Sometimes I am starkly reminded of the reason I was an English Major in College. Not only do I love to read and write, but I also just have a love of words, different languages and how they relate to one another.
During my weekly Starbucks study session this morning (perhaps a future blog on this in general), I finished one of the most unique and educational books I have read for fun in a long time. It is well marked up, and will remain on my resource shelf for easy access: too much to remember, but so much that I wish I did.
The book, entitled Jewish Culture & Customs: A Sampler of Jewish Life, takes the reader through a top level review of all things Jewish. The last chapter covers some popular Yiddish words that are common amongst the Jewish people. Granted, some of these have made their way into our English language and some have not. Some, we have in our English vocabulary but with completely different meanings.
I am going to include several of my favorites below. Hopefully you will get a kick out of some of them as I did, and don’t be surprised if I use them in a future conversation with you!
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Bashert (Ba-SHERT): A common expression heard from the lips of Jewish people, “What will be will be.”
Boobe (BOO-bee): An affectionate term, similar to darling or honey. - This makes my top favorite list
Chutzpa (HOOT-spa): Having guts, gall, nerve or arrogance.
Ferblonjet (Fer-BLON-jet): Confused
Fermished (Fer-MISHED): Bewildered
Fress/Fresser (FRES-ser): To eat a lot; one who eats a lot (in enjoyment).
Mazel Tov (MAZ-el Tov): An expression of good luck or congratulations. – Anyone in the mood for “Fiddler on the Roof”?
Mensch (like- Bench): A good person; one who is helpful and kind –for Christians, Jesus is the ultimate Mensch-He did what He knew He was to do at all times: the will of His Father. This too, should be our goal.
Nosh/Noshing: A Snack/snacking
Schmooz (SHMOO-ze): Friendly chatter. -I enjoy a good nosh and schmooz with friends!
Yente (YEN-tee): A gossipy woman.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Scripture Memory
Well, this last two weeks went by so quickly and I didn't get to blog about the verse I have been working on. I have just finished working on 1 Peter 4:8-10 (see previous post), and am now working on a verse we girls are doing together in bible study. Mark 10:43b-45. It goes like this:
"But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (ESV)
May you be challenged this week to look at your co-workers and family in this way, and serve them. Find ways to put them first: humble yourself to bless them in Christ's name!!
"But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (ESV)
May you be challenged this week to look at your co-workers and family in this way, and serve them. Find ways to put them first: humble yourself to bless them in Christ's name!!
4G
"Grace, Grace. God's Grace.
Gace that will pardon and cleanse within.
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin."
Not sure what else to say after that.
God loves me. God loves ME! Have you thought about that today? He loves you as His child, and will never leave you no matter how far away you run, and how hard you try to make Him give up on you. He won't. That's grace.
When I find myself getting giddy for no reason as I walk down the hall at work, and burst out in my best faux-British accent as I talk to myslef as if I were someone else: I have to smile because
I know that the only One who hears me is My Savior. He created me with all quirks, and maybe even smiles when I crack I myself up. That's Amazing.
The people God has placed in my life blow me away at times with their gifts, humility, friendship, marriages, and hearts of service. So many of them truly live out what God's Word says in 1 Peter 4:8-10 "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." That's Blessed.
"Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled. "
Gace that will pardon and cleanse within.
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin."
Not sure what else to say after that.
God loves me. God loves ME! Have you thought about that today? He loves you as His child, and will never leave you no matter how far away you run, and how hard you try to make Him give up on you. He won't. That's grace.
When I find myself getting giddy for no reason as I walk down the hall at work, and burst out in my best faux-British accent as I talk to myslef as if I were someone else: I have to smile because
I know that the only One who hears me is My Savior. He created me with all quirks, and maybe even smiles when I crack I myself up. That's Amazing.
The people God has placed in my life blow me away at times with their gifts, humility, friendship, marriages, and hearts of service. So many of them truly live out what God's Word says in 1 Peter 4:8-10 "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." That's Blessed.
"Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled. "
Saturday, February 20, 2010
"Oh yes I did!"
That's right. I did it. Something I never thought I would do. Maybe I will regret it, maybe I won't. It's too early to tell. Probably what I need is a picture taken. Then when I have had a couple of weeks to sleep on it I can look back and see what I did.
Likely I will laugh and say, "that's not so bad!" But the next time I try to do it, it just won't be the same.
I wore my favorite jeans with a dress!!! Ahh, there! I said it.
Not a formal wear to church on Sunday type dress, but an above the knee, cotton shirt-like dress. Pink.
You might not think that's a big deal, but let me explain. I have often wondered about it, and never been sure I'd seen it successfully pulled off. On the other hand I could definitely imagine it on a mannequin at New York and Co. or Forever 21, but at the same time, not everything you find on a mannequin should actually be worn in public.
In the corner of my mind I could also imagine someone thinking I was pregnant becuase of the "big shirt" effect: not cool. "But I don't look pregnant, do I?" (I'm not either, just in case that thought is crossing your mind right now. This mental rant is a normal occurance in my very UN-pregnant, female brain).
So, I finally decided I that since I wanted to wear something cute and create a new outfit from clothes already in my closet, I would hopefully be able to pull of the confident, trend-fashion gait as I left my apartment in a style I couldn't have imagined myself wearing 6 months ago.
And here I am. Sitting at Panera, enjoying this blog confession while simultaneously feeling "I did okay" and being grateful that I don't have a camera (and that I'm alone. :)
My wardrobe affirmation: As I walked into Panera, a lady walked out wearing (you guessed it) a long dress like shirt. The only problem...she was carrying a baby in her arms.
Likely I will laugh and say, "that's not so bad!" But the next time I try to do it, it just won't be the same.
I wore my favorite jeans with a dress!!! Ahh, there! I said it.
Not a formal wear to church on Sunday type dress, but an above the knee, cotton shirt-like dress. Pink.
You might not think that's a big deal, but let me explain. I have often wondered about it, and never been sure I'd seen it successfully pulled off. On the other hand I could definitely imagine it on a mannequin at New York and Co. or Forever 21, but at the same time, not everything you find on a mannequin should actually be worn in public.
In the corner of my mind I could also imagine someone thinking I was pregnant becuase of the "big shirt" effect: not cool. "But I don't look pregnant, do I?" (I'm not either, just in case that thought is crossing your mind right now. This mental rant is a normal occurance in my very UN-pregnant, female brain).
So, I finally decided I that since I wanted to wear something cute and create a new outfit from clothes already in my closet, I would hopefully be able to pull of the confident, trend-fashion gait as I left my apartment in a style I couldn't have imagined myself wearing 6 months ago.
And here I am. Sitting at Panera, enjoying this blog confession while simultaneously feeling "I did okay" and being grateful that I don't have a camera (and that I'm alone. :)
My wardrobe affirmation: As I walked into Panera, a lady walked out wearing (you guessed it) a long dress like shirt. The only problem...she was carrying a baby in her arms.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Promises in Truth
Psalm 3:3 "But Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head."
"Sometimes when you live by faith, all you have are God's promises"--Jarrett Stephens
How full is your memory bank: can you claim the Lord's promises from memory when things are difficult? Practice putting God's Word in your heart. Do not students practice for the ACT in prepration for college? Do not athletes train for the big game? Is it not wise to build a savings account for emergencies? Should we not fill up our memory in preparation for the trials of life? Be prepared. Hide God's word in your heart, that you might have truth at your fingertips to claim in time of need!
"Sometimes when you live by faith, all you have are God's promises"--Jarrett Stephens
How full is your memory bank: can you claim the Lord's promises from memory when things are difficult? Practice putting God's Word in your heart. Do not students practice for the ACT in prepration for college? Do not athletes train for the big game? Is it not wise to build a savings account for emergencies? Should we not fill up our memory in preparation for the trials of life? Be prepared. Hide God's word in your heart, that you might have truth at your fingertips to claim in time of need!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Results are in...
..."Following all that the Lord my God has commanded" and not turning "to the right or to the left" is quite a challenge. (Last week's memory verses Deut. 5:32-33)
Last week's scripture memory has been one of my favorite verses to think on in terms of God's will, and God's best. He knows what is best for His children, and sometimes it's as simple as obeying what He has already told us.
One big way that we can obey is to be debt free. It's hard. Really hard in this culture of 'have it now' and 'pay later.' But so important. This is a goal that my husband and I have been diligently working toward, and God is blessing our obedience already. Can't wait for the day to be able to say we are DEBT FREE!
Another way we know we need to obey is spending time with our Lord. Good, quality time. Oh, car conversations are important, and so is corporate worship and group Bible study, but we need to make time for Him on our own. Time to read. Pray. Listen. Obey.
House work. "What?" you might ask. "How is housework God's will?" It's a seemingly small thing butI think God considers it important. In it's place (not above family or God) it is part of being diligent and responsible for what God has entrusted us. Spending time dusting and doing dishes on a regular basis is a way to obey God by taking care of His gift to us.
So why am I going on and on about all this? These are some of the things that I believe take discipline in the Christians life. God's Word says to follow what God has told us, and not to get sidetracked by things on our right hand or left. And one thing I've noticed is that when I'm distracted from even little things like house work or saving money, other areas of my life don't run as smoothly.
A week ago, my husband and I sat down and talked about one area we needed to address in our discipline: watching TV. Although not bad in itself, TV for us was relaxation after a long day at work, but consumed our energy and time which affected our timeliness in chores, and time with the Lord. Together, we decided that during the week we would not watch any TV. Shows we wanted to see would be recorded and watched on the weekends (fast forwarding commercials), and weeknights would be spent taking care of our house, devos, couple time, and true relaxation.
And what fun it has been! By practicing discipline in one area, I have found discipline in many! I have had time to work out, cook dinner, clean up the house, play games with my husband and fall asleep as early as 8:30pm if I needed to! Such freedom! And another example of how God blesses our obedience.
So, two weeks into the memorization, and God is already at work. His Word is alive, and does not return void.
*************
My heart is burdened in prayer for several brothers and sisters I know facing health issues. Would you please pray for Matt, *Amy* and *Tammy* (names changed for privacy) who are facing serious health problems. Pray for God's peace that passes understanding, and wisdom for the doctors and family, as well as healing of their bodies.
How can I pray for you?
Last week's scripture memory has been one of my favorite verses to think on in terms of God's will, and God's best. He knows what is best for His children, and sometimes it's as simple as obeying what He has already told us.
One big way that we can obey is to be debt free. It's hard. Really hard in this culture of 'have it now' and 'pay later.' But so important. This is a goal that my husband and I have been diligently working toward, and God is blessing our obedience already. Can't wait for the day to be able to say we are DEBT FREE!
Another way we know we need to obey is spending time with our Lord. Good, quality time. Oh, car conversations are important, and so is corporate worship and group Bible study, but we need to make time for Him on our own. Time to read. Pray. Listen. Obey.
House work. "What?" you might ask. "How is housework God's will?" It's a seemingly small thing butI think God considers it important. In it's place (not above family or God) it is part of being diligent and responsible for what God has entrusted us. Spending time dusting and doing dishes on a regular basis is a way to obey God by taking care of His gift to us.
So why am I going on and on about all this? These are some of the things that I believe take discipline in the Christians life. God's Word says to follow what God has told us, and not to get sidetracked by things on our right hand or left. And one thing I've noticed is that when I'm distracted from even little things like house work or saving money, other areas of my life don't run as smoothly.
A week ago, my husband and I sat down and talked about one area we needed to address in our discipline: watching TV. Although not bad in itself, TV for us was relaxation after a long day at work, but consumed our energy and time which affected our timeliness in chores, and time with the Lord. Together, we decided that during the week we would not watch any TV. Shows we wanted to see would be recorded and watched on the weekends (fast forwarding commercials), and weeknights would be spent taking care of our house, devos, couple time, and true relaxation.
And what fun it has been! By practicing discipline in one area, I have found discipline in many! I have had time to work out, cook dinner, clean up the house, play games with my husband and fall asleep as early as 8:30pm if I needed to! Such freedom! And another example of how God blesses our obedience.
So, two weeks into the memorization, and God is already at work. His Word is alive, and does not return void.
*************
My heart is burdened in prayer for several brothers and sisters I know facing health issues. Would you please pray for Matt, *Amy* and *Tammy* (names changed for privacy) who are facing serious health problems. Pray for God's peace that passes understanding, and wisdom for the doctors and family, as well as healing of their bodies.
How can I pray for you?
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
New Year Challenge
It's a new year and there are lots of things we as people try to do to better ourselves and our lives as we move forward with a fresh calendar. Amazingly, I have a pretty open calendar in the year of 2010 so far, but one thing I know is that I want to mark it up with scripture memory.
Most believers agree that it is important to memorize scripture, but find it hard to commit to, make time for, and follow through with. This year, ask God to show you how important it is to your walk, and commit to put His Words in your heart. No one can ever take away what you hide in your heart, and what goal for such a time as this!
"I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against Thee." Psalm 119:11
"They Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
"Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts." Jeremiah 15:16
At the end of last year I saw http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/ (Beth Moore's ministry blog) where ladies across the globe had been working together to memorize two verses a month. That's my challenge to myself and to you this year. Choose two passages a month that you can commit to memory. I will post my verses here as I work on new ones every other week, and I would love to hear what you are working on, and how God is using it to empower your daily living!!
Verse one for me is found in Deuteronomy 5:32-33.
"Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.
Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess."
Ready! Set! Memorize!
Most believers agree that it is important to memorize scripture, but find it hard to commit to, make time for, and follow through with. This year, ask God to show you how important it is to your walk, and commit to put His Words in your heart. No one can ever take away what you hide in your heart, and what goal for such a time as this!
"I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against Thee." Psalm 119:11
"They Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
"Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts." Jeremiah 15:16
At the end of last year I saw http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/ (Beth Moore's ministry blog) where ladies across the globe had been working together to memorize two verses a month. That's my challenge to myself and to you this year. Choose two passages a month that you can commit to memory. I will post my verses here as I work on new ones every other week, and I would love to hear what you are working on, and how God is using it to empower your daily living!!
Verse one for me is found in Deuteronomy 5:32-33.
"Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.
Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess."
Ready! Set! Memorize!
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