Prayer, Wonder, Transformation #LiveWonderstruck

When we choose to faithfully pray for wonder, we can’t remain the same.

A challenge from Margaret Feinberg, author of
Wonderstruck: Awaken to the Nearness of God

A prayer for wonder invites God to begin transforming us from the inside out.[Tweet this]

When we pray for wonder and live eyes wide open to wonder,
the tone and tenacity with which we live our lives changes.
We become expectant to catch glimpses of God in ways we’ve never seen Him before.
We begin dismissing mere chance and embracing divine appointments.

Some people live as if they’re looking for Satan under every bush.

I’ve always thought:
Why spend time looking for an enemy
when you could live your life in hot pursuit of the Savior? [Tweet this]

Praying for wonder invites you to turn your eyes on God.
A prayer for wonder invites you to look for God under, in, and behind every bush. [Tweet this]

A prayer for wonder puts you on high alert for God and His handiwork
and join to God in the great plan of redemption He’s unfolding
throughout the earth. [Tweet this]

The truth is, praying for wonder will change you. Forever.
And that’s a good thing.

Join me in praying for wonder today - praying that God will transform us. Praying that we will experience and find God in all we do, everyday! 

Praying God's intended blessings on you as you pray !

{and #livewonderstruck}

Tweet

LInked with more inspy at Pamela's Sheltering Tree 

#Live Wonderstruck Wednesdays : Tree photo capture

Today from author Margaret Feinberg:

The wonders of God’s creation surround us—
from slinging comets to creating the scaly creatures that slither around the earth,
God is the Master Creator. [Tweet this] 

Take a walk around your yard or nearby park.
Find a tree, plant, flower, or piece of vegetation and really study it.
Notice the vines, leaves, colours, smells, and textures.

Spend a few moments thanking God for his intimate design.

Wonder Challenge:

Snap a photo of the piece of vegetation you studied and
share on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. [Tweet this]
Use hashtag #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK so that we can thank God for his beautiful creation together.

Join us each Wednesday for Wonderstruck Wednesday.
#LIVEWONDERSTRUCK by God ...

Here's my photo response to Wonderstruck Wednesday 'Tree'~

Shared on my #LiveWonderstruck Pinterest board ~

You're always welcome to find or follow there for more of
my Life Lived Wonderstruck ...


Are you ready to share yours?

The Lord's Prayer : Transformative #liveWonderstruck

Another opportunity to #LiveWonderstruck
from author, Margaret Feinberg:

Not only does God give us a voice, 

He invites us to use our voices with Him anytime, anywhere. 

Through prayer we are given access to approach 

the One who holds all things together—

a breathtaking invitation, indeed. [Tweet this]

When asked how to pray, Jesus provided a specific prayer as a model
known as The Lord’s Prayer. 

Set three alarms throughout the day. Consider 9AM, 3 PM, and 6 PM. 

When each one goes off, pray the Lord’s prayer aloud. 

Each time you recite, write down what changes you can make in your prayer life 

to more replicate Jesus’ prayer life.

“Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from the evil one.” –Matthew 6:9-13

Wonder Challenge: 

Share the Lord’s prayer with others throughout the day 

on Facebook, Twitter,  Instagram using the hashtag #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK.

Example: Your kingdom come, Your will be done. #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK

See MORE at my #LiveWonderstruck Pinterest board 

We get a glimpse into the prayer life of Jesus throughout the Gospels. 

Download a free copy of the Wonderstruck by the Prayers of Jesus eBook, here.

- See more at: Margaret Feinberg's site


Tweet

Joining Michelle DeRusha at

Hear it on Sunday Use it on Monday

Angie's Knick of Time Sondays

And so Lent Begins... 13.02.13

 The LORD is like a father to his children,

tender and compassionate to those who fear him.

For he knows how weak we are;

he remembers we are only dust.

Psalm 103:13-14

We begin our 6 week journey through Lent,

a season to prepare for a deeper experience

of the passion and resurrection of Jesus,

with the acknowledgement of and reflection upon our own mortality.

"Ash Wednesday worship is the chance for us all to openly acknowledge our frailty and sinfulness. 

On Ash Wednesday we are faced with our imperfections. 

We all bear the mark of sin... We all stand guilty before a holy God. 

We all are mortal and will someday experience bodily death. 

Thus we all need a Saviour."  

And that is the good news we anticipate as we journey toward Easter.

 On Ash Wednesday

We can admit our own mortality.

We can talk openly about the limits of this life. Why?

Because through Christ we have entered into life eternal,

 fullness of life that will not end when our bodies give out.

The emotional result of Ash Wednesday observance isn't depression or gloom,

but gratitude and new energy for living.

When we realize how desperately we need God,

and how God is faithful far beyond our desperation,

we can't help but offer our lives to him in fresh gratitude.

And when we recognize that life doesn't go on forever,

then we find wonder anew to delight in the gifts of each and every day,

and to take none of them for granted... 

 Ashes are placed on our foreheads

as a reminder of our mortality and sinfulness.

The person who imposes the ashes quotes something like

what God once said to Adam after he had sinned:

 "You are dust, and to dust you shall return" (Gen 3:19).

This is the bad news of our sinfulness that prepares us to receive

the good news of forgiveness in Christ.

May I inspirit you with this final thought ? ~ 

"How grateful I am for the grace of God that allows us to stare death in the face

so we can live with greater wonder and delight!

How thankful I am for a day that grants us permission to think about death

so we can cherish life even more."

Let's live in Wonder on This Lenten Journey ...

  

Let's #LiveWonderstruck

 

_eHope on Twitter

A Year to Live in Wonder #LiveWonderstruck

 Invitation from author, Margaret Feinberg:
Reflecting on the  21 Days of Wonder journey is a little overwhelming.

Am so thankful for the ways God showed up- every single day.

And, am so thankful for YOU and everything that you shared along the way.

The community that formed leaves me… well… wonderstruck.

We encouraged each other. We prayed for each other. We giggled with each other. And, we celebrated. Lots!

God unleashed his wonder in amazing ways.

The day we shared our three word prayers moved me to tears.

The day we all posted sunsets (even in rain and crazy weather) made me feel like we were part of a team determined to appreciate wonder across the world.

The day we shared our favorite music and I got so inspired by artists I’d never even heard of but now love.

The end of the journey was really bittersweet. I was thankful to have gone down the path with old friends and new friends. But, I didn’t want to loose the amazing community that had sprung up, seemingly overnight, determined to appreciate wonder in the smallest of details.

But, one of the most amazing things about wonder is that it’s not just confined to 21 Days. Now that we know where to look, we can find wonder in every circumstance. 

Let’s continue! Let’s declare 2013 the Year of Wonder! [Tweet this]

We’re inviting you to share how you are experiencing and seeing the wonder of God in 2013. It could be God working in your life. Or, in someone else’s. Take a picture. Write a blog post. Share on your facebook. Create a Pinterest. Tweet. Post as you feel inspired, but know that each time you post using the hashtag #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK we’re more likely to see it and it’s another chance to win some great gifts.

We’re going to be scouring the internet looking for people who are choosing to #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK every day.

On the first day of each month, beginning February 1st throughout all of 2013, we’re going to be picking someone who is living wonderstruck to receive a $50 AMEX Gift Card.  This month’s winner is: Philip Shimer.

At the end of the year, we’re going to pick one person who has lived wonderstruck to receive a Grand Prize. The Grand Prize is a surprise for now, but let’s just say it’s something that will inspire wonder in an amazing way.

Ask God to unleash His wonder in your life like you’ve never experienced it before during 2013. Now live today expectant for how God is going to answer. [Tweet this]

How to chronicle your #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK moments in 2013? 

**For me?  Pinterest Journalling my responses HERE reveals what makes me #LiveWonderstruck

Actually, any way that works best for you:

• Post on Facebook: Tag posts using @Margaret Feinberg, so we can see and share in the joy of experiencing God’s wonder.
• Post on Twitter: Use hashtag #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK.
• Post on Instagram: Post a photo of how God is astounding you with His wonder, hashtag #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK.
• Post on your blog or website: Send the link to wonderstruck@margaretfeinberg.com
• Keep a Wonderstruck Journal: The Wonderstruck Workbook includes extra space for writing how God is wowing you with His wonders.
• Grab a few friends and take a walk with Margaret. Don’t worry– the trail is accessible to all. Pick up a copy of Wonderstruck 7-Session DVD Bible Study Kit and explore the wonders of God as found in the Scripture together. Click here to buy.
  

With each page of Wonderstruck, may you discover another facet of God’s character, feel the soft pinch of His presence, and step back in astonishment at the One who holds you. 

So cup your hands in prayer. Scrunch your face against the vault of heaven in childlike expectation. As you pray for wonder, may you be wonderstruck. 

May you fall in love anew with a mysterious and wonder-filled God.

And, if you haven’t ordered your copy of Wonderstruck yet, it’s not too late! Pick up a copy today from Amazon, here.

***

Don’t let the wonder stop there. Join us as we explore the wonder of Scripture during Lent. Click here to download the free Wonderstruck by Scripture: 40 Day Bible Reading Guide.

Tweet

R

 

Concluding 21 Days of Wonder : 'LISTEN' #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK

Final day of 21 Days of Wonder
from Author Margaret Feinberg...

 Flip through your music collection and select a song that’s particularly meaningful to your spiritual journey. [Tweet this]
Close your eyes and listen to the lyrics.
Reflect on the phrases or words that catch your attention.

Consider how this song reminds you of God’s presence*
and faithfulness in your life.
Spend some time thanking God for his faithfulness in your life.
Offer your own words of praise and worship.

Wonder Challenge: Post a few phrases or words from a song that caught your attention.
 Twitter, FB, Pinterest, your blog or Instagram and
include the hashtag #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK.
They just might catch the attention of others, as well.

Mine?
Your Love is a Song ~ Switchfoot

"...With my eyes wide open

I've got my eyes wide open

I've been keeping my hopes unbroken, yeah

Your love is a symphony
All around me
Running through me
Your love is a melody
Underneath me
Running to me

Your love is a song

Yeah, yeah

Your love is my remedy

Oh your love is a song" 

Soooo love this song ...
What would be your choice of song that reminds you
of God's Presence or Faithfulness ?
would love to hear in the comments or email me...

#LIVEWonderstruck at all God's Goodness
all around you, to you and through you !! 

 Even though this is the conclusion of 21 Days of Wonder,
you are invited to continue the journey:http://mar.cta.gs/05b

***

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

Receive notifications of new posts in your inbox each day. 
Click here to sign up and receive a bonus eBook:
Wonderstruck by Jesus Christ.

20th Day of Wonder: 'Meaning' insight to #LiveWonderstruck

From Wonderstruck author, Margaret Feinberg:

Though we are given names before or shortly after we emerge from the womb,
our names are often reflections of who God has created us to be
or the work God wants to do in our lives. [Tweet this]

 Do you know the meaning of your name? [Tweet this]

If not, take a moment to search for the meaning of your name online.
Then spend ten minutes prayerfully reflecting on how God has demonstrated his love
and goodness in the meaning of your name
as well as who he has called and created you to be.
Take time to reflect on the wonder of God’s plan and provision for you.

Wonder Challenge:
 Share with everyone what your name means or the story behind your name!
Post, tweet, pin or blog and make sure
to include the hashtag #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK. 

   Tomorrow: LISTEN                                                               

Throughout the years I have pursued the meaning of my name
 through various books and resources and
have been pleased to know of its worth to me.
My appreciation of my parents for choosing such a name increased
once I discovered its value.
But for today's research into wonder, I was now equipped with the internet.
And what a valuable resource it has proven to be.
I am overwhelmed with wonder at what I've discovered for my name,
Sharon-Rose....

Sharon   

Even though in our present culture the name Sharon is a popular name for girls,
in the Bible it only occurs as the name of two separate regions:
one is a pasture land east of the Jordan occupied by the sons of Gad (1 Chronicles 5:16),
the other is the plain that covered much of the north coast of Israel (1 Chronicles 27:29).
The famous phrase "I am the Rose of Sharon," is exclaimed by the bride
of the Song Of Solomon (Song of Solomon 2:1 - see note below).
The only other book in the Bible in which the name Sharon occurs
 is Isaiah (33:9, 35:2 and 65:10).

The name Sharon is spelled identical to the word

   (shiryan), meaning 'body armor '

(1 Kings 22:34, Nehemiah 4:16). The prophet Isaiah uses the
body armor as metaphor for ' righteousness' (Isaiah 59:17)

The word for body armor comes from the root

   (shrh), but this word isn't used in the Bible, so we don't know what it might have meant. It's part of a series of identical roots that are all too rare to do anything with. Root  (shrh) is unused but yields the noun   (shyrya), denoting some kind of weapon, most probably a ballastic one (Job 41:26).  Root   (shrh) is also unused but yields the noun   (mishra), meaning juice (Numbers 6:3). 

Finally the root   (shara) is a verb that means to let loose or release, 

and is used in Job 37:3 and Jeremiah 15:11.

A completely different approach is favored by NOBS Study Bible Name List, Jones' Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names and even BDB Theological Dictionary which reports that the famous theologian Gesenius "plausibly connected" the name Sharon to the verb

   (yashar), meaning to be level or straight. This verb commonly and quite frequently in Scriptures denotes compliance to a moral or ethical standard; just, law-abiding.
Most derivatives of that verb have to do with just that, except the noun   (mishor),
which means level place or plain (Isaiah 40:4, Jeremiah 21:13).

For a meaning of the name Sharon, NOBS reads

 Plain and Jones reads A Great Plain. But to a Hebrew audience, especially a Hebrew audience that never heard of the famous theologian Gesenius, the name Sharon sounded like Body Armor. 

Other names taken from the verb

   are Asshur, Jashar, Jesharelah,Jesher, Jeshurun and Sharon.  

---

Note on 'Rose of Sharon':

In the Song of Solomon the bride of the story calls out something that is traditionally translated with "I am the rose of Sharon," (2:1) but 'rose' is not correct.

The word is

   (habasselet) and denotes a crocus or meadow saffron. But the nod towards the actual plant is eclipsed by the wonderful way this word may fall apart to a creative audience:

 (habab) is a rare word, used only once in the Bible (Deuteronomy 33:3).
It means love in the sense of the love that God feels for the people.
A derivation is the word   (hob), a rare word meaning bosom (Job 31:33).

 (salal) means to grow dark and derivation   (sel) means shadow.

The word that indicates this flower seems to mean
literally 'Overshadowed By God's Love.'

I am overwhelmed with the wonder of God at this revelation of meaning
 for my past, my present, my future.  My heart and life...

It has brought untold understanding.

How can  I do other than #LiveWonderstruck? 

Other search results revealed further shades of meaning :

Sharon is a name of Hebrew origin meaning, "princess, the one who laughs",
has a glowing personality, is contented with her life and
one who inspires others to succeed.

Sharon is a blessed name and a name of peace and serenity

 The site I used for the above full Hebrew meaning is HERE

Definitely worth pursuing if you want to know much more than surface interpretations of names.

Looking forward to learning more about yourself?
Your destiny?
God's heart and call for your life?
Enjoy this avenue in the pursuit of Wonder...
#LiveWonderstruck 

Yes! For everyone who’s been asking, there is a Wonderstruck workbook. 

Here’s the link:http://mar.cta.gs/05l  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: Appreciation Day 19 #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK

THANKS to Margaret Feinberg for this:

People are often the couriers of God’s wonder in our lives. [Tweet this] 

Take time to look around.

Make a list of the people who have made a difference in your life.
Express your gratitude to three of them. Pick up the phone. Send an email.
Hand-write a personal note. 

Whatever form of expression you choose,
know that as you express your appreciation, you’ll be encouraging them
to continue serving and helping others. [Tweet this] 

Sit back and watch the wonder of gratitude unfold
as you love those who mean the most to you.

Wonder Challenge: Today is a day to say thanks! 

Write a blog or Facebook post, create a pin on Pinterest, or give a shout out on Twitter
 to someone who has made a difference in your life—
don’t forget to use#LIVEWONDERSTRUCK.

My Heartfelt Gratitude to each and every reader of
Faith Hope and Cherrytea!
Know that you are Welcomed and Appreciated for
your visits and time spent sharing this journey of Life ~ 

Together!

One post of appreciation this week is Posted HERE -
Many THANKS to God for lifetime Friends!
#LIVEWONDERSTRUCK

Tomorrow: MEANING

Take Wonderstruck with you!
If you haven’t heard yet, 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.