Learn Hebrew with Pictures and Audio ( English - Hebrew Dictionary )

Learn Hebrew with Pictures and Audio ( English - Hebrew Dictionary )

All is vanity

Today my 11yr old son was sitting at the computer in the living room, with his hand raised. He then realized he was not in school, and no teacher was coming to answer the question he had about what was puzzling him. It gave me a chuckle but then I realized I am like a child sitting in a room with no teacher, with my hand in the air, waiting for answers. We are trained for years that someone has an answer to our problems, and simply raising our hand brings forth an answer. Instead of searching, and researching, instead of digging, studying, weighing out facts and seperating fiction, we take someone else's word as truth.

It reminds me of the scene in Fiddler on the Roof when Tevia is hearing an argument between a young liberal and an old conservative; "You know he is right" and then to the other, "and he is also right" but one interjects, "they can't both be right" to which Tevia says, "you know you are also right". I've been swamped with commentaries and debates and books. I see that he is right and he is right.

I think its time I put my hand down.

I don't want a bandaid. I want the cure! I don't want square pegs to fit in circle holes just because they can be made to fit. I want real truth. Real facts that line up and fit, not because I make them fit, or someone else did, but because its what is right.

When we came to Israel we thought we had "arrived" at some place of spiritual completeness. I soon realized that this was just the beginning and we had alot to learn. That process is only in its early phases. Each stage we go through teaches us that we have even more to learn, and we will never have "arrived". Israel continues to be our teacher. My mind, spirit, being, continue to be transformed by the many lessons offered in living life here.

As wise King Solomon teaches us; all is vanity. Ecclesiastes 12:12 And further by these, my son be admonished; of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter; Fear God, and keep His commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgement with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil.

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

My Adventures in Israel By Devorah Burnet Don't Sweat the Small Stuff When we first moved to Israel I was less than impressed with the ediquette, or lack of it, in this culture. I can remember being cut off on the road in Nashville, TN and dwelling on it, obsessing over it for days. I would call my friend and tell them the whole story, with drama and animation, about how I nearly lost my life on the road, that it was a miracle we survived. But in a 15 minute drive to the supermarket in Israel, you can experience the same drama no less than a handful of times, and not think twice about it as you are waiting in line to pay for your groceries. The fact that a man just came within inches of taking out your car or your life, and everyone else's, without looking at any of you, as if you weren't there and he owns the road, is completely forgotten by the time you are having an argument with the guy trying to convince you that his agalah (supermarket buggy) should be in front of yours because he placed it near the line while he left to finish his shopping. And by the time you are putting your groceries in the car, you have forgotten all about the grocery line argument, because someone is honking at you to put your kids and groceries in the car faster so he can have your parking spot and agalah. After several near death experiences on the way home, you've forgotten about the person hurrying you out of your parking spot while you stop for gas only to have to wait 3.8 minutes for the man in front of you to double park on the road chatting with someone on his cell phone, causing you to veer into oncoming traffic, scattering cars all over the road of which you don't even notice. Upon returning home, your spouse asks "how was your day?" and you say, "lovely, uneventful, I was happy to find a legal place to park and I found an agalah with three wheels, I only pulled 5 muscles and got one hernia while pushing it" you respond with a smile. "Oh and by the way, no rockets landed near us either and the lines were short, we got out of there in less than two hours without giving anyone a black eye." Israel has a way of helping people get over theirselves. It puts things into perspective and helps us to not sweat the small stuff. I no longer take offense to what others think or say or do. Miracles are a daily occurance and when someone cuts you off or takes your place in line, you laugh it off and let it go. Its forgotten ten minutes later because there are more battles ahead. I noticed a favorite word of many Israelis (in English) is "nevermind". It reminds me of a book I read some years ago called The Right Words at the Right Time. There was a story in the book about the song "Let it Be". Paul McCartney's mother was named Mary and her words of wisdom were "Let it be" I've often found myself singing that song in Israeli traffic. Recently I was thinking about the divisions and splintering of religious or political groups. How in the past in America, when my spiritual or political toes got stepped on, or my political car got run off the road, I'd call a friend to vent about the drama, reliving every detail and obsessing over it for weeks. Funny how Israeli traffic and lack of social graces can cure you of such offenses. Seems Israel has taught me to not sweat the small stuff anymore. Personally, I really don't care anymore what political party you support, what religion you are, or if you agree with my zealous passionate zionist agenda. I really love you no matter what. And guess what, I even love the Palestinians! Turns out that guy double parked on the road holding up traffic while talking on his cell phone was my next door neighbor who I joyfully waved to upon pulling up to the house with my groceries. And the guy with his buggy in line was my arab friend who works at the bakery. Its a different world here. Israeli system of government is based on parliamentary democracy. With 120 parliament members representing over two dozen parties! Israel's elected Prime Minister represents the majority party. So rather than the "us against them" mentality often seen in the states (republicans vs. democrats) we can have 20 friends all voting for more than 20 parties! And in the end all that really matters is that we are all on the same side fighting the same war. And when we are on the front lines, it won't matter that my brother on my right or my sister on my left, belonged to the same political party or not. It won't matter that yesterday he cut me off in traffic or took my place in line. Truth is, I won't even notice those small things. Because when all hell breaks loose, and it will, all that matters is the bigger picture. I often get a chuckle now out of reading American news. People suing for this or protesting about that. In one aspect the middle east can bring on a new kind of stress, but at the same time, I find I get my feathers ruffled a lot less. Israel has one of the highest life expectancies. Israeli teens are among the happiest in the world. Our economy, health, and education stats are off the charts in comparison to most. Sometimes being in "survival mode" can allow us to shed the stuff that just doesn't matter. I'll leave you with this joke... What happens when a fly falls into a coffee cup? The Italian - throws the cup and walks away in a fit of rage The Frenchman - takes out the fly, and drinks the coffee The Chinese - eats the fly and throws away the coffee The Israeli - sells the coffee to the Frenchman, the fly to the Chinese, buys himself a new cup of coffee and uses the extra money to invent a Device that prevents flies from falling into coffee. or this one... A reporter asks 4 men in NY about the recent meat shortage, "Excuse me...What's your opinion on the meat shortage?" The American says: What's a shortage? The Russian says: What's meat? The Chinese man says: What's an opinion? The Israeli says: What's "Excuse me"?.....

Motherhood

My day began with the usual quiet time of prayer in the dark quiet hours of early morning, then snuggling moments with a toddler and 5 year old. Then I raced around to get the 4 younger ones dressed, breakfast, lunches packed, teeth brushed, vitamins taken, stuffing homework into backpacks and finding shoes and jackets. Then I rushed one off to kindergarten and ran errands downtown. Bank, post office, grocery store, etc. I returned home realizing I hadn't eaten breakfast and it was near lunch time. I ran around the kitchen stuffing chips in my mouth as I put away groceries. Midway through cleaning the fridge, and putting away groceries, and cooking part of tonight's supper, my two year old spilled a cup of juice. As I was midway through cleaning the juice, the phone rang. I finished the phone conversation to find my two year old had emptied the book shelf of all the photo albums. It was past noon when I hadn't finished the groceries, cleaning the fridge, eating lunch, cooking supper, doing the dishes, or folding the 7 unfolded loads of laundry. About this time, I began to rethink my opinion of legalizing marijuana! Determined to get something accomplished, I handed my son a rag and showed him how much fun it was to wipe up the juice while we danced and sang "you are my sunshine". Yes, just call me the wiping queen!

Motherhood has given me more joy in my life than words can say. I've been privileged to have been mothering for the last 20+ years. Being pregnant and/or breastfeeding for 18 of those 20 years has been more fulfilling (excuse the pun) than I'd ever dreamed. Always with a babe in arms, or snuggled at my side in bed, it has been a lovely chapter in my life of which I'm so thankful.

In these last 20 years I've changed over 25,000 diapers, wiped dirty bottoms thousands of times, wiped thousands of tears, wiped thousands of runny noses, wiped blood, vomit and spills. Could write a book of funny stories. Have been given thousands of kisses and hugs, a thousand pictures on my fridge, kissed countless boo boos, said tens of thousands of prayers. I've lost thousands of hours of sleep but gained thousands of days of laughter and love. I've learned more from my children than I've taught, and surely have much more to learn.

I've danced with my children, cried with them, learned with them, fought with them, triumphed together over challenges, I've hurt with them and for them, I've sacrificed my time, my own desires, my sleep, my figure, my favorite places and hobbies. I've watched them grow, mature, get married, step out into the unknown spread their wings and fly into new territories. I've watched them fall down, and get back up. I've watched them wrestle with the world, wrestle with their own faith, building their own convictions. I've sensed their passions as they set out to conquer goals.

Motherhood must be more entertaining than any hollywood movie and more rewarding than any university degree. I've reached highs that no drug could ever give!

When I look at all the turns my life could have made. All the paths I might have taken, I think of all I would have missed. My life is rich. Its been good and keeps getting better. The story isn't near over. It must be in the thick of the drama...the suspense...the mystery...the wonder...the awe.... I am blessed! I love my life and the God who gives me the privilege to live it!

Wrestling with God

In our 4.5 years here in Israel, we've found it to be quite challanging. Thankfully we came with the mindset that it wouldn't be easy, that we were not coming here for a cushy life, and were prepared for the worse. The fact that we were "psyched" for the battle, made us put everything that came our way, in perspective, better than we'd expected. However, it has been a battle. And we've seen so many come and go. I've struggled with wanting to leave more times than I can count. All this time though, I've had it all wrong. I thought I was wrestling with the enemy who didn't want us here. I thought we were against the advasary.

Recently while going through another round in the ring, I thought, this time I'm not going down! One of those many sleepless nights on my knees/face crying out to God, He showed me something. Israel means to wrestle with God. It was if God opened my eyes to a new perspective on Israel. Before Jacob returned to Israel to make things right with his brother, he had to wrestle a long and painful battle with God Himself! Before the Israelites could return to Israel after their years in slavery, in Egypt, they had to wander in the wilderness. For every Exodos, there's been a "rights of passage" ritual of sorts. When Jacob limped away from that wrestling with God, it changed the name of who we are forever....we wrestle with God.

Its a known fact that it is no easy thing to become Israeli. Blame it on who you will; Ministry of Interior, beaurocratic red tape, spiritual warfare or whoever. I now believe it is all about wrestling with God. And I think it is all good! Anything fought for is appreciated. And we have something to prove. How bad do we want it? What will we sacrifice for it? Will you give up or look God in the eye and say " I won't quit until You bless me!"

I'm not sure how many times God will ask me to step back into the ring. For now, He's blessed me and given me a time of rest! Baruch HaShem! I'm limping but dancing for joy all the same! Blessed are You oh Lord my God Who in Your great Mercy and Love, have brought me into the Land of Israel.

When is it War?

I never paid attention to civics class in school. It bored me. Thought it was one of those subjects I'd never need later in life. Politics and government scared me so I learned enough temporary information to pass. Now I find myself regretting that and as many of us, wishing I'd paid more attention in class. So please forgive my ignorance if I appear to be...well....ignorant. But when do you call it war? Is there a quota of deaths before it is politically correct to call it war? Is there a measure of rockets or retaliation that qualifies fighting between nations before it is officially war?

I mean are we at war or aren't we? We have phosphorus scuds flying over, and into our cities, but so far this "not war yet" hasn't been given a name. As long as Hillary is being entertained in Jerusalem and the media fed its daily ration of fake food for thought, there isn't any titles to this madness. They continue their piece talks as though there were no real offense being taken on our soil. Is this the response they give to our desire for peace? More blood shed? The bodies of those slain just two weeks ago are barely cold and yet they sadly seem to be forgotten by many.

Just what is there to talk about? More land, no peace. More wounded and dead. We give more, they take more. Still no peace.

They still have Gilead Schallit...God bless his soul! Why didn't we keep fighting until he was back home? Why did we ever stop hitting back? They break UN resolutions, cease fires, and commit war crimes but that goes virtually unreported.

There seems to be only One mediator that can put a stop to these...wars and rumors of war. Until He comes, we wait, we pray, we hope.

Torn between two worlds

Most days I don't miss America. I might miss friends or family. I might (on rare occasion)miss the lush green rolling hills and forrests of TN. I miss water...rivers, ponds, rain. Sometimes I miss communication ease, the news or radio, or phone tasks in english. ok....I can't convince myself or you that I don't miss it...I do. That doesn't mean I am not happy here though. I love my life here in Israel dispite the challanges.

Our second oldest son Tyler, and his wife Leeraz, will be soon flying over the ocean to America. This will be her first time there. She was granted a one year visa. He intends to work for Michael Rood. I am excited for them to have this opportunity. Yet, I also know I will miss them. In telling my daughter in law what to expect, I realized that I do miss my friends and family, etc. (ssshhhh...I even miss Walmart! ) But the grief I have to see the country decline politically, morally, and economically makes me miss it a little less.

Recently the financial strain became so heavy that I found myself slipping into a temporary insanity moment of actually considering returning to America. I reasoned that we could work there much easier; we know the language, have skills, familiar with the culture. Gas wouldn't be $7 a gallon, cars are cheaper, insurance cheaper, and if my electric were about to be turned off I could still function. My mind began to toy with the idea of ease of life for us and the children, and the joy of being with loved ones. My tastebuds began to beg for Cracker Barrel. I could smell the wide open green hay fields of TN...I could see the faces of those I miss so much. I could hear english spoken everywhere and fully understood! sigh...for just a brief moment..I was back in my familiar comfort zone.

Then I snapped back into reality. I repented for shaking my fist at God and for complaining and crying the woe is me, to my generous and merciful Almighty Father. I call them ten minute pity parties. I warned my husband after we moved to the amish community, that if things got rough, and I had a pity party...just ignore me and I'd get over it. I did. And again I warned him this would happen here in Israel, and it has. I'm thankful he is wise in how he deals with me. And with how HE deals with me. Truth is, its rough everywhere. And if I have to suffer here or there, I'd chose here. I have a feeling that putting things into perspective, from what the prophesies predict...we are all in for much more suffering than most of us have ever known. So things just got a little brighter by keeping that in mind.

And anyway, now we are so mixed up...living in the land for 4.5 years has my children all fully reading writing and speaking in hebrew. Sometimes they have to struggle for a word in english. If we returned for any significant amount of time, it would be reverse culture shock on them! and Tim...what about Tim who still has 1.5 years of army left? naaa...wouldn't work to go back now. Thankfully I can talk myself out of it.

so what are we now? Israeli or American? When asked by the Israeli government, to write an explanation of why we wanted to make aliyah I emphasized that we intended to become Israeli, not Americans living in Israel. I think to some degree, this has become true. Even with the hardships, even for me not speaking the language, if you asked me the question, I'd say yes, I feel very Israeli. Even with all I miss or all we've suffered...it still feels right....still feels like home.

Genesis 12:1 Now get thee out of thy country from thy kindred, and go to a place that I will show you...