Winter Blessings

Just a little winter update here.

So far, even through January, the water tubs have not needed more than a touch from my walking stick on Sabbath.  HalleluYah!

This last summer, I had to really watch myself and my attitude.  I confessed to Adonai, that I really was going to miss fresh tomatoes in the coming shemitah.  I ate fresh tomatoes all summer and fall, at every single opportunity.  Thankfully there was a great abundance, so there are a number of quarts in the cellar, but there's just nothing like a fresh juicy tomato.  I got to the point of also praying that I was conscious of the fact I didn't want to make my belly a god regarding this wonderful fresh produce.  It is possible to make an idol of a blessing, and/or creation.  Since Torah states we can eat what the ground produces through shemitah, just no tilling and tending, I worked that into my casual conversation as well.  As a child of the Creator, I interjected that I wouldn't mind and I promised I wouldn't cultivate a volunteer tomato plant this coming summer.

Regardless of what happens next summer, beyond what I would have ever thought to ask or imagine, I've been enjoying fresh tomatoes all winter, that were picked green before the frost.  I've made various posts and recorded photos through this winter season, but alas, I'm now down to one . . . Our Heavenly Father truly does bless beyond what our mind would imagine.  I had no idea I'd be eating fresh tomatoes from last year's garden, the end of January.

Whatever unfolds in this coming year, I have been blessed beyond measure.

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