Susanne Timpani's Blog, page 6
December 6, 2016
Advent 30 Day Retreat: Week 2: Day 10
Read the Word of God with a prayerful heart.Reflection by Susanne Timpani
…and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32
The Christmas season provides us with opportunities to exercise kindness and generosity. This YouTube clip – although created as a commercial – provides a light-hearted yet powerful reflection on these values.
John Lewis Christmas Advert 2013 - The Bear & The Hare
.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqWig2WARb0
…and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32
The Christmas season provides us with opportunities to exercise kindness and generosity. This YouTube clip – although created as a commercial – provides a light-hearted yet powerful reflection on these values.
John Lewis Christmas Advert 2013 - The Bear & The Hare
.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqWig2WARb0
December 5, 2016
Advent 30 Day Retreat: Week 2: Day 9
Read the Word of God with a prayerful heart.By Leanne Walsh
At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David's ancient home. He travelled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant. (Luke 2:1-5)
As we read of these historical events, it confirms for us that we are reading about ‘real’ people set in ‘real’ places and in a ‘real’ time in history.
The census that draws Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem is to bring Joseph to his birthplace, the birthplace of David, where ultimately Jesus would be born.
This was prophesied centuries before in (Micah 5:2) "But you Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days”.
This journey (probably in winter) would not have been an easy one, Bethlehem being about 4 days journey from Nazareth. Mary, heavily pregnant, only days from giving birth would have endured much hardship.
But who is to say that following God’s plan is easy? When we face hardships or challenges in our life it is not an indication that God is absent. He has promised us that He will be with us and that He will strengthen us in whatever difficulties we face.
“The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you. He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed”. (Deuteronomy 31:8)
In this time of preparation as we await our Saviour's birth, let us be assured of Him walking with us, helping us in our life.
Call out to Him, for He is near.
At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David's ancient home. He travelled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant. (Luke 2:1-5)
As we read of these historical events, it confirms for us that we are reading about ‘real’ people set in ‘real’ places and in a ‘real’ time in history.
The census that draws Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem is to bring Joseph to his birthplace, the birthplace of David, where ultimately Jesus would be born.
This was prophesied centuries before in (Micah 5:2) "But you Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days”.
This journey (probably in winter) would not have been an easy one, Bethlehem being about 4 days journey from Nazareth. Mary, heavily pregnant, only days from giving birth would have endured much hardship.
But who is to say that following God’s plan is easy? When we face hardships or challenges in our life it is not an indication that God is absent. He has promised us that He will be with us and that He will strengthen us in whatever difficulties we face.
“The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you. He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed”. (Deuteronomy 31:8)
In this time of preparation as we await our Saviour's birth, let us be assured of Him walking with us, helping us in our life.
Call out to Him, for He is near.
December 4, 2016
Advent 30 Day Retreat: Day 8
Read the Word of God with a prayerful heart.By Malcolm Davies
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. (Luke 1:56)
Three months wouldappear a long time to stay with someone especially as Mary was pregnant and would be experiencing all the discomforts of early pregnancy.
Luke has insight into the faith of Mary and how she was a woman who was prepared to suffer to bring about the Kingdom. This small suffering in pregnancy is a beginning of a life of discipleship and later on we read of greater challenges in the journey into Egypt and back in order to protect the child Jesus.
Mary is the first disciple and we can all learn from her. Mary is a woman of prayer and faithfulness and her faith has been recognised by Elizabeth when she says that Mary is blessed because she believes what God has promised will come true.
One ministry we are all capable of is to walk with someone who is struggling. Just like Mary staying the journey with Elizabeth you may want to reflect on which person are you called to journey with.
It could be a sick relative in a nursing home. It could be spending time with a work colleague who is having a relationship difficulty. It could be visiting a mother with a new baby.
Discipleship is not always exciting but the small things we do for others is one way the Kingdom is manifest in our society.
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. (Luke 1:56)
Three months wouldappear a long time to stay with someone especially as Mary was pregnant and would be experiencing all the discomforts of early pregnancy.
Luke has insight into the faith of Mary and how she was a woman who was prepared to suffer to bring about the Kingdom. This small suffering in pregnancy is a beginning of a life of discipleship and later on we read of greater challenges in the journey into Egypt and back in order to protect the child Jesus.
Mary is the first disciple and we can all learn from her. Mary is a woman of prayer and faithfulness and her faith has been recognised by Elizabeth when she says that Mary is blessed because she believes what God has promised will come true.
One ministry we are all capable of is to walk with someone who is struggling. Just like Mary staying the journey with Elizabeth you may want to reflect on which person are you called to journey with.
It could be a sick relative in a nursing home. It could be spending time with a work colleague who is having a relationship difficulty. It could be visiting a mother with a new baby.
Discipleship is not always exciting but the small things we do for others is one way the Kingdom is manifest in our society.
December 3, 2016
10 Minute Daily Retreat: Second Sunday of Advent
Read the Word of God with a prayerful heart.
By Susanne Timpani
John the Baptist appeared in the desert, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. All of Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins he baptized them in the Jordan River. (Mark 1:4-6)
This painting gives us a glimpse of the type of crowd that gathered around John the Baptist. He must have been a compelling speaker for people to have come from 'all of Judea' and 'Jerusalem' to see and hear him.
I listened to a toastmaster recently who described the competitions speech makers enter. They are judged on presentation as much as content.
I suspect John was provided with a natural talent for drawing a crowd. If he was all doom and gloom I wonder how many people would have bothered to travel out to meet him.
Surely his message was an exciting and challenging one? 'Get ready, something...someone...is coming who is going to turn your world upside down.'
His was a call to action. 'This is what you must do.' People had to leave the safety of the crowd and go out on a limb in order to be baptised.
Are there aspects of my life that crowd out God's call to me? Are there ways I can support others to come and see and hear what Christmas is truly about?
By Susanne Timpani
John the Baptist appeared in the desert, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. All of Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins he baptized them in the Jordan River. (Mark 1:4-6)
This painting gives us a glimpse of the type of crowd that gathered around John the Baptist. He must have been a compelling speaker for people to have come from 'all of Judea' and 'Jerusalem' to see and hear him.
I listened to a toastmaster recently who described the competitions speech makers enter. They are judged on presentation as much as content.
I suspect John was provided with a natural talent for drawing a crowd. If he was all doom and gloom I wonder how many people would have bothered to travel out to meet him.
Surely his message was an exciting and challenging one? 'Get ready, something...someone...is coming who is going to turn your world upside down.'
His was a call to action. 'This is what you must do.' People had to leave the safety of the crowd and go out on a limb in order to be baptised.
Are there aspects of my life that crowd out God's call to me? Are there ways I can support others to come and see and hear what Christmas is truly about?
December 2, 2016
Advent 30 Day Retreat: First Week: Day 6
Read the Word of God with a prayerful heart.By Susanne Timpani
A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Luke 1:39-41
Everything we have read so far this week is impossible! Yet anything is impossible with God.
Listen to this beautiful reflection by John Michael Talbot, singing and sharing how all things are possible, in the power of the Holy Spirit.
John Michael Talbot 'Holy is His Name.'
A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Luke 1:39-41
Everything we have read so far this week is impossible! Yet anything is impossible with God.
Listen to this beautiful reflection by John Michael Talbot, singing and sharing how all things are possible, in the power of the Holy Spirit.
John Michael Talbot 'Holy is His Name.'
December 1, 2016
Advent 30 Day Retreat: First Week: Day 5
Read the Word of God with a prayerful heart.
By Susanne Timpani
All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:
“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” Matthew 1:18-21
This is one of my favourite Advent hymns.
O Come O Come Emmanuel
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here,
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny ;
From depths of hell Thy people save,
And give them victory o'er the grave.
Rejoice ! Rejoice ! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Dayspring, from on high,
And cheer us by Thy drawing nigh;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice ! Rejoice ! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Key of David, come
And open wide our heav'nly home ;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice ! Rejoice ! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Adonai, Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai's height,
In ancient times didst give the law
In cloud and majesty and awe.
Rejoice ! Rejoice ! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
Youtube by king mojo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RP4iyJqrPvY
By Susanne Timpani
All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:
“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” Matthew 1:18-21
This is one of my favourite Advent hymns.
O Come O Come Emmanuel
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here,
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny ;
From depths of hell Thy people save,
And give them victory o'er the grave.
Rejoice ! Rejoice ! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Dayspring, from on high,
And cheer us by Thy drawing nigh;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice ! Rejoice ! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Key of David, come
And open wide our heav'nly home ;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice ! Rejoice ! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Adonai, Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai's height,
In ancient times didst give the law
In cloud and majesty and awe.
Rejoice ! Rejoice ! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
Youtube by king mojo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RP4iyJqrPvY
November 30, 2016
Advent 30 Day Retreat: First Week: Day 4
Read the Word of God with a prayerful heart.By Malcolm Davies
All the neighbors were filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, "What then is this child going to be?" For the Lord's hand was with him. Luke 1:65-68 "His name is John."The people recognise God’s special presence and divine purpose in the birth of John the Baptist as they have heard about his amazing conception and birth. The people are in awe and that is a common reaction when we sense the presence and the power of God.
The phrase ‘the hand of the Lord was certainly with him’ was a common phrase used by Luke and it indicated that the power of God was present in John’s life and that God had a plan for John.
God has a plan for our life as well as God is with us, God is for us, and God has a purpose for our lives.
The primary mission for John was to prepare the people for the coming of Jesus. That is also a part of the plan that God has for our life as well.
We don’t have to be a person who stands on the street corner shouting out for the passers-by to repent, but we can call others into the Kingdom by the way we live our life.
If we are persons of prayer, who are formed by the scriptures and the traditions of the people of God, and who have responded to God’s call by a life of service and witness, then we will prepare others for the Kingdom of God.
All the neighbors were filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, "What then is this child going to be?" For the Lord's hand was with him. Luke 1:65-68 "His name is John."The people recognise God’s special presence and divine purpose in the birth of John the Baptist as they have heard about his amazing conception and birth. The people are in awe and that is a common reaction when we sense the presence and the power of God.
The phrase ‘the hand of the Lord was certainly with him’ was a common phrase used by Luke and it indicated that the power of God was present in John’s life and that God had a plan for John.
God has a plan for our life as well as God is with us, God is for us, and God has a purpose for our lives.
The primary mission for John was to prepare the people for the coming of Jesus. That is also a part of the plan that God has for our life as well.
We don’t have to be a person who stands on the street corner shouting out for the passers-by to repent, but we can call others into the Kingdom by the way we live our life.
If we are persons of prayer, who are formed by the scriptures and the traditions of the people of God, and who have responded to God’s call by a life of service and witness, then we will prepare others for the Kingdom of God.
November 29, 2016
Advent 30 Day Retreat: First Week: Day 3
Read the Word of God with a prayerful heart.By Malcolm Davies
This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Joseph, her fiancé, was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. Matthew 1:18-21
St Joseph and the Angel
St Dominic's Priory Church London.
The appearance of the angel signifies that this is a sacred event. The power and presence of God is being manifest in a visible way to Joseph through the dream.
We are reminded of another Joseph in the book of Genesis who also experienced God speaking to him through his dreams.
God has a plan for each one of us and he has a dream for us and will communicate that dream if we are open to the grace of God.
If you are overwhelmed with discouragement or a feeling of unworthiness then think of the faith of Joseph. If you are gripped by anxiety then think of the hope of Joseph who journeyed in difficult circumstances to Egypt and back again (as did the Joseph in Genesis).
If you are angry or resentful then think of the love of Joseph who, along with Mary, was the among the first to see the human face of God in the person of Jesus who came to bring good news and responded to evil by suffering and laying down his life for us.
For the sake of the Kingdom Joseph experienced persecution, struggles, exile and poverty. His reward was to journey with Jesus and see the beginnings of a new creation and the new and everlasting covenant of God with men and women. Joseph is an example of how we are to be faithful in good times and difficult times. Be faithful to the Gospel.
This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Joseph, her fiancé, was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. Matthew 1:18-21
St Joseph and the AngelSt Dominic's Priory Church London.
The appearance of the angel signifies that this is a sacred event. The power and presence of God is being manifest in a visible way to Joseph through the dream.
We are reminded of another Joseph in the book of Genesis who also experienced God speaking to him through his dreams.
God has a plan for each one of us and he has a dream for us and will communicate that dream if we are open to the grace of God.
If you are overwhelmed with discouragement or a feeling of unworthiness then think of the faith of Joseph. If you are gripped by anxiety then think of the hope of Joseph who journeyed in difficult circumstances to Egypt and back again (as did the Joseph in Genesis).
If you are angry or resentful then think of the love of Joseph who, along with Mary, was the among the first to see the human face of God in the person of Jesus who came to bring good news and responded to evil by suffering and laying down his life for us.
For the sake of the Kingdom Joseph experienced persecution, struggles, exile and poverty. His reward was to journey with Jesus and see the beginnings of a new creation and the new and everlasting covenant of God with men and women. Joseph is an example of how we are to be faithful in good times and difficult times. Be faithful to the Gospel.
November 28, 2016
Advent 30 Day Retreat: First Week: Day 2
Read the Word of God with a prayerful heart.By Lyn Churchyard
Mary’s Song of Praise ‘Oh how my soul praises the LORD.
How my spirit praises the God of my salvation!'Luke 1:46-55
When Mary first heard the news given to her by the angel Gabriel that she was to give birth to the Saviour of the world, and sang her song of praise to God, her words echo those of Hannah when told she would have a child.
But unlike Hannah, Mary had no idea of what lay ahead, or the implications of the birth of that baby.
The following YouTube clip Mary Did You Know? is one of my very favourite Christmas songs, and I think it says it all. Close your eyes and listen to the depth of meaning in the words.
Mary’s Song of Praise ‘Oh how my soul praises the LORD.
How my spirit praises the God of my salvation!'Luke 1:46-55
When Mary first heard the news given to her by the angel Gabriel that she was to give birth to the Saviour of the world, and sang her song of praise to God, her words echo those of Hannah when told she would have a child.
But unlike Hannah, Mary had no idea of what lay ahead, or the implications of the birth of that baby.
The following YouTube clip Mary Did You Know? is one of my very favourite Christmas songs, and I think it says it all. Close your eyes and listen to the depth of meaning in the words.
November 27, 2016
Advent 30 Day Retreat: First Week: Day 1
Read the Word of God with a prayerful heart.By Susanne Timpani
She will give birth to a son,and they will call him Immanuel,[a] which means ‘God is with us.’”(Matthew 1:23)
Adults and children alike come out to enjoy Christmas pageants and Santa has arrived in Department stores. Christmas trees, lights and tinsel decorate homes, shops and offices. Christmas carols are piped through intercoms in busy malls, lulling shoppers to dig deep and spend more. After all, we are counting down the number of shopping days until Christmas.
Post offices not visited for over a year are lined with customers waiting to purchase the discounted Christmas stamps. Cards are mailed and received.
For those who work in welfare, the names of needy families are collated and sent into charities in the hope that Santa arrives for everyone. Food hampers are created and volunteer agencies are busy delivering them.
Schools and dance classes are practicing for the end of the year concerts or nativity plays. Work sites and recreational clubs celebrate over special dinners.
In some denominations, parishioners dust off family advent wreaths and the hunt is on to find a discount store that sells those illusive purple and rose candles. For those who go to church, the scripture readings and sermons aim to help people prepare for the ultimate celebration of the season; the birth of Jesus Christ.
In the midst of so much activity there is a danger that we ignore the glue that binds it all together. Daily, deep, intimate prayer with the very person whose birth we celebrate.
Jesus is with us and waits for us each day to turn up for prayer, and experience His presence. If we don’t make a decision to set aside a specific time slot to pray, it’s highly likely that we will succumb to the busyness of the season, and it just won't happen.
For some, praying can be hard. What do we say to God? How do we know if He is even listening?The value of integrating scripture into daily prayer can never be underestimated.
In this 30 Day Retreat, the Christmas story is divvied up into 30 bible verses. The challenge is to sit in silence every day for 10 minutes. A format based on the ancient Christian practice of Lectio Divina may be helpful.
The Christmas story begins with the announcement of the birth of John the Baptist. It continues past Christmas day to include the flight of Jesus, Mary and Joseph into Egypt. It concludes with their return to Israel and the settling of Jesus into family life.
If you don’t already receive these reflections daily, you can do so via email, or by downloading the App: http://apps.appmakr.com/tenminutedailyretreat
I look forward to sharing this 30 Day Retreat with you.
She will give birth to a son,and they will call him Immanuel,[a] which means ‘God is with us.’”(Matthew 1:23)
Adults and children alike come out to enjoy Christmas pageants and Santa has arrived in Department stores. Christmas trees, lights and tinsel decorate homes, shops and offices. Christmas carols are piped through intercoms in busy malls, lulling shoppers to dig deep and spend more. After all, we are counting down the number of shopping days until Christmas.
Post offices not visited for over a year are lined with customers waiting to purchase the discounted Christmas stamps. Cards are mailed and received.
For those who work in welfare, the names of needy families are collated and sent into charities in the hope that Santa arrives for everyone. Food hampers are created and volunteer agencies are busy delivering them.
Schools and dance classes are practicing for the end of the year concerts or nativity plays. Work sites and recreational clubs celebrate over special dinners.
In some denominations, parishioners dust off family advent wreaths and the hunt is on to find a discount store that sells those illusive purple and rose candles. For those who go to church, the scripture readings and sermons aim to help people prepare for the ultimate celebration of the season; the birth of Jesus Christ.
In the midst of so much activity there is a danger that we ignore the glue that binds it all together. Daily, deep, intimate prayer with the very person whose birth we celebrate.
Jesus is with us and waits for us each day to turn up for prayer, and experience His presence. If we don’t make a decision to set aside a specific time slot to pray, it’s highly likely that we will succumb to the busyness of the season, and it just won't happen.
For some, praying can be hard. What do we say to God? How do we know if He is even listening?The value of integrating scripture into daily prayer can never be underestimated.
In this 30 Day Retreat, the Christmas story is divvied up into 30 bible verses. The challenge is to sit in silence every day for 10 minutes. A format based on the ancient Christian practice of Lectio Divina may be helpful.
The Christmas story begins with the announcement of the birth of John the Baptist. It continues past Christmas day to include the flight of Jesus, Mary and Joseph into Egypt. It concludes with their return to Israel and the settling of Jesus into family life.
If you don’t already receive these reflections daily, you can do so via email, or by downloading the App: http://apps.appmakr.com/tenminutedailyretreat
I look forward to sharing this 30 Day Retreat with you.
