Shoshana's Garden

We all have something. we count on... There are many times we "count the days" until an important event. We know and believe that something special is going to happen. Did you know that there is a time between Passover and "Pentecost" (I put that in quotes because I like to refer to it as Shavuot) that is counted? The Jewish people were instructed by God to count seven weeks after the first day of Passover, so the 50th day from Passover. These weeks were a time to thank God f

Tonight, according to the current Jewish calendar, Passover begins. I am thankful for a small church that has said they would like to host a Seder meal, so I am headed to Fremont, IN later today to lead a Seder dinner. I am excited to make this happen! Passover is one of the first "Jewish Feasts" I was introduced too. It is one most Christians know about because it is mentioned that Jesus participated in one before he was taken before Pilot. The question is, do they really un

As many of you know, my journey the past 10 years or so was filled with lots of pain, questions and survival. When I was able to remove myself (5 years ago) from the surroundings that were causing me so much stress, the focus was on healing. What does Rose need to do to heal? I have done counseling. I have friends I vent with, cry with, and laugh with. I have journaled (still do). I listen to music (all genres). I walk. I feel stronger and more myself than I did 5 years ago.

I started writing this a long time ago. Like several years ago. I don't know that I ever posted or shared it. I guess even if I did, if it is relevant for me again, it might be for someone else too. There have been days lately where I have struggled with feeling alone. I know I'm not and yet... the battle in my mind is real. With those thoughts running around in my head, I went back to the thoughts below. I needed to remind myself of them. Lonely vs Alone… I know we have all

I know I have not written in awhile. Even this morning my mind is filled with thoughts, but not knowing how to clearly share them. I know my ideas are often controversial. I don't like "stirring the pot." It just happens. The time change and "lost sleep" messes with me too. So, here are my rambling thoughts today, but the teaching I share at the end brought my thoughts together. I hope they do the same for you. Stuff... War again. I know many people dislike war and the pain i

The other day I was reading something and it mentioned that the person had realized that the things they had learned in "Christianity" were not what was actually part of the early gatherings of believers. That got my head spinning with different thoughts again. I realize that this post may be offensive to some. I am not trying to stir the pot; I am simply bringing up the idea that maybe what we have been taught was a counterfeit, and because we have heard and seen it for so l

I woke up this morning with this word on my mind. I even had thoughts of what to write about. What happened? I got up and didn't write right away, and now my brain is in a fog. I've forgotten the "simple" things in life. I have my coffee. But, between feeding the cats, having to start a load of laundry, cleaning up a mess and trying to catch up on a few things online - my brain already forgot what I wanted to focus on. This is why I miss Shabbat. This is why I miss the intent

I have had so much running around in my head that I want to write about. None of it has "gelled" enough for me to actually write. Even as I sat down this morning I wasn't clear, but then the word "broken" hit me. I started writing this with that word in mind. As I wrote everything changed and I knew I needed to change the word to "CHOSEN." So often the New Year is about being refreshed and renewed. Start over. Put new ideas and new resolutions into place. What if we should st

This week is when the Gregorian Calendar, the roots of which is the Roman Julian calendar, begins a "new year." Most people don't care that this is what is followed in the world today. In fact, most people probably do not know that there was another calendar at all. Yes, the Bible actually has a different calendar. The one God established as He gave Torah (teachings) to the Israelites. They followed His guidance and that has a completely different rhythm than the rest of the

Chanukah Self-Control Tonight we light the last candle. It is the 8th night. I find it fitting that as we have celebrated the Festival of Lights - tonight begins the change of season. We begin winter, and yet we start the process of the days becoming longer. I love to think that as we move into more light in the physical, we can celebrate moving in HIS LIGHT spiritually. I hope you have been able to reflect on the Fruits of the Spirit in a positive way and that you KNOW you a