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Still Small Voice – WAR Day 13 / October 19th, 2023

Published by Meridel Rawlings

Dear faithful friends:

Jesus said, “I no longer call you servants because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. I have not called you servants, I have called your friends.”

John 15:15

I LOVE that, and am comforted many times during the day and night, knowing this personally. I highly recommend: “Why not invite Yeshua – Jesus to be your friend?”

In this time of war …

Stress and pain bring out the best and worst in us all. I read a good word about ‘not bringing the war into your home.’ That is our work. Fake news is rampant, and slick media people in Qatar with every technology at their fingertips, write for Hamas. Oh yes, perpetuated lies have started. Pray for the Spirit of discernment.

News Source and Consequences of Pain:

We stay in close touch with loved ones in Israel. We get news from the Source, which is Israel. One characteristic that Israelis seem to have in common is frankness and honesty. But, after hearing the news we find ourselves struggling with impatience. Then comes the argumentative and combative confrontation. Some of us slip over the edge. It is the work of ‘peacemakers’ to bring back a sense of peace. Humor helps enormously along with instant repentance and forgiveness. The atmosphere lightens up immediately. Thank goodness we have family with us right now. The teenagers keep us engaged and light, their antics put us in stitches of laughter. Our best times are often spent enjoying a meal around the kitchen table. We often break out into breathless hysterics because of the antics between three generations. It is such a gift to have our son Chris and his wonderful family to love and hold, share the pain and tears, and enjoy the beauty of Greece, at this most painful and stressful moment in our history.

I take a moment to thank each and every reader for your precious prayers: they are like ointment poured forth. Your positive response be it moral, financial, or verbal in prayer helps in the midst of a worldwide phenomenon called Jew hatred! 

From Heaven’s View:

Actually, all of heaven is a spectacular world! Look it up and read about it for yourselves. Can you visualize the Throne room of the Potentate of the Universe? Father God knows ALL of history. Our place is to fill those golden bowls on His altar with our prayers of sweet incense until they overflow. (The prayers of the saints?) Under His altar, is this hidden and protected place. Treasured here are the souls of those from generation after generation down through the annals of time who have died at the hands of despots because of who they were. Joining them are Jews who bear the mark of the LORD whose they are because of His Eternal Covenant with them. Their unified cry is: “How long oh LORD GOD!”

Many Christians are confused about God’s mercy, because of a doctrine that does not include the First Covenant, the Old Testament, which is Eternal. Christians are not the only kids on the block. Everything we love and cherish came from the Jew. Never forget it. “To the Jew first …” Paul declared. At this point in history, Israel cannot see Yeshua – Jesus. But never forget that Jews are under the Abrahamic Covenant, whether they believe it or not, it is also an Eternal Covenant relationship, created by the Father. Are you going to argue with Him? I didn’t think so. Pray and stop judging! Of course, there are innocent Palestinians and are they any less loved? NO! Pray and don’t judge. It will all come clear in time. Be careful.

”All who have raged against him will come to him and be put to shame.”

Isaiah 45:24b

The Grim Face of War: 

I find it most interesting that directly from Egypt, Moses was instructed to lead his people across the Sea, rather than go into the land of the Philistines just a 10 or 12-day march. Why? They had a poor slave mentality and were no match for what they would face. The Spirit of Murder was already deeply rooted among the local inhabitants in Philistia, even back, 4,000 years ago. Remember when Israel was leaving, Amalek came out to attack the women and children who were walking behind men. The Bible tells us very clearly that this spirit has never changed. Israelis, (Jewish slaves at that time) were instructed from the beginning, to carefully follow the guidelines, even when fighting for our lives and land. Even when the Canaanites chose war over peace, they were instructed to engage in warfare with compassion and mercy. Today, as well, Israel shows tremendous restraint when dealing with enemies, and regrets the loss of life. Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir said in 1973 at the Yom Kippur War, “It is more difficult for me to forgive Egypt for making us kill their soldiers than to forgive them for killing our soldiers.” 

Moses was instructed to go to war, God knew the hearts of this enemy. I don’t know if you understand how Midian used sex to try and destroy Israel. It was yet another foe just as deadly.

“Moses spoke to the people, saying, “Let men be picked out from among you for a campaign, and let them fall upon Midi-an to wreak the LORD’S vengeance on Midi-an.”  

Numbers 31:3

FACTS: Israel’s Army

Sent by an Israeli. “Every missile dropped from Israeli planes requires a chain of command. Israel is not a terrorist nation nor are we the Gazan version of ISIS. We do have a highly organized army. Every bullet, every missile, and every piece of equipment has to be accounted for. Meanwhile inside Gaza, over 500 of Hamas rockets launched have fallen inside of Gaza causing untold damage. The loss of life is horrific, our hearts go out to the ordinary people of Gaza. We have to defend ourselves, they leave us no choice. A recent Israeli video clip caught The IDF filmed a conversation between two members of Hamas at this site. The misfiring of a Palestinian Islamic Jihad rocket misfired and landed on a hospital with horrendous results; blaming Israel.

Did you know that 3 days ago, Hamas raided a UNWRA depot (UN facility in Palestinian hands) and confiscated fuel and medicines sent into Gaza by Israel? UNWRA tweeted the fact, sent a communique, and then retracted it because UNWRA hires 99.9% Palestinian workers, everyone except the Director. They are scared of their fate in the hands of Hamas and  ISIS too. Did you know that the funding provided by YOUR government doesn’t go to the people of Gaza? It is also commandeered by the ruling class, ISIS in Qatar for fighting troops.

Brainwashed Palestinian Kids:

https://twitter.com/TSchwarzbard/status/1713115314156716268

King Abdullah of Jordan has uninvited President Biden, who visits Israel today. It’s true the US has have spoken long and hard, with President Sisi of Egypt Sisi Both have made it very clear; they will not accept any refugees from Gaza, not even one. President Al-Sisi is, was and probably always will be a member of the Muslim Brotherhood. Jordan and Egypt cannot risk importing terrorists. History tells us that this minute dot of land is a crucible of hate. (Gaza)

“Our living room is the war room”:

A week before that fateful day for Israel, October 7th, Shabbat, the Lord told me to start praying for Israel.  I told my husband, I didn’t really know what to pray but I muddled through and started to listen to the Holy Spirit’s directions. Then things blew up. You sent the info, and I got educated fast. Thank you so much for your links. 

We got your Still Small Voice Blog and felt the wrenching cry of Israelis: We should have left when we had the chance.” We have been praying, especially in the light of feeling an opportunity was missed. God has a purpose for ever Israeli in the land. 

We are continuing to pray for Israel every morning in our living room.  We are calling it our war room.  A friend joined us yesterday.  Together we listen to the Holy Spirit and pray accordingly. Yes, I have the list: army protection, freedom for the hostages, good intel, swift retaliation to silence all attacks even FAKE media and finally, this will not escalate into World War III.  

The Lord gave my husband a vision of Jesus down on his knees among the rubble of Gaza weeping.  Then he was given the scripture before the battle of Jericho in Joshua 5:13-15. Josh asks the man with the drawn sword: “Are you for us or against us?”  The answer was. “Neither, I have not come to take sides but to TAKE CHARGE!”  I am the Commander of Yahweh’s armies.”  Josh knew this was no angel and he threw himself down and worshipped the Living God.  He was instructed to take his shoes off just like Moses did at the burning bush.  The Lord spoke to us that He grieves and intercedes for ALL souls involved. He has not forgotten those who are pawns under Hamas control. We pray confusion against the commanders of darkness and release angel armies to take charge and direct the army of Israel and go with them just like they went with Joshua’s army to Jericho.  We shared with our Church what the Lord had shown us. We all prayed. Unfortunately, you are correct. “Most Christians don’t know how to pray for Israel,  because they are just uneducated concerning the history of Israel and the hateful neighborhood”. Now we understand that thIs is precisely where we can help and give understanding of how to pray and battle for souls over this region of the world.

NOTE: If you would like to be in touch with this couple, contact me at my email, see below and I will send it to them.

A most unlikely hero: 

“Yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever. Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your Name we give glory. But who am I and who are my people that we should be able to offer this? For all things are from You and from Your hand we give to You.”

Love, from Meridel Rawlings

UPDATE about GoFundMe: through SMV, we have received $2,500.

We will see that these funds are delivered personally to broken families in Israel.

David our eldest in Jerusalem will catch some of it on his video blogs. Stay tuned.

Tell Others – SHARE this with your local nightly TV newscaster!

www.stillsmallvoice.tv

www.israelvision.com 

Gmail: meridel.rawlings@gmail.com 

Still Small Voice – Der Krieg, Tag 10 / 16. Oktober 2023

Published by Meridel Rawlings
Der erste Beitrag meines Sohnes David aus Jerusalem, der zeigt, wie am ersten Tag des Angriffs Raketen direkt über sein Haus flogen

Liebe Freunde, welche Israel lieben und beten,

5084/2023, so wurden wir gewarnt, würde ein Jahr des Schocks und des Staunens sein. Dies ist die israelische Realität, seit dem letzten Schabbat, am 7. Oktober, als Israel angegriffen und der Süden ab 6:30 Uhr morgens überrannt wurde. Es wurde bestätigt, dass 1.300 Israelis abgeschlachtet wurden. Die Hamas versucht nun, sich von den Gräueltaten zu distanzieren, welche von Soldaten im Süden entdeckt wurden. Dieses Gemetzel erinnert an den Holocaust.

“Niemand hat eine größere Liebe, als wenn er sein Leben für seine Freunde hingibt.”  

Johannes 15:13

“Dies sind die schrecklichen Tage der Verdorbenheit der Hamas gegenüber der israelischen Zivilibevölkerung, auf unvorstellbare Weise .”

Anthony Blinken, Außenminister der USA

Für jeden Israeli ist dies eine Zeit des emotionalen Schleudertraumas. In der einen Minute beten wir und flehen zum Himmel, in der nächsten weinen wir ängstlich und fühlen uns allein. Wir bemühen uns um Ruhe und fallen dann in einen erschöpften Schlaf. Ja, wir fahren fort, durch unsere Tränen hindurchzubeten, nicht über die Tragödien zu sprechen und unsere Familie und Freunde vor Ort in Israel zu ermutigen. Wir alle arbeiten daran, unsere Wut und Empörung zu zügeln. Wir Israelis machen Überstunden, um anderen auf jede erdenkliche Weise zu helfen und beizustehen. David, unser Ältester, sagte: “Es ist schwieriger, in dieser Zeit nicht in Israel zu sein.” Ich muss ihm zustimmen, denn Israel ist eine große Familie und ich bin eine israelische Mutter und Großmutter.

Natürlich habt Ihr von den Gräueltaten gehört, welche am 7. Oktober, einem Schabbat, in Südisrael begangen wurden? Ältere Menschen bis hinunter zu Säuglingen wurden erschossen oder ermordet, viele in ihren Betten. 1.300 Seelen – das Schlimmste seit dem Holocaust. Der anhaltende Angriff der Hamas ist weiterhin in ganz Israel zu spüren. Die Raketen der Hamas schlagen weiterhin im Norden, im Zentrum und im Süden Israels sowie in Jerusalem ein. Mit der israelischen Bombenkampagne im Gazastreifen und einer Bodenoffensive beten wir natürlich für die unschuldigen Palästinenser.

Ich schreibe jetzt als Mutter. Gestern Abend hat uns alle diese Not unserer Kinder und Enkelkinder in Jerusalem erschüttert. Es ist ein Kampf ums Überleben. Ich habe meine Kinder klagen hören wie nie zuvor. Einige haben sich am Telefon dazu wie folgt geäußert:

  • Wir tun alles, was wir können, um in irgendeiner Weise zu helfen.
  • Die Zivilisten im Gazastreifen werden von der Hamas als menschliche Schutzschilder und Kanonenfutter benutzt, mehr nicht! Israel fordert sie auf in den Süden zu fliehen. Die USA fordern Ägypten auf, die Grenze zwischen Ägypten und Gaza zu öffnen. Die Hamas hat sie versiegelt.
  • Ich habe das Gefühl, dass ich den Zug verpasst habe, weil ich unser Haus nicht verkauft habe, als wir die Chance dazu hatten. Wir könnten ein neues Leben führen … aber jetzt sind wir gefangen. Wir können nicht einmal das Land verlassen!”
  • “Ich weiß nicht, ob ich die Tür zu unserem Haus verriegeln soll, damit keine Terroristen eindringen können … aber wir rennen immer noch in den Luftschutzkeller!”
  • Heute sind mein Bruder und seine Familie in Tel Aviv 5-mal zum Bunker gelaufen.
  • “Ich habe jetzt Angst, in unseren Straßen zu gehen …”
  • “Versprich mir, dass du uns rausbringst, wenn es dazu kommt…” Als Mutter habe ich das natürlich versprochen!

Fakten vor Ort:

  • Zwischen 130 und 150 Geiseln wurden nach Gaza verschleppt. Unter ihnen viele Internationale, ältere Menschen, schwangere Frauen, Teenager und Babys. Kinder wurden durch die Straßen von Gaza getrieben, nur um gebissen zu werden. Ein kleiner Junge wird von einem anderen Kind aus dem Gazastreifen ausgepeitscht. All das, um die Herzen der Israelis durch die Hamas zu brechen.
  • Jede Familie ist betroffen. Im Wohnhaus meines Sohnes sitzt ein Herr und trauert um seinen getöteten Sohn. Auf der anderen Straßenseite hat der Gemüsehändler seinen Sohn verloren. Unser israelischer Enkel, 23 Jahre, hat vier vermisste Freunde, welche entweder tot sind oder als Geiseln genommen wurden.
  • Aber sie sitzen nicht herum und jammern, sie helfen alle auf irgendeine Weise und die israelische Bevölkerung vor Ort spendet Geld, um die Leidenden zu unterstützen.
  • Ich habe heute Abend mit einer älteren israelischen Familie gesprochen, beide Ehemänner ehemalige IDF-Offiziere aus den 60er Jahren. Beide fühlen sich zum ersten Mal in Israel “verängstigt”.
  • Den Israelis wurde befohlen, zu jeder Zeit Schusswaffen zu tragen. Die Tage sind lebensgefährlich. Niemandem kann man trauen. Von allen Moscheen in ganz Israel haben die I-Männer alle Muslime angewiesen, ihre örtlichen Juden anzugreifen.
  • Hamas-Raketen schlagen jetzt auch in Jerusalem ein und trafen eine Moschee in dem Stadtteil, welcher nur vier Minuten die Straße weiter hinunter liegt, wo wir wohnten.
  • Irene, meine Freundin aus Galiläa, rief an und berichtete von den Raketen der Hisbollah, welche Israel von der libanesischen Grenze aus beschossen wurden. Sechs Israelis sind getötet worden. Sie lebt in einem Holzhaus und hat keinen Bunker, nur eine Holztreppe, zu der sie laufen kann.

Wir, die Rawlings, welche außerhalb von Israel wohnen, helfen, wo wir nur können. Unser zweiter Sohn Chris hat die Israel Vision Website wieder eingerichtet. Er hat ein Go-Fund-Me-Konto (Hilfs-Konto) eingerichtet, um zerstörte israelische Familien zu unterstützen. David ist vor Ort in Jerusalem und dreht Videoclips in Jerusalem. Hier ist der erste:

Noam Rawlings, unser ältester Enkel, postet meinen Brief “Still Small Voice”. Ich habe bereits $330 erhalten. Bis heute für israelische Familien. Danke.

Weitere Aktualisierungen finden Sie unter: YouTube: israelvision.com, oder www.stillsmallvoice.tv

Bleibt auf dem Laufenden und informiert Euch in Euren lokalen Medien. Hütet Euch vor gefälschten Nachrichten. Ich habe einige Prophezeiungen gehört, die einfach lächerlich sind. Seid sehr kritisch. Es tut mir leid, sagen zu müssen, dass Christen meistens nicht informiert sind.

  • Wählt Eure Nachrichtenquellen mit Bedacht: Die israelischen Kanäle 11, 12, i 24 news und Y-net direkt aus Jerusalem sind gut.
  • Der Aufruf, Israel zu verteidigen, lag bei erstaunlichen 150 %.
  • Der Krieg entwickelt sich schnell zu einem weitreichenden internationalen Konflikt mit dem Iran, USA und Russland. Israel wird jeden Tag mehr gefährdet. Betet für das Überleben.

Hier ist eine Mediation, die Ihr im Gebet im Namen Israels lesen könnt.

“Sei nicht fern von mir, denn das Unglück ist nahe. Wirst Du mich für immer vergessen?

Wie lange willst Du Dein Gesicht vor mir verbergen?

Wie lange soll ich noch meiner Seele raten und Kummer haben

in meinem Herzen den ganzen Tag lang?

Verbirg dein Antlitz nicht vor mir, wende deinen Knecht nicht im Zorn ab.

Du bist mir eine Hilfe gewesen. Lass mich nicht im Stich.

Der Herr ist nahe allen, die ihn in Wahrheit anrufen.

Wende deinen Knecht nicht im Zorn ab.

Du bist meine Hilfe gewesen, verlass mich nicht und lass mich nicht im Stich, o Gott meines Heils.”

“Er wird zu mir rufen, und ich werde ihm antworten. Ich werde euch nicht als Waisen zurücklassen, sondern ich werde zu euch kommen. Ich bin bei euch alle Tage bis zur Vollendung des Zeitalters.”

“Meine Seele wartet in der Stille auf Gott allein, denn meine Hoffnung ist von ihm.” 

Wir bitten Euch, täglich für die Israelis zu beten.

Schalom, schalom, Meridel Rawlings

Gmail: meridel.rawlings@gmail.com

Teilt meine Website mit Euren Gebetsgruppen und Freunden.

David, unser ältester Sohn und seine Familie, leben im Herzen von Jerusalem, und beiliegend sind einige seiner kurzen Video-Reportagen:

Making food for the War against Hamas

Still Small Voice – War, Day 10 / October 16th 2023

Published by Meridel Rawlings
My son David’s first post from Jerusalem, which shows missiles coming right over his house on the first day of the attack

Dear Friends who love Israel and pray:

5084, we were cautioned, would be a year of shock and amazement. This is an Israeli reality as of last Shabbat Oct 7th, when Israel was attacked and the south was overrun from 6:30 a.m. onwards. 1,300 Israelis were confirmed slaughtered. Hamas is trying now to distance itself from atrocities being discovered by soldiers in the south. This slaughter hearkens back to the Holocaust.

“Greater love has no man, than he lay down his life for his friends.”

John 15:13

“These are the days of depravity by Hamas against Israeli civilians in the most unimaginable way.”

Anthony Blinken USA Secretary of State, USA

For any Israeli, it is a time of emotional whiplash. One minute we are praying and beseeching heaven, the next we are crying anxiously, feeling alone. We struggle to rest, then fall into an exhausted sleep. Yes, we continue praising through our tears, not speaking of the tragedies, and working to encourage family and friends on the ground in Israel. We all work to harness our anger and outrage. We Israelis are working overtime to help out and succor others in any way possible. David, our eldest said, “It’s harder to be out of Israel at this time.” I have to agree because Israel is one big family and I am an Israeli mother and grandmother.

Of course, you have heard of the atrocities committed in South Israel on Oct 7th, a Shabbat.  Elderly down to babies were shot or murdered, many in their beds. 1,300 souls – the worst since the Holocaust. The ongoing Hamas onslaught continues to be felt all across Israel. Hamas missiles continue to land across Israel’s North, Central, South and Jerusalem. With the Israeli bombing campaign in Gaza, and a ground offensive, we pray for innocent Palestinians of course. 

I write now as a mother. Last night, the distress of our children and grandchildren in Jerusalem shook us all. It is a fight for survival. I heard my children lament as never before. A few comment over the phone:

  • We are doing all we can to help out in any way.
  • Gazan civilians are used by Hamas, as human shields, cannon fodder, nothing more! Israel is telling them to flee south. The USA is asking Egypt to open the Egyptian-Gaza border. Hamas has sealed it.
  • “I feel like I missed the boat, not selling our house when we had a chance. We could be living a new life … but now we are caught. We can’t even get out of the country!”
  • “I don’t know whether to keep the door to our building locked, so that no terrorists can enter … but we are still running to the bomb shelter!”
  • “Today in Tel Aviv, my brother and his family ran to the shelter 5 times.”
  • “I am now afraid to walk in our streets …”
  • “Promise,  that you will take us out, if it comes to that …” As a mother, of course I promised!

Facts on the Ground:

  • Between 130 – 150 hostages were dragged into Gaza. Among them many Internationals, elderly, pregnant women, teens and babies… Children have been driven through the streets of Gaza, only to be bitten. A little boy is being whipped by another Gazan child. All mean to break the hearts of Israelis by Hamas.
  • Every family is affected. In my son’s apartment building, one gentleman is sitting Sheva for a son killed. Across the street, the green grocer lost his son. Our Israeli grandson 23 years, has four missing friends, either dead or taken hostage. But they don’t sit around and moan, they are all helping out in some way and funds are coming in from local Israeli people to support the suffering.
  • I spoke with senior Israeli family tonight, both former IDF officers in the 60’s. They both feel ‘scared’ for the first time ever in Israel. 
  • Israelis have been ordered to carry fire arms at ALL times. The days are perilous. No one can be trusted. From mosques all over Israel, the I-mans have instructed all Muslims to attack their local Jews.
  • Hamas missiles are now hitting Jerusalem and hit a mosque in the village just 4 minutes down the road from where we lived. 
  • Irene, my friend in Galilee called with an update on Hizbullah missiles shot into Israel from the Lebanese border. Six Israelis have been killed.. She lives in a wooden house and has no bomb shelter, only a wooden stair case to run to. 

How we Rawlings outside of Israel help in a way we are able. Our 2nd son Chris has resurrected the Israel Vision Website. He has established a GoFundMe -account to assist broken Israeli families. David is on the ground in Jerusalem making video clips in Jerusalem. Here’s the first:  

So far, I have $330 collected for Israeli families. Thank you.

To see further updates go to: israelvision.com. or www.stillsmallvoice.tv or one of the websites’ YouTube channels.

Stay Informed and Inform your local media. Beware of fake news. I have heard some prophecies that are just ridiculous. Be very discerning. Sorry to say, Christians are mostly uninformed.  

  • Choose your news sources wisely: Israeli Channels 11, 12, i24 News, and Y-net directly from Jerusalem are good.
  • The call-up to defend Israel was an astounding 150%.
  • The war is quickly moving into far-reaching international proportions with Iran, USA, and Russia. Israel is becoming more compromised every day. PRAY for survival.

Here is a meditation that you can read in prayer on behalf of Israel:

“Be not far from me, for trouble is near. Will You forget me forever?  How long will You hide Your face from me?  How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart all day long?  Do not hide Your face from me, do not turn Your servant away in anger.  You have been my help. Do not abandon me. The Lord is near all who call upon Him in truth. Do not turn your servant away in anger. You have been my help, do not abandon me or forsake me, O God on my salvation.”

“He will call upon Me and I will answer him. I will not leave you orphans, I will come to you. I am with you always even unto the end of the age.” 

“My soul waits in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him.”

Beseeching you to pray for Israelis daily. 

Shalom, Shalom,  Meridel Rawlings

Gmail: meridel.rawlings@gmail.com

Share my website with your prayer groups and friends.

David, our eldest son and his family live in the heart of Jerusalem, and enclosed are some short reports:

Making food for the War against Hamas

Please support the families of kidnapped Israelis

Published by Meridel Rawlings

Dear friends,

I announce with a heavy heart that our family friend’s son has been kidnapped into Gaza by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas. His safety and whereabouts are unknown. The family is going through absolute anguish and terror at this moment. I have created a GoFundMe called: “Please help the families of kidnapped Israelis” to help these Israeli families going through this horror. We will support each family that has a loved one missing or kidnapped.  I have volunteers in Israel who will contact each family.

Thank you for your prayers and support!!

Here is the link to the GoFundMe page: “Please help the families of kidnapped Israelis”

Meridel

Still Small Voice -WAR ALERT / Oct. 7th 2023  

Published by Meridel Rawlings

Dear Friends who care for and pray for Israel:


Today is not only the Sabbath when Jews are at home, it is also the 8th day, and last day of the Feast of Tabernacles.


In Leviticus 23:36 God commanded Israel (in the days of the Temple] to bring an offering by fire on this the last day of the Feast.

Today Psalm 6, is sung in synagogues, but, how does it fit with the Feast? This my friends is a mystery. Our God is all knowing. In Psalm 6, you will read the word “fire” several times. It has been a day of bombing, burning, firing shots, a day of war.

“Blow a shofar-trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm from my holy mountain. Let all who live in the land tremble, for the Day of The LORD is coming. It is close at hand – a day of darkness And gloom, a day of clouds and blackness.”

Joel 2:1-25


Fifty years ago today the Yom Kippur War erupted. This was a carefully planned war against Israel. Yet again today, on the last and 8th day of the Feast Saturday/Sabbath October 7th 2023, terrorists infiltrated at 6:15 a.m. from Gaza, landing via sea in Ashkelon. Others smashed through security barriers in white pick up trucks filled with killers shooting in every direction. Still others came over the border using para-gliders and explosive balloons. Meanwhile thousands of rockets were launched all over Southern Israel, exploding as far away as the hills of Jerusalem. They crashed into Israeli towns, villages and kibbutzim, setting many ablaze.

Our son David and his wife Adi and children Amitai and Liyah, living in the heart of Jerusalem give us updates. They were in their apartment bomb- shelter 4 times between 6:30 and 9:40 a.m. At one point, David climbed up to the roof of the building and took a phone video of one of the incoming rockets. Black plumes of smoke dotted the horizon. Israel’s Iron Dome was is in action to take out as many incoming rockets as possible, but sadly, not all of them. David reports: ”A Muslim call went out to all mosques across Israel ordering their people to: “Take up arms and attack everywhere from house to house. Israeli soldiers and civilians have been taken hostage to Gaza. The bodies of soldiers are among them. As many as 100 citizens, of all ages, tonight are hostages inside of Gaza. Seventeen Nepalese health workers are among them. Israel has amassed, 200,000 troops on the Gaza/Israel border. Many think, hundreds of Israelis are dead even though the Israeli authorities have not released the full numbers. Hundreds are wounded.”

Amitai, our grandson, called to say he spent the night at a friend’s home and his mother drove to get him in the morning. “Grandma, it was so dark and dreary, really tense and ominous in Jerusalem’s streets.”

Shelly, our son Daniel’s wife here in Greece is in constant touch with her family in Jerusalem. She reports: “Terrorists drove up to our Jerusalem neighborhood, and spread out from house to house. All doors were kept locked. In the south entire villages and kibbutzim have been taken by terrorists. The town of Stderot was overrun, and the police station taken over. Killers search house to house, killing old and young alike. To those families who are hiding down in their bomb shelters, Hamas has set their homes on fire seeking to burn them alive.”

“There has been a terrible breach in security from the Prime Minister down to each and every security service. This terrible event is being called a second Yom Kippur War. We need you to make sure that your journalists get the whole truth, that they see the gory, inhuman clips on social media to understand who our enemy is. Write to whoever you can, politicians and journalists alike. Ensure honest reporting.” Sheila Raviv

On Sukkot, The Feast of Tabernacles, we leave our homes to sit outside in a frail little house or succah with only the branches of trees for our roof. This way, one can gaze up at the stars at night and remember WHOSE world we are invited to share. By sitting with loved ones and friends in such humble settings, we learn that our possessions, our homes and even our security, are not lasting. The only One we can ultimately rely upon is our Father in Heaven.


Today is Simchat Torah – The Joy of Torah, but, there will be no celebrations this night and
no dancing with the Torah Scrolls. We have nothing to celebrate. We feel that we
have become “an offering made by fire.” We are in deep mourning for those whom we’ve lost, for the hundreds in hospital, many in critical condition, and for those who saw horrors that no-one should see. Thank you for your prayers for Israel and her many diverse peoples. Please be careful who you donate to at this time, as many scammers are on the move.

Thank you for your prayers for our people. Do not forget the hostages in Gaza, those still under siege, and the wounded and dying. Please share our letter with your church or prayer group. Today, every soul in Israel became a soldier, including our former Prime Minister Naftali Bennet who is literally out on the front lines.

From the desk of Jay and Meridel Rawlings

Still Small Voice – 6. Oktober, 2023

Published by Meridel Rawlings

Liebe Freunde:

Shalom shalom… vollkommener Friede!

Das Laubhüttenfest ist da, mit dem vollen Erntemond, und ja, FREUDE! Unsere Familie freut sich mit unseren Söhnen in Jerusalem, Finnland und Griechenland. Die Enkelkinder sind in Jerusalem, Amsterdam, London, Paris, Dänemark und Helsinki! Es ist die Zeit des Erntedankfestes, welches auch viele Kanadier mit einem Truthahn-Essen feiern. Wir sind gesegnet, in Jerusalem dabei gewesen zu sein, als Merv und Merla Watson die christliche Feier des Laubhüttenfestes zusammen mit der Eröffnung der Internationalen Christlichen Botschaft Jerusalem einführten. Wir feierten auf dem Gelände der anglikanischen Schule, damals im Jahr 1980. Heute lobt die internationale israelische Presse, dass auch in diesem Jahr wieder Tausende von christlichen Pilgern nach Jerusalem gekommen sind. Es war die
göttliche Zeit von Vater Gott, auf prophetische und tiefgründige Weise zu wirken. Wie gut, dass wir ein Teil davon waren. Jay und ich waren für die Medien verantwortlich. Da wir Israelis sind, haben wir immer daran gearbeitet, unsere eigene Sukka (Laubhütte) im Garten zu errichten. Wir luden Freunde und Nachbarn ein, um gemeinsam zu feiern. Hier in Griechenland kennt man das Fest nicht, aber wir feiern es trotzdem. Josh hat dieses Jahr die Palm- und Olivenzweige für unsere bescheidene Sukka geschnitten!

Aber wir dürfen nicht vergessen, dass sich das Leben in einem Augenblick ändern kann! Bei mir war das am 28. August dieses Jahres der Fall, als mein Herz einfach aufgab. Zu dieser Zeit besuchten Jay und ich unseren Freund in Galiläa. Später sagte Jay: “Ich weigerte mich, die nackte Realität vor mir zu akzeptieren und packte sozusagen deine Füße, um dich davon abzuhalten, nach oben zu gehen. «Jeschua”, rief ich, “KOMM!”.

Irene war ebenfalls sofort in Alarmbereitschaft und rief “Jesus” und betete! Sie übergaben die unmögliche Situation, in der sie sich befanden, der absoluten Barmherzigkeit unseres HERRN und Erlösers Jesus! Sie ließen im Gebet nicht locker… bis ich wieder normal atmete, ein Beweis dafür, dass mein Leben zurückgekehrt war.

Wenn ich zurückblicke, bin ich ziemlich sprachlos, denn ich habe mein neues Leben nicht verdient. Ihr könnt Euch die Dankbarkeit vorstellen, welche immer wieder in mir aufsteigt. Zu dieser Zeit waren Jay, Josh und ich von April bis August in Jerusalem beschäftigt. Es war vielleicht die stressigste Zeit in unserem Leben. Wir waren auch traurig und verärgert über die fragwürdigen politischen und religiösen
Veränderungen, welche sich in Israel vollzogen. Unser Haus wurde verkauft, Jerusalem Vistas geschlossen.

Ich danke dem HERRN für Jay, meinen Ehemann seit 55 Jahren, (wir waren zwei Jahre lang verlobt, während ich in Indien war und er in Toronto studierte. Irene und ich waren zusammen Krankenpflegeschüler, welche wir vor etwa 63 Jahren in der nordkanadischen Stadt Edmonton besuchten. Auch sie wurde nach Israel berufen). Unser offizieller Ruhestand begann im August dieses Jahres, als wir mit einem Aufenthaltsvisum nach Griechenland zurückkehrten. Nach meiner Rückkehr ging ich zu einem Kardiologen hier. Als er meine EKGs sah, meldete er mich sofort im Metropolitan Hospital in Athen an, damit ich einen Herzschrittmacher erhalten konnte. Alles in allem war es eine Tortur, schmerzhaft und kompliziert. Fragt mich nicht, warum? Jay und Josh haben sich so liebevoll um mich gekümmert. Auch unsere Kinder waren eine große Ermutigung.

Ich danke Euch von ganzem Herzen für Eure liebevollen Rückmeldungen und Gebete, ermutigenden Nachrichten über What’s App, E-Mails, Telefonanrufe und Spenden zur Deckung der Kosten. Wir haben jetzt unsere griechische Krankenversicherung erhalten. Es hat mich sehr gefreut, von jedem einzelnen von Euch zu hören. Ich warte darauf, persönliche Nachrichten zu beantworten, sobald ich mehr Kraft habe.

Der Weg der Gerechtigkeit ist Leben, und auf seinem Pfad gibt es keinen Tod [sondern Unsterblichkeit, ewiges Leben].

Johannes 3:16, 4:36, 8:51,11:26, 1 Kor.15:54, Gal 6:8.

Jeden Segen von unserem Haus zu Eurem.
Jay und Meridel Rawlings.
E-Mail: meridel.rawlings@gmail.com
Meridel Rawlings, P O Box 47554, Ermioni, 210 51, Griechenland.

Still Small Voice – October 5th 2023

Published by Meridel Rawlings

Dear Friends:

Shalom, shalom… perfect peace!

The Feast of Tabernacles is here, with the full harvest moon, and yes, JOY! Our family are rejoicing with our sons in Jerusalem, Finland and Greece. The grandchildren are in Jerusalem, Amsterdam, London, Paris, Denmark, and Helsinki! It is the season of Thanksgiving, as so many Canadians also celebrate with turkey dinners. We are blessed to have been ‘there’ in Jerusalem, when Merv and Merla Watson inaugurated the Christian Celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles in concert with the opening of The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem. We celebrated on the grounds of the Anglican School, back then in 1980. Today the Israeli international press are praising the coming up to Jerusalem of thousands of Christian pilgrims again this year. It was Father God’s divine time to move in the prophetic in profound ways. How good it was to have been a part of it all. Jay and I were in charge of media.  Being Israelis, we always worked to put up our own succah in the garden. We invited friends and neighbors in to fellowship. Here in Greece, the Feast is unheard of; but we celebrate anyway. Josh cut the palm and olive branches for our humble succah this year!

But, let us remember that life can change in a moment! It did for me on August 28th this year, when, my heart simply gave out. At the time, Jay and I were visiting, our friend in Galilee. Later, Jay said, “I refused to accept the stark reality in front of me and grabbed your feet (so to speak) to keep you from going up. Yeshua,” I shouted, “COME!”

Irene also instantly on the alert cried out “Jesus” and prayed!

They gave the impossible situation before them into the absolute mercy of our LORD and Saviour Jesus! They would not let go in prayer …  until I was breathing normally again, evidence that my life had returned.

Looking back, I am quite dumbfounded, and did nothing to deserve my new life. You can imagine the gratefulness that continually wells up within me. At the time, Jay, Josh and I were busy in Jerusalem from April to August. It was perhaps the most stressful time in our lives. We were also saddened and exasperated by the dubious political and religious changes sweeping over Israel. Our home sold, Jerusalem Vistas closed.

I thank the LORD for Jay, my husband of 55 years, (we were engaged for two years, while I was in India, and he in grad school in Toronto. Irene and I were nursing students together, which began some 63 years ago in the northern Canadian city of Edmonton. She also was called to Israel.

Our official retirement began this August, when we returned to Greece with residency visas. Upon return, I saw a cardiologist here. Seeing my ECGs, immediately he booked me into the Metropolitan Hospital in Athens to receive a pacemaker. All in all it was an ordeal, painful and complicated. Don’t ask me why. Jay and Josh nursed me so lovingly. Our children were a huge encouragement as well.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your loving responses of prayer, encouraging messages via WhatsApp app, email, phone calls and gifts to help defray costs. We now have our Greek medical insurance.

It was joyful hearing from each one of you. I wait to answer any personal messages when I have more strength.

The way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death [but immortality, eternal life.]

John 3:16, 4:36, 8:51,11:26, 1 Cor15:54, Gal 6:8.

Every blessing from our home to yours.

Jay and Meridel Rawlings.

Email: meridel.rawlings@gmail.com

Meridel Rawlings, P O Box 47554, Ermioni, 210  51, Greece.

Dr. Jay Rawlings – 4. September 2023

Published by Meridel Rawlings

Schalom liebe Freunde

Da Ihr nun schon seit über einem Monat nichts mehr von Meridel und ihrem Blog Still Small Voice gehört habt, hielt ich es für angebracht, Euch den Grund dafür mitzuteilen und um Gebet für sie zu bitten.

Am 28. Juli erlitt Meridel einen plötzlichen Herzstillstand – Herzinfarkt.

SIE WAR GERADE DABEI, IHREN NEWSLETTER “STILL SMALL VOICE” ZU VERFASSEN

ALS SIE RIEF: “JAY ICH BRAUCHE DEINE HILFE, WEIL ICH NICHTS MEHR SEHEN KANN”!

ICH EILTE ZU IHR HINÜBER UND SAH, DASS SIE DAS BEWUSSTSEIN VERLOR. ALS ICH IHREN PULS FÜHLTE, KONNTE ICH KEINEN FINDEN. DANN TASTETE ICH NACH IHRER HALSSCHLAGADER UNTER DEM KINN. NICHTS!

Ihr Kopf fiel nach vorne, ihr Gesicht war kreidebleich und ihre haselnussbraunen Augen wurden blau. Wir riefen Jeschua im Gebet an, um den Geist des Todes zu vertreiben, und baten den Herrn Jesus, sie wieder zum Leben zu erwecken. Nach einigen Minuten begann sie langsam und schwer zu atmen, als würde sie schnarchen, und öffnete allmählich ihre Augen. Sie konnte nicht sprechen, aber sie blinzelte und wir alle beteten im Heiligen Geist, einschließlich Meridel, BIS IHR LEBEN ZU IHR ZURÜCKKAM.

DANN ERBRACH SIE UND SCHLIEF, NACHDEM SIE SICH INS BETT GELEGT HATTE, ETWA 15 STUNDEN LANG.

AM NÄCHSTEN TAG BRACHTEN WIR SIE IN DIE ÖRTLICHE GESUNDHEITSKLINIK. DORT UNTERZOG DIE ÄRZTIN SIE EINER EKG-UNTERSUCHUNG UND MEINTE, SIE HABE WAHRSCHEINLICH EINE BLASENENTZÜNDUNG. DAS KAM UNS SELTSAM VOR, UND ES STELLTE SICH HERAUS, DASS DAS NICHT DER FALL WAR. DER ÄRZTIN SAGTE: “IHRE VORGESCHICHTE INTERESSIERT MICH NICHT”.

EINIGE TAGE SPÄTER GINGEN WIR WIEDER HIN UND DERSELBE ÄRZTIN MACHTE EIN WEITERES EKG. SIE STELLTE FEST, DASS MERIDEL KEINE BLASENENTZÜNDUNG HATTE.

AM NÄCHSTEN TAG FLOGEN WIR JEDOCH NACH GRIECHENLAND UND ICH BRACHTE SIE SOFORT ZU MEINEM KARDIOLOGEN, DER SOFORT FESTSTELLTE, DASS SIE EINEN SCHRITTMACHER BRAUCHT.

SO HABEN WIR AM DIENSTAG, DEM 5. SEPTEMBER, EINEN TERMIN FÜR DIE IMPLANTATION EINES SCHRITTMACHERS DURCH EINEN TOP-KARDIOLOGEN CHIRURG IN EINEM SPITAL IN ATHEN (durch eine Komödie von Irrtümern haben wir zur Zeit keine Krankenversicherung, da die Gesellschaft uns heute mitteilte, dass sie Meridel nicht versichern werden, weil sie über 70 Jahre alt ist).

SIE IST SEHR SCHWACH UND SCHWINDLIG UND IHR IST OFT SOGAR NACH DEM TRINKEN VON WASSER ÜBEL.

WIR VERTRAUEN AUF DEN HERRN, DASS DER HERZSCHRITTMACHER DIE BEUNRUHIGENDEN SYMPTOME BESEITIGEN UND EINEN RÜCKFALL VERHINDERN WIRD.

WENN ES IHR WIEDER BESSER GEHT, HOFFT SIE, DEN BRIEF MIT DER STILLEN KLEINEN STIMME WIEDER AUFNEHMEN ZU KÖNNEN.

DANKE FÜR EURE GEBETE,

AUFRICHTIG IN YESHUA.

JAY

Still Small Voice – Update

Published by Meridel Rawlings

Shalom dear friends,

Since you have not heard from Meridel and her Still Small Voice blog for over a month now I felt it would be appropriate to let you know why and to ask for prayer for her.


On the 28th of July Meridel suffered a sudden heart stoppage – heart attack.


SHE WAS COMPOSING HER STILL SMALL VOICE NEWSLETTER WHEN SHE CRIED OUT, “JAY I NEED YOUR HELP BECAUSE I CAN’T SEE”!

I RUSHED OVER TO WHERE SHE WAS SITTING AND SAW THAT SHE WAS LOSING CONSCIOUSNESS. TAKING HER PULSE I COULD NOT FIND ONE. I THEN FELT FOR HER CAROTID ARTERY UNDER THE SIDE OF HER CHIN. NOTHING!


Her head fell forward her face was chalk white and her hazel eyes turned blue. We called out to Yeshua in prayer to rebuke the spirit of death and called on the Lord Jesus to bring her back to life. After some minutes she started to breathe slowly and heavily like snoring and gradually opened her eyes. She couldn’t speak but blinked and we all prayed in the Holy Spirit including Meridel UNTIL HER LIFE CAME BACK TO HER.


SHE THEN VOMITED AND ONCE SETTLED IN BED SHE SLEPT FOR ABOUT 15 HOURS.


THE NEXT DAY WE TOOK HER TO THE LOCAL HEALTH CLINIC. THERE THE DR GAVE HER AN ECG EXAM SAYING SHE LIKELY HAD A BLADDER INFECTION.  THIS SEEMED STRANGE TO US AND TURNED OUT NOT TO BE THE CASE.  THE DR  SAID ” I’M NOT INTERESTED IN YOUR  HISTORY”.


SEVERAL DAYS LATER WE WENT BACK AND THE SAME DR DID A FOLLOW-UP ECG. SHE PICKED UP THAT MERIDEL DID NOT HAVE A BLADDER INFECTION.


HOWEVER, WE LEFT FOR GREECE THE NEXT DAY AND I TOOK HER STRAIGHT AWAY TO MY CARDIOLOGIST AND HE IMMEDIATELY DETERMINED THAT SHE NEEDED A PACEMAKER.
SO ON THIS TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5TH, WE HAVE AN APPOINTMENT FOR HER TO HAVE ONE IMPLANTED BY A TOP CARDIAC SURGEON AT A HOSPITAL IN ATHENS.

(Through a comedy of errors we have no health insurance at this time as the company told us today they won’t insure Meridel because she is over 70. )


SHE IS VERY WEAK DIZZY AND OFTEN NAUSEOUS EVEN AFTER DRINKING WATER.


WE TRUST THE LORD THAT THE PACEMAKER WILL BEGIN TO RESOLVE THE WORRYING SYMPTOMS AND PREVENT A RELAPSE.


WHEN SHE IS WELL ENOUGH SHE HOPES TO RESUME THE STILL SMALL VOICE LETTER

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS,

SINCERELY  IN YESHUA.
JAY 

Still Small Voice – Av 10th 5783, July 28th 2023

Published by Meridel Rawlings

PHOTO; “Celebration!” Adi Rawlings, in Copenhagen. Photo: David Rawlings

Dear Friends:

“And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the day of your visitation.”

Luke 19:41-44

In this verse, Yeshua-Jesus sounded the death knell over the Temple and city 

He loved and would give His life for. No wonder he wept. The rejection then is just as it is here today! What is it going to take to steer this nation toward Redemption? More religious rulings are NOT the answer. Your prayers are needed more than ever before. “How long O LORD, how long?”  

The nail-biting vote removing the word “reasonableness” from a phrase in the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of Israel has been struck down. That was on Monday of this week. Painful and hurtful demonstrations nationwide, upsets in every household and foolish vows are made in frustration and anger.

Wednesday evening began the historic day of the remembrance of the destruction of both of Israel’s Temples. Solomon’s in 586 BC and Herod’s in 70 AD which was prophesied by Yeshua-Jesus. Again, shops closed and traffic is minimal as many fast, mourn and pray. All is in slow-motion it seems. Channel 11 on Israeli TV showed a poignant hand-illustrated docudrama on the destruction of the last temple just one generation following the death of Yeshua.

With stunning clarity, I could see similar scenarios depicted across the ages from antiquity, being played out in our neighborhoods and streets for everyone with open eyes to see. We are reliving history in a way. Yes, history does repeat itself. Yeshua lived among the generation of the last destruction. He gave a warning. How fierce an inditement it is to see what happened to the only nation He – The LORD of Glory lived. Here He walked, taught and healed any to call to Him. The majority rejected the love and truth He brought because of their their willful ignorance. They did not deserve HIM.

Do we? What have we done with Him in our nations? Is there one of us who can lift our heads up? We must stand up and be counted before it is too late. Stand up in any way you are capable of. Something small is better than nothing at all.

The First New Law Proposed:

Tuesday of this past week, the government glorying in their triumph, proposed a new law. All Yeshiva (schools that teach Torah and Rabbinical writings) are now to be seen as equally important as the Israel Defence Soldiers, and will receive monthly stipends for their studies. Yes, of course we know, no one is better than another. We also know the secret power of prayer. But, we don’t need government legislation to give us our place.  The way in which it is being put in place is hurtful and divisive. Unbridled religion is a curse, and I don’t care what name it hides in. 

STANDARD AND POOR:

In one of the world’s leading economic authorities Standard and Poor warns that Israel’s Judicial crisis will continue to harm the economy. 

  • Economic growth will slow to 1.5% in 2023. It was 6.5 % in 2022.
  • Doctors’ interest in leaving Israel soars after Reform legislation. Jerusalem Post, July 28th 2023.

Weather in Israel:

“For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: he hath no standing grain; the blade shall yield no meal; if so be it yield, strangers shall swallow it up.”

Hosea 8:7

“This July will be the hottest July in history in 120,000 years!”

Jerusalem Post 28/23. Dr. Karsten Hanstein, a climate scientist at Germany’s Leipzig Germany. 

“He  has showed you O man what is good, but to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humble with your God.”

Micah 6:8

Living Stones:

Here in Israel and Jerusalem, one is always blessed to encounter most exceptional people. Rachel is one such lady. She is a care giver, a single Mom who works in Jerusalem. She was born of an Italian mother and a father whose generations still live in the ancient Jewish Community of Gibralter. Her ancestors can be traced back to the destruction of the first Temple. Can you even imagine? Only with many untoward situations in her life, did she finally find her way home to Zion.

Speaking of Zion, Psalm 88:5 tells us:

“But of this one born in Zion, it will be said, “This one and that one were born in her.”

Here in Jerusalem, we are very aware of the emotional, spiritual and physical state of the people in the shops, on the roads, and on the streets. There are no smiles anywhere. It is a grim moment in history. Grim. Here are a few snapshots of a handful of some born in Jerusalem called: “Jerusalmeeme – Jerusalemites.”

This weekend, our family and friends are so happy to be celebrating the birthday of Adi, the wife of our eldest son David. See the covering photo. We love her dearly and are very proud of her many accomplishments. She is a choreographer and often invites us to her concerts. For years she enjoyed being on a personal name basis with all of Israel’s Presidents. Her dance groups were always chosen to perform at the Presidential Palace  to dance for visiting dignitaries. 

A Concert in the Midst of Madness: 

Just last week, in the middle of the demonstrations, we attended a concert in downtown Jerusalem, written and choreographed by Arye Korbin. It was a modern Israeli dance performance. To us, the dancers were like wounded machines, making weird inhuman moves, jerky and unnatural. To many of us ‘oldsters’ it was different. Not that it is was improper, just somehow disconnected and disruptive and non-human. Perhaps, a picture of what our world is becoming.

Afterwards, I said to Jay, “In one word I would describe that presentation as Conflict.”

“Tension!” He responded.

I asked others what they thought and heard words like: Because, It was not my cup of tea, and Death.

I spoke to Mr. A. Korbin during the reception, which followed and asked him to describe his work in one word. Without hesitation, he pronounced, “WHY?”

It reminded me of Job asking his ‘why’ questions. I learned that this gentleman has been struggling with brain cancer. I told him that I was praying for him to be completely healed and finish his course in the fullness of strength and joy. Then he looked directly into my eyes, breathed deeply, paused, and grinning quietly said, “Thank you.”

Other dear souls in our family who were born in Zion – Jerusalem are Daniel our youngest son, and grandchildren, Amitai 24, Liyah 19, Ryan Raphael 2.5 years and his little brother Gabriel Victor 4 months. Hallelujah.

A Shabbat Story:

With the extended family seated around the table on summer evening, in the garden, we began. Jay said the many blessings, and of course, blessed the LORD for the wine. Amitai age 4 was given the privilege of offering thanks for the bread.

Everyone thought it was super. Little Liyah age 2 looked on, and was not as impressed. Just, having to have a part, she lifted both of her arms straight up and shouted, “Halleli-lu-li AMEN!” That brought the house down. Then she grabbed the hands of those sitting next to her and began to sing at the top of her lungs, ‘Hiney ma tov, uh ma niyeem … The entire clan burst into heart felt song with ‘… how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!’

Today, we choose to give thanks to the MOST HIGH. We never cease to give thanks for Yeshua-Jesus who brought REDEMPTION to earth. This marvellous LIFE is a free gift. It just costs everything! But, it is there for anyone who will take it.  One must have eyes to see and ears to hear. This is where the sweet Still Small Voice comes in.

My you be a blessing in the midst of your family:

Love from Meridel Rawlings and family in Jerusalem.

Your comments and gifts are so appreciated.