Word for Wednesday - 22.5.13

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Victoria Day: HapPy Birthday Queen Victoria !

Happy Victoria Day !

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This painting of Queen Victoria completed in 1903 ~

Is everyone enjoying this May Long Weekend tradition?

and what traditions make it special for you?

We've been sitting in 3 days of downpour

but reading has been a much appreciated consolation !

Queen Victoria 

Alexandrina Victoria

24 May 1819 – 22 January 1901

 was the monarch of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 20 June 1837 until her death. 

From 1 May 1876, she used the additional title of Empress of India.

Victoria was the daughter of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathearn, the fourth son of King George III. The Duke and Duchess of Kent's only child,

Victoria, was born at 4.15 am on 24 May 1819

at Kensington Palace in London

Both the Duke of Kent and the King died in 1820, and Victoria was raised under close supervision by her German-born mother Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld.

She inherited the throne at the age of 18,

after her father's three elder brothers had all died without surviving legitimate issue. 

Her reign of 63 years and 7 months,

 longer than that of any other British monarch and

the longest of any female monarch in history,

is known as the Victorian era.

Source

As to tonite's usual festivities...

Thankfully I live where I can watch any possible fireworks

{considering the amount of rainfall!}

from indoors

but I'll not worry if there aren't..

July 1st isn't that far away !

{Canada Day!!}

EnJoy your Day Off !

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Prayer: Finding Your Voice in the Psalms ~ Elizabeth j Canham Author

Preparing my reading for Sunday,

final day of the Bout of Books Read-a-Thon.

I have entirely enjoyed the motivation to choose reading

over lesser activities when I had the choice

and the outcome has proven itself

in this being my 10th book in 6 days

[plus having reviewed most as well as having read!]

Here's my first book choice for today ~

Finding Your VOice in the Psalms:
An Invitation to Honest Prayer

- by Elizabeth J Canham author

Released April 1st 2013 

Published by Upper Room Books who introduce us to the book:

"Discover the beauty and power of the Psalms as you 

* hear God's word in stillness and silence 

* find stability in God's faithfulness 

* deal with disappointment, anger, and pain 

* rest in God's grace 

* celebrate creation 

* discover the holy in the ordinary 

* experience joy and learn to praise God"

Canham describes her reason for writing this book:
"I want to share my delight in the Psalms and offer models for praying with them.
I write for all the heart-hungry people of God
who must live and pray in the midst of very busy lives."

From the Goodreads intro,

"This book will help readers bring all of their emotions to God, 

including joy, anger, desperation, and yearning for God. 

A Leader's Guide is included."

Sounds like a great read to share with FHC blog readers.

I'll be back to add my thoughts once I've completed it.
Here they are...

I loved this book by Dr Canham.  Personable and practical.
It makes the Psalms available and applicable ...

The Psalms are ancient Hebrew prayers addressing our
experiences in life even today.
Heartfelt responses of joy, sorrow, lament, praise,
they encourage free expression by example set.
Music, dance, movement, all are part of worshipping God.
In reading another's open heart toward God,
we discover God's open heart is turned toward us.

Dr. Canham models praying with the Psalms
 including the silent pause that begins the reading
and ends each line,
making room for hearing the Voice of Holy Spirit
and dwelling in God's nurturing Presence.
Moving from our own voice - allowing for God's transformative work.

Lectio Divina is beautifully outlined and explained
for readers instruction and use.
A process for creating our own Psalm in response to our life's
hope, joy, need, gratitude, desire, loss, injustice, grief...
 either individually or in a group, is also described.

Written with insights gained whilst living
 in a Benedictine monastery,
accessible writing style for instruction and understanding,
it is an invitation to intentional living in awareness, present to God.
Moving counter-culturally from constant restless 'doing' to rest -
to 'being' - still -  living at rest.
Ps 116.7  'Return, O my soul, to your rest'
the place of restoration - the still waters and pastures where
'He restores my soul' Psalm 23.3

'Finding Your Voice in the Psalms: An Invitation to Honest Prayer'
is an invitation worth accepting.
Highly recommended!

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*Thank you to Upper Room Books for the opportunity to read and review
'Finding Your Voice in the Psalms' without obligation.

Friday Fives: 'BE'ing on Your Life Journey 17.5.13

From Friday Five at Rev Gals for today:

Be on Your Way...

RevGal Jan ... inspired me when 

she recently shared this poem by Rumi:

It's your road, and yours alone.

Others may walk it with you,

but no one can walk it for you.

I reflected on this poem for a while and thought  ...

 It's been a winding path to get this point!

So in thinking about our life's journey, and the rhythm of our lives,
here's five questions on this theme...

1. What "road" is in your immediate future? 

A new journey is about to begin with the imminent arrival

of my first grandbaby!  Expected the 1st week of June,

the doctor announced it could arrive anyday now!

I will need to travel a very long 'road' to be there with them

so we're talking today to work out the 'when' and 'how'.

2. Where have you been "traveling" a lot lately -- and are you going back there?

A lot of medical travelling for me.
 Trying to understand and work for healing the bell's palsy.

Definitely having to go back and regularly as much as I'd prefer

not having to!

3.  Who are your fellow travellers? 

Family that walks with me in this journey.

4.  Who are the unintentional companions (or hitchikers) 

that you find on the road with you? 

Doctors, techs, RA specialists, opthalmologist, nurses, 

hitchikers? mri, ultrasound, tests, meds. 

5.  As a family, we always recite "the traveller's prayer" -- 

a tongue-in-cheek petition as we pull out of the driveway 

("Lord, whatever we have forgotten, may it not be important!") 

What have you forgotten lately, and did it matter? 

Rest!  and it definitely matters!

I notice the improvements every time I'm 

intentional about REST!

BONUS: Share a photo of a road you've travelled. 

Or of travelling companions who have made the journey special. 

Or perhaps there's a song or another poem that suits your journey. 

If so, please share!

I'm having difficulty choosing!  I've travelled some amazing roads...

with amazing friends both new and old!

I caught a different perspective from Deb's title today that 

impacted me.  'Be' on your way.

Be there. Be present where you are. and Be you...

Please let us know if you play by adding your link in the comments!
We'd love to journey with you! 

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Carla Stewart: Sweet Dreams NEW RELEASE + GIVEAWAY !

A New Carla Stewart Release !

Sweet Dreams is Here !

From Carla:

SWEET DREAMS Release Day with A Sweet Giveaway Today’s the day!  Sweet Dreams,  the novel I’ve wanted to write for a long time, is now HERE! And to celebrate, I’m hosting a giveaway. I wouldn’t have seen my dream of becoming a novelist come true if not for the encouragement of so many of you and for those who’ve come alongside and read my books and told others. Today, I’m inviting you to join me again for another leg of the journey. So to get to the goodies already! A book about charm school wouldn’t be complete without the fixin’s for a tea party, In the giveaway box ~ will be this charming china tea cup and saucer along with the Pepperidge Farm Cookie assortment (perfect for tea time or breakfast or just whenever you feel like something sweet)  a box of Mint Medley tea –  {I’d throw in a sprig of spearmint, but you’ll have to imagine that.} Sweet Dreams Bracelet and the Definitive Collection of Patsy Cline. Patsy was one of my favorite singers from the sixties, and this CD has all of her best and greatest songs.  (including Crazy and Sweet Dreams). The bracelet was made especially for this giveaway by Ginny Yytrup  at BOOKISH BAUBLES.  This is an amazing site for anything bookish. Ginny makes all sorts of creative gift items  based on book themes, titles, etc. This bracelet is fun and turned out so cute. Here’s a closeup of the bracelet, and did I mention, it comes in a gift box? A delightful book of “Afternoon Tea” recipes –  this book is chock full of scrumde-li-icious recipes. Even the cover is yummy.    And last – and I hope not least –  an autographed copy of SWEET DREAMS –  signed to you or a person of your choosing. Recap: Included in the giveaway: China cup and saucer Mint Tea Pepperidge Farm cookie Assortment Afternoon Tea recipe book Custom-made Sweet Dreams bracelet Autographed copy of Sweet Dreams Patsy Cline CD – The Definitive Collection How to enter: You may gain up to 10 entries: Leave a comment (1 entry) at Carla's HERE Tweet about giveaway (1 entry) Share about giveaway on Facebook (1 entry) Like Carla's author page on Facebook (1 entry) Blog about Sweet Dreams and giveaway on your blog (2 entries) – share link to your post in Carla's Blog comments Post an honest review of Sweet Dreams on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or CBD (4 entries)  – share link to post in Carla's Blog comments. TEN ways to get your name in the drawing. Contest ends at noon on May 28. You must leave comments (with links if required) on Carla's post  so that she knows to enter you. Drawing will be done by random.org. Void where prohibited.   The chances of winning determined by number of eligible entries. I love, love, LOVE giving things away. Not crazy at all about asking people to write reviews and promote,  but it means the world to an author.  Use your imagination to promote in creative ways – I will love you for it.  And this little giveaway is my way of saying thanks!

You can also find Carla on Pinterest HERE

and Goodreads HERE

Soooo...

there's your invite and opportunities to 

Enter the Giveaway PLUS Support Carla !

Go For It and EnJoy reading another Fab Carla Stewart novel!

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Shared at

Sarah's Hope in Every Season

Katherine's Thursday Favourite Things
Terri's Teacup Spring Dreaming

It's Monday! What Am I Reading? + Bout of Books BEGINS ...

A good reading week completed and

another great week of reading just ahead

with the Bout of Books weeklong Read a Thon

starting at midnite tonite, right through next Sunday !

click button to find more info

 if you'd like to join in ...

My reading for It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

I completed the fabulous Ashton Park

{click to read my Goodreads review} 

a Downtown Abbey-like epic that covers 6 years of snapshots of 

life in The Danforths of Lancashire Book 1

by Canadian author Murray Pura

Just ahead is Book 2, Beneath the Dover Sky, releasing July 2013

Can.Not.Wait !!

Attended the Release Party for Rosings

A Continuation of Pride and Prejudice 

{click to read review}
by Uk friend, Karen Aminadra, who makes these sequels FuN!

Also completed a retelling of Martha & Mary's brother, 

Lazarus', story by Frank Viola in 

Beautiful insights into making your own life space

God's Favorite Place on Earth

{click for review}

I read and reviewed Christine Valters Paintner's

fantastic new release Eyes of the Heart Photography book

{click to link review}

Historical coming of age and romance,

Bees in the Butterfly Garden 

and A Noble Groom

I completed reading but haven't and have now reviewed both as above...
[ click title links ]- Both great reads!

Now it's all systems GO for a week long Read a Thon!

My participation post is HERE where I will keep daily updates

and tweets will be #boutofbooks if you'd like to join or

follow our chat and parties, etc.

A no pressure kind of reading week with your own reading hopes

as inspy to read MORE than usual...

Thanks for visiting; have a Fantastic Reading Week!

ps - HapPy MoM's Day wishes HERE just for you!!

Find more Books to Read at Sheila's BOOK Journey

weekly linkup

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Coming Up this Week Friday thru Sunday 19th
author Lisa T Bergren's Amazing Scavenger Hunt
with 32 author stops, prizes, new book discoveries
and a Loaded iPad Mini !

Mother's Day Blessings to YOU !

Dear...

Every Blessing of God be in YOUR Mothering

and on YOU as a MOTHER !

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Sharing with Sarah's Hope in Every Season
 Natasha's Say G'Day Saturday
  Bev's PS Mother's Day

Ready for 'Bout of Books' Read-a-Thon May 13-19.13

Last week I was

Getting ready for the week long

Bout of Books Readathon 7.0

beginning 12.01 am Monday May 13th

running through to the end of May 19th - That's Today!

Did  Are you participate ?

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly, and is  low-pressure - the only competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, twitter chats, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional.  For all Bout of Books 7.0 info and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. 

My intentions?

To read regularly throughout the week.

[taking my kindle to Tuesday's Dr. appointment!]

My goals are to complete at least 3 books.

And the outcome?  I read 12 !!
They're all listed below as I updated daily thru the week ...
So that pretty much gives my 
It's Monday! What Am I Reading? line up for this week too ~

ahhh, which books will  DID I choose?

[exactly which books to be determined enroute]

providing my daily updates here as follows :

Monday:

Number of books/pages I've read today:
1- Majestic and Wild by Murray Pura - COMPLETED
{click title to link to review at Goodreads for all books}

2- Chasing Francis by Ian Morgan Cron - 50%  Done!

Total number of books I've read to date:
2 today

Book Titles:  

Majestic and Wild by Murray Pura 
Chasing Francis by Ian Morgan Cron

**Extra Challenge:  Book Spine Poetry

Awake.. a fairytale?
First Impressions, there must be murder.
Definitely not Mr. Darcy... 
Deeply devoted a necessary deception. 
Return to Longbourn.
Yours, 
Affectionately, Jane Austen.

*Tuesday:

Number of books/pages I've read today:
2 books today!!
3- Persistent Love by Laura J Marshall [done!]

{FREE today on amazon - click to link for your own copy}
and book 4 -
Best Laid Plans by Martha Rogers [completed!]

Total number of books I've read to date:
2  3  4!
Book Titles:
Majestic and Wild
Chasing Francis
Persistent Love
Best Laid Plans

[Plus reviews written! Yay!]

What will I read for day 3?

*Wednesday:

Number of books/pages I've read today:
#5 Starting with 'Five Days in Skye '

- by debuting author Carla Laureano
 releasing in June

Total number of books I've read to date:
4 5
Book Titles:

Majestic and Wild
Chasing Francis
Persistent Love
Best Laid Plans
Five Days in Skye 

*Day 4 - Thursday:
Number of books/pages I've read today:
Currently reading 6- 'Loving Miss Darcy' by Nancy Kelley

Total number of books I've read to date:
5+ 1 currently 6 now completed! whoohoo = 1 HapPy Reader!
#7 now reading Rosemary Cottage by Colleen Coble

due to release July 2013
It.is.gripping! Not sure I'll be putting it down til I'm done :))
Exactly right.  Now Finished!  I can go to bed !
7 down!
Today's EXTRA *Book Spine Acrostic Poem Challenge
for "Summer" by Karen Kingsbury

S ome
 U seless
    M emories
M ake
E xtra
  R egrets



Book Titles Read to date:

Majestic and Wild
Chasing Francis
Persistent Love
Best Laid Plans
Five Days in Skye 

Loving Miss Darcy

Rosemary Cottage 

*Day 5 - Friday:
Number of books/pages I've read today:
Book #8  A Duke's Promise by Jamie Carie

3rd and final in 'The Forgotten Castles' series 
it's off to Italy for Alexandria and her Duke St Easton ...

Total number of books I've read to date:
7 + 30% of 8th

Book Titles Read to date:
Majestic and Wild
Chasing Francis
Persistent Love
Best Laid Plans
Five Days in Skye 

Loving Miss Darcy

Rosemary Cottage 

Day 6 - Saturday May 18th !

Number of books/pages I've read today:
Attempting a finish of
Book #8  The Duke's Promise by Jamie Carie


Total number of books I've read to date:
7 + 30% of 8th now complete and reviewed ...
beginning   9th  completed and reviewed ~ 
The Inheritance by Louisa May Alcott

Book Titles Read to date:
Majestic and Wild
Chasing Francis
Persistent Love
Best Laid Plans
Five Days in Skye 

Loving Miss Darcy

Rosemary Cottage 
A Duke's Promise 
The Inheritance 

Extra Challenge Genre Book Spine Poetry
{click to link directly}

Midnight in Madrid
the stars shine bright

Final Day - Sunday

Well it's begun with a great 10th book read and reviewed,
Finding Your Voice in the Psalms:
An Invitation to Honest Prayer
{click to link to review on Goodreads}

 I've written a separate Sunday post on it - Excellent book-
Def an invitation worth accepting !

Total number of books I've read to date:
Listening to 11th  The Art of Thinking Brilliantly 

and
# 12th -  Latitude and Indulgence
as it pours rain outside I'm HapPy being inside!

12 Book Titles Read to date:
Majestic and Wild
Chasing Francis
Persistent Love
Best Laid Plans
Five Days in Skye 

Loving Miss Darcy

Rosemary Cottage 
A Duke's Promise 
The Inheritance 

Finding Your Voice in the Psalms
The Art of Thinking Brilliantly [audiobook]
 Latitude and Indulgence [audio]

I will tweet updates via @_eHope

using #boutofbooks to keep in touch with the reading FuN

[Tweet me!]

A great opportunity for Scotland Reading Challenge members

for completing more #ReadingScotland books !

I'm hoping to be including those in my week's reads too...
 ps-
I did with reading Five Days in Skye !

Would love to find you there ~

HapPy Reading!

What have you been reading, now that it's Monday
and you can tell us !?

Find more at Book Journey...

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