HAPPY 4th OF JULY, NEIGHBOURS! 4.7.14

HAPPY 4th of JULY, NEIGHBOURS! *

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Ascension Day and God's Favourite Place on Earth - A Review

Today I'm posting a timely review of

'God's Favorite Place on Earth' by Frank Viola 

in light of his insights on Christ's Ascension

and the effects it can have on our own life as Christ followers.

The Day of Christ's Ascension to Heaven

culminated 40 days of witness to His earthly presence

following His Resurrection.

Witnessed by His disciples and followers.

Verified by two heavenly messengers after His Ascension.

How does this affect our lives today?

A book of comfort.  A book of challenge.

I had never realized the amount of time Jesus spent in Bethany prior to reading Viola’s newest release, God’s Favorite Place.  Viola presents a good case for Jesus’ attachment to the people and the place that captured his favour.  People who welcomed and received Christ, providing  hospitality, honour, friendship and love.  All responses we are encouraged to offer as our own Bethany invitation to Christ.

To move past performance mentality of serving as exemplified by Martha at our initial glimpse into this home in Bethany.  To pursue relational living with the Lord as seen in Mary ‘s response.  Casting aside gender and cultural restraints to be who she is called to be, Mary leaves propriety to wholeheartedly invest herself, her time, her efforts for the worth that is Christ.  A worth that increased in her relational pursuit, culminating in the ointment poured upon the object of her affection, her heart’s desire, her Lord.  Viola would that we recognize Mary’s ‘waste’ and make it our own.  Recognize that what religion and religious of our day consider  service or ministry is often the real ‘waste’ when  worship is God’s heart cry for his friends to follow...

This particular point also spoke to a recent conversation on property ownership 

vs communal living where all things are shared.  

Christ never suggested personal property ownership was sinful.  Mary’s fragrant offering was hers to give, revealing a heart of generosity.  She owned the perfume; the perfume, valuable as it undeniably was, did not own her.  There’s the heart of the issue.  For the rich young ruler, his personally owned property owned his heart.  Thus, Jesus’ solution to his particular issue wasn’t a wholesale solution or command to every follower.  We’re called to have Mary hearts of worth and worship toward our Saviour, whatever our financial situation.

A beautifully novelized telling from Lazarus, brother of Mary and Martha, of their times spent with their friend, Yeshua Jesus.  Insights gained from those times, his own death and resurrection foretelling Christ’s own.  The deathbed counsel of his so-called friends reminiscent of Job’s counsellors; definitely some sin in there somewhere Lazarus! Or some lack of Christ’s abilities or heart toward you.  How common to the religious minded to confront and affront another, all, supposedly, in service to Christ.  

But not in the truth of Christ's Spirit of Love and Compassion. 

Mercy that fails not.

Thought provoking and life changing challenges from Viola, if allowed to search and cleanse our own heart; to move us toward becoming a Bethany that welcomes and creates sanctuary for Christ and His nature to become our self-image.

Rich with narrative, scripture background to each chapter, and 

practical applications such as our position in prayer.  

Beggars coming before God?  

Or from the place of ascendancy provided through Christ’s ascension? 

Are we seated with Christ in heavenly places?

Or still lacking boldness to enter God's throne of Grace

through the completed work of Christ in His death, resurrection and

Ascension?

A book to inspirit new perspectives in living out the Bethany experience as well as invitation to make our churches Bethany communities that welcome and promote Christ in relation and reality.

Highly recommended for those who are pursuing more than religious form and function, 

those who desire to live an ascendant life, 

or those who are curious.

published May 1. 2013 by David C Cook

208 pages pb and ebook

*David C Cook provided me an ebook copy to read and review without obligation.

Thank you for the opportunity.

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"important" ~

our photo prompt this week

is

"important"

"We ask ourselves: Who am I to be?

Brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you NOT to be?

You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world.

There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so

that people won't feel insecure around you.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God

that is in us. It is not just in some of us,

it is in everyone

And as we let our own light shine,

we unconsciously

give other people permission to do the same..."


Colossians 1.26-2.6
 "God wanted everyone...to know this rich and glorious secret
inside and out,
regardless of their background,
regardless of their religious standing.
The mystery in a nutshell is just this:
Christ is in you,
so therefore you can look forward to sharing in God's glory.
It's that simple.
That is the substance of our Message...
We teach in a spirit of profound common sense
so that we can bring each person to maturity.
To be mature is to be basic.
Christ! No more, no less...
I want you woven into a tapestry of love,
in touch with everything there is to know of God.
Then you will have minds confident and at rest,
focused on Christ, God's great mystery.
All the richest treasures of wisdom and knowledge
are embedded in that mystery
and nowhere else."
~The Message

Mt 5.15
"You're here to be light,
bringing out the God-colors in the world.
God is not a secret to be kept.
We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill.
If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you?
I'm putting you on a light stand.
Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine!
Keep open house;
be generous with your lives.
By opening up to others,
you'll prompt people to open up with God,
this generous Father in heaven."

join us in the play?

what's 'important' to you ?...

this also brings thoughts of grace & gratitude

to add to Ann Voskamp's
multitudes on mondays ~

family

children

celebrations

life lessons learned

faith journeys

listening to God

listening to others

value of hearing others' lessons learned

value of sharing life lessons

value of deep thinking

deeper living

contemplation

reflection

glory of God

creation

life

living fully alive

being

becoming

Word Filled Wednesday's @ Internet Cafe`

our passion words...



From Jan of my rev gals blog pals, "There is a dramatic and surprising venue for Spiritual Formation/Sunday School classes at my church: Each week a different person teaches about a "word" that expresses his/her passion or interest. The first week someone spoke about "hospitality" with abundant treats on her mother and grandmother's china arrayed on tables. Other words have been "connectivity," "Trinity," "money," and "dreams." No one knows which person will be teaching until the class convenes. I am teaching this Sunday and plan to talk about "stirrings."

For this Friday Five, [invites Jan] please list five words that identify your passions, spirituality, and/or life. Describe as much or as little as you wish:

{1} interestingly, hospitality tops my list as any regular FHC reader will have gathered! i'd have loved those china borne treats shared by Jan's Spiritual Formation class volunteer!

 in fact, it's exactly what i did for my {InSpirit} participants this past monday {Valentine's Day} for our {True Love} service. i took my china plates and teacups along for sharing lemon curd cake topped with whipped cream and a generously full sized strawberry ~ mm mmm mm! "when is our next teatime?" was their delighted response! "))

i do like to teach the openness of heart that receives and welcomes another~ what results from having accepted that we are received and welcomed as the beloved of God.  the hospitality of Father, Son and Holy Spirit our example.  the invitation of God into relationship through Jesus Yeshua.  and God's invitation to open our heart that Father, Son and Holy Spirit may come in and fellowship in hospitality with the individual... the warmth of relationship and hospitality as i've previously posted...

{2} prayer ~ from expectant waiting in stillness before God to the heartfelt cry of 'HELP!'  how prayer changes us... not just results or outcome.

{3} praise ~ how turning our thoughts from focused on the situation to praise of God changes our perspective completely.  i love that revelation and the outcome!  i have loved learning the different meanings of the various words included in our one word 'praise'.  we've been shortchanged! 

Hallal-to praise, to make a show or rave about, to glory in or boast upon, to be clamorously foolish about your adoration of God 

Barak-to kneel or bow, to give reverence to God as an act of adoration, implies a continual conscious giving place to God, to be atuned to him and his presence 

Tehillah-to sing hallal, a new song, a hymn of spontaneous praise glorifying God in song

Todah-an extension of the hand, avowal, adoration, a choir of worshipers, confession, sacrifice of praise, thanksgiving 

Yadah-to use, hold out the hand, to revere or worship (with extended hands, praise thankful, thanksgiving)  

Zamar-to touch the strings or parts of a musical instrument i.e. play upon it, to make music accompanied by the voice, to celebrate in song and music, give praise, sing forth praises, psalms 

Alaz-to jump for joy, exult, be joyful, rejoice, triumph  

Guwl-to spin around, under the influence of any violent emotion - yes! to dance in praise!  just to name a few 'praise' descriptors!

{4} advocacy ~ essential to the well being - the very life - of the elderly and disabled.  actively involved in their lives as friend, minister and caregiver, i've become personally aware of this growing need for being the voice for 'those who have no voices'...

{5} mom ~ my first and foremost valued title!  it's expanded in meaning from my natural born to my DsIL and SIL and spiritual motherhood, but an honour i'm proud to carry !

a great play today, Jan!  thanks for your creativity.

what 5 words describe your passions, spirituality, life?
challenged?
i look forward to reading your thoughtful responses ")

more rev gal pal thoughts here~

 

PINK preparation... 23.10.2010

today i'm preparing for 'let's eat' blog hop hosted by my australian friend Amy of Over at Our Place.  we're a worldwide bunch who will be sharing recipes and food faves starting tomorrow.  then again their tomorrow is really later today for some hoppers!  sooo....    

i've been trying to choose a table setting in preparation for

that FuN CeLeBRaTioN ! 

i'm hoping Bridal Roses, a fav thrifty find, 

[which  i picked up for fifteen dollars

at the Love Lives Here charity shop]

is a welcoming choice -

and... i'm hoping you have a great PS!

come back and EnJOY the hop!

 thanks for visiting and chatting today!

more PS at our host Bev's blog

gratitude ...

from the gratitude community at holy experience, Ann Voskamp has offered an invitation to a transformative life opportunity i'd like to share with you ~  it begins with developing a thankful heart, an attitude of gratitude.  then making the time to acknowledge our appreciation for what comes to mind.  i'm taking time sundays as the day to record.  it's inspiring wonderful contemplation that increases my worship of the Giver of all Good and Perfect Gifts.  as i reflect upon each gift, my worship increases.  it brings me to deeper revelation and relational intimacy.   use whatever day works for you.  get a unique notebook, start a new blog page, a flexible binder now that school supplies are everywhere, or ?  be creative.  this is your gratitude expressed to your Creator.  let's see what we notice of all the grace and goodness given.

i found Ann's quote from John Milton restated Faith Hope & Cherrytea's life statement so beautifully. * "Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world."
People who kept a gratitude journal reported feeling more joyful, enthusiastic, interested, attentive, energetic, excited, determined, and strong than those in the hassles condition. They also reported offering others more emotional support or help with a personal problem— supporting the notion that gratitude motivates people to do good.*

ready to begin? ...

*1. Pray that He may open the eyes of our hearts
2. Begin giving thanks for the daily washing in His fountain of Gifts--just on a scrap piece of paper or in a journal. Notice and write down from the obvious to little. And begin to feel more joy, less stress, better health, more connected in your relationships, and more delight in your everyday life. Praise is what we are made for!
3. I found setting a time goal of choosing to give thanks for a 1000 gifts over a course of a few months was beneficial --- kept me attending to all the ways in which He whispers "I love you." Some folks set a goal of counting ten graces a day, others spend one day a week intensely counting. But consider youself warned: counting gifts is addictive and becomes the happiest of habits that becomes a way of living praise!
4. I try to add to the endless list of gifts every Monday... to begin the week with a heart spilling with gratitude!*
5. If you'd like to add your blog to Ann's gratitude community blog list, she offers you the use of the 1000 Gifts graphic (see above)*

and ...
   if you are participating, would you take the moment to comment and let me know?  then grab a cup on me and add it to your blog post or page.  this will link us together and others interested, to join the pursuit of goodness and grace.  i am starting a new page, 'goodness & grace', to record my thanks and will look forward to hearing of your beginnings.  there is no obligation as to how many goodnesses you record or expected time limit to record them. this is about process and growth. depth. about transformation. more will be gained by meditating on what H Sp reveals than just crunching a gratitude grocery list.  peace be with you as you deepen your intimacy of relationship with your Friend of Friends...

let's celebrate this transformative step together!
and let's inspire and inspirit each other as we grow in faith, hope and cherrytea ~

here's an opp to link us with your goodness and grace post or page  ~

contemplative creative living ...

Abbey of the Arts
Transformative living through
contemplative & expressive arts

 
this invitation to intentional life choices from Christine [Abbey of the Arts], resonated with me and wondered if it would include you as well.  are these commitments you've already made?   or are they challenging you to it? 

Monk: from the Greek monachos meaning single or solitary, a monk in the world does not live apart but immersed in the everyday with a single-hearted and undivided presence, always striving for greater wholeness and integrity
 Manifesto: from the Latin for clear, means a public declaration of principles and intentions.
Monk Manifesto: A public expression of your commitment to live a compassionate, contemplative, and creative life.
1. I commit to finding moments each day for silence and solitude, to make space for another voice to be heard, and to resist a culture of noise and constant stimulation.
 2. I commit to radical acts of hospitality by welcoming the stranger both without and within. I recognize that when I make space inside my heart for the unclaimed parts of myself, I cultivate compassion and the ability to accept those places in others.
 3. I commit to cultivating community by finding kindred spirits along the path, soul friends with whom I can share my deepest longings, and mentors who can offer guidance and wisdom for the journey.
 4. I commit to cultivating awareness of my kinship with creation and a healthy asceticism by discerning my use of energy and things, letting go of what does not help nature to flourish.
 5. I commit to bringing myself fully present to the work I do, whether paid or unpaid, holding a heart of gratitude for the ability to express my gifts in the world in meaningful ways.
 6. I commit to rhythms of rest and renewal through the regular practice of Sabbath and resist a culture of busyness that measures my worth by what I do.
 7. I commit to a lifetime of ongoing conversion and transformation, recognizing that I am always on a journey with both gifts and limitations.

the second point is particularly reminiscent of Henri Nouwen's book, 'Reaching Out', which has deep insight regarding hospitality.  i'd love to hear your responses if you too were impacted by Henri's book and certainly your thoughts on the monk manifesto.  thanks!

to one person ...

  

to the world you may be             

just one person;

but to one person

you may be the

     WORLD.