Queen Vashti: an example of wickedness or modesty?

Blessed Love

For Sabbath I continued to read Edith Dean's "All of the Women of the Bible," a book which I recently came across on Amazon. I found it very helpful in finishing my book as she brought to my attention some important figures which I had never quite paid attention to because so little was mentioned of these women.

Today I read about Queen Vashti because I was considering what her story had meant from Biblical text as well as Jewish.

Now just from reading the Bible, one thinks that she was a woman who refused to obey her husband because he was asking a very ridiculous request. King Xerxes I wanted her to parade before his court wearing her crown - only her crown it is said in some sources. The king and his court had been drinking wine heavily for seven nights, and were no doubt feasting their eyes on concubines, musicians and dancers. They must have engaged in a talk about who was the most beautiful woman or wife, when the king announced that his own wife was fairest of all, and he could prove it. Whatever the dirty conversations being held, he somehow needed to have her showcase herself to prove a point. The men were probably rowdy, rude and stink of wine and meat. Queen Vashti, who had been dining with the women in the king's castle for the seven days, might not have wanted to play the role of a trophy wife, or even a harlot. She might not have wanted her beauty to be trivialized or exploited. She wanted to continue being the secret treasure for the King's eyes only - and it is said that in those days queens were generally not seen by the public, so what he had asked was unlike her custom.
Because of her refusal the king sought the advice of the wise men who told him that she was setting a bad example for wives all over the land who would hear about her sin. She had to be removed from her position as Queen, and a new law had to be issued saying that no wife could refuse her husband, every man was the king of his castle.
I felt pity on her, because she seemed to have paid a heavy price for self-preservation. The first thing I thought was that a husband should never (at least publicly!) request of  his wife, something that will conflict with her morals and comfort zone - something that would cost her a part of herself. Don't exploit her, don't make her do something she doesn't do or would never look to do.  Don't make her choose to defy you in order to live with herself.
Yet I thought Queen Vashti made a horrible choice because it was better to save herself and position than to break the law. Her choice then affected women all over the world negatively. I think that she just stood up for herself, and that her husband probably was indeed acting a fool. But at the same time, she should have shown respect of the king and somehow compromised in that disobedience - she could have gone to the banquet room but wearing her clothing. But she could also be admired for her modesty, integrity and refusal to partake in wickedness. There was a right and wrong way to handle the situation, and a woman of wisdom would have known how to get herself through it.

But is that really how the story goes? I found out that Vashti might not be deserving of my mixed feelings at all.

Researching on Wikipedia, I found out that the Midrash text of Judaism declares her to be a wicked Queen, one who worshipped the idols of Babylon. It is said that she is in fact the granddaughter of Nebuchadnezzar and daughter of Belshazzar, the last king of Babylon before the Medes and Persians divided it. They were the ones responsible for the destruction of Jerusalem. Her father was killed because he had a banquet using the holy goblets and other vessels of the Temple. Now Vashti was the only survivor when her father's kingdom was destroyed, and so she the Princess of the city, was taken to Persia to be the wife of the king as was the tradition in those days.
The Midrash say that she was vain, cruel to all Jewish women she came across, as her fathers had been to the Israelites in general - She was known to be vain and cruel yes, and apparently she didn't obey her husband for spite. She purposely wanted to ridicule and control  him. The law passed by the king against wifely rights made sure that no wife could ever think of doing such a thing again. (wow)
The Jews believe she deserved what she got, and revel in the irony of her replacement being a Jewess Hadassah, or Esther. Her demise was as important as Haman's because she was evil to the Israelites.

What a whole new light to paint her in isn't it?
 Was the king just so fed up that he was glad for a chance to rid himself of this Babylonian woman? I mean, that's who she really was - and Xerxes might have really resented that about her. Has history been cruel to her, being written by men? Or was she being truly a princess of Babylon, really just like Jezebel and Athaliah, or Herodias, the wicked idolatrous queens who killed prophets and princes? Or was she simply just a character created to further the Jewish agenda to condemn all things non-Jewish? I will never know.
If only there were more records of the past -so sad that wars and the expansion of empires are the reasons why ancient facts and artefacts are lost forever.

Thoughts are welcome!

Ila

How to Sew a Jersey Shirt - the Ila Royal Tee

Greetings and Blessed Love!

So I had leftovers from the kaftan gown tutorial and I decided to show the Sistren how to make your own tops - it's a tee shirt but a little more stylish - and it requires only two seamlines if you cut it perfect enough! It also requires little fabric. You should need no more than 1 yard of fabric, half a yard if a size medium or small. The method is basically the same as making the dress, just shorter.

I call it the Ila RoyalTee. As I am basically self-taught, this is my version of a baby tee that is not form fitting as I was trying to move away from such tight clothing which are not conducive to modesty or hot weather lol. I prefer comfort, and I prefer to be elegant or lovely over sexy and I find this design gives me what I want from a tee. All in all this is a design I decided to try using a Tshirt as the outline to start with in the beginning, but this tutorial shows how to make it with just measurements like with the gown. This is a basic design that does not even need to follow the measurement formula as you can just use a large Tshirt. To make it fitted don't add the seam allowance to the traced outline of the shirt.

Materials:

jersey or knit fabric

scissors

pins

sewing machine

thread

yard rule/measuring tape

1. Fold your material in half so the fold is at the top, right sides together. Line up your pattern properly if necessary.

2. Get the Tee shirt you want to use and turn it on the wrong side. pin it to the fabric, outline it:
(umm my shirt got these marks from my hands digging into the fabric - not very attractive in the photo but what can I say I can't undo it!)

3. This is the method for freehand:

Know your width which is your hips + 1 inch seam allowance
(for me a size small/med its 18.5 inches)

Know your length - from shoulder to where you want it to stop - I go to just under the buttocks/hips so I can have a buff over. But in this particular case, I just went to the end of the fabric.

Know your armpit length = 9 inches

Neckline make it 6 inches wide and 3 1/2 inches deep. The neckline will be able to stretch in different ways.


 4. Measure 9 inches down from the top fold and put two pins where the 8 inches stops on either side of the fabric.

5. Measure and mark out the width and draw two side lines down in line with the 9 inches markers.

6. Draw the lines coming to the side for the sleeve - 3 inches wide is enough. Go up to meet the fold. to get a ruffled pointed look which is nice also, make the line slanted outward

Draw a little curve under the angles of the armpit.

7. After outlining the tee or making freehand measurements (remove tee)  pin together inside of the lines and cut out the tee.

8. Fold the Tee in half, mark out 3 inches from the side fold, and 3 1/2 inches down and draw a curve. Pin and cut out the neckline.

9. Sew up the two sides, making sure to keep the ends straight and together so that no hemline is needed.

Finished!

There you have a perfectly Royal Tee, appropriate, stylish and comfortable!

I hope that this tutorial helps you to create something great for yourself - if you want to do a crop top version then make it 3 inches wide and shorter!

Blessed love!
Ila

Inspiration for Feeling Disconnected, Weak in Faith

Greetings,

I started writing and compiling my Book of Ises for myself (only a couple people have read it so far and have encouraged it)- I needed to gain a stronghold spiritually, I had to determine the path of Kristos by reading Scripture myself. I had to Iditate and outline for myself the qualities of JAH Rastafari - that Nazirene Way which gains everliving life and translation to the "heavenly" Zion I. I had to gain a relationship with JAH that would truly carry the Livity and Faith of Rastafari with me always.
So I started making lists of important qualities of righteousness, affirmations, and inspirational quotes from Scripture. But then I needed something that I could read when I felt in certain moods. I needed a quick fix - that was very important to bring me back to sanity on the spot. So I made compilations of Scripture that have themes to suit certain needs or moods. This post is just two of these themes. I offer them to all the Sistren who are so busy doing everything and struggling through hardships, that sometimes forget to hold onto JAH and to righteousness, and to see the love and peace that is the Irit of JAH RastTafari. So here's...

What to consider when I and I feel:

Disconnected from JAH


You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you. Therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’ Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren.

 (Deuteronomy 4:2, 6, 9)

You should know in your heart that as a man chastens his son, so the Lord your God chastens you. “Therefore you shall keep the commandments of the Lord your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him.

(Deuteronomy 8:5-6)

JAH Rastafari!

Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today, Then it shall be, if you by any means forget the Lord your God, and follow other gods, and serve them and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish. (Deuteronomy 8:11, 19)


Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. (Revelation 3:2)


“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth... As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. (Revelation 3:15-16, 19)


Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God [Eden]. (Revelation 2: 4-5, 7)

Take words with you, And return to the Lord. Say to Him, “Take away all iniquity; Receive us graciously, For we will offer the sacrifices of our lips. I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely, For My anger has turned away from him. Who is wise? Let him understand these things. Who is prudent? Let him know them. For the ways of the Lord are right; The righteous walk in them, But transgressors stumble in them.(Hosea 14:2, 4, 9)


And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2)


Yet from the days of your fathers You have gone away from My ordinances. And have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,” Says the Lord of hosts. “ But you said, ‘ In what way shall we return?’
(Malachi 3:7)


...that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind. (Ephesians 4:22-23)


Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
(Hebrews 3:12-13)


Whoever walks blamelessly will be saved, But he who is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.
(Proverbs 28:18)


He who walks with integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will become known. (Proverbs 10:9)


The mouth of the righteous is a well of life, But violence covers the mouth of the wicked. (Proverbs 10:11)


If we had forgotten the name of our God, Or stretched out our hands to a foreign god, Would not God search this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart. (Psalm 44:20-21)


For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior JAH Rastafari Sela, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. (2 Peter 2:20-21)


“Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ (Jeremiah 6:16)


If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. (1 John 1:9-10)


Finally, [Sistren], whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. (Philippians 4:8)



Weak in Faith

(Reassurance for everyday)


So Yesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.. (Mark 11:22-25)


“And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. (Luke 12:29-31)


And not being weak in faith, [Abraham] did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. (Romans 4:19-21)


Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,’ Calling a bird of prey from the east, The man who executes My counsel, from a far country. Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it. (Isaiah 46:10-11)


Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you—The sure mercies of David.(Isaiah 55:3)

Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. (Isaiah 55:6)

 “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower, And bread to the eater. So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:10-11)

For the mountains shall depart And the hills be removed, But My kindness shall not depart from you, Nor shall My covenant of peace be removed,” Says the Lord, who has mercy on you. (Isaiah 54:10)


So the ransomed of the Lord shall return, And come to Zion with singing, With everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness; Sorrow and sighing shall flee away. (Isaiah 51:11)


The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)


Yes, He loves the people; All His saints are in Your hand; They sit down at Your feet; Everyone receives Your words. The eternal God is your refuge, And underneath are the everlasting arms; He will thrust out the enemy from before you, And will say, ‘Destroy!’ (Deuteronomy 33:3, 27)


Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Krist’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Krist, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
(1 Peter 4:12-14)


As for JAH, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. For who is God, except the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God?It is God who arms me with strength, And makes my way perfect. (Psalm 18:30-32)


You enlarged my path under me, So my feet did not slip. (Psalm 18:36)


Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Yesus Krist and Haile Selassie I JAH Rastafari. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)


My child, if you are going to serve the Lord, be prepared for times when you will be put to the test. Be sincere and determined. Keep calm when trouble comes. Stay with the Lord; never abandon Him, and you will be prosperous at the end of your days. Accept whatever happens to you. Even if you suffer humiliation, be patient.
Gold is tested in fire and human character is tested in the furnace of humiliation. Trust in the Lord, and He will help you. Walk straight in His ways, and put your hope in Him. (Sirach 2:1-6)

Please leave comments Sistren, I have more compilations too.

Rastafari Love Idance and Itection

Ila

The Meaning and Power of Affirmations

Selamta!

As a follow up to yesterday's post on the meanings of Ises, I offer the meanings of Affirmations or "Iditations on Affirmations." Affirmations are just as important as prayer in that they are the positive thoughts and attitudes that bring about change for the better. Affirmations are what help transform the mind body and soul, accompanying vegan lifestyles, yoga, sacrament, drumming, chanting and all Iritual  traditions RasTafari embrace daily all over the world.

Iditations on Affirmations

Affirmations are living, positive, holy words and/or phrases, which are used to establish a connection between man, woman and JAH. They are used to reveal the I-Self, as they are pure, righteous, Godly Word Sound and Power. Affirmations are expressions of prosperity, encouragement, love, hope, and building blocks of faith; but they can also be statements of rebuke, which help you to annihilate sinful habits and mentalities.

Affirmations can be songs, poems, Biblical verses, inspirational quotes, or your own sentences. Any material that can reflect express, identify and address your needs is an affirmation. Declarations can also be made in honour of worship and enlightenment through studies and discussions. They can summarize wisdom and allow you to retain new and upright words. Affirmations absorb JAH’s Hola Irit and become thanksgiving when this Irit manifests good in our life. Affirmation is therefore an act of Ises, a living testimony of what JAH can and will do in your life.

When saying or writing affirmations, especially in the morning, it is important to declare them at least three times, to establish the mantra in your consciousness throughout the day. It is good to have familiar and select mantras that are easy to remember and call upon in your time of need. When you speak these words, your mind processes what you want to achieve and the kind of energy you wish to navigate by. I use prayer pouches to help remember my affirmations – I carry the written word in the pouch around my neck as long as I need to.

 

To affirm is to call upon JAH and draw positive energy from that state of Iritual consciousness where His and Her presence is felt, seen and heard. Affirmations ask JAH to be there for you and rule your rational soul when you are unable to stand on your own.

To affirm is to speak yourself into a higher state of Consciousness knowing that what you express will abide in your heart and mind, and become a better part of you that you are happy to share with the world and with the Living God JAH Rastafari.

To affirm is to accept and accede, to move on from reluctance or denial and deal with the sting of truth until it no longer has a crippling power you. Sometimes, speaking yourself into a better state involves affirming things daily which are hard to accept, like the loss of a job, relationship or loved one. Speaking words of truth, which are yet hurtful and hard to accept, gradually makes you more comfortable with them and their meaning. Affirming is therefore a way to gain freedom and peace by means of acceptance, as acceptance and even acquiescence are often the challenges that you seek to overcome most of all by giving Ises or beseeching JAH and others to be there for you. The goal and higher state of an Iritual being sought in this case is the level where the pain and loss are bearable, and though you know not “why”, you are now okay to move on and live with the idea that you possibly never will.

To affirm is therefore the will to transform. To move from whatever past has brought you down or imprisoned you with pain. In terms of seeking the Natural Right or livity of righteousness that Rastafari uphold, the Babylonian old robe of sin and ignorance is removed when you commit to finding JAH. Affirmations cloak you with the new robe or diadem of righteousness. It may be a slow process, but like the lotus flower, your holy beauty is worth the process.

To affirm is to be the change. Affirmations require action to be successful. Therefore affirmations are reminders of the changes you wish to excite for your healing and growth. You speak affirmations daily, but it is more important that you be the affirmation. Affirmations are translated to others by your actions – this is how you yourself experience feedback on your transformation. Affirmations require you to practise the words you chant, sing, recite or utter in prayer – in other words, practise your New Self. When you are placed in an old situation, or old temptation, the affirmation reminds you to wear a new robe (the cloak of Dreadlocks) which must not be defiled by old sins or unkindness. You must eat, sleep and breathe your affirmation in order to make the right choice and manifest those words of right at the right time. Actualizing affirmations influences others to be positive and inspiring like you. Affirmations therefore provoke, invoke and reveal the presence of JAH in us all.

To affirm is to believe in the power of positivity and goodwill: “Yes, I can!”; “Yes, JAH is!”; “Yes, it is true”; “Yes, I am ready and all Things are possible in Kristos.” Affirmations are about unwavering, confident truths where you believe that everything you need is within you, is available to you when you consciously go after it, and can be gained from those who love you and love JAH. All things are possible, only your expectations and requirements place limitations on what you receive. You must step back from dominating your world’s course and ascertain what it needs, to receive the unseen blessings that are revolving around you. You must be less judgemental to be more positive, less critical to see and full-joy the goodness of JAH around you.

To affirm is to cast down negativity, the evil and lustful spirits in and around you, by placing JAH’s good words into your Iditation rather than Babylon’s. Babylon works on the five senses, creating things that appeal to your carnal satisfaction. In order to become better and more removed from things which kill the I-Self, your senses must be free from such traps. Affirmations can therefore be statements of denial aimed at stripping ego, evil and carnal indiscretions from your psyche. Denial must be supported by spending less time with company that may encourage you to backslide into old habits.

To affirm is to be free from inhibitions, opinions and expectations especially around others. Sometimes, though you are practising your positivity and goodwill, others may not be. They may not be on a spiritual path like yourself, or are immune to your state because of their own consuming state of mind or circumstance. They may judge you, expect from you, or try to inhibit you. Affirmations therefore teach us patience, freedom, and great acceptance for everyone’s right to choose. By continuing to focus on your own right to choose and do the right thing no matter what, you will soon find those who are like you. Affirmations have the power to change you first before your environment changes, in many instances, so it is up to you to endure the road to successful transformation.

To affirm is to remember and glorify the pillars of your faith. They remind you of your goals, your identity as Rastafari. As your faith grows your affirmations become more powerful and abundantly manifested. They trace your footsteps as you walk with JAH Rastafari.

 Holy King Selah! Holy Menen I JAH RasTafari!
Sis Ila

Many Meanings of Ises - Praises & Prayer

Blessed Love

I have been trying to think what to post about - there are so many topics to write about - but I am also trying to crochet new handbags and manage a very active almost 5 year old. So, I decided to talk about something that is very important, that is a part of RasTafari life, but is also the very best friend of any Dawta out there: Ises, praises, prayer, having a moment to talk to JAH, the healing within, the strength to persevere and endure.

What is Ises? Can it have more than one meaning, can it do more than one thing?
I believe Ises can mean and be so many things at once or at a particular time based on one's emotions. Sometimes I want to pray for everything and everyone, sometimes for myself, sometimes its for particular persons, sometimes its for Afrika, sometimes it's to bunn a serious fyah on the wickedness that is rampant in the world today, sometimes I'm just giving thanks for everything JAH created and loves... you know what I mean? There are so many things that I and I face on a daily basis - thousands of thoughts that we think each day and what we are moved to feel passionate about each day changes rapidly...

Here is a summary  or even message I wrote called "Iditations on Ises" where I tried to list all the different ways we use prayer or give praises, and what it means for and to us. I did not include the Nyahbinghi Creed and the other important declarations that have been with RasTafari from the beginning, but they cannot be forgotten.

It is important for every I to Iditate on Ises and Giving Ises efficiently in order to be Iritually whole and secure throughout life. Ises is the language of Wise Mind, Ever-living Life and healing as it awakens the Word of JAH and its accompanying Iritual vibrations in the mind-space, body temple and soul.

More than asking for help, healing, guidance or wisdom, prayer is an affirmation. Prayer and Ises are about speaking and pledging confident truths, and willing those who receive them to share in this Godly power.

Ises is on the other hand, a supplication. In that we often use this time to off-load our emotional distress, and to relate to JAH our fears, problems and weaknesses. It is a time to ask for help and to search within for the source of the help. “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7).

Ises is an Iditation. While you don't worry about whether your prayers will be answered, you keep them with you each day in your thoughts, as inspiration to make you live up to your faith and goals. You must think about your prayers, and do positive deeds and say blessed things in honour of them. Iditation is most of all the Iritual guidance of Ises where you deeply consider and aim to overstand the purpose of life as JAH intended for this world.

Ises is a declaration. Ises speaks to Iration, declaring JAH Rastafari's glory in the heavens and the earth. Prayer harmonizes man and woman with the living environment around us, balancing the individual energy and vibrations we declare/emit with the energies and vibrations we receive. Making a declaration of Ises is therefore a consciously controlled statement that honours Iration and marks your place within it; because what you declare to JAH and His omnipotence, you receive. Declarations can be affirmations of righteousness or denials of sin and iniquity.

Ises is a joyful noise. No matter how depressed you feel, you serve JAH Rastafari with gladness and stand in His/Her presence with love and admiration, giving thanks for the good and the bad, and even that which you do not overstand.

Ises is a freewill offering, according to Psalm 119 - which perfectly summarizes the state of man and his journey in trying to be upright, but suffering with the burdens of carnality. A freewill offering, is the ideal gift and praise that you can offer to your Creator, your JAH. Taking the time to praise JAH and Iditate, and committing to such an act daily, shows your humility towards JAH, and your free will to set aside your life and desires just to acknowledge that you are a part of something Greater and more powerful. While the law and feasts or festivals are appointed times for offering and praises, we still are obligated to abide by them. On the other hand, a freewill offering is something natural and uniquely specific to every one of us. A freewill offering is something that comes freely, earnestly and abundantly direct from the heart; and not from the law. It is a sign of Nazirite devotion, honour and love – such being unique to those “who wish to separate themselves unto the Lord.”

Ises is a living testimony. Only the living can give testimony of JAH's power over evil and wickedness. There is no praise in the grave of the dead or the pit of the sinful. While you have life you must acknowledge it as the greatest gift you own, and give thanks for the blessings it brings you from the Creator's bosom.

Ises is a living sacrifice. When you pray, you offer your sinful mind and body over to JAH for regeneration and purification. Confessing your sin sacrifices your ego and pride, making way for overstanding and positive reinforcement or change. Sacrificing the ego and its carnal lusts through Ises is the way you clean out your inner defilement, so that you can be prepared and offered up as a living pure sanctuary – a refuge of God and peace, a place of rest from burdens. The only living burnt sacrifice worthy of your use is the herbal sacrament which opens your an Iritual and helps you to weigh your actions.

Ises is genesis. Prayer is the first step in the creation or conception of a new life, mind, heart, body, faith, hope and Irit. Each time you pray, you aim to start something new and better within and around you.

Ises is closure. Starting over, beginning a new path or chapter in life, entails leaving something old or past, behind. Ises is the energy you gain strength from – strength to move on from sins, arguments, disappointments, heartbreak – to make it through another day. Closure releases parts of your Consciousness eradicates a habit or mentality or thought or emotion from your everyday living. Ises hands these things over to JAH so you can grow into your Higher Self free from worry, doubts, regrets and baggage.

Ises is instruction. You gain much guidance from JAH when you read your Ises from the Holy Scriptures and Law of Isra’el and Ithiopia. You evolve as an individual I with the instruction given to you from Zion; and the advice and wisdom of the Patriarchs. Ises helps you to build strength in this instruction as shown in the Book of Psalms. Ises allows you to beseech JAH in maintaining His holy path.

All in all, Ises is the greatest remedy. The act of worship and the power of love, hope and faith, can cure any ailment and inspire every heart.

Selah!
I hope this is inspiring to the Sistren, giving ones a spark of renewal in hope, zeal and faith.
JAH RasTafari Love and Itection!
Sis. Ila

How to Sew a Maxi Skirt with Pockets Tutorial

Blessed Love

 I wanted to make an all denim skirt for a while, but out of actual jeans. Then I bought some stretch denim for another project and decided last minute to do the maxi skirt tutorial using that. Then I found a great pocket tutorial here and yay I get to do a maxi in denim with pockets!

Use whatever fabric you want really - it can be afrikan print because this particular tutorial is not really for knit fabrics, it doesn't matter and the tutorial is just the standard for making a maxi - just sew straight down if you don't want pockets.

How to make a maxi skirt with pockets
or the Homemade denim skirt

Materials:

1 ½ inch elastic

Stretch Denim or other Fabric

Pocket fabric

Thread

Yard rule

Chalk

Scissors

Pins

Sewing machine

iron

1. Determine your skirt height with a measuring tape, then add 4 inches.

2. Cut off the excess height of material.

3. Take your hip or buttocks measurement, divide by 2 and add 2 inches. This is the width of the skirt. Mine is 19.

4. Fold fabric in half: Divide this figure by 2 again and mark it out from the fold, which was 9.5 inches.





5.  The fold is on the right. Use the rule and chalk to make a triangle coming down on both sides> be sure not to put too much of a slant because this will give problems in making a smooth elastic casing and hemline. Pin the fabric together and cutout the skirt panels.

 

 

 6. Cut out your pockets:

Fold pocket fabric twice so you will cut out 4 pieces at once. Put your hand down on the fabric and draw a half-heart shape around it. Pin and cut out the heart shape, make sure to cut a straight line along the fold to make the pieces 4 separate ones. The fold is the straight side where the pocket is joined to the skirt, so cut well.

7. Zigzag all the edges of skirt and pockets.


8. With right side of one skirt panel facing up, on both sides mark 6 inches down from the top of the skirt. Get one of the four pocket pieces and carefully line it up along the edge of the skirt panel, edge to edge. The pocket will be on the inside of the skirt. Do the other side and repeat for the next skirt panel also.

Tip: In order to make sure the pockets line up, use the first panel, pin it at the bottom of the second panel at the very top, lining up edges. Then pin the pockets for the secon panelfrom there.

9. Make what I’ve been told is called a “bead stitch” which is very close, but not too close, to the edge of the skirt, joining the pocket to skirt. Just set your stitch width to be close to the right side of the presser foot. Do this for all the pockets.

10. Press out those 4 seams, making the pockets now stick outside the skirt.

11. Place and pin the skirt panels together, right sides together. Pin the pockets also.

 

 

 12. Now mark in the ½ inch seam lines – if you need to, at the sides of the skirt – including the pockets.

 

13. Sew the seam lines. It will be one continuous seam with a bit of turning and lifting the presser foot to enter and leave the pocket area. It is not one line down but around the pocket.

In order to sew up the left side, I started at the bottom and came up with no problem.

 
14. Iron out the side seams.

15. Next make the elastic casing – turn the top over about 2 inches, and sew using a straight stitch. Leave a gap, and then insert the elastic with a safety pin into that gap.

 Zigzag the edges of the elastic, fix inside the casing and seal up that space in the waist band seam.

16. Make your hemline by pressing in two ½ or ¼ inch folds, pin and sew in place.
I left my hem raw because I only added 3 inches to my length and I wanted my skirt long. I want it to fray too.
(If you don’t have a wide belt you might need to make a tie)

Finished!
Now you have a DIY homemade denim skirt if you used denim like I did.

So I tried styling the skirt with all the different products I make through ila designs - the bracelets, necklace, earrings, belts, crochet bags, the Royal Tee shirt and of course the maxi (which I usually make in afro colours)

 pockets!

Here's one of my latest bags which coordinates with many pieces in my 2012 Goddess Collection
~ The Dawta Bag ~

I hope the Sistren who sew and will attempt to make their pockets and/or maxi skirts ~ using Sweet Verbena's great method of course ~ will soon forward some pictures to either my facebook or my email so I can post it up.

 ~ Ila

Foundation Nyahbinghi Daughter Guidelines

Greetings and Blessed Love

I hope the Sistren are doing well and managing all daily tasks well. Some days are indeed harder than others, but I and I must never lose faith, and trust in JAH to help and carry us through until we can stand on our own and achieve or overcome. Today's tribulations might not be as bad as tomorrow's so we must give thanks and never be bitter or angry. Through JAH RasTafari all things are possible!

That being said, since the Queen Omega Livity Principles was such a popular post, I decided to post an old summary for the Nyahbinghi Daughter which I've had for years, from a site no longer running. I see that there are other sites where the same information can be found, but slightly different.

So for those Sistren interested in knowing more specifics about the Queen Omega Livity Principles that the elders of RasTafari set long ago, I give this summary:

Guidelines for Nyahbinghi Daughter


1. The Nyahbinghi woman must abide by Emperor Haile Selassie I Ivine laws.

2. During I-semble, the Nyahbinghi women are responsible for the teaching of the children with special emphasis on the Amharic languages, His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I, Black History and other aspects of Rastafari Ivine livety.

3. She is not permitted to administrate around the altar or to prophecy before the congregation. A Nyahbinghi queen does not play the drums at an I-semble but does play the SHAKA (Shaker) or TIMBREL. She may participate in governmental administration, as in the taking of minutes, writing/reading of letters or any other works she is capable of doing, as seen by the House. She should also strive to improve her livity and skills/education so that she may be of greater strength to the Theocracy of Emperor Haile Selassie I and the family.

4. She must be attired in modest apparel at all times and must not wear pants or revealing garments. Her head must be covered during an I-semble or when congregating among the brethren or outside her gates.

5. As H.I.M. is the Head of the Nyahbinghi Order, the Nyahbinghi queen must recognise her kingman as her head. She must be loyal to her king head in all things concerning righteousness and at all times. If there is a misunderstanding between her and her king man, the matter should be brought before the priest or the Council of Elders who will deal with the matter privately and constructively.

6. During her monthly issue (period of 7 days), the Nyahbinghi queen does not attend, I-semble or congregate among the brethrens.

7. When the Nyahbinghi queen brings forth a prince, she should stay away from an I-semble for a period of 3 months. If she brings forth a princess, she should stay away for a period of 4 months.

8. The Nyahbinghi woman must abstain from whoredom, adultery, fornication and all sinful acts that are an abomination to the Most High. She should keep her temple clean, refraining from use of flesh, drugs, alcohol and all harmful articles of food that are forbidden. The wearing of jewelry is not forbidden but the piercing of the ears is against the will of JAH. The plaiting of locks is forbidden as it is written in the book of II Peter 3: 3, "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair."

9.The Nyahbinghi woman is nonviolent, non-abusive and non- partisan. She must also be free from all corruption as a true daughter of JAH Rastafari.

Selah!
Ila