A Sisterhood Event or A Day Away, by Paula Rose Michelson


Torn between her growing love for and need of her husbands love, Naomi’s fears almost make her worries come true! When she awakens Chaz’s surprise invitation is there to greet her. Instead of reading the missive, she assumes she knows what is says, and balls it up intending to throw it away.


I must confess that in 2007, while writing the opening to the chapter title A Day Away, I wondered how many blessings I had not received, negated, or through lack of gratitude, asked that it be somehow changed making the gift less than the giver wanted it to be. And though it might seem odd to you, if you’ve been on this journey with me, faced with the reality of being asked to change the program I offered to my Messianic Sisterhood, on Saturday, I was sadly once again the giver whose gift was altered thereby making the gift something not quite right for the group I was presenting too. A month before I was to speak, I realized that would be the case, and asked them to find another speaker. I was told that I had accepted the event and would be speaking. 

Because of their requests, further reshaping of the presentation made me aware that I had erred in asking them to host a book signing for the pre-release of Casa de Naomi, Book Two and allowed them to select a Scriptural Counseling presentation instead. From the beginning it seemed that by asking to speak, leadership thought they were in control. Though I have spoken on and taught how Personal, Biblical Affirmations can Purge our Dross, and shared that this was not a light topic, none understood that what I would share had been gifted to me by God! Afterward several woman asked for assistance, which I am blessed to provide. Now that the event is over leadership understands why I wanted to do what I offered instead of what they insisted I do!

All this leads me to ask you if you haven’t found yourself in situations similar to those Naomi and I were in. Though they seem similar, these situations are very different because:

  • Naomi was invited. I asked.

  • Chaz’s outing was nonnegotiable. I offered to speak on a specific topic, but did as I was asked. 

  • Where Naomi knew and was falling in love with her husband, I discovered that I not was not known, and what I offered was not thought to be of value. 

  • Chaz wanted to bless Naomi, and she trusted him. I offered a blessing that was rejected, and was remiss in agreeing to something else. 

I share these insights with you, because in Isaiah 53:6 Scripture says, We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. So we can rejoice, forgive ourselves, and others because God in his infinite love and mercy has already forgiven us if we have claimed Messiah!


If you don’t know about God’s Forgiveness Gift it is spoken of in John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.


Without Messiah we cannot view life in a way that builds us up without making us puffed up. When we  affirm our person-hood in Messiah, and those above us insisted we do things their way, He is our advocate, and friend! He stands at the right hand of God interceding for us.

Until we meet again, I pray that you think about your choices, the ones you have made freely, and those you have been coerced to make, and take your burdens to the one who has always loved, known and cared for you.

Guilt and Yearning, by Paula Rose Michelson


At the end of the last chapter, Lola heard what Chaz said and laughed. She turned back, saw him grimace, and knew her laughter had found its mark. She reached the lower patio and looked up. He stood where she had left him. His were eyes vacant, his face devoid of expression. “I already smell your life’s blood being offered up to me on the defiler’s altar of immorality,” Lola whispered. She sashayed to the grandmother’s house and turned to look at Chaz once more. “You will choose to follow me of your own free will, or I will make you suffer.”

Now we find Chaz sitting by the fountain and asking himself, How could you be interested in a girl you revile

Naomi has cried herself to sleep and Lola's desire to tare the newlyweds apart seems to be working. 

Everything appears to be going as the teenager wanted, but God intervenes. Surprised? Don't be! God—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacobis actively involved in each of our lives. That's right! The same God who called the world into being pays attention to everything that's going on here, especially to you and me! He cares for us so much that when we read Isaiah 64:4 we discover He, "...searched each of us...knows our thoughts and is familiar with our ways." Furthermore, when we read the writer questions, "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?" we know that no matter where we go, God is there even if we don't acknowledge Him. Knowing this,  I find myself wondering if, Chaz, and Naomi's dilemma will cause each of them to ask the questions that lead non-believers to the certain knowledge that the hope they seek must be found in God. If they or you are searching for answers, you might find them in John 3:16 which tells us, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

That's right! The very God who says, in Isaiah 46:4 "Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you," knows and cares for you even if you don't know him yet!

Until we meet again, may Gods Shalom—
His peace that is beyond our understanding envelope you —
My friend



Commitment and Confrontation, by Paula Rose Michelson


Since the previous chapter ends with Chaz and Naomi agreeing, “All will be well with us,” I believe we sighed with relief. However, the next chapters title ‘Commitment and Confrontation’ shows how quickly what is longed for can become something very different when something or, in this case; someone is added to the mix.


Synopsis Summation of this Chapter


While Chaz woos his bride, Naomi gets a call from Victor, discovers a girl needs her and rushes out, returning with Lola in tow. Where before, love and thoughtfulness flourished, now the stage is set for tension, which escalates until Lola decides she wants Naomi’s life and husband.

Reflective Questions


When and why have you lost your focus?

Who do you blame?

What do you wish that person had done differently?

How could you have handled the situation better?


Those who know Messiah turn things over to Him easily if we remember that Romans 8:37 says, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

If you are struggling, remember there is a friend who will never leave, forsake, or abuse you. When you turn to Him, your darkness will become light as He illuminates your understanding through knowledge of Gods Word. 

If you are struggling, remember there is a friend who will never leave, forsake, or abuse you. Turn to Him and your darkness will become light as He illuminates your understanding through knowledge of Gods Word. 

An Arranged Marriage, by Paula Rose Michelson


When we choose to do something that we’re not prepared for don’t we all want to say, “Amor, be patient with me. I am new at this and not certain of what to do, as I have no one to explain things to me. Please give me some time and I will come to you.”

Furthermore, I believe we all hope or pray the person who’s heard our heartfelt plea will respond, “You take all the time you need,” as Chaz did, and then added, “I will wait.”

Many who read Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing, Book One asked me if there really are men like Chaz. My answer, a joyous “Yes!” is always tempered with the added comment, “If you’re willing to overlook what cannot be changed, and are willing to change yourself, and apply that same attitude towards others, most relationships will stand the test of time… that is, unless you haven’t been truthful for nothing of value can withstand the onslaughts of life, which eat away at what one wants to hide more than dishonesty.

Throughout this chapter you’ve seen what I mean as Chaz tries to bind his brides heart to his, Naomi keeps her secrets secret finds and herself…

What would you do if this were you? Perhaps you’d wait and see what will happen tomorrow.

God’s plan is quite different because once a marriage has taken place he sees the couple as they are depicted in Genesis 2:24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.

So I ask you, have you known yourself with all your highs and lows, strengthens and short comings, and like yourself well enough to own who you are? If the answer is “Yes!” then you are ready for the challenges life will bring your way including the biggest one of all, MARRIAGE! No matter how long you’ve known the person or how well you’ve managed to be true to yourself while not making others uncomfortable, marriage, even the very best, will put you to the test.

Until we meet again, may you continue to ponder what makes you wise, caring, and able to handle what comes your way, then think of how Gods Word light your path.



Courtship, Marriage, and Yet…Strangers by Paula Rose Michelson


In 1 Corinthians 13: 12 Rabbi Shaul (the Apostle Paul) wrote: For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. As I read today’s posting, I wished that Naomi, and others who do not yet know Messiah could experience the comfort these few well chosen words would bring. Then I remembered that everything is in God’s hands, and the one who created the universe and holds it together by the power of his word is able to do all things, and in the perfect time. So if you, dear friend, are facing obstacles take heart for he cares for you.


Segments from the Text


                Naomi could not stop herself from wishing for a fuller life, a life where she would receive those things that she knew would complete her. She looked at Chaz and sensed a yearning within her that prior to their encounter she had never felt before. She wondered if the metamorphosis she witnessed outside her French doors each spring, when caterpillars spun their cocoons and emerged later in the season as beautiful butterflies, could be hers. Though she yearned to find out and become all Madre Vida had spoken of on her first night at the casa, she forced herself to asses this situation from a practical viewpoint. Her heart would have none of it, and against her better judgment, she found herself wondering, Could I become all God created me to be? Aware that her life was one of service to others, she upbraided herself, Be happy with what you have.
               
               
                Even as she agreed to his seemingly innocent request, she thought, Will I still be able to accomplish all I have committed to do if I give my heart to him?“ Good. I will court you so you can decide if I am worthy of your hand in marriage.” Naomi gave him a tentative smile. “There now, that was not so hard, was it?” Chaz took her hand and led her out of the attorney’s office.

               
                It was no surprise to anyone, least of all the attorney, when he opened the paper and found their wedding announcement in its pages. Overjoyed to have accomplished his desire and pleased that he had found the woman a worthy husband, Ralph waited until he knew the priest was free, hurried to the church, found Padre Paul, opened the paper and read, “Naomi Blanco is to marry Chaz Romero—” “Yes, it is true.” The padre wiped happy tears from his eyes. “I know because I am officiating at their nuptials.”


                Naomi’s wedding day was the best and the worst day of her life. When her voice trembled with emotion while she pledged herself to Chaz, she feared the very edifice they stood in would crash down upon her. She felt herself a fraud. How, she asked herself, can I pledge to love, honor, and obey without telling him about myself? Yet, she stifled her worries and exchanged vows and rings. Then she lifted her veil to reveal herself to him, knowing all the while that he did not know her at all. Chaz looked at her and smiled. She smiled back. As she did, she hoped that the joy that infused the moment with the bright light of promise would become a reality.


                Chaz realized he did not know where to spend the night. He found himself feeling as if he were a guest in the casa. He picked up his suitcase, which contained all he had chosen to bring to Naomi’s house at this time, and walked to the door she had closed. He was not happy that he had purposefully not told Naomi everything about himself. But early in their courtship, he had realized that if she understood his work and his world, she might deny him her hand in marriage. And that he would not allow.



Reflective Questions

What does Naomi fear?


What do you fear?


What does Chaz fear?


What will turn their fears and yours into blessings?



Until we meet again remember…


Psalm 111: 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom

Proverbs 1: 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge


Buy your copy of Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing, Book One at www.Amazon.com, www.Barnes&Noble.com

Audio book available at www.iTunes.com

Naomi and Chaz Meet, by Paula Rose Michelson


The Text
                Ralph had them meet at his office so the man could explain the effect Naomi’s words had on him and the extraordinary change he experienced once he had signed her pledge book.
                “It was as if I was one dirty and thrown away by life, lying in the gutter, defiled by the refuse of the world,” he told her. “Then a miracle happened to me. Do you know what that miracle was?”
                Mesmerized by this man, Naomi silently shook her head. Chaz’s eyes never left her as he stood, walked over to her, bent down, and softly whispered in her ear, “It was you. You saw me as I could be. What you said to me, the pledge you made me sign, the words you made me say, were
the first positive words I ever took to heart.” Naomi turned her face and looked directly into his eyes so she could see if he was lying.
                Chaz smiled at her. “You changed my life, and this life of mine, it is yours if you will take it.”
                Shocked, Naomi pulled…


Please reflect upon Matthew 6:21
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Now ask yourself: What is my treasure, where is my heart?


Author’s Comment
So far we’ve been experiencing Naomi’s life sentence by sentence as it unfolds—now we’re about to experience the incredible wonder of being loved—and the gut-wrenching pain of knowing that the person who loves us would not feel that way if they knew who we really are. I’m using the term ‘we’ because I believe that all of us, in one way or another, have allowed people to think about us as they do, and that’s understandable because our need to fit in, sometimes causes us to deny ourselves. Yet as we will see denying our reality never…


Author Changing this Blogs Format
From now on, I'll be using excerpts from Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing Book One. I hope to work through a chapter a week without giving to much away so those who are reading the book can enjoy the ride. 

If you want a book or e-reader from Amazon, visit: http://www.amazon.com/Casa-Naomi-House-Blessing-Blessings/dp/1613461380/ref=la_B007ECYI32_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348776140&sr=1-1

An audio version is available at http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/casa-de-naomi/id508841293?mt=11. Just download Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing Book One from the iTunes website and you on to an e-reader with audio capability from and listen!

To order an author inscribed book visit www.PaulaWordsmith.com


Until we meet again, may your life be filled with Yeshua’s Blessings!

A Reprobate, a Philanthropist, or a Husband, by Paula Rose Michelson


What others plan for us might seem to come true, at least on the surface. However, under all their expectation is the reality that when given few choices one might agree without intending to fulfill a commitment. Perhaps you are like Naomi and me wishing to create no need for others to examine us too closely and find us wanting we have taken what appears to be the easy route. Yet within every choice come a myriad of other choices and expectations. If we were to look backward and examine what happened, I believe we would see that Gods plan for us occurs whether we took the easy of difficult road. Mine, Naomi’s, and perhaps your journey has, at times, been stressful. However, the good news is that we now know much more than we did when we began, and those others who seemed to have it easy, traveled down a different road yet learned what they were supposed to learn, which proves to me that God; thought not orchestrating our lives, does know the end from the very beginning.

The Text

                “Padre, that sigh sounds like it has come from a man who has a great weight within his spirit. Are you burdened, my friend?”
                “Many things concern me. I have burdens and worries for some who are in my care.”
                “I know what you mean. I am concerned that we have not acted well for Naomi’s sake, and this weighs heavy on my heart.”
                “I understand. But what can we do? She is a woman now set in her ways. She needs no one.”
                “That is true. However, that does not mean that she is complete. We know a woman needs a man just as we need our faith in God.”
                The priest frowned. “What are you suggesting?”
                “Oh, have you not heard?” Ralph asked with a wide-toothed grin.
                “One of Naomi’s reprobates has become a philanthropist.”
                “And how did this come about, my son?”
                “It seems that Naomi gave him a few dollars when he was in a bad way. I understand she had him sign her pledge book. The rest of the story is as unlikely as her own is. I have heard it repeated that he said from that day to this, he kept his pledge. In making it the cornerstone of all he thought and did, he was blessed beyond his capabilities or understanding. All this man now asks is that he may approach the lady with a proposal of marriage.”
                “This must surely be of God. But why would she marry now? She is able to accomplish all she wants without a man. What would motivate her?”
                “Ah, Padre, one should never underestimate the desires of the heart once it is fanned,” the sly barrister said. “We do not need to promote this union, but let us introduce the man to Naomi and see what God will do. After all, it is not good for a woman to be alone, and as Naomi ages, who will take care of her? Not everyone can be as fortunate as La SeƱora was when she selected the little mouse to care for her and carry on her work. After all, Naomi has done well. Does she not deserve a portion of her life for herself?” The priest was about to answer, but before he could, the attorney added, “And this man, Chaz, has a connection to our lady like none of the others that have visited her before.”
                The priest considered everything the attorney shared, believed the matter settled, and stood to leave. “I see that you have been thinking about the lady’s situation a great deal. She will at least want to meet him and hear his story. Perhaps this is the man.” That said, he turned and walked out of the eatery.
                The attorney followed on the priests heels, reached his office, and called Naomi. When she answered, he asked her to meet the man her actions had saved from, as Chaz himself had put it, “A life without meaning.” Ralph had them meet at his office so the man could explain the effect Naomi’s words had on him and the extraordinary change he experienced once he had signed her pledge book.

Author’s Comments

The attorney has presented so many possible suitors to Naomi that he’s sure she will finally chose this man because they both work to help others and have a unique tie. Perhaps for some mutual goals, a common faith, and language are important. However, I’d like you to close your eyes and picture Naomi: an illegal immigrant, admired by all, a Jew, afraid to tell her best friend about herself. Now consider the two choices facing her, what would you do if you were her? 

Reflective Questions

What have you signed up for?

Do you like your journey so far?

Would you like to make a different choice?

Scripture

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Jeremiah 29:11-12 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.”

 

May you walk in the sure knowledge that God always planned for YOU!


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