JUST RELAX~Shabbat, Yuma-AZ

December 9th: Inclusion can be difficult.

Developing and living out a love relationship is difficult.

Trust is a thorny issue … and the hardest leap to contemplate.

But all these things are necessary to live Life to the fullest.

Mr. Complication has serious issues with inclusion, love, and trust.

I have serious issues with inclusion, love, and trust.

Mr. Complication has recent (10 month = youngest brother & 2 year = first sister) death complications in his life … my death complications are 5 years old - 4 days from now.

I have weathered my storms, and have learned to move on: things are a little more complicated with Mr. Complication.

I am living in the present - Mr. Complication is still hanging onto the Past with a death grip.

Not only is the Spector of the Grim Reaper always hanging around … but Mr. Complication also has issues with my Faith. I am surprised at the verbal wresting because I never hid my Faith, or my Jewish blood from him: I openly shared with everyone that I have Hebrew blood flowing in my veins - and I am a Messianic Christian Believer.

E.v.e.r.y.o.n.e. who knows me, knows this.

I was also very open in stating that the {vineyard ministry} is a religious cult with just enough actual Scripture threaded through it, to be terminally fatal.

E.v.e.r.y.o.n.e. who knows me, knows how I feel about vineyard: I'm not shy about speaking out against it.

If Mr. Complication is all of a sudden "surprised", it's because he wasn't listening with open ears when my mouth was moving.

I didn't realize until after we were married, that Mr. Complication was raised with a racist bent: he will on occasion make derogatory remarks about Jews - that surprised me, and I have asked him to please stop. He has for the most part, but sometimes he will have a slip of the tongue. A lifetime of twisted rearing is not easy to put to rest.

Mr. Complication's nephew was deeply involved in the seventh day Adventist cult, and Mr. Complication took umbridge to that … and I agree with him that it is a cult.

But because I recognize, and practice, a 7-day Shabbat Rest - Mr. Complication is accusing me of practicing seventh day Adventist "rituals": this is nonsense, and I have told him so for the past 10 months. But he is so caught up in his umbridge towards the seventh day Adventists, that he does not hear me when I try to explain to him the differences between what I do during my Shabbat Rest, as opposed to how the seventh day Adventist cult plays it out.

I am tired of wasting my breath; and he is tired of the whole shebang that sums up our life together.

This is causing difficulties in our life, in the moment.

Thank the Lord for the Shabbat Rest.

Thank the Lord that when I run crying to Him and ask “What do I do, now?”, He doesn't roll his eyes, and think, "what a drama queen; much drama taking place." He calmly embraces me, and whispers: “It’s okay – I have it all under control; just relax, and let Me handle things. All you have to do is trust Me.”

For someone like me; who finds it very hard to trust anyone, about anything, His comfort and His comforting words meant a lot. It is comforting for me to know that when I have reached the end of my rope, and the knot I sit on is slipping … He never lets me fall, because He never fails me.

When my world tilts, and I find myself in a whirling freefall, He is ‘on the job’ – and always sends my guardian angel to catch me before I hit the ground.

Then He whispers, “It’s okay; I have it all under control. Just relax, and let Me handle things. All you have to do, is trust Me.”

And I do :-)

This morning as I was sitting at the dining table, Elohim dropped a Scripture passage into my thoughts cache … and I happened to catch the sunrise out of my peripheral vision - and see an interesting cloud in the sky; so I went outside to take a picture of it ;-)

Elohim's encouragement - the pages fell open to this scripture.

It will be hard to be quiet in difficulty times; but with the Ruach's help - I WILL.

Interesting cloud …

And, when I got back inside, I received an encouraging text from a friend.

Thank the Lord for good friends in my life, who are attuned to the Ruach HaKo'desh. I shudder to think of how lonely my life would be without them; especially at this particular time in my unfolding life.

Aviad Cohen - 'We Delight In Your Shabbat' song: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msZ4WukxdCo)

Mr. Complication woke up, put his headphones on, and made friendship connections on FB. This {space} does not include me: it will never include me.

And that's okay with me - I understand why they are so important to Mr. Complication, but none of those shallow people, or the long-term part they played in his Past life, interest me.

Mr. Complication; these earphones he bought really serve a peaceful purpose.

But it does irritate me that he spends all day long making contact with them while shutting me out.

All day long; every day.

Inclusion can be difficult.

Developing and living out a love relationship is difficult.

Trust is a thorny issue … and the hardest leap to contemplate.

Fending for ourselves; I had a tomato-onion sandwich. YUM!

Health Benefits of Orowheat Potato Bread:

 (https://www.livestrong.com/article/359816-is-potato-bread-healthy/)

When he started again accusing me of orthodox, and seventh day Adventist ritual, I tried to explain that what I do with my 24-hour Shabbat Rest is totally different:

Orthodox Observances

Jewish Observances: The biblical ban against work on the Sabbath, while never clearly defined, includes activities such as baking and cooking, travelling, kindling fire, gathering wood, buying and selling, and bearing burdens from one domain into another.

Orthodox Jews live modest lives, with a strict code of ethics.

How Seventh-Day Adventist Differ From Christianity

Seventh-day Adventist differ in only four areas of beliefs from the mainstream Trinitarian Christian denominations. These are the Sabbath day, the doctrine of the heavenly sanctuary, the status of the writings of Ellen White, and their doctrine excludes heaven and hell; they also tech that righteous remain unconscious after death; and are resurrected after the Second Coming.

Seventh Day Adventists sabbath observances: During the sabbath, Adventists avoid secular work and business, although medical relief and humanitarian work is accepted. Though there are cultural variations, most Adventists also avoid activities such as shopping, sport, and certain forms of entertainment.

Sabbath - Adventists believe that the Sabbath should be observed on the seventh day of the week, from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset. They further believe that Sunday observance lacks biblical authorization.

Adventists live modest lives, with a strict code of ethics. They don't smoke or drink alcohol, and recommend a vegetarian diet. The Seventh-day Adventist diet discourages using products that the Bible considers “unclean,” like alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. Some Adventists also avoid refined foods, sweeteners, and caffeine.

BOTH RELIGIONS LACK BIBLICAL UNDERSTANDING.

Yeshua traveled, ministered, gathered and prepared food, and He definitely bore burdens. That is how I live my life: I am a Christian (disciple and follower of Yeshua Ha'Mashiach) - I observe the Sabbath as Yeshua intended it to be observed; I set 24-hours aside to honor Elohim and meditate of the Godhead, I also carve out that timeframe to spend time with my family. Sometimes I take a drive and observe Yeshua's creative beauty - sometimes I design and craft beautiful mitzvah things that will add beauty to a stranger's life; I shower, wash my hair, and wear makeup when the mood strikes me; I grocery shop if necessary.

I do not adhere to any seventh day Adventist nonsense at all! ellen white was a spiritist medium (I abhor spiritism practices in all their forms as commanded in the Scriptures), obviously I listen to music and watch movies if inclined to do so; I shop if necessary; I fellowship on Sunday if-and-when I can find a fellowship that does on teach vineyard heresy; I live a flamingo lifestyle that sometimes includes flashy clothing and makeup; my speech can sometimes be as flamboyant as my outside appearance; I drink wine during my 24-hour Shabbat Rest (as commanded in scripture) … and occasionally I will have a margarita or a shot of Fireball during the week (but I do NOT use drugs of any kind; ever - personal choice, not related to any religious belief); I eat anything - and everything, sticking to a healthy diet 95% of the time, and indulging in junk food here and there on occasion; I like my veggies - but I also like my meats; I drink coffee and teas with sweeteners; I also drink coke, bottled teas, and Propel energy drinks; I believe in an actual Heaven and Hell (Yeshua spoke extensively on the reality of both places); I believe that when a Christian (Messianic, included) dies physically, their spirit passes directly from Earth into Elohim's Celestial City, alive and fully coherent - immediately enjoying Life with Yeshua. I believe in The Rapture and an actual Millennial Kingdom.

Terminal Vineyard Heresy

The blasphemous Vineyard Ministries is openly engaging in - and preaching - pagan rituals, paranormal activities (chasing after bigfoot, dogman, and fairies 'realties'; aka what Scripture refers to as "fables to be avoided"), worldly behavior ('stripping for christ'; can you believe this happening in {church}???), and esoteric spirituality beliefs/doctrines, which they are passing off as 'Christianity'.

I DO NOT HOLD WITH ANY OF THESE CULTIC BEHAVIORS

As anyone can clearly SEE and understand IF they WANT TO - I adhere to Scriptural teachings given to us from Elohim and Yeshua … not cultic man-made religious hamstringing.

I LIVE a CHRISTIAN Life.

And I offer no apologies to anyone.

Then, he added, "I don't know what happened to you, or why you stopped going to church." So … this relates to the Oak Point {friends} he is still communicating with - even though he swore to me he has ended those connections :-(

So, I replied: "You know exactly what {happened} to me - and why I stopped attending Oak Point gatherings. You also know why I will never fellowship there again … or with any vineyard related {churches}. Y.o.u.w.e.r.e.t.h.e.r.e. If you want to "go to church" at a vineyard cesspool … go! Just stop insisting I go. I.w.i.l.l.n.e.v.e.r.g.o."

But he refuses to understand: he wants to fight because he feels guilty about the all day long shut-out while he and his friends rehashed the Past all day long.

I am convinced his family practices the vineyard religion.

All of his friends were met in vineyard {churches}.

Mr. Complication is a vineyard ministries devotee.

I'm not interested in fighting over religion.

I am a Christian: religion does not interest me.

So, I finished my sandwich in silence - and watched a long-running movie, while working on another batch of Angel Baby Blankets.

Watched Ben Hur; that 4.5 hr. movie gave evening respite.

MOD 21" ANGEL BABY BLANKETS ~ 7 Designs/Knit: (https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2022/03/mod-angel-baby-blankets-7-designs.html)

Like I mentioned above, I do not sit around for 24-hours with my hands under my thighs doing nothing for the duration of a Shabbat Rest period!

I live as Yeshua (the Creator - and Lord of The Sabbath) lived, exampled, and taught: I minister through mitzvah and tzedakah actions :-)

What is the difference between mitzvah and tzedakah?

One of the mitzvahs – good deeds – that Jewish people around the world hold close to their heart is called Tzedakah, a Hebrew word meaning “justice” or “righteousness”. Tzedakah is a responsibility of all Jews to help those in need, through acts of service, tangible goods or financial donations.

In practice, most Jews carry out tzedakah by donating a portion of their income to charitable institutions, or to needy people they may encounter. The perception among many modern-day Jews is that if donation of this form is not possible, the obligation of tzedakah still requires that something be given.

This is acceptable Sabbath observance.

This is love being lived out.

This is what Elohei expects of us.

I really do not understand why Mr. Complication would have any valid objections to my Messianic Faith, my Christian lifestyle, or my Sabbath Day Rest … the only objection I continually hear him spell out is my refusal to attend vineyard ministries.

So, the mexican standoff continues.

Grand Funk Railroad - 'Mean Mistreater' song: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSZFjOffTyc)

Developing and living out a love relationship is difficult.

I ONLY CARE ABOUT LOSING YESHUA~Shabbat, Yuma-AZ

This Shabbat has not been a happy Shabbat :-(

People will let you down … specifically men.

BUT there is ONE MAN who NEVER disappoints: Yeshua.

Yeshua is I AM; El Elyon.

I'm SO GLAD He is my Life.

So, if people who say they {love} me want to walk - okay.

Johnny Lang - 'A Quitter Never Wins' song: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfU2hCnaD-w)

I only care about losing Yeshua.

And if forced to choose … there is NO choice: I always tell people up front that Yeshua wins, hands down.

Yeshua will ALWAYS be MY CHOICE.

He is my Husband, Who never disappoints.

Throughout our 57 year love relationship, His love has never made me cry.

He Is... Names of God~From Genesis to Revelation: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zl-hXiXa8QU)

YOU ARE WORTH THE REST~Shabbat/Yuma-AZ

Tonight, set down the load you’re carrying. Even if it’s just a bit, or it all, or for a short time. 

Sometimes it’s heavy, sometimes we don’t even know it’s there, sometimes it’s too much, and sometimes it can be scary to let it go. 

That letting go part can be hard because we have to be strong and carrying the burdens and worries and to-do lists and expectations, while too much, keeps us focused on the strong because we fear we might break.

And our intimate relationships need the strong. 

So we keep going. 

But the load is heavy.

And you, my friend, need that breath.

You need the moment of peace on your heart, hope in your soul, and refreshment for your spirit.

You are worth the rest.

You are worth the peace.

You are worth the calm.

You are worth the break.

You are worth it.

So tonight, for this 24-hour Sabbath Rest, just let some go.

Suck in deep gulps of Elohim's peace … and breathe hope, and calm.

Breathe.

HAPPY LIFE & 2 STATE PARK WALK

I used to walk every day.

Several miles.

Every day, all year long: for decades.

Even through my Widowing Years, when I had to literally force one foot in front of the other.

Walking balances me, and puts the "happy" in my life ;-)

Last January I remarried: that's a good thing :-)

Holland relaxes by cooking - and he's a good cook; he cooks 95% of the meals we eat.

I've gained 20 pounds since Holland came into my life: that's a bad thing :-(

Even though living as road gypsies keeps us {on the go} ... most of the "go" is done sitting. Sitting does not burn calories.

But here, at Del Pueblo RV Resort, we are going to be hunkering down until the end of February sometime: that is, we will be spending a few months in one place.

Holland will get a break from driving.

He will not be hauling Independence around every 2 weeks; he's happy about that. Holland has done righteous by me - in that he's been faithful to grant my wish of "seeing America": we've crisscrossed America pretty steadily since April, covering 19 States and driving 15,000 miles in 8 months' time.

We like Arizona; Holland has lived here before, but it's a new experience for me. I like it. So, I am in total agreement to set pegs and spend time whittling away time here :-)

Holland lives a more sedate life than I do: I'm {on} all the time - and I'm really missing my walks :-(

I'm missing the activity.

I'm missing the feel-good mood booster walking releases with each step forward.

I'm missing the enjoyment of scenery.

I'm missing the muscle toning.

I'm missing the whole-body-benefits daily walking generates.

So, this afternoon while watching Bleu do his 'I need to get out and run' pacing up and down the livingroom floor … I said to Holland that I was going to go online and try to track down a walking park where Bleu and I could burn off some excess energy.

Bleu and I need to be active; or we get snappy. Holland will appreciate the activity fallout of peaceful serenity when we walk back through the front door ;-)

Holland shut down his laptop and said he'd come with me if I didn't mind - of course! I didn't ask him to join us because he was busy with his pals on FB … and I am bending to give him {space}; but if he wants to come with us, I'm more than okay with that!

I slipped sandals on, snapped my mileage meter to my jeans waistband - and off we went :-)

We started our walk in Winterhaven-Ca, on one side of the River … and ended it on the opposite side, in Yuma-AZ:

Quechan Walking Trail Park; this is a walking park located on the Quechan Indian reservation.

Quechan Walking Trail Park: 

401-483 Quechan Rd, Winterhaven, CA

Quechan Walking Park dike road; CA side of the Colorado River.

Sunshine, palm trees, sand, and the Colorado River; Winterhaven-CA

Bleu enjoying a free run; Winterhaven-CA

St. Thomas Indian Mission School; Winterhaven-CA

St. Thomas Indian Mission School; Winterhaven-CA:

 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Thomas_Yuma_Indian_Mission)

Untrimmed Palm trees; Winterhaven-CA

Stairway to nowhere …

Broken glass was everywhere - I worried about Bleu's paws, and was glad  when Holland showed up.

Evergreen silver, ovate leaves with furry undersides. Yellow daisy-like flowers; Yuma-AZ

Bougainvillea bush.

Flocks of pigeons were everywhere, filling the sky & walkways.

Riverside Park; 50 Prison Hill Rd, Yuma, AZ

A bright spot of Fall color in all this HOT sunshine ;-)

Charles Flynn - the person responsible for this lovely little Park.

Charles Flynn Riverfront Trail is a 0.8 mile (2,000-step) route located near Yuma, Arizona:

(https://kyma.com/news/2018/11/20/finding-a-reason-for-the-river/)

The actual Colorado River; not a canal or a slough; Yuma-AZ

Reconnecting A Desert Town With It's River:

 (https://www.npca.org/articles/336-reconnecting-a-desert-town-with-its-river)

Holland keeping an eye in us; this is a pretty rough part of Old Town Yuma-AZ

Not sure what type of waterfowl this is …

Paved walking trail stamp …

Riverside Park is located directly across from the Old Town Yuma Prison Park.

We stopped and picked up some KFC for Supper, on our way home.

Both Parks are a 20 minute drive (40 minute loop) from our front door.

It was an enjoyable day … and a definite repeat (possibly Solo Lobo) now that both Holland and I know where these places are located.

SHOW KINDNESS ...

 

COFFEE WITH FRIENDS

On chilly early mornings, I love the smell of fresh brewed coffee … and the warmth of Friendship 😁❤️

Holiday flavored coffee in a Christmas Gift from a Friend, last year ;-)

Carole King - 'You Got A Friend' song: 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAR_Ff5A8Rk)

MOD CHRISTMAS CACTUS PATTERN~Yuma-AZ

 

Yuma, Arizona is the sunniest place in all of America; though this time of year, it does chill down overnight (sometimes cools to 45-degrees overnight), it heats back up to 80-degrees by noon. Cactuses are more prevalent in Arizona, than evergreens are ;-)

I don't go all out for Christmas anymore - I used to when the kids and grandkids were in-house … but, now that they are not, I don't. And I couldn't anyway in 45-ft. 5th wheel, roughly the size of a small shot-gun galley-kitchen studio apartment.

My new husband does not "do" Christmas.

At all.

But because this is my Birthday Month, and I want some kind of festive notation marking my time on Earth … he has consented to this one small chrismasty thing :-)

A week ago, my friend, Pam, sent me a picture text of her tree this year - she and her husband decided to "go small" this year, too:

I designed my own Christmas Cactus Pattern, November 28th, and completed it December 2nd. It's very easy to make, using only a few simple basic crochet stitches.

It will also be very easy to unassemble and store away when the holiday is over: space in an RV (even a 45-ft 5th wheel like ours) is very limited, so most extra's we have (inside TV trays & outdoor patio table/chairs), need to be stored flat.

Saguaro Cactus in a pot, & Saguaro Cactus fruit ('flowers').

Cactus & Pot sewed together, stuffed, decorated, & hung.

Our RV Home Floor Plan (with slide-out's extended) is roughly the same size as a small studio apartment - not a lot of floor space ;-)

If you live full-time in a 5th Wheel RV in the desert like I do, or you live in a small apartment with a quirky sense of humor like I do - you may enjoy crafting this little christmas cactus to decorate as you wish.

Have a funtastic Holiday!

MOD CHRISTMAS CACTUS PATTERN

Materials:

Worsted yarn - 1 ct. skein Red & 1 skein Green (you will be using doubled yarn throughout; unwind skeins and rewind into doubled red strands ball & doubled green strands ball)

Crochet Hook #H

Assorted small-scale tree trims

Tapestry Needle

Scissors

Throwaway plastic container of choice (oblong or round) to fit base of your cactus

Cardboard for project backing

Ballpoint pen

1 ct. 33-gal. Plastic Garbage bag for stuffing

1 ct. 0.5 lb. weight Resin Command Hook

Terms Used:

ch = chain

sl st = slip stitch

dc = double crochet

hdc = half double crochet

sc = single crochet

st = stitch

inc = increase

dec = decrease

BL = back loops

jn = join

T = turn

TL = total

rpt = repeat

X = times

EA = each

EO = end off

MOD Cactus {tree} instructions:

Double strand worsted & appropriate size crochet hook.

Row 1: With Green worsted yarn, ch 2; sc x 8 ct. in 2nd st from hook - do not jn.

DO NOT JOIN

Row 2: Sl st across the back of the next two sts - do not jn.

Sl st to beginning 1st sc … this forms the back of cactus to be tacked to cardboard.

Row 3: ch 42, and work a dc in 2nd ch from hook; begin forming first "cactus rib" by dc to end st - ch 3 & T.

Dc up foundation chain.

Row 4: Dc x 37 (38 sts TL); then work 1 hdc, 1 sc, 1 sl st - T

Row 5: In BL only; 1 sc, 1 hdc; then work dc x 38 - at end of row, ch 3 & T

Row 6: In BL only; rpt row 4.

Cactus ribs layout; you will be working around circular top.

Repeat rows 5 & 6 one after another, eight times more; there should be 9 completed "cactus ribs".

At the end of last row, ch 1 & sl st x 40 - then work 2 dc in top of cactus and sl st x 40: EO

Frontside of cactus back sl st.

Backside of cactus back sl st; this side will be frontside when tacked to cardboard backing.

This curled cactus will be loosely stuffed when 'backed'.

MOD Cactus Tree Pot:

Cut the back out of a container that fits the base of the cactus piece.

Cut the center out of the container lid … the cactus & pot will be joined at this opening.

Row 1: With Red worsted yarn, ch 11; then work 1 sc in 2nd st from hook, sc x 8 ct down foundation ch … make 2 sc in end, and start working back up the foundation ch with sc x 8 ct & jn to first st - ch 1, T

Work a sc bottom portion of the cactus 'pot'.

Row 2: 1 sc in same st; sc x 9 ct, 3 sc next st, sc x 9 ct & jn to fisrt st - ch 1, T

Row 3: 1 sc same st; sc x 2 ct, 2 sc in next st, sc x 9 ct, 2 sc next st, sc x 2 ct, 2 sc next st, sc x 9 ct & jn to first st - ch 1, T

Row 4: 1 sc same st; sc x 11 ct, 2 sc next st, sc x 3 ct, 2 sc next st, sc x 3 ct & jn to first st - ch 1, T

Row 5: 1 sc in same st; sc x 4 ct, 2 sc next st, sc x 12 ct, 2 sc next st, sc x 4 ct, 2 sc next st, sc x 12 ct & jn to first st - DO NOT TURN WORK

Row 6: Ch 3 & dc around 3 sides of work, inc 4 sts at EA corner - ch 1 & T

Row 7: Sc around work, inc 3 sts atop EA center inc of previous inc - ch 3 & T

Row 8: Dc across row, inc 3 sts atop EA inc of previous inc - ch 1 & T

Rows 9 thru 14: Rpt sc and dc rows, without inc's.

Every so often check the shape of the piece being worked; make sure of the fit, & make adjustments as needed to suit your pot's shape.

Row 15: Dc 13, dec, dc x 19 ct, dec, dc x 13 ct - ch 3 & T

Row 16: Working BL only; dc x 12 ct, dec, dc x 18 ct, dec, dc x 12 ct - at the end of row, turn and sl st around entire piece. EO

Working the top of the 'pot' that will fit snugly around the cactus base …

Side & front views.

Whipstitch cactus base & pot  top pieces together.

Piecing the Cactus Tree together:

Dismantle an appropriate sized cardboard box, and with a ballpoint pen, lightly outline your crafted tree shape to a piece of cardboard.

Cardboard backing; pattern outlined. I chose a box to dismantle that had a ready-made-opening, to use when hanging my cactus tree ;-)

Backing cutout; put the colored side, inside & keep the lighter side out - this will be hung towards the wall (or door).

Stuff the cactus tree; and gently whipstitch to cardboard backing: do not pull harshly on the whipstitch or you will cut the cardboard, making it useless. Secure it lightly, but firmly in place.

Plastic 33 gallon garbage bag stuffing.

Whipstitch pot to cardboard backing.

Whipstitch cactus to cardboard backing.

Trim your cactus tree … anchor the hanging hook in place with the pull-tap adhesive, and hang your tree :-)

Trims for this 2023 holiday season: with tapestry needle and yarn, tack beaded cord to front of cactus … then affix balls to cactus as you see fit ;-)

Cactus sewed together, stuffed, decorated, & hung. I did not use the fancy flower because the poorly glued sequined portions fell off … making it useless for my purpose :-(

Hopefully my Cactus Tree will stay put - this door is used a lot.

HAPPY HOLIDAY!