career of Joseph to the 12th dynasty Pharaoh Senusret III. Most likely Joseph continued being a vizier to his son and successor Amenemhat III (1842–1797 BCE). It was during this pharaoh when Egypt reached a zenith in wealth and power. This zenith however was directly the result of Joseph’s famine policy which brought about a socio-economic revolution in ancient Egypt. It also places Joseph toward the end of the middle kingdom of Egypt.

THE NAME OF GOLIATH DISCOVERED IN HIS HOMETOWN~Biblical Truths & Evidence

Pottery shard bearing the name “Goliath”; about 950 B.C.

In 2017, archaeologists excavating Tel es-Safi—widely recognized as the biblical city of Gath—made a remarkable discovery: a pottery shard bearing the name “Goliath.” Dating to around 950 B.C., this artifact falls within roughly 70 years of the period traditionally associated with David and his legendary encounter with Goliath. It represents the oldest known Philistine inscription linked to a biblical figure, providing a tangible connection to the world described in Scripture.

The name “Goliath” is derived from the Hebrew word galyut, meaning “exile” or “captivity.” It was extremely rare among the Philistines, whose names typically reflect Aegean or Indo-European origins, stemming from their migration from the Mediterranean coast. The uniqueness of the name suggests that the Goliath mentioned in the David narrative may have been a particularly notable figure—a local champion or warrior—consistent with the biblical portrayal of him as extraordinary. This rarity makes the Tel es-Safi inscription all the more remarkable, as it could potentially reference the very Goliath of Scripture.

Tel es-Safi was one of the major cities of the Philistine pentapolis during the Iron Age. Excavations at the site have revealed substantial fortifications, distinctive Philistine pottery, and other artifacts that corroborate the biblical depiction of Gath as a powerful city-state. While the inscribed shard is small, it provides meaningful evidence of the presence of personal names in Philistine society, aligning with the Biblical record.

Although this discovery does not constitute definitive proof that the giant Goliath existed, it strongly supports the historicity of the narrative’s setting. The artifact’s alignment with the timeframe, location, and cultural context described in Scripture underscores the Bible’s reliability as a historical document. Discoveries like this help bridge the gap between faith and history, demonstrating that the world of the biblical text was grounded in real people and real places.

GREENING, FLY-BY, SNOWFLAKES, & CANARY ISLAND DATE PALM; Shabbat~Coalinga-CA

Romanticize 💗 your life …

Not because it’s perfect, but because it’s yours 😘

I enjoyed a slow 🐢 morning 🌤 before Holland woke up:

Know your body's limitations - do what's comfortable for you; use support if needed, and limit reps if necessary.

Started a preemie gown & got about a third done, before a drive was suggested.

Around noon, he treated me to soft moments 🚘🏔️; he is meeting me half way 💎😉, & indulging me 😍 with my Shabbat Rest ✝️ 24-hour peaceful 🕊️ recharge break: pouring some sugar on me & shaking the sugar tree 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨

CA-198 E from Coalinga-CA

A relaxing country drive in Coalinga's hill country; Holland explaining to me the ins & outs of the oil fields~Coalinga-CA

Metallica - Nothing else matter lyrics: 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJJ_qnoF_yI&list=RDTJJ_qnoF_yI&start_radio=1)

Holland was right - it does seem magical how the landscape changes when the rains arrive.

The ranchers are bringing their cattle down from the hills to the valley, now.

The greened-up landscape is the same highway we traveled to Paso Robles-CA, during the dry season in October … when this pictures was taken.

We turned around here this afternoon, and headed back to Coalinga. Holland says the green rock probably has copper mineral in them. I always like seeing green colored rocks.

A crop duster; Avenal-CA

Christmas in Avenal-CA

Old World Santa, evergreens & snowflakes; Avenal-CA experiences 0 inches of snowfall.

Getting the Queen Treatment, today 😎💘

Canary Island Date Palm - the dates are edible; the In & Out Burger in Kettleman-CA

Zig-zagging our way home, on backroads.

Sun sliding towards sunset,  seen along highway~CA-193 & Avenal Turnoff Road-CA

Love where you are 💖💞

Shabbat Shalom!

Joshua Aaron & Shilo Ben Hod 🎶 JOYFUL JOYFUL in Hebrew & English 🔴 LIVE at the GARDEN TOMB, ISRAEL: 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tQTF94793Q)

CHRISTMAS IS MY FAVORITE TIME OF THE YEAR; Coalinga-CA

Morning coffee and morning exercises: a good way to start the Day 😊

We need to walk daily, and we needed to go after bread; so Holland drove the loop drive 🚘 to Coalinga (up the freeway and country road back home); this is a long way to go & there is not much to see but various sizes of oil pump jacks along the Coalinga side of Hwy #198 - but I like it because it's quiet open country … it's greening up nicely following the recent rainfall. And I appreciate my husband's indulgence 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨😘

Loop Drive from W Jayne, up Freeway to #198 to Coalinga; and back to W Jayne.

Main Road to Coalinga off Freeway. I like this country drive.

Of course we always come home with more 🙄 than we went to the store for 💸, but at least we got our daily walk in 👌

Back home, purchases were put away in 'fridge & pantries, the fireplace was lit & the Christmas Box was pulled out of hiding 👍 and I spread a bit of Christmas joy around our humble abode … nothing fancy … just enough to be festive, laundry was done, and Holland's cousin Bruce called to say he'd arrived in CA - he and Holland made plans to get together 🤝 when Bruce's schedule loosens enough to set time aside to shoot the breeze for catch up chit chat. I hope it works out this time - they talk quite a bit on the phone, it's the face-to-face that is hit and miss.

Electric Fireplace - warmth & ambiance.

Bruce is in CA; plans being laid to meet up.

Garland hung & candy canes set out.

Garlands & beads, hung.

MOD Crochet plant pot cover made with sparkly holiday yarn.

I usually start getting my December Holiday stuff in place as soon as the Thanksgiving stuff is cleared away … but this year, I've been dragging my feet; the Grim Reaper has been making collections this year (me = a beloved friend, a younger brother, and a cousin; my husband = an older brother). It is hard to be merry & jolly when the heart is dealing with so much heaviness.

Holland must be needing a little of December's special vibes because he's all of a sudden going soft 💞 about Christmas - the other day actually suggesting "a little Christmas tree"; and tonight wanting a little more of Christmas vibe than I skimpily spread around throughout our small spaces. Hmmm: I like this ... I'm already thinking ahead 🧐 to what I can add to the Christmas Box ✅ for Christmas 2026 👏

I'm a snow baby, born December 29th; Christmas is my favorite time of year 😁

Country Christmas Albums...Plus!

But this year the December excitement has been tempered with losses 😔 - as well as gains 🦋 This Christmas 🎄, we'll spend some time on the introspective simplicity of reflective memories of those who have passed on; and work on ourselves 💝, enjoying each other 💖 & rediscovering the friendship ✌️ that got sidelined 🤦🏻‍♀️😒🤷‍♀️🤔 in the shuffle of melding 🥰 2 totally different lives into 1.

The month of December holds so much for me: my birth month, the month my life with Bob permanently ended … and the month Elohim blessed me with a new love. Where once sorrow reigned - hope now makes big gains.

There is something so blessed in December's special vibe, so tonight if you’re feeling stretched thin, tired, or a little heart bruised; I hope December's soft joy wraps around you like a warm blanket, and reminds you to walk gently with yourself - we are all doing the best we can with the cards we've been dealt, and grace goes a long way.

AUTOPEN SCANDAL~Victor Davis Hanson

Victor Davis Hanson: Biden’s Autopen Scandal Is the ‘Biggest Sham Perpetrated in My Life Time’: 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mgpnFng0YU)

DECEMBER VIBES; Coalinga-CA

This morning we'd be driving 🚘 into Hanford to visit Holland's Uncle George ❤️, & cousin Brenda 😘 … then over to Hobby Lobby, where I'm hoping to find skeins of needed yarn to finish my WIP 🤞 - the black, red, yellow, & green won't be hard to find, but the pink ombre & sparkly white only shows up during the Fall & Winter holiday season: I hope there will be some left to snag.

Holland wasn't snapping the whip to be out of the house at dawn, so I had time to put some color on my face 😊

Temple Repair Kit.

Sparkly 'Highlight' eyelids; 'Sparkly Black' for upper liner, 'Green' for lower liner; 'Auburn' Brow Gel; 'Glam Brown' Mascara; 'Neutre Enflamme' Cheek Cream; & 'Cherry Flash' L'Oréal Lipgloss.

Neither the highway …

We reside in Fresno County-CA

Chill enough for a jacket, not cold enough for a heavy coat.

… nor the freeway were very busy, so we were able to make good time.

We will be shopping and visiting in Kings County-CA

We spent about an hour at George's, and around noon Brenda asked if we'd be staying for lunch: we both passed - with Holland saying, "Thanks, but I have to take Val over to the yarn barn …" & Brenda said, "What? Where's the Yarn Barn?" I started laughing, and said, "It's the Hobby Lobby store - but he calls it the yarn barn." And with laughter trailing, we parted with hugs all around.

I did get to Hobby Lobby - and left empty handed because the yarn aisles had significantly shrunk to 2; and those were pathetic offerings. So, Holland drove me across the way to Michaels Craft & Art Store, where I found skeins of black, red, yellow, & green; but again the pink ombre & sparkly white were nowhere in sight. When I climbed into Betsy's cab & saw Holland was struggling with pain, I said, "If I have to, I can just put this project aside until holiday yarn hits the shelves again next Fall. I have yarn for other projects to keep my busy." He said we'll be going back into Hanford again to take care of some 4x maintenance, and maybe I can find what I need at Wal*Mart there. Maybe.

An hour on the road every day doesn't bother me, and if that works best for Holland pain-wise, I'm 100% agreeable if that works for him: it’s not about doing it all in one fell swoop … it’s about finding peace in unhurried ways that make each day feel warm and whole. And, the back and forth drives can be counted as a getting out of the house activity for me 👌

Back home, the yarn was stashed until needed.

Yarn purchased at Michael's Craft Store in Hanford-CA~2/3rd's of what's needed.

And when I went online, I saw I had a PM waiting - I opened it … and couldn't believe what I was reading 😳 It was from a redheaded nutcase Bob & I had cut out of our life, 10 years ago. The angry tirade was inexcusable. The message was inappropriate. The unwanted intrusion was highly inflammatory. I debated for several minutes the best way to respond 🤔 How the heck was he able to jump my safety precautions? No one can access my FB Page without my consent - how was he able to tap my Page and harass me with his craziness? I could have shot an angry reply back at him. I could have singed his ears with the same intensity of the twisted PM. I could have reported him to the FB Team. Instead, I surprised myself by calmly erasing the crazy talk PM, and blocking him. He won't be able to jump that safety precaution.

Holland stretched out and napped for a while, and I worked a few muscles before starting supper:

Stepper = 3-5x week, 10-15 mins.; Toning exercises (with or without weights), 3-5x week, 10 to 15 min.; Cardio Mini Cycle = 5-7x week, 30-60 min.

Star Stretch Toe Touch Exercise = 10-12 repetitions of the standing star toe touch exercise per leg, for 2 to 3 sets

Back & Shoulder Toning = 2-3 sets of 8-15 repetitions, performing them 2-3 times a day or  3 times a week.

Assisted Chin Tuck = 8 to 10 repetitions, holding for about 5 seconds each, and can perform 3 to 4 sets per day.

As I was bustling around the kitchen, my husband shocked me by asking me if I wanted a little Christmas tree. What on earth? Christmas does not bring out warm and fuzzy feelings in him - he hasn't said anything about the little bit of Christmas I spread around the house … but I know he's not into the festivities, so I keep it light and sparse. All I can think of is the string of twinkle lights hung along the length of the kitchen push out, & lending December leftover vibes all year long when I plug them in, must be working on him, to loosen him up a bit. A little lit tree 🎄?

Not this year - but maybe next year 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨

My husband just gave me a "WOW!" moment.

There’s something so special about living a quiet little life. Slow mornings, simple joys, and settled routines that bring us more happiness than we could have imagined.

Last night, I managed to finish that Clive Cussler book 📖 I've struggled 😑 to finish; so, tonight I'll start a new one - hopefully 🙏 this one won't be a hassle to get through: