Sabbath Music - Jew & Gentile, One in Messiah

Greetings and Shabbat Shalom to you all, Gail-Friends.  That blessed time is drawing near, and I'm preparing for the Sabbath.

Here's a song we enjoy at our synagogue --  Jew and Gentile, One in Messiah by Joel Chernoff.  This is the philosophy of our group because we have both Jews and Gentiles in our congregation.  We enjoy dancing the hora to this song, too.  I hope you enjoy it, and I hope you dance!

Here's a video of the hora dance, so you can see how it's done. Enjoy!

Blessings and have a good Shabbos.

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I sometimes share my posts with these friends: 

Spiritual Sundays     GRAND Social      Modest Mom Monday Link-up      The Art of Homemaking Mondays
   BLOGGING GRANDMOTHERS LINK PARTYTitus 2 Tuesday       TITUS TUESDAYS @CORNERSTONE CONFESSIONS    Share Your Cup Wednesday Wordless Wednesdays    Classical Homemaking Link-Up        Favorite Things Home and Garden Thursday at Delightsome Life  Paula's Weekend No Rules Blog Party Friendship Friday

Thankful Thursday - Golden Cottage, Birds, & Flowers

A couple of weeks ago, hubby and I got up early to watch the sunrise over the Indian River Lagoon.  Oh, the beauty of morning!  I'm so thankful he enjoys sunrises and sunsets as much as I do.

Doesn't the cloud formation look like a cross? 

After watching the sunrise, we went to breakfast and then on a wildlife/birding drive.  Early morning is a great time to do this because the birds are hungry, and the roads we travel are pretty much empty. We saw lots of birds and critters, including some roseate spoonbills...

And great blue herons. . .

 But the flowers were the best part.  The morning glories were bursting forth to greet the sun.

There have been fires in the wildlife refuge and you can see the damage they've done in this photo:

But as always, the forest comes back, flourishing with the most brilliant, breath-taking green:

We are so blessed, so rich to have these treasures.

Speaking of flowers, look at these Golden Cottage Garden beauties.  A sunflower seed hid in the geranium pot. . . and decided to show off!

Our elephant ears are showing off, too.  This bloom is about eight inches tall.

And our night-blooming cirrius bloomed on the 4th of July.  There were more spectacular than any fireworks we saw that night.

I stand in awe of every bird and every flower, the grasses, the sunrises, and am over-flowingly grateful for these beautiful gifts from my Creator.

What are you thankful for this week, Gail-Friends?

Thankful Thursday is my day to focus on and be thankful for all of the blessings in my life.

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I sometimes share my posts with these friends: 

Spiritual Sundays     GRAND Social      Modest Mom Monday Link-up      The Art of Homemaking Mondays
   BLOGGING GRANDMOTHERS LINK PARTYTitus 2 Tuesday       TITUS TUESDAYS @CORNERSTONE CONFESSIONS    Share Your Cup Wednesday Wordless Wednesdays    Classical Homemaking Link-Up        Favorite Things Home and Garden Thursday at Delightsome Life  Paula's Weekend No Rules Blog Party Friendship Friday

Wisdom Wednesdays - Flourishing in Old Age Part 3

Proverbs 3 is a treasure vault of how to flourish in old age.  Just look at this wonderful promise:

My son, don’t forget my teaching,
keep my commands in your heart; 

 for they will add to you many days,
years of life and peace.

Proverbs 3:1-2 (CJB) 

I love reading this and meditating on the fact that if I keep His commandments, He will add many years of LIFE and PEACE to my existence on this earth.  It's a great thing just to be alive, but to be alive with peace is the cherry on top.  Peace is something I prize and pursue with all of my being.

But wait!  That's not all!  Here's another wonderful promise for old age:

  

Don’t be conceited about your own wisdom;
but fear Adonai, and turn from evil. 

This will bring health to your body
and give strength to your bones.

Proverbs 3:7-8 (CJB)

Here's another great benefit of obedience -- a healthy body and strong bones.  These are things I prize, too.  As one grows older, health and strength can diminish.  But, fearing Adonai and turning from evil will preserve them.  Oh, and lest we forget, part of this old-age promise is “don’t be conceited about your own wisdom.”

I've said it before and will repeat it:  about twenty years ago, I got on my knees and asked G-d to lead me to His wisdom.  Not the wisdom of the world.   Not a denomination.  Not a religion.  Not a teacher.  Not a preacher.  And, most of all, not my own.  I wanted His wisdom.  He led me to **Messianic Judaism and observance of His Torah.  That is the wisdom spoken of in this passage.

We're not finished yet, Gail-Friends.   Another benefit is HAPPINESS! Look at this:

 Happy the person who finds wisdom,
the person who acquires understanding;
for her profit exceeds that of silver,
gaining her is better than gold,
she is more precious than pearls —
nothing you want can compare with her.
Long life is in her right hand,
riches and honor in her left.
Her ways are pleasant ways,
and all her paths are peace.
She is a tree of life to those who grasp her;
whoever holds fast to her will be made happy.

Proverbs 3:13-18 (CJB)

While on a visit to an assisted living facility, I met an amazing woman in her 90's.  Her faith and her attitude are an inspiration for all who know her.  One day, she sat at the table with a lady who did nothing but complain.  My friend said cheerily, "I'm going to have to move to another table.  I'm too happy for you!"  Don't you love it?  That's the kind of happy old woman I aspire to be.  Well, that's the kind of old woman I am right now.  I'm blessed, I'm happy, and I'm at peace.

I challenge you, dear Gail-Friends, to do a study of Proverbs 3.  Make a list of all the benefits of obedience to Adonai's wisdom.  You will be surprised, as I was, by the length of the list.  You will see how it touches every area of life with blessing.

** You can learn more about Messianic Judaism by clicking on this LINK on my blog.

You may enjoy reading Part 1 and Part 2 of this series.

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I sometimes share my posts with these friends: 

Spiritual Sundays     GRAND Social      Modest Mom Monday Link-up      The Art of Homemaking Mondays
   BLOGGING GRANDMOTHERS LINK PARTYTitus 2 Tuesday       TITUS TUESDAYS @CORNERSTONE CONFESSIONS    Share Your Cup Wednesday Wordless Wednesdays    Classical Homemaking Link-Up        Favorite Things Home and Garden Thursday at Delightsome Life  Paula's Weekend No Rules Blog Party Friendship Friday

Sabbath Music - Solitudes on the River

image courtesy of Little Birdie Blessings

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you REST. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find REST for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

These are the words of our Messiah, Yeshua.  He's speaking of following G-d's commandments, and that it's not hard to follow Him.  His ways, including His Sabbath, are the way of blessings and peace.

Are you ready and able to rest?  Do you feel like you can't slow down enough to take a day off?  Sometimes it's hard to rest when one has so much on the mind, right?  Well, I'd like to share my secret for letting your mind and body rest, especially on His Sabbath:

Sit still (that's hard sometimes, too.) and focus on a rose, or photograph that speaks to you of rest.  Really notice the details...the many petals of the rose, the color(s), the scent, the green leaves, and the thorns.  Concentrating on something other than the thoughts running through the mind will bring relaxation.  I learned this years ago, and it always works for me.

My time of meditation has expanded to include soothing music, prayer, reading the Word, writing my thoughts about the passage, and praising G-d out loud.

The Sabbath is a wonderful gift, but we have to receive it.  We have to slow down, turn our minds away from the world, and just REST.

Here's some beautiful music I ran across this week.  I've enjoyed it so much.  Solitudes on the River. The video feels like I'm riding in a small boat on a smooth lake, with birds singing all around me.  Very rest inducing for me.  I hope you will be blessed and have a good Shabbos.

~ ~ ~ ~
I sometimes share my posts with these friends: 

Spiritual Sundays     GRAND Social      Modest Mom Monday Link-up      The Art of Homemaking Mondays
   BLOGGING GRANDMOTHERS LINK PARTYTitus 2 Tuesday       TITUS TUESDAYS @CORNERSTONE CONFESSIONS    Share Your Cup Wednesday Wordless Wednesdays    Classical Homemaking Link-Up        Favorite Things Home and Garden Thursday at Delightsome Life  Paula's Weekend No Rules Blog Party Friendship Friday

Sabbath Music - Bird Music

One of my favorite CDs is nothing but birds singing.  I love to play it during my morning quiet time and on Shabbat.  I love how the neighborhood birds come to my yard and call back to the birds they hear on my CD.  It makes for some beautiful bird music. . . and a wonderful accompaniment to my worship. 

This morning, I watched a mother mockingbird encouraging a young one to get his own food.  The youngster chirped impatiently and kept opening his mouth.  The parent opened her mouth and leaned back each time.  Eventually, the young one began pecking at the suet and managed to get his own food.  The parent flew away. 

Yeshua said, "Consider the birds." I do that a lot, and I've learned some good life lessons through my silent watching. 



The mockingbirds taught me today:  Birds do not continue to feed their young forever.  The time comes for them to forage on their own.  There's a lesson there for human parents.  The day comes when we have to let them go. . . to sink or swim on their own.  So, cut those apron strings, mama.  If you've taught them well, and they still want to stay in the nest. . . you have to hold back, like the mockingbird.  Tell them it's time to fly own their own. Let them go and trust Hashem to provide and guide them.

Just a thought to ponder on Shabbat, dear Gail-Friends.

My music for today is birds singing, and I hope you listen, enjoy, and worship.  As always, I pray you have a good Shabbos.

~ ~ ~ ~
I sometimes share my posts with these friends: 

Spiritual Sundays     GRAND Social      Modest Mom Monday Link-up      The Art of Homemaking Mondays
   BLOGGING GRANDMOTHERS LINK PARTYTitus 2 Tuesday       TITUS TUESDAYS @CORNERSTONE CONFESSIONS    Share Your Cup Wednesday Wordless Wednesdays    Classical Homemaking Link-Up        Favorite Things Home and Garden Thursday at Delightsome Life  Paula's Weekend No Rules Blog Party Friendship Friday

Thankful Thursday - My Sweet Song Bird

Yessir, that's my baby!  My daughter, Amanda Wilson, is talented in so many ways.  Recently, she was interviewed on the Sunday Morning Show on  AM1300 in Brevard County, Florida.  I'm very proud of her and wanted to share the interview with my Gail-Friends.  The interview includes about half a dozen of the many, many songs she's written.

She tells a great deal about herself in the interview so I won't repeat those things here, but I hope you'll listen, especially to hear the songs she shares.  She's written, sung, produced and performed all of the instruments in the songs.  Yeah...she's talented like that.

I love that she shares the background of each song. The lyrics reflect her close relationship with G-d and express it so beautifully.  Her faith in G-d is strong, and that is my greatest JOY.  This Scripture has always been true for me:

 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

(3 John 1:4)

You can connect with her and her music on Facebook at AMANDA WILSON MUSIC

~  ~  ~
I sometimes share my posts with these friends:
Spiritual Sundays     Kathy’s Return to Loveliness at A Delightsome Life     GRAND Social       Modest Mom Monday Link-up     The Art of Homemaking Mondays   BLOGGING GRANDMOTHERS LINK PARTYTitus 2 Tuesday     Share Your Stuff Tuesday    TITUS TUESDAYS @CORNERSTONE  CONFESSIONS  Wednesdays AIM Link Party   Wordless Wednesdays    Classical Homemaking Link-Up    Judith’s Wholehearted Wednesday  Tune-In Thursday   Favorite Things Home and Garden Thursday at Delightsome Life  Paula's Weekend No Rules Blog Party Friendship Friday

Wisdom Wednesdays - Flourishing in Old Age Part 2

This week, I'm meditating on Psalm 71 and the encouragement for growing old found there.  In the Tree of Life Bible version, this psalm is titled, "My Hope When I Am Gray."

So much of this psalm is my testimony, such as:

For You are my hope, Adonai my Lord—
my trust from my youth.

From my birth, I have leaned on You.
You took me out of my mother’s womb.
My praise is always about You.

(verses 5 - 6)

I cannot remember a time when I did not believe in G-d.  My mother's pregnancy was difficult and I am blessed to be alive.  Adonai saved me and I praise and thank Him for protecting and preserving me.

In verse nine, the psalmist prays,

"Do not cast me away in the time of old age.
When my strength fails, do not forsake me."

He prays this prayer, but he has faith and his hope is in Adonai. That is my hope also.  He has seen me through so many deep valleys.  There were times when I almost despaired, but I held to His hand and my Bible.  I believed His promises.  That's what the psalmist does in this passage.  He speaks of his hope:

So even until I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me,
till I tell of Your strong arm to the next generation,
Your might to all who are to come.
For Your righteousness, O God,
    reaches to high heaven.
You have done great things—O God,
who is like You?
You made me see many troubles and evils
    —You will revive me again—
from the depths of the earth
    You will bring me up again.

That's faith, Gail-Friends. . . believing that G-d will see you through, no matter how dark the valley.  It's believing that He will carry you through the golden years.  

Old age is not for sissies, but flourishing in old age is possible.  By having faith and hope and by praise, we will flourish. 

So I will praise You with the harp for your truth, O my G-d.
I will sing praises to You with the lyre O Holy One of Israel.My lips will shout for joy
—when I sing praises to You—
and my soul, which You have redeemed.

  Also, my tongue will tell of Your righteousness all day.

Next week, I will share some tips from the Scriptures that will help with flourishing in old age. 

You may like to read Flourishing in Old Age Part 1 and Part 3
~ ~ ~


I sometimes share my posts with these friends:
Spiritual Sundays        GRAND Social       Modest Mom Monday Link-up     The Art of Homemaking Mondays   BLOGGING GRANDMOTHERS LINK PARTYTitus 2 Tuesday     Share Your Stuff Tuesday    TITUS TUESDAYS @CORNERSTONE CONFESSIONS     Wordless Wednesdays    Classical Homemaking Link-Up      Tune-In Thursday   Favorite Things Home and Garden Thursday at Delightsome Life  Paula's Weekend No Rules Blog Party Friendship Friday

Sabbath Music - Jonathan Settel Playlist

Greetings and blessings to you Gail-Friends.  The Sabbath is near and I hope you enjoy His day of rest and refreshing.  This photo of a lake near our home speaks to me of rest.  Still waters always restore my soul.

This playlist has some wonderful Sabbath music for your enjoyment.  Jonathan Settel has a wide variety of Hebrew music and we always enjoy worshipping with them at our synagogue. I hope they bless you.

Good Shabbos, Gail-Friends!


I sometimes share my posts with these friends:
Spiritual Sundays     Kathy’s Return to Loveliness at A Delightsome Life     GRAND Social       Modest Mom Monday Link-up     The Art of Homemaking Mondays   BLOGGING GRANDMOTHERS LINK PARTYTitus 2 Tuesday     Share Your Stuff Tuesday    TITUS TUESDAYS @CORNERSTONE CONFESSIONS     Wordless Wednesdays    Classical Homemaking Link-Up    Judith’s Wholehearted Wednesday  Tune-In Thursday   Favorite Things Home and Garden Thursday at Delightsome Life  Paula's Weekend No Rules Blog Party Friendship Friday

Thankful Thursday - The Beauty of the Ordinary

This week, I've been keenly aware of the beauty of the ordinary.  Little things like my husband getting up before me to make my morning tea, or our dog greeting us with JOY jumps and a happy, wagging tail. . . or of something as simple as this:

a lizard enjoying the sun

When I see these things, my heart overflows with JOY and gratitude.  The ordinary things of my life are full of beauty.  Here are a few more from the past few weeks:

Sticks that mark sea turtle nests on the beach

Sea oats dancing in the sea breeze

Purple wildflowers

Tiny pink wildflowers

An osprey

Spectacular sunsets

Our flourishing tomato plants

Heart to heart chats between my two favorite guys

Pool toys (our grandson named him "Chlori-Duck")

Beach umbrellas

Storks

(I'm still hoping another grandchild will be 

dropped off one of these days.)

I'm so thankful for the little, ordinary things of my blessed life.  I've developed the habit of writing a gratitude list in my journal.  It's a good discipline because there is always, always, always something to be thankful for.

What are you thankful for this week, Gail-Friends?

I sometimes share my posts with these friends:
Spiritual Sundays     Kathy’s Return to Loveliness at A Delightsome Life     GRAND Social       Modest Mom Monday Link-up     The Art of Homemaking Mondays   BLOGGING GRANDMOTHERS LINK PARTYTitus 2 Tuesday     Share Your Stuff Tuesday    TITUS TUESDAYS @CORNERSTONE CONFESSIONS     Wordless Wednesdays    Classical Homemaking Link-Up    Judith’s Wholehearted Wednesday  Tune-In Thursday   Favorite Things Home and Garden Thursday at Delightsome Life  Paula's Weekend No Rules Blog Party Friendship Friday

Wisdom Wednesdays - Flourishing in Old Age

I've read this Psalm many times and this week I noticed a promise for old age in verses 13 - 16:

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,
they will grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 

 Planted in the house of Adonai,
they will flourish in the courtyards of our God.

Even in old age they will be vigorous,
still full of sap, still bearing fruit,  

proclaiming that Adonai is upright,
my Rock, in whom there is no wrong.

Notice that this promise is for the righteous, which means those who obey ADONAI.

Notice the phrase "planted in the house of ADONAI", which again means obedience.  

Look at the benefits of obeying ADONAI, my friends:

A flourishing life

Vigor (strength)

Full of sap (health)

Bearing fruit

And what are the righteous doing?  (see verses 1 - 12)

they are planted in the house of Adonai

thanking Him 

praising Him

declaring His grace in the morning

declaring His faithfulness at night 

finding happiness and joy in all that He has created

declaring how great His deeds are

meditating on how deep His thoughts are

not allowing resentments or anger against evil people to stay in their minds

leaving revenge to G-d

remembering the people who have been destroyed because of their 

disobedience to G-d

They are also proclaiming that ADONAI is upright.  

They are proclaiming that He is their Rock.  

They are proclaiming that in Him there is no wrong.  

That's a great focus for any life, but especially during the senior years.  Compare spending time with a self-centered, whining, constantly complaining old person to enjoying a visit with one who is Adonai focused,  grateful, and filled with joy.  I've been around both types, and my desire is to be a flourishing senior citizen.
 
Psalm 92:16 says it perfectly -- in Him, there is no wrong.   That's why I wrote this post.  The verse tells me what I'm to do in order to flourish in my old age.  I'm proclaiming --   

ADONAI IS UPRIGHT 

 HE IS MY ROCK 

 IN HIM THERE IS NO WRONG 

In upcoming Wisdom Wednesdays, I will further explore what the Scriptures say about flourishing in the golden years.

You may enjoy Flourishing in Old Age Part 2 and Flourishing in Old Age Part 3
  ~~~~~


I sometimes share my posts with these friends:
Spiritual Sundays        GRAND Social       Modest Mom Monday Link-up     The Art of Homemaking Mondays   BLOGGING GRANDMOTHERS LINK PARTYTitus 2 Tuesday     Share Your Stuff Tuesday    TITUS TUESDAYS @CORNERSTONE CONFESSIONS     Wordless Wednesdays    Classical Homemaking Link-Up      Tune-In Thursday   Favorite Things Home and Garden Thursday at Delightsome Life  Paula's Weekend No Rules Blog Party Friendship Friday