YOU ARE THE BELOVED with Graham Cooke 1.3.15

WELCOME to SONGS on SUNDAY  for this 2nd Sunday of Lent.

Continuing our Life of the Beloved theme,
today featuring a recitation of Graham Cooke on God's Love for us, The Beloved, in an enchanting setting of violin .  
May you be filled and refilled with both word and music...
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Consider adding your own worship music favs by posting links in comments.
Adding the link back to this #SONGSonSUNDAY post  will help connect and grow the audience .
Thanks for participating ~ I love hearing your choices!
* "Revelation occurs when wisdom penetrates our hearts to the point of transformation."
May you be Blessed in the revelation and understanding of your BELOVEDNESS!
* Find Graham online at Brilliant Perspectives   facebook  *  twitter  *  you tube Brilliant Book House
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* INSPIRE ME MONDAY * Faith Filled Friday *

Friday Five: Prayer

via * Today's Friday 5s from Rev Gal Jan : * At the beginning of this past week, I attended a conference on contemplative prayer entitled "Turning to the Mystics" at the 2013 Summer Institute at the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, TX. The speakers were James Finley, author and former novice of Thomas Merton; Mirabai Starr, author, translator, and speaker;  and Father Ronald Rolheiser, author and president of OST.  We were encouraged to regularly sit in quiet to come to realize our union with the Divine, who continually loves us into being.
*
So for this Friday Five, let us share about our prayer practices, whether silent or not: * { ~ My responses follow Jan's questions ~ }
*
1. How do you pray?

Many ways.  Creatively.  With music, journalling, dancing, singing, creating, photography, listening, praying always - a heart position and attitude. With words?
Beginning with praise and acknowledgement of  God's worth.  Gratitude for who God is. Resting in God's Presence and waiting for Holy Spirit to direct my thoughts and responses. Listening.   "Adonai ELOHIM wakens Me morning by morning, He wakens My ear to hear as a disciple [as one who is taught]" Isaiah 50.4 * The requesting part, if there will be any, flows from there.  According to scripture, I have the mind of Christ in me, and Holy Spirit that knows what needs praying, so it's a choice to allow Holy Spirit to lead. What is on  God's heart?  Praying in agreement with that. When we know we pray according to God's will, we know God's answer is also ours. "We enter into a certainty of the outcome", as Graham Cooke says it in  Crafted Prayer from the Being With God series.
*

1 John 5.14 And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us.

15 And if (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him.

*
2. How has your idea of prayer changed over time?

Prayer is opportunity to spend time with God.  Being in God's Presence. Not a chore.  Not a requirement.  Rather a joy and delight that results from a relationship of love, worth and appreciation from and toward The One I adore. Not a quick port of call for when desperate or a slot machine to get something. Also not just a quick trip to the store with my shopping list . A time of enjoyment - another step in development of relationship. *
3. Do you ever sit in silent prayer? How does it go?

I do.  It goes Beautifully as I turn my heart's full attention on Yeshua Jesus in gratitude.   There's increased sense of Presence and intimacy. A deep and growing awareness of The One in whom my soul delights.
*
4. Do you have any difficulties and/or pleasures in prayer?

For me the difficulty is choosing to be intentional in prayer.  Not allowing it to stay at routine or given less than priority.  A valued place in my day and my life. Pleasures?  Much.  * 
Song of Solomon 5:16

"His voice and speech are exceedingly sweet; yes, 

He is altogether lovely [the whole of Him delights and is precious]. 

This is my beloved, and this is my friend...!"

*
5. What is the best advice that helped you with prayer?

I am not an orphan.  I need not beg or hold back.  I am Christ's bride.  Pray like a bride.
*
Bonus: Share something about prayer or an example of a prayer you like. *

* Praying scriptures is foundational.  Prayers of God who is author and initiator.   As we learn to still ourselves in God's Presence,  we sense the voice of Holy Spirit leading in prayer. Two excellent resources coming to mind, from Canadian author, Brad Jersak -   Can You Hear Me? Tuning in to the God Who Speaks * and the above mentioned Crafted Prayer by British author, Graham Cooke.  Rev Gals Thursday Prayer post example is one of many beautiful prayer resources. Highly recommended [prayed and enjoyed!]
*

* What a fabulous opportunity to attend the conference, Jan. I am so pleased you had that opportunity and have inspired us with your 5 ?s regarding prayer. It sounds much in accord with Christine Valters Paintners' Abbey of the Arts, of which we monks in the world draw inspiration. Thank you for today's post!
* Your prayers are especially appreciated as I prepare for the journey to meet  my 1st wee grandson and spend a short while with the blessed parents!  * I haven't settled on transportation for my return and need wisdom provision for that.  * It's now Sunday and I'm  SO  Grateful to share God's provision of wisdom and transportation has been arranged! Awesome and Amazing - a direct flite at seat sale price! * TY Lord!
*
How do you pray?  Insights you'd care to share?
*

*

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Shared at Faith Filled Friday [click to link directly]
Shared at Inspire Me Monday

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 2.11.13

Well, It's not Monday {yet}!

but probably will be by the time I get this post ready!

sooo..

What Am I Reading?

I'm at the 10th chapter of Alexa Adams'

'First Impressions'

"In Pride and Prejudice Fitzwilliam Darcy begins
his relationship with Elizabeth Bennet with the words:
"She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me;
I am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies
who are slighted by other men."
What would have happened if Mr. Darcy had never spoken so disdainfully?
First Impressions explores how the events of Jane Austen's
beloved novel would have transpired if Darcy and Elizabeth had danced together
at the Meryton Assembly.
 Austen's witty style is authentically invoked as we journey from Longbourn to Pemberley."

{from the book cover}

 And that is what I'm in the process of discovering ~ quite enjoyably !
In fact, a perfect Valentine Romance Read !!

One more completed in the Jane Austen P+P  200 Challenge !

Another great discovery has been the interactive journal set from 

author and speaker, Graham Cooke, founder of

Brilliant Book House.
I've just completed the book part and now moving into the

interactivities part.  

Perfect way to learn when I have to put brain + creativity into gear!

Here's the one I'm working on currently -

Some definite essentials when Life is, shall I say, a bit overwhelming?

Nothing like new perspectives on old routines...

Double Dipping on this read!
For Reading Scotland Challenge, my 6th book ~

which also qualifies for 12th of Canadian Reading Challenge due to the author.

I found it absolutely fascinating.  Incredible hardships for adults,
let alone the children in the family.  And then to work through years of

struggle before attaining anything hoped for or dreamed of...
Though some unexpected romances do arrive at their doorways!

"Isobel thinks that she and her family will find their fortune in Canada. But Isobel''s mother dies before they even cross the ocean, and other misfortunes follow their every step. Isobel''s family and the other Selkirk Settlers are caught in the fur-trading rivalry between the Hudson''s Bay Company and the North West Company and cannot even start to build when they do reach their destination. The harsh climate, and escalating threats against the settlers, make it impossible to start a new life. Only through perseverance and help from the local Cree band are Isobel and her family finally able to put down roots in the Red River Valley. Vetted by historical experts, each book in this series contains maps, numerous period illustrations, and an extensive historical note."

Now I'm into reading for a review due Tuesday..
A topic dear to my heart, 

but a big gulp at 350+ pages to be read before then!

Kudos to Ken Wytsma's fantastic skill at headlining this topic~

  

That's it for me gals.  

What's on your stack for this Valentine Week?

Joining Sheila and the reading gang at Book Journey

for more reading revelations...

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Dream Big ! It's Monday 5/27 What Am I Reading?

Joining with the rest of the  readers at Sheila's Book Journey
sharing this week's reads ~

continuing my reading along with Sheila

in prep for The Secret Garden Party on Thursday!

I'll be posting my review of the book & then partying with the others !!

also learning about prayer unlike what i've known before ~

much more relational than 'Help' i need a lifesaver !!

Graham Cooke of Brilliant Book House

does an amazing job of relating what we currently do as 'prayer'

vs what God is actually wanting in the life situations we're struggling with~

and 

the intended results of Growth and Change as we mature in our Faith...  

"We can thank God first, in every situation, because every problem 

we encounter comes with His provision attached to it.  

God has a plan and a purpose for us; 

He says that everything works together for those who love Him.  

That promise is a deep well of provision for us.  

Whatever calamity life throws at us, God can use it for our blessing and our benefit....

By entering His presence in the midst of our problem, 

He can act on our behalf.  

Our heart may be all over the place, 

but there is a central place of truth where we gather - 

in the goodness of God." ... 

{"Gratitude is the bedrock of our life and worship"}

"We need to plan to enter God's presence with our thanksgiving, 

not our prayer...

Psalm 95.2

...once we've come into His presence, 

we need to be still and listen to the heart of God."

~ Graham Cooke

an Essential ~

HIGHLY Recommended !

 and totally ties in with my Book Debut 

Next up~

Fantastic Debut release from Heather Boersma,

  Canadian mom blogger, speaker and now published writer !

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin | Store 

Heather's put together a 30 day 'book journey' {pun intended!}

of reading and dreaming ~

{add journalling for max impact !}

for readers to benefit from Dream Big ..

Dream Big: 

30 Days to a Life Beyond All You could Ask or Imagine

•  Dreaming and Living Above & Beyond ~
   intentionally !  yes!... &

that's where the journaling opp comes in 

if you're Interested in Investing in Yourself 

for this next 30 days of your life ..

Friday begins 30 days of JUNE ! 

We can make JUNE count  

for more than just another month ~

I love fresh pages of a New Book ~

 I especially love the concept of  Dream Big~

yes, you can and definitely will EnJoy the reading 

check out the first chapter here

 participating Increases the Pleasure of the Learning...

{listening hearing and writing}

 I LoVe starting a new journal !

{perfect for this book & the Crafted Prayer book as ABOVE !}

mmm ~ how about you?

any Grads you know ? any new Moms? 

that need this inspy for beginning their new life?

ok then ..

I thought we might want to hear from Heather's heart 

as we begin this Journey together ...

Ready Set Go ?

We can purchase Dream Big {book nook or kindle} through 

Amazon.ca  Amazon.com  

Barnes&Noble.com or Chapters.ca

Heather's Giving Back~  

Every time we purchase a copy of Dream Big, 

we’re helping the fight against human trafficking.  

20% of ALL profits from the book go directly 

to the A21 Campaign.  

You can read more about A21 and how to get involved HERE. 

GIVEAWAY Deets !

Once you have your own copy of 

Dream Big

snap a pic of yourself with it  ~ book nook or kindle!

and send it to heather[at]heatherboersma[dot]com.  

Everyone who sends a photo will be entered to win 

a free large blog ad space for July and August (if you’re a blogger) 

or a free copy of the book (winners choice). Can't wait to see yours...

follow Dream Big book tour dates:

• May 25 - Finding Beauty in the Ordinary
• May 28 – Keeping up with the Cantelmos
• May 30 – Royal Daughter Designs
• May 31 – Small Bird Studios

It's Monday!  What are YOU Reading?

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Victoria Day Long Weekend Reading May 2012

Only just discovering a particular book challenge was on
at this time again this year ~

definitely tried joining !

{ my way to motivate Moi ! } ~

unfortunately, not allowed to enter
soooo ~
going it on my own !

Queen Victoria's Birthday
 Long Weekend !!

too Great a Weekend to miss out
when it's umbrella weather outside and
my teapot is at hand with delish flavoured tea leaves awaiting ...

posting updates here... as below ~

my goals?  4-5 books

{since i'm only operating now with 1/2 my vision!} 

and b/c i'm starting my challenge later on Saturday..

books i'd like to read?

Hiddenness and Manifestation ~ Graham Cooke

Done! this week May 16

The Language of Promise ~ Graham Cooke

currently pg 57 now Done! 10.30 pm

The Nature of God ~ Graham Cooke

YaY Done!
now onto the great interactions included in the book ...
Reading + Writing = Learning !

Pilgrim's Process ~ Brian West

currently 2/3 thru now pg 123
Done !

Approaching the Heart of Prophecy ~ audio listen

for when eyes are too tired to carry on we listen !
1st cd Done and Delited !
looking forward to learning more ~
Really EnJoying all the Learning at hand plus
intentionally MAKING time to Grab it !!

Hoping to add something FuN to this.. will check my kindle lists..
OK - I'm thinking because
I'm joining Sheila at The Book Journey's
May Read a Long of The Secret Garden
I probably will add that via kindle read..

you're always invited to join me !!
let me know... when and where ~

*

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Victoria Day Long Weekend Reading Challenge 5/19 ~ 5/21

Only just discovering a particular book challenge was on

at this time again this year ~

definitely tried joining !

{ my way to motivate Moi ! } ~

unfortunately, not allowed to enter
soooo ~
going it on my own !

Queen Victoria's Birthday
 Long Weekend !!

too Great a Weekend to miss out
when it's umbrella weather outside and
my teapot is at hand with delish flavoured tea leaves awaiting ...

posting updates here... as below ~

my goals?  4-5 books

{since i'm only operating now with 1/2 my vision!} 

and b/c i'm starting my challenge later on Saturday..

books i'd like to read?

Hiddenness and Manifestation ~ Graham Cooke

Done! this week May 16

The Language of Promise ~ Graham Cooke

currently pg 57 now Done! 10.30 pm

The Nature of God ~ Graham Cooke

YaY Done!
now onto the great interactions included in the book ...
Reading + Writing = Learning !

Pilgrim's Process ~ Brian West

currently 2/3 thru now pg 123
Done !

Approaching the Heart of Prophecy ~ audio listen

for when eyes are too tired to carry on, we listen !
1st cd Done and Delited !
this is the audio of a weekend spent with Graham in Vancouver WA
wonderful to have it to hear once again..

EnJoying all the extra Learning in the retelling at hand plus
intentionally MAKING time to Grab it !!

Hoping to add something FuN to this.. will check my kindle lists..
OK - I'm thinking because
I'm joining Sheila at The Book Journey's
May Read a Long of The Secret Garden
~  click title above for your own FREE download copy ~
I probably will add that to my Weekend Challenge reading list via kindle..

i'm now into the story by 13% at 2.30 pm

Sheila is inviting us to this as a Garden Party on May 31st !
if you'd like to sign up and participate
just click the pic..

If you're reading this weekend too,

as always, you're invited to join me !!
let me know... when and where ~


Remember ~
Wherever you are 

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New Week's Worship with Graham Cooke 5/6

Graham Cooke offers some 

JOY Filled Living which = JOY Filled Worship  

in this Fuel Radio interview on

The ART of THINKING BRILLIANTLY !

Source

                                                                                            Listen to internet radio with FUEL RADIO on Blog
Talk Radio


                                                                          

"what if prayer is praying with God? 

"pray the prayer that Jesus is praying"... 

"pray into the intention that God has for you".. 

The Art of Thinking Brilliantly... 

"if all your thinking has brought you to a place you don't like.. 

have another thought"... 

"persist in joy"...

 in Christ Jesus I am a brand new person and the old nature is dead... 

"more than conquerors"... 

"no possibility for doubt or losing"... 

"what is true vs. what is truth"... 

"calling people up to their new identity 

vs. 

pointing out their old nature faults"... 

Christ is in me... 

"intimacy with God is intimidating to the enemy"... 

"encounters and ongoing experiences"... 

"learn to walk in the favour of God" 

~Graham Cooke

*FREE to download for your own library or post on soc ntwk
here ...

more resources 

- beautiful cds, Brilliant teaching dvds, challenging thought filled books -

from Graham at 

Brilliant Book House 

"You cannot escape from God's presence. 

He sees equally well in the dark or the light...
no one can hide! 
His hand can lead you equally well in light or darkness. 
It will hold you ALWAYS!"

~ Graham Cooke

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