5 September 2015

September already !!!

Today, I am going to write a little about the Shemitah. You may not have heard of the Shemitah but in one week on September 13, 2015, it will be the ending of the Shemitah Year.  This is a Hebrew word and references biblical times where the Lord commanded all Israel to remember the Sabbath year.  They had their Sabbath day once a week, 1 day out of 7,  as we do. But they also had a Sabbath year. The 7th year was to be a year of blessing and renewal.  No crops were to be planted or harvested and all debts and obligations were forgiven at the end of the Shemitah.  In other words, all accounts to be wiped clean - a cleansing in essence and of course a symbol of the coming Atonement of the Savior.  It was a year of blessing to the Israelites if they were righteous but if wickedness prevailed, it could be a year of judgement.  The timing of the Shemitah is based upon the Hebrew calendar, not ours.  The Shemitah ends on the month of Elul and the day is the 29th or the last day of the month of Elul.  That day on our calendar this year is September 13.
So, what does this mean for us?  You decide, but it is quite interesting to note that the largest stock market crash in history happened on Elul 29 in 2008.  The largest crash before that happened on Elul 29 in 2001.  Going back in time it is fascinating to see how many things have occurred on, about, or during the Shemitah year.

A view of the city of Jerusalem from the BYU Center.  This is
from our trip to Israel in 2007.  See the Muslim Dome of the Rock
in the left center.  That is the old temple site.

As we consider the ending of the Shemitah year in 2015, We need to ponder on how the Lord looks upon this nation, the Land of Promise, the United States.  We have become virtually a "lawless" nation overnight; 52 million unborn infants have been murdered (the most innocent and defenseless of all); and we now know the unspeakable truth of what is being done with those little bodies in many instances; government is corrupt from top to bottom; the family is being destroyed and the nation believes that money is the resolution of all problems.  Perhaps the greatest concern of all is that America has turned it's back upon God's covenant people, not only the land of Israel but are we not His covenant people as well?   How can God stay the judgement that is to come?

The wailing wall at the base of the temple site.  Also from
our trip to Israel in 2007.

(For those who want to know more, read The Mystery of the Shemitah by Jonathan Cahn a Jewish Rabbi who is now a "born again" Christian.  Or go to YouTube and search for his name and the Shemitah and you will find two dozen videos of his speeches and interviews.  He also wrote "The Harbinger" (or the warnings) which Isaiah 9:10  prophecy's about Israel in ancient days but is manifesting again now in America.  Nephi includes this scripture in the Book of Mormon in 2 Nephi 19:8.   Also, the Shemitah is tied to much more than just the stock market. It has affected wars; the rise and fall of nations; plagues, and could even manifest in natural disasters and terrorist attacks) .

So what does this mean for us.   It is time for us to take a hard look at our own lives and make our lives right with God.  Isaiah 's call to Israel to repent is also our call to repentance.  May we listen and make our hearts broken and our spirits contrite, then we will not follow defiant Israels road to destruction.
I pray that the Lord will bless those who prepare themselves in every way for that which is coming.

Office Elders for leftovers.

In the land of coconut, there is no sweetened flaked
coconut so Sister Hoopes made her own.  She bought
coconut at the market and had them grind it and then she
 sugared and dried it.

Cookies with the new coconut and a pineapple cake for
Zone Training on Friday. One of the ZL's said to me
"I hope I get another piece of pineapple cake before I go home"
That is in December.

A picture of 4 Sisters as we arrived in Daet yesterday.  Notice
the face in the mirror.

Sister Reeder is always taking pictures of the missionaries.

The Daet Zone.

The week went by really fast as we had a huge day on Monday with 6 English tests completed that day.  Both of us were involved all day long with preparation and actual testing.  We did two more on Tuesday.  We now have a manageable number left before they all go home on September 23.










The other notable event was traveling to Daet on Friday with President and Sister Reeder for a Zone Training meeting and interviews.  President and Sister Reeder met with all the missionaries for their regular interviews and we participated in the Zone Training.  It is always a fun day to be around the missionaries! Also fun to be with President and Sister Reeder.


That is enough for this week!