 By: Ethel Chadwick
bagelsandblessings.com He Said/She Said As believers we know that gossip is a "no-no." But somehow we all do it. Either we start the conversation or we actively participate when someone else initiates the discussion. Either way it's so very wrong. I think we often forget that in our country it's "innocent until proven guilty." We are too quick to take someone else's word about something. It almost becomes like a game of telephone - by the time a few people have heard the story, the original plot has been distorted and grossly exaggerated. Do me a favor. Be the person that puts an end to it. When someone comes to you with a tale about someone, speak up. Tell them you don't want to hear it, that it's wrong to talk about someone, even if you know it to be true. Remember, you don't have all the facts, and chances are that the other person doesn't either. The next time you are tempted to share information, don't do it! With God's help you can use self control. Can you forgive the person who spreads gossip about you? Yes, with God's help you can -- and that's a topic for another time. Proverbs 20:19: Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler. Shalom, Ethel Chadwick
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 By: AJ Sizemore Hey Everyone! It's been awhile. In case you don't know, I get a lot of emails, phone calls, mailers and other contact from friends, fans and folks I don't even know that have ideas & opinions about everything under the Sun. But what really bothers me is when someone talks to me about being Jewish and then tells me that a "good Jew" (no kidding this really happens) should agree with his/her particular point of view. I hate hearing this almost as much as I hear people say "I need to let go & let G-D". As if any of us could restrain G-D from anything?! Ya know what, a good Jew like anyone else should trust the heart, brain & training that G-D afforded him/her so you can make your own decisions. After all, you'll be the one to answer for your life one day anyway. Now you all know what I believe and why I believe it. I challenge you to not take my word for it but to look for yourself in the Bible and find that relationship with G-D that gives peace. NEVER EVER BE BULLIED by anyone saying that in order to be a "GOOD JEW" that you must agree with them. You must trust in G-D! Trust that HE knows your heart, mind & soul because HE gave it to you and HE wants you to have peace and salvation. You have time until you draw your final breath to choose HIS salvation through Yeshua. Don't gamble your life away! Can you point to the day and hour of your death on a calendar or a clock?? No, it comes without warning and then it will be too late. I have been a believer since 1977 and I've had my good days and my bad days. Some of you can relate as even my own parents gave me a hard time in the beginning. It was worth it looking back! As I have always told you, don't take my word for it--look it up yourself. In the coming years we will see many wonderful and (I'm sure), many terrible things together. I have always taken comfort in the fact that G-D takes care of his own so I will not fear the future but I will look forward to it--join me.  Blessings & Shalom
AJ  Ethel Chadwick
bagelsandblessings.com Let’s talk about expectations. Sometimes it’s great to have them. We attend our worship service – we expect to be a blessing and to be blessed. We read the Bible – we expect God to keep His word. And there are many more positive expectations we can have – all good. The trouble comes when we expect bad things to happen. Someone once said “expectations are planned resentments.” Ouch! This is SO true! Let’s say you have a history of arguing with your mother. You plan a visit with her and you are already expecting to resent her. And we often do this with our spouses. Maybe your husband forgot your birthday once or twice. Next time you are so sure he will do it again – you actually expect him to forget – and you are already planning to be upset and angry with him. Sometimes we are better off lowering our expectations. If you know that someone has anxiety and drama, then maybe you shouldn’t take it personally when they appear to ignore you. If you have a tendency to expect everyone to lavish praise on you, be an attentive listener and notice your new hairdo, you really would be better off to lower those expectations. Just a thought or two. I expect you to think about it!!! Blessings, Ethel  Ethel Chadwick
bagelsandblessings.com Everybody’s a comedian these days. The media loves to make fun of our leaders. You can’t turn on the TV without an ad or a show making fun of something or someone. Don’t get me wrong – I love humor and I love to laugh! When is it appropriate to be funny? Should we be serious all the time? I think that wonderful chapter in Ecclesiastes Chapter 3 applies here – there is definitely a time and a place for everything. For example, it would definitely be wrong to tell a joke at a funeral or when learning that a friend just fell off a roof. At times like these we must be tender, comforting and solemn. But there are other times i.e. at parties, picnics, etc. when it is perfectly ok to be funny – as long as it is “PG.” Humor doesn’t have to be nasty or vulgar. It’s a mitzvah (good deed) to bring cheer and laughter to people. I love to make people smile – especially when I’m shopping and waiting in line. People can be so cranky and miserable; for example, cashiers are tired from standing on their feet and people are in a hurry. Try smiling at people the next time you are out and about. And if the spirit moves you, make them laugh! Laughter really is good medicine. It says so here: Proverbs 17:22 (TLV) A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Ethel Chadwick  Ethel Chadwick bagelsandblessings.com Oy vey, make it stop! Everywhere I go I hear people complaining about something! I might expect it from non-believers in Yeshua, but I am always surprised when my brothers and sisters in Messiah are doing it! Someone coined an excellent phrase: “Are you part of the problem or part of the solution?” Haven’t you figured out by now that nothing changes when you start murmuring or complaining? If someone is bothering you, pray for them, ask God how you can be a blessing to them! If you disagree with your Rabbi or Pastor, please do NOT start talking about it with others, go directly to your spiritual leader and have an honest discussion. We are all tempted to gossip – but it takes two – one to speak and one to listen. You do NOT have to participate. As believers we need to encourage one another, build up one another and truly love one another. James 5:9: “Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.” Ephesians 4:29: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Philippians 2:14: “Do all things without grumbling or disputing.” Blessings, Ethel  Ethel Chadwick
bagelsandblessings.com As believers we know that we have choices when thinking about a person or a situation. Right? I am always amazed when I hear negative comments – and more shocked when they are coming out of my own mouth! We’ve all heard the phrase “Is it half full or half empty.” We all laugh at the cute little expression – but whoa --- it is loaded with good stuff! See, it’s all about attitude and perception. Let’s talk about your spouse or significant other for example. I’m telling you that YOU ALONE can decide what you think. And if you love someone you should ALWAYS look at their good qualities. It doesn’t do either one of you any good to focus on the things you don’t like. Focus on what works – focus on what you DO like! The same thing applies to your congregation. Are you constantly criticizing (thus allowing a spirit of negativity to operate) and always looking at what is wrong? I challenge you to look at what is working, what is good! Note, if you struggle with being negative, always criticizing, then you may need to repent and renounce this negative spirit in Yeshua’s Name! Bottom line---- you can decide to focus on the good, not the bad. You can decide to encourage, to lift up, not to tear down. Philippeans 4:8 (TLV): 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any virtue and if there is anything worthy of praise—dwell on these things. Ethel Chadwick  Ethel Chadwick
bagelsandblessings.com Yesterday my husband and I attended a wedding of a dear friend. There was a sweet time during the reception when long-term couples were recognized. One such couple had been married 65 years! As my Mom would say (may she rest in peace), “Kenahora,” or “may the evil eye keep away.” I know, Yiddish has many strange expressions. So the couple was asked what words would be good advice for the young couple who had just been married. I’m thinking, the best words other than “I Love You” would be “I’m sorry!” Really, such important words must be remembered, right? The husband said, with a twinkle in his eye, “make sure you have a good lawyer!” Oy vey, not the sweet encouraging words I was hoping he would say! It got me thinking. What advice would I give to newlyweds? I would say it’s important to remember Ephesians 4:26: “Be angry, yet do not sin. Do not let the sun go down on your anger.” (TLV) I think this one is a no-brainer. Resolve your conflicts, repent, say I’m sorry, and forgive one another. Then you can sleep well. I would also say encourage one another, always think the best of each other, and never, under any circumstances, complain about your spouse to others or share personal matters. When Messiah dwells in you, He gives you grace and helps you to be kind, tender-hearted and humble. And most of all, He helps you forgive so that you don’t hold a grudge. These are a just a few thoughts. I hope you find them helpful! Blessings, Ethel  Ethel Chadwick
bagelsandblessings.com I just came back from the 2018 Messiah Conference in Grantham, PA at Messiah College. I have attended off and on since 1987. It’s a great place to hear good teaching, dance a lot, eat a lot, and make new friends from all over the world! As I looked around the cafeteria during our meals, I saw all age groups represented – from babies to people nearing 90 years old. There was joy all around and I noticed something amazing – those folks over 70 still had a twinkle in their eyes and a spring in their step! I thought to myself – as long as I keep the joy of the Lord I hope to always dance and jump for joy in Yeshua! I was inspired by the elderly and amused by the innocence and laughter of the young. Right now, as I write this, I am halfway to being sixty-five years old. I used to think that was old. But I feel young, I’ve been told I look young too (extra bonus), and I want to always keep that twinkle in my eye and spring in my step. I feel so young --- how about you??? Nehemiah 8:10: “…….the joy of the Lord is your strength!” Ethel Chadwick  By: Ethel Chadwick
bagelsandblessings.com I have been part of a class and we are reading a book by John Bevere called “Under Cover.” It has totally changed my thought process! I have been learning what it truly means to be submissive and how it is different from being obedient. And I am learning how important it is to be humble and apologize even when I feel I have been mistreated. Through John Bevere’s teaching, I have learned that submission deals with our attitude, but obedience deals with actions – the fulfillment of what we are told. Of course we are not expected to obey authorities when they are contradicting the Word of God. So much depends on our attitude. It’s not easy. We are all works in progress. Let us continue to seek the Lord and let Him guide us in all our thoughts, words and deeds!! Colossions 3:15-17 (TLV) 15Let the shalom of Messiah rule in your hearts—to this shalom you were surely called in one body. Also be thankful. 16 Let the word of Messiah dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another with all wisdom in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Yeshua, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Hugs, “Mama” Ethel  Ethel Chadwick bagelsandblessings.com Everyone makes fun of Jewish mothers. Most Jewish comedians mention their mothers and even Jewish mothers laugh about themselves! It’s true, Jewish mothers are often obsessed with bodily functions, insist that you wear a sweater and always remind you that you need more Jewish friends. Yeshua had a Jewish mother too, you know! I hope she didn’t make him feel guilty (another thing we’re good at…) – after all, he was away all the time, kept strange company and was out till the wee hours of the morning. I would like to think that Miriam (that’s her Hebrew name) had so much faith that she never worried about her son. Of course she was human, so I am sure there were moments of doubt and anxiety. No mother is perfect, but our aim should be to pray for our children always, and trust that they will make the right decisions. As our children grow into adults our job is to encourage them, listen well, and only give advice when asked. Now that’s hard for most mothers, but it’s really good for our kids. Yes, to us they will always be “kids,” just as we will always be Yeshua’s kids. Just as we desire respect from our children, our Lord is looking for the same respect and obedience. Let us continue to be deserving of respect from our children, while remaining steadfast in respecting our Abba in Heaven! Happy Mother’s Day! Hugs, Mama Ethel |
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