Over the last week, I have both hosted many people and been the host in other's homes. This Pesach vacation, Yoni and I were "real Israelis", as we traveled around our beautiful country. I want to say so much about our time, but alas, this will be for another post.
THIS post will touch on the simplicity of my faith. My life in Israel has brought new insight into how I view my faith. Times have tested me and friends have questioned me...and thus, I have narrowed things down to a few truths that reign close to my heart. One of the most influential verses to me is
Micah 6:8 "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
Here's how I view the three actions of this verse:
Act Justly - I see this point as a type of social advocacy attitude in my life. I want to look out for others and help ensure that those in less fortunate situations are receiving what they need. G-d tells us that there will always be orphans and widows. Thus, I know that there will always be poverty. Think Matthew 25: 31-39....it describes perfectly the conversation I hope to have with G-d one day.
Love Mercy - I probably struggle the most with this point. I see "loving mercy" as a way to release my natural flesh from holding on to grudges, past pains and daily offenses. I'm definitely the type of person who likes to prove my point. In fact, my most popular phrase in talking to Yoni is, "Does that makes sense?" I want to know that someone has heard me. Thankfully, in talking to my husband and by being married, I have learned that "being right" is not the most important thing in life. In fact, I believe the most successful attitude to have is looking out for others. If you put others before yourself (not in a denying/afflicting yourself attitude) than I believe both you and the other person(s) will flourish. For we are called to "love our neighbor as yourself" (Leviticus 19:18).
Walk Humbly - How did I act on this last point? Allow (as in actively waiting and seeking) G-d to exalt you or lift you up or bring you into success (1 Peter 5:6). There have been many times over the years that I have gone ahead of G-d's plans and timing for my life. The severity of the consequences have varied. Sometimes, it took me a long while to see how events could have been easier (physically, emotionally and/or mentally) if I had humbled myself to G-d's instructions instead of my own. We don't always know that we're going ahead of G-d's plans for our lives. This is why having a daily walk or personal relationship with G-d helps us to stay connected and receive His instructions. I want Him to pilot my life and in doing so, I know that I will always arrive safely even if the journey is difficult.
These are just a few of my thoughts. Please feel free to comment or share your own. I love
2-way conversations! :-)
THIS post will touch on the simplicity of my faith. My life in Israel has brought new insight into how I view my faith. Times have tested me and friends have questioned me...and thus, I have narrowed things down to a few truths that reign close to my heart. One of the most influential verses to me is
Micah 6:8 "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
Here's how I view the three actions of this verse:
Act Justly - I see this point as a type of social advocacy attitude in my life. I want to look out for others and help ensure that those in less fortunate situations are receiving what they need. G-d tells us that there will always be orphans and widows. Thus, I know that there will always be poverty. Think Matthew 25: 31-39....it describes perfectly the conversation I hope to have with G-d one day.
Love Mercy - I probably struggle the most with this point. I see "loving mercy" as a way to release my natural flesh from holding on to grudges, past pains and daily offenses. I'm definitely the type of person who likes to prove my point. In fact, my most popular phrase in talking to Yoni is, "Does that makes sense?" I want to know that someone has heard me. Thankfully, in talking to my husband and by being married, I have learned that "being right" is not the most important thing in life. In fact, I believe the most successful attitude to have is looking out for others. If you put others before yourself (not in a denying/afflicting yourself attitude) than I believe both you and the other person(s) will flourish. For we are called to "love our neighbor as yourself" (Leviticus 19:18).
Walk Humbly - How did I act on this last point? Allow (as in actively waiting and seeking) G-d to exalt you or lift you up or bring you into success (1 Peter 5:6). There have been many times over the years that I have gone ahead of G-d's plans and timing for my life. The severity of the consequences have varied. Sometimes, it took me a long while to see how events could have been easier (physically, emotionally and/or mentally) if I had humbled myself to G-d's instructions instead of my own. We don't always know that we're going ahead of G-d's plans for our lives. This is why having a daily walk or personal relationship with G-d helps us to stay connected and receive His instructions. I want Him to pilot my life and in doing so, I know that I will always arrive safely even if the journey is difficult.
These are just a few of my thoughts. Please feel free to comment or share your own. I love
2-way conversations! :-)
