Wednesday, December 15, 2010

INTANGIBLE GIFTS ARE BEST!

--Presents that come with your Presence—

The older I get the more I realize I don’t need material things as gifts for the holidays! A handmade card or a t-shirt is just fine—or maybe a few bucks in a Starbuck’s gift card.

But I find myself coveting something of much higher value to me. I’m referring to intangible gifts that can not be purchased because only God can give. I’m talking about gifts such as PEACE and WISDOM. My problem isn’t in the love department as much as it’s in the peace zone.

Even when we know that God loves us and even when He has already afforded us a good dose of heavenly wisdom, unless we have His peace which surpasses our human frailties, we can’t tap into the banks of this wisdom because we’re too up-tight and stressed out. We just can’t think straight.

So it is that first, we need to embrace the gift of God’s peace. King Solomon, known for his tremendous wisdom said: “A heart at peace gives life to the body,” Proverbs 14:30. I take this to mean that God is the sole Source of this peace because He created and formed the human heart. I also take it to mean that if this peace is embedded in our heart, absolutely nothing can take it away from us! This is who we are—peaceful people…peace makers.

So, this holiday season, let’s give of who we are not just what we purchase. Let’s reflect peace everywhere we go.

I leave you with the Prophet Daniel’s words: "Do not be afraid, O man highly esteemed," he said. "Peace! Be strong now; be strong," Daniel 10:18-19.


Happy Hanukkah & Merry Christmas!

Dell

PS, I was beginning to stress-out because I hardly ever promote the books God’s given me to publish. But, hey, if I’m going to exercise peace, I’m going to just put the word out and let God do the rest. Don’t forget my recent publication, “OUT FROM HIDING.” Just go to www.4sephardim.com and click on the Publications page and pay with your credit card via our Paypal system that’s worked just fine for us.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

LIGHTS – CAMERAS – ACTION!

Hanukah Lights Up the Sanchez’

What more could I ask for–my new book published and now two brand new TV programs en español, in Spanish. But that’s not all! A film maker is doing a special documentary film on the work Helen and I do among our people, the Sephardic Anusim. Let’s chat about it for a moment or two.

First, let’s start with my new book, “Out from Hiding—Evidences of Sephardic Roots among Latinos.” This is the compilation of 15 years of investigation, travels and previous publications. It’s hitting the marketplace like a lightning storm. In it I expose new breakthroughs in the social as well as the hard sciences such as DNA.

Immediately after the book came out, I got invited to do a 30 minute Spanish teaching on this same subject on TV. I’ve been doing this for about seven years in English but now they want everything I have said in Spanish too.

And that’s not all; they’ve asked me to do a two hour talk show in Spanish on television on this very subject. So I’ll be bringing in guests from all over the country and abroad to tell their own stories on how they discovered their Jewish roots and how it’s impacted their lives. We’ll include a little cultura (culture) such as music, arts and la cocína (Sephardic kitchen practices).

As they say in TV commercials, “And that’s not all….” – a Texas film maker has begun a documentary that includes the work we’ve done for over all these years. In fact, they’re even flying us to Israel in January to do the documentary in our beloved Negev! The film will be aired on TV channels devoted to this type of film. I’ll keep you posted on the times and dates of airing.

So as you can see, this year, precious Hanukah (or Chanukah) has really lit our lives up big-time, like never before! And guess what. I want to give God all the thanks and glory because HE alone deserves it. I’m just an instrument for His purposes, and enjoy every breath of it. I want to thank those of you that never cease to pray for us and to stand in the gap for us in moral and practical ways.

But now, I think I must say this–I’m going to need your help in order to accomplish all of this in a noble way. What an awesome time as Hanukah to help me do all of this with your love gifts and donations. And what a great time to help me out by purchasing one, two or more of my brand new books. In order to do this, you can visit my website at www.4sephardim.com and check out the PUBLICATIONS page and place your order. Our Paypal system has worked very well for those of you wishing to make a special donation to this noble cause.

I’m sure you won’t be disappointed with my new book nor with my new TV programs or the documentary film. So please help me out now while the challenge is glaring with lights from heaven!

Happy Hanukah!

Dell & Helen

Saturday, November 6, 2010

“Out from Hiding – Evidences of Sephardic Roots among Latinos”

My new book, Out from Hiding, is finally off the press! This book actually began in the spring of ’96 when my father told me the secret of his family’s Sephardic (Jewish) roots. I already knew about my wife’s maternal Sephardic lineage but we had nothing on her Dad nor my Dad and Mom up until recently—now we do.

I never imagined that I’d find such a gold mine of evidences as I did. It’s kind of wild because of the deep veins that had been covered up which are filled facts and information that seems to have no end. Each succeeding shred of evidence gave me the insatiable appetite to take another bite, and another and another.

It all started with a story…an oral history. It progressed into the scouring of volumes of documented histories leading me back through the Southwest, then into Mexico, Spain and on to Israel. This ushered me in to the field of onomastics which is the art and science of the origin of our Sephardic surnames.

Then I bumped into the field of material evidence plum in the middle of little and often hidden gravesites where I found different Sephardic inscriptions and symbols on gravestones. Interesting little objects began to pop out of nowhere which served to prove my point.

Suddenly and out of nowhere, DNA slapped me in the face. We began to get little glimpses of Sephardic DNA among many Hispanic men. The wheels of DNA testing began to press forward as the big picture of our people began to unfold before our very eyes. Meanwhile, DNA scientists began to put the DNA puzzle together as they uncovered patterns and trends of DNA test results among Sephardic men in other countries which were exactly the same as many Hispanic Latinos in our own country. The evidences I’ve found are mind boggling.

What started as a book focusing strictly on the oral histories of 13 Sephardic Anusim men and women developed into a broad and comprehensive statement. It was so interesting to see how the collective profile of these 13 oral histories corroborated specific components within the various chapters of my book. I was glad that despite the gulfs between generations and tens of thousands of square miles between our Sephardic ancestors there can yet be found common bonds that link us all together like a beautiful mosaic.

So there you have it, a bird’s eye view of the evidences which I cover in my book, Out from Hiding. .

Now I’d like to talk to you about the special offer referred to above. If I were a top notch best seller such as John Grisham or Max Lucado it would cost me absolutely nothing to publish and distribute my book; but, the reality is that I’m not. So the costs I’ve incurred are pretty hefty but I won’t complain.

This being the case, I would like to propose to you that for a gift of $100 I will send you a paperback copy of my book which I’ll gladly autograph and write a special dedication to you or to whomever you wish. I’m sure it’ll be an excellent gift during the holidays ahead. I’ll cover the shipping and handling costs.

The book does retail for $16.95 but I feel this would be a mutual blessing to both of us: to me because of all the costs; and for you because you’ll be contributing into the first fruits of this book and getting it dedicated to you. (The hardcover copy of my book retails for $26.95.)

If you’re interested, send me an email ASAP telling me the number of books you’d like along with your name, mailing address and a phone number. I’ll quickly send you the exact information you need for the dedication of the book(s) and where to mail your check or money order. My email address is: negevdell@hotmail.com.

On the other hand, if you’re not in a position to enjoy this special offer and would simply like to order one or more books at retail price send me the same information as stated above and I’ll reply ASAP.

Thanks for bearing with me and blessing me along my trail!

Shalom,

Dell

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Everything’s Changed!

Our nation is in such a great mess that any act to repair or restore it will take a lot of guts. Besides this, it’s going to be uniquely painful.

I’m intrigued with something the Holy Scriptures say in 2 Chronicles 7:14-15:

“14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.” (NIV)

As I said, it’s going to take a lot of guts to humble ourselves, to pray, to seek God’s face and to turn from our wicked ways. I’m convinced it’s also going to be quite painful for all of us because we’ve become quite self-sufficient in believing we do not need God in our lives and in our nation anymore.

We’ve relied on government, politics, media and other social institutions to bail us out. But now we’re beginning to see that the mess we’ve created needs an act of supernatural power that’s way beyond our human capabilities.

Despite the mess we’re in, thank God that the Scripture says, “I WILL HEAR AND WILL FORGIVE…AND HEAL…” It’s time to re-learn how to seek God and to ask Him to bail us out; but, I’m sure we both know that He’s going to make some demands on us too. His demand is to change once we’ve turned from our own humanistic ways.

I hate to say it but unless we do this, we’re inviting Armageddon in our own country.

Personally, I don’t want to see us enter another Civil War. I don’t want to see lawlessness run rampant in the streets because of our own doing.

So, the solution is quite complex and yet very easy. It’s something we can do if we try. Read 2 Chronicles 7:14-15 and follow its prescription.

Shalom,

DELL

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Goodbye Tabernacles?

We’re fast approaching the closing of “Sukkoth,” the Feast of Tabernacles which comes to us at the end of each year in the Jewish calendar. And I hope we’ve had a Feast in Tabernacles not just a Feast of Tabernacles. If not, it’s never too late to begin.

The central theme of this Feast isn’t so much the hut or booth as much as the family and members of God’s congregation coming together. What good is a hut (or booth) if our visit and discussion is all wrong and irrelevant?

To me, Sukkoth is about families coming together to enjoy God’s presence, His provision and protection. Please notice I said, “Families” because it’s a time when children bring their children and their children’s children to assemble in an outside booth to celebrate God’s faithful goodness throughout the entire year.

I am one hundred percent convinced that the only method we’re going to survive the onslaughts that lie ahead and are already among is by celebrating perpetual Sukkoths by families joining together to pray, to learn and to share each others goods. Today we call this community—the assembling of saints (Jew or Gentile Christians).

During my adolescence, we had no space in the church building for our growing Sunday School class so we often met under a Mesquite tree outside, or in the shade provided by the side of the church building. Some of my best prayer and bible studies with men have been under a huge oak tree with low reaching branches. These trees remind me of our family trees—families connected like branches to the trunk and the trunk to its roots.

During my elementary years we’d spread open some harsh and thorny bushes in order to make our own little succa or hut in the middle of it. This little thorny hut served as protection from our imaginary enemies. We even had secret entrances into it.

The only way we’re going to survive the grave challenges coming at us today—such as the biggest tax hikes in America’s history coming up in 1/11—will be by our tabernacle lifestyle. This is how God’s family will overcome through its hardy sense of devotion to God, to family and to community. There’s no other way to endure what’s ahead without God in the middle of our community life where we all pull together.

Don’t you think it’s time to get real about the fact that God is preparing us on how to return to a lifestyle of modesty, simplicity and integrity of heart?

In closing, let me say that when David sang the 27th Psalm, the 4th verse gives us the heart of a Tabernacle lifestyle. But in verse 5, he reminds us that God will keep us safe in the “shelter of his Tabernacle.” Then in verse 6, David declares that he’s not going to moan and groan while he presents his sacrifices but shout with joy and with music to the Lord.

May we learn to live in the daily Sukkoths of our life in God!

Hag Sameah – Happy New Year!

Dell

PS, My new book, “Out from Hiding” will be coming off the press shortly. It highlights the fundamental evidences that corroborate the assumption that many Latinos have Sephardic Jewish roots. Some of these evidences include DNA, Onomastics (the origen of Sephardic surnames), material evidences such as artifacts and epigraphy, the historical record, oral histories and personal prognostications...

Monday, September 27, 2010

Goodbye Tabernacles?

We’re fast approaching the closing of “Sukkoth,” the Feast of Tabernacles which comes to us at the end of each year in the Jewish calendar. And I hope we’ve had a Feast in Tabernacles not just a Feast of Tabernacles. If not, it’s never too late to begin.

The central theme of this Feast isn’t so much the hut or booth as much as the family and members of God’s congregation coming together. What good is a hut (or booth) if our visit and discussion is all wrong and irrelevant?

To me, Sukkoth is about families coming together to enjoy God’s presence, His provision and protection. Please notice I said, “Families” because it’s a time when children bring their children and their children’s children to assemble in an outside booth to celebrate God’s faithful goodness throughout the entire year.

I am one hundred percent convinced that the only method we’re going to survive the onslaughts that lie ahead and are already among is by celebrating perpetual Sukkoths by families joining together to pray, to learn and to share each others goods. Today we call this community—the assembling of saints (Jew or Gentile Christians).

During my adolescence, we had no space in the church building for our growing Sunday School class so we often met under a Mesquite tree outside, or in the shade provided by the side of the church building. Some of my best prayer and bible studies with men have been under a huge oak tree with low reaching branches. These trees remind me of our family trees—families connected like branches to the trunk and the trunk to its roots.

During my elementary years we’d spread open some harsh and thorny bushes in order to make our own little succa or hut in the middle of it. This little thorny hut served as protection from our imaginary enemies. We even had secret entrances into it.

The only way we’re going to survive the grave challenges coming at us today—such as the biggest tax hikes in America’s history coming up in 1/11—will be by our tabernacle lifestyle. This is how God’s family will overcome through its hardy sense of devotion to God, to family and to community. There’s no other way to endure what’s ahead without God in the middle of our community life where we all pull together.

Don’t you think it’s time to get real about the fact that God is preparing us on how to return to a lifestyle of modesty, simplicity and integrity of heart?

In closing, let me say that when David sang the 27th Psalm, the 4th verse gives us the heart of a Tabernacle lifestyle. But in verse 5, he reminds us that God will keep us safe in the “shelter of his Tabernacle.” Then in verse 6, David declares that he’s not going to moan and groan while he presents his sacrifices but shout with joy and with music to the Lord.

May we learn to live in the daily Sukkoths of our life in God!

Hag Sameah – Happy New Year!

Dell

PS, My new book,“Out from Hiding” will be coming off the press shortly—I’ll keep you posted. If you're interested in obtaining a copy as soon as it's off the press, send me an email at negevdell@hotmail.com.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

ANOTHER 911!


NOTE: Today is 9-11 (Sept. 11th, 2010). A few days I posted this message in my monthly newsletter. If you’re interested in subscribing to it, send me an email to negevdell@hotmail.com.


Two days before the infamous 9-11, I spoke on the title: How to dial God’s 911. (It was based on Psalm 91.1) This came after an incredible vision God gave me while in the Rockies during the preceding summer. It was an amazing experience which I’ll never forget.

Here we are at the eve of another 9-11 (September 11th). No, I’m not saying this day is marked for another terror attack here in our nation–not that I know of.

This year, 9-11 falls just one day after the Feast of Trumpets also known as Rosh Hashanah, which is also the Jewish New Year. In fact, it’ll fall exactly one week before the holiest day in the Jewish calendar known as Yom Kippur–the Day of Atonement. Just a few days later, we’ll be celebrating Succoth also known as the Feast of Tabernacles which begins the eve of September 23rd.

Although I’ve stated that I do not know, by fact or revelation, of any terror attacks planned against our nation on that day, I do know such attacks are being planned against Israel at this very time.

In fact, Debkafile reports that the U.S. has warned Syrian president Bashar Assad regarding plans to attack Israel. Debka says that “The Obama administration has sent… Bashar Assad a stern warning that he will be held personally accountable and face consequences if Israel and the Palestinian Authority are subjected to a terror campaign—whether by Hizballah or the Palestinian extremist groups based in Damascus.”

In the past, I have heard Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu deliver some pretty hefty speeches but none like the one he delivered before the U.N. Assembly in New York a few weeks ago on June 13th. When I heard and read his statement all I could say was, “Wow and AMEN.” Here’s what he had to say:

"I promise to all Muslims around the world - if your plan will be carried out, to destroy the State of Israel, God forbid, I assure you that we have submarines with nuclear warheads missiles and we have nuclear warheads missiles outside the borders of Israel, these missiles will destroy major European capitals, along with Mecca and Medina and all the Arab oil fields."

In my newsletter last month, I delivered a “Word of Caution” regarding the time period between October and the ending of January 2011 (i.e., 10/10 – 1/11). I asked you to be very prayerful about incidents that could take place during this time and to keep a particular eye open for 10/10/10. At this time I have nothing more to add to this word of caution other than to say, it looks more serious than we think. You see, what shakes Israel also shakes America; and what shakes America shakes Israel. Let’s be more prayerful than ever as we stand watch and in the gap for Zion and also our homeland.

On a totally separate note, I want to advice my faithful readers to keep me in our warmest prayers as I’m putting final closure to my new book that’ll come out in a month or two. The title is, “OUT FROM HIDING.” It’s a book that’ll provide evidences which point to the reality of Sephardic Jewish roots among many of my Latino brethren. These evidences point to the historical record, material evidences (such as artifacts), onomastics which deals with the origins of Spanish/Sephardic surnames and DNA which presents us an irrefutable source of scientific knowledge on this subject. I earnestly believe it’ll be the best book I’ve yet to publish. I’ll be taking orders later on.

Shalom…

L’Shana tova,

Dell