By: Ethel Chadwick
Host, Bagels and Blessings I was at a small lunch gathering recently, and decided to ask the women this question – “Where/how did you learn to love?” It was interesting and quite informative to hear their answers. Most of us learn to love from our parents or caretakers. Sadly, that is not always the case for everyone. As we shared our experiences, it became clear to me that I was blessed to have a supportive mother who loved me fiercely. When you know someone loves you, you feel valued. My mother, in spite of her anxieties and fears, repeatedly showered me with praise, attention and adulation. She taught me to love God and to believe in myself. I grew up as a confidant woman who learned to face challenges head-on. Becoming a believer in Yeshua in 1976 changed everything. Believing in myself wasn’t enough, I needed to submit to God and accept Yeshua’s atonement for my sins. Because God loved me, I could effectively love others. Letting His love shine through me has become my daily goal. We love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). And that has made all the difference.
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By: Ethel Chadwick
Bagels and Blessings Shalom mispochah (hello family!) I have been thinking a lot of waiting. We are told in sermons, and also we see in scripture, to “wait on the L-rd.” One of my favorites is Psalm 27:14 – Wait for the L-rd; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the L-rd! Or this is another good one: Isaiah 40:31 but they who wait for the L-rd shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. From personal experience, I know that it’s very hard to wait. We live in a fast food society, we want it – NOW! Oh sure, we know in our heads that G-d is in control, that He has perfect timing, yadah yadah yadah…. But do we know it in our hearts? It’s so hard to keep waiting, keep trusting, when maybe we have been waiting for many years. All I can say is – DON’T GIVE UP! I know it’s hard, but hey, nobody said it was going to be easy. I think you can be ruled either by faith or by fear. My Bible says that Perfect Love Casts Out Fear (1 John 4:18), and that G-d has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). So you can stop the spirit of fear from ruling in your mind and heart. If you choose to believe, to have faith, then you will keep trusting that Abba Father knows what’s best, He wants to give you the desires of your heart. I wish I could tell you when He will answer you, but I believe that He will. Hang in there my friends! Isaiah 30:18 Therefore the L-rd waits to be gracious to you, and therefore He exalts Himself to show mercy to you. For the L-rd is a G-d of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him. Shalom, be at peace and know that He loves you! It will be worth the wait! |
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