He Hears When We Aren't Praying

As I prepared for Shemitah, I truly tried to keep things in perspective.  I didn't want to get caught up in the "bigger barns" mentality, nor in the "G-d will provide, do nothing" mentality.  I'm seeing so much "faith talk" as of late, of folks getting back on that bandwagon of telling G-d what His Word says and how it is to be fulfilled in their lives.  That scares me!  They sound like my kids used to when they'd say, "But Mom, you said . . ." usually out of context and always in poor timing.  Yet I digress, I have good news to share.

I gave that little intro, because praying properly has always concerned me.  I want to be respectful, without formality, if that makes sense.  As of late, it seems I'm learning more about prayer, every time I pray.  I've also learned a bit about what He hears when I'm not praying . . .

All summer, I truly enjoyed my tomatoes.  I kept in mind, there would be no fresh ones this coming year.  I've spoken many times over as to how much I truly enjoy my fresh garden produce and how much I will miss it for a year.  It's not like I'm going without food, but fresh is wonderful, so as my garden wound down this autumn there was a note of sad obedience.  I know, it sounds dramatic, and it was in a way, but I didn't whine to Abba, just kind shrugged my shoulders and harvested the last of the peppers and green tomatoes before the frost.  I can't remember if it was the end of October or the beginning of November, but it's been several weeks.

In speaking and sharing with friends about Shemitah, that although I won't be having a garden next year, we can eat what the land produces naturally.  I've mentioned more than once, that it wouldn't hurt my feelings if Abba brought forth a volunteer tomato vine.  I would absolutely refrain from tending it . . . other than to pick the red ones.  I have no idea what next spring will bring, but I have an awesome praise report, here as the end of December approaches!

 

December 3

 I'm still enjoying ripe tomatoes.  The green ones that were harvested before the frost continue to ripen all this time later.  None have rotted, but the number is dwindling.  They are just as juicy and fresh as the summer harvest was.  This is a first to enjoy fresh pico de gallo in December with homegrown juicy tomatoes!  What an amazing blessing from our Heavenly Father.  This is a blessing far beyond what I would have asked or imagined.

December 21

Preparing

In reading many things about preparing for everything from Shemitah to apocalypse, I see a continual propensity toward the extremes.  Many are speaking of a second Exodus, so many are "planning" on manna.  That particular perspective confuses me, so I don't really have a yea or a nay about it at this time, but the children of Israel did not leave Egypt planning for manna to fall.   A second Exodus is not what I'm feeling led to prepare for, at this time.  I don't have a bug-out bag.

By the same token, I've read and heard the Scriptural reference about the man building bigger barns as a warning against preparing and stocking up.  Since I'm preparing for Shemitah, I'm not about to let anything go to waste, at least I'm trying to make sure everything that grows is used or put in a jar until it is needed.  There have been times I've suffered "preparation overkill" which is nothing more than fear on my part.  I have been planning to share the fruits of my labor all along, in establishing a homestead for a community to gather, so bigger barns for me, is simply not the case.

It was not raining when Noah built the ark and the Babylonian army wasn't standing at the gate in Jerusalem when the prophets first began sounding the warning . . .

Since Messiah said the end of days would be as in the days of Noah, I'm continuing to stand, working on a refuge with at least a year's supply of food for people and animals.  As I began sorting through tomatoes and jars the other day, I realized once again, I'm truly not doing this for me.  If my numbered days continue through this winter, I'll eat well, but I truly pray I'm sharing it with someone or several someones who are likeminded.   On the other hand, if my numbered days are up, this will feed others.

That is what is so simple and beautiful about serving our Creator on this homestead.  I'm doing it for Him, so I seek His direction, purpose, and plan.  I pray before I buy a goat!  I give thanks for the new kids and the delicious milk.  I pray as I till the soil.  I pray as I plant the seeds.  I definitely pray in sheer delight and thanksgiving as I harvest the produce.  I definitely pray over the meal.  I truly do seek Him in the daily operation of this homestead.  I've been called here, I have the privilege of working here and tending the place, but it belongs to Abba.  

I've even shared with a friend the idea that this may serve as a rest stop for those who will be traveling through to join other communities, as I believe there will be several as these end of days unfold.  It could be, since He is so creative, we may be blessed with Him stretching what is in the warehouse.  Deuteronomy tells us, not only did the children of Israel receive manna and quail, but their shoes didn't wear out . . .