4 Hebrew Secrets Behind Proverbs 3:5-6

What Does Proverbs 3:5-6 Really Mean?

Have you ever felt like your own understanding was a broken staff that let you down just when you needed it most? We’ve likely all read Proverbs 3:5-6 a hundred times, but when we look at the original Hebrew, the message shifts from a passive sentiment to a radical, physical way of living.

A look at the Hebrew and English text of Proverbs 3:5-6 from the YouVersion Bible app—a beautiful starting point for our study.

Today, let’s peel back the layers of these familiar words to discover what the Creator is truly inviting us into.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase a resource through these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the labour of love that is this blog!

Table of Contents

• What the Hebrew Really Says
• Resources for Your Own Study
• The Secret to True Understanding

What the Hebrew Really Says

Sharing Your Faith with Children: Which Bible is Best for Families?

Many people stick strictly to one specific version of the Bible, but as a teacher, I love keeping a variety of editions on hand to compare. I am constantly on the lookout for fresh, engaging formats that bring the Word to life for young minds.

Do you know which Bible more Christian schools and churches recommend to families over any other Bible?  One look was all it took for this one to become a personal favourite of mine!  It is truly entrancing, and it has a wonderful way of getting even the weariest heart excited about reading scripture!

Loving your neighbour as yourself: A simple, hands-on paper doll craft to help children visualize connection and community during family devotion time.

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Finding Comfort in a Thrift Store Treasure

Modern Cannabis - Deadly Deceiver

Recently, while praying about the heartbreaking reality of young people dying by suicide, a prompting came into my heart to 'Look in the book.' When I opened my Bible, my eyes fell on a startling phrase

There is death in the pot!'

Surprised and curious, I did a bit of online sleuthing and found out that the use of modern cannabanoid substances is being linked to more and more suicides!

2 Kings 4:40 Ancient Tragedy Points to Solution for Modern Problem

 In the story, a group of men gather for a communal meal. They shred an unrecognized wild vine into the cooking pot and sit down to eat. They are not trying to harm themselves, and no one is trying to poison them. They are intentionally consuming a meal they fully believe is safe, nourishing, and good. It is only after they begin to eat that they realise a hidden, toxic element is present, causing them to cry out in terror: “Man of God, there is death in the pot!”

Man of God- There is Death in the Pot! Image symbolizing the snake in the garden saying : Surely you will not die combined with 2 Kings 4:40 created using Gemini Ai.

This ancient text offers a profound, sobering metaphor for a modern-day crisis: the intentional consumption of high-potency cannabis products by individuals who fully believe they are doing something completely harmless.

The Illusion of Safety

Meek? Lost in Translation: The Truth About Being "Meek"

Yeshua Was Far From Meek!

Lately, I’ve been thinking about how often the "truth" we cling to is really just a shadow—a flicker of a message that got lost in translation. In our walk as Messianic believers here in the North, we often talk about HaDerech—The Way. But what happens when the very words we use to describe that walk have been hollowed out by the world?

Today, I want to talk about a word that has been used to keep many of us small, silent, and frankly, a bit spiritless: "Meek."

The "Meek" Warhorse

To understand what Yeshua meant in Matthew 5:5, we have to look back to the original Greek: Praus (πραΰς). In the ancient world, this wasn't a word for a coward; it was a military term for a warhorse!.

Imagine a massive stallion with the power to crush a man and the speed to gallop into the heat of battle. Now, imagine that horse under the total control of its rider. It doesn't move until it feels the slightest nudge of the Master’s knee. It hasn't lost its power; its power is simply harnessed and redirected. Why on earth would praus have been translated as meek? I can only imagine, but it certainly seems like a very interesting power play to me. If you want to control a lot of people you feed them a lie.

The "Meekest" Man and the Weight of Anav

We see this lived out in the life of Moses. Numbers 12:3 tells us he was the "meekest" man on earth. The Hebrew word here is Anav (עָנָו), which carries a dual meaning:

• To be bowed down by choice: A heart that is intentionally humble and reliant on the Creator.
• To be pressed down by circumstance: A soul "afflicted" or weighted by a heavy calling.

Moses wasn't "soft." This is the man who stood toe-to-toe with Pharaoh, the most powerful empire-builder on the planet! His "meekness" wasn't a lack of backbone; it was his ability to be "pressed" by the weight of leading a nation while remaining entirely submitted to the Creator.

The Wisdom of the Wolf: A View from the Land

This reminds me so much of the First Nations teaching on Humility, symbolized by the Wolf (Mahingan).

A wolf is a creature of immense power. It knows it has a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth that could rip an adversary to shreds. Yet, when a wolf approaches its pack or a leader, it often bows its head. It isn't because the wolf is "weak." It is a conscious choice to tuck away its power for the sake of the community. It is the wolf saying, "I have the strength to destroy, but I choose the grace to connect."

Final Thoughts

Don’t let the world tell you that your gentleness is a lack of spine. When you choose to forgive instead of retaliate, you aren't being weak. You are being "meeked." You are a warhorse for the Kingdom—powerful, battle-ready, and entirely submitted to the King.

What part of your strength is the Lord asking you to "meek" today?

B’shem Yeshua HaMashiach,

~ Su

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About the Author

Su is a teacher and a Messianic Métis woman who is passionate about reconnecting with the Creator's original calendar and Holy Days . Through her blog, Turtle Dove Thoughts, she shares her journey of faith, her love for the land, and the lessons she learns while navigating life with chronic illness . She believes that even in stillness, there is a powerful work of renewal taking place

🎬 Debunking Shroud of Turin Myths

❓ Who was in the Shroud of Turin?

This Shabbat's scripture readings have me thinking about the Shroud of Turin. Many people are trying touse science to prove the Shroud found in Italy is a lie- but why rely on science when the proof has been there in plain sight in scriptures for centuries?

Can church relics stand up to the text of the Bible? A closer look at the Gospels and Torah law completely shatters the historical narrative surrounding this famous burial cloth.

📜 Scriptural Proof: Yeshua was Not in the Shroud of Turin

2026 Census Thoughts – Blessings

How interesting that the Canadian census time should so closely coincide with part of this week's Shabbat reading! Thousands of years after Moshe counted the tribes in the desert, I found myself facing a similar kind of numbering.

How remarkable to see our modern Canadian civic duty align so perfectly with this week’s Shabbat reading! While the census in Parashat Bamidbar was specifically focused on those who could be prepared for war and the struggles of the wilderness, it reminds us of the profound transition from a crowd into an organized community.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work! For more information please see the policies page.

B'midbar (Num) 1:1-3 CJB

"Adonai spoke to Moshe in the Sinai Desert, in the tent of meeting, on the first day of the second month of the second year after they had left the land of Egypt. He said, “Take a census of the entire assembly of the people of Isra’el, by clans and families. Record the names of all the men twenty years old and over who are subject to military service in Isra’el. You and Aharon are to enumerate them company by company.”"

Source: The Complete Jewish Bible available on Amazon

In our daily walks of faith, it is all too easy to get caught up in the modern noise and bureaucracy. But this week, a mundane household chore left me pausing to reflect on the **beautiful grace** of the time and place we live in.

I am talking about the **Canadian census**.

A dear friend recently sent me articles detailing all the complex ways people are trying to avoid filling out their forms. If you were led into tossing your census out, there is good news—all is not lost.

The Good News

If you threw your envelope away, **do not panic.** You do not need to embark on a complicated legal crusade. In fact, your civic duty might be incredibly simple this year.

You can fix a lost form in under ten minutes. Go straight to the official portal at census.gc.ca, click "Start questionnaire," and generate a new code using your address. Alternatively, call the Census Help Line at 1-833-852-2026 to request a paper form.

A Quick Ten Minutes

When I finally bit the bullet, I was surprised at how few questions I had to complete! It took only a few short minutes online. No intrusive prying—just a swift, quiet modern convenience.

The Journey to Bethlehem

As I hit the "submit" button, my mind wandered back to the **Census of Quirinius**.

Think of Mary and Joseph. There was no digital portal or friendly Census worker dropping off the form. Mary, heavily pregnant, had to endure a grueling, dusty, **90-mile journey** from Nazareth to Bethlehem. There were no paved highways or rest stops—just the slow pace of a donkey across a rocky landscape.

They travelled through dangerous territory just to be counted by an empire that viewed them as numbers. Yet today, we often feel "under attack" simply by a request for our postal code.

Shifting Our Perspective

How blessed are we? We can fulfill our duties while sitting in a comfortable chair, sipping tea. We don't have to pack up our lives or sleep in stables just to register our households.

When the world encourages resistance and frustration, **let us choose a different path.** Let us look at our modern lives through a lens of historical gratitude. The next time government mail hits your counter, take it as a quiet reminder to thank God for the smooth roads and light burdens we carry today.

What "mundane" task has turned into a moment of worship or gratitude for you this week?

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About the Author

Sister Su is a survivor through her Saviour and has been blessed to see many miracles in her life. Currently digging her way out from under a mountain of debt while battling chronic illness, she dreams of one day earning her doctorate in practical theology.

For more information, visit her Linktree - Sister_Su.

Being Holy But Not "Holier Than Thou:

Today is three weeks and six days of counting the Omer, 27 days! Are you counting the days up towards Shavuot (Pentecost) too? Can you believe we are already 28 days in? Almost four full weeks of preparing our hearts for Shavuot; we are just past the halfway mark. We are also at the midpoint of the month of Iyar—how time flies!

Today is also Pesach Sheni (the Second Passover). It’s such a beautiful reminder of our Creator’s heart for "second chances"—He literally built a day into the calendar for those who missed the first feast because they were away or ritually unclean. If you feel like you’ve "missed the boat" on your spiritual goals this month, today is a wonderful reminder that His grace provides a way back.

I had great plans to create a Pesach Sheni Seder plate because I was quite weak on the first Passover, but the power was off for most of the day. When I tried making the chana flour matzah recipe from memory, it turned out too thin and then too thick—it looks more like pieces of a hard tack map (Australia, Antarctica  China and South America Japan!) than matzah. Frankly, I was plum tuckered out from dragging my cart with drinking water and groceries up the hill yesterday!”

Even my matzah got a bit 'puffed up' with pride! These three pieces—resembling Australia, Japan, and China—remind me that sometimes our best attempts turn into something entirely unexpected.

This Week's Readings: Parashat Emor

• Torah: Vayikra (Leviticus) 21:1–24:23
• Haftarah: Yechezk’el (Ezekiel) 44:15–31
• Brit Chadashah: 1 Corinthians 8

Which Bible Translation is Closest to the Original? My Surprising Choice

Which English translation of the Bible has the closest meaning to the original texts? 

Searching English Bible Translations- Looking for the Version Closest to the Original Meaning 

To my way of thinking, it would be one translated by someone who grew up living in the rich culture of the original texts—someone who understands the idioms of the original language. 

I believe Dr. David H. Stern, MDiv, created an English translation that is exactly what I am looking for. Please pray for David and his family - they are now living in Israel

Table of Contents

• The Story Behind The Complete Jewish Bible
• Who Translated the Complete Jewish Bible?
• Why Create the Complete Jewish Bible?
• About the Author
• A Declaration and Decree

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work!

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The Story Behind The Complete Jewish Bible

The other day, I was led to read a sample from The Complete Jewish Bible here on Amazon. What I discovered as I poured through the introduction (starting at location 300) made me want to take a much closer look at this translation

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Who Translated the Complete Jewish Bible?

David H. Stern, born in Los Angeles in 1935, is the great-grandson of two of that city's first twenty Jews. He earned a Ph.D. in economics at Princeton University and was a professor at UCLA. In 1972, he came to faith in Yeshua the Messiah. He then received a Master of Divinity degree at Fuller Theological Seminary, did graduate work at the University of Judaism, and became active in the Messianic Jewish movement.

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Why Create the Complete Jewish Bible?

Dr. Stern grew up reading Hebrew and living a life entrenched in the nuances of the language. When he became a follower of the Messiah and started reading English translations, he found so many things had been "lost in translation." The Introduction to the Complete Jewish Bible is a fascinating read.

Dr. Stern is on fire with the desire that no one miss the faith of our Messiah while reading the scriptures. In addition to the "Complete Jewish Bible," he authored:

• The "Messianic Jewish Manifesto"
• The "Jewish New Testament," which restores the New Testament's Jewishness.
• The "Jewish New Testament Commentary," which discusses the many Jewish issues found in the New Testament.
• The Complete Jewish Bible Study Bible 

David and his family moved to Jerusalem several years ago. Please pray for their safety.

— Su

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About the Author

Sister Su is a survivor through her Saviour and has been blessed to see many miracles in her life. Currently digging her way out from under a mountain debt while battling chronic illness, she dreams of one day earning her doctorate in practical theology. For more information, visit her Linktree- Sister_Su.

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A Declaration and Decree for David and His Family

In the name of Yeshua HaMashiach, I declare and decree:

You who live in the shelter of 'Elyon, who spend your nights in the shadow of Shaddai, who say to Adonai, "My refuge! My fortress! My God, in whom I trust!"—

He will rescue you from the trap of the hunter and from the plague of calamities; he will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his truth is a shield and protection.

You will not fear the terrors of night or the arrow that flies by day, or the plague that roams in the dark, or the scourge that wreaks havoc at noon. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand; but it won't come near you.

Amen.

From Tehillim (Psa) 91:1-7 Complete Jewish Bible (CJB) on the YouVersion Bible App

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Seeing the Messiah in Passover : Helpful Free Devotional

Review: Discovering Yeshua in the Passover

Do you have a favourite resource about seeing the Messiah in the elements of the Passover Seder?
If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of the biblical foundations of your faith, the free devotional "Ten Ways to Find Messiah in the Passover" is an incredible resource. Whether you are well-versed in the feasts or just beginning to explore your faith's Jewish roots, this 10-day journey offers a profound perspective on God’s redemptive plan

This Free Devotional on the YouVersion Bible App About Discovering the Messiah in the Passover is truly enlightening.

How to Access the Devotional

You can find this free 10-day plan, "Ten Ways to Find Messiah in the Passover," directly on the YouVersion Bible App.

• Simply follow this link to 10 Ways to Find Messiah in the Passover on the YouVersion Bible App
• Alternately, you can open the YouVersion Bible App, go to the "Plans" section, and search for the title.

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A Powerful Scriptural Structure

Is Malachi 4 Fake? How Stephen Langton Changed Your Bible Forever

The Return of Elijah – Misconstrued Through 13th-Century Fiddling

Scripture:
Mattityahu (Mat) 17:10 CJB [10] The talmidim asked him, “Then why do the Torah-teachers say that Eliyahu must come first?”
See on Complete Jewish Bible on Bible.com

Have you ever wondered exactly where the Elijah prophecy is that the disciples were referring to? If you are reading the scriptures in the original Hebrew, it is found in Malachi 3—but not in many English translations!

Who Dared Cut Holy Scriptures Apart?

Table of Contents

• How Eliyahu’s Return Got Shifted
• The Impact of Man-Made Breaks
• Recommended Translations

Affiliate Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the blog!

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How Eliyahu’s Return Got Shifted to Malachi 4 (and the Misunderstandings This Causes)

Esther 4:55 - Discovering Greek Lies :Why Learning Hebrew is Important

The Early Morning Call: A 3:33 AM Urgency

"Have you ever been awakened in the middle of the night, 

And an urgency placed in your heart to get up and write?"

In the wee hours - 3:33 am precisely - I was urged to get up and write. But what? What was I to write? There were so many choices. I re-read some scriptures and looked over some drafts - my soul felt restless. Finally, I got up, puttered with this and that - then it was put in my heart to lay down again on my sleeping mat.

The Search for 4:55: An Unexpected Discovery

My eye was drawn to the time on my phone 4:55 - then to my data usage 45.5. Hmm... I thought that's weird! I opened my Chrome browser and typed Bible 4:55; a result from Malachi came back. Something stirred inside me to ask again. So like Samuel asking if there might yet be another son - I typed "is there any other 4:55 scripture?"

I was shocked at what I unearthed!

A visual guide to why studying the original Hebrew Tanakh is vital for uncovering truths lost in translation

It is vital for anyone studying the Bible to learn Hebrew and not rely on the lies in the earliest Greek translation. Why? Esther 4:55 and 106 other verses are a total fabrication! These false teachings found in the Greek and most Orthodox and Catholic Bibles simply don't exist in the original Hebrew Scriptures! These 107 "phantom" verses, like Esther 4:55, act as a ghost in the machine—artificial additions that haunt the original Hebrew text and obscure the true, concealed hand of our Creator.

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In this post:

• The Ghost in the Machine: Esther 4:55 and the Danger of "Improving" the Word
• Who Wrote the Greek Lies that Include Esther 4:55?
• The Danger of "Improving" the Word: Biblical Warnings
• The Beauty Lost Not Studying Esther in Hebrew Tanakh
• Final Thoughts: Recognizing His Hand
• Over to You: Share Your "Hidden" Miracles

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate or referral links. If you click or make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission or reward at no extra cost to you.

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The Ghost in the Machine: Esther 4:55 and the Danger of "Improving" the Word

"Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you." — Deuteronomy 4:2 (KJV)

Have you ever opened a Bible and found a verse that simply shouldn’t be there? If you grew up with a standard Protestant Bible, your Book of Esther ends at Chapter 10, Verse 3. But if you pick up a Catholic or Orthodox Bible, you might stumble into an expanded universe—one that includes an Esther 4:55.

This verse is a beautiful moment of high drama. In it, Queen Esther faints before King Xerxes, and we are told: “Then God changed the spirit of the king to gentleness...” (Additions to Esther 4:55). It’s a powerful scene, but it's a lie - it does not exist in the original Hebrew.

Who Wrote the Greek Lies that Include Esther 4:55?

Apparently, about 200 years before Yeshua, Greek-speaking scribes felt there was a "deficiency" in the Hebrew Book of Esther. So they simply concocted 107 verses to make the book more "religious." They added prayers, kosher dietary laws, and—most notably—verse 4:55, which explicitly credits Creator for softening the king's heart.

The Danger of "Improving" the Word: Biblical Warnings

Creator is very clear about the integrity of His revealed Word. The command given in Deuteronomy is echoed in Revelation 22:18-19 once again. We are not to change one word!

The Beauty Lost Not Studying Esther in Hebrew Tanakh

The original Hebrew Book of Esther is unique in the Tanakh because it never explicitly mentions the name of the Creator. Not once. There is no recorded prayer, no mention of the Temple, and no overt "miracles." Those 107 verses added in Greek are total lies.

The true story of Esther (Hadassah) unfolds through a series of divine appointments. Creator is the "hidden hand" working behind the "seen" through timing, human faith, courage, and perfectly placed events - like waking King Xerxes in the night and having him read of Mordecai's deed.

When scholars dig into the Hebrew, they find "hidden treasures"—like the Creator's name woven into the text of Esther—something only accessible in the Hebrew.

By inserting the name of Our Creator where it doesn't exist - the whole point of this book is totally missed! There is none greater than Our Creator - He is always there - even in places you dare not share His name! It is vital for Biblical scholars to read Hebrew, and not rely solely on the Greek translation.

Final Thoughts: Recognizing His Hand

The case of Esther 4:55 reminds us to be vigilant. Whether it’s through cultural "corrections" or modern traditions, we must be careful not to "nullify the word of God" by our additions (Mark 7:13). Let's stay grounded in the original Word, honouring the languages God chose to speak through.

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About this Author

Sister Su is a survivor through her Saviour. A born-again Messianic Metis retired teacher who has had the privilege of seeing many miracles in her life. Connect with her through X @Sister_Su and check out her linktree.

Over to You: Share Your "Hidden" Miracles

Have you ever experienced a "hidden" miracle—a moment where there was no loud voice from Heaven, but you knew a divine appointment had just taken place? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments below!

Thanks for popping into my blog today,
Stay vigilant! Stay alert!
Beware of "the father of lies"!
Learn Hebrew with me - sign up for Duolingo - it's free!
~ Su

P.S. I'm praying about ordering A First Hebrew Reader by Timothy A Lee. What do you think?

First Hebrew Reader: Jonah, Ruth, Esther by Timothy Lee

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Help others discover the original Hebrew context of the Book of Esther! Save this study to your Bible board on Pinterest:

Spring 2026 - 5786 Adar Anticipation!

Finding the Rhythm: The Joy of Adar and Ancient Earth Calendars

Are you curious about Adar? Recently I've been diving into the calendar the Creator established centuries ago—the one that sets the stage for the special Holy Days. Right now, we are in the month of Adar, and the more I learn, the more I realize how much this ancient Hebrew system speaks the same language as the traditional First Nations calendars here in North America.

Are you ready for the "Quickening"?

A Calendar of Observation

One of the most striking similarities is that both systems are Lunisolar.

Psalm 105:1 Deep Dive: A Meaning Lost in Translation

Psalm 105:1 Deep Dive: A Meaning Lost in Translation

While reading the daily scripture on the YouVersion Bible App, something seemed a bit off about the translation—it just didn’t quite make sense to me. I checked the various versions available on the app, but not being quite satisfied with what I found, I decided to get to the root of it—the Hebrew roots, that is. I wanted to know: what does it say in the Hebrew?

"Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples." — Psalm 105:1 (NASB)

Psalm 105:1 as seen in the YouVersion Bible app, featuring the NASB and KJV translations alongside the original Hebrew text.

What I Discovered: The Meaning Lost in Translation

Spring Feasts Prep 2026: Chametz Disposal

Spring Cleaning Traditions: Discovering the Life of Our Messiah

There is "spring cleaning," and then there is Passover spring cleaning. As a Messianic Metis woman, I am used to the idea of seasonal shifts and "clearing out the old," but this year, the process has become about something much deeper: as I focus on the life of our Messiah.

This journey is rooted in the instruction the Creator gave to our ancestors:

"Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread. On the first day you shall remove leaven from your houses..." (Exodus 12:15).

Since our Messiah was a Torah-observant Jew, this yearly disposal of old leaven would have definitely been a part of His home life. Every year, Yeshua would have participated in this same rhythm—searching, sweeping, and clearing out the house to prepare for the Feast. By following this instruction today, we aren't just cleaning; we are walking in His footsteps and learning more about the life He lived.

It’s a physical act that mirrors a spiritual reality. By removing the physical yeast, we are reminded to search our hearts for the "puffed up" parts—the pride and hypocrisy that Yeshua warned us about when He said:

"Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees" (Matthew 16:6).

Doing a little 'freezer archaeology' with my flashlight!

The Freezer Archaeological Dig

I have a very practical system for stewardship. Whenever I bring grains home from the grocery store, they go straight into the freezer—my "grain vault"—to keep them fresh and prevent any "chiggers" or mealworms from hatching. But as I began my countdown to the formal search, I realized even a vault can hide things that don't belong in a season of unleavened truth.

Armed with a flashlight, I went deep-sea diving into the frost. There, at the very bottom, buried under a miniature glacier, sat a blue box of Barilla Gluten Free Rotini. It had been "safekeeping" so well I’d completely forgotten it was even there! It reminded me how easily the "old" can settle at the bottom of our lives, hidden away until we intentionally shine a light on it.

The Triple-Threat Popcorn Conundrum

The Popcorn Wilderness: What happens when your Biur Chametz plans meet three massive bags of kernels. A literal backyard snowstorm in the making! 🍿❄️"

Then, there’s the Popcorn Situation. I discovered three huge bags of popping corn. I’d originally bought them with the Metis ingenuity of one day grinding them into cornmeal, but now they stand between me and a leaven-free home.

The traditional next step is Biur Chametz—the ritual destruction of the leaven. I’ve been doing the math: Fire + Three huge bags of kernels = An Absolute Backyard Snowstorm.

Part of me thinks it would be hilarious to watch it "snow" popcorn over the neighborhood. The other part of me—the steward of the funds the Creator has provided—is cringing. Is it being a good steward to turn my grocery budget into a localized weather event? Probably not. But oh, the visual!

To Sell or Not to Sell?

I know many people "sell" their chametz to a non-Torah Observant friend, lock it up, and buy it back later. To be honest? It feels a bit hypocritical to me. If the Creator asked me to remove it, simply hiding it behind a locked door feels like I’m missing the point of the heart-change the Messiah calls us to. I don't want to just "re-title" my leaven; I want it truly gone.

A Greener Solution?

So, what do I do with the freezer pasta and my popcorn mountain? I’m wondering if I might be able to bury it in my garden. Returning these "roots" to the earth feels more in line with my walk—taking what was meant for one season and letting the Creator turn it into something new and life-giving for the next.

Since the goal of Biur Chametz is to remove the leaven from our possession and benefit, burying it is a valid and beautiful way to "return it to the dust." As the grains break down in the soil, they leave my possession forever, clearing the way for a season of "unleavened" sincerity.

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How are your preparations going?

Do you have any "freezer treasures" that surprised you this year? Have you ever thought about planting your grains instead of selling them? Please leave a note in the comments below! If this post gave you a chuckle or a new perspective, I'd be so grateful if you would share it with your community!

Thanks for popping into my blog today~ Su

Burnt Out? Try This Biblical Secret!

Finding Rest in a Restless World

Do you sometimes feel totally exhausted, no matter how much you sleep? Does it feel like your "to-do" list is growing faster than your energy? Are you longing for even a bit of true rest that doesn't involve just crashing on the couch?

👽 Ever feel like an alien in your own life because you're just THAT tired? You aren't alone. Whether it’s 3 AM insomnia or general life burnout, true rest is closer than you think. 🕊️

If you feel this way, you are certainly not alone. Recent 2025 data from the Robert Half Canada survey shows that nearly half of Canadian professionals (47%) report feeling burned out. Furthermore, reports indicate that approximately 48% of Canadian adults struggle with sleep, making unrefreshing sleep a widespread issue. Whether it is from heavy workloads, financial pressure, or the mental fatigue of modern life, the need for a real break is a universal struggle.

The good news is that you have been brought to the right place; it truly is possible to get that much-needed rest, and we can find the blueprint for it in the scriptures.

The Secret to True Rest: Lessons from 2 Chronicles 15:15

Shabbat February 14, 2026 Messianic Readings and Activities

Messianic Torah Portion: Mishpatim (Judgments)

I asked Google what the Messianic readings are for today, February 14th 2026 then switched to Ai mode to ask it to create the html code and image for this post. Update: I just noticed that the scripture links in the html provided by Google Ai were not accurate. I just updated the links to go directly to scriptures on the Blue Letter Bible website.

For Saturday, February 14, 2026 (27 Shevat 5786), we dive into Mishpatim. What is Mishpatim? Mishpatim is the Hebrew word for "judgements". This portion transitions from the awe of Sinai to the practical, everyday application of God's laws in a just society.

Exploring the Parashat Mishpatim: Connecting the ancient civil laws of the Torah to modern family life through creative children’s activities and hands-on learning.

Table of Contents

• Weekly Readings
• Children’s Activities
• Closing Thoughts

Pondering Passover : Exodus 12:1-31

Why Talk About Passover Now?

Regina Victory Church offers a free online Bible Study Group via Zoom, guided by Dr. Nosa on Sunday evenings from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm CST. This study, based on the Discovery Bible App's "Creation to Christ" series, examines the scriptures to see what they reveal about our Creator. Last week's passage was Exodus 12:1-31.

Discovery Bible App Study Lesson Plan

Why Celebrate Passover ?

Passover celebrates a great miracle done by Our Creator. He told Moses (Mose) to tell the people to slaughter a kid- either a goat or lamb. Put its blood on their doorway and roast and eat the  the kid. That night, when He detected the blood of the kid on any doorway, He would  Passover that home. However, in any home where the blood was not over the doorway, the first born son in that household would die. 

What Does Our Creator Say About Passover?

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Scripture:

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Why Names Are So Important!

Delving Into Biblical Names: Thoughts on Genesis 17

In the Bible we read "the spirit of life and death lie in the tongue." While many people realise negative words can crush a person's spirit, few people realise the importance of names.

Names are very important to Our Creator. Several times in the Bible we even find Our Creator stepping in and giving a person a name - sometimes before they were born like Isaac or later in life like Abram and Sarai.

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Meanings of Some Genesis 17 Names

When Abram first set out from his home with his wife and nephew. His name "Abram" meant, "Exalted Father".

Later Creator changed his name to Abraham meaning "Father of Many".

Our Father Abraham: Jewish Roots of Christian Faith by Marvin R. Wilson Preview Here on Amazon

Honing Spiritual Strength Through Counting the Omer

Many Omer Counters Work on Spiritual Wellness Through Counting the Omer - Sounds Like a Great Idea to Me!

Our Creator said we are to count the Omer starting the night after Passover up to Shavuot- the Feast of Weeks - also known as Pentecost in Leviticus 23:15-16

When the command was given to count the days towards Shavuot 50 days after Passover, each day the person was to bring a sheaf of grain as an offering. Another word for the amount of grain to be brought is called an Omer. Can you imagine seeing the sheaves of grain mounting up into a huge pile as it was added to each day?

As born-again believers we know that Our Savior paid the ultimate atoning sacrifice with His life at Passover, so why count the Omer still today?

Why Some Believers Still Count the Omer Today

People have different reasons for continuing to count the Omer today. I hold the words of My Savior as very precious. The scripture that is very significant to me when I look at the special appointed times Our Creator asked us to set aside to honour Him are found in Matthew 5:17-19. "Not one jot or tittle of the law shall pass away until it is all fulfilled."

True, some may point to the words of Shaul and say that the law was fulfilled by the sacrifice of Our Savior. 

However, I believe it is important to set aside these days to honour Our Creator - not out of obligation or duty, but out of gratitude and love.

When you truly love someone how do you show your love for them? By spending time with them!

Is it too much to ask to spend a bit of time with Our Creator on those 49 days between Passover and Shavuot preparing our hearts minds and souls? 

Seven Times Seven Aspects of Spirituality for Omer Counting

When the temple was destroyed, people continued counting the Omer fulfilling this command to count the Omer. However, after the temple was destroyed, there was no place to bring the grain offering. Therefore, simply saying the blessing and counting the days would have to suffice. This is how many people count the Omer today. 

However, counting the Omer does not have to simply be a matter of saying the prayers, after all, what is it that Our Creator truly desires as a sacrifice?

In Psalm 51:17 we see the sacrifice Our Creator will not despise -

Psalm 51:17 Masoretic Text

What is that acceptable sacrifice? Yes, a broken spirit and a contrite heart-  this could definitely be a suitable substitution for all the sacrifices that can no longer be done without the temple. So, during these first days of the new year, we can prepare our hearts by contemplating each day how we wish to improve.

I was delighted to discover a very interesting teaching on counting the Omer on Chabad.org. It is a way of contemplating the seven aspects of the soul during the days leading to Pentecost. - one aspect for each of the 7 weeks of counting the Omer.

The Hebrew words for the seven aspects of the soul people focus on at this time are:

1. Chesed
2. Gevurah
3. Tiferet
4. Netzach
5. Hod
6. Yesod
7. Malchut

Chesed of Chesed is the focus of the first night of Omer counting. The second - Gevurah of Chesed, and so on until the 49th count - Malchut of Malchut.

For more information on increasing in spiritual strength by taking time to focus on soul work during the counting of the Omer visit >>A Spiritual Guide to the Counting of the Omer - Forty-Nine Steps to Personal Refinement - Chabad.org

Here is an interesting video about the seven aspects of our emotions from the Rabbi who wrote the article on this way of counting the  Omer.    

This Rabbi also offers three ways of participating in this method of counting the Omer on his website The Meaningful Life:

• A taste - Daily Email
• Appetizer - Download the app
• Full experience - Get the book

I signed up for the free daily email prompts. Perhaps this might interest you too. See details at My Omer: 49 Steps to Personal Refinement Archives - The Meaningful Life Center

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Sources:

• A Spiritual Guide to the Counting of the Omer - Forty-Nine Steps to Personal Refinement - Chabad.org
• My Omer: 49 Steps to Personal Refinement Archives - The Meaningful Life Center
• Psalm 51 (NASB20) - The sacrifices of God are (blueletterbible.org)

About This Author

Sister Su is grateful to God for keeping her alive. She is a Trent/Queen's Concurrent Education graduate with over 20 years of teaching experience. She writes on several blogs, has a YouTube channel and is most easily reached through Twitter @Sister_Su See her link tree here >>@Sister_Su | Linktree for more details.

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