Using time wisley

Some might have already heard this from others. But it's good to remember.

While listening to a certain lecture online, the speaker made a good point about why we count up during sefiras haomer and not down. I would have mentioned this message back then, but I only recently watched it. Anyway, he said that we count up and not down because when you count down, those days in between are in the way, and it feels like a long time until you reach that special day. However, during the omer we are suppose to use each day as a chance to grow. We count up, taking one step, and then two steps and three. On the 48th day we are 48 steps closer toward Shavous.

It's like a student waiting to graduate. They can either count down the days until they're done with school, and feel anxious, and just want to fast forward to that day. Or they can take the opportunity to use this time wisely as they come closer to that day.
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Interesting elevator moment

I was on an elevator a long while at a shoping center and it was almost full. We went up a little and then the door opened. One guy said to the people outside, "You can try to come in if you want." Then a few people walked in and he said, "I was only kidding." The ones in the back started laughing. Then he said sorry to everyone. The elevator went up a little more and the door opened again. This time he says to them, "No!" And there was more laughter. Then a couple people said to them "Try it, try it." And they came in. Deffenately one of my more interesting elevator experiences

lets accomplish

I think that just like a husband and wife need to communicate inorder to strenghten their marriage, so too we Jews of diff types should communicate calmly with eachother so we understand each other and can connect. I know this is difficult and not easy to accomplish. But it's something for people to think about. Another thing to help bring us together is to think of the good in people. For example, instead of thinking of something negative about someone, think of the chesed that someone does or some other nice thing. Again, it's difficult sometimes, but a neccessary step toward our goal. Plus, we should realize that eventhough we disagree, we can still respect eachother :)

Virtual Touring

If you would like to go back to Israel or would like to go for the first time, you can take a virtual tour at this link below.
They have different itineraries of interest that you choose, and then you either look at the pictures or see a 360 view for some places, all which are amazingly gorgeous. There's also nice scenary videos.
Here we go
http://www.goisrael.com/vt/

6 TIPS

The 3 weeks is coming soon, starting on Thursday. I was recently looking at a certain website and it gave some great tips on what we can all work on. I'm writing this in my own words.

update, 7 tips

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Character traits - we can each look inside and think of something to work on and improve on about ourself. By working on this, we become better friends, parents, spouses, neighbors, etc. - I understand how some people feel when it seems like you're the only one doing something. But, I have to come realize that we still need to do it because it's the right thing to do, even if we feel alone in doing it.

Prayer - Learn the meaning of the words so it is more meaningful for you and you have more kavanah. Also, when you have a little time to yourself, either during the day or at night, make a personal prayer and say what is on your mind. This helps with strenghtening our connection to Hashem

Seek, keep searching for and learn Jewish info that will help you to build your knowledge. Then with that knowledge, we can improve our practice.

Emunah - This one is very hard for most of us. But it is important to work on.
- Just like parents who love their children, want what's best for them, so too Hashem wants what is best for us. - And just like children don't always understand their parents, we sometimes are bewildered at the situations that happen to us and wonder why they happen. However, we must understand that everything is for the best. There's this story I read in which this lady was going through a very hard time and she had to take off time from work to recuperate. During those weeks, she spent more time with her family. She writes that eventhough she went through what she did, she's in a better situation now because it helped her with her priorities. Plus, her children are happier with her being there.
Also, remember that if you're worried about something, work on trusting in Hashem that He'll help you through it

Love - This can be either hard or easy, depending on who we are around. Some people are easier to like and some are harder. However, we must remember that we Jews are a family. Eventhough we fight, we still deep down care about each other.

Joy - Do something with joy, whether it is when you light shabbos candles, or say a blessing on food and think about being glad to have it, or some other mitzvah. When you do it with joy, it becomes more meaningful and pleasureble.

Appreciate - Think about the things that you are grateful for. For example, being healthy, having friends, having shelter, nourishment, clothing, etc. I read an article in which someone suggested that couples should have a gratitued notebook. In it they should write what they appreciate about their spouse. By focusing on their love for each other, they strengthen their relationship.

Well I hope this is helpful, have a good week

where would you go

Do people still do those tags. You know, the ones where a blogger answers some questions and then tags another blogger to do it on their own blog.
I feel like starting one of my own. But with only one question.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I tag
thejewishside
to answer
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If you don't want to, it's okay, I'll pick someone else

Some music

This link below is about a Jewish female musician who grew up secular and then started learning more and more about her heritage and decided to go for it. She mentions that she still wants to be herself and be the artist that she is. - And she does a beautiful job with it. :)
While listening to her message, I was thinking that we who grew up religious, sometimes lose that enthusiasm because it either becomes routine or some other reason. However, there is always that spark, and with the right inspiration, it can be re-lit.
Here is the vid, enjoy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tK6qvn_S1hk

Note: The beauty is what motivated her. And as she learned more, she learned about our obligation with Torah

Aryeh and Yitzy- Im Eshkacheich

Balance between the two

A long while ago, I had a discussion with someone about which approach is better when teaching others about shmiras halashon. I mentioned that people don't realize the consequences of L'H.
They replied that a better way is to mention the positive outcome of guarding our tounges like keeping a relationship intact.

I think that we should instill both approachs. The positive one motivates us to be considerate of friends, co-workers, family. Plus there is the incentive of blessings if we guard our words.

While nice incentives motivate us, what is to keep us from a huge temptation? For ex. sitting with friends and speaking and listening about somthing really interesting. - What stops us is the thought of the impact this activity can have. - It might seem at first like, "Eh, we're just talking, nothing's going to happen." But when you think about it, anything could happen, like simply one friend being upset at another friend because of a rumor that spread. But even if nothing happens, there's still consequences in the next world.

Of course, there are times when we need to say something about someone in order to protect people . That's why it's good to learn the rules of how to say it for a contructive purpose.

To sum up, we should teach both the positive things of guarding our tounge, and the consequences of not doing so.