Showing posts with label thankfulness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thankfulness. Show all posts

Friday, May 15, 2020

Thankful Thursday - Life is Good on Golden Pond


Greetings, Gail-Friends!  I'm back!  Thought I'd take a break since I posted every day for thirty days.  I don't know about you, but it was good to focus on praise during the quarantine.  It helped me keep my mind off the gloom and doom of the alphabet media.

We watch CBS news - not because we want to know what's going on in the world, but because we want to see what propaganda they're feeding people.  Sometimes I think their sole purpose is to keep people scared to death.  If we didn't have faith and full assurance that He has everything under control, we'd be worried.  But we DO, and we're NOT.

We've been working around Golden Cottage and Pond and it is looking beauty-full.  The photo above is a window box I made with Dollar Tree flowers and an old thrifted basket I've had forever.  I've been cleaning out papers, filing in my office, working on my next book, and Jem (aka Mr. Green Jeans) has been working in the garden.


He's worked so hard - on his hands and knees - re-doing the bricks and paving stones around the pond.  Isn't it gorgeous?



We got to spend some time with our grandson over the last couple of weeks and what a JOY he's brought to our hearts.


We've gone to the park, had picnics, fed squirrels, and watched birds.





and other creatures:

Our neighbor's dog visiting the Golden Cottage watering hole

along with one of those fluffy-tailed rats (aka squirrels) - my nemesis
Our black racer, Sam, who's been around Golden Cottage for many years.

We even saw a rocket launch


And we looked at and talked about helicopters.  He LOVES them.  Knows all about the names and models, etc.  He's like his grandfather Jem, a walking encyclopedia of information.


We wore our masks when we were around other people - 




But now our quarantine is OVER!!!  HALLELUYAH!  Our state is opening up and we are so happy  We celebrated by going out to eat IN a restaurant.

Jem, always the joker, says, "They told us to wear masks!"  I told him, "I vote for YOU as the best person in the whole, wide world to be quarantined with."

WHO IS THAT MASKED MAN????  My dear, sweet, gentleman  hubby, Jem (aka The Lone Rabbi)
I'm thankful that we, and everyone we know, is healthy and unaffected by the virus.  All of our needs are met abundantly, and all is well.  Life is good at Golden Cottage!  Halleluyah Again!

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

 I sometimes share my posts with these friends:


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Friday, March 13, 2020

Thankful Thursday - My Corona Virus Safety Plan




What a week!  If you've turned on the news, you know by now that we're in a pandemic due to the Corona flu virus.  Businesses, schools, churches, and even theme parks here in Florida are closing.  People are stocking up on food, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper because it looks like the whole country may be shutting down for a couple of weeks.  Fear and hysteria are rampant - mainly due to the fanned flames of the mainstream media (MSM) outlets.   But, dear Gail-Friends, all is well.

Adonai is still on the throne and all is well. 

All is well  -  in spite of what your news media is shouting at you 24/7.  Our country has gone through worse health threats than this virus . . .  and survived.  We will get through this.  So, take a deep breath and think on these things:

  • Use common sense and good hygiene
  • Meditate on the Scriptures below
  • Keep calm and pray 
  • Share these things with those who are afraid

Psalm 91 is my go-to psalm in times like these.  I learned to cling to this passage while going through THREE back-to-back hurricanes in 2004.  You can read about it HERE.

  Dwell in the Shelter of Elyon

Psalm 91


Make note of the words in red

1 He who dwells in the shelter of Elyon,
will abide in the shadow of Shaddai.
2 I will say of Adonai,
“He is my refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.
3 For He will rescue you from the hunter’s trap
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with His feathers,
and under His wings you will find refuge.
His faithfulness is body armor and shield.
5 You will not fear the terror by night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the plague that stalks in darkness,
    nor the scourge that lays waste at noon.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
and ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only look on with your eyes
and see the wicked paid back.
9 For you have made Elyon your dwelling,
    even Adonai, who is my refuge,
10 so no evil will befall you
    nor any plague come near your tent.
11 For He will give His angels charge over you,
to guard you in all your ways.
12 Upon their hands they will lift you up,
lest you strike your foot against a stone.[a]
13 You will tread upon the lion and cobra,
trample the young lion and serpent.
14 “Because he has devoted his love to Me,
    I will deliver him.
I will set him securely on high,
    because he knows My Name.
15 When he calls on Me, I will answer him.
I will be with him in trouble, rescue him, and honor him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him
and show him My salvation.”
(Tree of Life Version)

And listen to this soft, slow, comforting rendition of this song:  Psalm 91

Psalm 27 is another go-to Scripture to cling to.  You can read about my experience with this beautiful passage HERE.

Let Your Heart Take Courage

Psalm 27

1 Of David.
Adonai is my light and my salvation:
    whom should I fear?
Adonai is the stronghold of my life:
    whom should I dread?
2 When evildoers approached me to devour my flesh
—my adversaries and my foes—they stumbled and fell.
3 Though an army camp besieges me, my heart will not fear.
Though war breaks out against me, even then will I be confident.
4 One thing have I asked of Adonai,
that will I seek:
to dwell in the House of Adonai
    all the days of my life,
to behold the beauty of Adonai,
    and to meditate in His Temple.
5 For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His sukkah,
conceal me in the shelter of His tent,
and set me high upon a rock.
6 Then will my head be high above my enemies around me.
In His Tabernacle I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy.
I will sing, yes, sing praises to Adonai.
7 Hear, Adonai, when I call with my voice,
be gracious to me and answer me.
8 To You my heart says: “Seek My face.”
Your face, Adonai, I seek.
9 Do not hide Your face from me.
Do not turn Your servant away in anger.
You have been my help.
Do not abandon me or forsake me,
    O God my salvation.
10 Though my father and my mother
forsake me, Adonai will take me in.
11 Teach me Your way, Adonai,
and lead me on a level path—
because of my enemies.
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes.
For false witnesses rise up against me,
    breathing out violence.
13 Surely I trust that I will see the goodness
of Adonai in the land of the living.
14 Wait for Adonai.
Be strong, let Your heart take courage,
    and wait for Adonai.
(Tree of Life Version)

And listen to this comforting song based on the passage:  Adonai Uri/The Lord Is My Light by Michael ben David.

And this verse is so very important: 

 (put on) the garment of praise
        for the spirit of heaviness
(Isaiah 61:3b Tree of Life Version) 
Listen to this song.  Oh, it's SO GOOD - Garments of Praise by Robin Mark
I know your feet will want to dance - so let them!  And when you're tired from dancing, lie down and listen to this one  -    In Your Presence by Paul Wilbur.  

Turn off the news! Meditate on this verse and sing, praise Adonai, lift your hands, dance . . . and that spirit of fear and heaviness will leave you. 
And remember this, Gail-Friends:  Adonai works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)  He will bring some good from this experience.  He promised. 
Blessings to y'all and have a good week.  

Thankful Thursday is my weekly discipline - to express my gratitude to Hashem for His over-flowing, abundant blessings.


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Friday, February 28, 2020

Thankful Thursday - Lots of Blessings


I'm back! Here's what's been happening 'round Golden Cottage:

I've been busy writing, editing, and formatting my next book.  Hopefully, it will be published in a couple of weeks.  

Our bird of paradise is finally blooming, and I'm so thankful.  I'd about given up on it because it hasn't bloomed since we potted it two or three years ago.  Now, it has two more blooms coming on.  

We were thankful to spend a nice afternoon with our grandson and son-in-law at an area historical event called Frontier Day.  We visited Sam's House on Pine Island which is the oldest standing home in Brevard County (circa 1875). The Sams Cabin is now a museum within the 1,000-acre Pine Island Conservation Area. There were lots of things to do and see in addition to touring the old cabin and the newer two-story home.

This is the parlor of the newer home.


Our grandson had fun doing things like digging for archeological artifacts, trying to rope a steer, and his favorite:

milking a cow - don't you love her expression?

roping a steer isn't as easy as it looks
The steer was a bale of hay with a set of horns.

The Civil War reenactors were there with several exhibits:



I was glad to see the register to vote booth.  When we said we were staunch Republicans, they frowned.

Jon liked sitting on a log 'round the campfire with the reenactors.  He had to show me his muscle - which is a stress ball he slid into his shirt.  I asked, "Are you ever stressed?"  He thought about it a minute and said, "Sometimes."



We loved listening to the music that day, too.  Good, old-timey folk tunes are my favorite.


I love these pics of my grand-boy.  He was pretty tired at the end of the day:


I'm so thankful for him.  These childhood days are passing by too soon.  He's going on eleven now, and every day we spend with him is precious.  I love this boy!

Toonie Woo, Esq. is doing good.  He's still not adapted to being an indoor cat and cries to go out a lot.  His nose is finally looking almost normal, after almost a year.  I hate to tell him no, but he has to stay inside for his health and well being.


My friend, Barbara, told me about a fun idea to keep the squirrels out of my birdfeeders.  A Slinky!


Well, as you can see it didn't work.  But it was fun seeing him try it the first time...going boing, boing, up and down the pole, then sliding slowly to the bottom!  It did my heart good!

We had some bad weather last week - lots of rain and wind gusts of thirty miles an hour.  We were going across the causeway and saw this  (wind kicking the waves up to four feet along the bulkhead):



Jem and I had a celebration of our love on February 14.  We're still happy as clams after almost fourteen years of marriage.  I'm so blessed and thankful.


He brought me a beautiful bouquet, card, and a sweet letter.  I gifted him with a brandy decanter (filled) with matching glasses and some of his favorite candies.  We went out that evening to a prime rib dinner at the American Legion.  They had a photo booth set up, so we had our picture made.  I love this man.  The medal box on the table is one Jem made for my father.  Those are the medals he earned during his time in the Navy during World War II.

One evening last week, we saw a gorgeous sunset.  It reminded me of a soft pink and blue baby blanket.  I never get tired of sunsets or sunrises, do you?  I feel like they are greetings and blessings from God every morning and night, and I just have to praise HIM


We've been taking some great bird rides, and I'll share some pics next week.  Winter is when all the snowbirds visit our area and I love it!  Speaking of winter, I love Florida winters.  We've been having two to three days of cool temps (highs in the low 60's), followed by three to four days of warm temps (highs in the 80's).  That's the way I like it, Gail-Friends.

Blessings to y'all and have a good week. 


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Friday, February 7, 2020

Thankful Thursday - So Much Winning



Wow! What a week! And so much to be thankful for!

First, and foremost, I'm thankful that  President Trump has been acquitted in the sham impeachment trial.  It's shameful what the Democrats have done to him and his family.  I pray for President Trump and his family daily, especially for their strength, because they are at the forefront of this fight to save America.  God bless him, Melania, and all who are in the battle.

Over the  past weeks of the trial, I have consistently prayed and remembered this Scripture:  "Some trust in horses and some in chariots, but we will trust in the Name of Adonai."  I replace the word horse with senators and the word chariots with lawyers.  Why? Because I know, from past experience, that God can make a way where there seems to be no way.  My faith is not in Trump or anyone in this fight but in my mighty, all-powerful God.  How things turn out is in His hands.  I thank Him for having mercy on us this week.

I'm also thankful that we can watch the impeachment trial on the internet.  I didn't say television because not all of the major networks covered it, and I think that's shameful.  We are watching history play out right before our eyes, Gail-Friends.  I'm so thankful for other news sources besides the biased, alphabet television news.  I gave up on those news outlets many, many years ago because I see them as propaganda machines for the progressive agenda that is trying to fundamentally change America.   We have options now because of the internet:  CSPAN covers government hearings and events and archives the videos.  I'm thankful for YouTube (although they are notorious for censoring and removing conservative videos).  We have the websites of Breitbart News, One America News, and Right Side Broadcasting who report the news with a conservative viewpoint.

I'm grateful for the president's State of the Union Address on Tuesday night.  I loved seeing the recognition of America's heroes and especially the presentation of the Medal of Freedom for Rush Limbaugh.  I enjoyed hearing about the accomplishments of President Trump over the past year, and I'm thankful that he is keeping the promises he made in his campaign.  It's so great to have a president who believes in the American ideals I grew up with, and who encourages excellence and individual effort to be outstanding.  God bless him for turning his back on Obama's doom and gloom about America being finished.  Our country is roaring back to life in so many ways and I give God the glory for all of it.

I had a conversation with a friend about President Trump this week.  We both agreed that he has some very rough edges and often says things we find objectionable.  But this is how I look at it:

There is a famous artist and author that I dearly love.  I have her art and her books in my home and they bring me great enjoyment.  Sadly, she is a very liberal Democrat.  She hates Republicans and she hates Trump.  She loves Obama and Hillary Clinton.  She's a proponent of baby murder.  I never knew her political views until recently when she posted about it on her blog.  She's alienated many of her followers and clients because of this, including me.  I will never give her another penny because I don't want to support her in her efforts to destroy America.  But I still love her art and her books.  But I will only buy them second hand - so that she can make no profit from me.  I pray for her to have eyes to see and ears to hear the truth.  I pray for her to know Messiah Yeshua and to obey His Word.  I pray for her to completely turn to Adonai, the God of the Universe and follow His ways.

I pray the same for President Trump.  I don't like some aspects of his personality and I can't, and won't, defend his brashness and profanity.  But I love what he's doing for my country.  That's what I support because he's doing a fantastic job of making America great again.

I also remember that we are all on a journey.  I have been blinded in the past.  I said and did things that I'm ashamed of now.  I've repented, and thank God for His forgiveness through Yeshua.  I did not understand things about God and His Word that I see clearly now.  So, I pray for people like Trump and "the artist."  I pray for them to be humbled and to turn to God.  I pray for them to know the life that results when one follows Him whole-heartedly.

Another thing I'm grateful for this week is that evil is being exposed.  This is an answer to my prayer.  During the President's SOTU address, the Democrats refused to stand up or applaud for all of the good things mentioned in that speech.  It was shameful.  Their hate of America was on full display for all to see.  And the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi was on camera the whole time, making faces and shaking her head "no" on almost every point.  She was signaling the Democrats what to do and not do.  And at the end, she tore up her copy of the president's speech to show her pure contempt of him and his message.  Through her actions, she also showed contempt for all the good done over the past year, and of the wonderful heroes like Rush Limbaugh.  It was shocking!

Well, you may say, do I pray for Nancy Pelosi and show her the same tolerance as Trump and the artist?  Yes, I pray for her, but I also recognize the pure evil on full display.  Discernment and wisdom are equally important in this fight, Gail-Friends.  There's a difference between someone being immature in their faith and someone who has an agenda straight from Hell.
,
Strong words, right?  I say that because abortion is murder.  Adultery, homosexuality, transgenderism, pedophilia, and other sexual aberrations are clearly defined in the Bible as sin.  The Democrat party embraces, promotes, and even glorifies these horrible sins.   They also support illegal immigration, civil unrest, and disrespect of our military and police force. 

And so, my friends, I must ask the question -- how can you say you are a follower of Yeshua and be unequally yoked with the platform and actions of the Democrats?  Please think about it.  Research it for yourself.  Look up what the Democrat party stands for (their platform) and then search the Scriptures to see if that platform aligns with God's Word.

I'm so grateful we live in a country where we can stand up against evil and work to end actions that are damaging to our families, neighbors, states, and beloved country.  It is our civic and spiritual duty, and we must take it very seriously.  The Democrats do -- and they are very active in their pursuit of changing America. 

We cannot rest on our laurels because of this wonderful victory.  We must pray and put feet to our prayers.  I'll post more about that in the days ahead.  Like Esther, we were born for such a time as this.



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Thursday, January 30, 2020

Thankful Thursday - I (ALMOST) Met Fabian Yesterday!

Isn't he the cutest??
Did you have a crush on a teen idol while growing up?  I sure did.  All of my friends loved Elvis back then, but Fabian (not Elvis) was my dream-boat-singer-crush when I was a nine-year-old, 4th-grade schoolgirl. I carried his picture everywhere and gazed at it dreamily many times a day.  Then I slept with that picture under my pillow at night.  Fabian* was my first love and I loved him deeply -- as deeply as a 4th-grader could, I'm sure.  

 So, you might ask, are you still in love with Fabian?  Well, no, but I still think he's the dreamiest.  And yesterday, I ALMOST got to meet him.

Jem came home from work and said, "I've got a surprise for you, so sit down."  I dutifully sat down and listened to his story:

While he was at the museum, someone told him Fabian was there.  So, Jem started looking for him and found him at the entrance, just about to walk out the door.  

Jem stopped him and said, "Hey, Fabian, my wife has a big crush on you!" 

So, Fabian turned around, smiled (I can just imagine it -- I would have fainted!), and said, "Well, tell her thanks!"

At this point, I said, "WHY didn't you call me so I could come over there and meet him????????????" 

He explained that Fabian was with a group of people and they were ready to leave.  So. . . my dear, sweet husband asked for an autograph!  Jem's my new crush : )

Fabian even asked how to spell my name (sigh...)


I'm thankful for my autograph AND for my husband who seems to always be in the right place at the right time to meet celebrities.  Here's a partial list:


As a child, he met Tom Mix (cowboy movie actor) at the Lone Star Brewery in San Antonio, TX while taking a tour with his parents.

Also while growing up, he met the great Claire Chenault, commander of the Flying Tigers. He gets stars in his eyes when he talks about this.

He met Air Force General, Curtis Lamaye, who ran as Barry Goldwater's VP.  His wife was Jem's schoolteacher in the 6th grade. 


While living in Miami as an adult, Jem met:

Angelo Dundee who was the famous boxer Mohammed Ali's fight manager, as well as boxer Jake LaMotta, aka Raging Bull, and his wife, Vicki.  Speaking of sports, he also met Ted Henderson, aka Hollywood, pro-football player for the Oakland Raiders.
  
Jem met his favorite opera singer, the great Pavoratti when his neighbor invited him over to eat spaghetti one night (long story).

And . . . the notorious bank robber, Willie Sutton (that's a REALLY long story!).

 While there, Jem had several small roles in several movies and met these stars: Bruce Dern and Charleton Heston (Black Sunday), Christopher Walken (Dogs of War).

He was in films (Supper Fuzz and Go For It) with  Terrence Hill, Bud Spence, and Andrew Prine (whose mother was Jem's next-door neighbor). Jem had a role in both films and got beat up by a roller derby queen in Go For It  (long and very funny story).


While in France, he met movie stars,  Rex Harrison and Ursula Andress.

More recently, he met and got great photos with Astronaut John Glen and two of the Tuskeegee Airmen, Col. Hiram Mann and Chappy James. 

And last, but actually first, he met television actress, Gail Storm when he was just a newborn baby.  Miss Storm was doing a tour at the base where his father was stationed and visited people in the base hospital.  Jem's mom was there!   So. . . Golden Boy Jem started and ended with a Gail.  Don't ya love it?
*
Visit Fabian's website -  http://fabianforte.net/

and here's a video of Fabian singing Turn Me Loose.  

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Thursday, January 23, 2020

Thankful Thursday - Happy New Year, Y'all



Happy New Year, Gail-Friends!

I took a long holiday vacation, didn't I?  We enjoyed a happy time celebrating both Hanukkah and Christmas, then welcoming in the new year.  Doesn't "2020" sound absolutely futuristic?  I'm thankful to have lived long enough to see it.  My prayer for the new year is to have 20/20 vision about what Adonai wants me to do. 

Our Hanukkah party was a lot of fun.  I always enjoy seeing all the families bring and light their menorahs.  The glowing candles make for a beautiful sight as we remember the miracle of the oil and Yeshua our Messiah as the light of the world.  Here are a few highlights of our celebration:




As always, we had lots of yummy foods - especially the traditional ones made with oil, aka DONUTS!
Like every year in the past, I made my Hanukkah menorah dip**   (scroll to the end of this post for the recipe)
After the Hanukkah lighting, we ate a great meal together


Some played dreidl and ate lots of chocolate gelt.

After we ate, we did something different.  We had a concert.

Rabbi played Christmas carols on his psaltry

Lisbet, one of our lovely ladies, sang the song, Mary Did You Know


Wendy, Holly, and Barry led us in singing Christmas carols.

Kevin played a Christmas carol on the violin

I'm glad to report that our doxie is doing much better now.  She's full of energy and doing her best to keep our cat baby in check.  That's not easy.  Toonie Woo, Esq. is a scamp when he's not napping. 

Toonie Woo, Esq. sunbathing

As Messianic believers, we are blessed to be able to combine Hanukkah and Christmas.  Haleluyah!

I mentioned at the beginning of this post that I desire 20/20 vision for what Hashem wants me to do.  I'm praying for guidance as a wife and homemaker, a rebbetzin, a mother and grandmother, and as a writer, poet, and artist.  I'm feeling an urgency to compile my writing, both short, inspirational stories and poems, into books.

I'm grateful to have been able to publish Golden Musings, a collection of my poetic worship, and Golden Moments. a collection of lessons learned through prayer  I 've written so many other poems and stories over the years that I want to compile, so I have lots of work ahead of me, Gail-Friends.  One task is to go back through my journals (1984 - present). 

Oh, and by the way, Golden Moments is on sale right now.  You can save $2.00 on the print copy!

Prayers and blessings to you all, Gail-Friends, and have a great week.  I'll be posting on a more regular basis again, Lord willing. 

**You can find my recipe for the Hanukkah menorah dip HERE.

Whadda ya think Rabbi is thinking???


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