Yahweh's Handmaiden

2004-03-29T11:24:00.000-06:00

1Co 2:1 When I came to you, brothers, I didn't come with excellence of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God.
1Co 2:2 For I determined not to know anything among you, except Yashua the Messiah, and him crucified.
1Co 2:3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.
1Co 2:4 My speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,
1Co 2:5 that your faith wouldn't stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
1Co 2:6 We speak wisdom, however, among those who are full grown; yet a wisdom not of this world, nor of the rulers of this world, who are coming to nothing.
1Co 2:7 But we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, the wisdom that has been hidden, which God foreordained before the worlds for our glory,
1Co 2:8 which none of the rulers of this world has known. For had they known it, they wouldn't have crucified the Lord of glory.
1Co 2:9 But as it is written, "Things which an eye didn't see, and an ear didn't hear, which didn't enter into the heart of man, these God has prepared for those who love him."
1Co 2:10 But to us, God revealed them through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.
1Co 2:11 For who among men knows the things of a man, except the spirit of the man, which is in him? Even so, no one knows the things of God, except God's Spirit.
1Co 2:12 But we received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is from God, that we might know the things that were freely given to us by God.
1Co 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual things.
1Co 2:14 Now the natural man doesn't receive the things of God's Spirit, for they are foolishness to him, and he can't know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1Co 2:15 But he who is spiritual discerns all things, and he himself is judged by no one.
1Co 2:16 "For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he should instruct him?" But we have Messiah's mind.

Do you find it difficult talking with those who don't have the mind of Christ? Does it seem their agenda always clashes with your own? Many times, I have dealt with folks who don't have a deep understanding of scripture, and whose eyes and ears are closed to the truth. It is like pulling teeth to talk about even the basic fundamentals of covenants, laws and guidelines for daily living such as prayer, food, work, study, and rest. It is foolishness to these people what we believe in. It is beyond their comprehension that we have an ongoing conversation with the Holy Spirit, and actually feel the presence of One so much greater than ourselves. If we on a daily basis, seek out His truths, His leading, His compassion for others, His far reaching evangelism, His lifesaving power of healing, His awesome ability to relate to us thru nature and circumstances around us, ....can we not find that we are walking in an intimate relationship with the Savior and King Yahshua? If our focus is on things temporal instead of the kingdom treasures....do we find ourselves living just half of the potential that we are meant to live? In searching my own heart, I want to live for Him in all the fullness that only He can bestow. To walk with full measure of the annointing.....to strive to please Him, to help and uplift others, to teach that in this day and time, there is a glorious alternative to an empty shell of a life without Him. We have such a reward before us, as mentioned in the Word, "1Co 2:9 But as it is written, "Things which an eye didn't see, and an ear didn't hear, which didn't enter into the heart of man, these God has prepared for those who love him."

Are you a Christian? Do you know Him today? Is He your all in all? Our prayer for you is that HE IS....YOUR ALL IN ALL, EVERYDAY AND YOUR WHOLE LIFE THRU! Let us all work together to build the Kingdom of Yah!

2004-03-08T17:31:00.000-06:00

Hi Ladies......Good to be back and looking forward to visiting with you again. Last month we had a vow renewal ceremony. It was a very heartfelt, spiritual and inspirational time for us all. Yahweh made the day so peaceful, gracious, and elegant....something out of a princess' dream. The guys looked handsome in their tuxes...especially the groom, and the ladies looked so gorgeous in their shimmering gowns....and I felt like the snow queen. Hope to show you some pictures as soon as little m can explain to me how to add pics.

Lots of news going on in the world. Elections in the fall, the war going on in Iraq and Haiti, state governments allowing same sex marriages in three, if not more, major cities. Ladies~It's time to PRAY.....while they prey. It is indeed the same sin in the world, as in the days of Noah.....what is our obligation? To raise up a standard, to raise the banners high for Yahshua, to seek the kingdom in our families, our assemblies, our communities, and in our own hearts most of all! It is indeed the place to start and we must take back ground for our King and Ruler of our people. Will YOU make a difference.....and will you start today?

JEREMIAH 3:11-16

2004-03-03T17:50:00.000-06:00

Dear friends: It has been ages since I've had time to blog.....so here I am and excited to say the least. On February 22, 2004, my hubby Kyle and I did a vow renewal ceremony. It was absolutely wonderful.

2004-02-16T12:10:00.000-06:00

Dear friends: It is so busy around here that I have not had the time or taken it to blog. We have a church meeting coming up and lots of preparation time goes into it.l We also are having a vow renewal service. It will be a lovely time in Christ Yahshua, and for His glory. After this weekend, I am hoping to get back to doing the things that are regularly in the schedule. Bear with us until then, if you can. The newsletter will feature some interesting topics and informative ones as well.

May Yahshua bless you and keep you!

2004-01-25T13:31:00.000-06:00

Good day to all of you!! Glad to see that you like the articles in this newletter....sometimes we just talk and sometimes a poem gets your attention. Good to know that you like it!

Since it is coming up, I thought I'd put in here an article that I found regarding Valentine's Day. I see no particular evil in it, unless you worship other gods and goddesses on this day. Our American version of giving cards, even though it is a manmade tradition, harbors a "love your neighbor" mentality. What are your comments on it?

Valentine's Day Origins

Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday?

The history of Valentine's Day -- and its patron saint -- is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition.

So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men -- his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.

According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.

After a little web surfing...

After a little web browsing, I came up with some sites that give a different view of old Roman god and goddess tradition involving February and March. Some such sites are:

http://www.techdirect.com/valentine/origin.html

http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/ValentinesDay/

http://people.howstuffworks.com/valentine1.htm

Roman Feast of Lupercalia - This ancient pagan fertility celebration, which honored Juno, queen of the Roman gods and goddesses and goddess of women and marriage, was held on February 14, the day before the feast began. During festival time, women would write love letters, also known as billets, and leave them in a large urn. The men of Rome would then draw a note from the urn and ardently pursue the woman who wrote the message they had chosen. (Apparently, the custom of lottery drawings to select valentines continued into the 18th century, coming to an end when people decided they'd rather choose -- sight seen! -- their valentines.)

The Birds and the Bees? - In the Middle Ages, people began to send love letters on Valentine's Day. Medieval Europeans believed that birds began to mate on February 14.

These are just a few of the sites that were listed. I, like many other people, am a hopeless romantic. I love to give cards, poetry, candy, flowers, and gifts. We can always show our affection for others in these ways, without participating in any pre-programmed "holiday". This information that I gave you today is to just get us to think about what other agendas may be out there. As Christians, we are still learning about many traditions of men, that surround us everywhere. May we strive to live for Him, love Him, love others and study to seek after the wisdom He gives freely. Hugs to all!

2004-01-17T14:38:00.000-06:00

Hello and happy day to you all! It has been at least a week or so since writing. We were visiting friends down in the hill country of Texas. It is a lovely area of the state, with rolling hills and jutting peaks. If you get a chance, you should check out the Johnson City, Stonewall Texas and the Perdanales River, the L.B.J. Ranch bus tour and museum, Fredericksburg: the little German town with shops galore and Confederate battle history, the town of Marble Falls: where a little restaurant called Texitaly (Texas and Italian menu together)is sitting atop a hill that has a beautiful view of Marble Falls Lake and surrounding countryside, take a scenic drive over to a pasture in Ingram that has a replica of Stonehenge, appropriately named Stonehenge II. On this same road you can see a huge herd of deer grazing with the local horses. It is an awesome sight. On this journey we also saw and visited other Christian families in breathtaking views of the valley surrounding the hill country, the sunset was out of this world, got in some sweet fellowship and talked about the Word of God. It was relaxing, and spiritual too. Praise Yahweh for his beautiful and awesome creations, all around for us to appreciate and experience. Bless you Yah for this little vacation. It was great!!

2004-01-05T17:51:00.000-06:00

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'"
I'm whispering "I was lost,
Now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need CHRIST to be my guide.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
and need HIS strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
and need God to clean my mess.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But God believes I am worth it.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain,
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner who
received God's good Grace, somehow.

2004-01-02T10:39:00.000-06:00

We've talked alot about dreams and goals and my prayer is that you can see them come true...todays' words of encouragement and the lesson right before, should get you going on your way. Today we discuss ministry goals. mct

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Good day to all of you!! Happy 2004...a new beginning for dreams to be realized, goals to be made and accomplished, a process of growth, and elimination too. It is a precious time to be serving the King. How will you best meet the task ahead? What will be your goals? Will you share the gospel with your neighbors, family, and strangers? Can you create a ministry of hope to those around in need of a Savior? May we challenge you to new heights in your spiritual walk with Him, to develop the calling within you....to seek out His will in this a new day. Here is a step by step program to get started:

* Spend time in prayer and meditation with spiritual Godly music.
* Share your goals with one other person who can pray for you to reach them.
* Pray for your family, friends, and neighbors to have salvation this year.
* Live up to your potential....do what you can do....ALL THE TIME! Eliminate all doubt and negative thoughts....JUST DO IT!
* Never pass up the opportunity to share the gospel. Study scriptures and allow the Holy Spirit to give you the words to say.
* Write down ideas of ministry that you can participate in.
* Now put your ideas into action. Example: Giving time, money, phone calls, letters of encouragement, etc.
* Enlist young people within your scope of influence to share their time with the less fortunate. Ex: Visit the elderly, orphanage, hospital visitation, help cleanup the neighborhood, help a neighbor with chores, write letters of encouragement to preachers, etc. By doing this, you are opening up your talents and scope of influence. (and you are helping train the young for service in the kingdom)
* Set a time to do this new ministry each week. Keep your appointment with it, and be consistent, getting it off the ground.
* Now ask Yahweh to bless your endeavors and those who you enlist to be involved. He will bless it, if it is of Him.

May the things we do and say on this weblog, encourage you, uplift you and bring you closer to Yahshua!!!

2003-12-29T17:00:00.000-06:00

The following is a quoted section from the book:

YOU CAN'T AFFORD THE LUXURY OF A NEGATIVE THOUGHT (somewhat paraphrased at times)

To get what you want takes ten simple steps.... If you keep in mind that you can't have everything you want, here's how to get anything you want:

1. Focus all your attention on what you want. Be interested in it.

2. Visualize and imagine yourself doing or having whatever it is you desire.

3. Be enthusiastic about getting and having it.

4. Know exactly what you want, writing down a detailed description; draw pictures; make models.

5. Desire it above all else.

6. Have faith with involvement, knowing you can have it; it's already yours. Be involved with whatever you need to do to get it.

7. Do the work required. How much work? Until you get it.

8. Give up all things opposing your goal.

9. Pretend you already have it.

10. Be thankful for what you already have.

There!.....that's it.....how to get anything you want.

Personally I would like to add a few more thoughts to this list, such as:

11. Thank Yahweh for it in advance. He meets the desires of our heart, and so it is He with whom we should be thankful and grateful to for everything.

12. Write down your goals, your dreams, your aspirations, and even your wants. Keep a daily, weekly, or monthly journal of these things and watch our heavenly Father at work.

13. Each time you write something down, and it comes to pass check it off.

14. Pray over it.

15. Add belief that it will be in your future. Sometimes we want something to happen but it doesn't because we speak negative belief systems back out about it. For example: "I want a new house but I don't believe it will happen anytime soon"; or "I wish I felt better but you know the doctor says what I have is incurable". We simply don't believe what we ask for in prayer can come true? It can and it will, but you must believe and act upon that belief.

16. Use scripture verses to help remind you of Yahweh's faithfulness towards us. Psalms chapter 37, verses 3-7; one of my favorites and has helped me stay strong many times in the past. When we put our trust in Yahweh, He will not fail us. When we delight in Him, He is the One responsible for giving us the desires of our hearts. When we commit our ways to Him (such as our goals, desires and dreams), He brings our good intentions out into the open, as a light for others to see.

17. Rest in Him, and wait patiently. Fret not when we see others prospering before us. Our day will come soon and we know that He is working a work in us. Oh how glorious the faithfulness, graciousness, and abundance of His goodness towards us in everything we set out to do. He rewards those who serve Him!

18. Share what He has done for you with others. Share what He has given you with others. Share what He has shown you with others. Be willing to share!

My prayer for you today is that you dream, commit your dreams to our King and then watch them grow in the goodness and mercy of our Lord and Savior Yahshua the Christ. Amen!

2003-12-27T11:10:00.000-06:00

I was reading this passage of scripture this morning and wanting to see it in other wordings. Some of these versions explain it very well. Most of us have the King James Version and other common versions, but just for some different ways of seeing this passage phrased, I have included some versions not widely used. Hope you get something good out of it like I did in reflection. MCT

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Comparison versions of this passage: I Peter 3:1-7

The Message Version Bible

1The same goes for you wives: Be good wives to your husbands, responsive to their needs. There are husbands who, indifferent as they are to any words about God, will be captivated 2by your life of holy beauty. 3What matters is not your outer appearance--the styling of your hair, the jewelry you wear, the cut of your clothes-- 4but your inner disposition.
Cultivate inner beauty, the gentle, gracious kind that God delights in. 5The holy women of old were beautiful before God that way, and were good, loyal wives to their husbands. 6Sarah, for instance, taking care of Abraham, would address him as "my dear husband." You'll be true daughters of Sarah if you do the same, unanxious and unintimidated.
7The same goes for you husbands: Be good husbands to your wives. Honor them, delight in them. As women they lack some of your advantages. But in the new life of God's grace, you're equals. Treat your wives, then, as equals so your prayers don't run aground.

AMPLIFIED VERSION

1 IN LIKE manner, you married women, be submissive to your own husbands [subordinate yourselves as being secondary to and dependent on them, and adapt yourselves to them], so that even if any do not obey the Word [of God], they may be won over not by discussion but by the [godly] lives of their wives,
2When they observe the pure and modest way in which you conduct yourselves, together with your [1] reverence [for your husband; you are to feel for him all that reverence includes: to respect, defer to, revere him--to honor, esteem, appreciate, prize, and, in the human sense, to adore him, that is, to admire, praise, be devoted to, deeply love, and enjoy your husband].
3Let not yours be the [merely] external adorning with [elaborate] [2] interweaving and knotting of the hair, the wearing of jewelry, or changes of clothes;
4But let it be the inward adorning and beauty of the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible and unfading charm of a gentle and peaceful spirit, which [is not anxious or wrought up, but] is very precious in the sight of God.
5For it was thus that the pious women of old who hoped in God were [accustomed] to beautify themselves and were submissive to their husbands [adapting themselves to them as themselves secondary and dependent upon them].
6It was thus that Sarah obeyed Abraham [following his guidance and acknowledging his headship over her by] calling him lord (master, leader, authority). And you are now her true daughters if you do right and let nothing terrify you [not giving way to hysterical fears or letting anxieties unnerve you].
7In the same way you married men should live considerately with [your wives], with an [3] intelligent recognition [of the marriage relation], honoring the woman as [physically] the weaker, but [realizing that you] are joint heirs of the grace (God's unmerited favor) of life, in order that your prayers may not be hindered and cut off. [Otherwise you cannot pray effectively.]

CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH VERSION

Wives and Husbands
1If you are a wife, you must put your husband first. Even if he opposes our message, you will win him over by what you do. No one else will have to say anything to him, 2because he will see how you honor God and live a pure life. 3Don't depend on things like fancy hairdos or gold jewelry or expensive clothes to make you look beautiful. 4Be beautiful in your heart by being gentle and quiet. This kind of beauty will last, and God considers it very special.
5Long ago those women who worshiped God and put their hope in him made themselves beautiful by putting their husbands first. 6For example, Sarah obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her true children, if you do right and don't let anything frighten you.
7If you are a husband, you should be thoughtful of your wife. Treat her with honor, because she isn't as strong as you are, and she shares with you in the gift of life. Then nothing will stand in the way of your prayers.

What are we admonished to do?
A. Be in subjection to our own husbands.
Why? B. Because if they obey not the Word, they may see the Word alive and well in you and be won over to Him.
How? C. Through chaste conversation, coupled with fear (reverence and fear of Yahweh)
What kind of adorning are we to have? D. A non corruptible hidden man of the heart, a spiritual life of meekness, a quiet spirit, which is in the sight of Yahweh, a great price (Prov.31) (I Pet. 3:4)
Whose example was given? E. The holy women of scripture who trusted in Yahweh, Sara being mentioned here as well.
What is the admonition to our husbands? F. Dwell with us wives according to knowledge, giving honour to us, we being the weaker vessel, and understanding that we are heirs in the kingdom with him.
What happens if he does not do this? His prayers are hindered.

And finally verse 8 & 9 reminds us to:

KJV

8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

Be courteous, compassionate, loving! This is the part we really must work on, giving each other room to grow in Him. With our mouths, too many times, we let our railings and disappointments out, not building each other up, but bringing each other down. It is our job as women to set the standard, be the peacemaker, the quiet spirit in our home. It starts with us. Pray for each other ladies and let us do our best to raise the standard....within our marriages, with our children, and with our spiritual walk with Him. May you be blessed this day!!

2003-12-25T09:15:00.000-06:00

Below is a compilation of materials regarding the winter celebrations of many religions. It is quoted from a website that explains all the pagan festivals, including modern day Christianity joining hands with it. It is time that we forsake the ways of the heathen and restore Yahweh's Holy Days. They are a testament to His laws written on the tablets of our hearts. It tells the world that we are not participants in their worship to gods and goddesses. We in America and other Western nations have given in to "being one of the crowd". It is deemed popular to participate in all this "goodwill" even though it is forbidden by our Savior to be a part of these pagan festivals. Most of our Christian friends and relatives do not even know that there is something better.

The Holy Feast Days (Leviticus 23), established for Yahweh's people, are days filled with spiritual growth, fellowship, and renewal of spirit and body. A time of refreshing, so very different from the so called celebrations of December (christmas which is really saturnalia, and other religious rituals), where people spend their days full of feasting and merriment. It fosters selfishness, materialism, traditions of men, tolerance, melting pot mentality, including melting the religions together as one. It is hard to see that Christianity even stands out at all.

Don't we wonder why the other peoples of the world don't see us as being mighty anymore? Don't we see how far as a nation we have strayed from the truth of the covenants of Yah? Every year it gets worse, and we have the opportunity to share with someone what these festivals are all about. We hope and pray that sharing some of this information, brings to light, the One and ONLY SAVIOR, YAHSHUA THE MESSIAH, the Annointed of YAHWEH, God. It is for His Light alone, do we live, and move and have our being. HalleluYah, Praise, Glory, and Honor be HIS, forevermore.

2003-12-25T08:43:00.000-06:00

Is it christmas or solstice celebration masked?

The seasons of the year are caused by the 23.5º tilt of the earth's axis. Because the earth is rotating like a top or gyroscope, it points in a fixed direction continuously -- towards a point in space near the North Star. But the earth is also revolving around the sun. During half of the year, the southern hemisphere is more exposed to the sun than is the northern hemisphere. During the rest of the year, the reverse is true. At noontime in the Northern Hemisphere the sun appears high in the sky during summertime and low in the sky during winter. The time of the year when the sun reaches its maximum elevation occurs on the day with the greatest number of daylight hours. This is called the summer solstice, and is typically on JUN-21 -- the first day of summer. "Solstice" is derived from two Latin words: "sol" meaning sun, and "sistere," to cause to stand still. The lowest elevation occurs about DEC-21 and is the winter solstice -- the first day of winter, when the night time hours are maximum.

ANCIENT EGYPT: The god-man/savior Osiris died and was entombed on DEC-21. "At midnight, the priests emerged from an inner shrine crying 'The Virgin has brought forth! The light is waxing" and showing the image of a baby to the worshipers."

ANCIENT GREECE: The winter solstice ritual was called Lenaea, the Festival of the Wild Women. In very ancient times, a man representing the harvest god Dionysos was torn to pieces and eaten by a gang of women on this day. Later in the ritual, Dionysos would be reborn as a baby. By classical times, the human sacrifice had been replaced by the killing of a goat. The women's role had changed to that of funeral mourners and observers of the birth.

ANCIENT ROME: Saturnalia began as a feast day for Saturn on DEC-17 and of Ops (DEC-19). About 50 BCE, both were later converted into two day celebrations. During the Empire, the festivals were combined to cover a full week: DEC-17 to 23.

CHRISTIANITY: Any record of the date of birth of Yeshua Ben Nazareth (later known as Jesus Christ) has been lost. There is sufficient evidence in the Gospels to indicate that Yeshua was born in the fall, but this seems to have been unknown to early Christians. By the beginning of the 4th century CE, there was intense interest in choosing a day to celebrate Yeshua's birthday. The western church leaders selected DEC-25 because this was already the date recognized throughout the Roman Empire as the birthday of various Pagan gods. 1,2 Since there was no central Christian authority at the time, it took centuries before the tradition was universally accepted: Eastern churches began to celebrate Christmas after 375 CE.
The church in Jerusalem started in the 7th century.
Ireland started in the 5th century
Austria, England and Switzerland in the 8th
Slavic lands in the 9th and 10th centuries.

Many symbols and practices associated with Christmas are of Pagan origin: holly, ivy, mistletoe, yule log, the giving of gifts, decorated evergreen tree, magical reindeer, etc. Polydor Virgil, an early British Christian, said "Dancing, masques, mummeries, stageplays, and other such Christmas disorders now in use with Christians, were derived from these Roman Saturnalian and Bacchanalian festivals; which should cause all pious Christians eternally to abominate them." In Massachusetts, Puritans unsuccessfully tried to ban Christmas entirely during the 17th century, because of its heathenism. The English Parliament abolished Christmas in 1647. Some contemporary Christian faith groups do not celebrate Christmas. Included among these was the Worldwide Church of God (before its recent conversion to Evangelical Christianity) and the Jehovah's Witnesses.

DRUIDISM: Druids and Druidesses formed the professional class in ancient Celtic society. They performed the functions of modern day priests, teachers, ambassadors, astronomers, genealogists, philosophers, musicians, theologians, scientists, poets and judges. Druids led all public rituals, which were normally held within fenced groves of sacred trees. The solstice is the time of the death of the old sun and the birth of the dark-half of the year. It was called "Alban Arthuan by the ancient Druids. It is the end of month of the Elder Tree and the start of the month of the Birch. The three days before Yule is a magical time. This is the time of the Serpent Days or transformation...The Elder and Birch stand at the entrance to Annwn or Celtic underworld where all life was formed. Like several other myths they guard the entrance to the underworld. This is the time the Sun God journey's thru the underworld to learn the secrets of death and life. And bring out those souls to be reincarnated." A modern-day Druid, Amergin Aryson, has composed a Druidic ritual for the Winter Solstice.

INCA RELIGION: The ancient Incas celebrated a festival if Inti Raymi at the time of the Winter Solstice. It celebrates "the Festival of the Sun where the god of the Sun, Wiracocha, is honored." Ceremonies were banned by the Roman Catholic conquistadores in the 16th century as part of their forced conversions of the Inca people to Christianity. A local group of Quecia Indians in Cusco, Peru revived the festival about 1950. It is now a major festival which begins in Cusco and proceeds to an ancient amphitheater a few miles away.

JUDAISM: Jews celebrate an 8 day festival of Hanukkah, (a.k.a. Feast of Lights, Festival of lights, Feast of Dedication, Chanukah, Chanukkah, Hanukah). It recalls the war fought by the Maccabees in the cause of religious freedom. Antiochus, the king of Syria, conquered Judea in the 2nd century BCE. He terminated worship in the Temple and stole the sacred lamp, the menorah, from before the altar. At the time of the solstice, they rededicated the Temple to a Pagan deity. Judah the Maccabee lead a band of rebels, and succeeding in retaking Jerusalem. They restored the temple and lit the menorah. It was exactly three years after the flame had been extinguished -- at the time of the Pagan rite.

Although they had found only sufficient consecrated oil to last for 24 hours, the flames burned steadily for eight days. "Today's menorahs have nine branches; the ninth branch is for the shamash, or servant light, which is used to light the other eight candles. People eat potato latkes, exchange gifts, and play dreidel games. And as they gaze at the light of the menorah, they give thanks for the miracle in the Temple long ago."

Modern-day Jews celebrate Hanukkah by lighting one candle for each of the eight days of the festival. Once a minor festival, it has been growing in importance in recent years, perhaps because of the pressure of Christmas.

NATIVE AMERICAN SPIRITUALITY:The Pueblo tribe observe both the summer and winter solstices. Although the specific details of the rituals differ from pueblo to pueblo, "the rites are built around the sun, the coming new year and the rebirth of vegetation in the spring....Winter solstice rites include...prayerstick making, retreats, altars, emesis and prayers for increase." The Hopi tribe "is dedicated to giving aid and direction to the sun which is ready to 'return' and give strength to budding life." Their ceremony is called "Soyal." It lasts for 20 days and includes "prayerstick making, purification, rituals and a concluding rabbit hunt, feast and blessing..."

There are countless stone structures created by Natives in the past to detect the solstices and equinoxes. One was called Calendar One by its modern-day finder. It is in a natural amphitheatre of about 20 acres in size in Vermont. From a stone enclosure in the center of the bowl, one can see a number of vertical rocks and natural features in the horizon which formed the edge of the bowl. At the solstices and equinoxes, the sun rises and sets at notches or peaks in the ridge which surrounded the calendar.

NEOPAGANISM: This is a group of religions which are attempted re-creations of ancient Pagan religions. Of these, Wicca is the most common; it is loosely based on ancient Celtic beliefs and practices. Wiccans recognize eight seasonal days of celebration. Four are minor sabbats and occur at the two solstices and the two equinoxes. The other are major sabbats which happen approximately halfway between an equinox and solstice. The winter solstice sabbat is often called Yule. It is a time for introspection, and planning for the future. Wiccans may celebrate the Sabbat on the evening before the time of the actual solstice, at sunrise on the morning of the solstice, or at the exact time of the astronomical event.

Monotheistic religions, like Judaism, Christianity and Islam, tend to view time as linear. It started with creation; the world as we know it will end at some time in the future. Aboriginal and Neopagan religions see time as circular and repetitive, with lunar (monthly) and solar (yearly) cycles. Their "...rituals guarantee the continuity of nature's cycles, which traditional human societies depend on for their sustenance."

By the third century CE, there were many religions and spiritual mysteries being followed within the Roman Empire. Many, if not most, celebrated the birth of their god-man near the time of the solstice. Emperor Aurelian (270 to 275 CE) blended a number of Pagan solstice celebrations of the nativity of such god-men/saviors as Appolo, Attis, Baal, Dionysus, Helios, Hercules, Horus, Mithra, Osiris, Perseus, and Theseus into a single festival called the "Birthday of the Unconquered Sun" on DEC-25. At the time, Mithraism and Christianity were fierce competitors. Aurelian had even declared Mithraism the official religion of the Roman Empire in 274 CE. Christianity won out by becoming the new official religion in the 4th century CE.

2003-12-24T16:52:00.000-06:00

Remember to keep checking back for more study. Our topics will include Bible Quizzes, Home and Family, Nutrition, Recipes, Poetry, Prayers, and other subjects of interest to women. Thank you for your support of this ministry. Come visit often.

2003-12-24T16:44:00.000-06:00

Bible Quiz

This month’s topic: New Testament Women

Anna: Luke chapter 2

Who was she the daughter of? ___________________
What was her ministry?_________________________
What tribe was she from?_______________________
How long was she married?______________________
What age was she at the time of Yahshua’s birth?_____
Where could she be found?_______________________
What did she do, night and day?___________________
What was she known for?________________________
Who was she privileged to see?____________________
What kind of example is she to older women?_____________________________________________

Salome: Matthew 27:56, Matt. 4:21, Luke 5:9,10, Matt. 20:20,21, Luke 23:55,56,
John 20 and Mark 16:1

To whom was she married?____________________________
Who were her sons?__________________________________
What was her husband and son’s occupation?______________
Her sons were partners with whom?______________________
On one occasion, to whom did she come to with her sons?___________
What was her unusual petition for her sons?_______________________
What did she do after the death of Christ Yahshua?__________________________________________________________

Mary Magdalene: Luke 8, John 19

Where was she from?_________________________
How was she afflicted and how was she blessed?___________________________________________________________
What, out of gratitude, did she do?_______________________________
When Yahshua was buried, what did she do?_______________________
What did she do on the Sabbath day?_____________________________
As she stood weeping, who did she see?___________________________
What did He say to her?________________________________________

YH weblog will have different topics and studies each week. For this one you'll need a pen and paper, and your Bible to answer the questions included. Happy Studying!

2003-12-21T13:18:00.000-06:00

Young Handmaidens in Training

When we were little girls, we played with our dolls and were pretending that they were real babies. We held them, caressed them, changed their clothes, and even scolded them. When we went to the park, mother would let us push our own baby carriage, with our little one tucked neatly inside. It was a pleasure to attend to our doll in this way. As we grew up, we babysat our siblings, or cared for others in the neighborhood by babysitting to make a few dollars to spend. We learned about first aid, how to raid the fridge, and talk on the phone after the children were put to bed. As we grew up, we had children of our own and the story changed somewhat. It was harder, more task oriented, more stressful, tiring. We mothers can work very hard, balancing schedules, cleaning house, nursing scrapes, mending toys, giving baths, and telling bedtime stories. Laundry seems to be never ending, the dishes pile up constantly, and a few moments alone seems to be out of the question. This rigid schedule of activity lasts for at least 18 years per child. It begins again when you become a grandmother, if you have the pleasure of enjoying time with your grandchildren. You get to be caregiver again, and a comforting source of advice and strength. You have become wise beyond your years and your once small child has children of his or her own. What a joy!! To know that your training, rearing, teaching, growing, molding, and tutoring, will someday reap much happiness and success….it is indeed an accomplishment. How will you do it? How will it all come about?

This little known secret is in the scriptures. Prov. 22:6 and verse 15. Train and discipline….one day at a time!

1. Each day is a training day. Keep your children on a schedule. Waking hours the same, bedtime the same. Keep to this schedule at all times if possible. This sets their biological clock. It programs them to be on time and to get complete rest. Small children needs naps, middle age children need quiet time, and older children need study time.

2. During this quiet time, you set the standard for Bible study and prayer. Get them in the habit of memorization and meditation on Christ. They are never too young to start this. As soon as they are able to read, you can start this daily reflection. Set aside a time for this EVERYDAY. Make it a priority. When they have HIS WORD within, they become accountable to it.

3. Now to discipline! When you discipline your child, you are showing the deepest kind of love. The scripture says Yahweh chastens those He loves. In like manner we follow His example. It has been said that if we do not discipline our child, SOMEONE ELSE WILL. This is so true. Maybe it won't be today, but someday in the future. Some parents just throw in the towel and say, "I can't do it. My child makes it too hard on me. They scream and yell until I give them what they want!" Who is the person in control in this scenario? The child. How sad, if we neglect such a grave responsibility. It is a way of neglect to ignore discipline. For example, there are many adults in prison who say they were neglected and ignored. No one cared enough to see that they were disciplined, made to see right from wrong. How sad we make our Father, when we do not show our love by disciplining our child.

Discipline and Discipleship go hand in hand. We are training them to become disciples of Christ Yahshua! At a very young age, our children and grandchildren must learn to follow Him by obedience to you. YOU obey Christ, LEADING them, therefore making DISCIPLES.

Discipline….obedience….a life for Christ. Caring for the young starts with TRAINING and DISCIPLINE!

2003-12-21T11:40:00.000-06:00

Good day ladies: Thank you for dropping by the site. It is a gorgeous day here in the Red River Valley. Supposed to get up to 70 degrees. The wind is blowing strong which reminds me of the strong winds blowing across our country. More and more people are searching for their spiritual connection with Yahweh. One lady wrote me today to tell me how free she feels in giving up Christmas. She was raised Catholic and the mass of Christ celebration, featuring the virgin mary worship and all that comes with it, is predominant in that religion. Every December I look up saturnalia sites and find more innocent folks falling for the pagan traditions of yule logs, candle grove celebrating, mistletoe kissing, etc. We will include some websites for you, regarding the similarities between "Christmas and Saturnalia". Here they are for your reading and study:

www.cs.utk.edu/~mclennan/BA/Saturnalia.html
www.circlesanctuary.org/pholidays/SaturnaliaInfo.html
www.candlegrove.com/sacaea.html
www.novaroma.org/religio_romana/saturnalia.html

There are probably many more. These will just get you started.

Let me hear from you. You can give your comments at the shout box if you like. See you later.

2003-12-18T13:40:00.000-06:00

Home and Family

They say that Momma is the heart of the home. It has been quoted “when momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!”. This is so true! It is her attitude that sets the stage for the whole household. I once saw this cartoon that made a huge impression on me. It showed the adult getting mad, then kicking the dog, then the dog chased the cat, then the cat chased the mouse, then the mouse sat in the corner shivering. It is true that attitude goes in waves all down the line. If Dad or Mom is upset, moody, disagreeable, complaining, bitter, resentful, & angry….then it passes on to the children, then to the outsiders, then so on and so on. It is a cycle that keeps repeating itself. Is this bitterness a trait of Yahweh God? Are we to harbor grudges and complaints against each other or against other people within our life?

The scriptures say that bitterness is a root and we are not to let it spring up within us. (Heb. 12:14,15) Daily we are to let the cares and worries, anger and resentments, dissolve before the sun goes down. (Eph. 4:31,32) We are to rest and sleep without taking these upon us in the form of a burden. We are to ask forgiveness of those around us, truly repent of our complaints, rise up to the task of becoming cheerful, Godly, righteous human beings, walking in the Spirit, not in the flesh. Is this attainable? Can we look in the mirror each day with evaluation and see His reflection looking back at us? Can we treat our family members as fellow heirs in the kingdom, princes and princesses, royal subjects serving the same King and Master of us all?

It is a daily task...a daily walk. Forgiveness, soft kind words, and a contrite heart, all bring about a home filled with love. It is when we take our focus off of Christ Yahshua, that we let the petty cares of this life burden us down. When we carry these burdens upon us, we do not allow ourselves to see the whole picture, which is that He longs for our continued good work to be established in Him. If we are focused on ourselves, our wants, and our needs, we fail to see the greater blessing which He has for those who mature in Him. How as Fathers and Mothers can we set the standard in our home? By being the kind of person that our children want to follow. Be their daily example and lead by walking in the Spirit….lovingly, joyfully, peacefully, in kindness, goodness, temperance, and in self control. Let your attitude be one of Godliness, Holiness, imitating Yahshua the Savior, in speech and in action. Focus your home on HIM!!

2003-12-18T12:57:00.000-06:00

Marriage Commitment Series

Let's talk about home, family, and priorities. There is no greater responsibility as an adult than the marriage commitment. It mirrors our relationship with Yahshua on a day to day basis. How can we “sharpen our image”, so that the reflection is one fashioned after Him? During these last few months, my eyesight has been changing. It is very difficult to do things when the physical eyes are out of focus. So it is when our marriage commitment has lost its’ focus. Things that were once rational, take on a haziness, a blurriness, an astigmatism if you will. We tend to center on problems, become moody, angry, irritable, distressed, depressed, maybe lonely and sad. We forget that our blessings are numerous, our prosperity abundant. Our growth can become stagnant and we lose sight of all that is important to Yah and to each other.

How does the scripture say we are to handle things?

With love.

Follow Jacob’s example: Genesis 29:20 “And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had for her. “

By humbling yourselves.

Clothe yourself with humility. Jas 4:10 “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.” Living as humble people, we think first of the other person and their needs before our own.

By submission to leadership.

Wives to their husbands. “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto Yahweh;” Eph 5:22 ‘Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in Yahweh.” Col. 3:18
Husbands being leaders over the wife and children. He must have the attributes of Christ Yahshua, gentleness, kindness, strength, self control, discipline, fairness. This kind of a man is easy to follow. “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it,” Eph 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives and be not bitter against them.”
Col 3:19

By serving each other with gladness, cheerfully and therefore you will be serving Yahweh and His Son.

“Serve Yahweh with gladness; come before His presence with singing! “ Psalm 100:2
GIVE PRAISE TO YAHWEH for your Godly spouse. So many homes are filled with couples unequally yoked. They have not one ounce of the happiness that Yah has blessed you with. Be in prayer always. Cover your spouse in it and reap the benefits!!

2003-12-18T12:38:00.001-06:00

Hi Ladies and Welcome to Yahweh's Handmaiden.

For four years, my family and I published a newsletter that we shared with homes across America as well as overseas to Great Britain, and Australia. It was an exciting time and we received many happy letters as well as great inperson compliments. It became harder to keep up with when I took on a music ministry as well. Forgive me for the lapse in time, but I am anxious to get it going again. I want to hear your input on communicating through the web, as a viable solution to keeping in touch. My previous newsletter was quarterly, but I can write messages here, weekly or monthly, whichever works out better.

You can also respond by sending comments at the end of each article or respond on my shout box. This is a public domain, so be sure and keep that in mind. In this weblog, we will discuss issues that pertain to us as women, however, we will most times have things that you can share with your spouse too. This is not to take the place of a forum, for we need those as well, but a place to come for study, reflection, meditation, and growth. Our daily purpose is to follow Him, learn of Him, be closer and more intimate with our Kinsman Redeemer. Please have a cup of tea and join us! MCT