I am horrified when I hear about the devastating storms that have occurred in America lately! I don’t know how so many people cope with their tragedies and losses. I’m sure they are thankful for whatever help they can get from neighbors and friends and Samaritan’s Purse Rapid Response Teams, and others.
At times, most of us have emotional and spiritual storms in our lives, as well, (sometimes caused by the physical storms but some-times even invisible.) I have desired for much of my life to write messages that can help suffering people to grow closer to God and his comfort, to give some sort of help to the hurting, to cope with the emotional storms of life. I don’t know how I can do that except through sharing what helped me. This is why I published the book, Songs & Poems From a Yielded Heart.
From before I began freelance writing, I have poured out my hurts, anger, questions, anxieties and problems to God on paper, ending with a prayer, turning it all over to Him. Then I would turn these “journal” entries into a song or a poem. Many of the poems have been published in Sunday School papers and other Christian periodicals. I often use one of the songs or poems for a prayer or a time of worship, especially when I’m having an emotional struggle. They draw me deeper into intimacy with the Lord Jesus.
This is what one reader said about the book:
“Judith writes poetry and lyrics that can help in healing people’s emotions because they point the readers to God and encourage them to believe in His love and mercy. As she expressed her own feelings in these songs and poems, they can also help the readers express themselves.”
Another said, “Judith interprets poems as “the strivings of the soul” in the first poem of the book,
POEMS ARE:
“Poems are the strivings of the soul
expressing the inexpressible,
understandIng the hurts,
finding a way of coping,
making our spirits whole.”
Luwi Nyakansaila described Songs & Poems from a Yielded Heart in a Readers’ Favorite book review as “a refreshing book with a lovely message. The poems and songs tell the story of how God continuously loves us and reminds us to thank Him for His welcoming and forgiving nature.”
It is “a book that all believers will appreciate both for its message and the wonderful way Judith Vander Wege conveys it,” added Astrid Lustulin.
In another Readers’ Favorite book review, Edith Wairimu said, “Songs & Poems from a Yielded Heart is seen as an expressive, hope-filled collection with messages that can be appreciated at any phase of life.”
Ella Vincent, in her Pacific Book Review, stated that “Judith Vander Wege has written a book which will be close to the hearts of many readers. The poems and songs show the author’s devotion to God through trials and noting God’s wonder even in nature.”
Edith Wairimu added, “The work includes many relatable experiences of sadness and joy and offers an inspiring and uplifting perspective of such events. Each piece is thoughtfully composed and can be used for praise in a personal setting or larger group. Unquestionably, Songs & Poems from a Yielded Heart by Judith Vander Wege is a beautiful and encouraging collection that inspires hope during challenging times,”
The picture on the front cover is of a rock in our front yard. Yes, Jesus is Lord. This is why I write. I pray you can enjoy some of my prayer-poems and praise songs. If you want to hear the melodies of the songs, some are on my YouTube channel and I hope to put the others on there soon: Judith Vander Wege/YouTube.
judithvanderwege.com
Leave a Reply