With a Most Grateful Heart

This teaching about the peddler is from the Salant Foundation:
A peddler came into the market and called out, "Who wants to buy the elixir of life?" Rabbi Yanai approached him and asked to see his goods. The peddler took out a book of Psalms and showed him the verse (34:13): "Who is the man who desires life, who loves days of seeing good?"
"The next verse answers the question raised in the first verse, "Who is the man who desires life?" said the peddler. "Guard your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Turn from bad and do good, seek peace and pursue it.
Rabbi Yanai responded, "All my life I have been reading this passage, but I did not know its meaning until the peddler explained it to me." (Midrash Vayikra Raba 16:2)
What was the new insight that so impressed Rabbi Yanai? The peddler explained that the verse, "Who is the man who desires life," is not referring to a person who wants to avoid death. Rather, the verse reveals the way to TRULY BE ALIVE. That is, "Guard your lips from evil, do good, seek peace and pursue it."
There are many levels of existing in this world. Typically, we determine if a person is alive if they are breathing and their heart is beating. However, the Torah illuminates the path to grasp the essence of life. That is, doing good deeds is the factor that makes us truly alive. May we be inspired to live the good life, by performing good deeds - and then we will truly be alive.
[Based on Cochvei Ohr of Rabbi Yitzchak Blazer

TODAY: Do a good deed and feel your whole body and soul fill with vitality.

Beloved,it says in our morning prayers, "He is, He was, it is HE who remains in splendor, He is my G*D, my living Redeemer, Rock of my pain in time of distress. He is my banner, a refuge for me, the portion in my cup on the day that i call. Into His hand i entrust my spirit................."

As I contemplate this last year I have so much to be thankful for. First and foremost is my relationship with HaShem, it is my most precious possession. I say possession because it is the one and only thing that I can truly say is mine and no one can take it from me. It is a gift from HaShem, and I know that it is only because He has chosen to reveal Himself to me that I am privileged to share in it, it is nothing I could have perceived on my own. That alone gives me strength and courage to face what ever challenges come my way.

The joy of HaShem’s presence knows no boundaries, I can experience Him anytime, anywhere. It is a little piece of Heaven right here on earth. The more I tend and nurture our relationship the more precious it becomes, and so it is with all our relationships beloved. Each of you are also precious to me and I am most grateful for each and every one of you, for the depth that you add to my life. Wishing you all a happy, healthy and Holy Thanksgiving, filled with Emunah, Tikva, Ahavah and Shalom, faith, hope, love and peace. It is yet another chance to share G*D's love and grace.

L*RD it is with a most grateful heart I come to you for all you are doing in my life, I know all is from your hand, I know it is all part of some bigger plan. I have so much to be thankful for, give me the courage and grace to see it all through to the end. Below is an amazing song that speaks of the faithfulness of our Abba Father, you can click on the link below to hear the song. Enjoy the journey beloved. Elisheva

HE IS
Father, let the world just fade away
Let me feel your presence in this place
L*rd, I’ve never been so weary
How I need to know you’re near me
Father, let the world just fade away
Till I’m on my knees
Till my heart can sing
He is
He was
He always will be
Even when it feels like there is no one holding me
Be still, my soul
He is
Father, let your Holy Spirit sing
Let it calm the storm inside of me
As I stand amazed
I will lift my hands and say
He is
He was
He always will be
He lives
He loves
He’s always with me
Even when it feels like there is no one holding me
Be still, my soul
Through every fear
And every doubt
And every tear I shed
Down every road
I’m not alone
No matter where I am
He is
He was
And He always will be
He lives
He loves
He’s always with me
Even when it feels like there is no one holding me
Be still, my soul
Be still, and know
Be still, my soul
He is...............
Mark Schultz