tag:www.michellegold.com,2005:/blogs/michelle-gold-blog?p=2Michelle Gold Blog2023-07-28T18:54:35-04:00Michelle Goldfalsetag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/72490312023-07-28T18:54:35-04:002023-10-16T10:44:26-04:00What is...my SECOND SHALOM?<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/46668/69445397e4fbed4aec966ce4ed0908b13531d3be/original/screenshot-2023-07-28-at-7-09-04-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><o:p></o:p></p><p><span class="text-big">I need MORE THAN JUST THE MUSIC these days more than ever. Its FANTABLOUS to sing and write songs to make the love of God an unavoidable issue. <strong>But each of us gets to a point in our lives where there’s more. </strong>Maybe for ten years we were home-makers and now our kids are older and we wanna go back to work… we start our own businesses, or work in a candy shop, or try something new, or ??? make the next greatest film…<u>FILL IN THE BLANK. </u></span><o:p></o:p></p><p> </p><p><span class="text-big">Clearly, we are not “HUMAN DOINGS” but instead we are HUMAN BEINGS. The Bible is clear that the Lord loves us for who we are, not what we do. The book of Isaiah reminds us that we are a royal crown in the hands of Adonai (Isaiah 62:3). In fact, we are daughters of the King. Our G-d and our King has decided to RESIDE in our hearts when we confess that He is our G-d. <strong>Because of His indwelling RUACH or breath and Spirit, we are His tabernacle. regardless of what career paths we choose.</strong></span></p><p><span class="text-big">Yet when we give, we receive something far greater! <strong>We seek to do Mitzvot or good things because we love people. Giving is a gift I cannot describe</strong>. We are not required or obligated, but when we are strengthened, we tend to give back. </span></p><p> </p><p><span class="text-big">This leads me to my pre-interview with Mitch Forman (VP of Chosen People Ministries) today. I can’t quote him exactly, and I’m certain he said it better than I can say it, but he told me that<strong> in this lifetime, each person is offered two "shaloms."</strong> <strong>The first Shalom is the peace we receive when we BELIEVE</strong>, when we confess that Yeshua is our Messiah and receive the promise of life after death. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p> </p><p><span class="text-big">The second Shalom, he said, is <strong>when we GET TO LIVE OUT OUR PURPOSE</strong>…the moment we get to do what we were called to do for the sake of giving back to others. Some call this Tikkun Olam- repairing the World. I would add here that some people may not feel they are not healing the world in a huge way. But it’s the little things we get to do to bring joy and light up this world. <strong>When we finally reach the point in life where we get to live out our God-inspired destinies, there is a 2<sup>nd</sup> Shalom we get to experience… a great fulfillment. </strong></span><o:p></o:p></p><p> </p><p><span class="text-big">What is this “second Shalom” for you? Ask the Lord. He promises that if we ask for what we need with the right motives in our hearts, He will give us the </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2037%3A4-6&version=TLV" data-link-type="url"><span class="text-big"><u>delight of our hearts.</u></span></a><span class="text-big"> He promises that </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2010%3A27-29&version=TLV" data-link-type="url"><span class="text-big"><u>his sheep can hear His voice</u></span></a><span class="text-big">- whether through quiet waters or mighty rushing winds. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p> </p><div class="video-container size_m justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="1P0JTUrSVjQ" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1P0JTUrSVjQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p> </p><p><span class="text-big">Prayer of Response: </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span class="text-big"><i>Avinu Malkeinu, I continue to put my hope in you. My joy and my happiness will not be in people, places, and things. Fill me and allow me to live out my calling. Help me to put you and my family first. Allow me to live out all the days of my life, making the most of every opportunity. You are my FIRST SHALOM. Thank you for allowing me to live in my 2<sup>nd</sup> Shalom so I may be a light in this world and go to bed knowing, I came to this earth doing what you called me to do. Help me to live and breathe in this moment now as I wait. Amen. </i></span><o:p></o:p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/72479082023-07-26T16:45:01-04:002023-07-26T16:48:03-04:00The Better than Gold Journey....TRYING NEW THINGS!<p style="text-align:center;"><span class="text-big" style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"><i><span id="en-TLV-11037">"Here I am, <strong>doing a new thing</strong>; </span>Now it is springing up— <span>do you not know about it? </span>I will surely make a way in the desert, <span> rivers in the wasteland. (Book of Isaiah 43:19 TLV)</span></i></span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/46668/00888b6dd46174172d9f5b86501c579a7ca62995/original/img-7251.jpeg/!!/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p><p><span class="text-big">Ever since I was asked to host my own TV show with my sweetheart of twenty-five years, I feel as if Im becoming a <strong>stronger, more resilient version of myself</strong>. It all began with my faith to try new things and my belief that truly, as the Bible says, all things are possible. </span></p><p><span class="text-big"><u>Why Not Me,</u> which is a book by Christian Life Coach, Valerie Barton, inspired me to try something new, something to utilize my gifts. Minsitering in the song is something I've been doing since Im nineteen and <strong>I began to feel like there was SOMETHING more for me</strong>. So being I have the <strong>gift of gab and absolutely adore connecting with people,</strong> naturally, I thought of being a host on a Messianic TV show! </span></p><p><span class="text-big">“If Kelly Clarkson can be so much fun to watch and can introduce the world to great music and stories- and is not perfectly thin, then "why not me!” I thought. Kelly's show, as well as the shows hosted by Regis and Kelly, Fran Dresser, and some of the others, made me realize I could do the same thing -only I could highlight stories of FAITH! On my show, I would highlight music with a biblical message to REALLY inspire people.</span></p><p><span class="text-big">This is where I learned my first lesson in having faith to try new things. While on set at Sid Roth's new show, SOMETHING MORE, I nonchalantly blurted out “Hey, I'd LOVE to try hosting a show sometime if you'd like me to volunteer. This could be my calling.” <strong>A week later I received a call, "Michelle, you and Joe will be flown out to NC to record FOURTEEN EPISODES. There will be thousands of not-yet believers watching in twenty-six nations!!!! </strong></span></p><div class="video-container size_m justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="WA2qUtJoIZs" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WA2qUtJoIZs?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p><span class="text-big">Because I have never done it before, I almost did not offer. But heck, I also never lead music for a music ministry tour with eight singers all over the United States! <strong>Sure, I have training in classical voice and a bunch of years of experience teaching voice, but coaching all the voices to be in perfect unity (audibly & visually) for a major outreach organization…that was a new one! </strong>I even told my trainer and boss, Jeff Millenson, when he offered the position: <strong>“Get the other guy who plays piano to do it”</strong> to which he told me he believed God was calling me! </span></p><p><span class="text-big">Is God calling you today to try something new something God-inspired- which could help someone else? </span></p><p> </p><p><span class="text-big">MEESHY GOLD</span></p><p><span class="text-big">********************************</span></p><div style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(5, 5, 5);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:auto;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;' dir="auto"><span class="text-big">CONNECT w me at: facebook.com/michellegoldonline</span></div><div style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(5, 5, 5);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:auto;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;' dir="auto"><span class="text-big">www.michellegold.com/email</span></div><div style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(5, 5, 5);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:auto;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;' dir="auto"> </div><div style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(5, 5, 5);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:auto;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;' dir="auto">
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(Negative thoughts)<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:black;">Therefore, there is now <strong>no condemnation</strong> for those who are in Messiah <i>Yeshua</i>. (Romans 8:8, TLV)</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;">Condemnation is defined in the Oxford Dictionary as such: “<span style="color:rgb(32,33,36);">the expression of very strong disapproval; censure-disapprobation."</span> It is linked to feeling or having a <strong>NEGATIVE OPINION </strong>(Cambridge). Did you ever wake up one morning and find your thoughts and perceptions about yourself are SUPER CONDEMNING?</p><p style="text-align:center;">I woke up the other day feeling like this. I was unmotivated because of these <strong>negative voices in my head which were shouting: “What I say or do does not matter!” I felt like I did not want to take any further action with regard to my dreams and my calling. </strong>Secular psychology would analyze this behavior, right? I have spent my life analyzing and journaling alongside great therapists. I would ask myself, <strong>why </strong>don’t I feel I don’t matter? <strong>Who made me feel this way</strong> and <strong>is this person a trustworthy source</strong>? Can someone really MAKE me feel a certain way or <strong>is this my own stinking thinking?</strong> These are great questions! Clearly, the voices were NOT from heaven!</p><p style="text-align:center;">There’s nothing like a great therapist. But some<strong> negative thoughts are from the pit of hell and need an immediate SHUT DOWN</strong>! Like a computer virus or <strong>bullet flying in the air,</strong> they just need to be STOPPED and REMOVED. This time, I was trained to discern the source and was ready to become a conquerer!<o:p></o:p></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/46668/5971637512b85e0a20bcaff940f9408aa53dc7a3/original/screen-shot-2023-05-11-at-3-50-34-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>So, I thought, “what if today, I DECIDE NOT TO ANALYZE but rather CAST IT DOWN by the power of GOD </strong>LIVING WITHIN ME?” In my mind, right now, I am the princess at the castle and the enemy is approaching with daggers. The daggers can kill or cause suffering or worse…the daggers can paralyze the living. What if right now, I say to that dagger,<strong> “I CAST YOU DOWN by the authority of Yeshua who lives in me …Your negativity and disapproval are not welcome in my world!" AND SO I DID! I WAS FREE AGAIN!</strong><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:rgb(18,18,18);"><i>“For although we live in the natural realm, we don’t wage a military campaign employing human weapons, using manipulation to achieve our aims. Instead, our <strong>spiritual weapons are energized with divine power</strong> to effectively <strong>dismantle</strong> the defenses behind which people hide.</i></span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration:none;"></span></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:rgb(119,122,123);"><i>5</i></span><span style="color:rgb(18,18,18);"><i>We can <strong>demolish every deceptive fantasy (thought)</strong> <strong>that opposes God</strong> and break through every arrogant <strong>attitude</strong> that is raised up in defiance of the true knowledge of God. We capture, like prisoners of war, every thought and insist that it bow in obedience to the Anointed One.” </i></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:rgb(18,18,18);"><i>(2 Corinthians 12:3-4 The Passion Translation)</i></span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/46668/20f3edc00a6446f05ad2fc044af40f139d01e5c5/original/img-1861.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">Disapproval comes from Satan, not God. God corrects his children TENDERLY and LOVINGLY – the way I correct my sweet daughter Bella when she’s wrong. When a loving person or God corrects you, you feel conviction, not condemnation- it’s a feeling you did something out of line but that you are still dearly loved. </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>God disapproves of the ACTION, not the PERSON…not who you ARE but what you’ve DONE that can be improved w His power</strong>. My precious little girl who is now 15 already! Bella has what we in Judaism call a LEV TOV (good heart) and so if I correct her, I correct her actions while not stomping on who she is, never questioning her existence.</p><p style="text-align:center;">The enemy of our soul questions <i><u>who we are! </u>He is the condemner.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>IT IS TIME WE KNOW THE DIFFERENCE so we can cast out satan's GARBAGE WORDS!</strong><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>He doubts us and tells us we don’t matter.</strong> My loving God would not do that and we also need to remember to not do this to our children. If we see them doing an activity that is out of line or just doesn’t seem to matter or bring much fruit, we are careful about how we respond. As loving parents, we know that even the little things our children and loved ones do to bless others matter! And the things they do which don’t seem to matter as much can be rewarding to them.<o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Heck! Maybe not everything we do HAS TO MATTER to anyone!</strong></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/46668/3977a8aa226d53ce6b77415c04a60eff3273824b/original/1748369702-huge.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">Maybe we can all <strong>just be kind and use our art and our gifts to bring love and light into this world</strong>. Maybe not everything we do HAS TO MATTER SO MUCH. <strong>Maybe only LOVE matters and the art, the music, and the acts of kindness just make this world a little sweeter.</strong><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;">The Bible says in Mark 12:29 (TLV Version)</p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:black;"><i>“Yeshua</i> answered, “The first is, ‘<i>Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai echad</i>. Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One. And you shall love <i>Adonai</i> your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ <strong><sup> </sup></strong>The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.”</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;">The 12-step program says it this way “Keep it simple, silly!”</p><p style="text-align:center;">and </p><p style="text-align:center;"><i> </i><span style="color:rgb(32,33,36);"><i>“</i></span><i>Sought through <strong>prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God</strong>, as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out</i><span style="color:rgb(32,33,36);"><i>.”<strong> (Step 11)</strong></i></span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;">My Jewish heart says: Don’t overcomplicate things. Just love God, and love people. Use your gifts to bring light and love. <strong>Don’t worry about whether it matters because your motivation is loving God and Loving People. </strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Rather than condemn yourself, cast those thoughts down and say to yourself, In God's Eyes, I MATTER."</strong><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/71209242022-12-10T04:01:38-05:002022-12-10T04:13:35-05:00From the HOSPITAL to the TEMPLE <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/e9a42caf95137f6408bda14995fbb31bf9ce91a2/original/gold-presence-cartoon-2.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><strong>What do near-death experiences teach us? </strong></p>
<p>I spent most of the Thanksgiving and pre-Chanukah/Christmas holiday season in the Hospital. It was no joke. The entire month, little freak things were happening to my body and health. The diagnosis' were all WEIRD- reactions to steroids taken for bronchitis, reactions to TWO electric shocks at my kitchen stove while cleaning the vent, and touching the bar of the oven to reach up because I'm just THAT short! The year began with the enemy trying to stop my dancing by messing with my ankles, then I received a healng and it went to the entire left side of my body. Finally, I went back to the hospital with chest pains because my steroids almost KILLED ME bringing my triglycerides to almost TWO THOUSAND. </p>
<p>I was not going to SHARE THIS WITH THE WORLD because I have a strong dislike for unsolicited advice. I love all the wisdom I gain from friends sharing their own experiences but when it comes to advice, I prefer my holistic doctor, my nutritionist my and PCP. Nevertheless, I need to let you know so I can testify how good God is and what Elohim did for me.</p>
<p><u>WHAT IS THE SECRET Ive been keeping for so long?</u></p>
<p>So now, Im letting the secret out. I FELL INTO DEPRESSION. Im not sure i even admitted this to my own husband and kids. I was ashamed tho having seen a doctor, she determined it was purely circumstantial. Since my mother and father died, I had lost my zeal I guess and purpose and I stopped singing- even online. From time to time I made myself go live on facebook to teach, only when after spending time in prayer, the Lord imparted knowledge to me. I couldnt beleive that I had spent so much time in prayer and I was STILL DOWN. I had an awesome support group but we stopped meeting in person. I had an awesome women's group, but I had stopped going. (Now I'm back) I felt GUILTY for being ingrateful and <strong>instead of repenting for my negative mindset, I drank in the prison of shame.</strong> I DISCONNECTED.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/4d27021dc50c8d3b2e579af4bb11aac050feabb0/original/screen-shot-2022-04-12-at-10-37-47-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" />(above picture is when I keeping busy doing fun things with my children over the Summer and right after this, is when I began feeling down)</p>
<p>While I know my worth and value are not defined by what I do, I lost my sense of PURPOSE and my awareness and appreciation for God’s powerful spirit within. I did not wish to be my own booking agent because each time I call pastors and rabbis and secretaries, I would spend an hour getting to know them and never make the final ask. Or I'd get so worn out from the long call, I would lose the strength to make 10 more calls. I have Hashimotos for many years (thyroid disease), so my body has all this energy for hours and hours and then I just get to a point where I must be still and rest. I think we all do at some point but my fuse is relatively shorter than most women. My life feels like a series of sprints rather than a marathon. </p>
<p><u>WHAT CAUSED THE DOWNWARD SPIRAL?</u> </p>
<p><strong>Back to how I felt... I felt purposeless and too much like my life was undefined.</strong> All this was not based on the truth of God's word which tells me I am a gem in His hand and an ambassador of Adonai. We, His believers all matter even when we dont feel it. One of the things which brought me great joy- recording- became too expensive. Like me, you might have and might be experiencing the recent recession and seeing expenses increase. Seeing those I love suffer financially, I did not wsih to ask- even for Kingdom purposes, to my own chagrin. </p>
<p><strong>Next, I lost all my jobs. </strong>The music school had no clients for me, so I was not teaching music. My kids joined the most amazing part-time private school- so I was practically released as their beloved teacher of 8 years PLUS though overjoyed to place them in amazing hands. Lastly, my husband retired, happy to take on many of what I believed were my roles at home. My kids needed me but not nearly as much as I was used to. My husband was with me, but we both kept busy cleaning the house and playing chaperone for the kids. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">(Pictured here below....immediately after I got out of the hospital...our mini vacation to visit family in Tampa Bay and have a time of prayer together)</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/58214c7badc364b9a011581e5445ff1d2abc89bd/original/img-1439.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Despite my immense gratitude for <strong>ease of life</strong>, I became depressed <strong>by the stagnancy of my life </strong>and blurred spiritual vision which I now KNOW sent me to the hospital. For two months, I stopped taking all supplements and vitamins which were successfully keeping my pre-diabetes and to cholesterol levels down. Though I worked out and rode my bike, I literally stopped caring about healthy eating and soaked myself in the "river of Denial" (the Nile River- denial- play on words here)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/f6c11dabdd6147bc3c37e879eab05c8bb170766a/original/img-1442.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Though the cardiologist admitted my triglycerides were <strong>only high because of the steroids</strong> I was perscribed AND I have a family history of this, <strong>he spoke TOTAL DEATH over me</strong>, His voice deepened as he predicted I was going down a dangerous path. the doctor breathed so much negativity on me, I hid behind the soda machine in the hospital hallway to pray and cry. Befriending my roomate at the hospital might have proved a mistake because as I tried to weep, she kept calling out as in a joyful chorus....Michelleeeeeeee she sang, Michelleeeeee. She even brokw out into "Michelle my bell" just like my mother would have, I might have laughed but all i could do was weep. I could not help her and she could not help me. My help is in the Lord.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/839dd0d8a79df598bf46502211dea2a64aa3e9ae/original/img-1430.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>"I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night." Psalm 121:1</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/bca55849ae2c022ad93a6884ea7b698f5c1eb355/original/img-1424.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />One of the many women who encouraged me</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p><u>HOW GOD SAVED ME? WHAT DID HE SHOW ME?</u></p>
<p>When I was released, my cousin Sherral, who is a pastor and a few of my friends whom I confided in lifted me up. I did my research on the truth and the lies of what I was being told and immediately made an appt with my nutritionist.</p>
<p><u><strong>What did I learn through all this?</strong></u></p>
<p><strong>The Lord has given me new conviction about the value of my life and how important it is to share my faith, even when I don't much FEEL like it. </strong>We need to validate other people's feelings and people need to hear (ike Yeshua made people understand) that we feel their pain. Yet feelings aren't facts. We need to apply the proverbial oxygen mask to ourselves before helping others. My focus on my own health had to be a priority and I needed to surround myself with like-minded people with similar health and wellness and spiritual goals like never before. </p>
<p>I also am learning that we are living on borrowed time so we must make the most of it. We do not know when our day or hour will come whether we are young or old.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Ephesians 5:15-16 tells us, “Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” In this passage of the Bible, Paul is telling us to make the most of every opportunity.</em></p>
<p>Now that I have been RELEASED physically and spiritually, I will testify of God’s goodness and grace upon me and hope to never take my voice for granted ever again. Though I am now in my "middle ages" of life, I feel young and alive, and <strong>ready to serve</strong>. I learned to keep my <strong>FOCUS on God's purpose and power for me, </strong>not on what I cant do but on what I CAN DO, and to keep my hands busy- not idle,<strong> caring for myself and serving God's people. </strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><u>Let us Pray</u></p>
<p><em>Lord we pray we will not be<strong> bitten by the desire of the flesh to receive the approval of people.</strong> Let every bit of what we do (whether music, art , business or motherhood) let us do it <strong>purely and with purpose</strong>. We commit today by the Holy Spirit within us, not just to our physical and emotional care, but also to our calling to draw near to You, Yeshua and like Esther, to bring healing and salvation to the world FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS. </em></p>
<p>I hope you will come to join me at one of these upcoming events- in person- or online. <strong>May you know you are worth more than rubies to the Lord on High. This has been the longest ever inspirational but i Just had a lot to say and no time for edits. Love you for listening and caring and may God truly bless you.</strong></p>
<p>Your friend always, </p>
<p>Michelle Gold </p>
<p> </p>
<p>IF YOU NEED HELP, please check out www.Houseofprotection.org for sliding scale and affordable Christain therapy.</p>
<p>PS- I decided to get SERIOUS about everything my nutritionist was telling me. I restarted my exercise, healthy eating habits, and supplements </p>
<p>I also began saying YES more to ministry events within 3 hours of Boynton Beach, FL, where I could use my voice and testimony to bring healing and salvation. </p>
<p>Please share our number with your pastor/Rabbi and ask them to call my husband, and manager Minister Joe franco if you wish to have us come minster in leading worship, special songs or full concerts of praise anytime. 615-377-1101</p>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/69920752022-06-11T22:12:26-04:002022-07-31T16:07:27-04:00DEAD END or INFINITE POSSIBILITY? <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/25565215ebed65068a1b954e79d1494aedcbe37c/original/screen-shot-2022-06-12-at-4-23-48-pm.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When life hands you what feels like a dead-end…you have choices </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Usually, we get up inside our heads. The itty bitty committee has a "poor pitiful </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Me" tea party and determines we are stuck. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We remember some sorrow of our past and it seems silly to move forward so our heart believes. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I have felt this in my music Ministry for some time now. I think it’s because I’m not your average artist. I’m not the one who just wants to sing! As a first-gen believer in Yeshua and survivor of the pain of date rape, bullying, and family crisis as a teen growing up, I have something more to say that doesn’t fit in a song. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">What God has given me is not just the music and the rhythm. He’s given me a story to lift up the downhearted and hopefully prevent one person from giving up on life. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">********************************************</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>“But now, God’s Message, the God who made you in the first place, Jacob, <br> the One who got you started, Israel: <br>“Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine. </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>“When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. <br> When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. <br>When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead-end— </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Because I am God, your personal God, <br>The Holy of Israel, your Savior.” </em> Isaiah 43:1-4 Excerpt from The Message Version </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">********************************************</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/1e746142bb1307d2a7b45174bfd9f5661d79375d/original/collage-e-one-only-sid-roth.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Today’s verse…that God is promising NO DEAD ENDS is to me like water to my soul. It’s a relief to me that I no longer have to fear or struggle with understanding the mystery of my future. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In my own rhyming words.. “all the days ordained for me were written. In your book before one of them came to be.” (Scripture promise in Psalm 139:16b, From the song: <a contents="YOU KNOW ME" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/VRtcLn24nnw" target="_blank">YOU KNOW ME</a>) </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I can see relief written in the sky. God speaks to me thru movies. In the sky, I see Surrender Dorothy from the wizard of oz. The Dorothy letters fade. I see “Michelle gold” and I see the face of a loving God behind the clouds. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/ce112f800fb22e77041e88ab4473b031068e98e9/original/img-7851-2.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>My prayer </u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Abba Father, I release my fears of what is happening and what is to come. I take my actions but I let go of the results. I surrender all….even when it feels like I am between a rock and a hard place. YOU ARE THE ROCK of my salvation, a strong tower, and my deliverer. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I surrender even in the not knowing what is ahead. I trust you for new meaning in my life and new works beyond the great joy of motherhood. I rest in you. You are my peace. You are my God of infinite possibility when I fear a dead end. Amen. </p>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/68697412022-01-14T23:51:44-05:002022-05-30T12:11:41-04:00EYE OF THE TIGER...We Rise up to the challenge of our rival!<p style="text-align: center;">Eye of the Tiger </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/a073e8572db89ad69723a05bf3a22cc8d265fea4/original/screen-shot-2022-01-14-at-11-51-19-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Soaking in my usual mysterious wonder, I sat and thought about what the lyrics to the song, “EYE OF TIGER” mean for the first time ever. <strong>I had heard it all my life and can recall dramatizing the lyrics with my hairbrush microphone in my yellow scallop-edged mirror.</strong> The beat was intense & driving and it pumped me up inside. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Interestingly, the Piano Guys recorded a more melancholy version that resonated with me so much, I just HAD to sing it out once more. (Scroll down to hear my cover version with the Piano Guys) Although I thought the song was about dancing in the mirror, according to expert Ronon Marketing, the song is about <strong>restoring motivation</strong>. It was from a scene in the Rocky III movie. (See original article below) </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Throughout the ages, and especially today, having the will to fight the enemy is something I can relate to. Often it feels like we have three enemies. First, <strong>there is the enemy we know as satan</strong> (or “Ha Satan” in Hebrew) He seeks to destroy us by <strong>whispering lies in our ear and by seducing us to draw further and further from the one true loving God</strong>, counselor, and friend who wants to guide us. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> <iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="btPJPFnesV4" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/btPJPFnesV4/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/btPJPFnesV4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">There is also the enemy of <strong>disease and the hardships of life we struggle to cope with</strong>. Thankfully, Peace floods our souls as we learn we are powerless over people, places, and things. Instead, we take actions to self-advocate & improve the quality of our environment by changing our behavior and responses when we can. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>As the life-changing prayer goes: </u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>“God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference” </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I happen to know the pain of loneliness, loss, rejection, and shunning. I experienced these hardships many years ago in our community & I experienced the pain of losing a loved one when my mother passed this February of COVID. Thank God today, we have found a group that loves, accepts, and celebrates us! They have been instrumental in restoring my joy and hope. <strong>Love has shown me God can restore all. </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Finally, worst of all, there is the enemy of ourselves, our own thoughts and negative mindsets, attitudes, and perceptions. <strong>We LOSE MOTIVATION & we must resist this enemy of the mind! (</strong>Except when we are directed to temporarily rest or change strategies/visions) </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="iE0gZP_U9wA" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/iE0gZP_U9wA/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iE0gZP_U9wA?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">How do we resist our enemies? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Besides asking God for the will to fight, as the Eye of the Tiger song says, we need to be “rising up, back on the street.” We need to be “back on our feet…with the will to survive.” <strong>I’m learning I need to never trade the joy of my life’s passions for the empty lie that fame and the applause </strong>of glory the world will satisfy. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">However, I commit NOT trade my passion for glory. I commit to love the passion GIVER more than the passion. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Our Almighty God has given us the will to stand up and not to back down. <strong>All throughout the Bible, He tells us to rise up, wake up and get up. </strong>The enemy is like a roaring lion seeking to devour. (1 Peter 5:8) We must resist and flee. We stand on the promise that the same power that raised Messiah from the dead DWELLS IN us. Greater is HE who lives in you and me than he that is in the world. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>"The Spirit of God, who raised Yeshua from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Messiah from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you." Romans 8:11 </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In conclusion, <strong>let us now “Rise up to the challenge of our rival!”</strong> While we might NOT always FEEL the thrill of the fight, and God knows it’s easy to lose our grip, we must remain UNSTOPPABLE. <strong>If we no longer have the will to fight, we can PRAY for the will to fight. </strong>God fights for us, in us, & through us everyday. (Exodus 14:14, Romans 11:33) </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">************************************************ </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>EYE OF THE TIGER LYRICS </u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>by Frankie Sullivan & J Peterik</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Rising up, back on the street </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Did my time, took my chances </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Went the distance, now I'm back on my feet </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Just a man and his will to survive </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">So many times, it happens too fast </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You trade your passion for glory </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Don't lose your grip on the dreams of the past </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You must fight just to keep them alive </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">CHORUS: </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It's the eye of the tiger </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It's the thrill of the fight </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Rising up to the challenge of our rival </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And the last known survivor </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Stalks his prey in the night </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And he's watching us all </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">With the eye of the tiger </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Verse 2 </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Face to face, out in the heat </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Hanging tough, staying hungry </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">They stack the odds 'til we take to the street </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">For the kill with the skill to survive </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Verse 3 </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Rising up, straight to the top </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Had the guts, got the glory </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Went the distance, now I'm not gonna stop </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Just a man and his will to survive </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">(CHORUS) </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">************************************************ </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This article was inspired by the scriptures, the Ronan Marketing article below, & The Piano Guys! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">https://www.ronin.com.au/business-entrepreneurs-lessons-learned-from-survivors-eye-of-the-tiger/#gf_4 </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Excerpt from the article above: “Eye of the Tiger is a triple whammy of motivational stories! The song itself is a pump-up anthem tied to one of the best motivational film series of all time…story of success for Survivor…”</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">#eyeofthetiger #RonanMarketing #inspirationalmusic #messianic #sarahbrightman #Joshgroben #Enya #israeliworship #christiancontemporarymusic #martygoetz #tedpearce #joshuaaaron</p>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/67635632021-10-01T16:54:06-04:002022-07-19T03:48:36-04:00The “Saint” of Lost stuff???<p>“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, GOD’S SPECIAL POSSESSION,that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9)</p>
<p>So a while ago I lost something important and I called one of my favorite people (who happened to be of the Catholic faith) to kind of laugh it off and </p>
<p>Maybe mourn about it. </p>
<p> “Pray to the saint of lost belongings,” she said and I giggled. But I realized some </p>
<p>Of what she said was actually true! Tho I don’t believe in praying to anyone but God himself, she was so right in that PRAYER is most useful method of finding things before the actual search begins. </p>
<p>Losing things is perplexing, isn’t it? You just can’t imagine where it could have gone but you hope and believe it’s still out there! It might be funny to laugh about it years later if you’ve found the stuff and I really reminiscing about of all the strange places i found at item I was longing for! </p>
<p>My hairstylist is telling me she lost her Apple air buds one time and the whole story is so dramatic! “I found them when i discovered a hole in my purse one day” she said. It was in the 2nd layer of her bag!!! I told her about the time I lost my school book on a drive, not realizing I placed it on the roof of my car before taking off w my coffee for the drive. </p>
<p>(Never did find that book but I imagine the florida ducks are enjoying the literature under the sun somewhere!) hee hee </p>
<p>It really stinks but isn’t that life? Some of us or all us lose stuff often or constantly. We cry, we pray, and sometimes we just pay for a new one if we’re blessed enough to find the extra cash or sacrifice by working extra hours. We promise ourselves we will slow down and be more mindful and put things back where they belong </p>
<p>But as my Jewish mama used to say, “as long as you’re alive and we didn’t lose YOU, we’re gonna be ok.” It’s one thing to lose stuff but our loved ones are Irreplaceable. We are priceless. </p>
<p>And so, I remind myself today, that Our spirits and our well-being is most important to God. He doesn’t wanna lose us and He doesn’t want us to lose ourselves except in His love. He wants us to live ALIVE and well in Him. (“In Him we live, and move and have our being” paraphrased from scripture) </p>
<p>Amazing grace how sweet the sound, we might have been lost but we now we are found! </p>
<p>Have you been lost? If so, please run into the arms of God right now and find yourself in Him. He wishes to find you more than you can imagine, like a shepherd who leaves 99 sheep to find the one…like a woman who abandons all her duties to search for her golden ring…like more than an adorable golden doodle longs to find his master! </p>
<p>Luke 15:7 </p>
<p>"I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” </p>
<p>My prayer ( for believers ) </p>
<p>Lord increase my confidence in you. Everything is rubbish compared to your love. Let me be more heavenly than earthly minded. Amen. </p>
<p>Prayer for the not yet believer: </p>
<p>Lord I believe you are God and I want to dedicate my heart to you. I admit my mistakes, believe you are my Messiah and confess you are God and closest friend. I receive you now and wanna be found. Amen!</p>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/66606662021-06-15T22:34:38-04:002022-05-30T12:13:11-04:00WANTED: More connection! <p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/3c92e43789b80cabb5abd4c8e155702ca86c7039/original/screen-shot-2021-06-15-at-10-12-23-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" style="text-align: center;" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I came across this article just now because in my heart, I was grappling with the reality that more and more people are watching church and temple online. <strong>I wanted to see what (if anything) is lost and what is gained.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">First, I will speak highly of gathering in a building. Saturday or Sunday meeting together is an awesome time to be uplifted. YES! I have gone to church or Messianic Temple some days feeling so down yet walking out like with God's help, I could rule over all evil and principalities! Ive known the joy and strength of meeting in a church which also encourages community. <strong>One of my favorite Messianic songs is "Hine Matov U Manayim shevet Achim Gam Yachad!" based on the scriptures that it IS good and pleasant when brethren dwell together. </strong>I also occasionally enjoy temple online.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x0E9_jRtrHc" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> <br>But this pandemic has REMINDED me of one HUGE NEED that some buildings/services are NOT catering to and that is the need for community. We often visit other people's congregations and churches and I'll be honest with you. <strong>No matter how good the preaching is, my family very much dislikes going to a service and then going straight home, never to have spoken with anyone</strong>, never to chat, never to pray with anyone. We find that sad.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">That's why the Messianic Movement has attracted me...not just because of the worshipful dancing for the Lord but because of the ONEG- the time of breaking bread together after service. (Some have had to cancel this during COVID but hopefully are re-starting soon with proper safety measures (plenty of hand sanitizer and careful serving) </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">My point being: <strong>I've seen more healing and more changed lives during those little fellowships than I have in the main service. </strong>Yes, people need uplifting via the message. But Im grateful for the Pastors and Rabbis who have acknowledged the need for fellowship which allows us to sit and talk/ reason and pray together. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Let's just face it: I would argue that <strong>MORE COMMUNITY & MORE CONNECTING is what we all need. </strong>Whether we go to saturday or Sunday church online or not, there's nothing like a small online or home group to TRULY CONNECT us. This article I came across today on the trends of the modern church have made this clear to me. The reason I go back to the building is because 1- I love to hear the Word of God from my favorite leaders but equally so: <strong>2- I want to connect with my community and make a difference. </strong></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/24acd58482dcbb4ce4ad6f403c1510edd61ca229/original/img-8691.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJjb250ZW50LnNpdGV6b29nbGUuY29tIn0=/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" style="text-align: center;" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Moving forward in 2021, now that we are beginning to take our masks off, whether you go back to a church building or watch online, I want to encourage you to<strong> find REAL CONNECTION and REAL COMMUNITY with healthy believers who will care about and value you </strong>for who you are and for WHOSE you are!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I believe Yeshua wants us, to hear the Word of God in truth and in spirit at a service AND just as urgently,<strong> the Lord wants us to connect, be BUILT UP, STRENGTHENED, & PREPARED for every spiritual battle </strong>going forward. This can be in a small group, home bible study, online bible study, social gathering w other believers, after service coffee time & more. But let's not ISOLATE & let's not forget as the Barbra Streisand and Bill Wither's song says, <strong>we are people who need people and people need somebody to lean on!</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Let us go forward and build up our brothers and sisters and rebuild the Body of Messiah post COVID. <strong>Our love for each other is more important than the building we walk into. We are God's temple.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This blog was inspired by the article https://careynieuwhof.com/8-disruptive-church-trends-that-will-rule-2021-the-rise-of-the-post-pandemic-church/</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Your friend, Messianic recording Artist, Author and Homeschooling Mom, Michelle Gold</p>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/64848092020-11-24T15:08:39-05:002022-05-30T12:08:59-04:00A Present from our father to YOU.... God's Presence<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/ce18d3b0970a6a233b2928ed38ac87f95165c388/original/9v8a0056.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sitting here with feet up, blessed to be in recline next to my little puppy and finally listening to the completed music for the PRESENCE album & outreach project. A multitude of incredible *friends have helped me put this together from songwriters to producers, photographers, and even jewelry makers who wanted me to wear their designs!<strong> There have been TONS of emails and texts, lots of decisions about which scriptures to include, straining and at times even arguing over single words, phrases, outfits, jewelry for photos. </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Never-ending thought has been POURED into the CRAFTING of this"PRESENCE, the album and uniquely so, because I wanted all my friends who are suffering during this co-vid crisis to be<strong> abundantly encouraged and blessed like NEVER BEFORE!</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It's no wonder that this morning, as I made my final tweaks, I began to get angry at myself!!!!! So much time was spent designing this music to touch hearts, I have not had a moment to plan HOW I AM GOING TO SHARE IT!!<strong> I did not plan or hire someone to get the message out </strong>to the friends and strangers that I love. This music is a GIFT from my father (who passed away last year at this time) to the world and even more, from my Heavenly Father.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>I want everyone in the world to hear it because the lyrics are all mini sermons crafted around the scriptures that mean so much to me. I believe these are healing scriptures and words.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">There are scriptures about <strong>rejoicing in hard times of poverty </strong>(Hab. 3), pushing through <strong>when you feel unheard </strong>in "You Answer Me," standing up to abuse and against sex trafficking and <strong>molestation</strong> in "Tikkun Olam, (based on the scripture promise that the defiled will not enter you again) and <strong>overcoming tragedy</strong> in "Even If" inspired by Daniel 3). The album gets more and more hopeful from song to song...<strong>comforting those who listen to "Be Still"</strong> and know that<strong> the Lord is still on the throne and mighty to save. </strong></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/4d8e2304de0e66d4aa6affdf5bcc504bd2a82d20/original/img-9937.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" style="text-align: center;" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Songs my father loved like "When You Believe" and Hallelujah follow with <strong>hopeful messages about the loving mercy of our King </strong>and HIs ability to see us through the impossible. Hallelujah is the good news of Messiah with Messianic lyrics, <strong>boldly inviting the listener to consider "Maybe you've been listening to my voice as I sing...Yeshua He has risen, Hallelujah!." </strong>The last song, Center of My Life, a song I co-wrote as a new believer coming to faith is a song of TOTAL SURRENDER. "You are my comfort and my King, the reason why I sing...like the earth around the sun, I REVOLVE AROUND YOU, MY FIRST LOVE," is the chorus lyric. <strong>It's a reminder that our happiness is never found in people, places and things, but in our loving God.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As I prepare to upload this music for thanksgiving- as a gift for any donation people can afford from ZERO TO $100, WHATEVER people are truly able give- even if it is nothing,<strong> I ask myself, "Have I done enough?</strong>" Am I trying to be or do more than I can be or do? I'm just a little Jewish girl without a formal record label or company or publicity team.<strong> I'm a homeschool Mom in love with the Lord and hardly have time to do more than sing and testify. I count it all joy!</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Following this question in my soul,I had a short talk w God , sharing my concerns and decided to share this with you<strong> in hopes that you will receive this gift from my heart to yours. I</strong> felt the Lord giving me peace today and reassuring me, we can only do so much. <strong>We simply take action</strong> to help those in need and at some point , we must let go and let him do the rest. For He is the healer.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/50465d7e6179b15a2864492d307022f1ab44cd6a/original/poblano-joe-n-mish-lake-1-dsc00692.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" style="text-align: center;" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Mickey (my golden doodle) and I went for a short walk and I continued to listen for God's voice. And then my answer came. <strong>Someone’s sprinkler system went on and in the heat of the FL sun, Mickey and I felt the refreshing, revitalizing, gentle water on our face and arms</strong>. Then came a breeze.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A gentle nudge from the spirit within me said “Our lives and the love we have to share this Thanksgiving are like that sprinkler system to the world. It's the small things we do that make the largest impact. <strong>Each time we smile, sing, pray with someone, give. a listening ear to someone in pain</strong>, we shower them with love, kindness, and healing where they can sense God's</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>PRESENCE.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Get your download of the music from "PRESENCE" now and spread the word! </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">www.michellegold.com/music</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">********************************</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Partners: Hy & Ruth Gold, Elaine Swiers, Ken Switzer, and more (formal list to come)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">*Co-writers: Dan Needham (also producer), Sue Samuel, Karin Paparelli, Michele Jaffe, Joe Franco, and more</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Spiritual & Music Advisors: my husband Joe Franco, recording artist Nate Jackson, Rabbi Matt Mckeowen, Engineer: Paul Kronk, & Soprano and voice coach, Lisa Bryce</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Jewelry Makers: Jill Zaleski, Fatima Fashion</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Photographer & Stylist: Liz Kane & Barbee Shop Salon</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Make up artist: Lee FX</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Engineers: Paul Kronk & Kent Hooper</p>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/63878182020-07-20T06:36:44-04:002023-05-26T23:23:57-04:00NEVER FORGET, & Let us pray, NEVER AGAIN!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/a4da1a2171859200a1338ad07ab048cb60825d79/original/screen-shot-2020-06-20-at-5-00-16-am.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpeg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Though it can be a risk, we MUST speak up against injustice. NEVER FORGET and I PRAY, NEVER AGAIN. </p>
<p>Because is almost July 23rd, it's a good time to reflect and pray.</p>
<p>On July 23rd, 1944,(right around when my Mom was lucky enough to be born in the US) the first of my people were liberated from concentration camps of Nazi Germany & nearby territories. Let us all pray for the continued peace of Jerusalem today and for all suffering nations and people. Every horrific evil plan of Hitler (as well as all the uneducated teachings that birthed hatred for the Jewish people) were unveiled in this SIX hour in depth class with Moody Prof Michael Rydelnik. </p>
<p>Also mentioned were details about how so many surrounding countries initially TURNED AWAY Jewish refugees for fear or denial or other reasons I find It hard to comprehend. There was no way of escape- not even surrender. Some even died at sea or were sent BACK to death camps when turned away at a port in MIAMI FL just an hour from where I now live. I had learned about all this in Hebrew school but this week, we went much deeper into this unprecedented suffering with 6 million souls lost (4.5 million were children!!!!!). Finally, British, Canadian, American, and French troops liberated us/them from this horrific evil. </p>
<p>A rabbi once said the Holocaust makes faith in G-d difficult and faith in man, IMPOSSIBLE. But I say we must cling to our G-d more than ever. <strong>He was there in the suffering, weeping with us, & it was man's evil. </strong>A great rabbi once said, (paraphrasing) Perhaps instead of asking-Where was G-d we must ask, Where was man?" We must believe G-d iis with us now, and we are truly liberated in His love and promise of heaven. </p>
<p>Read more on the Liberation... </p>
<p>Nazi Racism: https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/nazi-racism?fbclid=IwAR1Q758gQu1NBYFN6EU4p4PHqr7-gNpZQ1EFygtVzrFfqQkJDmytJ73qheI</p>
<p>LIBERATION: https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/liberation</p>5:02Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/63441812020-06-05T23:18:11-04:002022-06-01T21:03:26-04:00CELEBRATING Messianic Artists and Composers...by Michelle Gold<p><a contents="" data-link-label="MUSIC" data-link-type="page" href="/music" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/390fe6a46c1b3cbc361c5ae0b30bc8657bc8a98b/original/img-6207.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Today I want to CELEBRATE & THANK Messianic Artist-composers all around the world. </strong></p>
<p>As a Jewish woman, I came to know Yeshua in 1995. I had no idea what Messianic music was or even what Messianic meant! Like many Jewish families, the idea of believing in Yeshua was forbidden for me until I came to think for myself in that year and deiced that He was my Messiah! As I read the Bible, singing Christian Contemporary Music seemed to come natural for me, inspired by Crystal Lewis and Gospel artist, Dorothy Norwood. <strong>People were giving me cassette tapes of their favorite recordings and asking me to sing and write. </strong></p>
<p>My husband and then youth leader, Joe Franco, had bought me an Integrity Records cassette tape I recall playing over and over. Prior to that, I had only one AMY GRANT tape and there was only one song about- well you know- Yeshua in English- the name I wasn't allowed to say- Jesus. I LOVED that song because it gave me hope to want to live after surviving years of hardship, seeing my Mom's struggle with Bipolar manic depression and all the pain in the world.</p>
<p>When I made my decision to follow Yeshua, Invitations poured in to sing for the Lord and HIs people and it was so awesome. But when invitations came in to sing for other Jewish believers, though most were so happy to hear me, the feedback I received lead me to SUCH GRIEF!!!! I had no idea why my music didn't quite hit the spot for them! <strong>Many would come up to me after a concert and say, "Dont you know any Messianic music?" I didn't get why it mattered.</strong> But I wanted to bring healing and reach as many people as possible. So I began to ask the Lord to help me understand. I don't remember who I spoke with, but sone or two snobby people told me that Messianic music could never be explained. Crazy huh! Thank G-d their discouraging words did not stop me.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>One day, the Lord sent me an angel named SUE SAMUEL! haha well, she's not an angel but she has a heart like one. I poured out my heart to Sue, who had personally INVITED me to join her for coffee .I told Sue and her husband Brian how sad and confused I felt. When she asked me what was stopping me from joining in to write some Messianic music, I told her, "so many Jewish believers are asking me to sing this kind of Messianic music but I have NO IDEA WHAT IT IS! <strong>Sue and her husband Brian were super warm, not stuck up in any way and I finally felt like I belonged in the genre. </strong>Sitting across the table from this loving couple who cared so much about me at the Rosen Plaza dining table, Sue began to explain. </p>
<p>Following our convo, I was hired by Jews for Jesus to direct the music for at the Liberated Wailing Wall music tour 2005-2007, under the training of Jeff Milenson. Before heading on tour,<strong> I immediately studied the music of Paul Wilbur </strong>line by line and analyzed it all note by note. There were minor melodies and sometimes even a half step between the first and 2nd step of the scale, which Jeff taught me was called an <a contents="AHAVA RABBAH" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_prayer_modes" target="_blank">AHAVA RABBAH</a> Scale. There were lyrics about Israel and about all of G-d's people, or sometimes old Testement stories and prophesies about God's promises in the book of Isaiah and in the Psalms. Sometimes there were Israeli Beats and other times, simply just Hebrew singing or catchy Hebrew phrases that meant something wonderful to the writer and those singing.</p>
<p>Following my studies, I decided that in order to REALLY understand this music, <strong>I MUST JOIN THE DANCE! </strong>So in nashville TN, I joined an Israeli dance class and I fell in love! I fell in love with the exotic beats and freeing rhythms. At that time, I wrote SHALOM and DAYENU. Dayenu made the 2005 album I recorded with Tovah Records. CBN aired my story but the TV program's sound system people told me that they had to cut my singing at the piano in my living room because the sound glitched. I was sad about it and big time humbled. But I had a tour to get ready for and my record company soon closed, with my AnR guy, Rick Elias assuring me that ministry was more important than record deals. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>As traveling music director, the Lord allowed me (and my husband Joe as manager and tour bus pastor) to travel all around the United States, to sing in almost every state. The tour culminated with concerts in Israel and parts of Europe. We sang songs written by <strong>Stuart Dauerman</strong>, <strong>Mitch Glaser,</strong> <strong>Steven Katz </strong>and <strong>Jeff Millenson</strong>. Part of our tour included standing outside to share out faith. <strong>I never felt perfectly comfortable handing out pamphlets, so I stood on sidewalk corners and college campuses and I just SANG! </strong>When people showed interest, I gave them some more info. I realized how powerful and beautiful Jewish music can be when the RUACH (Breath of God) is upon that music and when lyrics based on or actually from scripture are infused into the music. </p>
<p><strong>That's all it took for me to get HOOKED on Messianic Music. </strong>My passion for God and for this genre lead me to convince all the artists on the bus to write and co-write all the music for the next album, NEVER FORGET. In the past, only a handful of artists were chosen but in my group, everyone was empowered to write and sing. Jeff agreed. (I had studied songwriting under Lorraine Ferro in NYC and had my classical voice degree but it was my very first time over-seeing other composers, encouraging them daily to write, assigning partners and times) Everyone wrote something beautiful and many surpassed me. That was the goal. </p>
<p><strong>One of the hardest things about being a Messianic songwriter, for me was my lack of rescources.</strong> I sat by and watched all the other artists release album after album after album. All my favorite famous and not so famous artists wither had the money to produce the music or they just knew how to raise the funds. It took me NINE YEARS of praying before I saw my very first Messianic album produced in 2014. Kickstarter and Paypal and a few close friends gave to the project. The late, Aviad Cohen was instrumental in pushing me to finally reach out to raise the funds. He passed away not long after he encouraged me. </p>
<p>When I felt like giving up, Aviad used to say, <strong>"Michelle, if houses were on fire all around you, would you NOT go out and help?</strong> People are dying to know God and you can tell them through your music" Since Aviad passed away, I have FILLED MY HOUSE with every Messianic Song I could get my hands on. The past seven years were spent writing my testimony in book format, producing it in audiobook and e-book, and translating the 2014 album into Spanish. thousands of CDs were given away in Israel and in Cuba. We were never in it to make money. I just wanted to use music to share the hope and salvation I found. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Now it's 2020 and Im FINALLY recording a second Messianic album. It dawned on me that <strong>I owe it to the world to publicly CELEBRATE all the awesome Messianic Artists who have gone before and followed after me.</strong> I met an artist the other day in the nail salon who didn't care about my music ministry one bit even though I showered her with compliments and blessings... it crushed me. <strong>Artist today need to be united and lift one another up.</strong> We all have a vision to share healing and hope. So today, I want to celebrate and say thank you to this rather long exhaustive list of MESSIANIC artists:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Paul Wilbur</strong>, someone I always watch and learn from</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Sue Samuel,</strong> a personal friend today and I can listen to her sing all day! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Ted Pearce</strong>, a personal friend and someone who has invited me on stage with him to sing many times</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Zemer Levav, </strong>Lead singer Shimrit Hanes has been a personal friend and mentor</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Dr Greg Silverman- </strong>phenomenal heart and music, hope to meet his family one day</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Jonathan Settel-</strong> a classical pop voice like no other. Amazing range</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Batya Siegal-</strong> we never met but your music is amazing</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Cory Bell-</strong> gorgeous voice and a stunning heart and ministry</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>MIQEDEM</strong> - beats that are to die for! LOVE IT</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Keith Green-</strong> a songwriter we will never forget, your songs will live on FOREVER!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Aviad Cohen</strong> (recently went to be with the Lord)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Baht Rivka Witten</strong>- a girl with SOUL. You are the real deal, girl! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joshua Aaron- </strong>love all your songs. look forward to meeting your family one day</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Sharon </strong>(AKA Shae) <strong>Wilbur- </strong>Stunning inside and out. Has an awesome presence on TV and a personality everyone loves.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Misha and Marty Goetz </strong>- What a voice and ministry!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Deborah Kline-Iantorno</strong>, I love your heart and fun music so much!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Beckah Shae-</strong> Awesome and soulful voice</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joel Chernoff </strong>- you write all the songs we will always sing. CLASSICS. You paved the way for us</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Jordan Elias-</strong> Great songs, awesome heart!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The Late, <strong>AVIAD COHEN-</strong> BEST MESSIANIC TECHO AND DANCE MUSIC EVER!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Oh man! And so many Messianic Groups I dont know about yet or whom I do know of: The Lamb, the liberated wailing Wall, Galilee of the Nations artists like Karin Davis, and more. When I began singing Messianic music in 2005, this list was much shorter. If I forget someone, I hope to come back and add to this! Pls forgive me.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Oh yeah, and then there's ME...<em>Michelle Gold</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>THANK YOU FOR WHOSE UR and for WHO YOU ARE, AND THE BEAUTIFUL IMPACT YOUR MUSIC HAS MADE IN MY LIFE!</strong></p>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/62448692020-03-11T03:20:36-04:002020-03-11T04:58:09-04:00POWER to defeat Coronavirus FEAR<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/649d38ef68f80b00c412adc1649956eca3680957/original/micah-blanket-pic.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" />Shalom my friend! I've been a bit too silent lately but Im writing to let you know I have not forgotten you and I am praying for your strength during this season.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In the midst of what very well could have been a happy season...renovating our house, <strong>Corona Virus has stricken so many innocent people, my heart breaks for those who are sick and suffering. It feels as if FEAR has seized our cities, our country and our nation.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">While at first, I felt so excited to pick out new flooring, to replace water logged cabinets, and to finally get impact windows to keep our family safe from the hurricanes in FL, that excitement for me has disappeared. As I talk to friends and acquaintances and hear stories of friends in other states who are <strong>tormented by what the future might hold for them</strong>, I remember that material things are nice but in the end, it's all rubbish compared to everlasting life and the promises of God." What good is it to gain the whole world yet lose your soul?" Yeshua once said. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/e9a83f14d7240ca365d4c11e1fa3b43b05679011/original/screen-shot-2020-03-11-at-4-36-27-am.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It is totally and completely human nature to feel alarmed and frightened. The media often makes it worse without meaning to. We hear more about death and less about life and survivors. We fear losing our loved ones and feel helpless at times. However, God does not want us to worry or fear. <strong>He does NOT want us to worry </strong>about the food we eat, the clothes we wear and about our health but only to be wise.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">So how do we shake this fear? Truly, <strong> our healing and happiness come from a Perscription given to us in the scriptures. </strong>In addition to praying as we give our worries to God on high, there is the practice of <strong>setting our minds on spiritual things</strong><strong>. "<a contents="Set your minds on things above" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+3%3A2&version=TLV" target="_blank">Set your minds on things above</a>, and not on earthy things, i</strong>s one<strong> </strong>of my favorite scriptures. Our citizenship is not on this earth but in heaven. <a contents="(Philippians 3:20-21)&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+3%3A20-21&version=TLV" target="_blank">(Philippians 3:20-21) </a> We often pray "Our Father in heaven...THY WILL BE DONE, because we learn to trust He knows what is best for us, even if his healing means we are making our grand entrance to our mansion in the sky.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">But the question remains for my skeptical friends today: Diana Ross sang a song at her concert the other night asking "<strong>DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOU'RE GOING TO?</strong>" if you do, then you don't have to be afraid. If you do not know God in a personal way, would you like the reassurance of knowing that if today is your last day, you have a future hope? There's a God who loves you<strong> and he is proposing to you at this very moment! </strong>He wants to be your Messiah and your ever present help in times of need. <a contents="(Psalm 46)&nbsp;&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.bible.com/bible/314/PSA.46.TLV" target="_blank">(Psalm 46) </a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/0ae37a6815cade19236508b6044d8924a46564ee/original/screen-shot-2020-03-11-at-4-47-48-am.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>All you must do is confess with your lips that He is Lord, and YOU WILL BE SAVED.</strong> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><i>Since the day I received this hope of heaven for my future, By His spirit in me, ALL FEAR is DEFEATED. </i><strong style="font-style: italic;">Corona (meaning CROWN) may be a poisonous virus, but Yeshua wore a crown of thorns for us, making atonement for our imperfect sin-sick soul. </strong><i>He removed the curse of death, depression, shame and fear and He has called us ROYALTY. Do you BELIEVE this? Then let us be brave. </i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><i>If you said yes to Him today, then the same power that raised Him up from the dead, now lives in you and you will NOT be defeated. <strong>Let us pray and set our minds and hearts on things above.</strong></i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">*************************************************** </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Let's pray: </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Avinu Malcheinu, my Father and King, I ask You to remove all fear in me today. Lord, let me fix my eyes upon YOU because you are the author and finisher of my faith- the orchestrator of my life, the most high and mighty God, who is able to save us. <strong>You are my EVER-PRESENT HELP in times of NEED. Help me to believe and stand on your promises in <a contents="Psalm 91" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.bible.com/bible/314/PSA.91.1-13.TLV" target="_blank">Psalm 91</a>, a promise of Your protection in times of great danger.</strong> And let me not be afraid of death but instead. let me SEEK TO LIVE in YOUR LOVE, my Abba, and <strong>under Your wings.</strong> </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>YOU ARE MY SAFE PLACE. Amen. </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">*************************************************** </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>TO HEAVEN</u> c 1999 Michelle Gold (From Album YOU KNOW ME) <a contents="Listen now!&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://music.apple.com/bs/album/to-heaven/79295171?i=79295129" target="_blank">Listen now! </a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">There's a place of no more sorrow. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">There's a place of no more need. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">So wipe your tears, it won't be long... </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The highest place for those who have suffered; He said blessed are the meek and strong </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">So have no fear, God is always near. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It won't be long before He comes to rescue you with open arms </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">He'll take you up into the air where love is long and life is fair </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">TO HEAVEN, your castle on a cloud.... </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">TO HEAVEN...acoustic version, Ministered LIVE in FL</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qqGbPLKSvog" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/59240022019-10-11T22:29:38-04:002022-04-04T05:26:40-04:00“Frozen hurts” <p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Zs2La4cXvFc" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/Zs2La4cXvFc/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Zs2La4cXvFc?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">Riding down a solitary path at the park to release my stress at the end of a day, my favorite Israeli artist, NOA sings "to me." I listen to her rendition of “Frozen” (by Madonna) and <strong>my heart begins to heal.</strong> Although I’m fairly certain Madonna has not yet given her heart to God, I can feel the song moving my spirit to pray and to place the heavy burden at the feet of my loving Abba in heaven. <strong>I sing along as the path dips down, allowing myself to feel the pain of not being able to get through to someone I care very deeply about.</strong> For me, like the songs of the psalmists crying out to God, this song becomes a prayer u<strong>nder the heat of the Florida sun. </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">Recently, someone in my life excluded and rejected me and it hurt like heck. I tried to call and lovingly reason but they would not pick up the phone. Even after I invited someone else in charge to help settle the matter, this loving well-meaning person would not fight for me. The lady cut off all communication with me permanently for some strange reason. <strong>She minimized my hurt and moved on.</strong> So did the third party. I had wished we all could meet together in person but no such invitation ever came. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/1e37a387776c46c6f7ce96cbdb14575679e70d5e/original/screen-shot-2019-10-11-at-10-18-21-pm.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">For her, it was a minor issue, simply a matter of new rules. But for me, it was <strong>unconventional exclusivity </strong>and <strong>punishment.</strong> Actually, It felt like a double lashing because it forced me into a position as the <strong>unaccepted child</strong>, not just rejected by her, but <strong>by the entire group</strong>. In her presence, it felt like I was <strong>invited to a birthday party but only to watch through the window while the other children eat birthday cake. </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">In my heart, I was just as worthy, beautiful as I am inside, as the others who were NOT being rejected. This shunning and exclusion was so powerful that it caused me to temporarily break off with the larger community just so I could keep myself at peace. Each time I was surrounded by this community, I would cry. <strong>No one who loved me stood up for me. </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">The <strong>heartbreak of not being able to cure or thaw the frozen heart </strong>of a dear friend is emotionally devastating!!!!! </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/421a57960af0dd63864e4062e52e7772d76f9c21/original/screen-shot-2019-10-11-at-9-44-05-pm.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">A life lesson comes to mind: when you’ve tried all you can try, said all you can say, and cried all you can cry, at some point you, <strong>for your own serenity, you have to accept the loss and grieve.</strong> It’s easier said then done. But there is hope. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">After rehearsing each kind and generous word using all the right "tones of voice", there's only so many texts I can send and voicemails I can create. if there is no reply, I must move on. The scars remain. T<strong>he refusal of response - a shunning - of one human being to another can tear up a person's insides. Communication and closure is always preferred</strong> <em>when it’s safe</em> for parties involved. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/403cf9c18ccd564c75f856397f0898f5b6b3aa6e/original/screen-shot-2019-10-11-at-10-19-55-pm.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#e74c3c;"><span class="font_regular">But what happens when reconciliation is not possible? </span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">As for me, it was safe and preferred to re unite but it did not happen. Maybe God will melt that persons heart one day. Maybe they will see that their over the top rules were damaging. But for now, the other party closed the door. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">I can't control anyone's behavior or response but my own. I must walk away from that door and <strong>find new open doors where I am loved, accepted and helped</strong> (where I can give and receive encouragement) I don't like it but to find hope, I must let go.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">I listen to the song 3 more times for validation. <strong>I’m not crazy to feel what I feel.</strong> <em>“You’re frozen when you hearts not open. You waste your time w hate and regret...” </em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">I understand and <strong>confess the frustration</strong> of not being able to change another human being. “Oooh," she sings, "if I could melt your heart, we’d never be apart. <em>Give yourself (in my case, I mean, "your heart") to me! You hold the key!." T</em>o me this means, I did all I could do. Now the ball is in your court to play again or close the door. It is now out of my hands and into the hands of a power greater than me! </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#e74c3c;"><span class="font_regular">But don't stop reading now...here’s the hope in all of this.. </span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#e74c3c;"><span class="font_regular"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/ac0f9d4e3bfdc73bc2efe93e959d0e66a087afc8/original/screen-shot-2019-10-11-at-10-21-30-pm.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular"><em>“Love is a bird and she needs to fly, (please) let all the hurt inside of you die.” </em>This is a reminder that I must let go and...this is a hard one... pray for blessings on the ones I love despite their coldness. WARNING: The same hurt I feel for having been rejected is the same hurt that I need to surrender like a bird so I can love someone else.<strong> If I don't </strong></span><span class="font_large"><strong>surrender</strong></span><span class="font_regular"><strong> the hurt, then my heart will become bitter & frozen</strong>. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#e74c3c;">Finding mercy? </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular"><em>“You’re frozen WHEN your heart’s not open”</em> reminds me to remember the good times we had and how this person was once warm to me. Perhaps they are warm to everyone else in their lives and not able to love me. I ask God for the will to “forgive that person because their heart is usually beautiful and usually sweet. Even if not, </span><span class="font_large">I hate the action, but not the person</span><span class="font_regular">. I love the person and hate the action. Maybe one day their hearts will soften and we will love again. I ask God to show me the one who hurt me through His eyes.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#e74c3c;"><span class="font_regular">Things to remember... SURRENDER, LOVE, & NEW DOORS</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">What gems of hope and life lessons do I pick up from this heart wrenching song? </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">1- I can’t melt someone’s heart. <strong>Only God can.</strong> The old saying goes <strong>“I can’t, God can, Let Him.”</strong> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">2- All I CAN do is<strong> love and be loving </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">3- When <strong>one door closes, another opens...</strong>sometimes we need to knock on a new door!</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">I will focus on loving someone who wants and needs my love, who has not been rejecting me. While many of my friends live far away or genuinely do not have time to get together, I can always reach out to someone new or focus on my family even more</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/69a1ed9bb8f130160eab33c2a4ff1afd711e0ac4/original/screen-shot-2019-10-11-at-10-27-13-pm.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">4-People will forsake us, but God sticks closer than a brother or sister. <strong>Fall more in love with God </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular"><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/a94c3b05cfb73b254a3d833143ebbd1e4071d1a8/original/screen-shot-2019-10-11-at-10-28-23-pm.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></strong></span>(Image from https://teach4theheart.com/how-to-fall-in-love-with-god/)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">5- <strong>Keep journaling </strong>to see if there’s anything I forgot to say or God wants me to say or do <a contents="(Psalm 139)" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.bible.com/bible/314/PSA.139.23.TLV" target="_blank">(Psalm 139) </a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#e74c3c;">In Closing - Prayer of healing</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular"><em>Lord, God forbid I let this hurt turn to bitterness. If i don’t let go, (not allowing the wrong but yes forgiving it) I will myself BECOME FROZEN. <strong>Heaven forbid that you, oh Lord would be singing this song to me! </strong></em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font_regular">May we (and May I personally) always have soft hearts, kind hearts, strong and courageous, yet gentle and loving. Let me love as you love. Anyone can love a friend. You Lord, can teach us to love (yet stand protected from and safe from) even those who do not love us back. </span></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">Abba, search my heart. Make me blameless and beautiful in your sight. Even as I am being rejected and or shunned, I<strong> choose love, life giving power, laughter and healing </strong>. I am yours Lord and you are mine! Amen.</span></p>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/58253662019-07-15T15:51:34-04:002019-07-15T16:05:38-04:00I LOVE "HUE!!!!"<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/86bedb8062ffe3c447a107306d37404189147c12/original/screen-shot-2019-07-15-at-1-27-39-pm.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" style="text-align: center;" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I LOVE HUE! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You could say I’m obsessed w good lighting. I recently began a secret love affair with smart bulbs (hue Phillips) I figured it might help my ADHD and I was tired of the severely annoying halogen lights that made me feel so anxious. Halogen lights are like well-meaning but harsh critics, telling you what to do with very little love and true concern in their hearts for you. <strong>We, ourselves, can be “Halogens”- emitting blindingly disturbing lights to our very own souls. </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">To deal w the critic within, I remind myself to <strong>love myself as God loves me</strong>. In dealing with the painful dagger-like words of those Halogen-like critics, my closest friends have advised me that I cannot change or control the lack of light or blinding lights of my enemies. <strong>I can only love God and ask for power to let go after I have spoken.</strong> THAT kind of brutal & dysfunctional light is the nemesis of our souls. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">BUT You and I -like Hue - have a light which is purer and more beautiful, less blinding. “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Ruach!” says Adonai-Tzva’ot. <strong>When this light shines, darkness must flee. </strong>Peace comes in like the dawning of a new day. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/87daec91f3d68ceec9e96c71be38ff71522bf1c9/original/screen-shot-2019-07-15-at-1-30-14-pm.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">*****************************</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Now let’s talk now about NOT-SO-GOOD lighting & my “love affair” with HUE. My first challenge was <strong>repair</strong> <strong>a</strong> <strong>total lack of connection</strong>. When we moved in many years ago, many of my light switches had never been connected to the lights! Being vertically challenged, I often found myself standing on my toes to pull a chain from the ceiling fan which was already pretty low. With the new smart bulbs & dimmer switches, I could finally stop standing on beds to reach those annoying dangling cords to turn the lights on quickly and safely. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">(I know this all sounds less than spiritual but I’m going to get a spiritual point here that goes much deeper) </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">My second problem was solved when we went from <strong>very little power to now being able to create aesthetic & pleasing environments</strong>. The ability to create Dim or bright lighting on command was alluring and attractive to me. This was and is my ultimate favorite feature. There's nothing like calm lighting at the end of a busy day!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">J<em>ust by screwing in a new light bulb and slapping a dimmer switch with adhesive tape on the wall, I could carefully orchestrate the colors, the power & percentage of light to bring to into a room. For work, it would be bright and for rest and prayer, it could be soft. Now I sound like GOLD-i-lox, wanting everything "just right." And why not have it that way if you’re able to provide it?)</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/a72a2e89a0b57110e44fbe877cc4cfeee8432a5a/original/screen-shot-2019-07-15-at-1-25-40-pm.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Thirdly, was my desire to save energy. Saving energy and costing less over time was the ideal plan. Though more money up front, I used some holiday gift cards to get the colored lights for my daughter and the less expensive white/gold lights for the other rooms – adding a few more each month within budget.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Bible studies are a lot brighter, worship and relaxation are a little easier, and my kids are making rainbows in their rooms while saving us money over time! My electric bill has gone down a little too. (The white/gold bulbs are much more affordable) As a bonus, each bulb is predicted to shine for about fifteen years!!! <strong>Now that’s a bunch of big shining moments!!! </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">HOW ON EARTH IS THIS INSPIRATIONAL SPIRITUAL? I sound like I am selling light bulbs! Trust me, I'm not working for HUE. Which leads me to talking about the ultimate long-lasting beautiful& warm light of God. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/fb850357fa849c0d6d29c9942c88130612a2161e/original/screen-shot-2019-07-15-at-4-03-47-pm.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u> So now, let's do some spiritual diagnostics on our souls. </u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>1- Have we downloaded God's APP, welcoming the Holy Spirit into our hearts? </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When we download this “APP” despite how often darkness is flooding the earth,this light from El Shaddai, my God, also calms and protects us. No Warnings. This light will positively overwhelm us in the warmth of HIS radiance. His spirit in us is ever-lasting and cannot be snuffed out by any power outage of the enemy. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>2- Is our light connected & sensitive to the source or are we climbing on beds and chairs to turn the light on? </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“Not by might, nor by power, but by My Ruach!” (Holy Spirit) says Adonai-Tzva’ot." (Zechariah 4:6) </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Are we sensitive to the spirit within us, telling us to shine where there is darkness, to bring warmth where there are people hurting and loud, colorful light where there is depression & oppression? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>3- Am I choosing to entertain the darkness? </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">There is a great challenge. Shaul spoke of this in the book of Romans- the struggle of doing those things he knows can hurt him and needing to ACTIVATE God’s power. Sometimes, we might be in a temporary state of darkness and we might like the way that darkness feels. It will require the power or the Holy Spirit to overcome, calling on the name of Yeshua in confession so we will instead experience God’s best for our lives. God is calling to us: “Will you surrender this temptation of darkness to me so I can fight for you in the spirit? Will you stay accountable and honest w someone you love and trust or will you sink deeper into the valley not allowing God to walk to repair your lights? God is a gentleman and will give you the choice. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Darkness may seem fun and mysterious but leads to death. Light leads to love and life. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Lesson learned for me and maybe for HUE I mean you? </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Turn on the lights of your spiritual house with this prayer and let the Healer fix the switches of your heart if they have broken or even if they never worked at all. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>MY PRAYER</strong></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Abba from this day forward, I choose light. I call on Your name and, on your Spirit, to fill me, Yeshua. May my life be suddenly centered and re-aligned w Your will so I may experience Your best for me. I invite you </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>to fill every empty space, every void and every dark place so all my wounds may be healed and past forgotten. </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>May you may shine in me so I may be like an angel, with the power of many colors and lasting forever. May you shine in my career, my friendships, my marriage, and in all I say and do. Amen. </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Yeah though I walk they the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil...you are with me. </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Adonai, I Enter your throne-room and ask you fill me with your light so I may Be healed and bring warmth, comfort and help to the world. </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Amen. </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><i>Michelle Gold is a Messianic Recording Artist, Mom, and Author of the first ever Music Biography written by a Jewish Believer in Yeshua,</i><a contents=" FINDING GOLD." data-link-label="FINDING GOLD: MY BOOK" data-link-type="page" href="/finding-gold-my-book" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank"> FINDING GOLD.</a><i> Listen to Michelle's music on iTunes, Spotify, google mini, </i><a contents="youtube.com/michellegold" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/michellegold" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">youtube.com/michellegold</a><i> & more. Connect anytime here or on </i><a contents="facebook.com/FINDmichellegold" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.facebook.com/FindMichelleGold" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">facebook.com/FINDmichellegold</a></p>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/57989222019-06-21T00:31:52-04:002019-06-21T00:38:11-04:00WHEN IT RAINS, IT POURS!!!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/6b815c693c72150648de46181e12e806c05905fa/original/screen-shot-2019-06-21-at-12-20-14-am.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">After what felt like a beautiful Spring season of singing & sharing my hope in Messiah through song, just as the Mangos began to fall from the trees by the lake behind our home, everything that could go wrong went wrong all at once. The Car broke down, the AC thermostat died, the emergency fund began to disappear, we all got sick, and then we found out my daughter needed braces. Suffice it to say we all became well relatively quickly and no one was hurt. But we took quite a little a financial beating. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A slogan my mom often said growing up (besides “Que Sera- What will be, will be") comes to mind.The phrase is as follows: "WHEN IT RAINS IT POURS!” When a plethora of BAD circumstances occurred (or occasionally, when too many good happenings occurred all at once) we used to say these simple words, knowing all of our friends would understand. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We all occasionally experience bad things happening to us- even to the most righteous people. But, my goodness, it can be a real hardship when a bunch of stuff hits you simultaneously. With these circumstances, <strong>we have a choice to make on how we will respond. Will we REACT irrationally or will we choose to RESPOND, taking smart actions </strong>to make things peaceful again. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">From a negative perspective, if I choose to proclaim this slogan in mourning, I could say this with desperation, exhaustion, and a victum mentality. Choosing this attitude could mean I’ve downright just given up! Poor pitiful me. Better “luck” next time. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Or- <strong>I could choose to put a positive twist on this saying! I could choose to NOT BE DEFEATED </strong>in the face of bad news. I could turn my complaint into a genuine self- assuring and God- trusting prayer. This kind of act will absolutely EMPOWER me in what feels like this CRAZY LIFE full of mishegas. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>My prayer might be the serenity prayer: "God grant me the serenity....change the things I can..." Or I can say a prayer--something like this: </u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">”Lord, a LOT has gone wrong in my personal life this week, this day, this month but I need your help. When it rains it pours, so Make it RAIN & make It POUR more of YOU! I<strong> need you to POUR YOUR LOVE & SPIRIT over me so I won’t burn in the heat of the sun.”</strong> Turn my mourning into dancing and help me to turn my lemons into lime! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> (Well, I like LIME a LOT! Lol Maybe for you, gatorade, or it’s lemonade, Lime-aide or even a virgin Lime-arita!!!!) </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Either way, <strong>we must ROCK ON and CHOOSE TO REMAIN UNSTOPPABLE. </strong> The scriptures say that whatever the enemy meant for evil, God meant for good. (Genesis 50:20) All things work together for the people like you and like me who love God and who are called according to His purpose. (Romand 8:28) Do not be weary in doing good (Galatians 6:9) The same power that raised Messiah from the dead lives in us. (Romans 6:10-11) If God is for me, who can be against me! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">So let us run into God’s throne room (Sitting with Him in silent prayer) for a refreshing and restorative time in His transforming and empowering presence. <strong>Because that’s the kind of RAIN we want…Heavenly showers of life-giving energy! </strong> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">L<strong>et it rain, Let it pour! God reigns, God pours rivers of blessings upon us! </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">What does this phrase mean to you? Share your comments below cuz. I'd love to hear from you! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">PS- If you enjoyed this blog, you might also enjoy my book, FINDING GOLD. Please show your support by subscribing to my youtube page youtube.com/michllegold. All my love, Meesh </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">* Photo from https://kimwarner.com/2016/07/26/is-it-raining-where-you-are/</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">* To find out how we recovered from this financial mess, check out our favorite author, Dave Ramsey at www.daveramsey.com or on Amazon.</p>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/56934072019-03-25T17:41:21-04:002021-12-14T06:31:13-05:00The BEAUTIFUL Jewish/Christian/Spanish CONNECTION...<p>A song comes to mind: "Why are there so many songs about rainbows....someday we'll find it, the (Jewish) <strong>connection</strong>...the lovers and dreamers and me!!!!!" (giggle)</p>
<p>Do all roads lead back to Judaism and a Jewish connection? Maybe you have been wondering about your own connection. Maybe you or someone in your family recently had your DNA background tested with ancestry.com. Or perhaps a major life event or your love for sharing your faith has you curious about your Jewish roots. Perhaps you are Jewish by birth and this is something you are vibrantly aware of. If so, I look forward to your feedback.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/85006e587011875e4ae46559fd89dc5ae952de26/original/img-4542.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><strong>It's indisputable that all Christians are becoming more and more aware of the Jewish roots of their faith</strong>. As a direct result of social media, great authors & books on the topic, and anointed, informed Pastors & speakers, these days, most believers know that Jesus (Yeshua in Hebrew) is Jewish. Some people I know might be surprised to learn this but most of my friends agree that <strong>Yeshua never converted or meant to start a new religion</strong>. He was born to fulfill over 500 divine Jewish predictions (AKA: prophecies) of Messiah including my favorite Isaiah 9: that a son would be born to redeem us and that He would be called mighty God, prince of peace. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/0f133d914ebbaf0db2462abb568d3c1a8d7d6a59/original/screen-shot-2019-03-25-at-8-10-37-pm.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>The first believers in Him were actually Jewish and known as part of a movement called "The Way." (Based upon the well-known statement by Yeshua <em>"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." </em>John 14:6) As I visit different houses of worship in the U.S, I am sometimes and saddened and other times pleasantly surprised- how some of the great leaders are making people aware and yet <strong>some are mistakenly FORGETTING to teach (omitting, leaving out completely) this known fact: that believing in Yeshua connects a person with their Jewish roots.</strong> I'll share more on this below.</p>
<p>But first.....I want to share how ecstatic I am about some fairly new statistics emerging and lighting up my life. </p>
<p>I have hardly studied the topic enough to share it flawlessly but I will share what I've learned so far. I think there are very few people out there making these facts plain and understandable. Because it benefits us to truly understand our roots, I'm going to give it go. I don't know about you but this is all NEW news to me!</p>
<p>When googling the Jewish Spanish connection, my heart beats with excitement because there is <strong>a plethora of evidence arising to display that AN ASTOUNDING NUMBER OF SPANISH PEOPLE HAVE JEWISH ROOTS</strong>. Because I love the Spanish culture (dance, music, food, and more) and grew up learning the language (though never aced it) I guess you could say I'm a "wannabe." (feeling silly to admit but keeping it real) Just one out of many google searches on the subject unearths this eye-opening headline: "<a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.haaretz.com/world-news/americas/.premium.MAGAZINE-a-surprising-number-of-latin-americans-have-jewish-roots-study-finds-1.6787129">A Surprising Number of Latin Americans Have Jewish Roots, Study Finds."</a> I read as articles that I could find to read. But soon my eyes tired out from these long-winded blogs, written for doctorate level students.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/3b559cfe467af3762fb5a759563487074d1c400d/original/screen-shot-2019-03-25-at-7-57-47-pm.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Closing that window on my computer now, the windows of my mind take me back to a handful of <strong>incredibly inspired and highly studied preachers who have shared the very same fact from the pulpit</strong>. They all talk about the large population of Spanish people who come from a long line of "conversos" -men and women who were forced to convert to Christianity in Spain many centuries ago.<em> A side note here: It's sad that anyone would FORCE anyone to believe because Jesus Himself did all things in love and gentleness. But that's another point for another very important blog. A person ought NEVER to be forced into anything and may everything we say and do be through love & by sharing our own experience, strength, and hope.</em></p>
<p>Back now to the massive amounts of evidence of the Jewish Roots of Christianity... when I was homeschooling my kids this year and began to uncover the American holiday THANKSGIVING, It dawned on me how similar it was to the Jewish holiday of SUKKOT. In my research, I uncovered a preacher talking about the connection. (Integrity Records Artist, Paul Wilbur has a monthly online and Live worship service bringing together every nation of believers.) I stumble upon an airing confirming my suspicions. <strong>A highly respected preacher at Paul's gathering proclaimed that even Columbus might have been Jewish!</strong> I will try and find it and link back to it later. <a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/christopher-columbus-the-hidden-jew/">Here is an article I found for now.</a> There's really no proof. it's speculation but very convincing to me.</p>
<p>As I said, I had also been wondering if THANKSGIVING was not originally SUKKOT, meaning, the first explorers who came here might have been Jewish and Spanish. Thanksgiving celebrates the harvest and so does Sukkot. If the pilgrims read the Bible as storybooks tell us, then they would have read about Sukkot and they would have known. It's not too far fetched at all. <strong>If it's true, America has Jewish roots as well.</strong> These again are just my speculations. But it makes me wonder.</p>
<p>I am, however, confident of- that ALL CHRISTIANS HAVE SPIRITUAL roots in Judaism because as I mentioned above, our Messiah is Jewish. Our biblical ancestors are Jewish. And in the New Covenant, (AKA The New Testament) the first five hundred believers in Yeshua were Jewish and according to the biblical fact, Mathew, Mark, (possibly Luke), and John were Jewish believers in Yeshua. Another great reason to stand with Israel and the Jewish people. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/a72e8296d62e05df79e8a2a03690675ced6e343a/original/screen-shot-2019-03-25-at-8-01-40-pm.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>All this to say, I would be remiss if I did not add the following truth: Jewish roots or not, <strong>No matter what country you are from, no matter the color of your skin, or what people group you identify we are all made in HIS image</strong>...God loves ALL people of EVERY NATION. (Genesis 1:27) And if you believe in Yeshua, you know that He prayed we would all be one and that we are one in the OliveTree. <strong>YOU ARE CONNECTED TO GOD and that is most important.</strong><strong> </strong></p>
<p>God rejoices over ALL who come to Him. (Zeph. 3:17) We are equal in His eyes and we are brothers and sisters in Him. <strong>We are also connected by love and grace </strong>and do not lack any good thing. We must rejoice in this and never become too proud to embrace God's people, even those who are rejecting him but will soon one day believe and be saved. (Romans 11)</p>
<p>So why do I write this blog today? For my friends who have not yet taken the time to find their roots, it would be such a loss to NOT know who you are. Every child of God, every living being deserves to know and would be privileged to know their roots. You, my friend need to know who you are. And if you haven't heard it yet, I would LOVE you to know the real benefits of being a child of the King- forgiveness, heaven, and DIVINE CONNECTION with Him. <strong> I am called to share the good news with my Jewish people and with every nation. It is becoming vital for me to share my faith with my Spanish friends more than ever as well. I pray you are inspired to embrace your roots and share your faith in Yeshua as well. His life and atonement for us is the completion of all. </strong></p>
<p><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/ae2aae2156d80b2f927311feb74dde0fe62ef34f/original/screen-shot-2019-03-25-at-8-00-55-pm.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></strong></p>
<p>LIFE APPLICATION: WHY DO I NEED TO EMBRACE MY ROOTS?</p>
<ul> <li><strong>BIBLE STORIES COME ALIVE & POWERFUL EVERYDAY LIFE </strong></li>
</ul>
<p>All the fabulous Bible stories come to life when you understand their contexts. For example, just knowing that the communion was birthed out of Yeshua's Passover Seder - that when he lifted up the cup of redemption and asking us to drink of this cup in remembrance of His atonement, it was a celebration of freedom from the slavery in Egypt and from our old sin and shame. How cool is that? </p>
<ul> <li><strong>ERADICATE ANTI-SEMITISM: </strong></li>
</ul>
<p> I pray for anti-Semitism to be eradicated one day very soon. It's a powerful thing to know that your Messiah is Jewish because it <strong>bonds you in love </strong>for our Jewish brothers and sisters, many of whom are forgotten in these last days. Because you love Yeshua, you love all of His people, every nation, and especially Israel. I pray you always stand for Israel and the Jewish people as the days become more evil. </p>
<p>In Summary, no matter your background,</p>
<p><strong>YOU ARE A POWERFUL FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH when you know WHO you are and WHOSE you are when you KNOW the Lord, your God. </strong></p>
<p><strong>Stay connected to your people, your nation and your God (who is Adonai, our healer, our King, our Messiah, my everything)</strong></p>
<p><em>All my love,</em></p>
<p><em>Michelle Gold</em><br> </p>
<p>PS- I've recorded a Spanish Album with some Hebrew, with scriptural, testimonial songs and a Gospel Message on the back. For such a time as this, I want to bring this music to Cuba and I need your prayers for the remaining amount for manufacturing. Love you to share the good news with me if you are able and feel lead to give. <a data-link-label="GIVE" data-link-type="page" href="/give">www.michellegold.com/GIVE</a></p>
<p>Credits:</p>
<p><u><strong><a contents="Paul Wilbur's First Friday online Service w/ teaching" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLblmW_wx_h4vgW9QAafQd_tk_WCWTsnd4" target="_blank">Paul Wilbur's First Friday online Service w/ teaching</a></strong></u></p>
<p>First painting: Leonid Afremov</p>
<p>3rd image borrowed from www.widewalls.ch</p>
<p>Read more by me, Michelle Gold<a contents="INSPIRATION" data-link-label="INSPIRATION" data-link-type="page" href="/inspiration" target="_blank"> here </a> Check out my book on finding myself, my Lord and my Jewish Roots <a contents="here" data-link-label="FINDING GOLD: MY BOOK" data-link-type="page" href="/finding-gold-my-book" target="_blank">here</a></p>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/56210232019-01-31T02:38:05-05:002023-12-10T13:43:07-05:00What's more powerful than PRAYER? (Surprise Release...La Oracion)<p>What's more powerful than prayer? Nothing that I could ever think of of. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>The story of this song is so powerful, it probably would bless even thousands more if it were put into FIVE different languages. For now we have chosen one, with Spanish text. The inspiration for the song is below. I hope you enjoy and share this with your friends so we can share the Gospel. </p>
<p>Here's the...<a contents="STORY BEHIND THE SONG!" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/ybLvGKKkti4" target="_blank">STORY BEHIND THE SONG!</a> </p>
<p>Written by David Foster, Carole Bayer Sager, Alberto Testa and Tony Renis <br>Hebrew Translation: Dr. Michael Michael, Performed by Michelle Gold & Adam Martinez</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/ybLvGKKkti4" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/0dcc6146cc8f1b041fe57b2ecf164c4c7df8e270/original/screen-shot-2019-01-31-at-3-58-18-am.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Here's the song, below!!! </p>
<p><a contents="La Oracion- Video of Studio Audio Performance" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/Gbc1y8yOO6M" target="_blank">La Oracion- Video of Studio Audio Performance</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/Gbc1y8yOO6M" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/4456f570ee29223aa7757e16a7f45153890f4abf/original/screen-shot-2019-01-31-at-3-51-58-am.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>If you would like to give to this project, simply go to <a contents="http://www.michellegold.com/GIVE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.michellegold.com/GIVE" target="_blank">http://www.michellegold.com/GIVE</a>. Be sure to like, subscribe and SHARE so we share our hope and faith!</p>
<p>Sincerely, Michele Gold</p>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/56136012019-01-26T03:23:39-05:002020-10-10T05:25:52-04:00Love to be delighted in<p>“You will also be a crown of beauty in the hand of ADONAI, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. No longer will you be termed “Forsaken”, no longer your land termed “Desolate”. Instead you will be called, “My Delight is in Her” and your land, “Married”.</p>
<p>For ADONAI delights in you, and your land will be married.” <br></p>
<p>Isaiah 62:3-4 TLV <br>https://www.bible.com/314/isa.62.3-4.tlv</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Who doesn’t love to be delighted in? Today my friend Corry told me, “Ted loves working w you” and my eyes lit up. Ted Pearce is someone I admire as a fellow soldier in the Lords army. Though we’ve never been on the same record label together, I danced to his music for years in the worship dance at congregation and have taken notice that there are only a hand full of artists like him who deeply and truly Love serving people and choose love and integrity over self promotion. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>When i I was first starting out in ministry, I saw him at a concert ad he invited me up to sing backgrounds w him. At the end of the night, he gave an offering to my ministry. He didn’t know it at the time that our family was close to being poor. We saw that day that his heart is real. Now ain’t that funny! I wrote this blog to talk about how good it feels when someone else delights in you. And here I am delighting in my brother’s kindness! </p>
<p>Which brings me to my point...when someone thinks highly of you, you also feel delight or delighted. You may have been discouraged and like me, you may have felt like the underdog, with the least amount of youtube subscribers and not many albums (last one, who will go, was iN 2014.</p>
<p>But the fact that someone takes delight with who I am and what I stand for strengthens me. And even better than someone you admire taking delight in your work or your voice or spirit, how marveliud that You will be delighted in by God? cool is it that the scriptures tell us The king of Kings delights in you and me! </p>
<p>We have a choice today. Will we allow Gods delight in us to go unnoticed? Or will will we remember it and allow</p>
<p>this delight to fuel us? Will we embrace pity and or shame? Defeat? Or will we remember </p>
<p>that we are Gods children, a gem in His Hand, His delight? </p>
<p>shine On! You are worthy because the Lord, your Abba, loves you. </p>
<p>Michelle gold </p>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/55764722019-01-01T14:43:12-05:002021-01-20T00:01:50-05:00WAKE UP OH ZION!...R U FULLY ALIVE YET?<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/3a118b979a008f8330a3fe95136332489d2aee5d/original/screen-shot-2018-12-25-at-6-22-18-pm.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I recently spent HOURS UPON HOURS re-writing an old song of mine, TIKKUN OLAM (repair the world). It's my story of how God saved my life and gave my life new meaning. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Sometimes I forget the power of one word, one song, one book, one amazing encouraging thing that can lift a brother or sister up. Sometimes, like you, I forget the IMPACT I was meant to make.</strong> The cliches of the past that say "I WAS CREATED FOR A PURPOSE" sound like Bla bla bla as a backdrop to my jaded thinking that I can't do much to bring light in the terrible darkness. Those are just feelings, not facts of course.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">C<strong>ountless songs, musicians, teachers and friends have made me the empowered and blessed woman I am today and I don't like to think about where I would be without those beautiful people.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>After this jaded thinking, </strong>I read a blog like the one below by Moody Radio Host and author Jon Gauger. <strong>Once again, I WAKE UP! </strong>Thank you, Jon!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The commission of Yeshua, the light of the world began with the word, <strong>"GO!"</strong> and <strong>His greatest desire for you and me was to LOVE HIM and LOVE His people by sharing the news that HE LIVES</strong> and wants to be reconciled to us. His love is heavenly and it also HEALS all wounds, all sadness and all disappointment. His contentment is better than gold. If we know Him we are rich.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#f39c12;"><strong>The happiest NEW YEAR we can possibly have is a year spent seeking more of this awesome love and power to REPAIR THE WORLD even if our "world" is a handful of people who choose life instead of death, gladness instead of mourning because we became vessels God could use.</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Happy New Year and as I always like to say, HAPPY NEW YOU!!! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Therefore if anyone is in Messiah, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Messiah and gave us the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:17-18, TLV Version)</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>**********************************************************</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a contents="At the End of the Year &nbsp;by Jon Gauger" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://jongauger.com/blog.php" target="_blank"><u>At the End of the Year by Jon Gauger</u></a><br>December 27, 2018 </p>
<p>There is something sobering about facing a new year. For some, it’s the intimidation of the unknown. But I’m not referring to the slew of latent fears and unanswered questions of 2019: </p>
<p>Will I hang on to my job? <br>Will my cancer stay in remission? <br>Will our daughter return safely from her tour in Iraq? </p>
<p>No doubt those are huge questions. But the sobriety I speak of comes only with a careful scan of the previous year. Glance back upon the last twelve months and consider with me… </p>
<p>There were opportunities to build bridges into the lives of unsaved friends and neighbors. Exactly how much bridge building did I do? Or did I merely talk about what I hoped to do? </p>
<p>There were moments—lots of them—where I could have chosen to demonstrate selfless love to my mate. Did I seize those moments and quietly emulate Messiah Yeshua—or did I merely have good intentions? Or worse, did I simply put myself first—again and again? </p>
<p>There were texts I could have chosen to send or calls I could have made to encourage my son or daughter—and remind them how proud of them I really am—that I’m on their side, pulling for them, praying for them. How many of those did I actually share? </p>
<p>While I was privileged to support some missionaries, did I just give money? Or did I give the better gift—intercessory prayer? </p>
<p>Did I listen to sermon after Sunday sermon (and secretly feel proud of my church attendance) or was I actually a doer of the Word? </p>
<p><strong>If my Hulu, Netflix and YouTube usage for all of last year were shown in the same pie chart that included my service for Messiah would I be okay with what the data showed? </strong></p>
<p>This past year, did I actually hide God’s Word in my heart—or merely agree that memorizing Scripture is something I should really make a priority? </p>
<p>Did I become more like Messiah—or just hope that it would happen? </p>
<p>Sorry if I sound like a drizzling rain on your New Year’s parade. Don’t mean to. But I think there’s a place for warning ourselves at the start of the coming new year, <strong>lest the lullaby of good intentions send us off to sleep and we become satisfied with dreams of kingdom living that are never attempted</strong>, let alone. attained.</p>
<p><strong>May God wake us all—every one of us—so we live the new year fully alive for Him! </strong></p>
<p>“LORD, make me to know my end And what is the extent of my days; Let me know how transient I am.” -- Psalms 39:4</p>
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<p>FOLLOW JON GAUGER'S BLOG BY SUBSCRIBING HERE...<a contents="http://jongauger.com/blog.php" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://jongauger.com/blog.php" target="_blank"><span style="color:#8e44ad;"><strong>http://jongauger.com/blog.php</strong></span></a></p>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/55419732018-12-06T02:02:36-05:002021-09-04T06:38:54-04:00I'll probably lose fans over this but... I'm Jewish, I Love Yeshua, and I Love Christmas!<p><span class="font_regular">I'd like to share a letter I wrote to a dear friend recently because I recently recorded <a contents="On Youtube coming soon..." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/michellegold" target="_blank">my very first holiday song</a> and I have no regrets. I hope you still Love me if you disagree. Much Love and blessings! Meesh</span></p>
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<p><span class="font_regular"><em><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/f66901555e4139f464519d5e4a48be555df2f16a/original/screen-shot-2018-12-06-at-1-58-21-am.png/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></em></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Dear anonymous,</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><i>Thank you for checking out the words to my new song, co-written with Lorraine Ferro. As for this song, I guess we can say we agree to disagree about (it's not wrong) singing about the season and using seasonal - even Christmas-y words to win the lost. </i><em>Joe wouldn’t mind talking about the biblical reasons which inspired us on this sometime if you like because we feel <strong>it’s going to make a huge impact. </strong></em></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><em>I DID heed your advice as much as possible and thank you for reminding me to keep in mind my Jewish people as I co-write lyrics. I did re-write a few terms and words to make it more Messianic because of your input. However, <strong>I think many souls will be saved even with mention of an "evergreen" and that "Bethlehem Star." (So this I did not change)</strong></em></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><em>*My response can mostly be summed up in the article I have attached below with scriptures discussing both sides of the argument. Plus Romans 14</em></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><em>For my personal conviction, because <strong>He is very real to me and on the throne of my heart, delivering me from so much of my past </strong>and pain, <strong>I believe in celebrating the birth of Messiah on Christmas Day and every day, </strong>even though it IS probably the wrong day- no one knows the exact day.(Many Jewish scholars have discovered that due to weather and other conditions, it is quite likely Messiah was born on Sukkot, the Feast of First Fruits or during the Fall) The Word has shown me that the tree is a reminder that He died on a tree, nothing more. And the lights remind me He is the true light. </em></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><em><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/7ee147515d48f4fc187ae899c9314096f968a19e/original/screen-shot-2018-12-06-at-1-56-52-am.png/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" />As for the past and paganism, countless objects and many American terms (even the days of the week) used to be pagan. <strong>Many of the melodies from the greatest God glorifying hymns in the hymnal used to be BAR SONGS!</strong> Some church buildings used to be bars or clubs. I believe that the Bible teaches us to take what the devil meant for evil and use it for God’s glory. Above Him there is no other idol or anything else. </em></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><i>Thats my "two shekels" (my two cents so to speak). Again, I guess we will discuss this one over Cawfee sometime. I Love you dearly and hope we can agree to disagree since we agree on SO MUCH MORE. :-) </i></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><em>We will see you soon and I so look forward to celebrating with you and to sharing my Prayer song you so enjoyed. ) Joe and I have been extremely blessed by you. We appreciate how REAL you are. You guys are the real deal in Messiah! </em></span></p>
<p><strong><span class="font_regular">*BALANCED ARTICLE w/ scriptures here:</span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span class="font_regular"><a contents="Great article about Christmas!" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://bible.org/article/should-christians-celebrate-christmas" target="_blank">Great article about Christmas!</a></span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">More resources</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Article by Chosen People Ministries: <a contents='"The great Divide" Article' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.chosenpeople.com/site/hanukkah-and-christmas-bridging-the-qgreat-divideq/">"The great Divide" Article</a></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">A past article I wrote: <a contents="Jewish Girl Sees Santa!" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.michellegold.com/inspiration/blog/jewish-brooklyn-girl-sees-santa-and-his-sleigh-near-boynton-beach-blvd" target="_blank">Jewish Girl Sees Santa!</a></span></p>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/52925902018-06-13T02:57:05-04:002018-06-13T03:02:00-04:00Saying "JUST"... Danger or Blessing? <p style="text-align: center;"><em><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/1e746142bb1307d2a7b45174bfd9f5661d79375d/original/collage-e-one-only-sid-roth.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" />"Therefore submit to God. But resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you..." James 4:8</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Completing an exciting and important project with a lot of detail always requires "just" a little bit more. Laughing with my friends, I sometimes joike about how the word "just" can be my greatest downfall. Perhaps it's 2AM in the morning and a music project is almost done or a web design or a blog or even a book, and I'll tell myself, JUST 1 more minute.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Well, you know how the story goes...one more minute usually leads to an hour. And than, after you fix the one error you JUST had to fix, there's often more stuff to repair or you're having fun and wanna keep going! We could safely say JUST and never sleep because of the many great projects which need to be tweaked here and there. Even years after being published, we could find mistakes or invent an upgrade because we are imperfect human in an ever changing world...Theres always more!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">But "JUST" can be a blessing too! If we JUST keep falling in love with the Lord and getting to know His love a little bit more, there is also ALWAYS MORE! We think we know Him and we think we know ourselves. One prayer, one great book, one conversation... and we realize, Oh my! There's MORE for me to learn and so much more grace and love for me to receive that I have not known before!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As we perfect ourselves in our hopes of improvement and allow God to perfect our journey, dreams and character, we find THERE IS MORE love, counsel, wisdom and healing from the God of heaven and earth. Let's TAKE IT IN. Receive it humbly and willingly so we may be empowered to Be all we can be.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The windows of heaven open up now and we say aloud, "Lord, I know there's always more of your love so here I am, I receive."</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/51586522018-04-01T03:10:27-04:002018-04-01T03:23:46-04:00You are a celebrity!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/b45c53aec16ff5c619135529167f2941ebc815a2/medium/screen-shot-2018-04-01-at-3-15-51-am.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Based on my song, "City Of Delight" (michelle gold and Alyse Merritt)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Wp2GB22rzU4" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/Wp2GB22rzU4/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Wp2GB22rzU4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>So I called Applecare tonight and got to speaking to this person who helped me above and beyond my expectations. While waiting for my Mac to start and open in safemode for our session, we began to politely chat as is customary for longer waiting periods. "So, you mentioned you are a singer," he said.</p>
<p>As I began to tell him that I have been honored to sing in many different countries except for some of the beautiful Asian countries I long to visit one day, he exclaimed,<strong> "YOU ARE A CELEBRTY!"</strong></p>
<p>I thanked him humbly for saying so but of course objected. "Well, within my genre of music, perhaps I am known a little but I am certainly not famous. "However, IN GOD'S EYES, I AM and you KNOW YOU ARE A CELEBRITY!" I responded joyfully. "I love Sarah Brightman, " he said. "I know I will love your music as well and if you ever do a concert in my area of Singapore, I WILL BE THERE," he assured me, even after I tried to burst his bubble about who I really was or am. </p>
<p>Which brings me to this inspirational today. <strong>Maybe, like me, you've never been famous though you are a hard worker, fervent and full of zeal. </strong>Perhaps you have cccomplished so much but only behind the scenes. Or maybe someone has copied all of your ideas and taken all the credit. Sometimes, all that glitters is NOT gold and others around you who are less trained might be more exalted or celebrated. </p>
<p><strong>But what does God say about you? Yeshua (Jesus) says you are a gem in His hands. </strong>You are a <strong>crown </strong>of splendor. As a groom rejoices over his bride, HE <strong>rejoices over YOU </strong>and ME! (<a contents="See Isaiah 62" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.bible.com/bible/314/ISA.62.tlv" target="_blank">See Isaiah 62</a>) We are royalty- a chosen generation, <strong>a royal priesthood</strong> that we may proclaim the praises for Him who brought us out of darkness into his awesome light <a contents="(See I Peter 2:9)" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.bible.com/bible/314/1PE.2.tlv" target="_blank">(See I Peter 2:9)</a>. We are <strong>daughters of Zion</strong> <a contents="(Isaiah 62:11)" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.gotquestions.org/daughter-of-Zion.html" target="_blank">(Isaiah 62:11)</a>, sons of the King, <strong>mighty warriors</strong> <a contents="(Psalms 18:39" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/christiancrier/2014/12/02/top-7-bible-verses-about-being-a-warrior/" target="_blank">(Psalms 18:39</a>) and we exist to celebrate the Lord OUR God and guess what? He created us to be celebrated by Him. The spiritual relationship we have with God has made us a celebrity in His eyes! </p>
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<p><strong><em>Reflections</em></strong></p>
<p><em>What do you imagine when you think of yourself as royalty in God's eyes? </em></p>
<p><em>Who or what in your life makes you think any differently? </em></p>
<p><em>In what specific ways can the Lord help you to overcome/heal/be released from this person place or thing blinding you to to who and whose you really are?</em></p>
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<p><strong><em>Prayer:</em></strong></p>
<p><em>Abba Father, I thank you that I am fearfully and wonderfully made in YOUR IMAGE. I am yours and you are mine. Thank you that your love for me is everlasting, not based on feelings, or things that fade. Help me to know how precious I am to You so that I can make a powerful, joyful impact on everyone who surrounds me today and forever. Amen.</em></p>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/50885512018-02-20T01:48:21-05:002019-01-23T23:30:56-05:00IF U "SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING"<p style="text-align: center;"><em>"He who dwells in the shelter of </em><em>Elyon,</em><em> will abide in the shadow of Shaddai. I will say of Adonai, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. For He will rescue you from the hunter’s trap and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His feathers, and under His </em><em>wings</em><em> you will find refuge. His faithfulness is body armor and shield. You will not fear the terror by night, nor the arrow that flies by day,.." <a contents="Pslam 91 TLV Version " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.bible.com/bible/314/PSA.91.TLV" target="_blank">Pslam 91 TLV Version </a></em></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><em>"If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him." <a contents="John 14:7 NIV" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://biblehub.com/john/14-7.htm" target="_blank">John 14:7 NIV</a></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/de476740e1edffded35605172d67801f834ab309/medium/screen-shot-2018-02-20-at-3-01-31-am.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Terror filled my heart as I received the news this week about the Parkland, FL school tragedy. It was <strong>pure evil and unthinkable...too much to </strong><strong>fathom the</strong><strong> pain</strong> of a aparent who may have seen a son or a daughter leaving in the morning with a backpack and pencils, never to return again. "If you see something, say something, the FL officials reminded us to not remain silent when seeing any suspicious act or behavior in the future which could put others in danger.</p>
<p>This is a serious matter for you and I...ignoring a threat could mean precious lives lost. Recognizing that same threat could save them. There's no terror that is worse than losing someone you love or watching your child march off to school not knowing if they will ever come back home.</p>
<p>Our Jewish Messiah, Jesus spoke of tragedies and evil in the last days. He warned us of a day when good would be called evil and evil called good. He even warned that children will do evil (Luke 12:53) Psalm 37 and 73 are cries to God asking why. I do not know all the reasons why. But I do know we live in a fallen world and God designed us to love Him, giving us free will to act righteously, to love good and to do justice. He has promised us a better life in the world to come, a place of no more sorrow, where He will wipe away every tear. (John 14 and Revelations 22) He gave His life as our atonement, rose again and will return for His people because Heis the one who is and who was and who is to come (rev. 1:4, Isaiah 53, Isaiah 9:6, Leviticus 17:11) He weeps for His people and mourns with us as we mourn.</p>
<p>So by grace, I clothe myself in His armor, and walk boldy and humbly in Him. I live in HIS place of safety, in His fortress of love. Let us live our lives covered by Him in faith and choosoe not to live in fear of death and danger. I often read Psalm 91 as the Lord kisses my fears away. And I teach my children this scripture, "Greater is He who lives in me than the one that is in the world." Based on 1 John 4:4 I remind myself. So I feel compelled to remind you today that you that you and I are safe in His arms.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/3825b0447e5a705d63e4bf201dda727383634af2/medium/screen-shot-2018-02-20-at-2-59-37-am.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><strong>As we contemplate "See something, say something," and choose to speak up to keep our families and our nation safe, we also would be wise to remind ourselves of this saying's spiritual implications</strong>. You and I could save a friend from experiencing the greatest tragedy of all. It is a tragedy worse than losing a life here on earth. The tragedy of saying NO to God and to being eternally separated from Him forevermore would be devestating for the one lost and for the one who had the chance to speak but chose NOT TO speak. If you DO know Him and love Him, it is a tragedy to remain silent. <a contents="(Isaiah 62)" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.bible.com/bible/314/ISA.62.tlv" style="" target="_blank">(Isaiah 62) </a>(See also Esther 4 and <a contents="Ezekial 33" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.bible.com/bible/314/EZK.33.tlv" target="_blank">Ezekial 33</a>)</p>
<p>I see something now, and I WILL say something now to you who might be reading this and feel a little lost. That something I see is a SOUL in need of knowing God as his or her refuge and strength. I SEE and know the Lord's ability to fill every empty space and light up every darkness in the people I meet and in you. I see people like you who are hurting and in need and I share the message with you today that if we confess that He is Lord and King, WE SHALL BE SAVED. <strong>We will be saved from shame, fear, </strong><strong>darknes</strong><strong>, spiritual hunger, and saved even from ourselves, from our own </strong><strong>stinkin</strong><strong> </strong><strong>thinkin</strong><strong> and confusion and anguish and from an eternity without our Abba, God. </strong></p>
<p>And to my friend who has believed, I know you agree that our country needs more balanced loving believers who will lovingly share this great hope without condemnation remembering that we too, once were lost and now we are found. Thank YOU for being that someone.</p>
<p><strong>Let us keep speaking about so great a salvation because we HAVE SEEN and WE DO KNOW and HIS LOVE IS STILL AMAZING. </strong><a contents="Hebrews 2:3" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%202:3" target="_blank">Hebrews 2:3</a>Thanks for allowing me to share and put my own spiritual spin on this urgent phrase.</p>
<p>Your friend and sister in Yeshua,</p>
<p>michelle gold</p>
<p><a contents="www.michellegold.com" data-link-label="JOIN" data-link-type="page" href="/join" target="_blank">www.michellegold.com</a></p>
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<p>To give to ongoing outreach projects (Finding Gold Audiobook Outreach & new CD Project) visit www.michellegold.com/GIVE</p>
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<p> </p>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/49083592017-10-27T02:30:10-04:002018-03-15T01:22:20-04:00“The land of nothingness”<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
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<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/9c5bc1abc60f2e6aa6abd1e02cbf2eb9b0519bdb/original/aba860db-f684-46d6-9826-6baea405c63f.jpeg?1509085024" class="size_l justify_center border_" style="text-align: center;" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Too many plans means to many jams</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Filled afternoons make us feel like bafoons </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">There is a perfect balance between boring and good stress </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I call it my sweet land of nothingness</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> It’s a quiet time with no big agenda </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Just me and my coffee and to God I surrender </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I feel revived, like I’m more with just a little bit less</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In my beautiful land of nothingness.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Shabbat Shalom! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Copyright 2017 Michelle Gold</p>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/48691762017-09-28T15:33:11-04:002022-02-23T05:37:32-05:003 REASONS 2 KEEP YOUR TALENT, TENACITY & TRANQUILITY 4 SUCCESS!<p>Here we go.... </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/13f1e2371d8cd46f29103a79a030e4b0fac4c846/original/screen-shot-2017-09-06-at-6-25-46-pm.png?1504736799" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>1- <strong>TALENT...</strong>Though you might not feel you have tons of talent, or much of a gift to spare & share, the little you give has the potential to bring someone back to life. And spiritually speaking, this brings YOU back to life! </p>
<p>I often wonder what it would be like if the great authors, musicians and friends we hold in highest esteem had chosen to be silent and to not share with us. Some of us would possibly be devastated. Not to say that EVERYTHING we say, do and create has enormous value. But we often do not know the enormous capacity of good we can do and even more often, we underestimate the value we hold inside. </p>
<p><span style="color:#8e44ad;"><strong>The option to be silent and not share has always occurred to me & I run from it.</strong></span> It might have felt like a LITTLE idea but I HAD to do A LOT MORE this year to reach the lost. </p>
<p>So ten supporters blessed me with funds to create the book and a few more helped create these graphically exciting cards with a free private link for the FINDING GOLD e-book. 500 plus not yet believers in Israel have now been given an opportunity to hear the truth... how I was once lost but now I’m found because of an awesome God, how He loves us and how He can save us from persecution and shame, and how we can be disowned by man yet adopted as daughters of the KING! </p>
<p>Please know today, if you are doubting the existence of your own life, that<strong> your simple acts and simple gifts have the power to reconcile your friends to themselves and with God who longs to hold each one in His arms.</strong> One day, in heaven, we will see in full all the lives we have changed. Until then, we must trust and use our talents, big and small. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/1f3e04b12ef79cfe03beb2a390dcb25695d434db/medium/gold-postcard-from-israel.jpg?1504128521" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>2- <strong>TENACITY is a KEY to TRUE JOY and often a key to success </strong></p>
<p>From Springtime to Summer, I called all around NY and Israel to outreach workers Joe and I know and everyone we spoke with was just plain busy doing hte work of the Lord. They were all doing amazing things and no one seemed to respond to my desire to hand these cards out for good reasons. </p>
<p>I promise you I almost gave up. Even the faithful missionaries who gave out my CDs told me that many of the people they reach do not have a Kindle App and do not read digitally. The thousands of young people in the land are reading digitally on their iphones and ipads or devices but I knew no one who knows them! I could not go to Israel myself because I have two small children and would need months to raise the funds. "Surely, "I thought, there must be SOMEONE who will go in my place." </p>
<p><strong>GIVING UP WAS A NON-OPTION. PRESSING ON with tenacity.</strong> I continued praying and asking "WHO WILL GO? " (Just like my song title) That's when I found "M2" an outrach worker/scholar friend of mine who agreed to go with a cheerful heart. I felt alive inside, joyful and was so happy I moved forward when I received Dr. M2's postcard to me. </p>
<p>I know you have recived and will continue to receive joy when you hear God calling you choose to move forward despite the obstacles and nay-sayers. In His eyes, YOU ARE a true success. Go in the power of the Lord. </p>
<p>“Greetings with Shalom…No words can describe my visit to Israel this year o6/2017…. I passed out 98% of the box of your "cards" they are all over Israel from "Rosh Hanikra" in the North , way down south to Elat, and some fun giving them out. I hope you get Blessings from the effort, you deffinately should. We hope all is well and we pray for BLESSINGS on your family and You Michelle and Joe. Shalom , M2 & Mae" (name changed for protection) </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/87205799efd3c86010da884ba7b3ed581ce0c9c5/medium/screen-shot-2017-09-06-at-6-02-27-pm.png?1504735454" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>3- <strong>TRANQUILITY- </strong>What good would it be to gain the whole world and lose our souls, our walk with God and our peace which comes from Him? <strong>Without His peace, we would not enjoy the love and blessings around us. WE MUST pursue God and we must pursue peace. </strong></p>
<p>Definition pasted from Merriam Webster.com </p>
<p>a : <strong>free from agitation of mind or spirit a tranquil </strong><strong>self-</strong>assurance : free from disturbance or turmoil a tranquil scene </p>
<p>"For to us a child is born, a son will be given to us, and the government will be upon His shoulder. His Name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God My Father of Eternity, Prince of Peace. </p>
<p>Of the increase of His government and shalom there will be no end— ...the zeal of Adonai-Tzva’ot will accomplish this." Isaiah 9:5-6 </p>
<p>"You keep in perfect peace one whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." Isiah 26:3 </p>
<p>“Shalom I leave you, My shalom I give to you; but not as the world gives! Do not let your heart be troubled or afraid." John 14:27</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you enjoyed this blog, check out my book, FINDING GOLD (Life Lessons from a Little Jewish Girl) available on Amazon and on my website</p>
<p>www.michellegold.com/findinggold</p>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/48113412017-08-11T15:41:49-04:002018-04-22T14:58:14-04:00KEEP ON DANCING!!! Victory is Yours.<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/65c6e9e726767e019bcfc6bf3374f9b08935be41/medium/screen-shot-2017-08-11-at-3-42-43-pm.png?1502480640" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Folding laundry can be mundane. But not when you are watching BET's "Joyful Noise." A tuck here, a pile of Toddler sized adorable Cars underpants...and suddenly, I remembered how faithful God was last night in the studio as I sang my heart out for Him. <strong>I remembered all He has done for me -past, present and all the things I know He is going to do in my future. With faith I stood up (putting the clothes aside and into the basket)</strong></p>
<p>Jumping up from the couch, I began to praise dance, trying out some fun tap Gospel-ish moves to Tye Tribbett's "HE TURNED IT!" I spun around like a dreidel with hands in the air and <strong>stomped the itty bitty devil committee out of my head, deciding to live a life of victory</strong> until... I SLAMMED My left pointer finger into the piano!!!!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/00f16f0d249b3948bc13e920baa886508ca082ed/medium/screen-shot-2017-08-11-at-3-44-26-pm.png?1502480693" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>"STOP DANCING," MOMMY, the kids shouted. You're in pain. But I just couldn't stop dancing and taking authority over my worries and cares. All the important decisions for the up and coming school year didn't seem so important. My singing voice being inflamed the last entire two years did not seem too important either. I'm getting the best holistic supplements and voice therapy a singer could dream of so why worry? I just kept dancing.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Eventually, I got some ice but the Lord is showing me that <strong>having an attitude of VICTORY is a powerful thing</strong>.</p>
<p>Just moments before I had been reading about David's defeat in the Bible when Bathsheba (Bat Sheva) lured him in and <strong>how easy it is for the best of us to fall</strong>. We all fall short of the glory of God (Romans3:23). <strong>So we rely on Him, </strong>our rock, to keep us surrounded like the mountains surround Jerusalem. We rely on Him to <strong>help us turn our worries into prayers</strong> so that we can overcome temptation and defeated mindsets. AL TIRAH in Hebrew means FEAR NOT. "<strong>The opposite of worry is trusting and presenting your concerns to the Lord," </strong>my Rabbi said this past Friday and I believe it. The opposite of defeat is victory and despite injuries, bruises and burns, the Lord is able to send His healing Balm and VICTORY IS OURS TODAY IF WE WANT IT. (AHL TEER<u>AH</u>)</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/6bc372e88a97a5ede28736ea62cc2cccef4a6295/original/screen-shot-2017-08-11-at-3-49-33-pm.png?1502481012" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>I took hold of you from the ends of the earth... and said to you, ‘You are My servant— I have chosen you, <strong>not rejected you.</strong> </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>Fear not,</strong> for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. <strong>Surely I will help you</strong>. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Behold, all who were angry at you will be ashamed and disgraced. Those who quarrel with you will be as nothing and perish. </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Though you will look for those who contended with you, you will not find them.<strong> Those who warred against you will be as nothing at all. </strong></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>For I am Adonai your God who <strong>upholds your right hand</strong>, who says to you, <strong>“Fear not, I will help you.” </strong>Isaiah 41:9-13</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Hear, Adonai, and be gracious to me. <strong>Adonai, be my help.</strong>” You turned my mourning into dancing. <br>You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy. Proverbs 30:11-12</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>GO IN THE STRENGTH OF THE LORD & DANCE BECAUSE THE VICTORY IS YOURS WHEN YOU RELY ON HIM!</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Much love, Your sister in Messiah Yeshua/Jesus, Michelle Gold</strong></p>
<p> </p>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/45176942016-12-19T18:23:57-05:002021-09-04T07:23:58-04:00Jewish Brooklyn girl sees "Santa and his sleigh" near Boynton Beach Blvd! <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/8aeb4445217b1eb9781d88c0f4fcd193796e44b5/medium/screen-shot-2016-12-20-at-2-02-57-am.png?1482217448" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">She never did a drug in her life and only drinks a glass of wine with dinner from time to time with her Italian husband. But last night, Jewish mom/singer and songwriter and author, Michelle Gold, saw Santa Claus and his sleigh near Boynton Beach Blvd!!! Her children, in the backseat of our car yelled excitedly, <strong>"Daddy Daddy, roll the window down and talk to Santa! So like the loving, thoughtful husband that he is, he did. </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Turns out, "Santa" and his family live in a nearby neighborhood & decorate their truck every year. He never gave his real name or location and they weren't offering rides for sale. And in a moment he was gone without a trace. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/cdb384116fd78c821ded21811b511007e736e065/medium/img-1719-1.jpg?1482218391" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><br><br><br><br><br>Up 'till now, her Jewish children have been taught to believe that their Jewish uncle Burt was "Santa." Besides, he dressed up every year to bless the children at the children's museum of Boca and it was cool to have a Jewish Santa!<br> </p>
<p>Really and more importantly, these Jewish kids, unlike so many others, have had the unique privilege to celebrate two holidays & to know and believe in their Jewish Messiah, Yeshua (Jesus in Hebrew). With all seriousness, Michelle explains to her kids every year that though <strong>Yeshua was most probably NOT born on December 25th, we will celebrate His birth, His life and His atonement in the most Jewish way we know how. </strong>Michelle's family isn't perfect, But they seem to have the best of both worlds having strong Jewish roots, a rich heritage, and the promise and hope of heaven.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><br><br><br><br><br><br>"We don't get caught up in legalism and we don't worry about offending people, only pleasing and<br>loving the Lord and HIs people," Michelle says. We have a Chanukah/Christmas tree and we explain to our children that the lights are reminiscent of the light of the world- Yeshua! The tree reminds us of how He gave His life for us! <strong>We just enjoy the holiday in the spirit of love.</strong> Everyone needs some "Messiah-mas" spirit." (Messiah is the Hebrew word for Christ)<br><br><br><br><br><br>People often criticize us saying we ought not to have a Christmas tree because of false worship in pre-historic times using trees! But if we went by THAT kind of thought process, we would need to stop using the names of the days of the week since much of our language comes from worship of pagan gods (..ie Sunday- the worship of the sun.).If lemonade had been worshipped on one occassion to the tune of idol worship last year, would you stop drinking it? <strong>But it gives me great pleasure that when we look upon the tree, we only remmeber and worship our King!"</strong><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/37b2fd0543bcb2678180cf895cb75fafd91960d9/medium/photo-on-12-18-16-at-3-35-pm.jpg?1482217600" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br><br>Back to the topic of celebrating Christmas in a Jewish way, DID YOU KNOW that so many of the <a contents="best Christmas songs ever written were written by Jewish composers" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/skarlan/10-classic-christmas-songs-written-by-jewish-songw-82j3?utm_term=.wj0B4DrD2#.yegD70M0v" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800080;">best Christmas songs ever written were written by Jewish composers</span></a><span style="color:#800080;">?</span> The kids had just a few days before seen the movie "SWITCH-MAS" which depicts a little Jewish boy and an almost twin version of him, Christian boy getting mixed up or switched to the wrong family holiday vacation. In the movie, the Christian boy who is cared for by the Jewish family in Florida is the lucky one, getting lots of Chanukah gelt, Latkes, and Love. The Jewish boy in the movie, who begins his trip feeling homesick, gets to go to a Wintery Wisconsin where he eventually experiences the wonder of touching real snow, directing his very own beautiful Christmas musical and meeting a Jewish Santa!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/19e69b740c6f3fac307f9cfb200079f8da08ce7e/medium/screen-shot-2016-12-20-at-2-02-47-am.png?1482217449" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">So what do we get out of this magical little Santa sighting story? First, we must consider that <strong>Christmas was and is actually a very Jewish holiday because we celebrate a Jewish Savior,</strong> born in the Jewish city of Bethlehem and to Jewish parents Miriam and Yoseph. He is the one who sees you while you're sleeping and when you arise and will never leave you nor forsake you, He cares for you. (Psalm 139)<br><br>Second, the story of a reminder that <strong>though most of us dont really believe in santa, we MUST KEEP OUR CHILDLIKE FAITH ALIVE.</strong><br>It's not easy to believe in things that you don't yet see but we can learn from the little children who know how to come boldly to Him. So this Christmas season, let us <strong>keep our faith and focus</strong> on the God of the universe who is busy unfolding a beautiful plan for your life and mine as we love Him and love His people.<br><br>And by the way, What does BOYNTON beach resident michelle gold want for chhhhhhhhhristmas? (Said with a gutteral "ch")? Continued Love From her sweet family, God's provision for some much needed home reparis, new hard wood floors would be a treat, friends picking up and being totally blessed by <strong><a contents="her new music " data-link-label="MUSIC" data-link-type="page" href="/music" style="" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800080;">her latest music </span></a></strong>and book couldnt hurt...and a partridge in a pair tree! haha!<br><br>Merry Messiah-mas!!</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/45176012016-12-19T17:13:04-05:002018-05-04T01:49:45-04:00I DREAM OF A DAY....Part II<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/e72f7b95b52dd5218c3a0f20b859086b2039f10f/original/screen-shot-2016-12-20-at-3-01-19-am.png?1482221217" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Since my last posting of this inspirational, I'm meeting some fabulous pastors who truly care and want to pray with the people who come in. One conversation in particular with the most prestigious and yet down to earth Psychologist/Pastor really struck me. He mentioned the most interesting dilemma. He mentioned that people were personally and lovingly invited up and yet so many times, no one comes!!!! "WOW," I thought. Then I recalled what my favorite Pastor in Brooklyn did one time when no one would come up to pray. In that moment, Pastor Alex turned around and knelt there himself and said over the microphone, "Folks, I'll be the first to say I need more of God in my life." It was awesome and of course, we all followed in his footsteps!<br><br><strong><em>PRAYER OF RESPONSE:</em></strong><br><em>Father God, I pray, Let us be the first to kneel before you and cry out, "Lord, we need you!" Also, Lord, even if there is </em><em>nothing in particular</em><em> to pray for, <strong>let us learn to simply sit before you in quiet meditation</strong>, thanking you and seeking your will. I long to seek You, Lord even if I don't need a thing.</em>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/6bd19bd83fc940965073de33189242a1f79407ea/medium/screen-shot-2016-12-20-at-3-03-43-am.png?1482221226" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/b06ba26a66bed1b672daf9184bcaa4ac8ba02b0a/medium/screen-shot-2016-12-20-at-3-05-16-am.png?1482221227" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/431792c3bd043a7ecb79bd48ee315206f001e264/small/screen-shot-2016-12-20-at-3-13-17-am.png?1482221617" class="size_s justify_left border_" /><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>Read Part I of this Blog here: <strong><a contents="Part I" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://michellegold.com/inspiration/blog/i-dream-of-a-day-when-prayer-meditation-altar-time-make-a-comeback" style="" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800080;">Part I</span></a></strong>
</div>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/44779382016-11-21T17:27:19-05:002018-05-08T04:40:15-04:00I DREAM OF A DAY WHEN THE ALTARS ARE OPEN! (No more hurting people forgotten)<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Why is it so easy to preach and so difficult to pray?</strong></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"><br>Yeshua Jesus said my house shall be called a house of prayer. (From Mathew 21:13) He knew when to talk and teach and he certainly also spent time praying inside and outside the temple for the sick, the blindand those in need. So you might say, "what's so wrong with good teaching ALONE?" So you might say, we're not Jesus and just can't measure up. And youmight tell me you believe that healing is not for today. If you feel this way... I hope to sway you today.<br><br>First of all, what IS wrong with just good teaching alone? Why can't we all just learn and go home? What does Yeshua think? Aren't we are all guilty at one time or another of being more inclined to go and speak rather than to stop to listen for God's direction & guidance? Talking is fun! Learning is fun too!. I admit I love to listen to youtube on any given subject and hear my favorite preachers and teachers talk- even other non-experts my age- teaching me what they've learned from great experience. <strong>God doesn't frown upon talking and learning and teaching. In the book of proverbs, it says that a good word is like a fountain of life.</strong><br><br>So why is it that teaching alone in a spiritual setting is robbing anyone of anything? Since many of us are seemingly wired or designed this way, what would happen if we just give in? <strong>Surely, it's much easier to preach and listen to a preacher than it is to pause and allow ourselves to enjoy some quiet time before the Lord in prayer & meditation. So what's the problem?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/e9b711db773c24b72a1d7eb84389a23f661b56b5/medium/17a-me-joe-pray.jpg?1479797937" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><br><br>Every Saturday and every Sunday churches & congregations get together and less and less of the leaders have a designated time at the altar (the place for sending and receiving healing prayers ) during or after service. Most of us can absolutely relate to this conflict on an individual level. <strong> My husband, Minister Joe Franco and I, have traveled to well over 400 Churches and congregations around the United States of America and throughout Israel and Europe</strong> <strong>and we have found that in way too many congregations, the altars are closed!!!</strong> I often think. "People are needlessly suffering in silence and struggling and God is looking for a vessel." Fill me with supernatural power to pray with someone, Lord." And then, the leader dismisses the service in haste and my heart breaks. <br><br>If the believers don't use our God-given power to bless and pray for healing, the "world" offers pretty good teaching too and THEY will and they DO believe in their OWN power to heal. It's ok to be mad at their misguided view but I hope we all learn from their zeal. The power to heal does not come by human might or power but from the spirit of the Lord. If we as believers dare decide NOT to offer more than what the world gives, will the people we love ever come and meet with their God? If we hold back this beautiful gift because we feel weak (though God promises to be strong in us) then<strong> who will go and bring comfort to those crying out?</strong><br><br>And if we do not take out a few moments in God's presence, <strong>how can we ourselves be renewed, healed and strengthened in Messiah when we are empty and have nothing to give at all?</strong> <strong>Shall we then spin around like busy bees and just become human Do-ings? </strong>Or shall we as the body of Messiah, RISE UP and bring people and <strong>bring ourselves </strong>back to the altar? What could be a more urgent reason for gathering at a service than the need to pray? There is nothing more important than to lift up each others' needs & LISTEN for God's direction so we can be free.<br><br><strong>Who among us does not need liberation from fear, heartache, disenchantment with the world, obsessions, and the list goes on? </strong>Our Abba Father longs for us to experience His life more abundantly so we can be equipped to GO and make the great commission our mission to bring deliverance & salvation.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/de6b8274e45155ecf4315bd58d5730ae22866a6b/medium/me-and-baby-micah-kiss.jpg?1479798185" class="size_m justify_inline border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><br>MOSES: ONE EXAMPLE OF PRAYER<br><br>Even Moses knew He needed God's presence</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">So Moses said to Adonai “You say to me, ‘Bring up this people,’ but You have not let me know whom You will send with me. Yet You have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found grace in My eyes.’ Now then, I pray, if I have found grace in Your eyes, show me Your ways, so that I may know You, so that I might find favor in Your sight. Consider also that this nation is Your people.”<br><br><strong>“My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest</strong>,” He answered. But then he said to Him, “<strong>If Your presence does not go with me, don’t let us go up from here! </strong>Exodus 33:12-15</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">So why are the altars on lock mode? What could be the reasons the waters of healing are roped off for those who wanna dive in?<br><br><em>(Below are some reasons are lies the enemy has been secretly whispering into the ears of some of the most awesome loving pastors and rabbis around the World. It's time to forgive our leaders for forgetting and encourage them to re-open the altars.)</em><br><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/e89cf9bb844abefc7907368be2d11798ac777952/medium/7-opt-2-of-2-prayer-with-tear.jpg?1479797936" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>MYTHS & SOLUTIONS</u><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">MYTH #1: Because the Word of God says we are the temple of the Holy Spirit, people can just pray at home or in their cars on the way to church. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Joe's Solution based on scripture:<br>This negates the needs for God's spirit to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. During the message, people often hear things that show them they need to change to conformed to the image of God. <strong>Prayer at the end of the message helps a person repent and receive healing to be a stronger believer. </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">MYTH # 2: We don't have time to pray at the end of service because we have to get to the fellowship/food time. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Joe's Solution based on scripture:<br><strong>What's more important prayer or pasta? If we need to rush to eat together, consider shortening </strong>the worship service, announcements, or add altar prayer time during worship. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">MYTH # 3: It's easier to just pray once a month or once a week on a separate day </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Joe's Solution based on scripture:<br><strong>The Scriptures teach us to pray always and prayer at the end of the message helps solidify the message</strong> in the believer's heart. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">MYTH # 4: We say the "our father" together as a congregation and that's enough. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Joe's Solution based on scripture:<br>The prayer "Our Father" is the example of how we should pray to the father, and a good start. But <strong>nothing takes the place of personal, heartfelt prayer to God</strong> <strong>at the altar.</strong> Also, the Word of God commands us to lay hands on the sick. (<a contents="James 5:13" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+5:13-14" target="_blank">James 5:13)</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In conclusion, my family and friends, I beg you today to consider this one thing. Le'ts make 2017 a year of renewal, healing, and power by going back to tarrying at the altar.<br><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/4179f1b381ad6830bca76b20741a56e809070b4e/medium/michelle-praying-at-samanthas.jpg?1479798180" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><br>MY STORY?<br><br>Since coming into true relationship with the Lord in 1990, other people's prayers for me have changed my life. Those prayers have healed my spirit so much that I've been able to watch myself grow into a happier, more whole, more patient, and loving human being. through prayer at the altar alone, I have overcome the pain of being touched the wrong way as a young girl, the pain of realizing that fame and education will not satisfy the way I had thought they would. I have been healed of a major stomach illness that had caused by horrible anxiety, and much more. Also, without even using words,<br><br>I have a partaker in being part of a designated group at the altar through the simple act of prayingover others & I've seen God rebuild people's lives. Through prayer, we are changed & as we sincerely confess, all of our wrongs are in Gods sea of forgetfulness. I've been released revived and renewed. I come back to be refueled as often as I can. Even if I don't WANNA pray, I pray for the willingness to want to pray.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As for my marriage, I also thoroughly enjoy the time my husband and I spend together at the altar as a couple just sitting silently for a brief time. We are not perfect but we are being closely knit together. Sometimes I kneel, Sometimes I sit "Criss cross apple sauce" and other times, I just cover my face with my hair so no one can see my intimate & reassuring private conversation with God. <br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><br><u>DO YOU WANNA BE A PART OF THIS ALTAR-TIME REVOLUTION?</u><br><br>If you agree today and feel this is a real issue in the congregations today stopping us from moving forward, <strong>Will you join with me in what I will call the "Let's Go back to the Altar" revolution? Say with me "Lord- let peace begin w me!"</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>What can I do to make an impact?</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A- <strong>WHY NOT OFFER TO BE THE ONE?</strong><br>if you are a seasoned believer, offer to your leader to be a "prayer worker" or designated person to pray for others after service. To avoid confusion & protect the people and pastor, every temple needs designated folks to pray for people. You do not have to be a perfect vessel. Remember that God chooses the weak to shame the strong and he is made powerful in our weakness. Make sure you abide by the rules of your pastor. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">B- <strong>WHY NOT BE THE FIRST?</strong><br>Don't be afraid to be the first one to come and kneel and sit before God at the altar. Ask your leader: What is the acceptable time, either after service or during worship to come to the altar? The Lord will reward you for spending time w him. Praying at your seat is good too if you can quiet your soul enough there to avoid distraction. I like to kneel at my seat so I can privately listen and talk with God. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">C- <strong>BELIEVE AGAIN IN THE POWER OF PRAYER</strong><br>Don't be deceived by people who say you can heal thru therapy and doctors alone. We all need God's healing hand and must humbly admit that it is God who anoints our doctors and therapists. There are some spiritual ailments that only the Lord can heal if we let Him. Thank God for our doctors but don't forget Doctor Father God!<br><br>I look forward to hearing your praise reports as you challenge yourself to urgently awaken the part of your spirit which longs to sit in His presence to be fueled and empowered by Adonai.<strong> As we enter into the holidays, let us remember that the greatest present truly is Adonai's presence! </strong>Our gift is wrapped up in God's arms and set aside just for us.<br><br><em>If we die tomorrow, we will die happy, knowing we have made a difference and that we have made our community stronger one person at a time.<br>Add your comments below if you like.</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>All my love,<br>Michelle gold <br>Www.michellegold.com</em></p>4:04Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/42110272016-06-03T13:25:16-04:002017-01-13T12:41:07-05:00I DREAM OF A DAY WHEN MOMS WILL BE ALLOWED TO WORSHIP FREELY<p><span class="font_regular">As a Messianic Recording Artist, I have the honor and privilege of ministering in concert at churches and congregations in hundreds of cities throughout the US and Europe. I've had the AWESOME opportunity to see <br>believers join together in God's presence and I've seen that there is nothing greater in this world!</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Joining together in unity and in God's presence with other believers, for me, is more up-lifting than any work out at the gym, more refreshing than any spa and more reassuring & restful than any mysterious remedies the world has to offer. It's the corner of the boxing ring where we get strengthened to get back out there in the ring and fight! Except for one teeny tiny problem that could hinder this entire privilege from the Lord... most church goers are mothers and many have small toddlers and children under the age of </span>6, or with special needs, who are not able to sit still for over an hour.</p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/76cf203f896912e8fbcf5343b03250d5ab3ae95e/medium/img-0046.jpg?1444523306" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br><br>My heart has been personally broken countless times where I have attended service only to end up sitting in a room down the hall alone with my child. Or many times, my husband has been kind to do so and we miss the reason we came there- we miss it all. We miss God's presence, a great message, a warm hug from a fellow believer and wonder how it would have been different if we had stayed home and watched on the internet. Many Jewish holidays were ruined for me because my children were needing to get up and move around. The worst thing, I hate giving my children electronics for more than 30 minutes yet aside</span> from the use of ipads or electronics, many children still need to get up and move.<br><br><span class="font_regular"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/b6e8b15a3ba58e8deb1511fca8bbffa28542f67b/medium/menjoe5.jpg?1418421366" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">I speak to all the Rabbis and Pastors today now when I say I LOVE YOU DEARLY and praise God for you every day. Your position, to bring hope and healing, is the most important position in the world as far I'm concerned. Your calling is to share the message of salvation and empower the sheep of your pasture for good works. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">And so I ask you this...since many of the sheep are women, is it possible that by not having childcare, we are inadvertently robbing Mothers of small children from being restored, uplifted and empowered in their calling? And by not having childcare or services for the children could we be missing our calling to minister to the next generation? (I've had horrible experiences with my child being asked to sit at a "table in the back of the sanctuary" and my child getting a dirty look for making a tiny sound. Yeshua said "... “Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."<br><br>Moms are doing our best at this. We are leading our children to the Lord at home and drawing them close to Him by example and by teaching. But when we get to service, I urge you to agree with me that this time needs to be Mom's time for renewal so we are able to go back and feed our baby birds. It is especially difficult to worship the Lord during the music service with an adorable but naturally excited energizer bunny sitting next to you! (Sure, some Moms wants their children under 6 years old sitting next to them during the worship, however, if you look around, you will find many Moms and children tired and distracted) This need for Moms is a great need & void I see in the body of believers today. The enemy is winning if he can successfully wipe out the Moms who have raised us.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/951db74b732683d9afb2070241f90d823eda1266/medium/screen-shot-2016-01-04-at-12-43-14-am.png?1451886635" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">And worst of all, my husband and I have missed countless married couples nights because no one considered hiring an older responsible teenager to sit in the next room with them so my husband and I can be drawn closer together and to the Lord. So that means all Jewish holiday services, all couples fellowships, and most small group services (except for the one we run at our house) have been a loss for us and for most families with small children. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">In conclusion, first, I would like to THANK all the congregations out there who have made children their priority. By blessing the children, you have allowed my husband and me to be all that we can be. You have successfully revived us so that when we travel and when I sing and when I write my book, I have all the spiritual energy the world. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Second, my heart cries out for all the Moms today who do not have childcare or Shabbat School at their places of worship. Since the majority of Americans are single Moms, I dream of a day when women are released to assist as ushers, music leaders, teachers, intercessory prayer workers at the altar for praying over the sick and the hurting. I dream of a day when Moms will be allowed to worship freely all over the world. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">If the YMCA knows Moms need childcare for working out the body, HOW MUCH MORE is it time for the church to provide Moms an opportunity to "work out" their spirits uninterrupted? <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/6759b456f6145d9870fac644d59c9cb5b522f946/medium/photo-on-2014-10-26-at-19-23-2.jpg?1417588429" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">I long for a day when in the body of Messiah, Mothers and children become a priority so we may serve our husbands and church families and again, so we may be refreshed. I cannot wait to see a day when mothers with gifts and talents can share all that they have to offer because a responsible childcare worker is being paid for or bartering for their time. <br>Perhaps one day, there can be a 2nd offering at church or a giving jar next to the nursery just for the children's teachers who are raising them up to be <br>the women and men of God our society will depend on one day. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Let's pray and get this conversation started so we can help our pastors and Rabbis and leaders to make this happen. We are the future.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">All my love, <br>Michelle gold</span></p>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/41124582016-03-30T12:51:57-04:002022-05-15T21:14:09-04:00SURPRISE PEEK...un-edited final chapter<p><span class="font_large"><strong>UNEDITED...</strong> <strong>Final Chapter 16- THE INVITATION </strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><em>The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.<br>By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Psalm 19:9-11 </em></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">If you are reading this and you are a believer, Id love to hear from you and stay in touch. Please connect with me anytime at www.michellegold.com/email. Also, there are lots of great videos and music you can pass along from my webpage created to share the hope I’ve found at www.michellegold.com/whowillgo. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">If you’d like to invite our ministry, Shalom Revolution, to share special music and or an uplifting Word of encouragement with your congregation, please contact myself or Joe at michellegold.com/email as well. Blessings and all my sincere love and prayers with you! <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/ee60d7cc6f121e5ce92eea1963c73f444c30512d/original/img-1761-version-2.jpg?1419922209" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p>
<p><strong><span class="font_large">If you are reading this and you are not yet a believer in Yeshua, here is my invitation to you: </span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I remember coming home to God, praying at the altar, secretly mop my tears with my hair, giving all I had to Him. I became a changed woman and life is now worth living. Perhaps you feel you are just not there yet- not with God and perhaps all alone, looking for answers. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><strong>FOR ME, THE BENEFITS OF YESHUA ARE OUT OF THIS WORLD!!! </strong>Don't knock it till you try it! :-) Ask the Lord to show you if Yeshua is really the Messiah and He will! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">To list a number of benefits, God <strong>saved my soul from pain</strong>, He gave me the <strong>promise of another life</strong>- a mansion in heaven. <strong>The sting & fear of death are now gone</strong>. Even if life is not perfect and troubles will come, <strong>He has taught me to overcome</strong>. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I found Happiness by finding Him and allowing Him to make me all I can be. I accept and let go of the things I cannot change while asking for courage to change the things I can. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I live not for today. Today is temporary. I<strong> live and I hope you will live, too, for eternal life, a better life</strong> in the hereafter. My life is not perfect, but as I draw close to the Lord, <strong>He draws close to me</strong> <strong>and I am satisfied.</strong> </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">My stomach problems went away, my <strong>anxiety disappeared</strong>, I no longer wished to be around the wrong kind of guys, I found a loving husband and a satisfaction that cannot be compared with anything this world can bring. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I found <strong>healing in my relationships</strong> and with those who had tried to wound me forever. I was delivered from an assault, spared from a deadly car accident with a giant car carrying vehicle, and most of all, <strong>delivered from my old depressing ways</strong> of living. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">An <strong>endless stream of songs have come out of all this</strong>. And all this praise is an understatement. He has done so much for me and I know HE will for you too. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><u><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/2bd2d44d734a07317c88cbfd4a1c417d2ae87caa/original/wwg-lay-in-sand-happy-ii.jpg?1404769159" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>God is proposing to you</u><br><br>There is a God who loves you, who longs to call you friend- The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He sent Messiah to atone for my wrongs and for yours, for our sins and our shame and He sent His spirit to fill and empower us- to empower YOU each day. They are one- echad- Abba Father, son of God, Messiah and Ruach Ha Kodesh (spirit) </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">His way is the way of love and peace. <em>There are over 500 predictions and descriptions of Messiah which have all come to pass and it is too lofty and amazing to be coincidence. </em>(Isaiah 53 and 9 Are my favorites) </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace...</span><span class="font_large">The zeal of the Lord Almighty </span><span class="font_large">will accomplish this.” (Isaiah 9:6,7) </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><strong>God is proposing to you today. But you must say yes.</strong> All we like sheep have gone astray while our Abba Father is seeking to find us- to find YOU Would you like to say yes to Yeshua today, making him the master leader and savior of your life? </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Say this prayer with me in your own words if you like: </span></p>
<p><em><span class="font_large">Abba Father I admit I cannot make it without your love. I need you in my life. I am a sinner, broken for you. I ask you now to dwell in my heart, I open the door to let you in and make you Lord and leader and master of my life. I call you friend. Fill me with your Ruach. I believe you are my Messiah and my King. I commit my life into your hands. I love you and I thank you for saving me now and forever and for making me new. Be my everything. I am yours Lord. Amen. </span></em></p>
<p><u><span class="font_large">Note to you, my friend: </span></u></p>
<p><span class="font_large">If you’ve said this prayer for the first time, email me and let me know! I want to rejoice with you. <a contents="www.michellegold.com/email" data-link-label="EMAIL" data-link-type="page" href="/email"><span style="color:#800080;">www.michellegold.com/email</span></a><a contents="www.michellegold.com/email " data-link-label="EMAIL" data-link-type="page" href="/email" target="_blank"> </a>. Download a good Bible App to your phone or device <span style="color:#800080;">(</span><a contents="YouVersion App" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youversion.com/apps" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800080;">https://www.youversion.com/apps)</span></a> or pick up a physical copy at the store or online- I recommend The New International Version for easier reading or tree of Life if you would prefer a more Jewish perspective as you read. Call <a contents="Chosen People Ministries" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.chosenpeople.com/site/contact-us/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800080;">Chosen People Ministries</span></a> for any questions on faith or ask a friend to recommend a good congregation where you can grow and be prayed for and strengthened. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><strong>I feel so blessed to be in your life today </strong>and happy to be alive just to have this opportunity to pray with you. <em>All my love, michelle gold</em></span></p>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/40829572016-03-10T23:19:58-05:002017-01-13T12:41:07-05:00Wanted: Vessels of mercy with spiritual urgency <p><em>Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed</em>.<br>Romans 13:11 ESV <br> </p>
<p>WOW Moment...<strong>An American Idol contestant was told to <em>sing with more urgency</em> tonite</strong>..and just think...she was singing about a loved one. I sing & we live for the Lord. <strong>How much more do we who represent the God who heals need to be filled with urgency.</strong><br><br>Now of course,<strong> we all have tired days and discouraging days and times of grief and pain </strong>and you name it. We all have financial stress from time to time and family stress even when we are good parents. We have ambition and wants and needs and desires that if left untamed, could consume us.<br><br>But the question is, <strong>will we allow that stuff to strip us of our need for more of God in our lives? Or will we allow those stresses and longings and disappoinemtnts to pull us upstream towards His well?</strong> His water is living water and He satisfiies. So why deny we need to be lifted up in our spirits and why settle for complacently letting life pass us by?</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/357bd6de7a7b5b8942707fdc61461d5704b9ce4c/medium/screen-shot-2016-03-10-at-11-16-55-pm.png?0" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><strong>There are too many people dying and lives at stake for us to "chillax" in the spirit. </strong>In the flesh, yes, sometimes we need a day of loathing, to kick back and relax and let it all go. But in the spirit, NO! In the spirit, let us rise up and fight the fight to the finish line of our faith. As the group Mary-Mary says in their song, we "gotta do it big." <strong>Let's be flled with urgency about spiritual things: about being a light and about wanting more of God. </strong><br><br><strong>Let's ask God to fill us with urgency before disaster strikes, while it's still calm and uneventful. So that when hard times come, we will conquer the enemy.</strong> After all, The same power that raised Yeshua from the grave lives in us when we believe. Amen!<br><br><u>PRAYER OF RESPONSE</u><br>"URGENCY, Lord, fill us with urgency and let not disaster strike before we seek your face. Your love and power is the fuel we need."<br><br>More scriptures about Urgency<br><a contents="https://www.openbible.info/topics/urgency" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.openbible.info/topics/urgency" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800080;">https://www.openbible.info/topics/urgency</span></a></p>
<p>******************************************************************************************<br><strong>"Something Bigger"</strong> by Mary-Mary<br><br>Everybody...<br>Why you mad at me cause I wanna do it big <br>Don't think I'm unplugged and I'm disconnected <br>Cause I didn't do what ya'll expected <br>I ain't never thought small, cause my brain's colossal <br>When you gon' find out, you can do it if you want to <br><br>Pull up the New Text, click John 14 <br>I can do great things cause of God in me <br>If God's in me, why I gotta think small <br>Now you know that don't make no sense at all <br>I'm in the image of the greatest, why I gotta defend <br>Why I wanna do it, wanna do it, wanna do it big </p>
<p>[Chorus] </p>
<p>La, la, la, la, la, la, laaaaah, aaaah </p>
<p><br>Can't keep it in a box cause it just don't fit <br><strong>My God, he's bigger than just music </strong><br>I can take it to the church where my people go <br><strong>I can take it to the people that just don't know <br>I</strong> can take it to the people that feel real low <br><strong>To the poor, to the rich, to the CEO </strong><br><br>(Yeah)<strong> He knows who you are <br>Who you're not, what you got, when it's all gon' stop </strong><br>(Yeah) He can make you larger <br>Change your life and take you farther <br>It ain't not limit cause this world is his <br>So you got to do it, got to do it, got to do it big </p>
<p><br>Nobody plans to be a loser <br>Nobody tries for second place <br>Nothing's wrong with second place, but <br><strong>Why stop at the ceiling when God showed me the sky </strong><br>Why get on the airplane if I'm too scared to fly <br><strong>Why am I goin' to the battle if I don't wanna fight <br>I'm goin' for the gold </strong><br>Got to be incredible, oh oh </p>
<p>[Repeat 4x] <br>Got to do it, got to do it big, big <br>I got to, I got to, got to do it big </p>
<p>La, la, la, la, la, la, laaaaah, aaaah<br><br><a contents="https://youtu.be/Ws-hoDAoLVo" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/Ws-hoDAoLVo" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800080;">https://youtu.be/Ws-hoDAoLVo</span></a></p>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/39691372016-01-01T18:44:31-05:002022-04-15T19:43:54-04:00The greatest temptation 4 the New Year?<p><br><span class="font_regular"><em><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/b4111edc5bba79c4416ac11a5a057407e45dbe21/medium/web-3.jpg?1404770623" class="size_m justify_center border_" />"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 john 1:9) <br>"So let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we don’t give up." (Galations 6:9)</em></span><br> </p><span class="font_regular">So each day I live, I see temptation and each season is different. Some seasons, temptation is minor and during other seasons, when surrounded by God fearing folks who love and adore God and who love me, I overcome. Im an overcomer and <strong>never been fond of the itty bitty negative committee (in my head) nor have I been fond of the great big pity party</strong>. Im not a fan of the victum mentality. But I am a fan of confession as God's power conquers the greatest temptations. <br><br><strong>But What is really the greatest temptation, I've been wondering?</strong> <strong>Could it be APATHY, the sin of it not feeling so easy to care?</strong><br><br>Ive been wondering if the worst temptation in the world could be apathy or cynisism. <strong>If the enemy who hates God and hates hope and hates life can convince you and me that nothing matters, then we are temoted to give up</strong>. We are tempted to pretend we care and take a back seat on being active and forsake seeking justice and stop persistance in doing what's right to heal our lives, our families. If we STOP believing, how can we be a conduit of hope and healing the world or even to one lost soul, one soul who has given up?<br><br><strong>If we STOP BELIEVEING and we STOP hoping, what are we left with? unlimited and ongoing feasts of Bon bons, icecream, lawlessness and a heart attack? </strong>If we STOP loving or limit our belief in loving the unlovable, we become emotionally constipated, a complete turn off to the world. If we hide our love under a bushel and keep our faith in a box, what treasures can we share?<br><br>If we STOP believing that with God, all things are possible and if we stop believing the scripture that says GOD WORKS ALL THINGS TOGETHER FOR GOOD, <strong>If we base our happieness on man made things rather than God shaped hope, life becomes meaningless.</strong> All this lack of hope- this apathy - this emotional unavailabity or refusal to believe in good things to come is Spirutal death. It's like shutting off the lights.<br><br><strong>When and if we ever feel like this. my friends, THIS IS AN EMERGENCY! We need Holy ER. If the lights are off or the bulb is out, it's time to ask God to turn those lights back on. This is spiritual warfare or we will die in the darkness.</strong><br><br><br><br><u>PRAY WITH ME...</u><br><em>Avinu Malcheinu, this year, help me to expose the true enemy of my soul- APATHY. Help me to turn to you God to give me or keep my sometimes rare childlike faith. And may I ask YOU to make me keep on believing and to help me to keep hoping. <strong>May I always "get my hopes up" in YOU, oh God, because you know what is best for me and because God, YOU ARE good.</strong><br><br>May I continue to read or listen to Your Word/scriptures because it is the best medicine for my soul with endless stories or faith and encouragement from those who have suffered and succeeded. </em><strong><em>May I surround myself with new believers and strong believers because their fire will help keep mine alive. And may I confess my apathy when it creeps up on me, so that you can MAKE ME WHOLE again. May all who see me desire to praise You on earth! Amen.</em></strong></span>
<p><br><span class="font_regular">**************************************************************************<br><u>12 Step LIFE APPLICATION</u><br>AAA is a great tool for any issue or challanging circumstance. <strong>AWARENESS that there is</strong> an issue is key to healing; <strong>ACCEPTANCE:</strong> that we cannot change it and dealing w those frustrations or feelings about it is helpful in releasing it to God, even if we have to feel anger without hurting anyone.<br><br>Lastly, <strong>ACTION</strong>: there must be some action we will take to make the situation better. If apathy about career or a person is the issue, perhaps we will reach out and try something new instead of being paralyzed by fear. Sometimes that action is a simple prayer, sometimes it is a deicision to journal solutions, or at times, it is a small baby step action like a phone call or email to move forward </span><br><br> </p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><em>Do you believe that Apathy could be one of the greatest temptations? Love to hear what your experience has been. We can learn from each other. <br>I am determined to love laugh and live for God! Pray with me and join me in this spiritual fight thru God's power. Your life is priceless my friend. <br><br>Love, MIchelle Gold</em></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><u>Wanna read more to encourage your soul? Here are 20 Bible Scriptures about hope found on google </u><br><a contents="http://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/hope-bible-verses/ " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/hope-bible-verses/" target="_blank">http://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/hope-bible-verses/ </a></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">To learn more about how to<u> support my up and coming E-Book</u>, "FINDING GOLD (life lessons from a little Jewish girl who found life and hope), pls visit <a contents="www.michellegold.com/GIVE" data-link-label="GIVE" data-link-type="page" href="/give" target="_blank">www.michellegold.com/GIVE</a></span></p>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/39582552015-12-10T01:15:40-05:002015-12-10T01:17:38-05:00"JUST SAY NO, thanks!" Video Inspiration...Can saying no please God?<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="i5FNG5btYhg" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/i5FNG5btYhg/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i5FNG5btYhg?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/37394822015-06-12T15:58:17-04:002015-11-14T03:33:20-05:00Art- it's ok not knowing! (Pls forgive the typos)<div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"> </div>
<div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">When an artist paints a picture they have no idea if that one picture is going to make any difference. Will that painting, that work, that creation touch one heart? Will that painting make someone cry and be cleansed and healed. Or Will that painting be meaningless in the realm of life just a painting that people pass by.</div>
<div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"> </div>
<div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">My life feels like a painting. I've been given the gift of art through music. The paper is my canvus and words are my paint. I'm definitely not The greatest artist who ever lived. I'm definitely not the greatest artist in the city. And I may not be the greatest artist on my block. But I can't stop making "art" </div>
<div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"> </div>
<div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Why was I born with that conviction inside of me to create? God gave it to me. God is the creator and we all have gifts of course. Today I just wonder why I Feel so compelled not knowing the outcome if any.</div>
<div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"> </div>
<div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I'm writing my story and maybe no one will ever read it. Or worse maybe not even one person will be touched by it were blessed or changed or moved or cleansed. What a nightmare that would be what a waste of time and effort and energy...or maybe not</div>
<div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"> </div>
<div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I'm creating because I'm listening to the master, my king my creator my abba. I'm writing these songs and I'm writing this book for him -for an audience of one because I want to listen to him because obedience has value when combined with faith.</div>
<div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"> </div>
<div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Just for today I have the faith to believe that there can be power in the little things (we) I do and create. I'm okay with not knowing if this song or book or work (my life's painting) will make a difference tho it might. It makes me happy just to create. </div>
<div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"> </div>
<div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I'm having fun and I'm trusting like a child. It's okay if this work is just for me to bring healing and joy in my own life however limited that may seem. It's okay if the only purpose of my work is just to say to God "thank you" for this beautiful day and for my life's experiences.</div>
<div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"> </div>
<div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Abba I give my gift to you I give my art to you I get my songs to you. It's yours Lord let everything within me praise you just because you are worthy and your love is lasting. Amen</div>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/37012322015-05-09T23:50:54-04:002015-05-09T23:50:54-04:00Mothers...just perfectly loving <em>This entry is in response to God's call for us women to be spiritual Moms</em><br><br>Dear Diary,<br><br>I’m not the perfect Mom & I often don’t want to lead or be a spiritual Mom even though you often call me to do so. I’m sometimes immature and crazy and I talk too much and interrupt too much. Plus, I don’t listen well and I’m a little bit of a troublemaker. (Not that Im trouble but Im loud and not always neat around the edges) <strong>All I got is tons of love to share.</strong><br> <br>But if we don’t lead and no one else does, those you have placed in our lives could be a spiritually mother-less group, not lead by anyone at all if no one leads. What is better, to be led by someone imperfect or to not be lead at all? There are so many who need someone to usher them into your presence and with whom to share and demonstrate your power. <strong>But must I be the one?</strong><br> <br>Some are led to lead and some, some are lead to follow and then over time it all changes. Ive never really liked being a leader at all. But a comforting thought… some leaders eventually follow again and some followers eventually lead. But despite what I want or don’t want, many are grateful for the women or men in their lives who have stepped up to the plate.<br> <br>The Lord only knows where I would be without the women in my life who have mentored me. For because of those possibly initially unwilling leaders, <strong>I was loved, cared for and free to blossom and grow. Im a better woman today because of that little lady!</strong><br> <br><strong>This leads me to realize that when we are called to lead, to mentor, we must GO no matter how imperfect we feel.</strong><br> <br>God knows our own Mothers are and were not perfect. God knows us Mothers are not perfect. Yet our children (both spiritual and biological) are becoming more and more beautiful each day inside and out. <strong>Our success is not in our ability to be perfect but instead in our perfectly loving and honest ways</strong>. With genuine Love and honesty, all things can become phenomenally awesome!<br> <br><strong>So then Mothers, let us embrace the call God has given us to lead our daughters.</strong> Even when our hearts and minds are weary, even when at times you may feel tortured, <strong>God’s supernatural love and strength are available to us.</strong> <strong>Let us seek then, not to be perfect but to be REAL and genuine, honestly loving</strong>, admitting our wrongs even to our children and loving our children and God’s children by God’s RUACH- his very breathe.<br> <br>For such a time as this, we cannot resist. We have been chosen with fearless devotion, it’s the reason we exist…to love! To love is to listen without judging, to embrace and to smile, to care and show compassion. <strong>To Love others is to empower them.</strong><br> <br><strong> “Hineni Lord, Send me. May I be the one to bring someone back to life.”</strong><br> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!<br>I hope this diary entry inspired you in some way</strong></div><br><em>Your sister in Yeshua,<br>michelle gold</em>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/36303432015-03-29T13:02:26-04:002018-05-10T01:48:14-04:00SAY NO TO NAKEDNESS!!!!! (My response to Beyonce's "Say Yes" to Jesus)Did you know that<strong> saying NO TO NAKEDNESS in public is saying YES to Jesus </strong>and it's<strong> saying yes to being a true lady of the Lord?</strong><br><br>Of course you knew that! We all know it. But we need to say it and SAY IT LOUD AND AGAIN, SAY IT LOUDER!<br><br>When it comes time to go out and put on our Sunday best or our Friday fun or whatever, every lady knows how EASY it is to let that little bit of cleavage slide. <strong>It's easy to show a little of anything. </strong>Especially if you are a person who suffers and needs the Lord to heal your possibly not-so-great confidence levels.<br><br>Is it beneficial to show some and share some flesh? Is it helping you be a light? Is it allowing someone else's husband to focus on the Lord and on his own wife? Is it attracting "friends" for the right reasons? Of course not.<br><br>The<strong> enemy seeks to DEVOUR like a roaring lio</strong>n, sometimes a beautiful attractive roaring lion. This concept of the roaring Lion is remiscent of Katy Perry's ROAR song and lifestyle as well. This girl is the daughter of a preacher and many of the lyrics to some of her songs are totally uplifting- certainly NOT ALL of them.<br><br>So why couldnt Katy Perry just sing her awesome love songs & redeeming inspirational pop music? WHY DIDNT SHE SAY NO TO NAKEDNESS and YES to her true self as a lady belonging to the Lord?<br><br><span class="font_large"><strong>PRESSURE</strong></span>....<strong>Women</strong><span class="font_large"><strong> feel very real pressure from other girls. And FALSE APPROVAL</strong></span> is often sought - the need to be approved of so we can feel like a "Natural Woman!" Meanwhile, we are naturally and beautifully and awesome-ly made WITHOUT giving that peek-a boo or full on show! <span class="font_small"><u><a contents="(Book of Psalms 145:13)" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20139:14" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800080;">(Book of Psalms 145:13)</span></a></u></span><br><br><br>So this where I leave you, single ladies? Moms? Fathers of precious daughters? The scripture reminds us we are totally dependent upon and need to call upon the Ruach Ha Kodesh, the Holy Spirit of God. We need Him to fill us with (help us to give others) the approval we so desire sometimes. We need Him to keep us and our daughters from the lie that we cannot be ladies and keep our clothes on. The devil is a liar.<br><br><em><strong>1. WAGE WAR!!!!! against your flesh by reading a scripture a day to keep the devil away!</strong><br>"Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul." Book of 1 Peter 2:11 ESV version)</em><br><br>2. <strong>TAKE UP YOUR POWER- </strong>Since Resurrection Sunday is arriving next week, it is the perfect time to remember and embrace that the same power that raised Messiah from the dead, also lives in YOU (and in us!) Halleluyah!<br><br><em><span class="content">"And if the Ruach of the One who raised Yeshua from the dead dwells in you, the One who raised Messiah Yeshua from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Ruach who dwells in you.</span><br><br><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ROM.8.12"><span class="content">So then, brothers and sisters, we do not owe anything to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.</span></span></em><em><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ROM.8.13"><span class="content"> For if you live according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Ruach you put to death the deeds of the body, <strong>you shall live</strong></span></span>"</em> (Book of Romans chapter 8, Jewish Tree of Life - TLV Version from Bible.com)<br><br>All my love, Meesh<br>Love to hear your thoughts here<br><a contents="www.michellegold.com/email" data-link-label="EMAIL" data-link-type="page" href="/email"><span style="color:#800080;">www.michellegold.com/email</span></a><br><a contents="facebook.com/FINDmichellegold" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/findmichellegold" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800080;">facebook.com/FINDmichellegold</span></a><br><br><em>Michelle Gold is a Jewish Gospel Recording Artist, Mom, writer, & long time supporter of the Bible based 12-step program as originally written by Christian, Bill W. (This blog was based on Beyonce's performance of "Say Yes" to Jesus on the Steller Awards 2015)</em>4:11Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/34447782014-12-30T01:11:08-05:002017-01-13T12:41:06-05:00NO MORE STOLEN GOODS!!!It was so sad and startling watching the man haul off out the back door of Toys R Us w a shopping cart full of toys a few nights ago without paying in full. One young female clerk even ran out the door chasing the Man, completely unafraid.<br><br>Me? Every bit of New York in me froze in place like a statue, ready to fight but also on guard. Knowing at any moment, the man could come racing back into the store w a gun. I began to pray knowing full well that my spiritual weapons are greater than any gun. (weapons of prayer and of the Ruach Ha Kodesh- the Holy Spirit)<br>Thankfully we all got home safely and nothing happened.<br><br>But I had a revelation while standing there in line to pay for Bella's new playmobil miniature doll pool. First I began to empathize with the family. I began to imagine the kids who had this man for a father and their sad feelings this season towards their Daddy. I wondered, "would they receive their toys this Christmas with guilt and the knowledge of what happened?" or perhaps worse- maybe would they maybe be deceived into thinking their dad was an honest man when he is not?"<br><br>I pictured the wife feeling lonely & angry because (Im guessing it is also quite possibly this man who stole also neglects his family continuously). This kids' daddy is the type who either shows up late on the holidays after hanging out at the bar or maybe he even doesnt show up at all and sells those toys for his drug of choice. What pain this woman must feel.<br><br><strong>Yet despite all our pain and sorows of this life, the Lord reminded me that we must never allow our spiritual goods to ever be stolen. Our love, joy, peace, patience, kindness goodness and faithfulness are gifts and blessings from God no man should ever take away.<br><br>Would her husband's behavior (being far from Kosher) steal her happiness and hope this season? or worse- Would the enemy of this world steal her joy her hope- this season? Would she allow the enemy to steal her contentment and strength? I pray not.</strong> Would or could a person's actions steal our joy? Yes, but NOT IF WE DONT LET IT. we choose to focus on God and on our relationship with HIm and on the people we love and the enemy's tactics fail.<br><br>Would this woman focus on God or on the anguish of her heart? Despite the madness and horrifying situation- that a man she once knew and loved has become a thief and has possibly disappointed her in every way, I decided to pray that she (and the women in this world who have been left alone and neglected) still stand victorious!!!. I pray she knows (or you know, if you are struggling with this today) that she (you) still belongs to the Lord and he rejoices over her (you). She is his bride, Gods city of delight.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/ee60d7cc6f121e5ce92eea1963c73f444c30512d/original/img-1761-version-2.jpg?1419922209" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>Though the enemy try to slay us, we trust and rest in His love and in the love of her families and friends who have been there for her embracing us thru it all. We are stronger than the enermy because greater is HE who lives in us than he that is in the world. We have a hope beyond all hopes and knowledge that God is with us and that God promises reverse the plans of the enemy and turn them into something beautiful for you and for me. (Romans 8:28)<br><br>So let's check in now within and ask ourselves if we are ready to fight to keep what we've got....Will the enemy of this world steal our joy and contentment this season? Can he get away w throwing our gifts and prized possessions in a cart and running off? <strong>Will he Pry open the back door of toys r U and leave you and me emptyhanded?</strong><br><br><strong>Contentment is mine and its yours! No man - no people places or things shall take it away and call it stolen goods. The treasures we have in God are yes, forever and Amen! So if you see the enemy trying to run off with your goods today, get up in the spirit and take it back! </strong>You are worth it. You are a conquerer. The joy of the Lord is our strength and no one can take it away. We won't let him! Even Carole King knows that people will bring us down sometimes but that we cannot let them. <strong>Let's remember that we now have the contentment of the Lord that comes not from perishable things but from having a loving relationship w the father. That contentment and this promise of a beautiful future may never be stolen.</strong><br><br><em>The Lord is my shephard, I shall not want. The Lord is my rock and my salvation of whom shall I be afriad?</em><br><br><br><strong>Amen. Best wishes for a Happy New Year and New YOU, filled w the spirit, contentment, and love of the lord.</strong><br><br>MEESH<br><br>Ps- Make a decision to follow him today as your messiah and Lord if you have not done that yet and this contentment and assurance could be yours. It is the greatest gift! All my love, meesh<br><br><br><br> Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/33633122014-12-05T01:41:50-05:002014-12-05T02:02:07-05:00WHY NOT BE STUBBORNLY CONTENT...esp. this Holiday Season?<em>"You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing."</em> Psalm 145:16<br><br>This holiday season especially, are we making it our mission to be <strong>STUBBORNLY CONTENT </strong>no matter what the world tries to sell us, tell us and no matter what fancy things compell us? I remind myself that my inheritance is in heaven and though <strong>nice stuff is cool, it doesnt cool down my desire for more</strong> stuff! LOL! Im speaking in circles! Or as <u><a contents="Dave Ramsey's daugter" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=CvjN6iFSBVO-aDpeApgPaooGYBvLEj_UEwqWI_4ABiqf8hMUCCAQQASC2VCgFYMmep4fco5QRoAG8rOf-A8gBB6oEJk_QLviMC3YhDGnW6niLRE-bGS68yGsB3uXDNa46-si8HF_IOLZmgAWQTsAFBaAGJoAHrNOYAZAHAagHpr4b4BLGiJyAr-3hl78B&sig=AOD64_2g_eHQmxrrxlcxgnf1US3em4KSkw&ctype=5&rct=j&q=&ved=0CCAQwg8&adurl=http://www.daveramsey.com/store/books/audiobooks/smart-money-smart-kids-audiobook-mp3-/prodSMSKAUDIO.html%3Fectid%3Dgsa.SMSKAUDIO" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800080;">Dave Ramsey's daugter</span></a></u> says (my new favorite & best selling author) <strong><em>"We own stuff but stuff doesn't own us."</em></strong><br><br>Besides, we got the "bestEST" "Stuff" in the world, you and me: We've got the Holy Spirit abiding in little old us, the promise of a better life to come,<br>and at the risk of sounding like a hippy, we got love! <strong>If we got love, and we give love, perhaps we wont need all that other stuff.</strong> I make it my positive<br>challange & goal everyday to put the computer down and RECEIVE that love from my family at set times in my day though I enjoy connecting online too!<br><br><em><strong><u><em>My prayer is,(though gramatically nonsensical) </em></u><br><br>"</strong>Lord, make me <strong>stubbornly content </strong>this holiday season! I refuse to base my happiness on the temporary.<br><strong>ETERNAL focus</strong> is what I need. Let me realize and recall Lord that<strong> if this THING/This stuff I've got my heart set is so urgent, then YOU, God already know I need it</strong><br>and I will believe You to provide. Lord help me remember to take the time to sit or mediate in <strong>Your presence which is more precious than gold.</strong>"</em><br><br>LOVE YOUZ!! Happy Holidays in advance in case I forget to write again soon and get too caught up in all the marshmellows, menoras, cuddling & fun! hee hee<br>meeshMichelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/33397542014-11-28T17:13:33-05:002017-01-13T12:41:06-05:00This is the week! GOD DISCOVERS GOLD ON TV!!!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/247a1bc71d98f62a00a5ab2c0d065f466a3f1813/medium/wwg-lay-in-sand-happy-halfcrop.jpg?1402004023" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><div style="text-align: center;">Hurray hurray! This is the week! GOD DISCOVERS GOLD ON TV!!!<br>Choose your favorite way to watch & share<br><br>Airs this week on TV: <strong><a contents="http://sidroth.org/television/find-station" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://sidroth.org/television/find-station" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800080;">http://sidroth.org/television/find-station</span></a></strong><br>Airs THIS SUNDAY, online at <strong><a contents="www.SidRoth.org" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://sidroth.org/television/weeks-guest" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800080;">www.SidRoth.org</span></a><span style="color:#800080;">,</span></strong> hit "Television" in the menu<br>AIRING ON DISCOVERY, just one time, next Wednesday, Dec 10th<br><br>Pass it on to share the joy if you wish!<br><br>Have a happy thanksgiving one more time!</div>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/32699702014-11-06T16:24:40-05:002017-01-13T12:41:06-05:00EVER WONDER???? LIFE WITHOUT LIGHT?<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/6c69830dfba871550eeb7e900d5e1947eb56f201/medium/photo.jpg?1415309285" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><br><br>What would this be like: LIFE WITHOUT LIGHT?<br><br>This morning I read to my daugter from that sobering story in scripture about the the virgins who FORGOT? MESSED UP? COULD NOT AFFORD? LOST? their OIL!!!!<br><br>I mean like HALF of them got turned away. <strong>The Lord in His story of warning actually CLOSES THE DOOR ON THEM as they YELL SIR! SIR! CAN YOU IMAGINE THE SHAME, the ANGUISH, THE HEARTACHE? </strong>The REGRET? A horrible thought to me came to mind as someone who is pretty forgetful and often unprepared for the mundane things of life. What if I were one those 5 "foolish" or stupid or whatever galz! Heck no! God forbid, NOT ME!!!<br><br>I'll let this story be a reminder: <strong>NOTES: TO DO: Michelle Gold: REMEMBER YOUR OIL on your journies of life. The oil of God's Holy Spirit applied to my heart and mind whenever and wherever I GO </strong>and especially when I am at home and no one is there to judge me but God. Anyway- like the song, "Oh when the saints go marching in,<strong>" Oh Lord, I DO wish to be in that number when the believers (saints) go marching in!</strong> I plan on doing a little Bible study tonight on Oil and Light and how to get it and how to lose it, etc.<br><br>Meanwhile, I reflect on my Jewishness and how what I learned growing up about God's miracle of lights on Chanukah can take me deeper and closer to God and take on new meaning. AND CHECK THIS OUT! Im so excited to have a revelation question- a question I believe God wants us all to ask Him today.<br><br><strong>"How did the virgins without oil/light get turned away from God and yet the army of Jewish Macabees who had only a bit of oil pleased the living God so much that He multiplied it?</strong><br><br>OOOOOOH! It Makes me wonder. Did these Virgins cause their own mishegas? Were they regular Jezebels to begin with? Did they maybe take the groom (the light of the world) for granted saying to themselves- I dont need to prepare or serve my life long partner? Where was their heart? What did the Macabees think or feel towards God that made them acceptable and pleasing in God's sight SO MUCH that He multiplied that oil and lit up their lives and their futures so much that we celebrate and rededicate today?<br><br><strong>I wonder..... Let us ask the Lord today for this revelation</strong>. <em>Abba Father: I want more of you in my life. I need your oil and Lord, if I ever fall short, please multiply my oil and the light in my life because I seek to draw close to you. amen.</em>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/31019362014-07-27T20:23:27-04:002014-07-27T20:34:32-04:00YO! ARE YOU IN THE HOUSE!???? WHOZZZZZ IN THE HOUSE?<span class="font_regular"><em><span class="label">"</span><span class="content">But Messiah is faithful over God’s house as a son. <strong>And we are his house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope" </strong>(Hebrews 3:6)</span></em><br><br>Our family just began building this CRRRRRRRRRRAZY difficult tiny sized Lego house and it was so intricate and so detailed and yet so awesome looking on the cover of the box. But it was tedious and I couldnt wait to finish it. After a total of an hour, we barely built the front side and we were pooped. <strong>It was tons of work but I figure when it's all done, my daughter and I and my husband, Will be able to say that we are it's BUILDERS.</strong><br><br><strong>It's an amazing feeling to BUILD something beautiful and not only for the sake of beauty but for the sake of making an impact on the lives of others. How Proud it makes us to be builders in this life. </strong> This all reminds me of this scripture<strong> </strong>above,<strong> </strong>Hebrews 3:6 I pray my sharing from the heart here could lift YOU up today in case if youve forgotten how beautiful and important you really are. I know I forget sometimes. I needed to be reminded.<br><br>Speaking of BUILDERS & HOUSES, a song comes to mind--- this old 70's song, SHE'S A BRICK HOUSE!!!!!" I can hear it in my head from all my years of loving disco. The lyrics of the song praise a woman who is tough and strong like a brick house- indestructable it seems. she's also praised for being a little too vuluptious and and in my opinion, it never did me ANY GOOD AT ALL for "letting it all hang out." Maybe when I used to like that song, I didnt know I was holy and precious unto God. <strong>I've learned the hard way (when I was a teen & got hurt so many ways) that I dont need to let it all hang out but I can still be tough and beautiful, marked by His beauty and His presence and even His toughness. </strong><br><br>Unholy as Brick House words may be, this all reminds me to that we need to be living IN the Lord bec. We am BUILT by Him, the MASTER BUILDER!!! CELEBRATE!<br><br><strong>Hebrews 3:6 tells me that I am and that YOU ARE HIS HOUSE!! </strong>BETTER than anything ever built by any MAN! WOW! When we make a decision to love Him & follow Him with all that is within us, we are IN HIS HOUSE, OF HIS HOUSE, WE ARE HIS HOUSE!!!!!!!! COOOOOOOOOOOL! now THAT is impressive.<br><br><strong><span class="font_large">But remember there is one condition. Scholars correct me if Im wrong...we are only God's house IF we keep confident and boast about His awesomeness & His promises of forgiveness and heaven and I could go on...our hope. I remind myself that boasting about God is not just soemthing I do in word but that we must boast about God's love thru DEED/ACTION</span></strong><span class="font_large">.</span><br><br>Let's grab on to that confidence once again people. Let's Take hold of it and begin to boast again about OUR GOD- MY GOD- and how he brought our "used to be" DEAD body soul and spirit BACK TO LIFE.<br><br>(another old dance song comes to mind..."back to life, back to reality"--- but the reality is not the song, the reality is that HE IS GOD AND WE ARE HIS!)<br><br><strong>Now, for your confidence, let's ponder how beautiful you truly are.</strong> Think of the most beautiful house or building you have ever seen in France, or in Italy or Denmark or maybe right here in your home state. My sis in law just told me about a HUGE house in Brooklyn that a pool in the backyard the length of SIX houses purchased by the owner for his entire family. She said it was like a glorified RESORT or like a SPA hiding in the middle of 86th Street in Brooklyn! YOU are way more incredible, wonderful, beautiful that that. You have the living water of God flowing thru you! The Bible says that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are God's royalty.<br><br><strong>So let me ask you, not WHO's IN THE HOUSE? ARE YOU IN GOD's HOUSE? R U HIS HOUSE? WHO's IN THE HOUSE!!! CAN I GET WITNESS!!!!!!! </strong><br>Say aloud today "I am God's house and He is my builder and my maker." <strong>Nothing he makes is junk, nothing he makes is purposeless, spiritless, ugly, numb, or dumb. </strong>Let us stand tall today and remember WHO we serve, who we are and whose we are - WE KNOW THE BUILDER & WE R CUSTOM MADE BY HIM for the world to see that HE is ANSWER to every search & every question there will ever be.</span><br> Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/30707732014-07-11T13:51:14-04:002020-08-10T02:00:32-04:00BE S.T.I.L.L<strong>Be Still...not an easy thing for a person who likes to do and get things done. </strong><br><br>Hey! No child wants to be told to sit down for a while or for even a minute sometimes. Then again, we are not children.<br><strong>We have more stresses and more labor and NEED our rest. Yes, there's a reason for the Sabbath or even an occassional additional day of rest.</strong><br><br>For me, it makes me FEEL LIKE MORE of a mench! (a decent human being)<br><br>Sometimes I think I need to be my own teacher and put myself in the corner! LOL!" SIT DOWN MICHELLE!" I'd say. You know when I was a teenager there was this one night when I worked so hard studying, my Mom yelled at me in love, commanding that I Sit down in my bed and turn the TV on! Funny- all parents should have that "problem" right.<br><br><strong>Im writing this blog today though because I want us all to be careful and mindful of the bodies and lives that the Lord has given us. </strong><br><br>Wouldnt it be great to have serious boundries about the days and times that we work hard & others where we close up shop? <strong>A balance is a hard thing to find but worth fighting for. </strong> We are going to have real trouble winning the prize in the Lord if we keep pushing and pushing and never sit down. We will fall into temptation if we weaken ourselves in that manner. Let's "not* and say we did! " Funny but true saying in this case re overdoing it. (meant NOT push and push and push w no rest)<br><br>Today, what words do you feel inspired to assign to an acronym of S.T.I.L.L? I've come up with this one which aint so bad:<br><br><strong>SILENCING</strong><br><strong>TENSION &</strong><br><strong>IRRITABILITY & Embracing</strong><br><strong>LOVE &</strong> LIFE from the Father<br><strong>LESS </strong><br><br>I say less because<strong> </strong>often, less is more. <strong>Sometimes more is not so bad. But most of the time, the feeling of wanting more can lead to materialism. </strong>this leads to disatifcation and a false sense of fulfullment that does not come from the father above. It makes us want (to do) more- an impulse to spend more time on the house or the car instead of with God and with family, allowing Him to restore our energy & power) Theres a time to work on the house and car, but for you workaholoics out there like me- maybe today aint it. LOL again! Keepin it real!!!!<br><br>I pray you R inspired today to allow God to quiet your soul. <strong>Please pray this prayer below with me.</strong> May we be empowered to be still at set times<br>so that we may be renewed & March on in this race to win the heavenly prize in Messiah Yeshua!<br><br><em>"Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth!" Psalm 46:10<br>(Amplified version of Bible)</em><br><br><strong>PRAYER OF RESPONSE:</strong><br><strong><em>Avinu Malchenu, help me to want less instead of more today when it comes to things and doing things. I only need more of you. Quiet my soul and silence all irritability or anxiouty. Fill me with your love, contentment and your life giving restorative power. Ruach Ha Kodesh (Holy Spirit}), fill me today. Amen.</em></strong><br><br>Love you!<br>Meesh5:42Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/30178882014-06-16T01:26:15-04:002014-06-16T01:30:37-04:00Inside Out...Where R U on matters of the HEART? <span class="content"><em>"For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."</em> (The Bible, 1 Saumual 16:7b)</span><br><br>Waking up to the reality of the new week beginning after a long beautiful weekend, I once again <strong>CHECK IN at "the hotel called How's your heart?"</strong> It's a hotel I go to often but never quite often enough. I must say everytime I check in there with the Lord and let him know how Im doing, I'm refreshed and my new perspective adds a little pep to my step. A new sense of mission and purpose fills me.<br><br>What's happening in my heart today is that <strong>I feel sad about the people I occasionally come accross who focus too much on outward appearance and not enough on matters of the heart. I humble myself remembering that I too have occassionally been distracted.</strong> When distracted, God has lead me back to righteous focus on becoming more like HIM on the inside where it counts the most. Focusing on outward appearance hurts the most- it leaves us feeling void and empty on the inside.<br><br>Yes, it matters what we wear and yes, religious customs are excellent ways to draw closer to Hashem. And yes, those outward things/customs we do and say can even be a testimony to not-yet believers who are seeking. But WOH THERE PARTNER! <strong>H.A.L.T! I mean, spiritually speaking: </strong>Dont get too<strong> hungry, angry, lonely, or tired </strong> or all that outward stuff you are doing will be COMPLETELY and utterly meaningless in the heavenlies and for you and me personally.<br><br>We need to be very careful. Outward stuff- the clothes we wear, the customs, the traditions can be very awesome. But let's check in with the Lord today. Are we <strong>DRAWING NEAR TO THE LORD</strong> in our daily lives in prayer or just going through the motions at our congregation and feeling lonely? <strong>Are we hungering after being more LIKE HIM IN CHARACTER</strong> or hungering to show or get more stuff? Are we allowing the Lord to <strong>AWAKEN AND REVIVE US from our occassional spiritual slumber</strong> through reading His Word and fellowship with believers or are we tired? Are we being <strong>refereshed in His presence</strong> or stressed by anger?<br><br>WARNING: We need His Ruach Ha Kodesh, His Holy Spirit to have a heart truly like the Lord's. Drawing close to God and becoming more like Him might only require a first effortless baby step. But to go deeper in the Lord, shedding our love for outward appearances & material things, often it is not by might nor by our power but by His Spirit.<br><br><u>Possible Prayer of Response:</u><br><em>Abba father, Remove all distractions and purify my heart today with the desire for the heavenly prize and not earthly stuff. I am checking in with you today on matters of my heart. Fill me with your power and presence so that I will not be spiritually Hungry, Angry, lonely or tired. With a heart like yours, I know I will be able to make an impact and a difference. Amen.</em><br> 4:16Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/28686382014-04-14T09:10:18-04:002014-04-14T09:13:04-04:00FOR PASSOVER & BEYOND...FREE AWESOME ONLINE & OUTREACH DEVOTIONAL!Rabbi Steve Weiler put together this beautiful free devitional for believers. If you know rabbi Steve, you know that though he is into preaching Jewish Roots, He is even more into the power of the Ruach Ha Kodesh (Holy Spirit). Because we love his heart, I think you will enjoy this free devitional for the month of April, May and June. <br><br>He says "In Leviticus 23:15-16 it talks about Counting the Omer between Passover and Shavuot (the Feast of Weeks). I have created a booklet which includes 50 days of Counting the Omer and a daily devotional that is meant to bring you closer to the Lord."<br><br><a contents="Free Devotional for believers from Passover & Beyond" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.shoreshdavid.org/pdf/Counting-The-Omer_2014-webview.pdf" target="_blank">Free Devotional for believers from Passover & Beyond</a>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/23373542014-01-06T17:20:23-05:002022-05-11T08:44:05-04:00FIRE FIRE! When friends believe in you...<br>A sweet little story I shared with my Bella last night (age 5) when I thought I smelled burning somewhere in the house. All was fine and safe, just my imaginiation this time. But years ago in 2005 when touring on the Liberated Wailing Wall, <strong>because my friend Stephanie believed in me and my ability to sense things, Stephanie and I prevented what would have been a very big fire on the tour bus.</strong><br><br>It was around midnight and I said, "Hey Steph, I smell burning." She could have ignored me and went to bed. Most of the others were exhausted from our greuling schedule and asked me to alert them if my investigation got serious. But Steph went the extra mile that day. Not to say the others did not. Each tour member was amazingly smart and wonderful. Just happened to be that this particular night, ONE PERSON BELIEVED IN ME AND IN MY KEEN SENSE OF SMELL.<strong> Her belief in me or the Lord in me, saved the day.</strong><br><br><strong>Steph encouraged me saying things like, "let's not go to sleep until we find this fire." She made me wanna keep trusting and keep persisting.</strong> I needed her by my side to push me. <strong>I might have given up thinking I was crazy if not for her strength.</strong><br><br>A half hour later, after sniffing everything on the bus from cabinets to bathrooms to couches to door cracks, we finally found what would be a fire about to begin. There was a stove we had shut off for what felt like millions of months and unplugged because we needed room for a printer (where we placed a rubber mat underneath to prevent falling on moving bus).<br><br>Perhaps this was one of my not so brilliant ideas but there was no other place for it really. Well, unbeknownst to us, he workers who cleaned the bus during break had turned the stove back on and we had no idea!!!!! PHEW! <strong>We grabbed that burned up rubber mat and together, at the risk of sounded trite, WE SAVED THE DAY!!!! hee hee</strong>.<br><br>And here was my lesson for Bella and a sweet reminder to me:<strong> Everyone needs a friend like Stephanie who says, "Yes, let's do this!"someone sho seems to say, you are not crazy. THANK GOD FOR AWESOME FRIENDS WHO STRENGTHEN US.</strong> And no! we "Shalt" never put a printer on top of a non working stove ever again! It's one of my top 10 commandmants of life. LOL<br> <div style="text-align: center;">To give to the WHO WILL GO album and outreach project or to listen to samples of songs so far, visit <a contents="www.michellegold.comGIVE." data-link-label="GIVE" data-link-type="page" href="/give" target="_blank"><span style="color:#0000CD;">www.michellegold.comGIVE.</span></a>
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<div style="text-align: center;">Love you no matter what!</div><br> Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/22776012013-12-23T11:39:54-05:002022-05-30T12:06:24-04:00The cure for the “noonday demon” of apathy <div style="text-align: center;">
<br><strong><em>"Acedia</em></strong><em> (also <strong>accidie</strong> or <strong>accedie</strong>, from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latin" title="Latin">Latin</a> acedĭa, and this from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greek" title="Ancient Greek">Greek</a> ἀκηδία, negligence) describes a state of<strong> listlessness </strong>or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torpor" title="Torpor">torpor</a>, of <strong>not caring or not being concerned</strong> with one's position or condition in the world. It can lead to a state of being unable to perform one's duties in life. Its spiritual overtones make it related to but arguably distinct from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depression_%28mood%29" title="Depression (mood)">depression</a>.<sup><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acedia#cite_note-1">[1]</a></sup> Acedia was originally noted as a problem among monks and other ascetics who maintained a solitary life."</em> Pasted from Wikipedia</div>
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<br>“I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts,<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-66-2">who tremble at my word" </span></span>Isaiah 66:2B<br><br>"<strong>Contrite</strong>-feeling or showing sorrow and <a class="d_link" href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/remorse">remorse</a> for a sin or shortcoming" Pasted from Merriam-webster.com</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">I’m no Bible scholar but as I examine the scriptures today, I wonder…Could a contrite heart be the perfect cure for APATHY or Acedia?<br>I remember a few years back, there was this horrible phase I went through of feeling what felt like a plague of eternal pessimism & numbness of heart.<br> <br>Every thought in my mind saw good as evil, man’s kindness as trickery, and all happy roads leading to death. Sounds morbid and maybe wrong of me to write this during this happy holiday season. But it’s a sick suffering inside that so many people go through.<br> <br>Had I heard and seen too much? Was I hurt too much? Did I take my focus off of the spiritual prize in life and pleasing God and turn my eyes to a more temporal and fleeting goal? YES probably. <strong>But I didn’t know it at the time & it felt like I was in a rut and there was no way out.</strong><br> <br>Finally, I began to find my “cure<strong>." I confessed this sick emotional condition or unintentional sin if you will with a contrite heart, to a trustworthy friend.</strong> A combination of my<strong> journaling</strong> each day, <strong>reading a Psalm</strong> & reading a <a contents="book " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.amazon.com/Acedia-Marriage-Monks-Writers-Life-ebook/dp/B001ANYDB8/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1387814792&sr=1-1&keywords=acedia" target="_blank">book </a>about “Acadia” was my perfect medicine. The book walked me through all the reasons I was stuck in this season of perpetual sadness.<br> <br><strong>It took a while, maybe even a year. But my longing to care, to help those in need, and my desire to sing and lead others to salvation, which originally seemed dormant, came back with zeal & firey passion</strong>. While originally I was feeling too sad to let God fix me, I taught myself to continually confess this to Him and ask him to make me care.<br><br>Because I could still laugh a lot, and venture out for fun family trips,<br>I figured this was not depression. But I had read that apathy should not be minimized. <strong>It's is a serious spiritual disease and even the monks of old called it the Noonday demon.</strong><br> <br> <br>I don’t remember the exact moment the Lord healed my heart but I FEEL SOOOOOOOOO MUCH MORE ALIVE now & I love it!!!! He gave me back my caring heart, which very often, breaks for the things that break His heart. <strong>He has now given me a contrite heart. Contrite is defined as “Feeling or showing sorrow and remorse for sin or shortcoming.” I now feel sad for the things in this world, which make God sad.</strong> <strong>I believe God weeps and mourns for us just like a mother for her child</strong>. H<strong>e longs to help us and save us from even ourselves</strong><br> <br>We all need to check ourselves now and then to see if we still love passionately, if we still care passionately or if that care is faded into numbness and apathy. God is powerful to heal us and you know what? I believe your purpose & my purpose here on earth, as God’s vessel is way too valuable for us to forget to check the spiritual state we are in.<br> <br><em>My prayer</em><br><em>During this season and always, Lord help us be filled with your beautiful presence, caring as you care. Give us contrite hearts. Amen.</em><br> <br>VISIT <a contents="www.michellegold.com/GIVE" data-link-label="GIVE" data-link-type="page" href="/give" target="_blank">www.michellegold.com/GIVE</a> to find out how to partner with me on my Who Will Go? Album & Outreach project.<br><br> </div>6:13Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/3931292013-03-21T21:25:58-04:002022-07-31T16:07:27-04:00ARE WE FOLLOWING GOD'S "GPS"<i><b>Recently, a friend of mine, Ken, has shared some life-changing, inspiring reminders with me about being a fighter and about pressing on, staying on focus. I asked him to kindly share some of this with you. I hope it blesses you as these words have given me some bigtime spiritual gusto if you will. <br></b></i><b><br>
How many LEFT turns does it take to get where you are?</b><br><br>
In normal conversation people often ask simple questions of me. Where do you work?, how many rooms are in your house?, what kind of car do you drive?. I suppose these are questions to access how successful we have been in our lives. Most of the time, I answer back with a half hearted joke of sorts, saying, "YES, it has taken me numerous left turns in life to get where I am". <b>I often recall the verses in the Bible which indicate we should follow a narrow pat</b>h, similiarly when Moses came down from the mountain to deliver the 10 commandments to the Israelites, commandments given to him from G-D. <b>The declaration was to NOT turn right, to NOT turn left.</b><br><br><i>Deut 5:32 So you shall observe to do just as the Lord your God has commanded you; you shall not turn aside to the right or to the left 33 You shall walk in all the way which the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you will possess.<br></i><br><b>However, in life I am never where I WANT TO BE!!! </b>I want the better job, the bigger house, the fancy car. I WANT to feel successful and prosperous. I WANT TO BE somebody. In pursuit of worldly things in this life, I have often made LEFT turns that take me off of the narrow path. When that happens I need to observe the YIELD signs on the pathway of life. I need to YIELD to the one who made me, G-D. <b>The Bible actually says we should</b> r<b>un the race, we should be successful!!!!!</b><br><br><i>1 Cor 9:24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.</i><br><br>
and prior to this is the qualifier of our SUCCESS in this life, it is the gospel,<b> the good news of how Jesus(Yeshua) has already found value in all of us</b>, He found enough value to pave a FREE pass into heaven, by HIS sacrifice of HIS life, HIS YIELDING HIS LIFE in exchange for ours. All we have to do is quit taking left turns, to simply YIELD to HIM, to <b>get back on the narrow path, to get back in the race!!!</b><br><br><i>1 Cor 9:23 I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.</i><br><br>
I find it hard to believe that G-D can know every sparrow, HE can number every hair on our head. BUT then again, I am not supposed to understand everything.<br><br><i>Luke 12:5-7,, 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God. 7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.</i><br><b><br>
So, my question to people is this: Are you off of the beaten path?</b> Have you taken a LEFT turn in life? Perhaps you are like me and have taken many LEFT turns. If you have, then observe the YIELD sign, YIELD your life to Jesus, get back on the path, get back in the race. I once heard that <b>G-D is not looking for EXTRA-ORDINARY people, HE is looking for ORDINARY people, through which HE can do EXTRA-ORDINARY things.</b><br><br>
Pause at the next LEFT turn in your life, YIELD to G-d, and when you reach the end of life, you can say what the Apostle Paul(Shaul) once said:<br><br>
2 Timothy 4:7<br><br><i>I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;</i><br><br><i><u>Let's pray:</u></i> <br><i>Father God, help me to walk down your path for my life. Help me be a fighter, finish the race and keep the faith when my future looks uncertain,<br>
I would love for You, my God, to do extra ordinary things in and through me. I am yours. Amen.</i><br><br>
SHALOM,<br><br>
KEN<br><br>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/2998892013-02-06T03:38:18-05:002013-02-06T03:38:18-05:00To take or not to take the "peace pill"Letting Go is like a pill you dont want to take but the pill brings peace when it it goes down. Life aint like McDonalds- have it your way- all the time. When I agree to have it God's way, I fair much better.<br><br>
When I was around 12 years old, I had the issue of constantly losing my voice. The loss was a great one since at the time, Singing was one of the few joys of my heart. <br>
I immersed myself in singing the way some people practice religion. Songwriting became a way for me to communicate with the world and share my pain and my healing. If I couldnt sing the songs I had written, there was a road block. That spiritual road block crushed my little golden heart and soul. <br><br>
At the time, there were a few possible cuases for my constant loss. One possible reason was my constant talking above normal volume levels for fear I would not be heard. <br>
Another possible reason was my not insisting the volume of the monitor be raised when singing with my band at weddings and events. If I didnt hear myself, I wanted people to LIKE me so much as a person, I just forfeited my right and need to be heard. Didnt wanna come off like a DIva, you know..."make me louder please, still louder, no, a little louder, etc" <br><br>
I used to have a sort of sarcastic joke poking pun at myself with my friends in order to be able to handle my voice's constant disappearing act. The joke was soemthing liket this,<br>
"Me? I lose my voice so easily....flatulance could make my voice go on me!' Gross I know...but if felt like the only way to describe the undependability of a God given talent which was seemingly being taken from me day after day. I felt frustrated, afraid and doomed sometimes.<br><br>
Then one day I let go, I gave my voice to God. <br><br>
At first, I cried out at the altar at a women's retreat. I told the Lord I wasnt gonna let go till he Blessed me. I cried and cried like Hanna in the Bible, so much that people probably thought I was drunk. I wasnt. I was just sick and tired of being sick and tired. <br><br>
But when a gal at my women's meeting grabbed me up from the ground and insisted I dance with joy with the rest of the group, I got the God given message. God had heard my prayers and it was time to let go. I had done all the research I could and now I needed to take joy as my dance partner. <br><br>
We danced that night - Messianic dance- the hora- whatever we were doing- and I received the gift of freedom that night. Little did I know that as I let go of my dream to sing, the Lord was about to give it back to me.<br><br>
A few short months later, I met Christian Singer Joy Williams, in the elevator at the Gospel Music Conference in Nashville where I miraculously got to the finalist level, competing in the annual Singers "Spotlight" competition. In 1 minute flat going from 2nd floor to 1st, I told JOY (williams) my problem and she solved it. Sent me to her favorite DR in Nashville who sent me to his favorite Doctor in NY. <br><br>
Dr. Yahn found a non cancerous cyst. Removed it in surgery, teamed me up with Israeli voice therapist Anat Keidar and a week later, I was singing 8 notes higher. A few years later I went on tour and because the Lord healed me, I was able to sing almost every night for 18 months straight...no problem. <br><br>
Take the actions, let go of the reults. Get the research done regarding your issue, then lift up your voice to the heavens and say, it's YOURS Lord. I am YOURS LORD. This is what I have learned and am learning each day I live. There is a time to get info and talk to your friends and research and then there is a time to sit down and let Go and let God. <br><br>
I pray this blesses somebody. I'm taking my "peace pill" now regarding some other things I find myself attached to- some dreams I have been holding onto a little too tightly, some THINGS I want, etc. But it's all the Lord's now. I sit quietly in His presence, happy to be here, grateful for what He has already done. Happy if I get what I want, content if I don't. <br><br><i>(this blog Inspired by The Bible, Philippians chapter 4 & the Alanon Program, Step 3)</i><br><br type="_moz">Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/2749032013-01-04T04:12:21-05:002013-01-04T04:12:21-05:00ARE WE READING INTO THINGS TOO MUCH?I had a TOTAL Epiphany this morning!!!! <br><br>
Reading into the "signs" in our lives can be helpful sometimes. But we must hold God's ideas from His Word higher than any signs. <br>
Meaning- we could google what God's word (The Bible) says on that topic in His Word first.<br><br>
Otherwise, if we read the signs without knowing God's truth, we run into the danger of OVERTHINKING, WRONG THINKING & being MISLED by our own inferior ideas. <br>
We risk missing God's Will (His will for us NOT to try and Be God & leaders of our own lives). If we do the former thing, we will find peace.<br><br>
What questions do you have for the Lord about your life and where you are going? "Google" search his Word. This is my challange for the New Year.<br><br><u>Prayer:</u><br><i>Lord, I am so sorry for allowing my mind to run rampant, obsessing about things without need to do so. Help me to let Go and Let YOU be in charge. How important is this decision or idea I have anyway? If it's that important, I know you will guide me. Help me have patience as I wait for the answer and to keep busy helping those in need as I wait so as not to waste away in my thoughts. I surrender to you everything I am and everything I want to become. You are the best leader this universe has ever known- perect and unfailing in your love, merciful to save, awesome in love.</i><br><br type="_moz">Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/2125202012-09-11T07:15:00-04:002012-09-11T07:15:00-04:00THE REVELATION OF OUR OWN MORTALITY...Where does it lead us?written by Michelle Gold, 9-11-2012<br>
Based on 1 Peter 1:24 and 25<br><br><b> Scroll down & press play button (tiny blue sideways triangle on left) to hear the song "ALMOST SLIPPED AWAY" while reading, by MIchelle Gold & Michele L. Jaffe</b><br><br><i>“All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.</i><br><br>
When people have a revelation of their own mortality, we begin to seek more deeply those things which are eternal…something more lasting and more meaningful.<br><br>
This morning, the early morning news showed the twin towers going up in smoke. I was there that day. Well not there in the buildings but just 30 blocks away in New York City. I was at my singing lesson and then scurrying thru the streets over to Joe's office to see if he was safe. He was. <br><br>
But Joe and I felt an enormous hole in our hearts that day as if smoke went up in our hearts. We watched something GLORIOUS & seemingly unmovable and unshakable - the twin towers, go up into flames and smoke. We saw friends and friends of friends leave this life in moments. We felt heavenly tears falling from the sky. <br><br>
It was the evil of this world, it was one of the greatest tragedies I had ever seen. <br><br>
Joe and I offered blood at the hospital but were turned away so instead we hit the streets to talk to strangers about the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob, who sent the Messiah to die for us so we could have everlasting life…the God who could bring comfort to their hearts. I felt like I wish I could have done much more but being in such shock, I wasn't sure what else to do at the time. I lost a very close friend and friends of friends. <br><br>
Like the Titanic or much worse, something glorious, something seemingly unshakable WENT DOWN.<br><br><b>The message of hope and healing today? </b><br><br>
1.<b> Let us mourn with those who mourn </b>and pray deeply for the families who lost loved ones. This is what the Lord Himself has asked of us. If you lost someone, please know I and praying deeply for you today and mourn with you.<br><br>
2. <b>Let us</b><b> be wholeheartedly drawn to a loving relationship with our Heavenly Father </b>as a child runs into his/her daddy's arms. Recoginzing our own mortality will lead us to reach for God who longs to be the lover of our soul. When buildings fall, when loved ones are lost and gone, when hurts run too deep to put into words, we have a powerful love pouring down from the heavenliness which does not fail us. In addition to love, we have the promise of a far greater life than this when we die- a perfect life where there are no more tears and no more suffering. (John 14:6 and the Book of Revelation, chapter 21)<br><br>
3. <b>Let us become people of healing ACTION</b>. In Hebrew and in the Jewish tradition, we say "Tikkun Olam"- referring to our unquestionable responsibility to repair the world. A pastor friend of mine reminded me of the story of the little boy in the Bible who had very little to give…his measly lunch!!! But the Lord was able to multiply it and feed the multitudes. <br><br>
With the little that we have to give; a kind word, a loving tone, an unexpected gift, a heartfelt loving prayer for a friend, a dinner invitation to a lonely soul, a song, dance or artistic work with a healing message, we can bring reparation to the world. Though it sounds idealistic, we must believe that it is not. We must believe that we can be a light for those who stand or sit in darkness. <br><br><b>MY PRAYERS BE WITH THE FAMILIES OF THOSE LOST IN 9-11</b><br><br>4:31Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/1726672012-05-27T11:15:00-04:002017-01-13T12:41:05-05:00BUT AM I WORTH IT?<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/82c100a0831f6406607c6606e798b1aea3423791/medium/Photo-on-2012-05-05-at-20.215.jpg?1380041905" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="203" width="300" /><br>
My emotions are bursting as I type, not knowing what to say or how to express myself. But I am passionatly aware that the enemy of my soul has tried to trick me more than once into thinking I am not worth it. There have been times that even though my BRAIN says, I am loved and I am crowned with splendor by God, I fear I am not worth one thought, one friendship, one heart. "Give up live ministry performance!" the voice says. "No one cares about your message & your existance," the voice says. <br><br>
But then I recall the voice of my God, the voice of my mother and the voice of my husband and mentor Joe Franco. All three of these voices have been powerful influences in my life. All three of these have spoken (to me or about me) with greatness of attitude and overwhelming excitment about my future. The Word of God in the Jewish Scriptures (book of Jeremiah) says that God has plans to prosper me and you. There are tons of beautiful scriptures about how I am (and you are also) a crown of splendor in God's mighty hand and how when we believe in Him, we become a royal priesthood, a holy nation...ROYALTY!!! <br><br>
I try therpay on myself. "SNAP OUT OF THIS," my heart yells at me. "None of us feels we are worth much at all until the Lord comes along and shows us our value is in Him." A more gentle kind of therapy follows. I imagine how I would react if my own daughter told me she doesnt feel worth anything. Oh my goodness and if SHE said she wasnt worth it to ME, I would utterly embrace her. I would look her in the eyes and with every bit of ferver within me, I would tell her that her feelings are not facts. I would tell her she is worth more than the moon and the stars to me. <br><br>
So what do we do with our twisted minds? How do we tame the thoughts which turn us away from God's will and from loving ourselves? We MUST surround ourselves with praiseworthy friends who lift us up, music which lifts us up and the Word of God. We MUST pray & let God heal us. We can do that now.<br><br>
LET'S PRAY TOGETHER:<br><i>Father forgive me for thinking I am not worth it. You made me and I dont mean to insult your beautiful works. You said in Psalm 145 that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. <br>
Help me to love and value myself each day no matter what I do or dont do and no matter what others say or don't say. Lord, love me and teach me how to love myself as you do.<br>
Love, your princess, Michelle Gold</i><br><br>
Inspired by this article: <a target="_new" href="http://www.allaboutphilosophy.org/what-am-i-worth-faq.htm">http://www.allaboutphilosophy.org/what-am-i-worth-faq.htm</a><br>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/1558502012-04-09T06:20:00-04:002012-04-09T06:20:00-04:00Goodbye Death, Hello life! La Chaim!<i>"A certain young man named Eutychus sat in the window, weighed down with deep sleep. As Paul spoke still longer, being weighed down by his sleep, he fell down from the third story, and was taken up dead. 10 Paul went down, and fell upon him, and embracing him said, “Don’t be troubled, for his <b>life is in him</b>.” </i>(The World English Bible Messianic Version)<br><br>
Lately, I have felt doomy and gloomy allowing negative thoughts to convince me of their worth. The thoughts say, "This cold you have will just never go away," "you will never get ahead financially," you are stuck at your current weight and you might as well just continue not thinking about it, "you try to get close to God but He is going to feel far away for the rest of your life." <br><br>
If you are reading this and you have these thoughts too, let's stand against the itty bitty hogwash committees in our heads and call the evil one a liar! Yes, the evil entity (whom I believe is called ha satan in Hebrew) who seeks to destroy our very lives. This evil being seeks to strip us of hope for our future and of our faith.<br><br>
The most memorable scripture I have heard which also comes alive to me now is about FAITH. Faith is being SURE of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Knowing this, our feelings and thoughts have NO POWER over you and over me today. It's healthy to acknowledge them and maybe pat yourself on the back like a child and validate yourself (eg- "I know you feel that way and I understand why you feel so down)<br><br>
BUT BUT BUT, God reminds us in this story from scripture above, that there is no need to be troubled because "LIFE IS IN HIM!" I lay my hands upon my head and my heart one at a time and I now prolaim life. WIll you join me? I say, "I refuse to be troubled, LIFE IS IN ME!" The God who has the power to GIVE LIFE loves me and you. The Messiah who rose from the grave and defeated death LIVES in us when we believe. His LIFE is in us. He breathes in us. HIs confidence, hope, determination and strength to go forward in faith LIVES in us. <br><br>
So today, as in my Jewish traditions of old, I thank the almighty One for life- not just physical life but life in my heart and in my mind, I proclaim it and relinquish all thoughts and feelings which bring me to the grave of despair. TO LIFE! I say, "La Chaim!"<br><br>
I pray you are encouraged today with me by this scripture and inspiration.<br>
Are you celebrating life today? If not, invite Yeshua into your heart and He will fill you with rivers of living water and give you life. He said Come onto me all you who are weary...<br><br>
Love you!<br>
michelle gold<br>4:51Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/1349312012-01-19T16:10:00-05:002022-04-24T14:46:26-04:00IS SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL DWINDLING IN THIS GENERATION?<div style="text-align: justify;">Recently I read a very heart stirring article by Mitch Glaser, head of Chosen People Ministries, one of the greatest Jewish outreach minitries in the world. The article posed a question about the dwindling support for Israel in our current generation. Here is my response pasted from his blog page. Love to hear your thoughts...<br><br>
"Thank you Mitch for your sharing about such a vital topic. I can tell you that for many years, though proud to be a little Jewish girl from Brooklyn, I was not even aware of how important it is to support Israel.<br><br>
I was raised to think of Israel as a state and not as a people, my people. I was even raised to resent that Israel could need or require more support than Jews anywhere else in the world. Besides, my Dad would tell me about all the Jewish people on Kingshwy in Brooklyn and in Russia- they needed my “support” or so he taught me there was nothing different about Israel.<br><br>
But I know now thatthere is. What changed my heart towards Israel is this. My friend Byron Spradlin said to me, Michelle, if you don’t go (and help the Jewish people) who else will? That day I realized that I was called as a Jewish woman like Esther to bring salvation to my people, for such a time as this.<br><br>
I came to realize that though there are Jewish people all over the world, that most of my Jewish PEOPLE live in the land of Israel. It then dawned on me that the land is vital because our people are the heartbeat of God. (as stated in Romans 10 when Paull expressed his desire to see my people saved) God longs for us.<br><br>
I have a deep love and support for Israel like never before. Yes, some might argue that supporting Israel is a political thing and that the topic should stay out of the church. But the Lord has shown me, the contrary. Israel is His people, that’s a spiritual topic. Supportng Israel is part of the great commission. I feel like God is saying to the church today, “If you love my people, you’ll protect their land.”<br><br>
michelle gold<br>
http://www.michellegold.com<br>
Music dscribed as Celine Dion & Beyonce meet Yeshua Jesus in Jerusalem.<br><br>
Pasted from the <a href="http://drmitchglaser.wordpress.com/2012/01/13/can-you-be-both-pro-israel-and-pro-palestinian/#comment-48" target="_new"><u>Blog of Dr. Mitch Glaser</u></a>
</div>5:24Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/1025752011-06-11T21:20:00-04:002011-06-11T21:20:00-04:00YOUR FAITH IS AMAZING<div style="text-align: justify;">Last night I had a dream. It was both terrifying and beautiful all at once. How can these descriptive words end up in the same sentence? By Faith. By faith we can look at circumstances which cry out "DOOM AND GLOOM" and quiet our souls. Like a Mother to a newborn we can say to ourselves, "It's OK, everything WILL be OK." and somehow we know it will.<br><br>
But the faith of this here Brooklyn Mommy does not hold a candle to to some people I love and have grown in awe of. The faith that my husband Joe has, for example, often has me floored, or as we like to slightly mispronounce it in "Brooklynese," "FLAWD!"<br><br>
Here's my beautiful terrifying dream. Joey and I and our newborn are driving on a scenic tour through Jamaica or some breathtaking Island- maybe Fiji or somewhere in the Caribbean. From a far, we see the entire Island overtaken by the waves of the greenish sea and the people are screaming and crying for help.<br><br>
The bus driver stops the bus on the highest mountainous part of the route and says something to the extent of, "Folks, THIS is where our ride ends. There is nothing we can do now." Joey and I and Baby Micah step off the bus, stand on the mountain, and are all in a husband-lead huddle quite terrified. I gaze upon my newborn with tears of grief knowing he'll never see the world I once grew to love and know.<br><br>
The brightest noonday smile appears on Joey's face looking up to the sky, to God and to creation. With faith & joy greater than any I have ever seen, Joe says, "Guys, we're going to close our eyes now. We're going to wake up and we're going to see the Lord right now (face to face. In my dream, I felt at peace with going HOME to God, to Yeshua to my next life. But I could not take hold of letting go of this newborn babe God has so recently placed in my arms.<br><br>
Holding the baby higher and higher towards the sky with my arms outstretched, the waves began to cover my waste, my shoulders, my face, until I could no longer save the baby boy. The reassuring thought came to me that Bella was home with family who would care for her. We all closed our eyes and went home, under the sea, over the rainbow and into the arms of a most Holy, loving God whose ways and thoughts we do not always understand. But we trust. We trust THAT life, the next life is better than this one- way better- with no crying, no tears, no injury, abuse, aids, violence and condemnation.<br><br>
Waking up this morning, I told my husband that I think his faith is AMAZING. Of course, he humbly and jokingly berated himself, saying he'd probably be just as terrified. But I knew he was just trying to be humble and sweet and silly. Because I know Joe and I know he survived losing his first wife. And I know he has survived a great deal more with great faith ) even in hard times.<br><br>
Yes, he's had his share of pity parties he's admitted to (like all of us). But they beauty of his walk with the Lord is that even those pity fits lead to regret and repentance and a closer walk with God. (Romans 3:23 tells us that we all fall short of the glory of God.<br><br>
That's why I ask the Lord today for faith that is amazing. Faith that is supernatural which does not come from within me but from the skies. (the heavenlies) I pray disaster not strike me before I have faith that is amazing. Will you pray that kind of radical prayer with me? Say it now with me if you dare, "Let not disaster strike me, before I have faith that is amazing and a passion in my relationship with you Lord."<br><br>
Amen.<br><br>
This blog was inspired by my loving husband, Joe Franco and his mother, Millie, who always stood out to me as a woman with faith that is amazing.<br><br>
Love,<br><br><i>Mish</i>
</div>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/885542010-12-02T19:05:00-05:002017-01-13T12:41:04-05:00DOES THE LORD CARE IF I WEAR RED SHOES OR GREEN?<div style="text-align: justify;">Ok. I don't know about you! But I have ALWAYS wondered, <b>"Does the Lord care whether I wear Red shoes or Green? </b>I have attended LOTS of great Bible studies with balanced teachers who taught on the topic of God's guidance and attention to detail. Let's face it! I know HE, the Creator, the Holy one has designed our planet, universe, world with unfathomable and awe inspiring detail. <br><br>
I know the scripture says we belong to Him and are His sheep and that He can count every hair on our little heads. But what about the TINY seemingly unimportant details. Not to use the word "care" wrongly. I know God cares for us in every way. But does he wish to be part of the tiny decisions?</div>
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<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/40f8acd39f30b161569d28dcd8832740e5b265e7/thumb/MyPicture.jpg?1380041904" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="125" width="109" /> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/ca37d4940a70663c9868e7ce08aa2cc32f4e70c5/thumb/joenmishhaironjoe.jpg?1380041904" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="125" width="159" /> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/fe2ec62427f1da75788aaeb1233668a785418db9/thumb/mishnjoeHanukkah.jpg?1380041904" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="125" width="158" /><br>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">On one hand, I wanna answer you this way. "Come on folks! GET REAL! I seek God about my daily activities, decisions and attitudes. But when I hit my closet (as I am lucky enough to have a walk in closet now that I live in Nashville), I can't bare to ask God which shoes I should wear. I think it rather laughable. <b>I'd worry about falling under the category of someone who is "so spiritually minded, they are no earthly good." </b>In other words, someone who would spend an hour in the closet praying for God to show them which shoes to wear only to ignore the family God gave them to love and minister to. <br><br>
On the other hand, my husband Joe made me second-guess myself tonight when I asked him this very question. <b>Maybe God DOES care about which shoes we wear!! </b>The REAL decision I was trying to make tonight was whether I should attend a Mother's (MOPS) group tomorrow or to stay home and rest. So the phrase I have been saying for years in my head pops out of my mouth and I said to Joe, "Joey, do you think God really cares about whether I wear the Red shoes or the Green?" <br><br>
To which Joey replied, "<b>SOMETIMES even details like which color shoes you wear could concern God."</b> For example, what if you wear the Red shoes and they attract someone to you to come & talk. And because of that conversation, you get the opportunity to bless them with prayer or you get the opportunity to share your faith in Yeshua with them?"<br><br>
DID I JUST SAY YESHUA while talking about SHOES? OK- I can hear the puns you are now creating in your head with me! But let's be serious for a moment. <br><b><br>
Can we agree that sometimes, God does have a preference about the tiny seemingly unimportant details of our lives? </b><br><br><b>LET'S PRAY NOW<br></b><br><i>Yeshua, I am no scholar so please forgive me if I've misunderstood your direction in my life. I ask you to make things plain to me with regard to the direction I am going. Like Moses said, I want to say now, "if you're presence does not go with me, I don't want to go at all." Help me to seek you for every decision of my life that might make a true and noticeable impact on others.<br><br>
I love you and want my life to make a difference. I want to be a blessing. Let me feel your peace as I make decisions that are good. And convict my soul when a decision is not the best one for me. I am completely filled with joy that I have a beautiful & loving God who loves and leads me like a little precious lamb. Thank you Lord for hearing this prayer for discernment. Amen. </i><br><br>
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SCRIPTURES I THOUGHT OF WHEN WRITING THIS:</b><br><br><i>Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.</i> (Luke 12:7)<br><br>
I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, <br>
who directs you in the way you should go. (Isaiah 48:17)<br><br><i>The LORD wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent <br>
and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters. <br>
He makes the clouds his chariot </i> (An excerpt from Pslam 104)<br><br><i>Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his;<br>
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. (Psalm 100:3)</i><br><br><i>"If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?" (Exodus 33:15-16, NIV).<br></i><br><a target="_new" href="http://www.olivetchurch-lansing.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=44:insisting-on-the-presence-exodus-331-23&catid=15:september2010&Itemid=27"><b>ANOTHER GREAT ARTICLE TO CONSIDER READING</b></a><br><br>
(It's about seeking God's presence) <br><br>
Hope the argument I had with myself today inspires you to seek God in the tiny decisions especially where your decision will make a strong impact on others. <br><br>
All my love,<i><br><br>
Michelle</i>
</div>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/734042010-05-07T00:15:00-04:002017-01-13T12:41:04-05:00WE ARE LIKE POSTMEN!<div style="text-align: justify;">"I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night." For complete scripture, <a target="_new" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/parser.php?search1=Isaiah+62&version1=NIV&showmoresearches=closed&showmoreversions=closed&pslookup_showfootnotes=yes&pslookup_showxrefs=">click here.</a><br><br>
Blessings! Michelle Gold here. <br><br>
Today I got an email from a friend or fan of mine in Germany who I look up to a great deal. I was so impressed by the words of wisdom and encouragement he shared regarding making a difference and sharing a message as a friend or even as an artist . musician with a message of hope. Just HAD to share it with you. <br><br>
I feel what he said is applicable to our lives as we sing for the Lord and draw His people to Him during a song or even after a concert. ENJOY this brief word...<br><br>
"Two people thanked me yesterday after praying the salvation prayer...And I thought, we are really like postmen: delivering a special registered mail, that requires a signature of acceptance and receipt! <br><br>
We have not paid their sins, gone all the way, most often we have only interceded some spare minutes etc etc our works are light and futile, useless slaves. But HE, He has taken the unmeasurable burden of all generations...I find no words powerful enough to describe...<br><br>
He has in His great love given us this glorious task to convey that good news and hand out and explain that glorious mail letter. Some will take it and open it and some will grow into joyous servants of the King."<br>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/46668/e3b291d34109dcb0edc2fb839f5a64ba69bb0541/original/IMG_0494.JPG.jpeg?1380041904" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /><br><br><b>12-step / Overcomer's Perspective</b><br><br>
All this postman talk is another reminder of how valuable you and I are to our God, the Lord. Also a reminder of how the work is done THROUGH HIM, His love and power, and by His RUACH HA KODESH (His Holy Spirit) and not through our own strength alone. All we have to do is show up and LOVE God and love His people and open our mouths to share. We can also pray for love when we don't have it. We have been posted by God. <br><br><b>Messianic Perspective</b><br><br>
Jerusalem, my Jewish people need postmen like you and me to knock on the doors of their walls, their hearts! Many teach that my Jewish people are hopeless because we have turned away. Not tue. God is married to his chosen people.& has not rejected us who do not yet believe in Yeshua (Romans 11:1) We have NOT stumbled so as to fall "beyond recovery" or beyond believing, as some might teach. <br><br>
In fact, Sharing your message of Messiah to my people will make you rich in spirit. Some even teach that my Jewish people have an auto. pass to heaven without Messiah. Not true. Messiah gave his life as atonement for us ALL. So why not share the good news with your Jewish friends in love and with confidence? Just be a postman! **<br><br><b>Let's Pray</b><br><br>
Yeshua, Lord, I want to be a postman for you delivering your most wonderful message of hope. Give me urgency and excitement. Help me to not be silent and to not close my eyes no matter how I feel. Make me your messenger and peace ambassador. Amen.<br><br>
Short note to you who wants to be a postman today to your Jewish friend: Please note that contrary to popular opinion, a Jewish person CAN still be Jewish and believe in Yeshua (Jesus in Hebrew) . Yeshua Himself was Jewish and all the first believers were too! It's great to know that we like to call Jesus, "Messiah" or "Yeshua" because years ago, in the Holocaust, some killed in the name of Jesus. <br><br>
Thankfully, we are very certain that those people were not real believers because real believers would never kill! But because of this great tragedy, some of my people prefer the Hebrew name for Jesus (Yeshua), and prefer "Messiah" instead of "Christ." Same meaning, but more truthful to use the Hebrew names I think. <br><br>
Hope you are inspired. So please Mr/Mrs. Postman...LOL</div>4:31Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/683552010-04-14T19:55:00-04:002017-02-01T15:07:29-05:001 MINUTE GOLD VIDEO BLOG "Something's Comin"<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/migoldmusic#p/u/6/ha7tdt-xD1w" target="_new">Click here to check it out!</a></div>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/679392010-04-12T11:30:00-04:002022-04-04T05:25:27-04:00FEELING DE-VALUED?<div style="text-align: justify;">Hey! I LOVE " blogging with you." Because I can be real and I can be myself. No reason I have to act like I have it all together, right? I am human. Though I have become a very confident woman and blessed by the Lord, I also have struggles like everyone else. Surprise! LOL! I know you are shocked right? You thought I had it all together now. (I do a bad job at sarcastic joking, dont I?) Thank you for listening to my *"mish-e-gas." LOL get it? I am so glad you are in my life.<br><br>
I want to announce to you, my beloved friends and fans that during this Spring Season, more times than once, twice, etc, I ACTUALLY THOUGHT OF GIVING UP SINGING LIVE FOREVER! Planning to never minister live/ do another concert every again was something I was highly considering. I said it out loud numerous times and this seemed to be a REAL and heartfelt option. What should I say from here? I suffered with this decision as I prayed and asked my God, Does my voice really matter? Didn't I say or sing enough already? Is it over? My passion for singing left me. <br><br>
But the more I pray today, the more I think of all the people I know and the people I don't know who are suffering. I remember now that God uses music and that music can be a very powerful tool to bring a message of hope, of healing and of salvation in ways that the spoken word is limited. I recall now "the meeting" I had with the Lord when I was just 8 years old and had thought about ending my life. A voice I heard in my head said, Michelle Gold, you cannot die. I have have a purpose for your life to sing and bring a message of hope to the world. I knew the thoughts were too mature to have come from my own heart. these words MUST have been from our God who loves us and has a plan for our lives.<br><br>
Today, I ask God to renew the joy of my salvation. I ask Him to restore the joy of sharing the message which I have so passionately shared for over 11 years (just counting my years singing Spiritual music alone) in the U.S., El Salvador, Denmark and all over Europe and Israel. <br><br>
So what happened? Being in Nashville, where everyone wants to be a star and everyone sings like Celine Dion and Ce Ce Winans, I got jaded. Beginning to unappreciate my gifts, I began to cast them aside. How am I valuable in this world?, I would ask myself. There are 90,000 other singers who sing about God's greatness so why me? <br><br>
Today I know that I am valuable in God's Eyes. We must look at our lives, our selves, our gifts our beings THROUGH HEAVEN'S EYES! (Check out my favorite song from Prince of Egypt called Heaven's Eyes for the full message) I once had a vision of a candy store FILLED with chocolate bars! ooh! My favorite! It was revealed to me in a dream how all of those chocolates were so important. If we only had one, we would be sick of it soon. The variety of taste and richness fulfills us. So our gifts and talents also are important NO MATTER HOW MANY OTHERS EXIST! This vision I remember now and I realize how my existence matters.<br><br>
12-Step Perspective or "spin": Just for today, I shall know that I am valuable to my God or higher power. God does not make junk. We are His handywork. I will look at myself thru the eyes of a LOVING Father. I will speak to my spirit the way I speak to my little baby girl- with love, gentleness and great faith in her abilities. <br><br>
Messianic Spin: the prophet Isaiah said to God's people like you and me: (Chapter 62) <br><br>
You will be a crown of splendor in the LORD's hand, <br>
a royal diadem in the hand of your God.<br>
No longer will they call you Deserted, <br>
or name your land Desolate. <br>
But you will be called Hephzibah (my delight is in her)<br>
and your land Beulah (married or beautiful)<br>
for the LORD will take delight in you...<br><br>
PRAYER OF RESPONSE:<br><br>
Oh my Adonai, my mighty God and loving Father, please imprint these words onto my heart- that I am loved by you, that I am your royal diadem and that you delight in me. Remove the ugly words in my head that I say toward myself and help me to see myself and my gifts through heaven's eyes. May I NEVER throw away the gifts you have given me. That would be aweful and it would hurt your heart as much as seeing those I love throw their gifts and lives away. Fill me with your sense of purpose and restore the joy of my salvation. Amen.<br><br>
Mi-she-gas: n. (pronounced mish-eh-GOSS). Also spelled mishegoss or mishegaas. Once again, Jewish people can’t agree on how to spell anything, such as Hannukah or Chanukah. Mishegas is a Yiddish word that literally means insanity or madness, but is more often used in a playful description of a wacky, kooky state of being. For example, "Mishegas of Motherhood" is intended to describe how children drive their parents crazy.</div>Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/668762010-04-07T18:55:00-04:002010-04-07T18:55:00-04:00AMERICAN IDOL'S "BIG MIKE" GOT SAVED! HOW ABOUT YOU?<div style="text-align: justify;">Last night, on American Idol, one of the top contestants, Big Mike, who has a voice like Luther Vandross got booted off. (temporally, that is) With his great talent & his winning personality, you just knew he was bound to win. But there he was, in the bottom 3, the one how received the least amount of votes. <br><br>
Did America forget to vote? It left us all feeling lost. Was all of his talent and personality worthless? I don’t think so!!!! We all knew he was born to win. He has class; he has heart and smooth vocals that can tame a lion. LOL! <br><br>
Bottom line, the judges then gave him a free pass, which overruled all of America's votes or lack of. AND BIG MIKE WAS SAVED!!!!! You’ll see him on the show next week and he's bound to be a winner or at least make great music for us all.<br><br>
A guy with a powerful voice- a new Dad, a man with a beautiful wife who cries for joy on TV when he wins and probably cries with love for him when he loses. <br><br>
But what about you? Are you like Big Mike? Have you been overlooked by the world? Have you been unfairly forgotten? Has all the work you've been doing gone totally un-noticed? Do you feel scared about your future and family's security in this crazy economy? Do you feel lost?<br><br>
Well, I was once like you. Then, Yeshua, the Jewish Messiah, came along and just like Big Mike, I GOT SAVED! Saved out of being sick and tired of my life, saved out of sorrow, saved from fear of my future (anxiety). And I was saved out of my biggest fear of all- the fear that God was far away.<br><br>
I know now that Yeshua, the Jewish Messiah, gave his life for me and for you as an atonement for our wrongs, our sin our shame. He is never far away but lives in our hearts when we invite Him in. Believing in Him, the Jewish Savior of the world and of MY HEART, I have never been more happy. And as for my Judaism, I have never been more Jewish in my life than I am now by believing in the Jewish Messiah. I just prayed a simple humble prayer sincerely to allow him to lead my life.<br><br>
Do you want to be saved? I want you to be saved. God is proposing to you. Will you say yes?<br><br>
PRAY WITH ME:<br><br>
Avinu Malchenu, my Father and King. I admit to you that I am lost without your love. I need to be saved. Come into my heart and be my leader and my friend. Be my Messiah. Replace my fear of the future with hope for tomorrow, replace my sorrow with joy and dancing. Thank you for writing my name in your book of life, heaven, forever. There is no greater joy than YOU. <br><br>
Amen.<font color="#FFCC00" class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br></span></font>
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<font color="#FFCC00" class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></font>4:51Michelle Goldtag:www.michellegold.com,2005:Post/615852010-02-28T06:40:00-05:002010-02-28T06:40:00-05:00JUST SING! Asking for Supernatural Power<div style="text-align: justify;">You have turned my sorrow into joyful dancing.No longer am I sad and wearing sackcloth. I thank you from my heart, and I will never stop singing your praises, My LORD and my God. (Psalm 30:11-12)<br><br>
It’s 4:40pm at the Gold-Franco house. Not everyday is like today. Sometimes the grueling schedule of having a baby girl can be tiring. Sometimes she just cries and wants to be held and I have to put down anything else that seems important temporarily. <br><br>
But today, I ask God to help me & suddenly, this JOY COMES OVER ME and I feel like a child again. Bella tickles my toes and reaches towards my face to kiss me saying, "MMMMMMMMMMWA!" Sweet. Her hugs and kisses "melt me" and I realize there is nothing on my mind that God can't handle for me. We STOP everything, run to the playroom, blast the music, sing, dance, and MAKE MUSIC TOGETHER!!! <br><br>
Shaking the shakers in the air, Bella joins in by clicking her sticks. A few seconds later I hand her the my two blocks showing her the awesome rhythm they make. Then, the harmonica makes its sounds and before you know it, Bella and I are marching around the room singing and playing. I say to myself, “I cant believe I am marching around the room with a sinus infection and a headache the size of Brooklyn!" I am having a ball and my neighbors think I am crazy but I think I got it made. <br><br>
Supernatural strength comes over me. This is the joy of the Lord which gives me strength! <br><br>
12-STEP / OVER-COMER’S PERSCPECTIVE:<br><br>
I am learning to ASK GOD FOR STRENGTH. I need His SUPERNATURAL Power. <br><br>
I remove "Stinkin Thinkin" by filling my mind with hopeful words from the Lord rather than what I say or think. When I read the proverbs and psalms or scriptures everyday, the words I read refresh me like a fountain pouring over me. The Word of God is medicine to my soul. I sit in bed with my coffee and my Bible. Without it, I tire, I have compassion fatigue and nothing within me sparkles with joy.<br><br>
JEWISH AND MESSIANIC SPIN:<br><br>
I’m reminded of what I love most about my Jewish culture. When you are Jewish, it’s unheard of to have a celebration without a song and a dance. Davidic dancing, or dancing in a circle is something we do for fun and rejoicing. <br><br>
We sing and dance at weddings and at Shabbat Service on Saturdays. It is tasteful dancing, praising the creator of the universe and giving thanks. (To check out FREE or affordable Israeli dance classes in your area, check out http://www.israelidance.com)<br><br>
Another words, Though there are many bills to pay and miracles that I am awaiting, I forget all my worries and cares and remember what it means to come to the Lord like a child. There's a time for everything. And sometimes, it's the time to sing and dance! Let’s learn to sing and dance and thank God even when things are not perfect. <br><br>
LET'S PRAY:<br><br>
Lord, I ask you for strength. Give me a heart of gratitude. Help me to sing and dance like a child. Let me experience your joy!!! I need your help, Hashem. I love you. Amen.<br><br>
ABOUT MUSIC TOGETHER:<br><br>
Music Together is an internationally recognized early childhood music program for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, and the adults who love them. I’ll be teaching a class this April in Nashville at the Green Hills Mall in TN. (Thursday afternoons) <br><br>
The class comes with 2 cds (one for the car, one for the house) jammed with phenomenal LIVE music for children with exotic tempos & interesting melodies from all over the world, major and minor, and even some songs we all grew up with. It’s fascinating music to share! <br><br>
TO JOIN MY MUSIC TOGETHER CLASS THIS APRIL (UNDER DIRECTOR, KYM JOHNSON) OR GET MORE INFO, check out <a href="http://musiccitymusictogether.com/" target="_new">MUSiC CITY MUSIC TOGETHER.</a><br><br>
New classes begin before April. Registration OPEN NOW! see you there!</div>Michelle Gold