SHABBAT: A Blessing & A Gift~Self-Care 2025; Ocean Park-WA

Betsy & Independence; Ocean Park-WA

The Sabbath is a blessing and gift from God.

I keep the whole Day low-key.

My husband does not join me … but, at least he is no longer fighting me on the issue.

I practice self-care: my body is the Temple of the Ruach HaKo'desh - it is on me to maintain it, so it functions to the best of it's ability.

I tone it.

I feed it.

Chili Mac in a mug for Supper;  with cinnamon cornbread. YUM!

And when sundown arrives … I rest it.

A Day of Rest = Shabbat, is a Commandment … it is not negotiable. That it is a hard and fast commandment is no hardship for me: I want to always stay close to Elohei - to learn what it is He wants to teach me; to do what He has for me to do with this brief Life I am blessed to be living.

I honor Elohim & I love Yeshua, so I engage in the 24 hour rest to please those I love. Those Who love me, unconditionally. Though Elohim has blessed me greatly with an Earth Husband to live my days out with, Yeshua is my eternal Bridegroom: "I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine: he feedeth among the lilies" (Song of Solomon 6:3).

In a personal context, this verse carries a message of complete, mutual, and selfless giving between two lovers (Yeshua is the lover of my soul, and I in turn, love Yeshua more than anyone else; hands down, Yeshua is #1 with my  attention & affection), representing both the belonging to each other and the joyous recognition of the gift of the other (Yeshua joys over me with singing; Zephaniah 3:17). In a religious context, it symbolizes the intimate, unbreakable union between Messiah Yeshua and Believers, where each fully belongs to the other in a spiritual relationship of mutual love and possession.

Lilies, in their various forms, carry potent spiritual meanings. Generally, they symbolize purity, renewal, & a reflection of the cycle of life: the promise of new beginnings after a period of change.

So, on Shabbat I practice self-care by celebrating my God, exulting in His divine Spirit, and resting in Yeshua's presence. It is all so very simple, yet surprisingly many Believers overlook it - and some, raised on - or practicing light christianity = a compromise with sin, whereby claims of following Yeshua (Jesus) may be sporadic, highlighting a lack of a truly transformed life or a solid desire to live by Biblical principles; aligning themselves with cultural norms, and personal convenience … fear anything & everything connecting The Faith to Jews, ignore the Shabbat altogether claiming it as irrelevant.

Well, my take on the matter is, that Elohim commanded it - and Yeshua, Himself, observed it … making clear that the observance had primarily to do with rest rather than orthodox rules and regulations that lead away from Elohim's true purpose, and sour people on the observance.

If we follow Yeshua's example in all things, we cannot go wrong: I observe the Shabbat Rest as Yeshua did.

As Messianic Christians, we know we are supposed to learn about His character, who He is, His plan for our lives, His plan for the future. You know what self-care looked like to Jesus? It looked like getting away to spend time with Father Elohim … resting in His presence is true freedom, peace, and joy the world can never give us. He has the answer and it doesn’t look like what the world is pandering to us. The One who created us is the only One who knows what we truly need. It behooves us to put aside a brief 24-hour period in which our bodies, minds, and souls can rest from the world's chaos; a brief span of time at the busy week's wrap-up, where our bodies are refreshed, our minds are calmed, and our souls are soothed.

Joshua Aaron 🎶 The "Shabbat Shalom Song" - Shalom (Lyric Video) שלום:  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aBPxMiWr-4)

Only when we are recharged to operate in the fullness of our created purpose can we hope to live out Elohim's message, stated in Leviticus 19:18 to "love your neighbor as yourself" - loving others with respect, kindness, and empathy: these things sound very nice to say … but they are actually very hard to do if you are not practicing self-care mitzvah.

The literal meaning of the Hebrew word mitzvah is commandment, but the generally accepted sense is that of a good deed. The emphasis is on deeds - not on positive thoughts or wishes, but on conscious acts of empathy and kindness.

The phrase "as yourself" implies something deeper than just an outward action - to me, it suggests that loving others with an outward action is first generated by loving oneself, as a first requirement. How can you healthily love a stranger, if you do not first understand a healthy self love?

A healthy self-love is basic self-care: understanding your worth as a child of God, and as a human being designed to represent the triune Godhead - Father, Son, Holy Spirit = the Eternal One, by which you nurture your well-being, and create an environment where you can thrive; an environment sustained by the Shabbat's peaceful and refreshing Rest. Only by taking care of your inner self for a short, yet regenerating 24-hour Rest, will you be capable of filling your own vessel -  so you can then pour out love to others with authenticity, generosity, and compassion.

This is the purpose of Shabbat.

This is Yeshua's example of Shabbat observance.

This is why I take the time to make time for Shabbat.

The Sabbath is a blessing and gift from Elohim.

VAL'S SPICY 4Patriot's BEAN CHILI MAC Recipe; Ocean Park-WA

Betsy & Independence; Ocean Park-WA

Val's 4Patriots Bean Chili Mac, served with cinnamon cornbread.

A chilly day calls for a chili dish topped with shredded cheddar cheese, sprinkled with snipped cilantro (I bought a bunch in Bouse-AZ a few months ago, cut it fine & froze it) … and a side of Cinnamon flavored cornbread; that combo sounds good for tonight's Supper 😊

A 4Patriots Survival Food Packet (original packaging); these dry food mixes take up very little space - that is crucial to full-time RV Living. For tonight's Supper; a 4Patriots food packet I had halved to feed 2 people - and vac-locked, & boxed cornbread mix.

I used one of the 4Patriot's dry mix packets of red kidney beans, elbow macaroni, & dry seasonings which I'm pretty sure has chicken flavored  bouillon in it - then, I tweaked this prepacked meal with a few addition's of my own: extra spices to liven the flavor up, tomatoes because MPO is that chili is not chili without tomatoes in it; and I also added corn because like my husband I love corn, and we've been missing it. And noticing that the bell pepper I'd purchased in Bouse-AZ was still in the freezer … I threw that into the mix, for more color as well as flavor 😉

Ingredients - prepared ahead of time; perishables refrigerated until suppertime cooking.

I usually - like today - prepare ingredients in advance: this cuts down on kitchen time (when supper cooking is underway), & dish washing (I wash the prep cutting board, measuring cups & spoons following the prep work; the dishes are not left to pile sky high; later on).

Also, if we decided to go sight-seeing or visiting before suppertime, the prep is already done, and all I have to do is pull it together - easy peasy 👍

I did dishes (prep & cooking) at intervals, so there would be no need for dishwashing jenga; space is coveted in Independence's Farmhouse themed Galley Kitchen.

About half an hour before starting the chili, I got the cornbread going …

Starting the cornbread; exact measurements given - this is new to us. Our taste buds were salivating; gently stirred, it definitely looks more than 'just moistened'. Hmm; I hope it will not taste doughy. I don't like doughy foods.

Turned into the pan with a hope & a prayer …

Placed on the top oven shelf, so it won't bottom burn & hopefully the top will [set]. Gas ovens are tricky.

Timer set for 25 minutes - we'll see; sometimes gas ovens take longer to actually cook at temperatures called for. Stoves cook differently - with toothpick, check center for doneness: add 5 minutes more, check again. Repeat if necessary until center is not doughy. My cornbread took about 30 minutes to cook through.

While cornbread is baking, gather the ingredients & get the chili underway:

Ingredients.

Val's 4Patriots Bean Chili Mac ~serves 4

1/2 pkt. 4Patriots Bean Chili Mac * 1/2 lb. lean Hamburger, browned & degreased * 1 14.5 oz. canned Tomatoes, diced * 3-1/2 c. Water * 1 Red Onion, sliced * 1 clove Garlic, pressed * 1/2 c. Celery, sliced * 1/2 Green Bell pepper, chopped * 1/2 TBSP Butter * 1/2 TBSP Margarine * 1/2 TBSP. Chili Powder (the dry mix already has some, but we like more flavor bite 👌) * 1/2 tsp. Oregano leaves, dry * 1/4 tsp. Mustard, powder * 1 tsp. Cumin, powder * 1/2 tsp. Himalayan Pink Salt * 1/2 tsp. Black Pepper, grnd. * 1/4 c. Cheddar cheese, shredded (opt.) * 1/4 c. Mozzarella cheese, shredded (opt.) * 1/2 TBSP. Cilantro, snipped * Cooking Spray * 1 Lrg. Soup Pot * 1 Lrg. Cooking Spoon

1) Spray the cooking pot with cooking spray - add onion, celery, & garlic: over medium-high heat, sauté until veggies are tender. Lower heat to medium, add cooked hamburger, and cook about 10 minutes …

2) Add the green Bell pepper & corn; cook about 5 minutes - or until pepper pieces are warmed through:

3) Cut 4Patriots packet open, and pour dry blend into pot; stir to thoroughly incorporate dry sauce mix …

4) Add Water, tomatoes, spices, butter, & cilantro - bring to a boil; then reduce heat to medium heat, and cook about 20 minutes, stirring frequently.

5) Remove from heat and let stand about 5 minutes to thicken, before serving.

Ladle into soup mugs & serve with cinnamon cornbread. YUM!

Husband approved & a repeat meal 😘

FBI RAIDS JOHN BOLTON'S HOME~2025 SNAKE ROUNDUP

👏👏👏

"THIS IS WHAT WE EXPECTED" FBI RAIDS JOHN BOLTON'S HOME:  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJKnSg2QHC0)

GOOD!

It's about time this snarky snake 😈 is caught … I hope he suffers the full penalty of his treasonous acts 👺

ALL the obamanite puppets are going down; they are a disgrace - and a national threat to America's security.

Praise the Lord it's coming to an end 🙏

BOUNCE; Ocean Park-WA

Betsy & Independence; Ocean Park-WA

Today we tackled some of the issues that needed to be taken care of before we pull stakes and pull out of here, next Thursday.

In between the chores and tasks, phone call were made & taken. Appointments were scheduled; and emotions were pinged as mental fence posts were moved, and hard-and-fast boundaries remained firmly in place.

As Holland was lifting his coffee mug, his phone rang; he talked for a few minutes with Jacob, then asked, "Is your Dad around?" Jacob said he was - and handed the phone to Jake. The phone call was short. When Holland hung up, he said, "I could tell by his voice - the way he as restraining himself and hem-hawing around, that Jake is pretty mad at me." I said, "He knows how you feel about bob - he should have expected that you wouldn't show up; he could have secured another place to hold Scott's Celebration of Life, and he didn't - he totally disregarded his mother's feelings, as well as yours, and just steam rolled ahead with his bully tactics: that's on him, not you." Exasperated, Holland said, "He and Mark have their heads shoved up bob's ass, and neither one of them are paying any attention to the danger bob poses; he'll use them up until they are no more use to him, then bob will bounce them." I waited a few minutes before replying, "Well, Jake's just going to have to get glad again, in the same pants he's got mad in. You have got to let these people grow up, Holland. You are not their father, and they are overgrown brats that disrespect everyone, because they have never had to think of anyone besides themselves: they can't see past their own noses, and they only listen to their own voices. And bob's twaddle, of course. Jake has to step up now, and be the man he claims to be. And Mark is going to move out to the ranch, no matter how much or how long you talk to him … let him go; he is turning a deaf ear to your warnings, so let him go - he will learn realities the hard way. You have done what you can do; now step back, and let God be God in their lives. It will be hard, but Jake is close to 50 years old, and Mark is 61 years old: it's time they grow up and start shouldering the responsibility for their own life actions. I love you. And, it's time for you to start enjoying your Life before it's gone. You can't hold their hands and wipe their noses forever."

Firefall - 'Just Remember I Love You' lyrics: 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcLI8Lbef5Q&list=RDlcLI8Lbef5Q&start_radio=1)

Some expected bouncing took place, today.

And some bouncing is anticipated.

We finished our coffees with out own thoughts about things that needed to be done before the week ahead, wraps up.

I didn't have time for a lengthy exercise routine, but I did have some time to work a quick upper body workout, in 😊👌

I was watering my houseplants, when Holland said, "We'll bounce back to Coalinga-CA: things might be different with a different mindset - after all, I'm not working there, anymore. California is not my favorite place to be with the stain of the Past on it, but we can't stay up here during the winter months. We need the warmth, and things might be different. The only other place would be Florida: Arizona is not good for either one of us, with all the flying dust. We'll head for Coalinga when we leave here, and sit there a month or two; and wait for God's direction." I said, "That's the best thing to do. Elohim knows best what is best for us. I liked Coalinga - and waiting for His direction is the smartest way to flow."

That settled in his mind, he went outside to tinker around under Betsy's hood for a few minutes …

Watered the houseplants … spider plant & golden pothos (which is turning green now and losing it's pretty contrast coloring).

I completely changed out the soil in the Thanksgiving Cactus; the Parker-AZ soil was crap, and needed to be trashed.

The cactus should be blooming brightly, and heavily, by November.

Holland was taking care of Beast Betsy.

While he was busy outside, I boiled some eggs for tonight's supper … and bounced a design idea around in my head 🤔

It's needed, and it will give us both some quiet time during Coalinga evenings 🤗 - busy hands relaxes me; and my busy hands give my husband comforting silence when I am engaged in a design project 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨 😘 

I'm wanting to make some dust covers for the open bins - I will start on that project, in Coalinga, CA; Boiled eggs for tonight's Supper Salad.

When Holland came back inside Independence, he had a box in his hands; he explained to me that the box held the original door lock, and he was going to get it fixed and back in the door. There is a door lock in place now, and it is serving it's purpose … but he doesn't like it. He wants the original working and back in place.

I had no doubt.

My husband is a fixer; and what he sets his mind to, gets done 😉

For my part - I enjoy watching him doing manly stuff. It is good to have a man in house, again. I am glad Elohim blessed me with a love gifting I never knew I wanted, or needed, again ❤️

Holland working on the door lock … the latch is working right, again.

Now the key test … and whatever was sprung is fixed, so now it can be rehung.

Today's chores and tasks ✅ completed, we both ate hefty servings of a simple supper salad … and ended the Day feeling pretty accomplished and satisfied 💕

Supper Salad with egg, fried bacon pieces, & shredded cheese. YUM!