My Newest Book - Golden Musings

Have you ever written a poem?  Until I was twenty-eight years old, I hadn't either.  My newest book, Golden Musings, is a collection of some of the poems I've written since then.  In the book, I share that first poem and the story behind how and why it was written. 

I could have titled this book Love Songs To My Savior because all of my poems have been written while worshipping, praying, meditating on the Scriptures, or while observing God's beautiful creation.    As I spend time with my Heavenly Father, the musings form in my mind, demanding to be recorded in my journal.

The process works like this:  At first, the beginning, rhythmic words of the poem waltz slowly through my mind.  Then, they dance in place until I write them down.  Once I do, a new line dances through.

I pray these musings will bless you, dear Gail-Friends, and I encourage you to write your thoughts, and His words to you, in your own journal.

Golden Musings can be purchased in print or as an e-book HERE.

My Artist Studio

The welcome sign outside my back porch (aka artist studio) and one of our many resident lizards

Welcome to the Golden Cottage and to my artist studio on my back porch. I'm joining the Where Bloggers Create 2016 blog party this week.

I'm most inspired to create when in nature, so my outdoor studio is perfect, and because I live in central Florida (aka paradise), I can enjoy it almost all year 'round.  Come on in and I'll show you around.

I'm a published author and poet, a musician and an artist.  This is my tiny desk, which looks pretty messy.  I'll share more about that in a minute.

The green wicker rocking chair is where I begin my creativity each day.  Early morning is my special time to commune with my Creator.  It's here that I worship Him, talk with Him, and listen to Him.

I turn my chair around to face my backyard, which includes a small pond surrounded by flowers, birdbaths and bird feeders.  My sweet husband is the Golden Cottage gardener, and made this for me to enjoy.  We call it Golden Pond.

 I love the birds that visit each morning.

My neighbor's cat, Bentley, usually visits in the morning, too.  I think he likes to listen to the music on the CD player.

As I read the Scriptures and my devotional books, I'm often inspired to write a poem, an article or blog post, or to paint a picture.

Here's the CD player, next to my artist desk.  I have a CD of birds singing that I play almost every morning. I think it attracts the birds to come by for a visit.

When I'm inspired to draw or paint, I take my artist supplies and place them on the stool you see under the desk, and move it beside my chair.

Here are a few other things I use to create.

The bag above is a tool bag that I bought at Harbor Freight for $7.00.  I love the pockets because I can slip in whatever I need at the moment.

This bag is smaller, but good, too.  I bought it at a thrift store for a couple of bucks.  The Brighton case holds my charcoal.  I love to draw in pen and ink, too.

A friend of mine made the brush holders for me, and I've used them for over thirty years.

I love watercolors, and so often I'm inspired to use them as I read and pray. The little crystal goblet holds the water.  It makes me feel so fancy.

I enjoy using watercolor pencils, too.

My pens, and their nifty carousel, are my newest addition to the tools I use.  I enjoy using them on the coloring sheets that are all the rage right now.  I do coloring just to relax when I have a few minutes to spend on the porch in the late afternoon.

Here are the books I read in the morning that inspire my creativity:

My much-loved and falling apart Complete Jewish Bible, my Messianic Jewish Bible which is brand new, and my daily journal.  In back are the devotionals I use:  100 Days of Blessing (2 Volumes, both wonderful) by Nancy Campbell, The Morning Hour (published in the 1800's) and Streams in the Desert (which I have used for over thirty-five years.  The red book is my goal / vision journal which has pictures of the things I'm praying for (such as my children) or have received a vision about.

I also have instruments I sometimes use in worship, but I don't keep them on the porch.  They are just inside the porch door for easy access.

I have a lap harp, a flute, a Celtic harp, a keyboard, and my newest addition -- a mountain dulcimer.  Playing music is one of my greatest joys.

Thanks for stopping by today, and I hope I've inspired you to create even if you don't have a formal studio space.  I hope to have my own artist studio in its own room one day, but until then, I'm happy on the porch.

Bentley says, "Y'all come back real soon".

I'm linking up with Karen Valentine's Where Bloggers Create 2016 today, along with some other bloggers.  Pop over there to see some other creative bloggers.

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I sometimes share my posts  with  friends at: 

Spiritual Sundays      THE SUNDAY COMMUNITY – #GIVE ME GRACE @SEE SPEAK HEAR MAMA Kathy’s Return to Loveliness at A Delightsome Life     GRAND Social       The Beauty in His Grip Link-Up   

Modest Mom Monday Link-up         Growing Homemakers Link-Up        The Gathering Spot Link-Up 

MOTIVATION MONDAYS – @EMBRACINGHISWILL      SHARING HIS BEAUTY – @THEBEAUTYINHISGRIP

The Art of Homemaking Mondays
Monday of Many Blessings 

Titus 2 Tuesday     Share Your Stuff Tuesday    TITUS TUESDAYS @CORNERSTONE CONFESSIONS    

Wordless Wednesdays    Jennifer Dukes Lee Tell His Story  Teaching What Is Good Link-Up

Classical Homemaking Link-Up    Judith’s Wholehearted Wednesday     Raising Homemakers Wednesday     A Wise Woman Builds       Wake Up Wednesday     A Little R & R Wednesday     Wednesday's Prayer Girls & Link-Up Party Thought Provoking Thursdays at 3D Lessons 4Life     Thursday  Favorite Things 

 Home and Garden Thursday at Delightsome Life 

Friendship Friday 

Sabbath Music - A Poem For You

It's a beautiful day here in Florida and we're looking forward to a beautiful Shabbat.  Tomorrow will be a good (but chilly) day to take a walk and enjoy the beauty of ADONAI'S creation. The photo above was taken on one of our walks in the Enchanted Forest in Titusville.   Being in nature always renew my mind, body and spirit. 

In the morning, I'll be listening to music and worshiping Him as I sit at His feet.  Here is another beautiful poem for you.  I think poetry is another form of music, don't you?

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
Thou longest much to know thy dear L-rd's will!
While anxious thoughts would almost steal their way
Corrodingly within, because of His delay
Persuade thyself in simple faith to rest
That He, who knows and loves, will do the best.
Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
Nor move one step, not even one, until
His way hath opened. Then, ah then, how sweet!
How glad thy heart, and then how swift thy feet
Thy inner being then, ah then, how strong!
And waiting days not counted then too long.
Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
What higher service could'st thou for Him fill?
'Tis hard! ah yes! But choicest things must cost!
For lack of losing all how much is lost!
'Tis hard, 'tis true! But then--He giveth grace
To count the hardest spot the sweetest place.
--J. D. Smith

Enjoy your Sabbath, Gail-Friends

Thankful Thursday - Quietness and Peace

I'm so thankful for books and. I must confess, I'm a hopeless book hoarder.  My husband is, too, so our home has them overflowing in every room. (Yes, the bathroom, too.)

One of my absolute favorites is Streams in the Desert, which I've used since 1976.  My first copy fell apart, and the one below is getting very worn.  Understandable, since I've used it daily since 1988. 



I love it, though, because I've made notes in the margins and on the inside of the covers.  It has become a kind of journal, really.  I especially love the poetry Mrs. Cowan included.  This one, about quietness, touched me this week:

 "He giveth quietness." O Elder Brother,
Whose homeless feet have pressed our path of pain,
Whose hands have borne the burden of our sorrow,
That in our losses we might find our gain.

Of all Thy gifts and infinite consolings,
I ask but this: in every troubled hour
To hear Thy voice through all the tumults stealing,
And rest serene beneath its tranquil power.

Cares cannot fret me if my soul be dwelling
In the still air of faith's untroubled day;
Grief cannot shake me if I walk beside thee,
My hand in Thine along the darkening way.

Content to know there comes a radiant morning
When from all shadows I shall find release,
Serene to wait the rapture of its dawning--
Who can make trouble when Thou sendest peace?

I don't know about you, Gail-Friends, but I prize quietness and peace in my life above everything.  I guess it's because the early years of my life were filled with drama of one kind or another.  I'm so thankful to have learned the value of quietness and peace, which I learned through trials that led me to treasure quiet, alone time with my Heavenly Father.

As a young woman, I would obsess over my problems for days.  My mind was like a hampster wheel, running over and over again.  But, over time I learned to focus on being still in a quiet place.  Usually, I'd sit outside on my porch and gaze at the trees.  I'd thank Him for the trees, the birds, and the clouds.  

Then, I'd read the Scriptures, usually the Psalms.  A verse would stand out to me, and I'd focus on it, reading it out loud over and over again.  Then, I'd write the verse in my journal.  Taking my mind off my problem and focusing on His Word filled my heart with the sweetest peace, because He was speaking to me through the Scriptures.   

I also learned to pray this prayer often:

In the beginning, my quiet time was short, maybe ten to fifteen minutes.  Over the years, the time expanded.  Now, I linger long, enjoying our time together so very much.  As I've clung to this process, I've found that every trial has brought me closer to Him and taught me things no one can ever take away.  Sitting still, talking to Him, reading the Scriptures, and listening to His voice can turn into hours filled with JOY.  Oh, how I love sitting at His feet.

Thankful Thursday is my day to focus on, and be thankful for, the good things in my life.  

**You can read my previous post about this devotional book at this link:  Sreams in the Desert 
and you can read this devotional on line at http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/desert/
You can even have it delivered to your phone daily



***************

  I sometimes share my posts  with  friends at: 
Charlotte a Spiritual SundaysSpiritual Sundays     Janis with Sunday Stillness       THE SUNDAY COMMUNITY – #GIVE ME GRACE @SEE SPEAK HEAR MAMA Kathy’s Return to Loveliness at A Delightsome Life     GRAND Social       The Beauty in His Grip Link-Up   

Modest Mom Monday Link-up         Growing Homemakers Link-Up        The Gathering Spot Link-Up 

MOTIVATION MONDAYS – @EMBRACINGHISWILL      SHARING HIS BEAUTY – @THEBEAUTYINHISGRIP

Titus 2 Tuesday     Share Your Stuff Tuesday    TITUS TUESDAYS @CORNERSTONE CONFESSIONS     Wordless Wednesdays    Jennifer Dukes Lee Tell His Story  Teaching What Is Good Link-Up

Classical Homemaking Link-Up    Judith’s Wholehearted Wednesday     Raising Homemakers Wednesday     A Wise Woman Builds       Wake Up Wednesday     A Little R & R Wednesday     Wednesday's Prayer Girls & Link-Up Party Thought Provoking Thursdays at 3D Lessons 4Life     Thursday  Favorite Things 

 Home and Garden Thursday at Delightsome Life 

Friendship Friday 

STILL SATURDAYS @SANDRAHESKAKING     PLAYDATES @LAURABOGGESS  
 My Fresh Brewed Life with Barbie – Weekend Brew

Thankful Thursday - A Bird Blessing

I've often written about lessons G-d has taught me through birds, and I call them bird blessings.  I received another one today.

This morning, I sat on my patio with the San Bernardino massacre heavy on my heart.  I prayed for the comfort of the families, friends, co-workers, and the first responders involved in this tragedy.  Sadness covered me like a soggy blanket.

I turned on Pandora and tuned in to a Choral Christmas station.  I listened to the beautiful carols as I read Proverb 3 and meditated on this verse that touched my heart:

Trust in Adonai with all your heart;
do not rely on your own understanding.

I prayed, Yes, Father, I cling to You because I do not understand any of the awful things I see happening in my country right now.  

 Don’t be afraid of sudden terror or destruction
caused by the wicked, when it comes; 

 for you can rely on Adonai

Thank you, Father, for reminding me that You hold me in Your hand and cover me with your shield.  I trust You to hold me, to guide me, and to grant me discernment in times like these.  You have always provided for me, protected me, and guided me through every dark valley.

My heart felt peace, but He had another blessing.  I saw a bird fly in front of me and perch on a branch nearby.  A beautiful female cardinal stared back at me. 

I sat very still and watched her for about ten minutes before I took this photo with my phone.  She seemed to be listening to the carols.  We sat and listened, and worshipped the L-rd as I thought about the beauty of music, and nature and birds, especially.  My little friend cocked her head and opened her beak, but made no sounds at all.  We worshipped together for another ten or fifteen minutes and I thought:

Welcome pretty red bird...

let's laud His holy Name

for when we start to worship,

nothing stays the same.

Our sad hearts will be lifted,

our sorrows will grow dim

if we will only lift our praise

and focus just on Him.

My heart felt such JOY!  Once again I was reminded that He watches over me just as He watches over and cares for the birds.  Comfort, peace, and JOY -- overflowing blessings filled me as I listened to the carols and watched my little friend.  She sat there for another fifteen minutes.  She sat so still for so long, in fact, that I was able to get my "real" camera and take some good close-up shots.  What a wonderful bird blessing.

Thank You, Father!

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

What are you thankful for today?

**************

I sometimes share my posts  with  friends at:
 

Charlotte a Spiritual SundaysSpiritual Sundays     Janis with Sunday Stillness       THE SUNDAY COMMUNITY – #GIVE ME GRACE @SEE SPEAK HEAR MAMA Kathy’s Return to Loveliness at A Delightsome Life     GRAND Social       The Beauty in His Grip Link-Up   

Modest Mom Monday Link-up         Growing Homemakers Link-Up        The Gathering Spot Link-Up 

MOTIVATION MONDAYS – @EMBRACINGHISWILL      SHARING HIS BEAUTY – @THEBEAUTYINHISGRIP

Titus 2 Tuesday     Share Your Stuff Tuesday    TITUS TUESDAYS @CORNERSTONE CONFESSIONS     

Wordless Wednesdays    Jennifer Dukes Lee Tell His Story  Teaching What Is Good Link-Up      

 A Hope in Every Season Homemaking Link-Up    Judith’s Wholehearted Wednesday     Raising Homemakers Wednesday     A Wise Woman Builds       Wake Up Wednesday     A Little R & R Wednesday     Wednesday's Prayer Girls & Link-Up Party

 Thought Provoking Thursdays at 3D Lessons 4Life     Thursday  Favorite Things Home and Garden Thursday at Delightsome Life

Friendship Friday 

STILL SATURDAYS @SANDRAHESKAKING     PLAYDATES @LAURABOGGESS

 My Fresh Brewed Life with Barbie – Weekend Brew

 

A Poem for Sukkot

One of our sukkahs from the past

I ran across this poem this week, and think it is perfect for Sukkot.  It mentions the wilderness march and G-d's provision during the exodus from Egypt.  It is appropriate because as we observe this feast, we pause to remember and be thankful. 

He was better to me than all my hopes;
He was better than all my fears;
He made a bridge of my broken works,
And a rainbow of my tears.

 

The billows that guarded my sea-girt path,
But carried my L-rd on their crest;
When I dwell on the days of my wilderness march
I can lean on His love for the rest.

 

He emptied my hands of my treasured store,
And His covenant love revealed,
There was not a wound in my aching heart,
But the balm of His breath hath healed.
 

Oh, tender and true was the chastening sore,
In wisdom, that taught and tried,
Till the soul that He sought was trusting in Him,
And nothing on earth beside.

 

He guided by paths that I could not see,
By ways that I have not known;
The crooked was straight, and the rough was plain
As I followed the L-rd alone.
 

I praise Him still for the pleasant palms,
And the water-springs by the way,
For the glowing pillar of flame by night,
And the sheltering cloud by day.

 

Never a watch on the dreariest halt,
But some promise of love endears;
I read from the past, that my future shall be
Far better than all my fears.
 

Like the golden pot, of the wilderness bread,
Laid up with the blossoming rod,
All safe in the ark, with the law of the L-rd,
Is the, covenant care of my G-d.

(author unknown) 

The poem expresses much of my own experience.  The hard things have taught me to trust Him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

 I sometimes share my posts  with  friends at:

Charlotte aSpiritual SundaysSpiritual Sundays     Janis with Sunday Stillness       THE SUNDAY COMMUNITY – #GIVE ME GRACE @SEE SPEAK HEAR MAMA Kathy’s Return to Loveliness at A Delightsome Life     GRAND Social       The Beauty in His Grip Link-Up   

Modest Mom Monday Link-up         Growing Homemakers Link-Up        The Gathering Spot Link-Up 

MOTIVATION MONDAYS – @EMBRACINGHISWILL      SHARING HIS BEAUTY – @THEBEAUTYINHISGRIP

Titus 2 Tuesday     Share Your Stuff Tuesday    TITUS TUESDAYS @CORNERSTONE CONFESSIONS     

Wordless Wednesdays    Jennifer Dukes Lee Tell His Story  Teaching What Is Good Link-Up      

 A Hope in Every Season Homemaking Link-Up    Judith’s Wholehearted Wednesday     Raising Homemakers Wednesday     A Wise Woman Builds       Wake Up Wednesday     A Little R & R Wednesday     Wednesday's Prayer Girls & Link-Up Party

 Thought Provoking Thursdays at 3D Lessons 4Life     Thursday  Favorite Things Home and Garden Thursday at Delightsome Life

Friendship Friday 

STILL SATURDAYS @SANDRAHESKAKING     PLAYDATES @LAURABOGGESS

 My Fresh Brewed Life with Barbie – Weekend Brew

Wisdom Wednesdays - My Treasure

 (photo from Little Birdie Blessings)

As a little girl growing up in church, I remember songs like What A Friend We Have In Jesus, and All That Thrills My Soul is Jesus and wondering about it.  I didn't know G-d that way then, but I do now, and He is so precious to me.  

This is my view when I sit in my quiet place

I love the early morning and spending time with Him on my porch.  The  art and verse at the top of this post are so illustrative of my heart, and this poem expresses it so well :

“My heart is there!

’Where, on eternal hills, my loved one dwells

Among the lilies and asphodels;

Clad in the brightness of the Great White Throne,

Glad in the smile of Him who sits thereon,

The glory gilding all His wealth of hair

And making His immortal face more fair

THERE IS MY TREASURE and my heart is there.

 

“My heart is there!

’With Him who made all earthly life so sweet,

So fit to live, and yet to die so meet;

So mild, so grand, so gentle and so brave,

So ready to forgive, so strong to save.

His fair, pure Spirit makes the Heavens more fair,

And thither rises all my longing prayer.

THERE IS MY TREASURE and my heart is there.”

(author unknown) 

When I read it, I just had to praise Him as I remembered His provision and faithfulness to me.  

Remembering is important in maintaining a strong faith.  In the Torah, the word "remember" is mentioned over and over, especially regarding the exodus from Egypt, the Passover, and the other Feasts and Festivals.  Hashem adjures us to remember things that have happened in the past (His provision and faithfulness) as a way to strengthen our faith.  

My personal journals and prayer journals help me remember His great faithfulness to me throughout my life.  I started keeping a diary at age nine, because I wanted to remember things I was going through.  I wanted to remember how it felt to be mistreated and misunderstood, so that I would not treat anyone else that way. 

Even as a young child, my journals reflected a faith in G-d.  Over the years, the writing reflects a growing faith, and an understanding that matures over the years.  The trials were great teachers and drew me to Him. 

As a young woman in my twenties, I read George Mueller's biography and learned to record my prayers.  Oh, how it strengthens my faith to look back over them, and remember His answers.  The answers weren't always "yes", but over time I learned that His "no" answers were just as loving as "yes".   A dear friend once told me, "G-d leads by stops as well as starts".  I've never forgotten that, and learned to pay close attention to the stops.  

I remember trying to sell as house once, and it would not sell.  I prayed long and hard, but the answer was "no".  I finally gave up and acquired a renter.  Years later, I put the house up for sale, and it sold within a week.  He knew the right time and His timing was perfect to meet my need.  I learned to trust Him, because He sees ahead what I cannot.

It is joy and peace to trust in Him.  He is a loving, tender, caring, attentive Father.   Matthew 6:21 says, "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."  He is my treasure, and my heart is there.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Charlotte at Spiritual Sundays

Janis with Sunday Stillness

THE SUNDAY COMMUNITY – #GIVE ME GRACE @SEE SPEAK HEAR MAMA

 Kathy’s Return to Loveliness at A Delightsome Life 
  All Things Bright and Beautiful Link-Up

 GRAND Social

Modest Mom Monday Link-up 

Growing Homemakers Link-Up

  The Gathering Spot Link-Up

MOTIVATION MONDAYS – @EMBRACINGHISWILL
SHARING HIS BEAUTY – @THEBEAUTYINHISGRIP

Share Your Stuff Tuesday 

TITUS TUESDAYS @CORNERSTONE CONFESSIONS 

Wordless Wednesdays   

 Jennifer Dukes Lee Tell His Story

Teaching What Is Good Link-Up

A Hope in Every Season Homemaking Link-Up 

Judith’s Wholehearted Wednesday    Raising Homemakers Wednesday

A Wise Woman Builds

Wake Up Wednesday

A Little R & R Wednesday
 Wednesday's Prayer Girls & Link-Up Party!

   Thought Provoking Thursdays at 3D Lessons 4Life

Thursday  Favorite Things

Home and Garden Thursday at Delightsome Life

Friendship Friday 
  Faith Filled Friday at Missional Women   

STILL SATURDAYS @SANDRAHESKAKING

PLAYDATES @LAURABOGGESS

 My Fresh Brewed Life with Barbie – Weekend Brew

 

Sabbath Music - Full Surrender

That sacred time of stillness is upon us.  He calls us to come aside, rest and turn our hearts toward Him.  Sometimes it is hard.  We are busy.  We have many reasons to keep going at full speed.  But when we surrender and obey His command, we find the JOY of obedience.

This poem spoke to my heart today during my devotions.  It's from Streams in the Desert, and I understand every portion.  G-d calls us to full surrender many times as we walk this road of life.  Each level of surrender teaches us more about Him, if we are willing.


Fearing to launch on "full surrender's" tide,
I asked the L-rd where would its waters glide
My little bark, "To troubled seas I dread?"
"Unto Myself," He said.

Weeping beside an open grave I stood,
In bitterness of soul I cried to G-d:
"Where leads this path of sorrow that I tread?"
"Unto Myself," He said.

Striving for souls, I loved the work too well;
Then disappointments came; I could not tell
The reason, till He said, "I am thine all;
Unto Myself I call."

Watching my heroes--those I loved the best--
I saw them fail; they could not stand the test,
Even by this the L-rd, through tears not few,
Unto Himself me drew.

Unto Himself! No earthly tongue can tell
The bliss I find, since in His heart I dwell;
The things that charmed me once seem all as naught;
Unto Himself I'm brought.
--selected 

Shabbat shalom, Gail-Friends, and  I hope you are blessed by this music today.  This is one of the songs we sing on Shabbat. 



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

Charlotte at Spiritual Sundays

Janis with Sunday Stillness

THE SUNDAY COMMUNITY – #GIVE ME GRACE @SEE SPEAK HEAR MAMA

 Kathy’s Return to Loveliness at A Delightsome Life 
  All Things Bright and Beautiful Link-Up

 GRAND Social

Modest Mom Monday Link-up 

Growing Homemakers Link-Up

  The Gathering Spot Link-Up

MOTIVATION MONDAYS – @EMBRACINGHISWILL
SHARING HIS BEAUTY – @THEBEAUTYINHISGRIP

Share Your Stuff Tuesday 

TITUS TUESDAYS @CORNERSTONE CONFESSIONS 

Wordless Wednesdays   

 Jennifer Dukes Lee Tell His Story

Teaching What Is Good Link-Up

A Hope in Every Season Homemaking Link-Up 

Judith’s Wholehearted Wednesday    Raising Homemakers Wednesday

A Wise Woman Builds

Wake Up Wednesday

A Little R & R Wednesday
 Wednesday's Prayer Girls & Link-Up Party!

   Thought Provoking Thursdays at 3D Lessons 4Life

Thursday  Favorite Things

Home and Garden Thursday at Delightsome Life

Friendship Friday 
  Faith Filled Friday at Missional Women   

STILL SATURDAYS @SANDRAHESKAKING

PLAYDATES @LAURABOGGESS

 My Fresh Brewed Life with Barbie – Weekend Brew

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