What Is Your Delight?

Some time ago, approximately a year, I wrote this poem during the time we read parasha Toldot. Unfortunately, one day my toddler decided to entertain herself by cutting some pages from my notebook where I kept it. When I found the poem, I noticed the last parts missing. This didn't bother me much, because I remembered asking my son to copy it for me on his lap top. About a week ago, I asked my son about it, and was upset to find that his file had been corrupted and he would not be able to retrieve it. After thinking it over for a few days, I finally decided that the only thing to do was to write a new ending. I'm not sure how the last poem ended, but I tried to keep the main message intact. Here is the result of my effort to save my work... 

What then, is your pleasure or else your delight?

Would you crave for grandeur, position, or fame?

If all that pervades in your heart and your mind,

Be things so admired by others the same.

Can one hold so dearly admiration from others?

Perhaps it’s control, and the power it affords

Could be great possessions, vanity, or its lovers;

Trying to fill a great void, always looking for more.

One man sought adventure in the excitement of hunting.

This man lived for living though redundant may sound.

He hungered and lusted giving up to his brother;

With great haste sold his birthright without taking ‘ny thought.

A pious man had a different desire on his part.

He was whole and yet simple dwelling daily in tents.

Other goals filled his time, his whole mind, and his heart.

He would not fit the mold of this world with its bends.

Seeking something far better was the goal of such man.

To the goals everlasting, he would hold onto fast;

For he cherished true blessings, covenant, promised land.

Only in G-d’s Word he trusted, the only thing that does last.

Thereupon are two choices and two paths for the heart.

One seeks vanity, pride, and the lusts that do blind.

The other one has a vision based on faith from the start;

Reaching high to a destiny that is pure and sublime.

How will your life expose the desires that prevail?

Will your life hold true meaning? Decide now, make a choice.

Be distracted by things that don’t profit or avail,

Or take delight in G-d’s Word taking heed of His Voice!

One Godly Woman’s Legacy

My life has been touched by some very special people. I want this post to focus on one whom is no longer with us. One of the persons which has impacted my life the most, was  a godly woman. She was a woman of faith which was actually an encouragement to my own mother. While my parents grew up secular for the most part without a particular creed or religion, they did believe in the existence of G-d. This woman whom I will call Mary, made it her personal responsibility to share the Word with my mom. She constantly invited my mom to church, and when my mom was too busy to attend, she would ask if in her place she would send my older sisters. This woman never gave up, nor would she be turned away so easily by rejection. She was an amazing woman, always showing concern for the wellbeing of others.
Mary’s story was one of triumph. Her young years were filled with sorrow and sadness, but she never let that determine her destiny. She could have blamed outer circumstances as reason for bitterness and resentment. Instead she rose above it all and became the amazing woman who touched the lives of many. Mary grew up with a determined attitude. She knew what she wanted in life, and she fought for what she valued.
This woman had a family of five children. The oldest around my mom’s age. So the gap in age between her and me was quite a large one. For many years I only heard from her occasionally. Running into her and every now and then, we would exchange a few brief words. At the time around my engagement, something changed drastically. I found myself visiting her almost on a daily basis. It was during those visits, that I got to know her in a more personal way.
She was always welcoming and greeted me with a smile every time I came by. Usually during my visits, she would share things about herself with me. There were times that she would pull out a notebook of poems she had written and share them with me. Other times we would sit and just talk about things such as faith and family. The talks were always so interesting and lively, being that besides so much knowledge she had a good sense of humor as well. She would answer my many questions, as I sat there in awe at the wisdom of this elderly woman. I’m not certain whether  she realized an admiration on my part. Mary was a humble woman and many times wondered out loud why I would take the time to visit with her. Maybe it was the fact that I was in my late teen years coupled by the large difference in years between us that made her wonder. Yet she was always grateful and appreciative of my visits.
What I find so remarkable about this woman, is the fruitfulness of her life. She always shared her faith with the people she met along the way. And the thing I now wished I would have asked her about, is one that has constantly been on my mind. Three of her children which were her sons, the other two were daughters, went on to become ministers. One of them actually was the one that conducted my wedding ceremony. How, I wonder, did she raise her children. I know of her children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren; they have continued in the faith even many years after her passing away.
The impact this woman had is one I wish I had, at least on my descendants. It’s not so much the fact that she raised three ministers,  that is the most admirable. What left an impression on me is the fact that she taught her children well. How many times in Scripture we read of a new generation that did not know G-d.
^{7 “}And the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD, that he did for Israel.
⁸And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died, being an hundred and ten years old.
⁹And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnathheres, in the mount of Ephraim, on the north side of the hill Gaash.
¹⁰And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.
¹¹And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim:
¹²And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger.
¹³And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth.”  Judges 2:7-13
It’s heartbreaking to think that G-d’s children would not walk in his ways because the previous generation had failed in teaching their children. This is something I’m constantly repeating to my own children and one of the main reasons we chose to home-school. I pray Hashem gives me the wisdom and diligence to teach my children so that my future descendants will continue to love, serve Him, and walk in his ways.
This is a lesson I get from the Patriarchs. They took such special care to transmit what they valued (the fear of Hashem and love of His Word) to the following generations that even to this day they’re still baring fruit. How amazing is that! We read about Abraham:
^{19 “}For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.” Genesis 18:19 
Mary knew the importance of teaching the next generation too. She was diligent and loving, and while I may never know how she raised her children, I can to this day see how effective she was. She was a successful woman in my opinion. May Hashem grant us all, that love Him and are seeking to serve Him, the effectiveness in transmitting to the future generations the fear of the True and Living G-d. May he strengthen us and give us a vision to see past our immediate circumstances and instead focus on what counts to eternity.

Barely A Glimpse

I can barely catch a glimpse
Of whom you truly are.
If I tried to comprehend,
And then struggled to explain;
I could hardly just begin
To come close to understand.

And yet your eternity I’m sure of,
Though I can’t quite just grasp it yet.
And I’m baffled by your love,
Mercy, kindness, and your grace.

You are righteous requiring justice;
Searching out the hearts of men.
You’re unchanging, firm foundation,
From you comes true righteousness.

Though you’re awesome in perfection,
Absolute without a doubt.
You look down on men with mercy,
Grant forgiveness, sins blot out.

How can one that’s so amazing,
Take thought of one so small as me?
What response can my heart muster?
Only great humility.

You extend your hand providing,
Healing many that are sick.
Giving water to the thirsty,
That their souls will not afflict.

Please forgive my shallow knowledge,
Grant to me the eyes that see.
Accept the lowliest of your servants,
For my heart belong to thee.



Be it simple and even inadequate, I wrote this poem trying to express what was in my heart. My heart belongs to the L-rd. And the more I learn about Him, the more it makes me realize how much I’ve yet to learn. I’m filled with awe toward Him.

"I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” Isaiah 43:25

What We Sow We'll Surely Reap

We can't but deceive ourselves if we're walking in our sin.
We won’t but reap corruption it’s an inevitable thing.
It is futile if we think that we can get away with sin.
It will take root in our hearts, it will sink so deep within.

We will reap what we have planted, we will reap what we have sown.
You can not get something good, if your only planting thorns.
The laws of sowing and reaping, are what all of us to should know.
Always have been in effect just as history has shown.

Just as sure as we are living and as sure as we can breath,
We can know His Word’s Eternal, it is perfect we can see.
If we doubt it , it’d be foolish, if ignore it even worse.
Trusting in our understanding, is walking in a crooked course.

When remorse then overtakes us, and we feel that we can’t cope.
Then only His Word can save us, In His mercy there is hope.
Consequences won’t be pretty, and we’ll have to live with them.
But if we’re truly repentant, forgiveness will come from Him.

Take time and think today, You must be quick and make haste.
Don’t be so easily deceived, Life is way too short too short to wait.
Turn back now, it’s not too late, to seek His mercy, it is great.
Seek His Mercy, It Is Great!
MJ



With a broken heart I wrote this for my niece, who turned her back on her parents and everything she once believed. I pray it will reach someone who may be finding themselves in the same situation.

A Call To Repentance

Taken from a blog written a while back.

Awake Oh sleepers from your sleep,
Examine carefully your deeds.
Rememder G-D the blessed one;
Return to Him, Return at once!

Your losing sight of deeper truths,
while waisting time in vain pursuits;
That niether profit, never save -
Abandon now your evil ways.

The Shofar's sounding with all might,
Repent, Awake,and see the light.
Exceedingly it sounds and strong,
Forsake your ways for they are wrong.

Teshuva's urgent to draw nigh,
We must prepare to be His bride.
Repent, Return, and do your part,
And seek the L-RD with humble heart.

Commit yourself, to Him draw near,
The time is now; to this take heed.
Awake Oh sleepers from your sleep!
Awake Oh sleepers from your sleep!


By: MJ

Inspired by the Rosh Hashana theme of repentence, I wrote this poem this past weekend. I pray it motivates others to examine their walk with the Lord and make teshuva!

Couldn't Go To Sleep Tonight

Taken from another blog I wrote a while back.

You have made me and fashioned me,

Giving me life when I had none.

My thirst you quench completely

And I rejoice in thee My G-D.

I have called upon you with all my strength,

For my soul longs for your presence.

Your beauty and your holiness,

Who, Oh who can understand!

When I seek with joy your wisdom,

You satisfy me from above.

You enrich my life and bless it.

How amazing is your love!

At nights like this I cannot sleep

Cannot be still, cannot forget;

All the wonders you have shown me,

Feels like manna is my bread.

      L-rd I want to know you better,

Have a closer walk with thee.

I want your name to be glorified,

When others stop and look at me.

How can I share the love you've given:

What can I do SO others may see?

The awsomeness words can't express,

Without your love don't let them be.

How little of you I've come to know,

And yet I can't but be amazed.

The things for us you chose to show,

Your love, your holiness, your grace!

So many things yet hidden,

And others hard to grasp;

Saved for those that are devoted,

That love and seek all that thou hast.

You have made me for a reason.

You have touched my life indeed.

Please don't let me leave this world,

Without helping others find thee.

L-rd I'm thankful for your blessings,

Your love and your saving grace.

And I couldn't go to sleep tonight,

Without writing you at least a phrase.

Because I have a need to praise you;

A great longing deep within.

I am joyous and must thank you,

For your deliverance from sin.

I will praise you my redeemer,

And sing daily from my heart.

The peace and joy within me,

Are things that only you impart.

Teach me to love you sincerely,

Increase my faith as I walk.

May your Word help me see clearly

Open to me when I knock.

                            By MJ

There are times like this that I cannot sleep.When my heart is filled with praise, so I decided to take the time last night and put this little poem together, trying to express my feelings. I love my L-rd, Blessed be His Name!

Shabbat: A Special Gift

Taken from another blog I wrote a while back.

Here comes a time when things come to a stop,
A precious day of beauty, love, and rest.
At last to rest I'll gladly do my best;
Without delay my routine I will drop.


Though toils and work of daily life abound,
Keeping me busy hours throughout the day;
Requiring time for study, work, and play
Of these today we'll find absent the sound



A special meal prepared just for this time,
Exquisite settings for this day of rest.
Fresh flowers arranged to look their very best.
No doubt this day will surely, brightly shine.


With praise and joy filling our home tonight,
The sweetest wine, and challah for our bread,
A white soft veil that’s placed upon my head;
I’ll light the candles to shine warm and bright.


The Sabbath day clearly given to man,
A blessing for His children all;
Who willingly take time to heed the call,
To accept this gift from our L-rd’s very hand.


A memorial reminding when the world was made,
A heavenly gift sent to mankind;
Six days of work and then time to unwind,
A shadow of eternity is this day.



For those embracing this sacred retreat,
A secret hidden from the common eyes;
That’s only seen by those that seek what’s wise.
The place where time and eternity meet!



By MJ



I wrote this poem to share and inspire those that both in reading the Holy Scriptures and seeking to live in obedience; have come to embrace the Sabbath Day as G-d’s appointed day of rest.



May you have a "SHABBAT SHALOM"!

Seek G-d

I don't understand it
All the confusion,

How can so many

Be led astray!


I just don't get it

Why won't they listen,

Why can't they time,

To study and pray?


Don't they believe Him?

Can't they just see it?

It's clear in His Word,

I've read it today.


If we just ask Him,

Then He will give it!

If we seek truth

He will send it our way!


If we would love Him,

Then we'd obey Him.

We'd receive blessings,

Instead of a curse.


Please won't you listen,

Take time to seek Him.

Knock at His door,

Because He's waiting there!




By:M.Jaime

Special Sukkot

This year we had a beautiful Sukkot celebration. Sukkot, known to many as the Feast of Tabernacles http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukkot is become a very important part of our faith and family life. We had such a pleasant and edifying time. During this G-D appointed times we somehow connect to our Creator in a way that is amazing. With every feast observed in joyful obedience, we agree to meet with Him in His appointed time which makes it so special. For those of us that can relate, it's meeting up with the one the heart longs for. A date with the one loved. Yes, there is already a relationship there to begin with. And we should always be connected to the source of our life, our G-D. Yet, when He specifically calls to meet with us and we are there, it strengthens our relationship with him in an unexplainable way. There's just a closeness that is just so beautiful.

To begin with we planned our Sukkah and built it ahead of time. The kids all helped decorating it and had fun doing it. We did different activities throughout the celebration. It was a good opportunity for reading Torah and learning more about the feast. We ate our meals there daily, and the kids even slept in it. My allergies didn't allow me to sleep there, but I would have loved to. One day we watched Ushpizin from our laptop. Another time we watched Sukkot related videos and teachings. The kids also had Sukkot coloring pages to work on. And one more thing that made this time so special, was having guest over and sharing a meal with them in our Sukkah. We were so blessed and edified. No doubt it will be a memory to cherish for the whole family. Blessed be the Name of the Most High. This was definitely "Hag Sameach" a happy holiday.

                                                building the Sukkah

                                             decorating the Sukkah

                                       kids enjoying some frozen treats in Sukkah

                                            reading Torah during a meal

                                                       waving Lulav

                                                 two of our guests

                                    we could see the moon through the roof

                                              our Sukkah lighting at night

Reflections On Calling

After picking up my dear son from his GED classes; he, my daughter Kimberly, and I drove over to the park for some exercise. We've been going there to jog for the past few days. This not only gives me time to spend with them, but also some much needed exercise. We had a good jog, and then headed back home. As soon as we arrived, I noticed my 18 month old with his brothers waiting for me outside. Like the past few days, he was so happy to see me home again. Only this time it was different. The first words out of his mouth were "I love you!". I couldn't believe it, my little guy speaking this words so clearly with a big smile on his face. It just melt my heart. He quickly reached for me and I had to hug and kiss him. What a tender moment that was.

Moments like this make me realize how blessed I am with this precious family. I think about the importance of raising up my children in the fear of the L-rd. I'm so grateful for the privilege of motherhood. My desire is to be granted the wisdom to rise up to the occasion or better yet to my calling. I thank my Heavenly Father for the blessings in my life. May my love for Him be as sweet, sincere, and tender as the love of a little one. May He guide me and enable me to do the very best for His honor and glory!

Excelling Through Homeschool

In all labor there is profit, so goes the proverb. After more than a decade I'm seeing this fulfilled in our schooling efforts. Yes, I knew my child was learning. And yes, I was aware of his progress, but after hearing this afternoon of how well he was doing in his class I was overwhelmed with joy. I thought about how all those years of work had paid off. It wasn't in vain. We started homeschooling at my son's request at his tender age of four. From the moment we began it was clear to my husband and me that we wanted to do this in honor and obedience to Hashem and His Word. We wanted to raise up a G-d fearing young man that would serve him. It's been to us more of an investment in eternity. Having a close watch over the shaping of his character has been key in his education.

Never did I imagine that his academic progress was better off in my hands. I certainly felt inadequate to teach him most of the time to say the least. But since academic excellence was not priority we went ahead with confidence. Our goals were based on convictions. I knew that his education was my responsibility and I was not about to delegate it to someone else. This is the reason I was pleasantly surprised to find how well my son was doing academically. I can't explain how happy we are to see the young man he's grown to become. And now seeing him doing so well in his schooling gives me a sense of relief, I must admit. Not only is he a mature and faithful young man, but it's good to know that in his obedience he was able to excel in other areas as well.

Praise be to the Almighty. All I have is gratitude towards him for giving me the privilege of being a mom, the blessing of helping shape a young child, and the joy of it all.