My mom joined the YouTube family this week and uploaded her first video of the creek in her backyard after a rainstorm (See Below.)

This site is a beautiful rememberance of  growing up in the woods of northern California. 

ENJOY:

Our family is in the process of adjusting our diet and I just came across this list on www.hillbillyhousewife.com.  I thought it was a great list with Scripture references_

• Almonds—Genesis 43:11; Numbers 17:8
  
  
• Anise—Matthew 23:23
• Apples—Song of Solomon 2:5; Joel 1:12
• Barley—Ruth 2:23
• Barley Bread—2 Kings 4:42
• Beans or Pulse, also known as Legumes—2 Samuel 17:28;
• Beef—Deuteronomy 14:4
• Bitter Herbs (dandelion greens, watercress, arugula, parsley, cilantro)—Exodus 12:8
• Bison (Pygarg)—Deuteronomy 14:5
• Bread—Luke 22:19
• Butter—Isaiah 7:22
• Carob (St. John’s Bread)—Matthew3:4; Mark 1:6 (akris: this Greek word for locusts can apply to either an insect or the top of a tree or plant.  Many believe this to be St. John’s Bread or Carob which grew wild around the river Jordan .  It is named for John the Baptist).
• Cinnamon—Exodus 30:23
• Coriander—Exodus 16:31; Numbers 11:7
• Corn—Ruth 2:14; I Samuel 17:17
• Cheese—I Samuel 17:18
• Chicken—Matthew 23:37
• Cinnamon—Exodus 30:23; Revelations 18:13
• Cucumbers—Numbers 11:5
• Cumin or Cummin—Isaiah 28:25
• Curds (Cottage and Ricotta Cheese)—Genesis 18:8
• Dates—2 Samuel 6:19
• Dill—Matthew 23:23
• Dried Fruits—Genesis 3:2
• Eggs—Job 6:6
• Figs—Numbers 13:23; I Samuel 25:18
• Fish with Scales (Anchovies, Bass, Cod, Flounder, Haddock, Halibut, Herring, Mackerel, Orange Roughy, Perch, Pike, Pollack, Salmon, Sardines, Tilapia, Trout, Tuna, Turbot, Whitefish & Whiting, among others)—Deuteronomy 14:9; Leviticus 11:9
• Flax Seed—Exodus 9:31
• Flour (Whole Meal)—Ezekiel 16:19; Numbers 6:15
• Fruits (All)—Genesis 1:29
• Garlic—Numbers 11:5
• Goat—Deuteronomy 14:4
• Grapes—Deuteronomy 24:21
• Grape Juice (New Wine)—Zechariah 9:17
• Grasshoppers, Crickets & Locusts—Leviticus 11:22
• Herbs (Leafy Plants) and Vegetables-–Genesis 1:29; Proverbs 15:17
• Herbs (Seasonings)—Proverbs 27:25; Matthew 13:32
• Honey—Proverbs 24:13; Proverbs 25:16 (warning to use moderation)
• Hyssop (Capers)—Psalms 51:7; John 19:29
• Lamb & Sheep—Deuteronomy 14:4
• Leeks—Numbers 11:5
• Lentils—Genesis 25:34
• Leaven (Yeast)—Leviticus 23:17; Galatians 5:9
• Marjoram(Hyssop)—Exodus 12:22
• Meats—Deuteronomy 14; Leviticus 11
• Melon—Numbers 11:5
• Milk—Isaiah 7:21-22
• Millet—Ezekiel 4:9
• Mint—Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42
• Mulberry—2 Samuel 5:24; 1 Chorinthians 14:14
• Mustard Seeds—Mark 4:31; Luke 13:19
• Nuts—Song of Solomon 6:11
• Olives and Olive Oil—Leviticus 2:4; Deuteronomy 8:8
• Onions—Numbers 11:5
• Pistachio Nuts—Genesis 43:11
• Pomegranates—Numbers 13:23
• Poultry including Chicken, Duck, Goose, Pheasant, Pigeons, Quail, Turkey—Deuteronomy 14:11
• Quail—Exodus 16:13
• Raisins—2 Samuel 16:1
• Rye—Isaiah 28:25
• Saffron—Song of Solomon 4:14
• Salt—Leviticus 2:13; Luke 14:34
• Sourdough Bread—Leviticus 23:17; Amos 4:5
• Spelt (Fitches)—Ezekiel 4:9
• Spices—1 Kings 10:10
• Squash (Gourds)—2 Kings 4:39
• Sweet Cane (Sucanat or Evaporated Cane Juice)—Isaiah 43:24; Jeremiah 6:20
• Unleavened Bread (Tortillas, Flat Bread, Chapatis)—Genesis, 19:3; Exodus 29:2
• Venison—Deuteronomy 14:5
• Vinegar—Ruth 2:14
• Water—Genesis 21:19; John 4:7
• Wheat—Ruth 2:23; Psalm 81:16
• Wheat bread—Exodus 29:2
• Wine—John 2:1-10, 1 Timothy 5:23
• Yogurt (Butter of Kine)—Deuteronomy 32:14

Forbidden:

• Blood—Leviticus 7:26
  
  
• Camel—Leviticus 11:4
• Catfish—Deuteronomy 14:10
• Fat from animals—Leviticus 7:23
• Fish without Scales—Leviticus 11:12
• Ostrich & Emu—Leviticus 11:13
• Pork or Swine—Leviticus 11:7
• Rabbit—Leviticus 11:6
• Shellfish (shrimp, crab, lobster, clams etc. . . )—Leviticus 11:12
• Snail—Leviticus 11:30
• Tortise—Leviticus 11:29

I recently got a little criticism from my YouTube video entitled "Family Planning (My Perspective)"  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqS8E_sYvlM

I decided to share the original question and my response here (see below.)  This is important to me because
1. I don't want my family & friends to "assume" what it is that we believe 


2. Obviously there are MANY out there who are bold in their opinions concerning birth control 

3. I'll go ahead and exercise my freedom of speech in hopes of offering a different perspective on the matter of family planning


So here it is...

THE YOUTUBE QUESTION:
"But you can and should control the amount of children you have. Yah also wants us to count up the cost and to use wisdom. In all thy getting get understanding. No I am not talking about BC because Margaret Sanger created planned parenthood for Black genocide..but in the old times the earth needed repopulating. Are you and your husband able to care for the children you have before you have more? Are the children you now have able to command your attention as they need?"

MY RESPONSE:

"I am blessed to say that our children are well taken care of without any dependence on Governmental assistance.  My husband and I are very connected with their needs and provide accordingly.  We embrace our children as a gift, and in doing so we prayerfully seek the Most High for direction on how to raise them.  We live modestly and have learned many ways to meet the needs of our family on a single income, such as cooking from scratch, herbal home remedies, sewing, cloth diapering, gardening, etc.

In our walk as believers in the Messiah, we must learn to die to our selfish desires and yield ourselves to the direction of the Most High.  If we truly have a submitted heart unto our Creator, He will guide and direct our paths.  This is the part of our spiritual foundation and I can't grasp the concept that we should control our blessings (children)....that leaves little room for faith (trust in YHWH).  Keep in mind that YES, Yah may instruct a family to make decisions based on medical issues, but this is dependent upon that particular situation.  In general, we should have a heart to Seek the Will of the Most High in ALL things.


Sadly, many people feel our earth is overpopulated, yet the majority of younger generations are boldly rejecting children and often pursuing many selfish ambitions.  If this trend continues, then the world demographics will drastically change (see video below: )

Again, these are our Scripture based convictions, though many cannot wrap their head around us embracing more children, I think the fruit of our walk speaks for itself.


PROVERBS 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

SHALOM"

Yesterday was our last chess meeting after a 6 month season at our local library.  Here are a few pictures of great minds at work:

6 year olds can play too!
(4 wins out of 6 that day)

"Good Game"

Intensive Strategy

The careful tactician

Preschoolers Patiently Reading & Completing Puzzles

I confess that I am passionate about teaching and was so delighted to have yet another opportunity to encourage young students to pursue chess---I’m already looking forward to the next season .  :-)

My Mountain Lovin’ Family in the 70's!

(Note: the child in the photo is my older sister)






EMBRACE FAMILY & CHERISH MEMORIES!

One of my YouTube friends  recently sent  a great link on “off-grid” living : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqdvSshosAQ
After watching the series, I immediately took a trip down memory lane…. 

Looking back, my father was a natureman at heart and I was so blessed to have lived the simple life during my formative years.  Although my semi-wilderness upbringing was over 20 years ago, it is no surprise that I remain fascinated with life off-grid surrounded by nature. 

Thankfully, my husband is also a visionary and is highly interested in homesteading while leading a simple life.  After watching the Strouds off-grid experience, it inspired us to re-explore ways to be a bit less dependent on modern conveniences. 

Aside from being prompted to examine our current lifestyle, I certainly remain grateful for the wonderful childhood my parents provided in the great outdoors.

Join me down memory lane as I repost the video montage I shared once before about my life in the 70’s:

Here are a few snapshots of a visit with my mom during her recent visit from California.  We are so blessed to have her fly south at least once a year to be showered with love from her Louisiana grandchildren. 

My mom has been visiting us across the country in Tennessee and Louisiana for the past 8 years, yet this was the first time she agreed to spend the night at our place rather than resort to a local hotel.  I confess, I may have lured her in with her own private room, private bathroom and limitless wireless internet .  :-)

During her visit, mom managed to take a few children to storytime, enjoy our family piano concert and join us for our weekly Shabbat (Sabbath) service & feast during her 4 day trip.  And in her own words to a dear friend : “I survived my visit!” (lol)

WE LOVE YOU GRANDMA!

P/S If you want to preivew a few clips from our Family Concert, then click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cy5si5-AVEY

Have you ever been called into the principals office during your school years?

 I’m grateful to share that I haven’t either, however I have visited the counselor’s office.  Now it wasn't for what you may be thinking....I wasn’t being “counseled” on behavioral issues, but career choices.  The counselor I met with was a Guidance Counselor who helped me prepare my path for college and beyond.

Well, last week during one of our school days, I ventured upon the rare occasion to emulate my public school experience by setting up a Guidance Couselor’s office for my young students.  I explained to them that  my objective was to help them set their bi-annual goals and develop a strategy for success (more on this process by visiting my vid on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4LZJsld2NA

 Again, I was excited to hear about my children’s personal goals; from learning how to swim to memorizing 2 concertos. I also set several goals as a home educator such as:

1. Scheduling monthly field trips
2. Investing in a museum membership
3. Implementing gardening lessons
4.incorporating annual standard testing. 

When it came to testing, the cost of purchasing 4 testing packages didn’t appeal to my pocketbook, however I did find an alternative by doing a simple google search.  Here is a wonderful link to multiple FREE DOWNLOADABLE GRADE APPROPRIATE TESTS issued by the state of Texas:

http://www.scotthochberg.com/taas.html

(Note: Each grade level includes several dozen pages that require printing, however if you take time to do the math, it should save a few $$’s  and will provide a sample test until you’re ready to invest in another standardized test)

This morning I did my routine big shopping trip to the “city,” yet this time was slightly different.  Now that Spring is around the corner and I'm getting an itch to garden, I was completely grieved by the prices of produce. 

Many know that for years now I have desired and attempted to maintain a productive garden.  Then after my experience this morning, it confirmed my need to diligently pray and prepare for our Spring gardening success.

Several months ago (on our previous blog site,)  I was blogging about some of our gardening endeavors and the success of strawberries, cantaloupe, sunflowers, zuchinni and squash.  I had many other attempts such as medicinal herbs, blueberries, tomatoes, cucumbers and more, but my thumb isn’t naturally “green” so those efforts were short-lived.

Those who know me well can say that I’m naturally optimistic and determined, so I think this year will yield a better harvest.  Occasionally I search online for inspiration and as mentioned before, this local family remains a source of motivation: 
http://www.gofamilyfarms.com/….. Their site also includes great links (some very convicting about the source of ALL our foods.) Recently, I was so happy to get the news that they’ve joined the world of blogging: http://blog.gofamilyfarms.com/ 

I hope to share more gardening updates soon!

Last month our family had an adventurous trek hundreds of miles Northeast.  We were on a ministry mission to fellowship with other Hebrew families across the country from Georgia, Virigina and Maryland.  We had an amazing journey and made some wonderful connections with several families. We also passed through Washington DC in a short drive-thru  tour and managed a quick visit to our National Zoo, (see pictures.)

Those who know me well can say that I like to keep things realitively simple, so when it comes to technology I’m not the first in line to try out the latest and greatest buzz (I’ll leave that to my beloved :-) .)  However, now that Marlon is working in Houston for part of the week, I have stepped out on the edge and into the realm of video calling (I reckon that’s what you call it.)  Basically, I’m now set up to use our web cam and talk to Marlon and others through the computer while watching their images.  How fun does that sound?

I know this technology through Skype has been out for years because Marlon has actually used this feature for work and ministry at least since 2006.  This is comforting to know because now I can depend on him as my personal technical support (another perk in our marriage:-) )

So now that I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone, I may actually be ready to take up the suggestion of my friends and join Facebook in a few more years (lol).  Seriously, I’m not quite ready to take the Facebook plunge yet,  but you can find my beloved there at least a couple times a week. In the meantime I will continue to blog as a means of keeping in touch with you all :-)

BTW, would you believe that my mother and Marlon’s mother both have active Facebook accounts?   Well done Grandmas!