Your Personal History With God

This is one INCREDIBLE teaching! I could listen to it a dozen times and still get something new.  I hope you have 11 minutes to watch. It will impact your life greatly!

Let he who is without sin...

You can always identify a religious spirit by how a person responds when they are agitated.  Usually, religious spirits pick up some kind of mask that they can hide behind. Some put on masks of "truth," some put on masks of "grace," and others even hide behind "love, tolerance & acceptance." No matter what mask they hide behind, they reveal their true identity the moment their opinion is challenged, or their influence threatened. How do they respond? It's usually done in a quick and methodically destructive manner in which the person with the religious spirit picks up stones of accusation to try to destroy someone else's image or identity. If the person doesn't cave to the accusation, the accuser usually moves on to condemnation. They have no desire to reconcile their differences with whomever they perceive as a threat. They sometimes unintentionally destroy their "agitator" through gossip, judging the heart, and dividing friends. Be careful with people like this, as they tend to carry a track record with them everywhere they go. Love them, be kind, then say goodbye.

Look past whatever mask people are wearing to see their heart. That's what matters the most!

John 8:7-8
But Yeshua bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

Speak Life

The Big Secret

The big secret to maintaining JOY is thankfulness. :) Joy is not limited to perfect circumstances, simply, it is limited to the grateful in heart.

Life is never perfect. At least mine never is. There are always difficult waters to tread through, fires to put out and demands that need to be met. Yet, when we fix our gaze on Yeshua, and give Him thanks- our joy stays full.

Just like there is a secret to being  joyful, there is also secret to being miserable. The big secret of the miserable heart is to be ungrateful. The focus of their thoughts and attention is securely fastened on that which they don't have. When we fix our gaze on that which we lack, we only set ourselves up for having a perpetually sick heart. Proverbs says, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life." (Proverbs 13:12)

Those who have their greatest hope set on God's Presence, live in a continual state of having their  longings fulfilled.  Yet, those who seek His hand over His face, can miss the greatest blessing that is right in front of them- HIM.  Unfortunately, when we look to the hand of God, over the face of God, our faith is often limited or boxed in by our needs. We have a certain expectation of what we feel God should do for us, and if He doesn't meet that need within the box we've created, we can feel overlooked, or ignored. This simply isn't true! God doesn't overlook anyone. Perhaps He has chosen to answer your prayer in an unexpected manner. If we stay so focused on our needs being met, we limit ourselves by putting on the "tunnel vision glasses" of the ungrateful and miss the big picture. There is no material possession, no prophecy fulfilled, no closer friendship and no sweeter promise than the Presence of Yeshua. Those who know the sweetness of His presence, are often the most open and grateful individuals.

No matter we're needing in the moment, our constant need can only be found in His Presence.

We enter the gates of His Presence with thanksgiving.
In His Presence there is fulness of joy. 
In His joy, we have strength.
And in His strength, we can do all things!

 Even if you don't "feel" thankful. Thank Him! Just pause for a moment to recognize and appreciate what you do have. Chances are, if you are reading this, you probably have a roof over your head, clothes on your back, food in your tummy, and wifi. Congratulations, you are one of the richest people in the world. :)

I know these may initially seem trite, but just think of the despair we would have, should these elements be removed. So just begin to thank Him for everything. Your emotions will eventually line up with your spirit, but you must be focused on making headway through gratitude and faith.

Imagine yourself at Costco standing in line to get gas. If you were empty, there would be nothing that could persuade you to leave the line. Why? Because you can't go anywhere without gas in your car. Likewise, the joy of the LORD is our strength. It's like the gas in our tank that keeps us on the road He has destined for us. When there is no joy, there's no gas. When there's no gas, we can't go anywhere, we're just stuck on the side of the road, focused on our own misery.  Without a refill, our only options are to be "pushed along," or "drug along" by someone else.  You and I both know this only adds to the misery.  

The great news is that no matter how full, or how empty our tanks our, they can always be topped off. Your gratitude is like the gas cap you need opened to fill your tank.  Without it, there's no inlet to receive the blessings that come from His Presence.  As you thank God, you will find your anxiety dispelled, and your heart filled. Thank Him, and bless Him until your tank is completely filled up and your joy is full. This is God's heart for you in Messiah Yeshua.

Then, begin to thank people. Yes, people. Whether you realize it or not, you are blessed by so many people every day. Thank your spouse, your family, your children, your parents, your teachers, your Rabbi, your Rebbetzin, your Pastor, your youth leader, your elders, and your friends. But they're not perfect, they've let me down and even really annoy me at times! Okay, thank them anyway! There must be something good you can express gratitude for. ;)  This doesn't necessarily need to be dramatic thank you cards, it can just be a heartfelt verbal expression, Facebook post or text.  These little "thank you's" you express to the LORD and to those He has put in your circle of influence helps to keep your tank "leveled off." If your leery of this practice, it might be a good idea to experiment with it. I would love to hear what happens to your emotional well being. :)

He has not destined us to be full of despair, anxiety, anger, or sickness. He paid a heavy price for us to live an abundant life- one full of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit! Thank Him for the blessings from His hand, but let your longing be for His Presence. For it is only in this secret place, that we are made whole. 

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Messiah Yeshua. (1 Thess 5:16-18)

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

Recipe by Candyce Hyslip

First, before you even read this post I must warn you. If you like hot chocolate, then this may become a dangerous addiction. Really, it's THAT good! This is a simple and delicious recipe that is a wonderful for family get togethers or parties.

Ingredients:
3 cans of sweetened condensed milk
water
milk
cocoa powder
1 tspn good vanilla (optional)
1/2 tspn kosher salt

Directions:
In a large pot, add 3 cans of sweetened condensed milk. Then fill each can with hot water, twice. Add this to your pot. The hot water will help to loosen the what's left on the edges and dilute the sweetened condensed milk.  
Next, fill each can with milk, and add it to your pot.

Turn the heat up to medium and begin to whisk away until everything is smooth and incorporated.  When the sweetened milk is nice and warm,  you'll add the cocoa.  :)  I would suggest anywhere from 1/2 a cup for the normal chocolate "enjoyer" up to 1 cup  for the chocolate "lover!" You know how much you like, so add accordingly. Whisk away until all of the cocoa powder is incorporated.
Add the vanilla (optional) and kosher salt. Whisk together, and you're done!



 You can fill some glasses or containers with hot chocolate flavor additions. These candies turn the already delicious salted caramel hot chocolate into an over the top experience.

Top with whipped cream and ENJOY!

For those foodies out there who like to add spice to everything I have a special suggestion for you. I took an empty salt shaker and filled it with 2 tbspns of good chili powder, 1 tspn of cayenne, and 1 tspn of kosher salt. You can shake it on top of your hot chocolate for a gourmet Mayan experience. The result is something like a gourmet truffle that includes heat and salt. This was my favorite flavor combination, by far! :)

BONUS! Put the left overs in a mason jar in the fridge and use it as coffee creamer. It is wonderful!!!

Happy Holidays!

Chanukah Chic made Cheap!

If you're like me, you like really nice things for a really low price. Basically, I blame it on my mother. She was by far the classiest and most resourceful woman I've known! Chanukah is one of those holidays that I think should just be "done right." When I go shopping for Chanukah decorations, it is almost impossible to find anything that doesn't look like it fell out of a "mitzvah truck." I am not interested in dancing dreidels or rabbis, I just want something classy! And, cheap, don't forget that part!

So, after searching all over Pinterest I came up with this idea in my head. I wanted silver chargers, my white everyday IKEA plates,  cobalt blue salad plates and bowls, and blue wine goblets as a Chanukah table setting. I had searched high and low to look for the elements I had in my head.

Finally, it all came together! My sweet friend found blue wine goblets at the Dollar Tree or Dollar General. Then, I went in there myself and was pleasantly surprised by the silver studded chargers that were being displayed on an end cap.  Then, while I was out on a date with my ten year old son, we came across an inexpensive cobalt blue 12 piece dinnerware set at Walmart for just $14.97.
The result... a classy and elegant Chanukah tablescape.  

 I had some dear friends over for a Shabbat dinner the night before Chanukah, and decided to give it a whirl, even though at the time, I hadn't found the cobalt blue plates yet. The lovely blue and silver napkins were embroidered by my dear Mom in law. They helped to bring and ever so Jewish feel to an already obvious Chanukah color scheme. ;)

Here's a snapshot from tonight's dinner. That's my two year old snatching broccoli and cheese with her fingers. I know, I know, I am working on those manners! And just because I know someone will ask me what the main course was (which is not featured in the pics), it was salmon! Very, very good salmon!

Here's a look at an individual place setting. I served warm cinnamon pear cider with dinner. It gave the blue glasses a brownish color in the pictures, but in real life you could still tell that the wine goblet was very blue. :)

Here's one more shot. See? Simple, easy, elegant, and super duper inexpensive! If you don't have plain white plates, you can also purchase some at the Dollar Tree. The whole Chanukah place setting will only cost you $4 per person.

A total CAN DO! Happy decorating and chag sameach. :)

4,3,2,1 LATKES!

Recipe by: Candyce Hyslip

Latkes are quite possibly the most famous Chanukah food, but can be enjoyed throughout the year as well. These are my fool proof 4,3,2,1 Latkes! I call them that because it helps me remember the amounts I need to put in my recipe.

Ingredients:
4 large russet potatoes, peeled
3 eggs
2 tbspns kosher salt, 2 tspns freshly ground pepper, 2 tspns garlic powder
1 onion, 1 cup of flour, 1 cup peanut oil

Yep, that's it!

Directions:
1) Preheat the peanut oil in your skillet on medium high. I have an electric stove, and set mine at a 6.

2) Put the potatoes and the onion through the food processor grater.
3) Put the shredded potatoes and shredded onion in a bowl. Drain out any excess liquid.
4) Add the 3 eggs, 2 tbspns of kosher salt, 2 tspns of pepper, 2 tspns of garlic powder and 1 cup of flour.
5) Mix well. Your hands are your best kitchen tools!
6) Form into patties, and fry them on each side until they are golden brown.
7) Place a dollop of sour cream, applesauce, or cranberry sauce on the latke. Enjoy!

Makes approximately 30 delicious latkes!

* If you want to make it sweet, you can substitute the 4 large russet potatoes for 4 large sweet potatoes, and 1 granny smith apple.

Makes approximately 30 delicious latkes!







It's very important to have your oil preheated so they can start frying right away!





 

Chanukah cookie recipe

2 cups flour
¼ tsp salt
 pinch ground nutmeg
1 cup butter
1 cup packed brown sugar, or regular sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 tspn orange zest

Directions:

1. Combine first three ingredients in a bowl.
2. Cream together butter and sugar. Beat in egg and vanilla, & orange zest.
3. Mix in half the dry ingredients, then add what is remaining.
4. Divide dough in half and wrap with plastic wrap until ready to use.
5. Roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick.
6. Cut out your desired shapes.
7. Bake at 350 F for 13 minutes.
8. Enjoy!

You can also frost them after they are completely cooled. :)

Hanukkah begins December 8, 2012!

Love one another!

It's time to forgive!

Easy White Bread- The Versatile Recipe

Back in 2008 when our country encountered the recession, I found myself struggling right along side the majority of middle class America.  Initially, our financial surplus went from just above what we needed to just below what we "needed."  I was forced to re-evaluate our spending. It was very difficult for me. Within 6 months into the recession, we had signed up for Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University and also hired a private financial coach to help us navigate through these difficult times. I learned a lot of very important lessons that really transformed my world view, and life application regarding money.

A big part of where we spent our money was on food. I desperately needed to re-learn how to spend our grocery money, and I was forced into an immediate crash course. Now in my mind, I had always desired to be a homemaker diva. Not in a snobby Martha Stewart kind of way, but in a chic Barefoot Contessa kind of way. ;) I wanted to be able to make my own breads, and a variety of delicious meals from scratch. I wanted my husband to see me as resourceful, and most of all I wanted to live below the provision that God had given our family. Now was my chance to take the next step in living my dream!

The first thing I wanted to conquer was to minimize the money we spent on baked goods. From bread, to tortillas to cookies and cake- I was determined I would make it all. I ended up purchasing a great bread machine off of Craigslist, and committed to myself that I would use it for more than making my challah dough. I talked myself into adventurous cooking and baking, and in the end fell in love with it.  If you know me personally, you know that I am definitely not a "plain Jane." I am spicy, artsy, creative, and bold... especially in my cooking.

When I came across this basic bread machine recipe for white bread, I liked it, but definitely wanted to make it my own. I always take my liberty to change it to whatever I want to. Sometimes I add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme or dill. Other times I add spices (like cinnamon) and dried fruit. And other times, I replace the sugar with good honey, or exchange the butter with extra virgin olive oil.  Needless to say, the possibilities are endless!

Whatever I decided to use, my family has always enjoyed the fresh baked bread and it has cost us pennies on the dollar, compared to the breads I would usually purchase. It's delicious, fresh and made with tons of love.

Ingredients:
1 1/3 cups of warm water
4 tbspns  softened butter
2 tbspns sugar
4 tspns milk
2 tspns kosher salt
4 cups of bread flour
2 tspns of instant yeast

Place your ingredients in your bread machine in the order they were listed. Choose the white bread setting, press start, and walk away! If you want to delay the setting, you most certainly can. I like to time it so that the bread is baking in the bread machine by about 5 am. Sometimes, I'll set my coffee pot to brew at the same time. It is the most amazing scent to wake up to!

If you want to bake it in your oven, just set the setting  to "dough," and then when it beeps (about 90 mins later), take it out, knead it, shape it, baste it, and bake it at 350 degrees for about half an hour.

This is really a no fail recipe! Your family will love it, and so will you. Apart from it's total deliciousness, I LOVE how it makes my home smell. It's warm, welcoming and says, "I love you!"
I guess you can see that I really like bread. :)

I hope you get to try this recipe. Enjoy!

P.S. My favorite combo is to add fresh rosemary (as much or as little as you like), replace the butter with olive oil, baste the bread with olive oil, and sprinkle with kosher salt. Bake it, and eat with pleasure! :)

(a pic of the baked bread will be up soon.)

No Spend Menu Week 2

After taking inventory of my pantry and freezers, I am SO happy with what I was able to put together for this week's menu. With minimal additional groceries needed, here's what I came up with.  :) Hope it inspires you to get creative and shop from your own pantry as well. Shavua Tov!

Day	Breakfast	Lunch	Dinner
Sunday	Challah French Toast	Super Salad, Papas y Mojo, Yemenite Poached Halibut Crusty Thyme Olive Oil Bread	Same
Monday	Orange Cranberry Almond Scones/ Lemon Poppyseed Almond Scones Nuts	Lentil Soup	Lentil Soup, Homemade pita, Hummus and Salad Russian Poppy seed Cake
Tuesday	Potato, Onion, Bell Pepper Frittata	Spinach Veggie Wraps with hummus and tons of fresh veggies	Chole, Rice, Bhature, Chai
Wednesday	Berry Smoothies	Green Chile Quesadillas	3 bean vegetarian chili & cornbread
Thursday	Green Smoothie	Chili & Rice Bowls	Pierogies Lasagna, Borscht
Friday	Barley Meal (like Oatmeal, but made with rolled barley)	Avocado on toast	Lamb Curry, Chole, Rice, Salad, Bhature
Saturday	Pumpkin Cheesecake Crepes	Left Overs	Bonfire food- Crock pot black beans and edible acorn cookies

Fall Afresh

This is my new favorite song of the season. I must have listened to it 15 times today. I thought you would like it too!

Menus

Writing a menu is the one thing that helps me most in my kitchen. It gives me just enough structure to quench my inner desire to be super organized, and enough flexibility to be creative and artsy.  Growing up, I hardly ever ate the same thing twice in one month. My mom was a gourmet cook extraordinaire and was always feeding us healthy and delicious food.

That element of love was a staple in our house. Everyday, whether I wanted it or not, I knew that I could come home from school to something absolutely delicious that had been prepared with love. This was part of the legacy that my mom left for me. Even during her last days, when her body was riddled with cancer, she managed to prepare simple and delicious meals that were full of flavor and love. Those were meals were precious to me, and I enjoyed them with tears of gratitude.

So naturally, with her as my example, I love to bless my family in this way.

As a home school mom of five kids, and one who enjoys living frugally, I make 95% of everything we eat. Eating out is a rare treasure and it usually costs us close to $80 per outing. While it provides the luxury of not having to prepare the food and clean up, I would almost always rather spend those $80 on fun grocery items to help spice up already yummy food into something extravagant.

When I write my menus, I write them with freedom. I know that if I have a super creative itch or craving, I can replace whatever meal is slotted- with whatever I want to make. If I want to switch up my days, I can do that. My menus really act like meal suggestions for the week.

I base them off of what we already have in the pantry, what food items are on sale, and what we want to eat. That way, I am being resourceful, while still giving my family what they want. With 5 kids, I usually run things by them to make sure anyone is not vehemently opposed to one menu item. Usually, they are excited about what I am cooking. Over the last 14 years I have developed a good pool of things (About 300 recipes) that I cook from. If I try something new and they like it- GREAT! If they don't like it, no worries, it never comes back. ;)

Okay, so without further adieu here is a sample of a menu on our No Spend Month. If you are interested, I will keep posting menus as I write them. Just to give you an idea. Enjoy!

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Day	Breakfast	Lunch	Dinner
Sunday	Cream of Wheat	Super Salad with Tuna	Spaghetti and Meatballs & Green Beans
Monday	Pumpkin Waffles	Egg Salad Sandwiches	Red Beans and Rice
Tuesday	Oatmeal	Apples and Cheese	Potato and Leek Soup/Salad Homemade Bread
Wednesday	Frittata	Peanut Butter Sandwiches	Greek Pasta
Thursday	Green Smoothie	Tuna Pasta Salad	Barley Vegetable Soup
Friday	Cinnamon Raisin Bread	English Muffin Pizzas	Shabbat Dinner with CBH
Saturday	Pumpkin Bread Pudding	Left Overs	Pizza at the Park

 

Simple Menu Ideas for a No Spend Month

Keep in mind this doesn't include yummy and delicious breakfast items. This was just a brainstorm of healthy, delicious and inexpensive meals that could be made on a no spend month.  The possibilities are endless. These are just a few ideas. Enjoy!

 

Bean Dishes

Cajun Red Beans and Rice

Mexican Beans and Rice

Cuban Black Beans and Rice

Chole and Rice

Medajarra and Pita

3 bean chili and cornbread

Black Bean burgers

Tuscan white bean soup recipe

White Chili

Rajma Masala

Potato Dishes

Potato and Leek Soup

Fries

Mashed Potatoes

Knishes

Baked Potatoes

Potato Salad

Latkes

Papas y mojo

Pasta

Pasta Rosa

Mac and Cheese

Greek Pasta

Pasta Tuna Salad

Linguine with Alfredo

Kugle

With tomatoes, basil and feta

Fideo

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Soup

Matzo Ball

Chicken Noodle

Tomato Basil

Potato Leek

White Bean Tuscan

French Onion

Vegetable

Tortilla Soup

Barley Soup

Pumpkin Soup

Lunches

Salad

Tuna Salad

English Muffin Pizza

Verduras

PB & J

Apple and Peanut Butter

Apple and Cheese

Bananas with PB & honey

Quesadillas

Egg Salad Sandwiches

Naan Pizza

Cheese Sandwiches

Bean and Cheese Tacos

Rice

Chicken Fried Rice

Popcorn Rice

Lemon Rice with Grilled Chicken

Rice Pilaf

Rice Pudding

Eggs

Egg Salad

Omlettes

Quiche

Fritattas

English Muffin Egg Sandwich

Flan

Crepes

Egg in a Bell Pepper Flower

Egg in an Onion

Potato and egg bowls

Bread

Challah French Toast

Challah Souffle

Pancakes

Waffles

Cinnamon Raisin Bread

Rosemary Sea Salt Bread

Challah

Endless bread recipes

Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin Waffles

Pumpkin bread pudding

Almond Poppyseed Bread

No Spend Month

Sooo, we're going to do it. We're going to have a no spend month. What's a "no spend month?" Well, it's where you tighten your belt to your budget, make sure that every dollar has a name, and that ANY extra, any "fat" as we call it in our family simply isn't spent.

Yep, that's right. Eating out? Nope. Not on a no spend month.
Shopping on Craigslist or Macy's clearance. Nope. Not on a no spend month.
How about that wonderful laundry detergent and fabric softener? What if I run out of that? Well, on this no spend month, I will be making any thing I run out of.

I was first inspired to do a no spend month about a year ago when I read this blog. I had entertained the idea, but frankly it kind of scared me. I mean, things are tight as they are, but to cut out ALL the fat together was just scary.

Alas, we have settled ourselves and are about to embark on this journey. Truth be told, I am excited. I mean, really, how much time is this going to free up? Not to mention time, but intentionality in menu planning, cooking, and even in clothing.

I am anticipating that I will come out of this with an even greater level of gratitude than I have ever had, which is perfect, because we will end it right before Thanksgiving. :)

I made a list of menu items that I could include in my menus for lunches and dinners that are still healthy, delicious and resourceful. I'll put up another post with that list in case anyone is interested.

I am so grateful that even when things are super tight, God still provides for all of our needs and we never, never lack anything. We have never gone hungry and have never lacked clothes to cover our backs.

The one luxurious plus to this no spend month is the fact that I have frozen Alaskan fish in my freezer from my brother in law, along with a variety of frozen meats. It will be used sparingly and with great appreciation. :)

As far as food goes, I am cutting our food budget by 2/3 and will be visiting Costco Business Center as well as Restaurant Depot. There I will stock up on the basics, and leave $20 a week for produce. I can get to 60 lb/ $10 packages of produce from "market on the go," or from Pros Ranch Market. I am anticipating that we will have more than enough, and that our hearts will overflow even more with joy.

Here's to a no spend month... We begin tomorrow.

Do you want to join me? If so, comment to let me know.  

Come to Me

I LOVE THIS SONG!

Real grace transforms a hard heart into one that is soft.

Eshet Chayil

Is it His best?

"If it's God's best, do it.
If it's not His best, don't."

One Chance

We have one chance to leave a legacy. Make sure it's full of everything you want passed on to the generations that follow. ♥ Shabbat Shalom!"

Holiness vs. Happiness

"In marriage: God is more concerned about your holiness than your happiness. Why do you think He put you with someone that irritates the "unholy" out of you? ;) Yet, when we surrender to His holiness, and live in absolute surrender to the LORD, making Him first in everything- God gives us more than "happy"; He gives us joy unspeakable. Your marriage cup will be filled to the brim & overflowing!

No Greater Privelege

There is no greater privilege in life than to pour yourself out in ministry with the LORD. Sure, there are very difficult times. Times of tears, betrayal, suffering, and brokenness. However, all of these experiences are sharing in the sufferings of Messiah. If we share in His sufferings, shall we not also share in His glory? Like giving birth- the newness of life, joy, fellowship, love and victory always outweigh any pain, and make it worth it! We are called to the life filled with resurrection power. And there is no greater glory than this resurrection power!

Romans 8
17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Messiah, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

Bedtime

 Little girls with messy locks and long soft t-shirts make my heart melt.

Likewise, little boys with precious hands and lots of love do just the same.


There are few routines that are more rewarding than bedtime. First, you get to tuck in your kids & snuggle. Then, you have the privilege of imparting your faith and legacy. THEN, you get every parents greatest gift- PEACE & QUIET! :) 

I love being Mommy! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Blessed In Discipline

Trusting God not only means that we trust him for provision, but for the blessing of discipline too. He is perfect and so full of love. He does not discipline the way broken people do. He weighs our hearts, and our motives, and then sends the gentle and compelling conviction of His Spirit to woo us right back to the center of His heart. If you are being disciplined, it means you are a legitimate child, blessed, and in the midst of a glorious transformation. He wants you to reflect Him, even in the smallest of things!

Job 5:17-18
“Blessed is the man whom God corrects;
so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.
For he wounds, but he also binds up;
he injures, but his hands also heal.

Tears of Repentance

Tears of repentance are some of the sweetest tears you could cry because they transition from mourning over sin to the joy of forgiveness.

When you compromise your surrender to the LORD, you compromise the inheritance He has for you.

21 Creative Consequences | iMOM

This is GREAT! :)

21 Creative Consequences | iMOM

Favorite Passover Youtube Videos!

When we prepare for Pesach, we have FUN! I love to have the music on loud, dance around the house, play air instruments with the kids, and sing it up like I'm in High School Musical! And believe you me, there are some serious laughs!!! I plug my laptop into the docking station and have a blast with my kids!

Here are some of our favorite youtube videos for the 2012 Passover Season:

1) Ah Ah Ah (Ashrei) O.M. Goodness! I am in love with these little boys! They are adorable, funny, and sing their hearts out. This song has been played over, and over, and over, and over by my kids!

 

 2) SIX13 P-A-S-S-O-V-E-R. This is a great remix of those catchy songs you hear when you're shopping. I think they did a great job with the lyrics, and I love the subtle humor.

 

3) Best Seder In The USA- This one is clever & funny! Check out the guy's shirt who leans right instead of left! Sooo funny!

 

4) Google Exodus- What if the Exodus took place today? There's some good laughs in this one. You can tell they put a lot of thought into the details of this. It hasn't gotten old in our house yet. I like the Amazon.com part. :)

 

5)  Pesach Cleaning! Honestly, I've been spring cleaning and Passover cleaning since the day after Purim... and no matter how much I accomplish, it can ALL get undone within minutes. Really, it's all okay.... if you want your house to be REALLY clean, call a cleaning company. I did! :) And, 4 hours after they're gone, my house is clean... but it will never be perfect. Perfect is a word reserved for the other side of eternity. This video is soOooOo funny because it captures the Jewish Mom's "woe is me" attitude for Pesach cleaning. Don't stress, just set small goals, set your timer, and move! It'll all be fine! Smile... this is a happy holiday!

6) Bitter Herb. If Maror was a stand up comedian. Makes me giggle!

7) Dayenu, Coming Home from the Fountainheads! :) This just puts a smile on my face and makes me miss Israel.