Hope you enjoyed the pictures!
Shalom!
Lydia
Pictures taken by Emily and Lydia.
Joe and Naomi came for a visit in May! While they were here Emily and I did a photo shoot with them. It wasn't a very long one, but we got some good pictures and had fun. We went to a local park for the shoot. So here they are! These were taken when she was 7 months pregnant. Hope you enjoyed the pictures! Shalom! Lydia Pictures taken by Emily and Lydia.
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Hey you guys! Perhaps you've heard of the movie "Frozen". I haven't actually seen the movie but I was introduced to one of the songs, "Let it Go", through a friend. The song had such a dramatic, beautiful melody but the words were rather rude and rebellious (i.e. "I don't care what they're going to say!", "No right, no wrong, no rules for me! I'm free!")... but the tune stayed with me and I would randomly start singing it. Having that song constantly running through my head (and not even remembering the words!) was getting so annoying! So I started making up my own words. One day I was cleaning the kitchen with Lydia when we started coming up with a bunch of different words in place of "let it go". Suddenly at almost the same instant we started singing "let it grow"! We both started laughing as we started making up more words. If you know anything about our family then you know that my dad has a beard, my brothers both want beards (they aren't quite old enough to grow their own :(), and our brother-in-law, Joe, has a pretty long beard. Beards have been a part of our lives since the beginning- my dad had a beard when he married my mom. So anyway... enjoy our song about beard growing in a bald faced world.. Alright, Bethany wrote a review on Rise Up and now I am going to give you my point of view. For your information this IS from my point of view, I am not comparing mine to Bethany's so I might say some of the same things as she did :). The reason I started to work out was because I wanted to get fit. I have also changed my eating habits since I have started working out. Changing my eating habits helped a lot towards getting fit. At first it was very hard to get up in the morning, so one way that helped me was I had Bethany get me up. I found it is so much easier to get up when somebody woke me up rather then waking up to an alarm and it being quit easy to reach over, turn it off and go back to sleep. So if you have trouble waking up, have someone wake you in the morning. When I started to workout, Rise up wasn't easy, but when I had been doing it for a while it got easier and easier so I did the exercises faster and added some movements to make it more of a challenge. One of the ways to do this includes doing jumping jacks instead of a half jacks (a jumping with only half your body at a time). One of the things I really appreciated about this particular workout was the moves are simple and very easy to follow. Throughout the workout Jennifer is always positive. A scripture is shared at the beginning of all her videos. She also is modestly dressed as well as if anyone who joins her. When explaining the moves there is not a lot of direction, but this doesn't matter as the moves are easy. When doing "Rise Up", you NEED to make sure you resist or you won't feel or look any different. If you just go through the motion without resisting you won't get any stronger or lose weight. If you only go through the motions then the workout will be too easy. I have been working out for about a year now and have noticed some positive differences in my energy level, I feel more productive since I have been working out. Although I really liked "Rise Up" when I first began working out, I don't do it as often now, it's too hard to add enough things to the workout to make it challenging. If your goal IS to lose weight then you can do it with this program. However that is not my goal, my goal is to keep active stay healthy and strong (and gain strength). For me to NOT lose any weight I eat more than I would if I wasn't working out. I can also stand to have more high calorie foods then someone who is trying to lose weight. I hope you have fun trying out this new workout! Have a great day! So long! Lydia Here's a link to Bethany's Review- Rise Up- A Review It's been nearly a month since Joe came to get his bride. Naomi's things have all been moved to Arkansas, her presence is missed and her cooking is too but this is the new normal. Our family is glad to see Joe and Naomi happily married and we have adjusted quite well to Naomi's absence. Now that Sukkot is over we are getting into a new routine. I haven't made the time to write an article about the wedding, wedding feast or Sukkot yet but here is a short video that a friend put together. AskYah interviewed Joe and Naomi after the wedding and this is the finished product! Joe gives a bit of their background story and Naomi shares about what it was like to wait for Joe. More pictures and articles to come soon! Thank you Ask Yah for making this video! :) Bethany We CAN'T wait! The excitement is building and time is running out. Less than 24 hours until we see Joe! Tomorrow at 5:00pm we will start watching for Joe; he is coming for his bride. Tomorrow we will be finishing up a million little details and they are building up to the final event- The Wedding. So exciting! :) All right, we need our beauty sleep! Goodnight! -Bebs and Lids When we were thinking of ladies that we would like to ask to participate in the "Daughters of Yah" posts I thought of McKenzie. Not just because she has a beautiful, magnetic personality (which she does), not just because she has such a zest for life and a love for Yahweh (which she does) but because to me she represents a woman who fearlessly seeks to serve Yahweh despite her circumstances. Unlike most of the ladies who have written for "Daughters of Yah", McKenzie has grown up in a family that has different beliefs than she does. Yet, McKenzie has grace and love for her family and they are also respectful of her choices and beliefs. So thank you again McKenzie. -Bethany “I exalt You my Elohim, O sovereign; and bless Your name forever and ever. All day long, I bless You, and praise Your name forever and ever.” –Psalms 145:1-2 Shalom! First off, a special thanks to the lovely ladies of Everyday Set-Apart for asking me to do a post for them. I am so thankful that I get to share a bit of my story and walk of faith. Everyone is led on different paths and lifestyles. We each live a life specifically designed and unique for a purpose—bringing glory to our beautiful Elohim. My name is McKenzie Mauck, and I am 19 years old. I, like some other believers out there, live in a household with a family that is not Torah observant. My walk of faith is supported with that of a loving fellowship and mispacha of like-minded believers. A little background story of where my walk began. I went to public school, and graduated from Westfield High School in 2012. I came to faith about four years ago when I met my best friend in English Class at the end of sophomore year. She had just moved to Indiana at the time and asked if she could sit with me at lunch. That very moment… we “clicked”. We became like two peas in a pod. At the time, I was not a believer of any sort. I claimed to be “Christian”, but my actions spoke other things. She was a friend when I needed her the most and then it came to a point that I had to start thinking seriously about my actions and most importantly my faith. This friend had ministered to me and because of Yahweh’s light shining in her, I had learned about who He really is. I learned about the feasts, Sabbath, worship, prayer, more than I could ever imagine. She became like a sister to me, and when she moved out of state that became a real turning point in my walk with Yahweh. I had to learn what it meant to have a personal relationship with the Creator and not depend on another person or family. This was MY relationship and not anyone else's. My story takes a twist, because I chose the path of college. I go to Indiana State University and I am studying Special Education. Yahweh has shown me that I am meant to help people and I have always had a passion for those with disabilities. After asking for guidance and confirmation that this is the path intended for me right now, I can say that this decision was meant for me. This past year at school I was able to learn so much. I’ll let you in on a secret…it wasn’t necessarily about school things either. Don’t get me wrong, that plays a part though. Honestly though, in the big scheme of things, that is little to what Yahweh has done. He has shown me a lot about my faith and what it truly means to be set-apart. Yah has shown me many things and given me wisdom and guidance when I needed it most. I have learned what trusting Him really means and living everyday set-apart for Him. Through Yahweh’s unfailing love and mercy He has shown me the blessing that it is to be called His. He has given me strength to endure the tough times and the peace to go along with it. It is through Him that I receive strength and it is only through HIM that I left my first year of school stronger than I came. Leaving home was scary and at times I really wanted to give up. This college experience though has helped me grow in my faith. I learned more about who I am and my personal stance. I am still learning and always will continue to learn. My passions have grown stronger and many doors have been opened. Being off on my own really opened my eyes to different things and coming to Terre Haute was probably one of best decisions that I have been led to thus far. This past year has been filled with adventures and trips that I would have never taken before. I have made wonderful friends and met so many diverse people! I have learned so much more about scripture and how it plays out in your daily life. I learned the importance of being a light and letting that light shine. The list could go on and on. If I could take all the things I have learned and combine it into one short phrase it would be that Yahweh works in such wonderful and mysterious ways.
I was also asked to give some resources that have helped me in my walk. I have read several books over the last year, but here is a list of my top three: Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge The Lost Art of True Beauty by Leslie Ludy A Woman After God’s Own Heart by Elizabeth George Remember to keep faith and prayer constant in your life. It is important to give yourself anew every day and continue to grow. Open your heart and mind to Him. Yahweh will only take you as far as you are willing to let Him. Blessings and peace be to you! McKenzie While I have known of Jocelin for a few years, I just recently met her in May, at Purify 2013. Jocelin is very much a 'take charge' personality. Her passion for purity is wonderful to see. I'd encourage any Hebrew singles to consider attending Purify 2014. It could change your life. I am an only child and was born and raised in Florida. When I was in my early teens, my family moved to Ohio where we live out in the country with cows, chickens, and cats. I have enjoyed learning and having my hand in our food production as almost all of our meat (beef and chicken) as well as eggs and milk come from our own animals. I was homeschooled which I feel was a great benefit – not only in protecting me from the world, but also by enabling me to grow in many ways beyond the typical reading, writing, and arithmetic. I’ve learned scrapbooking, cake decorating, sewing, crochet, tatting, smocking, and so much more as my parents sought to provide me with well rounded training. I accepted Yeshua as my personal Savior just before I turned seven and was baptized a few months later. Since I was saved at such a young age, I struggled in my teen years with feeling as though I did not have a “dynamic” testimony like many people who have been saved out of a difficult lifestyle. I was sharing this with someone who had a “dynamic” story, and his reply will always stick with me. “Jocelin, you have a more amazing testimony. God saved you from having to go through all the trials and tribulations. That is an even greater illustration of His love and protection.” It really made me appreciate my testimony, and I share this because I know many young people who have grown up in believing homeschooling families have asked this same question I once asked. My family came to a Torah life and understanding of our Hebrew Roots in late 2004/early 2005. After growing up Southern Baptist, we had been going to a Mennonite church which had challenged our typical thinking on modest dress and the headcovering. It allowed us to ask the question of “What else have we been taught based on tradition versus the Bible?” That question led us to realize that Christmas and Easter were pagan and Yahweh’s seventh day Sabbath had never been done away with. As a result, my family began keeping Shabbat, the Biblical Feast Days, eating Biblically clean, and keeping Torah. I have the privilege of serving through Standing in YHVH’s Hand Ministries, which I founded in February 2011, where the mission is to train believers how to be stronger in their walk with the Messiah and free of the "world" through lifestyle, finances, and relationships. Since I worked for Crown Financial Ministries (founded by Larry Burkett) and was over the financial coaching department with approximately ten thousand coaches, I brought that passion for Biblical finances into my ministry. I have also always had a heart for purity and have taken that into working with singles particularly focused on that topic. Also, I have had the blessing of working with many of the top Torah Teachers here in the US and learning much from their willingness to mentor and teach. My life goal is to take what I learn and pass it on to others. Luke 12:48 (CJB) “From him who has been given much, much will be demanded.” I want to encourage others to come along on the journey with me! One question I was asked to address in this post was “What words of encouragement would you give to other young ladies who are seeking to please the Most High with their lives?” I would say that the three most crucial pieces for me personally growing in my walk as a believer are having a daily quiet time of reading the Scriptures, faithfully praying and communicating what is on my heart with Yahweh, and having an open relationship with my parents. If you are not connected with your Heavenly Father, you will struggle in all areas. I would encourage every young lady to make sure she takes the time in our busy world to be connected with and have a deep relationship with Yahweh. He cares about us and wants to know us intimately. If you are not healthy in your personal life at home, then it will play out into the rest of your life. I feel that I can tell my parents everything that is on my heart, and they will be a good sounding board helping me think through each area logically and Biblically while understanding my emotions that play into the situation. I have also been blessed to have two close girlfriends who are believers. We encourage each other in our walk and do not mind holding one another accountable when needed. Taking the time to have deep relationships where you can be open and vulnerable is very important.
Finally, I was asked to share some lessons that Yahweh has taught me in the past year. This past year has been one of learning to trust Yahweh even more so…and I continue to learn that lesson every day. I had the privilege of hosting Purify 2013 – Retreat for Hebrew Roots Singles a little over a month ago. The entire seven months leading up to the event was a faith walk of seeing Yahweh work from the smallest detail to the grand climax. I had to take a leap of faith that the event would even go, and as I followed His leading by faith and obedience, He blessed beyond measure. You can read the entire story here. It encouraged me to be secure in His plan for my life and know that as long as I’m in the center of Yahweh’s will, He will take care of even the most minute points! I hope and pray my sharing has been an encouragement to you! Feel free to write me at [email protected]. I met Joanna two years ago at a week long family camp. I was immediately impressed with her godliness and absolute friendliness. Since our first meeting, we met the next year at camp and then again at a Hebrew Roots singles retreat. Even though we've only met on three different occasions, and only briefly, I am always impressed at Joanna's kind heart as displayed through her words and actions. -Bethany Shalom!
My name is Joanna, and I am from Ohio. I have been home-schooled all my life in a large, loving family. Like a lot of girls, I enjoy reading, dancing, flute, laughing, praying, baking, exercising, playing with my sibs and taking care of animals. One of my main interests is Israel: praying for Messiah to come and the restoration to take place. And not only praying, but taking part in the work in any way I can. Growing up I have always had a desire to be a missionary. Reading missionary accounts of countless wonders worked by God on the mission field never ceases to amaze and challenge me. How I long to be able to do likewise, to see YHWH work through my hands to touch others. One of my main struggles has been with fear. Not really a particular fear of anything; just fear. One of the ways that Abba has helped me to overcome is by listening to his voice. Also, just walking forward. Focusing on others and rejecting the bad thoughts best as I can. Lately I've felt convicted that I need to not blame God. I've had to forgive him. This doesn't mean that I believe that he was at fault, It's really just so that I won't be bitter. This morning I was struggling with feeling fat. I tried to pray, but I couldn't seem to think about anything else. I repented for listening to the spirit of fear of fat and asked him to come and speak to me. Do you know what I heard? "You're beautiful". That was enough to turn my day around. About a year ago I was invited by some friends to attend a week-long midwifery class. I didn't really think much of it, but I thought that it would be a neat thing to learn a little bit about. What mother wouldn't benefit from that kind of knowledge? So I went, and a whole new world was opened up to me. Ever since I have been feeling like God may be calling me to midwifery. This is kind of a hard thing for me, because I haven't actually been to a birth yet. But I'm following his voice the best I can, one step at a time. I graduated from high school a year ago, and felt that the LORD was leading me to take a year to seek him. I felt a peace about it, and prayed that he would lead me to somewhere I could really focus on seeking him. I had in my head that maybe I would help an elderly person, but still have lots of time to go walk in the woods to seek him. Well, that dream came true! Sort of. :) Last fall I felt led to go volunteer in Israel where I met a widow. She asked me if I would be willing to come and help nanny her boys. In Canada. Yeah. But I knew God was in it, so I went and had an incredible time of seeking God and growing. Growing in many ways; maturing into someone more dependable. Learning to work hard and wake up early. Learning to trust him. To seek him. To depend on him. Sometimes God has to get you out of your comfort zone to do that. Since then I've come back to my family in Ohio. Long story short, I'm signed up to attend a 3 month intensive midwifery class in Idaho taught by missionaries who serve in the Philippines. www.mercyinaction.com Check it out. Chase after him with all your heart. He loves you more than you know. Joanna Dear Readers,
This July marks our very first anniversary of writing this blog- “Everyday Set-Apart”. Everyday Set-Apart was started with the intention of encouraging young ladies in their walks with God. We understand that every girl is different and God has a unique purpose for her life. Because of our unique callings Yahweh has situated us in different geographical locations, placed us in very different families and given us all different visions for life. In celebration of this 1 year anniversary we have asked some of the young woman we know to guest post on our blog. We girls are honored to be sharing a series of guest post by several godly young women of Yah. This series is titled “Daughters of Yah”; we will post a new article once or twice a week and will continue until the end of July. All of these young women are 18 years and older, followers of Yahweh- the one true God. All of them come from different geographical locations, different families and they are all pursuing Yahweh’s special plan for their life. We have asked them to write about their lives and what makes them different. Even though they all believe in same God and are seeking to obediently follow Him, their lives are vastly different, yet strikingly the same. Through their articles we think you will be touched at the beauty and holiness that these young women exude. We hope you are encouraged and intrigued by the beauty of their lives as they seek to live everyday set-apart. Naomi, Bethany, Emily and Lids |
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