Susanne Timpani's Blog, page 13
February 6, 2016
10 Minute Daily Retreat
Click for 'Romance is in the Air Blog Hop'
The 10 Minute Daily Retreats are on hold during the month of February due to the release of my debut novel, Twice stolen.
The 10 Minute Daily Retreat, encourages prayerful reflection of scripture, similar to the ancient Christian practice of Lectio Divina. The verses are not so much studied as read slowly with a 'listening' heart.
The Gospel readings follow the Liturgical Calendar. A brief reflection is provided, either written by a volunteer on Wednesdays or myself on Sundays.
If you would like to receive the Retreats via email please submit your details in the box on the right.
I would love you to visit again in March, 2016.
Blessings, Susanne.
10 Minute Daily Retreat:
5 Minutes: Read and Reflect
5 Minutes: Listen & Pray
The 10 Minute Daily Retreats are on hold during the month of February due to the release of my debut novel, Twice stolen.
The 10 Minute Daily Retreat, encourages prayerful reflection of scripture, similar to the ancient Christian practice of Lectio Divina. The verses are not so much studied as read slowly with a 'listening' heart.
The Gospel readings follow the Liturgical Calendar. A brief reflection is provided, either written by a volunteer on Wednesdays or myself on Sundays.
If you would like to receive the Retreats via email please submit your details in the box on the right.
I would love you to visit again in March, 2016.
Blessings, Susanne.
10 Minute Daily Retreat:5 Minutes: Read and Reflect
5 Minutes: Listen & Pray
February 4, 2016
Romance is in the Air Blog Hop Feb 4 -14
The 10 Minute Daily Retreat is on hold during the month of February due to the release of my debut novel, Twice stolen.
Meanwhile please join the Blog Hop below:
NOW IN STOCK: https://www.booksinstock.com.au/twice-stolen.html
Twice Stolen
Be the first to review this productAfter the death of his grandmother, Dimitri finds he's been lied to most of his life. His journey into the Outback to unravel the mystery of his identity leads to an encounter with Leah, a nurse with a tragic secret.ISBN: 978-1925380033Availability: In stock$19.99
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Meanwhile please join the Blog Hop below:
NOW IN STOCK: https://www.booksinstock.com.au/twice-stolen.html
Twice Stolen
Be the first to review this productAfter the death of his grandmother, Dimitri finds he's been lied to most of his life. His journey into the Outback to unravel the mystery of his identity leads to an encounter with Leah, a nurse with a tragic secret.ISBN: 978-1925380033Availability: In stock$19.99
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Romance in the Air Blog Hop Feb 4 -14
Debut Novel 8 days to release!!
February 12th, 2016 11 am
Naracoorte Christian Books and Gifts 1 Rivoli Lane, Naracoorte, South Australia.
February 14th, 2016 2 pm.St Pius X Primary School, Hillburn Ave, Windsor Gardens, South Australia.
After the death of his grandmother, Dimitri finds he's been lied to most of his life. His journey into the Outback to unravel the mystery of his identity leads to an encounter with Leah, a nurse with a tragic secret.'
With themes of the Aboriginal Stolen Generation, the Biblical Song of Songs and Medical Romance it promises an entertaining and informative read.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Twice Stolen
Be the first to review this productAfter the death of his grandmother, Dimitri finds he's been lied to most of his life. His journey into the Outback to unravel the mystery of his identity leads to an encounter with Leah, a nurse with a tragic secret.ISBN: 978-1925380033Availability: In stock$19.99
https://www.booksinstock.com.au/twice-stolen.html
February 3, 2016
10 Minute Daily Retreat
Thank you for visiting my Blog.
The Retreats are on hold during the month of February due to the release of my debut novel, Twice stolen.
The 10 Minute Daily Retreat, encourages prayerful reflection of scripture, similar to the ancient Christian practice of Lectio Divina. The verses are not so much studied as read slowly with a 'listening' heart.
The Gospel readings follow the Liturgical Calendar. A brief reflection is provided, either written by a volunteer on Wednesdays or myself on Sundays.
If you would like to receive the Retreats via email please submit your details in the box on the right.
I would love you to visit again in March, 2016.
Blessings, Susanne.
10 Minute Daily Retreat:
5 Minutes: Read and Reflect
5 Minutes: Listen & Pray
The Retreats are on hold during the month of February due to the release of my debut novel, Twice stolen.
The 10 Minute Daily Retreat, encourages prayerful reflection of scripture, similar to the ancient Christian practice of Lectio Divina. The verses are not so much studied as read slowly with a 'listening' heart.
The Gospel readings follow the Liturgical Calendar. A brief reflection is provided, either written by a volunteer on Wednesdays or myself on Sundays.
If you would like to receive the Retreats via email please submit your details in the box on the right.
I would love you to visit again in March, 2016.
Blessings, Susanne.
10 Minute Daily Retreat:5 Minutes: Read and Reflect
5 Minutes: Listen & Pray
February 2, 2016
Jesus Rejected at Nazareth
10 Minute Daily Retreat - Read the Daily Gospel with a prayerful heart.By Malcolm Davies (No.181)
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mark 6:1-6
And Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is only despised in his own country, among his own relations and in his own house’; and he could work no miracle there, though he cured a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.
A prophet is one who stands for the poor and marginalized and anyone who has no one to speak for them. Each one of us is called to be a prophet in word and action in our society.
We are each challenged to move from apathy to speak for those who are silenced in our society. That may include refugees and asylum seekers who are often vilified and lied about (including how much government support they receive). It may include the unborn terminated before they see life and the aged where there is increasing pressure for euthanasia.
One act I have undertaken is to go to Parliament house and to pray alone for the lawmakers that they would have a conversion of heart. I have also marched with others to demonstrate my concern. Other people I know write regularly to their MPs and Senators.
The next time you have an opportunity to make a difference do not ignore that impulse to pray, write, march or act in some way because that is a movement of grace in your life.
Read the scripture slowly.Reflect on its meaning for you. Listen for God's voice in the stillness.
Pray for God's blessing upon you.
Malcolm Davies
Read the Daily Gospel in between Reflections
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mark 6:1-6
And Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is only despised in his own country, among his own relations and in his own house’; and he could work no miracle there, though he cured a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.
A prophet is one who stands for the poor and marginalized and anyone who has no one to speak for them. Each one of us is called to be a prophet in word and action in our society.
We are each challenged to move from apathy to speak for those who are silenced in our society. That may include refugees and asylum seekers who are often vilified and lied about (including how much government support they receive). It may include the unborn terminated before they see life and the aged where there is increasing pressure for euthanasia.
One act I have undertaken is to go to Parliament house and to pray alone for the lawmakers that they would have a conversion of heart. I have also marched with others to demonstrate my concern. Other people I know write regularly to their MPs and Senators.
The next time you have an opportunity to make a difference do not ignore that impulse to pray, write, march or act in some way because that is a movement of grace in your life.
Read the scripture slowly.Reflect on its meaning for you. Listen for God's voice in the stillness.
Pray for God's blessing upon you.
Malcolm DaviesRead the Daily Gospel in between Reflections
January 30, 2016
Song of Songs 30 Day Retreat: Epilogue
10 Minute Daily Retreat - Read the Word of God with a prayerful heart.By Susanne Timpani (Day 31)
O my dove, in the clefts of the rock,
in the covert of the cliff,
let me see your face,
let me hear your voice;
for your voice is sweet,
and your face is lovely. SS 2:14
Our God desires to see our face turned to Him in prayer. He longs to hear our voice lifted in heart-felt praise.
When we read and reflect on God's Word prayerfully, we provide an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to speak to us. We experience Jesus move from the background of our life to His rightful place in the foreground.
The 10 Minute Daily Retreat encourages us to spend just 5 minutes Reading and Reflecting on the Gospel of the day.
We remain still for a further 5 minutes and Listen for God's voice. The Retreat concludes with our own unique prayer.
The ultimate goal is to grow in intimacy with God our Father, through Jesus Christ, His only Son.
20 On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. John 14:20
I would love you to continue to participate in these twice weekly Retreats. I write on Sundays, and a volunteer from a small team writes on Wednesdays. The Gospel is taken from the Liturgical Calendar.
You can also access the 10 Minute Daily Retreat via Facebook or by downloading the App.
The Retreats will pause during the month of February as I prepare for the launch of my first novel, 'Twice stolen.'
Thank you for your participation in the Song of Songs 30 Day Retreat.
God Bless,
Susanne
Read the scripture slowly.Reflect on its meaning for you. Listen for God's voice in the stillness. Pray for God's blessing upon you.
O my dove, in the clefts of the rock,
in the covert of the cliff,
let me see your face,
let me hear your voice;
for your voice is sweet,
and your face is lovely. SS 2:14
Our God desires to see our face turned to Him in prayer. He longs to hear our voice lifted in heart-felt praise.
When we read and reflect on God's Word prayerfully, we provide an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to speak to us. We experience Jesus move from the background of our life to His rightful place in the foreground.
The 10 Minute Daily Retreat encourages us to spend just 5 minutes Reading and Reflecting on the Gospel of the day.
We remain still for a further 5 minutes and Listen for God's voice. The Retreat concludes with our own unique prayer.
The ultimate goal is to grow in intimacy with God our Father, through Jesus Christ, His only Son.
20 On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. John 14:20
I would love you to continue to participate in these twice weekly Retreats. I write on Sundays, and a volunteer from a small team writes on Wednesdays. The Gospel is taken from the Liturgical Calendar.
You can also access the 10 Minute Daily Retreat via Facebook or by downloading the App.
The Retreats will pause during the month of February as I prepare for the launch of my first novel, 'Twice stolen.'
Thank you for your participation in the Song of Songs 30 Day Retreat.
God Bless,
Susanne
Read the scripture slowly.Reflect on its meaning for you. Listen for God's voice in the stillness. Pray for God's blessing upon you.
January 29, 2016
Song of Songs 30 Day Retreat: Day 30
10 Minute Daily Retreat - Read the Word of God with a prayerful heart.By Susanne Timpani (Day 30)
Beloved Come away, my beloved,
and be like a gazelle
or like a young stag
on the spice-laden mountains. SS 8:14
Near the beginning of the Song, the Beloved describes her Lover as a gazelle or a young stag. Unfortunately, in the next breath, she tells Him to turn away and to come back in the morning. (SS 2:17)
We wondered if she felt inadequate to establish a relationship with a King and that perhaps she needed more time to think about it.
In this final scene of the Song, the Beloved is quite clear about her feelings. Come away my Lover is very different than go away!
We can imagine the Beloved and Lover clasping each other's hands and fleeing to their new life across the mountains.
New beginnings are offered to us every moment by our Lover. Let's grab hold of the opportunity and allow the Lord to lead us into a life infinetly more deeper and richer than we can ever ask or imagine.
I would like to close this Retreat with Paul's prayer for the Ephesians:
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:14-20
Read the scripture slowly.Reflect on its meaning for you. Listen for God's voice in the stillness. Pray for God's blessing upon you.
*Please continue for one more day for a brief prologue.
Beloved Come away, my beloved,
and be like a gazelle
or like a young stag
on the spice-laden mountains. SS 8:14
Near the beginning of the Song, the Beloved describes her Lover as a gazelle or a young stag. Unfortunately, in the next breath, she tells Him to turn away and to come back in the morning. (SS 2:17)
We wondered if she felt inadequate to establish a relationship with a King and that perhaps she needed more time to think about it.
In this final scene of the Song, the Beloved is quite clear about her feelings. Come away my Lover is very different than go away!
We can imagine the Beloved and Lover clasping each other's hands and fleeing to their new life across the mountains.
New beginnings are offered to us every moment by our Lover. Let's grab hold of the opportunity and allow the Lord to lead us into a life infinetly more deeper and richer than we can ever ask or imagine.
I would like to close this Retreat with Paul's prayer for the Ephesians:
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:14-20
Read the scripture slowly.Reflect on its meaning for you. Listen for God's voice in the stillness. Pray for God's blessing upon you.
*Please continue for one more day for a brief prologue.
January 28, 2016
Song of Songs 30 Day Retreat: Day 29
10 Minute Daily Retreat - Read the Word of God with a prayerful heart.By Susanne Timpani (Day 29)LoverO you who dwell in the gardens,
my companions are listening for your voice;
let me hear it. SS 8:13
Occasionally I drive past the Passionists' Monastery and sometimes, if I have a few moments, I'll stop and visit their Sacred Garden. Some of the community members there are previous colleagues from my time in PNG.
On one of my recent visits I stood chatting to the gardener, catching up on news from the mission.
The most beautiful chanting emanated from the top floor of the monastery and stopped me mid-sentence. Brother Jim smiled at my reaction and explained that they were the 'students,' (presumably novices).
In this final section of the Song, the Lover invites His Beloved to sing Him a song. He is proud of her voice and invites His friends to listen too.
How glad He is when we come before Him, our Lord God, with singing and dancing! No matter how rough the journey is, God sustains us. This gives us great cause to praise.
The bible if full of exhortation for us to sing God's praises, particularly in the Psalms.
Praise the Lord!
Sing to the Lord a new song,
his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
2 Let Israel be glad in its Maker;
let the children of Zion rejoice in their King.
3 Let them praise his name with dancing,
making melody to him with tambourine and lyre. Psalm 149:1-3
Read the scripture slowly.Reflect on its meaning for you. Listen for God's voice in the stillness. Pray for God's blessing upon you.
my companions are listening for your voice;
let me hear it. SS 8:13
Occasionally I drive past the Passionists' Monastery and sometimes, if I have a few moments, I'll stop and visit their Sacred Garden. Some of the community members there are previous colleagues from my time in PNG.
On one of my recent visits I stood chatting to the gardener, catching up on news from the mission.
The most beautiful chanting emanated from the top floor of the monastery and stopped me mid-sentence. Brother Jim smiled at my reaction and explained that they were the 'students,' (presumably novices).
In this final section of the Song, the Lover invites His Beloved to sing Him a song. He is proud of her voice and invites His friends to listen too.
How glad He is when we come before Him, our Lord God, with singing and dancing! No matter how rough the journey is, God sustains us. This gives us great cause to praise.
The bible if full of exhortation for us to sing God's praises, particularly in the Psalms.
Praise the Lord!
Sing to the Lord a new song,
his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
2 Let Israel be glad in its Maker;
let the children of Zion rejoice in their King.
3 Let them praise his name with dancing,
making melody to him with tambourine and lyre. Psalm 149:1-3
Read the scripture slowly.Reflect on its meaning for you. Listen for God's voice in the stillness. Pray for God's blessing upon you.
January 27, 2016
Song of Songs 30 Day Retreat: Day 28
10 Minute Daily Retreat - Read the Word of God with a prayerful heart.By Susanne Timpani (Day 28)
Beloved: If a man offered for love
all the wealth of his house,
it would be utterly scorned. SS 8:7
We've spent the past 27 days reflecting on God's faithful, all forgiving and powerful love. How do we find this love? The verse tells us today that we can't buy it. It's an utterly free gift.
In the famous Beatles lyrics, 'money can't buy me love,' the singer declares that he has no money to offer in exchange for his sweetheart's love. He hopes she will love him for who he is and not for what he has: because he has nothing.
If we were to offer everything we have to God to earn His love, it would never be enough. The good news is that He gives it to us for nothing.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with him, and made us sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God— 9 not because of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:4-10
Read the scripture slowly.Reflect on its meaning for you. Listen for God's voice in the stillness. Pray for God's blessing upon you.
Beloved: If a man offered for love
all the wealth of his house,
it would be utterly scorned. SS 8:7
We've spent the past 27 days reflecting on God's faithful, all forgiving and powerful love. How do we find this love? The verse tells us today that we can't buy it. It's an utterly free gift.
In the famous Beatles lyrics, 'money can't buy me love,' the singer declares that he has no money to offer in exchange for his sweetheart's love. He hopes she will love him for who he is and not for what he has: because he has nothing.
If we were to offer everything we have to God to earn His love, it would never be enough. The good news is that He gives it to us for nothing.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with him, and made us sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God— 9 not because of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:4-10
Read the scripture slowly.Reflect on its meaning for you. Listen for God's voice in the stillness. Pray for God's blessing upon you.
January 26, 2016
Song of Songs 30 Day Retreat: Day 27
10 Minute Daily Retreat - Read the Word of God with a prayerful heart.By Susanne Timpani (Day 27)
Beloved: Many waters cannot quench love,
neither can floods drown it. SS 8:7
Included in my circuit as a nurse in Papua New Guinea were a cluster of villages on the opposite bank of the West Sepik. The locals avoided crossing the river during the wild wet season.
To ensure the children received their immunizations before being cut off, our team of health workers scheduled a visit just as the dry season came to a close.
Unfortunately the weather turned while we were on the wrong side of the river. At the river's edge a decision had to be made. The footbridge had snapped beneath the weight of the raging foam. The only way to cross was to form a human chain.
Should we risk it? The alternative was to remain in the village for an unpredictable number of weeks. Without adequate supplies, this was a big ask. Especially for a non-Papuan such as myself. It was a calculated risk. The guides knew the river well and when they decided to cross I had no option but to place my trust in them.
I am no thrill seeker and this was the scariest experience of my life. The depth of that river almost touched my nose, and it spanned a fair distance. Clearly I survived.
The Lover declare His love is stronger than the wildest of rivers.
When we are faced with difficult decisions or new ventures, do we trust that He will take us by the hand and make that crossing with us?
Read the scripture slowly.Reflect on its meaning for you. Listen for God's voice in the stillness. Pray for God's blessing upon you.
Beloved: Many waters cannot quench love,
neither can floods drown it. SS 8:7
Included in my circuit as a nurse in Papua New Guinea were a cluster of villages on the opposite bank of the West Sepik. The locals avoided crossing the river during the wild wet season.
To ensure the children received their immunizations before being cut off, our team of health workers scheduled a visit just as the dry season came to a close.
Unfortunately the weather turned while we were on the wrong side of the river. At the river's edge a decision had to be made. The footbridge had snapped beneath the weight of the raging foam. The only way to cross was to form a human chain.
Should we risk it? The alternative was to remain in the village for an unpredictable number of weeks. Without adequate supplies, this was a big ask. Especially for a non-Papuan such as myself. It was a calculated risk. The guides knew the river well and when they decided to cross I had no option but to place my trust in them.
I am no thrill seeker and this was the scariest experience of my life. The depth of that river almost touched my nose, and it spanned a fair distance. Clearly I survived.
The Lover declare His love is stronger than the wildest of rivers.
When we are faced with difficult decisions or new ventures, do we trust that He will take us by the hand and make that crossing with us?
Read the scripture slowly.Reflect on its meaning for you. Listen for God's voice in the stillness. Pray for God's blessing upon you.
