“Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever.” Ecclesiastes 1:4

It is a gorgeous day in late May. My parents are here from Florida for a week, school is out and summer vacation has begun, freeing me from my teaching duties. My son is mowing the lawn and my daughter is playing with our two dogs, Chestnut and Annie. I, as usual, am in the kitchen adjusting the herbs and spices in the large amount of potato salad that I’m preparing for the barbecue we have for family and friends each year. My mother has been undergoing treatment for a rare autoimmune disease, but is responding well and we are hopeful that she will be cured. Basking in the love, smiles and sunshine, I savor these moments and imagine that life will continue on this way forever.

That was fifteen years ago… This afternoon, among the falling leaves of autumn, I walked down to the pond to visit my parents’ graves under the large hickory tree. Gazing at their gravestones, I remember my mom’s happy chatter as we washed the dishes together and my dad’s dry humor as he chided me for missing a crumb while wiping off the dinner table. I also recall their last days and wish I had been able to ease their suffering. I miss them so much.  

Earlier this morning I talked to my daughter in upstate New York. Both she and our son are now married and living in other cities. We see them occasionally and speak to them over the phone often. On this overcast October day, as I walk alone from the pond through the pasture, I can still hear children laughingly calling the dogs to come play. It isn’t the same now. Those days are gone forever.  

As we see the progression of and changes in our lives, we all at some point question the purpose of our existence. In the short term, purpose can be found in our relationships with friends, family, community or work. But, friends leave, children grow up, parents die, communities change, and careers end. All that is left is the same question that has haunted and driven mankind since the beginning of time: What is the meaning of it all?

In Ecclesiates 9:9 Solomon said, “Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which He hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity”. We are commanded to live joyfully. This excludes living with guilt, fear, avarice, jealousy, and hate. These emotions are all expressions of the ego, the self, and do not lead to joy. Are all of the desires and conflicts we experience worth the regrets and losses that we must later suffer? Is there a way we can change our attitudes, and ourselves in the process, to live joyfully and give joy to others?

This same verse also reminds us that our days are “vanity.. Life passes quickly for each of us and nothing we can do of ourselves will insure that we, and those we love, will live on forever. To think otherwise is prideful delusion. King Solomon, in his great wisdom, concluded that the whole duty of man is to fear (love and respect) Yahweh and keep His commandments. When we do this, we will live with gratitude, gladness and hope – despite our troubles – and, by our example, encourage those around us. We will also inherit His promise which is engraved upon my mother’s headstone; a promise we can hold onto: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Rev. 21:4

by: Debbie Reed

I’m the keeper of my ark-house

The place that we call home.

It sits among the world,

But here we are not alone.

Within its walls we sing and pray,

And praise our Abba Yah.

Sometimes we cry, but He dries our tears,

And then we carry on.

Our Loving El told wise wives

To build their houses upright,

And not to ever tear them down,

With haughtiness or strife.

He also tells us ladies gray

To teach the younger wives,

To love their husbands with respect –

Being examples with our lives.

So, upon the Rock may we build our homes,

And more of the Way may we learn.

Loving and serving one another,

As we await Yahshua’s return!

by: Melodie Illgen

Have you ever thought of going to a counselor to help you with your problems? I know my immediate reaction to this thought is to talk myself out of it if at all possible. I mean counselors use “psychology,” and what if the counselor I get does not agree with my beliefs?

What if I don’t like the person, or they can’t understand me? There are so many ways to let fear rule our actions. Counseling is not a bad thing to do, it can be very helpful.

Counselors can teach us things, like how to deal with our thoughts and our emotions, how to communicate with others, and a lot of other things. Let Yahweh help you to choose someone to talk to, whether that is a professional counselor, an elder in your assembly or a good friend. It can really help to talk things out, to pray, to listen to the counsel that is presented, and then do what has been suggested (as long as it lines up with the counsel of Yahweh).

The best news is that Yahweh is an infallible, wise, and ever-pres­ent counselor and He sent His son, the Messiah, Yahshua to be our counselor as well! We are a blessed people if we listen and obey His counsel!

Here is a list of things that Scripture says about counsel and counselors:

Why We Should Listen to the Counsel of Yahweh

•  Yahshua Came to Be Our Counselor

Isaiah 9:6 – For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty Elohim, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 11:1-5 – And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of Yahweh shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understand­ing, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of Yahweh; And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of Yahweh: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: But with righ­teousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

Ephesians 1:11 – In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

The Scripture Teaches Us to Seek Sound Counsel from Yahweh and/or From Man

Proverbs 15:22 – Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counselors they are established.

 It Is Available to Us, a Promise

Hebrews 6:17 – Wherein Elohim, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, con­firmed it by an oath:  

His Promises Are His Counsel, the Torah, Tanakh, and the Renewed Covenant

Psalms 1:1-3 – Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of Yahweh; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

There Is Safety

Proverbs 24:6 – For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counselors there is safety. Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.

 We Receive Wisdom

Proverbs 12:15 – The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

Proverbs 19:20 – Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

Yahweh’s Counsel Stands; It Is Reliable

Psalms 33:11 – The counsel of Yahweh standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

Proverbs 15:22 – Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counselors they are established.

Proverbs 19:21 – There are many devices in a man’s heart; never­theless the counsel of Yahweh, that shall stand.

Isaiah 46:10 – Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

How to Know If You Are in Yah’s Counsel

You Have Repented

Jeremiah 23:22 – But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.

What Happens to the Unrighteous If They Don’t Take Yahweh’s Counsel

Isaiah 30:1 – Woe to the rebellious children, saith Yahweh, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:

Psalm 33:10 – Yahweh bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.

Psalm 107:11-12 – Because they rebelled against the words of Elohim, and contemned the counsel of the most High: Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help. If your heart needs wisdom, comfort, reassur­ance, hope, mercy, grace and peace, then seek the highest Coun­selor and He will hear your prayers.

Hebrews 4:16 – Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

May Yahweh bless you and heal your heart!

by: Gayle Bonato

In the New Testament, Martha is primarily known as the com­plaining woman whom Yahshua rebuked. The story, as told in Luke 10: 38-42, tells that Yahshua had been asked to eat at the home of Martha.

She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Master’s feet listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, “Master, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” Yahshua responded, “Mar­tha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her.”

Martha is often remembered in a negative manner, but she was also a most conscientious and worthy woman who had a deep faith in Yahshua and was dearly loved by Him. When her brother, Lazarus, died and Yahshua came to bring him back to life, He first asked Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live even though he dies: and whoever lives and be­lieves in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

With no hesita­tion, Martha answered, “Yes, Master. I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of Yahweh, who was to come into the world.”  I think many people have a Martha-side to them. I know that I do. When life gets so hectic and we are trying to do so much in a lim­ited period of time, it is easy to become overwhelmed and frustrat­ed. I love cooking and I love visitors, but I can go into a complete meltdown when having company for dinner.

For example, with the whole afternoon ahead of me, I consider all of the marvelous dishes I could prepare, but I must first find the location of my favorite recipe. Recipe in hand, I realize that I am out of one ingredient and prepare to drive to the small country market four miles away, but the car keys are missing. I begin a frantic search through the pockets of coats and jeans. Keys located, trip completed, home again, pots finally bubbling on the stove and delicious smells com­ing from the oven, I start to prepare the salad.

Midway through chopping radishes, I decide instead to set the table. Most of the forks are still in the dishwasher, unwashed. I fill the sink with hot soapy water, grab the forks and begin scrubbing. In the meantime, the stuff on the stove bubbles over, the cat has just deposited a hairball in front of the refrigerator, the UPS truck is coming down our driveway with a package delivery, and, then, the phone rings. Company is due to arrive within the hour. My son walks into the kitchen and, noticing the panicky look in my eyes, remarks casu­ally, “Gee, mom, you really need to learn relaxation exercises.” Resisting all temptation, I silently scream…

Consider Yahshua’s words when He said, “Only one thing is need­ed.” Did He mean that they only needed one dish for their meal instead of many? Perhaps, but further reading, “Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her,” reveals a deeper meaning. Mary’s attention and devotion to the Messiah and His message would last beyond a meal – the spiritual feeding she was receiving would last for eternity.

Does this mean that we, as daughters, sisters, wives, and mothers are to neglect our responsibilities in service to our families, friends and neighbors? Of course not; but we should put these activities in perspective. Some things are more important than others and, when looking at the whole picture, we need to separate the small stuff from what really matters in this life – studying His word and learning how to better serve Him and each other with patience and humility. I truly identify with Martha’s situation, but know from first-hand experience that it is counterproductive for me or those around me to become so agitated. So, when I am in Martha’s state of mind, I often stop, take a deep breath and say to myself, “Just one thing, Martha!”

Now, if I could only convince my family to eat just one thing each night for dinner…

by: Debbie Reed

Sometimes we see things we think we cannot do

        but we must understand that we are slates that are not blank

                    but silently filled with things within

                                that Yahweh has for us to do.

We shine in our differences

        that Yahweh makes you, uniquely.

        You, filled with jewels of slowly revealed riches.

                    In all things praise Yahweh.

by: Michelle Love

After much planning and false starts, I wondered if I was ever going to get to Guam to see my son Jesse & his new Filipino wife, Joan. I had wanted to share their wedding with them on the island of Saipan. But that was not in Yahweh’s plan.

In March 2013 Jesse called and said, “Get your passport mom, you are coming to Guam.” My heart swelled with excitement. Since I was attending Passover & the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the trip would happen after I returned from Holts Summit, MO. Late in the month of Abib, Jesse called again and asked, “How long can you stay? Are you up for 6 weeks?” Of course I was!

The flight was long. The leg from Los Angeles to Tokyo alone was 11 hours and the total travel time was over 24 hours. When I arrived in Guam, however, I felt great! Jesse put a lei on my neck, which he had just made from Plumeria trees in his yard.

I had a wonderful time with my son and getting to know my new daughter-in-law. Yahweh truly blessed us both with Joan. Long before Jesse met Joan, I had spent much time journaling in prayer to Yahweh for a wife for my son. I didn’t realize then that Yahweh would answer my prayers with a wonderful woman from the Phil­ippines, a school teacher on the island of Saipan.

We had a grand time in Guam. We rode a commercial submarine to the bottom of the ocean and glimpsed a part of Yahweh’s cre­ation seldom seen. While deep sea fishing and dolphin watching, we spotted a large pod of spinner dolphins. We also visited many historical sites from WWII and the commemorations to those who lost their lives. We were able to actually talk to people about what it was like during the Japanese Occupation. On one side of Guam, where Magellan first discovered the island, we saw a small look-out from that time in history. Being right on the ocean the whole time I was there, we were able to spend lots of time swimming on private beaches and learning to snorkel. Traveling all over the is­land was totally awesome. Until you have experienced “tropical,” it is hard to imagine.

My son was in the U.S. Coast Guard at this time and his job was to orchestrate rescues in the ocean when people were in trouble. Before I arrived in Guam he had received a call from a small island close to Saipan. There was a boat with a dead engine and five div­ers in the water. It was almost sundown and the boater had lost sight of his divers. Jesse thought to put out a call on the citizens band radio. Because of his quick thinking, another boater heard this and all six lives were saved. So, while I was there I got to see Jesse receive an award for this service, along with many other USCG men and women being recognized for their work.

I am so very thankful to Yahweh. To see the other side of the world was a life-changing experience. I left Guam on a Thurs­day and, because of the time change, arrived home on the same Thursday. Would I do it again? Yes, and I would stay even longer. Yahweh is to be praised for answering my humble prayer.

Praying unceasingly, as it says, does work. Did I doubt? Yes, but I kept praying

by: Linda Cox

I draw this lone flower

Instead of a bouquet

It reminds me, we must stand alone

If all should turn away.

We must be a good example

Be a light unto the world

Be a path that leads to life

Instead of one that leads to death.

We must be there for our brother

Help him back up if he falls

Be a giver not a taker

And love one another most of all.

And though all should forsake us in this life

And a friend there can’t be found

Hang on to the promises of our Savior

And He will see us to the end.

And Yahshua will say

Come you blessed of my Father

Inherit the Kingdom

Prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

By: Brenda Scott Riddle

“He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver, nor he that loveth abundance with increase,” -Ecclesiastes 5:10. (RSB)

While looking at the things my parents and my in-laws left behind after their deaths, it became so clear to me that our “stuff” isn’t ours. Some of their favorite pos­sessions bring back memories of their concern that someone might break in and steal the coin collection or the antique silverware. How much more we would rather have another day with them, than the things we inherited! How much time was spent at work in trade for some material possession? We brought nothing into this world and we take nothing out. The clothes we are buried in will soon rot away and we will eventually become dust. When one of the world’s wealthiest men in history died his accountant was asked, “How much did John D. Rockefeller leave?” His an­swer was, “All of it.”

We use things for a few years but we always want new, bigger, fancier things. What we have (whether it is a car, a house, clothes, jewelry) no longer satiates us so we want something more. The new cell phone will make us happy, and it does for a while, but soon a new, better phone comes out and we look at ours and it no longer brings us the satisfaction that we thought it would. I never learned all of the applications my Samsung 4 Android phone had when I upgraded to an I Phone 6. Did I need it to make calls or take better photographs? The salesman thought I did. Being caught up in Costco’s once a year deal, and with my husband’s encouragement (he got one too), I got the phone. Now I have a learning curve again and either a contract or a payment and there was nothing wrong with my old phone. I can almost hear Solomon whispering in my ear, “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.”

It’s also clear that our “stuff” is not us. When Yahweh looks down on us will He identify us by our new phone or our new dress? He looks at our hearts and He looks at how we care about our brothers and sisters. He knows if we are hiding our light and if we are carrying out the Great Commission. He told us in Matthew 6:31-33 He would care for us and not to worry about what we eat and what we wear.

I’m not always good at following that advice and every year at the Feast of Tabernacles it becomes apparent. I usually pack more clothes than I will wear along with make-up and jewelry. I have discovered that within a few days I’m not wearing any make-up or jewelry and I just grab the first thing I see in the morning to wear. The spiritual food is what I hunger for and a lot of the food I bought at the local big box store doesn’t get eaten; I try to give it away or I have to throw it out.

Yahweh will take care of us. The Israelites probably wore the same clothes and shoes for 40 years. Yahweh sent them a food that had to have been the perfect mix of vitamins and nutrients. How much happier we would be if we, like our ancient ancestors, relied on Yahweh to take care of our needs. As our Brother David reminds us, “Yahweh is my shepherd, I shall not want.”

by: Linda Lowe