NECESSARY THINGS: Castle Rock-WA

May 1st: Lord, thank You for the breath 🌬️ that bringing me into a new month 📅; I release what’s behind me and trust You with what’s ahead.

Order my steps 🦶, guard my heart 💖, and fill my days with Your peace 🗓️🪔 Today, let me be a lighter version of me. A softer presence ✨

Today begins my Sabbath Rest & nothing is going to upset me.

Give me strength 💪 for what I face, faith 🙏 for what I can’t see, and courage 🦁 to walk boldly in Your purpose. Remind me, Lord, that healing 🩹 can change me without destroying me 💎

I woke up to sunshine warmth ☀️ - the Day looked promising.

The scent of hazelnut flavored coffee filled the rooms as it dripped into my waiting coffee mug - and it made my taste buds happy as I savored every sip ☕️ The quiet morning was soft and cozy … the perfect, [necessary thing] start to a Friday Shabbat Day.

As I was finishing my coffee, Holland made an appearance saying he had to get some things in town; and would I like to go with him. Well, I needed some things in town too, so I said I would. He had himself a cup of coffee ☕️ while I prepared to meet the public 💄🎨 I don't wear makeup at home because that's the time I give my face a break from makeup chemicals & my hair a break from curling irons: today, the temple was adorned - not garishly, but with notable improvements 😉

Going light on the makeup - trying to find a 'fit' for my gray hair.

First stop for both of us, was The Country Village 🛒🛍️, where Holland got some Curamin pain relief tablets. I grabbed some Beet Powder & Nutritional Yeast to put some pep in my steps & some strength in my weak blood, and strengthen my bones. A chunk of change 💵 was dropped - a healthy life does not come cheap.

The Country Village Nutrition Store; #1052 Washington Way, Longview, WA

As we were leaving the parking lot, I saw my BIL Kerry, walking into the building 👋, so Holland pulled over so I could talk with him for a few minutes. It was good to see Kerry 😁, find out when the great-grandbaby will arrive 👶, & hug him. Holland finally got a look at him (Holland has heard me mention Kerry, a lot, during conversations at Oak Point - and since we married) & Kerry saw the man I married  - I had told Kerry about my remarriage after coming back from Reno, but the 2 men had not met; today, they did 👀

Then, we drove a few streets over to grab a chinese lunch to eat. I ordered 2 lunches to go 🥢🍜, & we ate them at the Gerhart Gardens Park (it sounds fancier than it actually is), just off the freeway.

The Golden Palace Chinese Restaurant; #1245 14th Ave, Longview, WA

I like the huge lacquered floor screen, as soon as you walk through the door.

It must be under new ownership because it doesn't look ratty, anymore; when we had lunch here with Jake about 4 years ago, it was looking kinda dumpy - & we were all surprised because it's normally a nice place to eat. I'm glad it's looking clean & comfortable, again.

Gerhart Gardens Park; #40 Tenant Way, Longview, WA

Holland spent a lot of time fishing at this Park & Bob's youngest brother Kerry, also spent a lot of time at this Park in the 1980's. It's basically just a small paved parking lot alongside the Cowlitz River, with a boat ramp. There is a lonely swing set in the center, but that's it. This Park is definitely a "guy thing".

Gerhart Gardens Park, Longview-WA

It was nice to sit and watch the river while we ate. The Day was pleasantly warm, the sunshine 🌞 very welcome, the food was delish 🥢🍜, & we managed to spend time together without tension 🤝: it was great 😊 - a necessary thing. It was nice to spend time with my husband that did not include an argument about his family. The music 💿🎸🎵 filling Betsy's cab 🚘, was the only aggressive point of the Day.

Message in a cookie~Do you think? LOL

Metallica - 'Wherever I May Roam' lyrics: 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZyfy2SHCNg&list=RDvZyfy2SHCNg&start_radio=1)

Back home again, I put my nutritional goodies away; listened to some uplifting music as my Island of Rest came into play - and infused my home with peaceful vibes.

Goodies I picked up at the 'Country Village' Health Food Store, in Longview.

I love my 24-hour period of Rest ⏰🎯 … where there is a deliberate & conscious separation 🚧 from the world's entrapments 🌎🌍❌

My mind 🧠 can rest.

My spirit can breathe easy 🕊️

My heart isn't constantly bracing for chaotic upheavals 😵‍💫

My Shabbat Rest Period ✡️🕯️✝️ is a necessary thing 😇

While I settled into my period of rest, I noticed a bag of cotton yarn scraps 🧶 laying around, and got to thinking of how they could be used 🤔; that led me to designing ✍️ & crafting ✂️ several colorful pouches ✅ that I can slip my asthma inhaler into & attach to my wrist watch; matching my design to the clothing in my closet 👌

Small balls of yarn remnants sparked creativity.

Bringing the pattern together …

While I enjoyed the music 💻🌐🎶 and the peace coziness; I was thankful that my fingers are still nimble enough to provide me with contented activity 🧶🧵✂️ I am grateful for the blessing & the provision.

MOD Crochet Asthma Inhaler Pouch; Castle Rock-WA: 

(https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/05/mod-crochet-asthma-inhaler-pouch-castle.html)

I remember my Grandmother Brockway - she made things; clothing, household doodads, gifts, ect. We didn't call it "crafting" because she always made things needful: we called it "necessity". When I do my necessary work, I keep her memory alive, & I am comforted.

This kind of life may look simple from the outside - but it is everything on the inside; and a calm inside 💓 is what matters the most.

So, as a new month opens up & unfolds 📅, I'm moving into it with hope & purpose ☝️ Asking Elohim to cover me with His grace. To guide me by His hand. And to fill my Life with His favor 🧎🏼‍♀️🕊️🤲

Trusting in His Plan & Yeshua's healing touch: a very necessary thing.

Amen 💕

SABBATH REST~A Powerful Gift From God

My new husband does not share my Messianic Faith; and he does not understand my Sabbath Day observation.

In fact, he thinks I adhere to seventh-day-adventist observances … even though I adamantly refute that cultish religion, and have repeatedly told him that I am not seventh-day-adventist in any way.

This misunderstanding has led to some weekend angst between us.

Holland has some religious things I'm uncomfortable with, too (like the bethel church mindset & music; which I believe is a religious cult); so, I prayerfully give him some slack on topics we agree to disagree on. I know that at some point Elohim will bring us to a middle ground we can both comfortably stand on ;-)

Yes, I observe the Sabbath Rest: I do this the best way I can - and sometimes my {rest} can get pretty harried when the world's chaos presses in on me. But the {rest} is always there - I never let that completely slide; no matter how the day unfolds: my thoughts are always focused on Yeshua and His place in my Life (if I cannot be reading His Word, I rely on the Ruach HaKo'desh - the Holy Spirit - to bring refreshing Scripture passages to the forefront of my thoughts). Music that uplifts, focuses on, and encourages reliance on Yeshua is always a part of my day (if not actually playing … it is running through my thoughts). If a chance encounter leads to sporadic fellowship - I'm feeling blessed and loved by Elohim. I eat on the Sabbath - if that includes grocery shopping and meal preparation, I know Yeshua understands and spreads His grace over the activity. I purposefully carve out time to spend with my husband - Holland is my gift from Elohim, I include thanksgiving for his presence in my life when I bless Elohim for all His gifts (which include the gift of salvation through His Son, Yeshua).

No matter what is going on Friday through Sunday, Yeshua is at the heart of it. Always.

I am not orthodox in any way/shape/or form, according to any religion: I adhere strictly to Scripture, which means I observe my Sabbath Rest by including and acknowledging the grace by which Yeshua, Himself, observed the Sabbath Rest.

I have some Jewish DNA (Ashkenazi on my father's side; Sephardi on my mother's side).

I am a Christian (follower, disciple, envoy of Yeshua (Jesus)).

I am a Messianic Believer = a Jewish Believer in Yeshua as the promised Messiah (Savior available to Jew and Gentile).

I am one in a sea of many that make up The Body of the church - I am The Church: I do not 'go to church'. Occasionally, when possible, I fellowship in a building filled with Believers (The Church), this is how I met Holland: but I do not believe sitting in a building makes me "saved". I believe that belief in Yeshua makes me saved, and that fellowshipping with, and sharing the Gospel with someone in the grocery store, in a Park, or walking a hiking trail can be just as effective (sometimes more so) than sitting in a building run by a religious corporation with a religious mindset. I believe Yeshua can minister through me and to me outside of a building titled, 'Church'.

I am The Church: I do not 'go to church'. Holland and I disagree on this, as well.

I, as a set-apart-person (saved and sealed by Elohim for Yeshua's purposes) keep the Sabbath Rest as a set-apart-time to focus on Yeshua. And … as Yeshua, Himself … I also tend to daily activities that need attending to: I do not withdraw from life unfolding around me, to sit on my laurels and stare into space. I engage in life unfolding around me, as He did (and does), while keeping the Day "holy" by submitting myself to His purposes at any given moment of the Day I have purposefully set aside to abide in Him.

I am not engaging in cultish behavior.

I am engaging in behavior Yeshua, Himself, exampled.

No matter what I am doing - I claim Friday sundown to Saturday sundown as "a time of rest"; meaning I shelf the worries and concerns of this world and focus solely on the goodness and faithfulness of Yeshua Ha'Mashiach (Jesus, The Messiah). And I include Sunday (The Lord's Day = Resurrection Day) in my Sabbath Rest, thereby extending my peaceful rest in the Godhead (Father-Son-Holy Spirit = the Trinity, Three in One). Obviously I am not observing any religion - or religious activity in MY Sabbath observances: by grace, and with the understanding of Scripture as I read it (verbatim), I honor Yeshua as He is meant to be honored, the best way I know, in how I understand His Word.

***************

(1) Yeshua (Creator) earmarked one day out of seven. He knew humans would need a reprieve from a busy week – a time to stop; a time to rest and reflect - a time to remember why we are living the lives we are living. It could even be understood that the need for the Sabbath Rest was designed and purposefully tucked into our DNA at the very beginning of mankind's birth.

(2) Prioritizing Sabbath Rest reminds us to rest in the presence of Yeshua, to offer up our shortcomings to Him, and to spend quality time in relationship with Him - and when possible, in fellowship with other Believers. Yeshua's Sabbath Rest requires that we set aside our works to set our hearts on Him. Sabbath redirects our gaze to the work done on the cross.

(3) Yeshua (Jesus) ministered, and healed, on the Sabbath Day … which brought harsh judgment from His critics, who challenged His authority over the Sabbath. When pious religious critics attacked Yeshua (Jesus) with scornful "you aren’t keeping the Sabbath right" accusations; based on their varied and complicated man-made regulations, they were ignorantly and arrogantly accusing the supreme designer and planner of Creation Week: the One Who had Himself blessed the seventh day and made it holy. Yeshua used the occasion to reiterate what had been true from the beginning: ‘The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.’ Man-made complicated religious restrictions, had reversed the original Plan. He then announced that He was ‘Lord even of the Sabbath’ (Mark 2:28) … its very Creator, and thus its rightful Interpreter.

(4) It is a common view (and misconception) that because of His nonorthodox treatment of the Sabbath, Yeshua (Jesus) abolished the need to observe the seventh day altogether … but that is a serious misrepresentation of Yeshua's actions and words: His Lordship does not abolish the Sabbath; why would Yeshua (Jesus) disregard something over which He claims Himself as Ruler? Instead, He reinforces the vitality of Sabbath Rest as a necessity for sustaining life, on every level. We, who claim Yeshua (Jesus) as our ‘Lord’ should open up space – the seventh day, as He planned – in reverence, to physically, emotionally, and spiritually benefit from the Lord of the Sabbath: Who looks to do good, Whose intentions are to save lives and make life enjoyable, and Who by grace restores health.

(5) For Early Believers (those Jewish converts who personally knew Yeshua when He walked among them, and those Jew & Gentile converts who heard and believed the Apostles' ministries, concerning Yeshua), to live by grace meant to not live by The Mosaic Law. So evidence for how the Early Church held to Sabbath Rest is varied. It seems the Early Church celebrated Sabbath as a remembrance of creation; but Yeshua's (Jesus’) resurrection lent new meaning to their Sabbaths.

We see first-day worship (Saturday night or Sunday morning, in honor of the day of Jesus’ resurrection) was often observed in conjunction with rest on the seventh day (Saturday). By the second century, Sunday worship was a widespread Christian tradition. Thus, it became known as the “Lord’s Day” and later Sunday, and in many denominations, it supplanted the Sabbath altogether, totally misrepresenting the Lord they claim to honor.

(6) There are many religious organizations (catholic, seventh-day-adventists, bethel charismatic) that observe cultish man-made Sabbath regulations; but when we, as Messianic Believers in Yeshua Ha'Mashiah (Jesus the Messiah) observe His Sabbath Rest as He intended (exampled in the first four Gospel Books), we can't go wrong.

And, eventually my new husband will come to an understanding of why the Sabbath Rest is necessary to Believers in Yeshua (Jesus).

SHABBAT~Sonoran Desert; AZ

The day started out gorgeously; Bleu woke me at 4:30 A.M. whining to get outside to relieve his bladder - the sky was beautiful: so black, highlighted by brilliant pinpoints of shining stars: I felt like Heaven was kissing the Earth.

I felt so small in the vastness of Elohim's greatness.

I tried to capture it on video … but all that happened was my laptop got confused with all the blackness. I could not upload the beautiful sky shot :-(

Bleu came back inside; and I went back to bed for a bit.

Thankful for the beautiful start ushering in today's Shabbat :-)

After an hour or so, my eyes opened to see a pretty sunrise shining it's rays into our bedroom window.

Sunrise; bedroom window.

I hurried up, fed Bleu, and took him for an early morning walk.

In my pj's (shorts, a tee, flip-flops); we didn't go far, just a short loop walk for me and a brisk run for him ;-)

Morning walkabout; backtracking homeward; our 5th Wheel is in the middle …

Then back inside to have a cup of coffee while Holland visited with two neighboring men. Talking guy stuff - I'm glad he has these men to talk with.

Bleu and I went for another walk later on, in the afternoon - a bit further afield this time:

SONORAN WALKABOUT Post: (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2023/10/sonoran-walkaboutaz-sabbath-rest.html)

I just took the day slow and easy.

I enjoyed my Sabbath Rest to the max, today; I lazed around, read a few chapters of my Clive Cussler novel, and snacked my way through the day :-)

My husband does not share my Messianic Faith - so, he was left to fend for himself, all day; thankfully he was a bachelor long enough that he is comfortable doing for himself on my Sabbath observances. I am not an orthodox observer … but I do set all weekend aside to focus on Elohim.

Around 6:30 P.M. the skyline began to put on a colorful show: it was spectacular!

And now, I am going to enjoy a glass of wine, and unwind some more. Today is a day to put the world and it's cares aside, and contemplate Elohim's greatness :-)

Sundown is beginning.

Sun slipping over the horizon … the colors change quickly; beautiful.

The sky looks ablaze with flamingo pinks, brilliant oranges, and bright yellows.

There are no words to describe the beauty of an Arizona sunset.

Bad Company - 'Burning Sky' song:

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3CfvXnawOo)

The sun's kiss-off until morning sunrise.

And then - total blackness over the landscape after this evening's goodnight gilding; when the desert goes dark - it goes totally dark: the blackest black.

SHABBAT EVE~Quartzsite-AZ

The day dawned beautifully; warm and peaceful.

We basked in the soothing morning temperature as we drank our morning coffees, looked over an informative brochure, and talked about driving into Blythe-CA to grocery shop later, when the sun's rays weren't so intense.

Around noon, we drove the length and width of Quartzsite to get the feel of our new surroundings.

Town Mascot - camels are e.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e.

Camels Are Part of Arizona History:

(https://kjzz.org/content/3185/camels-are-part-arizona-history)

As we drove northside, I saw what looked like a trading post, and asked Holland to "please pull over, so I can check it out."

WOW - the prices were staggering: lowest pricing was $40 … highest was $1,000.00: and this was not a Neiman Marcus setting. This was also not a trading post environment even though the storefront proclaimed such; it was a financial fleecing :-(

I love turquoise, and was hoping to buy a bit.

The jewelry was beautiful - most was chunky and heavy with silver adornment (not my taste at all), but there were some simple pieces too. Sadly, all of the eye candy was seriously out of monetary reach for the working class folk. So, I exited the luring establishment with nothing more than pictures.

Very SPENDY trinket Shop; about $100 just to walk thru the door!

HUGE hunk of raw turquoise.

Pretty … it's simplicity appealed to me, but rich or poor I couldn't mentally justify the price tag.

Payday Wednesday Date treat; something to look forward to …

We were driving the La Posa LTVA site towards our new digs (https://www.blm.gov/visit/midland-long-term-visitor-area#:~:text=LTVA%20permits%20are%20required%20from,days%20from%20date%20of%20purchase.), when I got a text from my granddaughter. I miss my grandchildren - it's complicated, so I always enjoy hearing from them when I do; and it's balm to my heart knowing at least one of them is "keeping tabs" on my whereabouts :-)

Granddaughter text ;-)

We waited until 7 P.M. to drive across the AZ-CA border to grocery shop; the sun was setting, and the evening was cooler … not that much cooler, but there was a nice warm breeze on the cooler side of the day's temperatures blowing across the desert region. I had not been to Blythe before, but Holland and his relative have. It was a nice drive, and another peek into my new husband's lifescape.

When we got back home, the males in my small family circle relaxed by watching TV (so typically male ;-)); and I settled in to enjoy a relaxing Shabbat.

7:30 PM; Street music at Albertson's in Blythe-CA

Bleu watching TV with Daddy. LOL

The Lord Bless You And Keep You - Aaronic Blessing: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-eHCxMM3PI)

Today was a good day in every way :-)

LEAP OF FAITH MOVES

Today, 3 years ago (http://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2020/08/sundayfunday-16-ive-earned-my-wings.html), I made my first "leap of faith" step towards adventuring Solo Lobo: this adventure was my first "earning my wings" Daytrip - and {man!} did I ever earn them 😉

And then … I was off and running; getting bolder and stretching the boundaries 😁

This year, I made my second leap of faith move forward when I married Holland. And while I don't have to earn my wings anymore, I AM gaining new confidences, getting more bolder, and stretching new boundaries on new Daytrips, with a new man by my side.

Elohim - and Bob - are watching us and smiling as we travel along 👏👍 (Hebrews 12:1 & 2)

This traveling across America is also a leap of faith for Holland: he's worked and lived in most of the States while doing jobs, BUT it's been DECADES between marriages (only 5 years for me, when I didn't have to answer to anyone) traveling and living in these States … and now driving through them again, with me 😍.

Learning to bend (and blend) our lives together 🥰 is an adventure all it's own 😳 while we move forward in an adventurous spirit; there are good days 😎😇💘 .. and there are rocky days 😒😤🤬😭🤔💔🙏 when emotions on both sides, run the full gambit. Being holed up with someone in a limited space area - for unlimited time, gets a little dicey at times. BUT, love conquers all (1 Corinthians 13:7) and peace that flows like a river, soothing and refreshing (Philippians 4:6 & 7) eventually leads to joy in the morning (Psalm 30:5).

Koli El Adonai - Lyrics and Translation - Messianic Praise and Worship: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9djqVSxeZ0

I am thankful that Elohim knows what is best for me: he gifted me with Holland - and visa versa: Holland waited decades for me to show up in his life; and my eyes were finally opened October 2022, a full year after meeting and becoming friends with Holland. What a wonderful gift!

I am thankful that Elohim hears and answers my prayers: I am impulsive and adventurous; Holland - like Bob did - grounds me.

I am thankful that Elohim lets me enjoy life in the moment, and lovingly safe-guards my every step (Psalm 91:11 & 12).

I am thankful that unconditional love surrounds me with every breath I take: Elohim - a great host of Heavenly witness - and a new husband to walk this life on Earth, with 👍

LIFE IS GOOD 😁👏

Adonai Adoneinu - Lyrics and Translation: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg4lN31m9Rs)

The Lord Bless You And Keep You (Aaronic Blessing): (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-eHCxMM3PI)

Paul Wilbur - Let The Weight Of Your Glory Fall - Lyrics: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZ5YlUzqHJU)

Paul Wilbur - Nobody Like You: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwlMG1y2i2o)