Five Minute Friday: Writing: AFRAID

Our Invitation From Lisa Jo ~

Friday, time to crack open the chocolate ice cream and
unscripted version of beautiful you!

Got five minutes? Let’s write. Let’s finger paint with words –>{click to tweet}.

Let’s just write and not worry if it’s just right or not. Here’s how to play along:

1. Write for 5 minutes flat for pure unedited love of the written word.

2. Link back here and invite others to join in
{you can grab the button code in my blog footer}

3. Go leave some comment props for the five minute artist who linked up before you
{and if you love us, consider turning off word verification for the day
to make it easier for folks to say hello}

It’s a great way to catch your breath at the end of a long week.

OK, are you ready? Give me your best five minutes for the prompt:

Afraid

GO

I couldn't believe how afraid I must have been
without my own awareness
until I was lying prone in that digital imaging capsule
with the techno pop sounds pounding through the ear plugs
I'd been provided for the inevitable.
What the techies knew that I didn't.My body so tense my feet were cramped
into some strange position I had to hold
because of the caution to not move.To not move for twenty minutes.
Afraid.  

Until I realized I was not alone.
That God had gone here before me.Had vanguarded my way.And I could breath.  I could relax. And I could release myself from being 'afraid' ...

Now it's your turn !
Use the link above to add your 5 minutes when you're ready.
Looking forward to your comments below as well!

HapPy Friday !

Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice 200th Anniversary Celebration + Giveaway!

Welcome to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice

200th Anniversary Celebration!

70 bloggers have added their respect for Jane,

offering you 2 Days of Opportunities to Party!
Find the rest of the Hosting Blogs Here at Alyssa's

My fave memory of celebrating Jane is of an

all nighter party with a book imbibing friend in Atlantic Canada.

Living in PEI for a year allowed us to reconnect for most holidays.
On one of these weeklong adventures,
my friend hauled out the entire Jane Austen movie collection

{on vhs of course}

for a marathon night of Jane Austen

{ensuring there'd be some major rewinding the next day}

We weren't about to waste viewing time with that small detail!

Oh did we have fun~

Every story back to back with Colin Firth, of course, 

thrown in for good measure~

How could we help but remember that party?

Seacoast snacks, tons of tea and laughter over our faves

which, for me, secured their place forever in my movie hall of fame!

Thanks, Barb and Thanks, Jane!

You've impacted my life in sooo many ways!

Portrait of Jane Austen : Dr Paula Byrne

In honour of that life gift,

I would like to offer a small gesture of appreciation.

I will be drawing for a velvet bookmark

source

for one participant here at Faith Hope and Cherrytea blog.

It will be similar to the example,

but one that I will create for you especially for this 

200th Anniversary Celebration.

To enter:
Comment with your fave Jane Austen celebration story or book title
and please be sure to leave contact details.

An extra entry gained for connecting 1 additional way.

Blog GFC friend connecting on right sidebar,
following on Pinterest, 

or become a Reading participant in

the Scotland Reading Challenge.

Giveaway ends January 31st midnite
Winner announced Feb 1st.

Looking forward to reading your stories...

HapPy Celebrating this momentous 200th Anniversary

of a life changing story and author!

Here's a cookie to enjoy while you're hopping ~

compliments of 

* Many thanks for stopping by *

Tweet

Join Sheila's Book Journey for
It's Monday!  What Are You Reading?
for more bookish bloggers!

21 Days of Wonder Day 17: GOD #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK

Wondrous delight is found in the presence of God. [Tweet this] 

With a blank sheet of paper and pen in hand, along with a Bible nearby,
begin making a list of the characteristics of God. 
Write down various names for God. Record attributes of God.
List promises of God.
Then spend some time thanking God simply for who he is and
offering words of adoration to him.

The wonder of God’s presence awaits you.

Wonder Challenge: What’s the attribute of God or promise that you appreciate most?
 Give a shout out to God online—through Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or your blog—
about the facet of God’s character or a promise that is stirring your heart.

Some of Who GOD is to me ... 
and I #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK

Add #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK to your post to
connect with others on this journey of wonder!
I Photopost Wonder on a  #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK board at Pinterest
I would love to see you there!
or tweet with me @_eHope

Examples of God’s attributes:  Holy, Righteous, Eternal, Truth, etc.

Example of post: God, thank you for being ________!

Tomorrow: RESTORE

Amazon still has some copies! Don’t wait to order Wonderstruck,
they’ve been going fast!  http://mar.cta.gs/05b

***

It’s not too late to join the fun! Join us during the 21 Days of Wonder Challenge and
awaken to the wonders of God all around. Learn more, here.

Receive notifications for the 21 Days of Wonder in your inbox each day.
Click here to sign up and receive a bonus eBook: Wonderstruck by Jesus Christ.



Shared with Angie 

21 Days of Wonder: 'Rest' #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK

From Margaret Feinberg:

*Apart from rest, we can sleep through the wonders of God. *

Though your schedule may be full, consider what you can do today to imbibe rest
as one of God’s greatest gifts.
Perhaps you can sneak in a catnap. Or allow your eyes to rest during the midafternoon.
Or climb into bed an hour early.
Look for a few minutes when you can just rest—
allowing your mind and body and emotions to recalibrate. 

Drink in rest to awaken more fully to the wonders of God all around. [Tweet this] 

Share with others what you experience through rest.

For me?  

Rest allows restoration.  Body, mind, spirit.
Renewal. Refreshment.
Balance and equanimity.
Living with the sound mind God offers rather than stress/worry.
Rest provides margin.  Room for Peace to increase.

Awareness of God's Presence.

And when God is present, all that God is, is present...

Love, Joy, because we know that it's in God's Presence there is 

fullness of joy!

Everything we need is Present.  God is I AM.

I AM = whatever you need. And God knows exactly what we need!

We just need to give time in God's Presence to receive.

To hear God's heart speaking Life into our heart.

HIGHLY recommended, I give 'Rest' a 5* rating!

source

Wonder Challenge: Whether you’re on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, or your blog,
we’d love to know the answer to this question: When do you feel the deepest rest?
Make sure to include #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK so we can find you!

My response?
I feel the deepest rest when I'm tucked in close to
Father's heart.
Listening and hearing His heart for me.
Feeling His embrace...
That's where I
#LIVEWONDERSTRUCK

I #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK on Pinterest HERE

Tomorrow: GOD

Kindle version of Wonderstruck is now available for reduced price of $7.39 on Amazon. I love a great deal! Here’s the link: http://mar.cta.gs/053

***

Take the 21 Days of Wonder Challenge and awaken to the wonders of God all around.
Learn more, here.

Click here to sign up and receive a bonus eBook: Wonderstruck by Jesus Christ.

21 Days of Wonder: 'Sunset' #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK

Day 15 from Margaret:

God’s creation invites us to open our eyes to ten thousand wonders. [Tweet this]
Take time to watch the sunset and admire God’s handiwork.
Consider setting an alarm so you don’t miss it, and invite a friend.
You can check online to find out what time the sun will dip below the horizon where you live.
Depending on your location, you may want to travel to a hill
or tall building nearby to catch a better view.

Observe the sky and the shape of the clouds.
Watch how the light shifts and changes ever so slowly.
Look for colors and hues, even if it’s a cloudy day.
Spend a few moments thanking God for his wondrous goodness and gifts
which he shares with all of humanity day in and day out.
Share the beauty you see by snapping a photo of the sunset.

Here's where I  #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK at Pinterest

Wonder Challenge:
We want to see it with you!
Tweet, post, or pin a photo to Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram or your blog
add #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK so we can see!

Tomorrow: REST

If you’re looking for your next small group study,
 Wonderstruck is now available.
And, I love connecting with small groups,
so if you plan on doing this study, let me know!!
Here’s the link:http://mar.cta.gs/051

***

It’s not too late to join the fun!
Join us during the 21 Days of Wonder Challenge
and awaken to the wonders of God all around. Learn more, here.

Receive notifications for the 21 Days of Wonder in your inbox each day.
Click here to sign up and receive a bonus eBook: Wonderstruck by Jesus Christ.

21 Days of Wonder: 'You' #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK

From Margaret Feinberg:

Life is one of God’s greatest wonders. Much of your life is spent giving, serving, and working. 

But today the challenge is to do something that makes you—

just you—feel rejuvenated, refreshed, and joyful.

Maybe spend some time outside. Or, grab a meal at your favourite bistro.
Spend time knitting or enjoying your favourite craft. 

A coffee date with a friend. A great novel. 

Spend time today doing something that makes you grateful to be alive
and rediscover the abundant life that awaits you each and every day.

Even if it’s something simple.

It doesn’t have to be complicated. But,
it does need to be something that makes your heart happy. [Tweet this]

Share with the world one of your joy activities—
something that makes you feel oh-so-alive, and in the process, 

remind others how to experience the fullness of life.

**This is mine ~
Anything 'tea' makes me HapPy
Snatches of time to 'read' makes my heart do the HapPy Dance!

Finding Wonder in Life,
{in the midst of all it's joys and messes}

makes my inner Spirit Sing!

and I do Love to Sing !

as I do Love to #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK !

Probably why I'm soooo enjoying this

21 Days of Wonder journey ! ...

Wonder Challenge:
Tweet, fb, post, pin, photo, or take a photo of an activity that makes your heart happy.
{I post my photo responses at my Pinterest ~ #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK board}

Make sure to include the hashtag #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK.

Tomorrow: SUNSET

Kindle readers, we’d love for you to join us! And, Amazon has dropped the price this week, so it’s perfect timing. 

Here’s the link: http://mar.cta.gs/053

***

It’s not too late to join the fun! 

Join us during the 21 Days of Wonder Challenge and

awaken to the wonders of God all around. Learn more, here.

Receive notifications for the 21 Days of Wonder in your inbox each day. 

Click here to sign up and receive a bonus eBook: Wonderstruck by Jesus Christ.

21 Days of Wonder: Letter #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK

Gratitude provides the opportunity to celebrate
the breadth and depth of God’s wonder.[Tweet this]
Today, write a letter to God—maybe even a love letter.
Express your affections to God.
Thank him for all that he’s done for you and all that he has yet to do. 

Thank him for those big, little, and long-forgotten things
and allow your soul to dance in the wonders of gratitude.

Wonder Challenge: Tweet, post, fb or pin a line from your letter. 

Or, as have I, post a photo.   

#LIVEWONDERSTRUCK

Tomorrow: YOU

Amazon now has a fresh supply of Wonderstruck.
your opp to order while the supplies last! http://mar.cta.gs/05b

***

It’s not too late to join the fun!
Join us during the 21 Days of Wonder Challenge and
awaken to the wonders of God all around. Learn more, here.

Receive notifications for the 21 Days of Wonder in your inbox each day. 

Click here to sign up and receive a bonus eBook: Wonderstruck by Jesus Christ.

21 Days of Wonder: Prayer #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK

Wonder awaits us in our prayer lives. 

Set aside twenty minutes today to talk to God, but instead of a constant conversation
consider limiting your prayers to three words each.
Take note of the challenges and joys you experience.

Reflect on what it means to be intentional with each word as you lift your praises
and petitions to God and rediscover the wonder of prayer.

You're welcome to share your prayer requests on the prayer request page 
at MargaretFeinberg.com.
Spend time today praying for each other. Click here to begin covering friends in prayer.

Wonder Challenge: Share a three-word prayer.
And, let’s pray for each other.
Tweet, FB, post, blog your three-word prayer with
 #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK
so that others can join in praying with you today.
then seek out someone you can stand with in prayer.
Amazing things are sure to happen in our hearts today!

My prayer?  Lord, Shepherd me...
All my #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK responses photo posted HERE

Tomorrow: LETTER

Amazon has dropped the price for a limited time, which is really great news!!
Wonderstruck for your Kindle is now only $7.39
 here’s the link: http://mar.cta.gs/053

***

It’s not too late to join the fun!
Join us during the 21 Days of Wonder Challenge and
awaken to the wonders of God all around. Learn more, here.

Receive notifications for the 21 Days of Wonder in your inbox each day.
Click here to sign up and receive a bonus eBook: Wonderstruck by Jesus Christ.

21 Days of Wonder: Dream #LiveWonderstruck

My heart soared with JoY when I read today's inspirationFrom Margaret Feinberg :

Some of God’s greatest wonders await us when we allow ourselves to dream.

Spend twenty minutes today creating a list of things you’d like to see God do in your life
and the lives of those around you.
Write down things you’d do, places you’d visit, and situations you’d encounter if anything were possible.
Ask God to lift the lid off your prayer life
and begin believing him for things you previously thought impossible.
{Walk boldly in the wonder of divine expectation}.

Wonder Challenge: Tweet, post, pin, or FB,

proclaiming a bold dream today!

1 for me is a return to the Uk.
I've already reconnected with friends in ministry there
and I'm prayerfully researching options ..
{ which, confessing, brings a huge smile to my face! }
then today, friend and author Karen Arminadra, fb posted this
of the village of Bibury Gloucestershire

commenting
"This village is just calling out to be the setting of someone's story "
ahhh!  bless her !  dreaming 
{definitely in colour!}

#LIVEWONDERSTRUCK.

One of my [Margaret's] life-long dreams has been to go to Maine.
If you want to join her on the adventure of a lifetime this summer
playing and hiking in Acadia National Park on August 8-11, click here.
Don’t wait, spots are filling up fast.

Tomorrow: PRAYER

If you have a Kindle, follow along with us!
Here’s the link to download Wonderstruck: Awaken to the Nearness of God 
on your Kindle: http://mar.cta.gs/053

***

It’s not too late to join the fun!
Join us during the 21 Days of Wonder Challenge
and awaken to the wonders of God all around. Learn more, here.

Receive notifications for the 21 Days of Wonder in your inbox each day.
Click here to sign up and receive a bonus eBook: Wonderstruck by Jesus Christ.

21 Days of Wonder: Stillness #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK

Wonders await in the stillness.  

Depending on the weather where you are, prepare a cup of hot peppermint tea or pour a glass of sweet tea. 

Fill a mug with dark hot chocolate and marshmallows or open a can of Cheerwine—whatever your favourite beverage may be.

Then find a quiet room, a comfortable chair, and sit still for twenty minutes. 

Your only movement should be nestling into the chair and occasionally sipping your beverage.

Allow yourself to be fully present in the moment—aware of your hands, your feet, your spine, every aspect of your body’s position.

In this place of pausing, talk to God. Tell him what’s really on your heart and mind. 

Share with him things you’ve been afraid to say aloud.

Give yourself wholly and fully to God in prayer and experience the wonder.

Wonder Challenge:  Tweet, post, pin, fb 

proclaiming something about God for which you’re truly grateful.

*I am entirely grateful for the reality of God's Presence in my life.*
Loving embraces as I #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK !

Example: I’m thankful for God’s unconditional love. Because of God’s love I can’t help but #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK.

Bonus: If you’re looking for more stillness in your life, 

one way is to pre-prepare meals, as I share in Wonderstruck.

Here is the recipe for 

Leif’s Almost-World-Famous Green Chile Chicken.

In the stillness, enjoy this scent wafting in your kitchen.

• 4 trimmed chicken breasts (no excess fat)
• 1 diced medium onion
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 4 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 1 27 ounce can of whole green chilies
• 
  

Place the first six ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on high for four hours or more. With a slotted spoon remove chicken and onion mixture and place in a container. Discard the bay leaf and all cooking liquid. Place entire can of green chiles including liquid into a blender and puree. Pour green chile puree into slow cooker. Add chicken and onions back in. Heat for 20 minutes or until warm. Shred chicken using two forks while in the slow cooker. Serve with heated corn tortillas, lettuce, tomato, avocado, cilantro, and lime.

Tomorrow: DREAM

Wonder is meant to be shared, so Margaret has discounted Wonderstruck: Awaken to the Nearness of God so you can order your very own copy and some to pass along to friends, too. Share the Wonder! http://mar.cta.gs/04w

***

It’s not too late to join the fun! Join us during the 21 Days of Wonder Challenge and awaken to the wonders of God all around. Learn more, here.

Receive notifications for the 21 Days of Wonder in your inbox each day. 

Click here to sign up and receive a bonus eBook: Wonderstruck by Jesus Christ.

21 Days of Wonder: 'SKY'

God’s sanctuary in the sky awaits us all.

Take fifteen minutes to look, really look, at all the lights in the sky—
the disc that is the moon, the Milky Way, the stars,
even the planes that shoot across night’s canopy.
Even if there’s light pollution, take note of the shadows and the textures above.

As you observe the lights—those created by God and others crafted by humankind—
reflect on the promise God made to Abraham thousands of years ago
that his descendants would be more numerous than all the stars in the sky (Genesis 15:5).

Consider God’s faithfulness in your own life and journey.
Snap a photo of what you see.

Wonder Challenge: 

Upload your photo of the sky on FB, Pinterest, Twitter, or blog 

and hashtag #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK. 

How did the sky change throughout the day? 

 Post as many pictures as you can, let’s #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK!

Tomorrow: STILLNESS

Now’s the best time to order your copy of
Wonderstruck: Awaken to the Nearness of God.
And, make sure to order a copy for your friends, too!
http://mar.cta.gs/04w

***

It’s not too late to join the fun!
Join us during the 21 Days of Wonder Challenge and
awaken to the wonders of God all around.
Learn more, here.

Receive notifications for the 21 Days of Wonder in your inbox each day.
Click here to sign up and receive a bonus eBook:
Wonderstruck by Jesus Christ.

21 Days of Wonder : Relationship #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK

Through choosing to be fully present with someone,
we can experience many wonders.
Spend a few moments reflecting on your schedule for the day.

Who could you spend a half-hour or hour with and be fully present,
fully yourself?

Maybe you have a coworker you could invite to lunch.
Or one of your children who you haven’t been able to give full attention to lately.
Find a place and a time—
whether it’s in your dining room or living room
 a park or coffee shop—where you can be fully yourself
and warm your soul in the glow of both knowing and being known.

I long to be able to complete this 'wonder'ful option
when I'm not housebound in -32 degree weather!
I don't want to venture out nor do I want anyone I know
to risk heading my way in these freezing temps!
My best response is to share an earlier photo
of our two smiling faces
and hope that the memories will inspire a repeat at a future time! 

Wonder Challenge:

Recognizing the person who is special to you,
upload a photo, phrase, or shout out of love to FB, Pinterest, Twitter, blog.
Don’t forget to tag your friend and use hashtag
#LIVEWONDERSTRUCK
You're welcome to find my responses posted on one
Pinterest Board
#LIVEWONDERSTRUCK

Tomorrow: SKY

Wonderstruck is also available for your Kindle! Here’s the link: http://mar.cta.gs/053

***

It’s not too late to join the fun! Join us during the 21 Days of Wonder Challenge
and awaken to the wonders of God all around. Learn more, here.

Receive notifications for the 21 Days of Wonder in your inbox each day.
Click here to sign up and receive a bonus eBook: Wonderstruck by Jesus Christ.

21 Days of Wonder: 'Silence' #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK

From author Margaret Feinberg:

God often chooses to reveal the wonder of himself in quiet moments. 

Sit in silence for twenty minutes. Set an alarm if need be, 

so you know how much time has passed.
Keep paper and pen nearby to write down 

any fluttering thoughts.

Embrace the silence then invite God to speak.

Reflect on what you hear in this posture of listening.

Pray that God reminds you of people for whom you can pray.

Ask God to bring scriptures to mind that He wants you to consider.

Enjoy the wondrous silence of just being with God and in his presence. 

My phrase shared:

"In quietness and trusting confidence shall be your strength"
#LIVEWONDERSTRUCK

Share online in a phrase, a photo, a short expression what you 

experience, see, learn, or hear while in silence.

Wonder Challenge: Upload your photo, phrase, or thoughts to Facebook, 

Pinterest, Twitter, or your blog and hashtag #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK

Tomorrow:  RELATIONSHIP

If you’re looking for a great small group study, make sure you check 

out Wonderstruck. Have some special deals in our online store, here’s 

the link: http://mar.cta.gs/051

***

Join us during the 21 Days of Wonder Challenge and awaken to the 

wonders of God all around.