Friday, April 27, 2018

Sabbath Music - Messianic Dance Medley


 "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy."

Exodus 20:8


I love Messianic dancing, and found a video this week that is fabulous.  The costumes and flags are amazing, too.  The music is a medley of songs by Paul Wilbur that are perfect for the Sabbath.  Messianic Dance Medley 


Listen, worship, and I hope you dance.  And if you ever get the chance to attend an event like the one in the video, don't miss it.

from Garden of Bright Images on Facebook
~~~

Thursday, April 26, 2018

Thankful Thursday - Remembering


Over the past couple of weeks, I've been doing a lot of remembering.  I made a trip to Jacksonville to visit with several of my friends.  I stayed with a friend, Rita, who I've known for over fifty years.  I also stayed with my friend, Brenda, with whom I've been friends since the 1980's.  The graphic above is so appropriate, isn't it?  I was blessed to stay in their homes and talk about old times and about all of the ways God has worked in our lives over the years.  It was a precious time.

While at Rita's beautiful home in the country, I had to take a pic of this cabinet.  Isn't it lovely?  I could paint one like this. (But will I?)  So much on my plate right now...but perhaps later.

Rita and I stayed up way too late that night, talking about old times, the Bible, and politics, of course.  We are passionate about all of those subjects.  The hours feel like minutes when I'm talking with her.  We are kindred spirits since high school and have so many memories together.  We graduated high school together, got married about the same time, raised our children and attended church together for many years.  What's so great about friends like Rita is that you can be apart for years, which we did when she moved away, and yet start talking like it was only yesterday.  She's a friend with a heart of gold that I cherish as one of God's greatest gifts.

While on Rita's side of town, I met up with sixteen more of my friends.  We usually get together when I make a trip to Jacksonville.  We call ourselves the Lee Laffies because we have so much laughter!  We had a blast, as we used to say in high school.  We've been friends for fifty years and will celebrate our fiftieth class reunion this summer.  How did we get so old and yet still feel like teenagers?  And why didn't their hair get gray like mine?  Hmmm....only their hairdressers know for sure. That's another old saying we remember from the past.


Of course, I made a trip to my favorite happy place.  I spent an afternoon going through the floor-to-ceiling stacks at the Chamblin Book Mine.  This place is the size of a big grocery store -- with rooms added on.  It's amazing.  I found a copy of The Secret Garden, illustrated by Tasha Tudor, that I'd been wanting.  What a find, for only $6.00!  It even has a ribbon place marker.  I bought the book because it was a childhood favorite of mine. I wanted to re-read it because I recently attended a theatrical production which was NOT as I remember it.  I'll do another post on that in the future that I think you will find very interesting.


I drove through my old stomping grounds in Riverside-Avondale to see the historic homes and gorgeous moss-draped oak trees that I remember so fondly.  Jacksonville has some really beautiful areas on the Westside.  We used to call it the Bestside years ago.


My friend, Brenda, lives on the southside and I love staying at her condo.  She lives on a small canal with deep woods along the banks.  It feels like you're out in the country even though it's in the middle of the city, with businesses and traffic galore.  I love watching the birds there and caught a great photo of this family of snow geese.  There were five little babies.


I call Brenda the hostess with the mostest because she has the gift of hospitality.  She also has the gift of making friends, getting them all together, and creating a wonderful atmosphere of inclusiveness and love among them.  I met eight of her other friends on this trip.  Where she lives, they have a community get together on Monday nights called Happy Hour for Happy People.  They eat a meal and play card or board games together.  Great fun!

On my way home, I stopped by Trader Joe's, which I love, love, love!  I keep praying we will get one nearer to us.  I always love their flowers and bought a hyacinth to grow indoors.


Jem and I went to the Vietnam War Memorial in Melbourne this past weekend and remembered those who lost their lives in that terrible war.

 The memorial has a replica of the Vietnam Wall in Washington, DC.



 Jem pointed out the names of many comrades he served with in the 101st Airborne.


So many lives lost.  Sometimes remembering is sad, but it's important.  These men stood up for freedom.  They died for the people of Vietnam, and I thank God for their willingness to lay down their lives.  I often wonder if the current generation has that kind of love and commitment to our beloved country and to those oppressed in other countries.  I pray they do, and I pray they never have to.  I thank God for those currently serving in our military.  God bless them and keep them, I pray.

Recently, I had my nails done at a Vietnamese salon.  I told the young nail tech that my husband had fought in Vietnam.  She didn't even know what I was talking about.  Isn't that sad?  It underscores the importance of remembering and teaching history to the young men and women within our circle of influence.  Did you know that the Civil War history is no longer being taught in some of our local schools?  It's important to remember, even the painful things, lest we forget.  Let us all take that to our hearts, Gail-Friends. 

What are you thankful for this week?  

 ~~~

  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 PARTY     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 
Sunday Thoughts Link-Up
 OVER THE MOON LINKY PARTY!



Wisdom Wednesday - Jewish Festival Fun



We attended the Jewish Festival in Ormond Beach this month, and I always love seeing the collection of Torah scrolls on display.  The cabinet above is called an arc, and the inscription reads, "Holy Unto The Lord" at the top, and "The Word of Elohim Our God" at the bottom.

When I converted to Messianic Judaism, I didn't have the appreciation of the holiness of His Word that I possess today.  Rabbi Golden, my rabbi as well as my husband, places great emphasis on the importance of revering the Scriptures.  This is a tradition of the Jews that is taken very, very seriously.  In our synagogue, we don't place our Bibles on the floor.  We don't write in the books that contain His Word.  When we parade the Torah scroll around the room, we keep our eyes on it and we do not turn our backs on it.  This is a necessary object lesson to remind us that we carry His Word with us by our words and actions.  We're reminded to honor it, rever it, and be aware of it at all times.  As the Torah passes by, we touch  it with our siddurs (prayer books) and then touch the siddur to our lips.  This is to remember that His Word is sweet to the taste and very precious.

I love the Torah procession so much because it reminds me how blessed we are to have His Word. We are a blessed generation.  We have the Word so readily at our fingertips - in print and through audio recordings.  We can also read many, many versions of the Scriptures online through Biblegateway.com.  So, dear Gail-Friends, we are without excuse when it comes to knowing the Scriptures.

Here are some other photos from the festival:


Many old scrolls.  Our synagogue's scroll is from Morocco and is over 300 years old.  The oldest one on display was over 400 years old.  Can you imagine the commitment involved in preserving that scroll for hundreds of years?  The Jews take that very seriously, indeed.   All of us who are believers should honor His Word that devotedly.





This interesting.  These show the different materials used for writing the scrolls.  The brown one is red deerskin, which is what our Torah scroll is made from.  The white ones are different types of parchment.

We had fun at the festival, too, because there was lots to see, and do, and eat, of course!  Their chopped liver cannot compare to LaVonne's (a member of our congregation), though.  Her mother passed down that precious recipe and it's fabulous.  Hats off, Mom!  I told LaVonne she should get a booth and sell it at the next festival.  She'd make a mint!


Here's the biggest challah bread I've ever seen.  There was a contest to guess how much it weighed.  If you guessed correctly, you got to take it home!  Pictured in the foreground is a tefilla,  or phylactery, a small leather box containing Hebrew texts on vellum, worn by Jewish men at morning prayer as a reminder to keep the law.


A rabbi dressed like Aaron, the high priest, blowing the shofar.

 Donald, of our congregation, posing with Moses.

They had camel rides.  This was a very nice camel, too.  One of our ladies rode him.  I keep saying I'm going to ride a camel, but every single time I chicken out.  Some camels bite, you know!


There was a very nice petting zoo for the children.  They even had a baby pig!  Whoever was running that must not have gotten the word that pigs aren't kosher!  But he was so cute!


Here's a group shot of some of our family that attended.  They had a face-painting booth, and (most) our congregation had the Magen David painted on their cheeks.  Even the rabbi did it.  He's always such a good sport.


Don't you love this shirt?  A mensch is a person of integrity and honor.  I've heard my husband described that way, and it's so true.  He lives what he teaches every day of his life.



Blessings to you, dear Gail-Friends.  

~~~

Friday, April 20, 2018

Sabbath Music - Psalm 71


This morning, I was reading and meditating on Psalm 71, especially on these verses:

"I will always hope
and keep adding to your praise.
 
15 All day long my mouth will tell
of your righteous deeds and acts of salvation,
though their number is past my knowing.
 
16 I will come in the power of Adonai Elohim
and recall your righteousness, yours alone.
 
17 God, you have taught me since I was young,
and I still proclaim your wonderful works.
 
18 So now that I’m old, and my hair is gray,
don’t abandon me, God, till I have proclaimed
your strength to the next generation,
your power to all who will come,
 
19 your righteousness too, God,
which reaches to the heights.
God, you have done great things;
who is there like you?

My heart just swells as I look back on my life and see the wonderful works He has performed.  I've been abundantly blessed, even though I've gone through hard times.  Each one of those trials has taught me more of his love and care for me, His child. 

This past week, I spent a few days visiting with dear, close friends who are like family to me.  I have one friend who has been in my life since first grade.  What a blessing.  I met with friends from my high school, too.  We'll be celebrating our 50th reunion this summer.  How beautiful it is to sit and talk with them all about our life in Adonai Elohim and give praise as we remember the joy of knowing Him.

I found this song about Psalm 71 that is so beautiful.  The lyrics don't follow the Scripture word for word, but are very close.  I'm amazed that someone could put this Bible passage to music in such a pleasant way.  I hope you enjoy it: Psalm 71 by Jason Silver.

This is a wonderful meditation for Shabbat.  I challenge you to read it and write about the memories that come as you listen.  List all the times Adonai has rescued you, provided for you, and shown you His love.  Praise Him for those times, Gail-Friends, and have a wonderful Sabbath.

  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 PARTY     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 
Sunday Thoughts Link-Up
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Friday, April 13, 2018

Sabbath Music - Have A Little Talk With Jesus


The Sabbath is nearing, and as I'm preparing, I'm thinking of this song:  Have a Little Talk with Jesus by Tennessee Ernie Ford.  This was one of my daddy's favorite songs.  I have a fond memory of him singing it.

I love this part of the lyrics:

I may have doubts and fears, my eyes be filled with tears, 
but Jesus is a friend who watches day and night. 
I go to Him in prayer. He knows my every care. 
And just a little talk with Jesus makes it right.

The graphic above is pertinent to this song.  ADONAI longs to spend time with us, and said, "Draw near to Me and I will draw near to you."  He also said, "My sheep hear My voice and they follow Me."

His voice is soft, quiet, and tender, dear Gail-Friends, and  I treasure the Sabbath as a special set-apart time to be still and talk with Him.  His voice, along with His Word, give me strength and peace and revive me for the week ahead.

I hope your Sabbath is rest-full, worship-full, and peace-full.

No automatic alt text available.

** images are from Garden of Bright Images (Facebook group)
~~~

 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 PARTY     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 
Sunday Thoughts Link-Up
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Thursday, April 12, 2018

Thankful Thursday - Everyday Blessings





Greetings from Golden Cottage!

I saw this graphic from Garden of Bright Images and knew I had to write about it.  It made me think of all the everyday blessings we take for granted.


Image may contain: one or more people and people sitting
graphic from Garden of Bright Images on Facebook







It brought to mind what a blessing it is to have a baby.  Nothing in my life compares to the precious baby days with my two daughters and my grandson.  How quickly the baby days pass.  I'm thankful for those blessings.



Getting a new roof, which was just finished this week (damaged during Hurricane Irma) isn't an everyday blessing, but I thank Him daily for a non-leaking roof and a place to lay my head.  I thank Him for this every time I see a homeless person, too.


This man and this dog are everyday blessings for sure.  Yesterday was National Pet Day, and both of them are my pampered pets.  I'm thankful that Jem is turning me into a dog person, too.  What's not to love when you this pic, right?

A friend and I went to the Barberville Spring Frolic this week and enjoyed music, dancing, arts and crafts and the wonderful weather we experience (almost) every day here in paradise (aka central Florida).  I'm so thankful for girlfriends who are like-minded. Here are a few pics from the day's fun:


This group, Front Porch Revival, sang a song about Noah that I remember from my childhood.  It was done by Tennessee Ernie Ford back then.  Great song.  You can probably find it on YouTube.


The young lady in the middle is the daughter of a long-time friend of mine.  We enjoyed some great music that day, which is another everyday blessing because I have music playing all day long at Golden Cottage.


Barberville has a large collection of feathered friends.  The chickens and roosters are always fun to watch.  And this:



Being the true-blue bird nerd that I am, I just loved the show put on by the two male peacocks.  We also saw a flock of cedar waxwings having a berry buffet in a big tree.  I couldn't get a good pic to share, though. :(

Birds are an everyday blessing here at Golden Cottage.  Oh, how thankful I am for all the different varieties that visit the Golden Pond feeders.  Our newest visitors are the Indigo Buntings.  We have a nest in the bouganvilea bush:

Another everyday blessing is a fully-equipped kitchen with electricity and running water.  You don't take those things for granted if you've ever had to do without them.  I'm thankful for the everyday blessing of the way the morning light streams across my kitchen.  


What are some of your everyday blessings, Gail-Friends?

~~~

 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 PARTY     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 
Sunday Thoughts Link-Up
 OVER THE MOON LINKY PARTY!

Friday, April 6, 2018

Sabbath Music - Ani Ma'amim Mashiach



 Today is the eighth day of Passover, so we are still mindful of  ADONAI's commandment to observe this important festival.  What a blessing it is to have two Sabbaths combine with this holiday.  It's a double, no triple, blessing, right?

At our Seder on Sunday, we didn't have room to dance :(    But we will tonight!  So I'll have my dancing shoes on.  I found this video on Youtube of a dance done at a Passover Seder.  The song is Ani Ma'amim (I Believe) - aka Mashiach by Jonathan Settel. The dance is very lively and JOY-FULL and those dancers are moving fast.  (I remember back when I could move that fast.)

The song is praising Yeshua our Messiah and I don't know how anybody can hear it without dancing.  When my daddy used to hear a good song, he'd jump up and say, "I've just got to cut a step!"  That's how I feel when I hear this song.  ENJOY!  And take JOY in the gift of Messiah's willingness to be our Passover Lamb and shed His blood for us.

HALELUYAH TO THE LAMB!

~~~

 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 PARTY     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 
Sunday Thoughts Link-Up
 OVER THE MOON LINKY PARTY!


Thursday, April 5, 2018

Thankful Thursday - Bored?

 

This quote caught my attention this week, and got me thinking:

"The hardest thing in the world for me to understand is boredom.
 My universe has always been too stimulating . . . 
too many sights and sounds and smells,
 too much to touch and taste and feel,
 too much to remember, 
and at times, alas, too much to forget."

 -Alice Mackenzie Swaim- Scottish Poet.

I agree with her because there is so much to experience and enjoy in this great big, beautiful world.  Aren't we blessed and thankful that we have cameras in our cell phones so that we can capture that beauty?  Here are a few things that stimulated my imagination and brought me JOY lately.

I saw a nest with three eggs in a bush near a friend's doorway (photo above). I felt holy awe and overflowing JOY!  How often do you get to see a birds nest up so close and near the ground?  It's rare, and I received it as a gift from my Heavenly Father.  I'm so grateful for such a loving Father who knows the desires of my bird-nerd heart.


This bright bench in the village made me feel so happy!  Don't you love people who take the time to create beauty out of the mundane?


These silver, glittery shoes with perky bows were worn by a little four-year-old girl at our Passover Seder.  I felt happy just seeing them.  Wouldn't you love to have a pair in your size?  I would, and I'd love to have a pair of those tennis shoes that light up when you take a step.  Do they make them for adults?  They would make me happy, happy, happy!

This graphic from Garden of Bright Images on Facebook made me smile:

Image may contain: plant, tree and outdoor

Doesn't E. E. Cummings have a way with words?  The "ragged meadow of my soul"  is so descriptive of how one feels after a long, hard winter.  I love reading this over and over.

"Where's my suet?"

I'm so thankful that the painted buntings are still here.  I treasure every day because I know the central Florida heat will drive them away soon.

I saw this young woman at the local library and was delighted to be able to take a photo.  Her hair was dyed to match her blouse.  Don't you admire her creativity and her courage to do something unique?  I love it!


There is so much going on in the world, so much to learn, and so many people around us to amaze and delight us.

L'Chaim, (To Life) Gail-Friends and may your week be filled with JOY.  Click on this LINK to hear the song (from the play Fiddler On The Roof).   I hope you dance as you listen!


~~~

 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 PARTY     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 
Sunday Thoughts Link-Up
 OVER THE MOON LINKY PARTY!