Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Finding Refuge in Psalm 71: Trusting God Through Life’s Seasons
Between personal and current events, this past month has been quite the roller-coaster ride.
7 min read
Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
- Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
- Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Three Steps to Get Rid of the “Yes, buts”
As December ends, I wish you a blessed Christmas and New Year despite ongoing conflicts and uncertainties. While life seems calm in Haifa, struggles persist elsewhere. Reflecting on Paul’s teachings from Philippians, we can overcome obstacles by forgetting the past, pressing forward, and remembering
8 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Missiles Overhead, Peace Within: A New Routine in Israel
While the situation in Israel seems to be in a state of flux, new routines are becoming part of everyday life. For most of us in the country, it has become a strange new world where even being able to take a shower can’t be taken for granted. Groundwork for the new routine Since I came to Isra
12 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
The Price of Peace: Yom Kippur Reflections in Uncertain Times
There were no sirens in Haifa last night, and so far, the day remains quiet. This year, the silence of Yom Kippur is different from other years. Usually, at least a few cars can be heard, offending the ears of those who honor the sanctity of this most holy of days. Today, birds’ songs are the acc
6 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Explosions and Reflections: Finding Peace that Passes Understanding
It seems like there are either huge gaps between posts or one right on the heels of another. Not being certain of what news you have been getting in the USA, here is a recap of the past few days. September 17 and 18, 2024 You may have heard about the exploding devices in Lebanon. It all starte
8 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Appointed Times and War
It’s hard to believe that October is almost here. In three weeks, we will be celebrating Rosh Hashanah – the Jewish New Year, and in less than 4 weeks, on October 7, Israel will have been at war for a year. It has been a strange year, but in thinking about it, I have been reminded of the Biblical te
9 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Navigating a Split-Screen Reality
In a recent chat conversation with a friend, we talked about how surreal life has been lately. My friend said she calls it a split-screen existence, and that was how she had described it to her family. While I didn’t recall her specific term of reference, I totally got it, and with her permission, s
7 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Strength in Adversity: Facing Challenges Together
I had hoped to send a positive update (clean CT and MRI - thankfully). However, there is a new development. I just received the results of a routine mammography, which revealed an 8 mm mass. Receiving that report was not what I was expecting. I sent it to my oncologist and to a friend who specialize
4 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Winds of War in the North (Guest Post)
It is not very often that I post so frequently. However, after sending out my post on June 30, I read an article that I realized would be quite useful for filling in the gaps for those of you who do not live in Israel. You may not know what is really happening Based on several emails I've rece
8 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Perspectives of War and Peace
I’ve been ignoring the elephant in the room. However, it is threatening a rampage, and no one seems to be in control of the situation, especially the powers that be. It is hard to still a raging elephant when in truth, you can’t see or hear him. But trust me, the elephant is in the room. If you h
6 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Embracing Change at 69: Finding Hope in God’s Discipline
I find it hard to believe that this coming June I’ll turn 69. In some ways, I feel so young – but in others, I feel so old. Some of what I’ve been struggling with has felt so raw and controversial that I hesitated to share. Other things felt so personal, that I wondered if I dare share. What happene
8 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Life Took Me by Surprise
Well, so much for the best-laid plans. I had wanted to write a post at least twice a month. But my last post was back in January! Even I was surprised. I can’t help but wonder, where did the time go? What have I been so busy doing? I won't say things have been easy, but it seems like all that has ha
10 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
The Grace that Never Fails
I don’t know about you, but I struggle far more than anyone knows with feeling like a failure. All the pep talks in the world won’t cheer me up when I hit a slump. In fact, the only thing that lifts my spirit is meditating upon a precious jewel of scripture. “Then I saw a great white throne…”
5 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Getting Real About the Christmas Story
It is Christmas Eve. I think this is the most unChristmassy feeling Christmas I’ve experienced in a long time. The problem isn’t the lack of decorations, though they aren’t how I measure Christmas. The issue definitely isn’t the lack of Christmas songs. Last night, friends came over and we spent the
9 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Is it Us or Them? Seeking a Christian Perspective in Wartime
If you do not believe in Yeshua as the Messiah, this post is not directed to you. It is a reflection of my struggle for a right heart in this current war being fought in Israel. My struggle is with my heart. What should my attitude be toward this war, toward Gaza, toward the Palestinians, toward Ham
12 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
From Jehosaphat to Today: Israel's Crises Haven't Changed
This morning, I woke up and checked my emails. To my surprise, an email from a friend in the US shared with me a headline about Israel being at war. I opened my Internet news station and was shocked to learn that a massive assault had just begun against southern Israel. By mid-morning, parts of Jeru
10 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Why Rejoice in a Temporary Dwelling for Seven Days?
A few thoughts about how thinking about Sukkot has encouraged me to keep my eyes on our wonderful and great God. He has always been faithful and He always will be!
8 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Welcome to 5784 – A New Year to Ponder
As we enter a new year, I think many are happy to leave last year behind; I know I am. But we still bring ourselves and our struggles into the new year. What will we do to make things different?
6 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
I Thought It Would Be Easy Street
Looking back, I’ve been amazed at how easy many things have been for me. But I also realize that when something is too easy, it can make me lazy. For example, writing has always come naturally. Does that mean I don’t need to practice my craft and look for ways to improve it? No. Do I do it? Not as o
7 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Spared – Spared for What?
There is a cliché that time flies when you get older. However, it is indeed true. It is hard to find new words to express universal experiences. We face a crisis, and it passes, and what we thought was of tremendous import fades with the next unforeseen incident. I pray that no matter what happens,
7 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Getting Rid of an Unwanted House Guest (Blog Post)
Getting Rid of an Unwanted House Guest (Blog Post) First off, so you won’t be misled, this is not a how to post. Having been an unwanted houseguest a couple of times in my life, I can testify that they are clueless as to how unwanted they really are. (Hard lessons learned and I grew from the expe
9 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Thorns, Crosses, and Wheat
This is my first post since December. I really thought I would get back to writing more. After all, that is part of what I was talking about in my last post, as I considered pressing on “toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14). I know that God has gifted me
7 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Looking Back and Looking Up to Let Go
I wish I had no regrets as I look back over the past year. I wouldn’t be surprised if we all do. For me, it’s the realization that wasted time really does add up to a huge pit of should haves that can never be regained.
8 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
The Bad News We Need to Hear
A recent study in 1 Thessalonians has led to discovering overlooked facts that are giving me a new perspective on life and the situations I am facing. This post is a bit long, but I hope you’ll read it to the end. The Thessalonians had nowhere to hide As I worked through chapter 1, and recalle
9 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Feast of Tabernacles – Disruptive Hope
Did you know that in the Bible there are no holidays? All of the Jewish holidays are referred to as “appointed times” (moedim in Hebrew). I like that name for these special days. They are special appointments with God. Following are my musings as we usher in the appointed time for the Feast of Tabernacles.
6 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
He Does All Things Well — Not Just Some
Earlier this month, a friend of mine, Sarah Julia posted an interesting photo on Facebook, with a brief meditation. I’ve been struggling with several things recently (which I may share in a later post), but when I read Sarah’s post, I found myself deeply encouraged. I kept going back to reread it.
4 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
New Depths in Old Comfort
This week, I discovered new depths in a well-known Bible verse – perhaps so well known that we take it for granted. “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.”1 John 4:18 ESV An unexpecte
8 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
A Story of Hope
Many of you know that I work I teach English at a local Chinese congregation. I want to share with you a story about one of my former students. Note: Name and identifying information changed to protect the identity of the student. Yan Dong A few years ago a new student, Yan Dong, started began
7 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Utterly Helpless, I Discovered God’s Strength
In my last post, I shared how I finally learned that God truly, eternally, loved me as heart knowledge, not head knowledge. As promised, I am sharing what I learned after my heart was stabilized and I was finally able to enter a rehabilitation hospital for my right knee (following knee replacement s
13 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
I Did Not Believe God Really Loved Me
Note: This is a rather long post, which will be completed in a subsequent post. I hope it encourages you. Happy New Year! Since childhood, I’ve struggled with God’s love. Perhaps that is why I answered so many altar calls as a child. The preacher would give a stirring sermon about forgiveness and
15 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Losing track of time
This post could be a repeat of my post from March 2019. To quote myself: I realize that it has been two months since I last posted anything. How can this be? Is it possible that I have nothing to say? No… I think in a way I have too much to say and not enough time to get it all in.These past coup
6 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Sometimes It Takes Black to See Clearly
In a way, the image for this post reflects some of the extremes I’ve been experiencing lately. There is so much beauty around me, yet I find myself drowning in the surrounding view or the darkness of night when I feel like I can’t see at all. The flower in this picture is indeed beautiful. After a b
12 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
War and Rumors of War
A couple of weeks ago I had signed up to participate in an Instagram writing challenge with a group I joined last year, Hope Writers. I love it when they give the writing challenges because they use one-word prompts, throw out a few ideas, and challenge us to get our writing juices flowing — and ou
11 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Longing for something fresh
As you now know, I was participating in a writing challenge. One of the words I was given was “Fresh”. My mind jumped to so many things when I rolled that word around in my brain. I had just finished cooking a fresh pot of home-made vegetable soup. I love the smell. But there are other smells I e
3 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Hanging On When Our Hope is Challenged
My Facebook feed is full of comments about 2020 versus 2021. From humorous and sarcastic to poignant and longing, there is a common theme: no one really enjoyed 2020 and all of us long for life to get back to normal in 2021. Conversely, deep down inside, we all know that the new normal will never th
9 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Christmas Greetings and Thoughts Your Way
Whenever you receive this, today, tomorrow, or after Christmas, I pray that the Hope and Promise of Christmas will be yours, now and every day, until our wonderful savior returns to take us home. I can’t say I have any wise or new thoughts to share with you as we celebrate Christmas. My guess is
3 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
The 2020 Thanksgiving Challenge
Earlier this week a colleague and I were talking about the past year. Our conversation started with me sighing as I warmed my hands on my coffee mug. “Where did this year go? I feel like it just started and soon it will be December!” Stella looked up at me in surprise, “We were just talking ab
8 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
It Took a Korean TV Series to Answer My Question about God’s Love
Most of you who follow my posts know that I am passionate about my faith in God and salvation through Jesus (Yeshua). You are also aware of how imperfect I am. Today, I want to share with you about one of the questions that has most filled my being. It is a question that I often ask when I fail, wh
7 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
A Safe Dwelling Place
I have been so busy writing about either the Feast of Trumpets or the Day of Atonement, that I realize I rarely write about The Feast of Booths or Tabernacles (Sukkot, in Hebrew – the term I will use from this point on). I do enjoy this holiday, with a but… you see, I’ve never personally observed in
7 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Finding Hope in the Fire
Having a quiet time has been difficult lately. It’s like a push-me-pull-you with God. I want to read my Bible, I want to get into the Word more, and then I hear the ding of my phone, or I look at the clock… and suddenly it is hours later and I’ve barely turned a thought heavenward – let alone prayed
7 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Welcome to Jewish New Year 5781
Traditionally, Jewish/ New Year is a time for looking back and hoping ahead… yes, you got that right and it’s not a typo – hoping (not hopping) – ahead. This past year has certainly been one that has made us look ahead with many hopes and not a few fears. The pandemic and local politics (wherever we
6 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Musing, Meandering, and Thankfulness
I’m not really sure where this month’s blog post will go. A part of me would like to cancel August in its entirety. The past few days have kind of dug into my negative perspective of August. However, when I do that I am dissing some of the happiest moments in my life – my wedding day, first meetings
8 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
In for the Long-Haul
Grocery shopping has become a surreal experience – from the wearing a mask and gloves to getting your temperature checked with new devices that no one was using a year ago. But then it became a disconnect experience. I admit, I had been reading a science fiction novel, so maybe I was hallucinating?
14 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Can you feel it?
What was the mood in Jerusalem after Jesus was crucified? Wherever people were, whatever they were doing, could they feel it? Passover had been celebrated in awe and ended in blood. Jesus was dead. Can you feel it? I didn’t have to see him buried – I’ve seen others. Seen their pale, lifeless bodies,
6 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
It’s a Waiting Game
Right now, I’m sitting here waiting to hear Israel’s current Prime Minister (Netanyahu) announce new restrictions for the public regarding the coronavirus. I’m going to listen since those restrictions could have a big impact on how I spend the next few weeks, and whether I can work from home or have
4 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Coronavirus Fears, China, and God
In a day and age where news spreads faster than the coronavirus, the tendency to fear is stronger than ever. It seems like a culture of fear have particularly affected social and political trends in the States since 9/11 – at least that was my perspective when I was living there. Yet I see how fear
11 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
A Fresh Revelation of You – Lord
Yesterday, while driving to the gym, I was listening to Moody Radio (yes, all the way in Israel). Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer was speaking and his words caught my imagination. Describing Moses on Sinai, after 40 days, he explained that Moses still hadn’t had enough of God, and asked, “Show me your glory.” A
6 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
My 2019 Trip to the USA
As the Feast of Tabernacles approaches an end, I have had ample opportunity to count my blessings and give thanks for how God has taken care of me. From keeping me safe, relief from back pain to weight loss — those are just the surface blessings. Today, after congregation, a family invited me to
2 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
I Shall Not Want
I mentioned a couple of posts back that I had been teaching Psalm 23 in the Chinese congregation. Ever since I completed that series, the past few weeks have been filled with ample opportunity to ponder what I taught, and apply these lessons to my own life. That little phrase, “I shall not want,”
7 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Best Laid Plans of "Now"
Have you ever had plans for something, and no matter how you tried, just couldn’t get there? I don’t know about you, but I struggle with that a lot. Especially with this blog. It seems like the older I get, the faster time flies… Time used to last forever Do you remember that wonderful feelin
4 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Psalm 23 Musings: The Lord is My Shepherd
Last week I competed a series of teachings on Psalm 23. I’ve been trying to think of what to share with you, and then I realized, I have a wealth of material in some of what I’ve learned from this short but absolutely amazing Psalm. So my next few posts will be my musings on Psalm 23, as a reminder
7 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Politics and the Garden Tomb
This year, Easter Sunday fell on the Sunday after Passover, and so I decided to visit the Garden Tomb. However, parking was horrid, and my friends and I missed the 7:30 am service. Thankfully, we finally found a place to park, had breakfast in a hotel near the Garden Tomb, and were able to attend th
10 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Where Does the Time Go?
As I sit to write, I realize that it has been two months since I last posted anything. How can this be? Is it possible that I have nothing to say? No… I think in a way I have too much to say and not enough time to get it all in. These past couple of months I’ve been busy preparing lessons for the
3 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
I was asking God to open a door
A lot has been happening since I returned from my holiday, and so I’m only now finding time to write. It all starts with the fact that I was crying out to God to open a door for my book. However, I had no idea what door would be the right one and had reached a point where I was wondering why I had e
11 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Ambivalent Joy… Getting through the Holidays
What kind of a title is that? I suppose it actually expresses quite well my gut feelings when it comes to the Christmas and New Year holidays. But the more I think about it, I wonder if you too meet this season with a certain ambivalence at times. Now don’t get me wrong… we have many reasons to
6 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Happy New Year—When?
I always tell people that today is a new year… from this day exactly a year ago. And without fail, they give me a weird look. I suppose you have to be in my brain to get it. I was brought up with January 1 as being the New Year. Then I moved to Israel.
6 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Rosh HaShana and Remembering
It doesn’t seem right to welcome the Jewish New Year without writing a post, even though most of you don’t have a Jewish background. The thing is, jokingly, I always tell people that every day is a New Year—for someone. Fond Memories When I think about celebrations and dates, I am reminded of Rich
5 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
To Command: The Power of Words
Guest post written with Ronit Ovadia, Karmiel Israel I visited with my friend Ronit a few weeks ago. As we talked she began to share with me her thoughts on the word “to Command” as it is used in the Bible, in Hebrew. I asked her to share the details with me. We hope you will be as encouraged as
4 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Passover: The Eye of the Storm
It is not very often that Easter Sunday immediate follows the Passover Seder. This year the Seder is Friday evening, and so this Easter is particularly special. The weather, though, has been weird, and today it is cold and rainy. As I was driving today, running some last-minute errands, I was rem
7 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Instead of What? (Reblogged)
I’ve been really struggling these past few weeks, trying to think of what to share with you, and then realized, that sometimes, its good to share an old truth with a new spin. In today’s world, there is so much compromise with regard to faith in Jesus, that I was reminded of this post from 2013.
5 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
The Power of Words: To Know
I remember as a child reading the Bible and passing over certain passages, taking them in my stride. I don’t know why it never occurred to me to ask, “What does ‘Adam knew Eve’ mean?” Perhaps I intuitively knew my mother would give me her standard answer to difficult questions, “I’ll tell you when y
4 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
A Few Thoughts on Thankfulness
As I considered a topic with which to resume writing, after my three week holiday in the USA and Israel, it seemed quite clear what I needed to write about: Thankfulness. As I begin writing, the words of a well-known worship song come to mind… “Give thanks, with a grateful heart…”. Have you ever
4 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
The Igniting Souls Conference: Go Again for Same Old—Same Old?
Some of my friends know I have now attended the Igniting Souls Conference twice. Others only know that for some crazy reason, she who hates cold is making a late October visit two years in a row. Yes I am going to see friends and family, but summer would be a LOT more convenient for all. So why have
7 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
The No Reason Shout
It is no secret that I love the Jewish holidays. This year, as I was preparing to give a teaching on them for the Chinese Church, I discovered a lot of interesting facts that I’ve been mulling over the past few days. This morning, a new and simpler meaning for the Feast of Trumpets suddenly occurred
5 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
The Power of Words: Shame
I’ve been thinking about the word “shame” lately. We all know what shame is, but I think we rarely think of it in its full meaning. According to Webster, shame is a painful emotion caused by consciousness of guilt, shortcoming, or impropriety. I’ve been seeing a lot of finger pointing on the Interne
5 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
The Power of Words: Future
I’ve been working on a newsletter at work, for which I needed to write about a word related to planning for the future. Well DUH, what better word to focus on than the word “future?” My thoughts, however, wandered, and I wrote: There is a saying in English, “Today is the tomorrow you worried abou
4 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Narcotics and Yes: Me
No, it wasn’t cocaine or a street drug. It was pain medicine prescribed by my doctor. And getting off of it was awful. You see, I’d been suffering from awful back pain since last Autumn. It simply wouldn’t go away and the only thing that worked was Ibuprofin. Although I had no kidney problems, no hi
6 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
The Power of Words: Hallelujah
You would think that writing about so simple a word as “Hallelujah” would be easy. But it’s not. I remember years ago hearing a respected preacher say that the root of the word meant “thousands” and so “Hallelujah” means to praise the Lord a thousand times. I objected and was told that obviously my
5 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
The Power of Words: No and Yes
One would think that the words “no” and “yes” would be simple enough to understand. Yes the word “no” has been a challenge to the Chinese culture throughout their long history. I recall being told that the word “no” was used alone only for children. To say “no” to an adult was the rudest possible
5 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
The Power of Words: Ark
Who would have thought that I’d learn more about Hebrew in the Tanakh (Old Testament) at work than I do in everyday life here in Israel? It all began when I started working at Rambam Health Care Campus in Israel. During my interview I had learned that the hospital was undergoing a huge expansion
5 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
“What Will We Say to Those Who Kill Us”
This is the question raised by Father Boules George, an Egyptian Coptic Priest, during a sermon on the Eve of Passover Monday, following the Palm Sunday bombings of two Coptic churches—one in Tanta, and one in Alexandria. The world was appalled and moved on to other things. Apparently his questio
3 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Passover: As Though I Myself Was Delivered
Yes, I’ve been writing a lot more than usual. These past few days I’ve been feeling such joy and peace in our wonderful Lord Yeshua (Jesus). Perhaps it is the time of year? I will try to space my posts in the future, but today is the evening of Passover, the beginning of my favorite holiday, and how
4 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
The Power of Words: Faithful
I just started a series on Colossians in the Chinese Church. As those of you who are teachers know, before we can convey knowledge to others, that knowledge must already be owned by the teacher. There are many kinds of teachers, but two types in particular come to mind. There is the teacher of th
4 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
The Power of Words: Word
We are all familiar with the saying, “sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never hurt me.” I think many of you will agree that this is a lie that has destroyed many young lives. As children, and later on as adults, we hear things that can terribly hurt. The truth is, sometime it wou
3 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
How Does HE Do That?
I should have known it was going to be a special day when I looked out my window this afternoon. Every spring for the past few years a beautiful bird sits on metal bars outside my window. Every year he poses regally, quite aware of his beauty—and that my cats can’t reach him. This year, when I whist
5 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Joyful New Year to You
I am at that in between spot on the globe where I celebrate 2017 after and before others, kind of like the today squished between yesterday and tomorrow—or the calm before the storm. It has been an amazing year. I have no idea what is ahead, but I am thankful for all that has been. I’ve seen the
3 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Connecting the Dots—An Update
It feels like only yesterday I was in the USA visiting with family and friends in the USA—but a look at my calendar confirms that we are only one week from Christmas. So much has happened since I returned, and I’ve not shared yet about my trip, so I’d like to share a little about my trip and update
6 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Fire, Wind, Rain, and Earthquake
A friend’s post on Facebook turned a joke at work yesterday into a potentially frightening reality. We were laughing about the events of the past week. Last week there fires throughout the country. This weekend storm warnings have been out for strong winds and possible flooding. “What’s next,” one o
6 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
When God Takes You Shopping
The past few days I’ve been feeling totally stressed out, staying up late, getting up early… a mild dose of sleep deprivation is not good for the nerves! After a brief quite time, as I prepared to leave for work, that thought came to me to just work for part of the day so that I could get some erran
5 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Always and Only—His Grace
As most of you know, I’ve been quite busy working on my book. This week I crossed a major milestone—my book is now available on the USA Amazon website for presale! To my surprise, although I categorized it under Family Relationships > Dysfunctional Families, for the past two days it has been rank
3 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Please Help Me Pick a Book Cover
Today I am asking you to help me pick THE cover that will go on my book, which I hope to publish before the end of the year. CLICK HERE TO VOTE Now you know why I have not posted for a while. I’ve been working hard on the book I’ve mentioned in my other posts. It is not just talk, it is coming to
2 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
“He wanted to pass by them”
As usual, I have the Chinese meeting tonight. We will be reading the last part of Mark 6. My students have been amazing, curious, and continue to improve in their ability to discuss ideas about the text. I’m looking forward to tonight’s discussion. Jesus has just sent the disciples to the “other
4 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
The Days of Noah
I am sitting here reading the news reports. While I was in the midst of a conference call, and then later on while I was shopping to pick up some items to deal with an attack of mold on my porch, people were being shot, stabbed, and wounded or killed. While all this was happening, Vice President Bid
5 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Resting in the Routine
I’ve been struggling for a few weeks now, trying to figure out what is wrong. This morning, as I spent some time reading in Scripture and thinking of all I have to be thankful for, I realized that what was wrong is NOTHING is wrong! What a relief!
3 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
A Taste of Heaven
Since my last blog post there have been more than a few terrorist incidents in Israel. Tragically, they have been instigated by Muslims and Jews. One Jewish man killed another man, mistaking him for an Arab… and so the cycle of fear and violence continued… to recede into the background of the news w
3 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Who Is My Brother?
The events of the past week here in Israel are taking an emotional and spiritual toll on all its people. A video clip of a 13-year-0ld boy Palastinian boy who tried to kill Jewish people in Jerusalem is innundating the Internet. I am stunned by the reactions I’m seeing on social media, in comments o
5 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Photos From My Trip
I thought you would enjoy seeing some photos from my trip. It was a such a special time, and photos say a lot more than words can….
4 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Thirty-year-old Dream Come True
This video is the culmination of a 30-year dream of mine… I hope you enjoy it.
1 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
What Kind of World
Eight of us sat around a table last night. Seven Chinese students from Haifa University and the Technion—and me. We had finally gotten to chapter 10 of Judges. I had read and reread the material, but earlier that day as I had finished preparing the lesson, I felt I was being guided to just type out
7 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Service and Support Beyond Compare
Well, I haven’t gotten close to what I wanted to get done today, and here it is getting close evening. Once I got started on what needed to be done, I found myself accidentally deleting ALL the websites I host, including this blog. I literally thank God for a wonderful hosting service like Bluehost.
4 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Of the Shepherd and His Sheep
I love Psalm 23; so much so that I have it memorized in the language of my childhood with the Yea, Thou art, and more. But when I want to think about this Psalm, I open my more modern English Bible and read the printed, written word. I always make myself read it more than once, savoring the familiar
3 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Getting a Handel on Things
Nope—for a change I did not spell “Handel” wrong. You see, the highlight of my past week was going to hear Handel’s Messiah in Hebrew! It brought back so many memories, particularly of my college days. I remember being part of a large choir and singing, despite the desire to weep tears of awe at the
4 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Poem for the Day: Quickly
Have you ever had trouble putting your thoughts together? It happens to me all too often. When I find I truly have no idea what is going on inside of me, I sit down and write what comes. Usually it makes everything pretty clear for me. There is a lot to think about these days—if one listens to th
3 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Reality Check: Another Look at Job
I let myself get so upset about things that seem overwhelming, but are nothing when I compare them to the trials friends are suffering with around the world, and around the corner from me. I get myself upset and out of sorts with service people who won’t listen to me, exorbitant prices, and going wi
10 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Inscribed in the Book of Life—Forever
As I am writing this, Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) will officially begin in the next 15 minutes. The holiest day of the Jewish year. For the past 10 days religious people have been meditating on their standing before God, preparing their hearts for this day when the Jewish nation worldwide gath
6 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Different Worlds—A New World
Life has been hectic since my return from vacation. As most of you know, I spent one week in Moscow, Russia and one week in Oslo, Norway. I was planning on writing a post about my trip, but as I started writing, I realized it was getting way too long. So please be patient, I will make a special page
4 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Yes Lord, I Believe
The news is horrible and conflicting: for and against Israel, Hamas, Palestinians, and Arabs, anit-Israeli/Jewish demonstrations throughout the world, persecution of Christians by ISIS , and the various problems that each nation is facing. Quite truthfully, it is really easy to hide behind a game or
3 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
Grief for Those Who Are No More
This post will be short. I am sitting here crying. I have just opened the news and learned that the three boys who have been missing for 18 days have been found. I weep for these young boys whose lives have been cut short for no reason other than hatred. I grieve for their families and friends… pr
1 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
A New Take on Lord of All
So much has happened since my last post. Lessons learned, failures, successes, laughter at cats, frustration with car, answered prayers, enjoying fellowship, my 59th birthday celebrated over several days, work, overtime, pain, tiredness, rushing here and there, up times, down times, good times, sad
3 min read - Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
It's Not About Sushi
So why the picture of Sushi with this post? Because it represents just one of the many things I have to be thankful for. I took this picture at the Chinese meeting 2 weeks ago. Each time no one knows what to expect, since several of the people who come are restaurant workers; two weeks ago it was su
3 min read
Deborah Hemstreet (Dvora Elisheva)
I have lived in Israel since 1982, except for a 3 year period when my husband and I lived in the USA. After my husband died I returned to Israel. The themes of my writing focus on finding hope in the Lord. I've been struggling with so many different issues, but God has proven Himself faithful every step of the way. I'll soon be 70 years old, but by the grace of God, I hope to remain a faithful testimony of the faithfulness of Jesus and to give a reason for my hope, until He comes or takes me Home. P.S. No, I don't dye my hair (!)