Leap Year Spirituality
What will you do with your extra day this February? Why not take a leap of faith into your spiritual growth with our titles below.
For one day only, enjoy 10% off titles in our special Leap Year Spirituality collection below. To claim this discount, simple enter LEAP2020 at the checkout.
{"id":2439768408164,"title":"Believe in Miracles: A spiritual journey of positive change","handle":"believe-in-miracles-a-spiritual-journey-of-positive-change","description":"\u003cp\u003e'If you've picked up this book I'm guessing you've got a heart for God, but sometimes life can get in the way of your best intentions. We all want to experience love, wonder, beauty, joy, and creativity, yet our reality is often something very different. We would like to feel more connected to ourselves, to God and to other people, but often we can't see how this could be possible. Wherever you are in your spiritual journey right now, it's OK. God meets us where we are; all he asks is that we show up for our part. The miracle of the day is already yours; the adventure begins when you're open to experience it fully.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book takes you on a 40 day journey into a world of possibility. Focusing on small practical steps, it offers a series of short exercises to promote lasting changes, leading to a more prayerful, contented and connected life. By looking for the good and focusing on actions to take now, you will learn to view differently your daily circumstances, your relationship with God, and your relationships with others, bringing something of the ways of heaven to Earth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarmel Thomason is an author, journalist and speaker whose writing explores how we can live out the Gospel by focusing on the extraordinary to be found in the every day. She has also written Against the Odds and Every Moment Counts and has collaborated with the Archbishop of York on Faith Stories and Hope Stories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"Carmel Thomason\" href=\"\/carmelthomason\/\"\u003eRead about what motivates Carmel as a writer\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\nWith a skilled journalist's ear for compelling human stories and an engaging faith grounded in scripture and the goodness of God, Carmel Thomason proves in these pages a reliable spiritual guide in perplexing times. She brings intelligence, kindness and wit to her chosen themes and without preaching or condescension persuades us that life can be different and better. Canon Dr Rod Garner, Anglican priest, writer and theologian\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nCarmel Thomason is an author, journalist and speaker whose writing explores how we can live out the Gospel by focusing on the extraordinary to be found in the every day. She has also written Against the Odds and Every Moment Counts and has collaborated with the Archbishop of York on Faith Stories and Hope Stories.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Church Times - 4 November 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe miracles in which the title of this book exhorts us to believe are everyday miracles, rooted and grown in ordinary lives. Through the use of inspiring and challenging stories, using her own and others' experience, the author invites readers to consider how they can make changes in their relationship with God and in the practice of faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThomason presents her material in the form of short reflections for each of 40 days, dividing them into six 'weeks', each with a separate theme. The two main foundations for the life-changes that readers are encouraged to make on their journey are the practice of stillness in the presence of God, and the development of an attitude of thanks giving for God's gifts. Each of these is suggested as a discipline for each day at the end of the reflection, together with another idea for a response specific to the material for the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall, this is an accessible book that offers practical steps for the development of a lively and positive faith. It is fuelled by the author's passionate belief that the extra ordinary and the miraculous can be found in the everyday.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe primary appeal of this book probably lies in its directness and simplicity. But for some this may also be its main vice. For example, in a number of reflections there is a tendency to imply that complex and difficult emotions can be easily over come through faith. As we know, however, not all problems can be solved just through indi viduals trying harder. Moreover, the main focus of the book is highly individualistic and does not con sider the corporate dimensions of faith as they are expressed in the shared lives of church communities. At best, such communities can share burdens, exhort, listen and challenge. In these communities, individuals can know the miracle of living faith being made perfect in weakness and need.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a useful and sincere book that needs to be read with critical caution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Revd Christine Worsley is a priest in the diocese of Worcester\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethodist Recorder - 27 May 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBelieve in Miracles: A spiritual journey of positive change\u003c\/em\u003e is a devotional book by Carmel Thomason, which encourages a 40-day journey to view your circumstances, relationship with God, relationships with others and enable heaven to touch the earth. The daily devotions follow the format of a verse of Scripture, comment and daily practice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe daily practice centres on three spiritual disciplines. Two activities are introduced at the start of the journey and remain as items one and three throughout the journey. The first is 15 minutes of contemplative prayer and the last is five minutes of maintaining a journal of the good things that have happened to you during the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second practice enables you to interact with the content of the devotion in a practical way. I have used this format at various times and settled easily into the pattern and found it very helpful. The book arrived during my sabbatical and gave a pattern for my daily reflections. The process opens your eyes to the daily blessings of God's grace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Wilson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGoodbookreviews April 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a lovely 40 day introduction to the spiritual exercise best known as 'quiet time'. Each chapter is a one day session with a reading that reflects on modern life and sets the piece for the 'Todays practice' section that closes each chapter. These involve 3 practices, the first being a 15 minute contemplation\/meditation time. Close your eyes, breath deeply and be still in the presence of God...\u003cbr\u003eThe second activity is the examen section and so changes each day and is usually related to the contemplation piece that starts the chapter, so we may consider our worries and write them away, we may look at what we can do rather than what we can't and do one small thing , and so they go on...each one gentle and simple but actually quite transformative, and finally the third practice is to spend 5 minutes at the end of the day thinking about the good things in your day and choosing one to be thankful for.\u003cbr\u003eExcellent beginners guide to quiet time, but also a wonderful tool for anyone that wants to focus on the positive and build that into their lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMelanie Carroll\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:42+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:43+00:00","vendor":"Carmel Thomason","type":"Paperback","tags":["Feb-16","For individuals","Spirituality"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769299460196,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857464200","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Believe in Miracles: A spiritual journey of positive change - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":236,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857464200","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857464200-l.jpg?v=1549043161"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857464200-l.jpg?v=1549043161","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238877167755,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857464200-l.jpg?v=1549043161"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857464200-l.jpg?v=1549043161","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e'If you've picked up this book I'm guessing you've got a heart for God, but sometimes life can get in the way of your best intentions. We all want to experience love, wonder, beauty, joy, and creativity, yet our reality is often something very different. We would like to feel more connected to ourselves, to God and to other people, but often we can't see how this could be possible. Wherever you are in your spiritual journey right now, it's OK. God meets us where we are; all he asks is that we show up for our part. The miracle of the day is already yours; the adventure begins when you're open to experience it fully.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book takes you on a 40 day journey into a world of possibility. Focusing on small practical steps, it offers a series of short exercises to promote lasting changes, leading to a more prayerful, contented and connected life. By looking for the good and focusing on actions to take now, you will learn to view differently your daily circumstances, your relationship with God, and your relationships with others, bringing something of the ways of heaven to Earth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarmel Thomason is an author, journalist and speaker whose writing explores how we can live out the Gospel by focusing on the extraordinary to be found in the every day. She has also written Against the Odds and Every Moment Counts and has collaborated with the Archbishop of York on Faith Stories and Hope Stories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"Carmel Thomason\" href=\"\/carmelthomason\/\"\u003eRead about what motivates Carmel as a writer\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\nWith a skilled journalist's ear for compelling human stories and an engaging faith grounded in scripture and the goodness of God, Carmel Thomason proves in these pages a reliable spiritual guide in perplexing times. She brings intelligence, kindness and wit to her chosen themes and without preaching or condescension persuades us that life can be different and better. Canon Dr Rod Garner, Anglican priest, writer and theologian\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nCarmel Thomason is an author, journalist and speaker whose writing explores how we can live out the Gospel by focusing on the extraordinary to be found in the every day. She has also written Against the Odds and Every Moment Counts and has collaborated with the Archbishop of York on Faith Stories and Hope Stories.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Church Times - 4 November 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe miracles in which the title of this book exhorts us to believe are everyday miracles, rooted and grown in ordinary lives. Through the use of inspiring and challenging stories, using her own and others' experience, the author invites readers to consider how they can make changes in their relationship with God and in the practice of faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThomason presents her material in the form of short reflections for each of 40 days, dividing them into six 'weeks', each with a separate theme. The two main foundations for the life-changes that readers are encouraged to make on their journey are the practice of stillness in the presence of God, and the development of an attitude of thanks giving for God's gifts. Each of these is suggested as a discipline for each day at the end of the reflection, together with another idea for a response specific to the material for the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall, this is an accessible book that offers practical steps for the development of a lively and positive faith. It is fuelled by the author's passionate belief that the extra ordinary and the miraculous can be found in the everyday.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe primary appeal of this book probably lies in its directness and simplicity. But for some this may also be its main vice. For example, in a number of reflections there is a tendency to imply that complex and difficult emotions can be easily over come through faith. As we know, however, not all problems can be solved just through indi viduals trying harder. Moreover, the main focus of the book is highly individualistic and does not con sider the corporate dimensions of faith as they are expressed in the shared lives of church communities. At best, such communities can share burdens, exhort, listen and challenge. In these communities, individuals can know the miracle of living faith being made perfect in weakness and need.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a useful and sincere book that needs to be read with critical caution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Revd Christine Worsley is a priest in the diocese of Worcester\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethodist Recorder - 27 May 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBelieve in Miracles: A spiritual journey of positive change\u003c\/em\u003e is a devotional book by Carmel Thomason, which encourages a 40-day journey to view your circumstances, relationship with God, relationships with others and enable heaven to touch the earth. The daily devotions follow the format of a verse of Scripture, comment and daily practice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe daily practice centres on three spiritual disciplines. Two activities are introduced at the start of the journey and remain as items one and three throughout the journey. The first is 15 minutes of contemplative prayer and the last is five minutes of maintaining a journal of the good things that have happened to you during the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second practice enables you to interact with the content of the devotion in a practical way. I have used this format at various times and settled easily into the pattern and found it very helpful. The book arrived during my sabbatical and gave a pattern for my daily reflections. The process opens your eyes to the daily blessings of God's grace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Wilson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGoodbookreviews April 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a lovely 40 day introduction to the spiritual exercise best known as 'quiet time'. Each chapter is a one day session with a reading that reflects on modern life and sets the piece for the 'Todays practice' section that closes each chapter. These involve 3 practices, the first being a 15 minute contemplation\/meditation time. Close your eyes, breath deeply and be still in the presence of God...\u003cbr\u003eThe second activity is the examen section and so changes each day and is usually related to the contemplation piece that starts the chapter, so we may consider our worries and write them away, we may look at what we can do rather than what we can't and do one small thing , and so they go on...each one gentle and simple but actually quite transformative, and finally the third practice is to spend 5 minutes at the end of the day thinking about the good things in your day and choosing one to be thankful for.\u003cbr\u003eExcellent beginners guide to quiet time, but also a wonderful tool for anyone that wants to focus on the positive and build that into their lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMelanie Carroll\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e"}
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Believe in Miracles: A spiritual journey of positive change
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'If you've picked up this book I'm guessing you've got a heart for God, but sometimes life can get in...
{"id":2439767851108,"title":"The Recovery of Hope: Bible reflections for sensing God's presence and hearing God's call","handle":"the-recovery-of-hope-bible-reflections-for-sensing-gods-presence-and-hearing-gods-call","description":"\u003cp\u003eWe live in the hope of experiencing first-hand the all-sufficient grace, love and forgiveness which is God's alone, a hope that we may know with our heads long before we feel it in our hearts. This book is centred on a hope that means encountering God not only as consoling presence in the darkness but as one who challenges us to respond to his call. That call may prove to be costly, but as we respond, we will find ourselves transformed as we discover and rediscover not only that we are known exactly as we are, but loved beyond understanding as God's precious children.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n \r\n\u003cp\u003eIn a series of Bible reflections - and some poems - the theme of this hope is explored in different ways, from the yearning of the Psalmist to walking the gentle journey of the Good Shepherd's leading. \r\n\u003c\/p\u003e \n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nNaomi Starkey is a full-time ordained minister in the Church in Wales, living on the Llyn Peninsula in North Wales. From 1997 - 2015 she was a commissioning editor for BRF as well as editing New Daylight and Quiet Spaces over a number of years. She has also written The Recovery of Love, Pilgrims to the Manger and Good Enough Mother for BRF.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 24 March 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNAOMI STARKEY's \u003cem\u003eThe Recovery of Hope\u003c\/em\u003e cobbles together 103 wide ranging Bible reading notes, all with hope in common, originally published in sundry editions of BRF's New Daylight . A mature writer with a sure touch, her soign commentary on any biblical text never exceeds 300 words, and her balanced hermeneutic is well resourced and sparky.\u003cbr\u003eHer book includes four beautifully crafted poems, with all her writing having the high quality of a prose poem. She is never afraid to be hard-hitting, with comments such as 'Unlimited power carries with it unlimited responsibility rather than unlimited veniality,'and 'Leaders should care for their flock rather than simply grandstand on issues.' I will try to grandstand less and care more!\u003cbr\u003eThe three sub-themes, 'Coping with Darkness', 'Challenged to Journey', and 'In Resurrection Light', boldly take us into some unusual territory. There are 14 studies on 2 Kings 13-17, 14 on Stephen's speech in Acts, and 12 on the latter chapters of Mark (including the shorter and longer endings); a further seven studies are offered on Psalm 37, Jonah, and Ezekiel. Themes on 'The Absence of God', 'Gardens and God', and 'Holy Fire' draw material from across the scriptures. Starkey is the most pleasant of fellow travellers throughout, a sheer joy to be with. She draws examples from her ministerial context in glorious North Wales, seasoning the text with the occasional Welsh word - can it get any better than this?\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rt Revd David Wilbourne; Assistant Bishop of Llandaff.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 15px; text-align: left;\"\u003eDiocese of Bangor News February 2016\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the psalms and prophets of the Old Testament to the gospels and epistles of the New Testament, chapters are opened up to draw us to read more deeply. Naomi presents each section with an introduction and then taking a few verses at a time explores at greater depth the meaning behind the words. This is not offered as a commentary but in a way that draws the reader into the passage being read, and how that may be 'read' within our own lives. Hope is important for every person, and here, through the ups and downs of the biblical stories, we can find again the hope that is given to us in God. Naomi writes very simply, but is not simplistic. She encourages further reading and offers plenty of thought provoking questions.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAnyone who enjoys an Advent or Lent book and feels bereft through the rest of the year, will find much in this book to help fill that gap.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI enjoyed reading Naomi's book, and found plenty within its pages which made me stop, think and pray.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJanet Fletcher \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiocese of Bangor Spirituality Officer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCambrian News; 11 February 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eJULIE MCNICHOLLS VALE follows cleric-in-training Naomi Starkey's journey from the Channel Islands to the Llyn Peninsula and her beliefs through her book...\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor the last eight months, cleric-in-training Naomi Starkey has made Aberdaron on the Llyn Peninsula her home.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eA full-time ordained minister in the Church in Wales, Naomi works in the Bro Enlli Ministry area, which covers the south-west coast of the Llyn Peninsula and takes in six churches, including St Hywyn, Aberdaron;St Pedrog, Llanbedrog and St Cian, Llangian.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAberdaron is undoubtedly beautiful, but far from her previous home, near Llanidloes.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAnd becoming a full-time member of the ministry also seems far removed from her previous work in publishing, but the 50-year-old mother-of-three knew the time was right to make the move to Gwynedd, and to the church.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e'I had a strong sense that it was time to move from publishing - a field I had worked in for 21 years - to full-time church work and there was a job in Aberdaron that I felt was right for me.The area of publishing I worked in was related in a way, as I had been editor of the BRF (Bible Reading Fellowship) for many years, but that's not the same as leading services and getting out there meeting people.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNaomi started working for the church as a part-time cleric in Machnylleth and the surrounding villages. Then a cleric-in-training post came up in Gwynedd and Naomi made the move in June 2015. Also that month, Naomi was ordained as a priest in Bangor. She was previously ordained as a deacon in June 2014.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNaomi says it wasn't her childhood dream to become a priest - indeed, it wasn't possible for women to do so at the time - but there had always been a leaning towards the church, as she explained. 'According to me mother I used to line up my teddies and give church services to them like my father, who was a vicar.But I never thought of becoming a vicar myself. I didn't think I could as a woman because women couldn't be ordained at the time. But my mother reminded me that I used to do this when I was about five years old, so I guess there's always been something there.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNaomi was raised on the Channel Islands, and believes growing up there has helped her to fall in love with Aberdaron. 'My father was a vicar on the Channel Islands, on Jersey, and there are so many similarities to the Llyn,' Naomi said. 'It's almost like being on an island here in Aberdaron and there is some bilingualism, as there is on Jersey. There is also a lot of farming, tourism and of course, beautiful beaches.' As a cleric in training, Naomi says she is happy to be learning more about the church, and about the Llyn, and would like to stay in the area if possible. 'It depends if work is available but I have been learning Welsh for six years and I lead services and preach in Welsh, so I would definitely like to be able to use the language in a future post. And Aberdaron is lovely, as is the Llyn. I love the beaches on the Llyn in particular, and the mountains. It feels such a privilege to live somewhere that people want to go to on their holidays.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs well as working for the Bro Enlli Ministry and exploring the Llyn, Naomi has also just released her fourth book. \u003cem\u003eThe Recovery of Hope\u003c\/em\u003e contains a series of Bible passages, along with reflections on them and some poems written by Naomi. The theme of hope is explored throughout.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e'Even if people are not fully paid-up members of the church, there is a lot in the Bible that can give comfort, especially in dark times,' said Naomi. 'In the book there are readings and words to encourage, and to help, even if you don't believe what those words imply. Even if you are not a Christian, the Bible is still full of wisdom and that can be helpful.' She went on: 'In the 1960s there was a sense that science would prove everything and religion was for the elderly or the weak. Now I think people are more spiritual. There's mindfulness and gratitude, and faith. There's a lot in the Bible that's hard to understand and to wrestle with and that needs reflection and interpretation. Through the book, and my work, I share what I know. I won't tell you what to believe in, but I will start a conversation. I hope that, for those who already read the Bible and go to church, this book might give them access to lesser-known parts they may not have read before. For others, I think, and I hope, that this book is a gentle way in.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003chr\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:40+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:42+00:00","vendor":"Naomi Starkey","type":"Paperback","tags":["For individuals","Jan-16","Kindle","Pastoral care","Spirituality"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769287663716,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857464170","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Recovery of Hope: Bible reflections for sensing God's presence and hearing God's call - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":280,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857464170","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857464170-l.jpg?v=1549043161"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857464170-l.jpg?v=1549043161","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238877134987,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857464170-l.jpg?v=1549043161"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857464170-l.jpg?v=1549043161","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eWe live in the hope of experiencing first-hand the all-sufficient grace, love and forgiveness which is God's alone, a hope that we may know with our heads long before we feel it in our hearts. This book is centred on a hope that means encountering God not only as consoling presence in the darkness but as one who challenges us to respond to his call. That call may prove to be costly, but as we respond, we will find ourselves transformed as we discover and rediscover not only that we are known exactly as we are, but loved beyond understanding as God's precious children.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n \r\n\u003cp\u003eIn a series of Bible reflections - and some poems - the theme of this hope is explored in different ways, from the yearning of the Psalmist to walking the gentle journey of the Good Shepherd's leading. \r\n\u003c\/p\u003e \n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nNaomi Starkey is a full-time ordained minister in the Church in Wales, living on the Llyn Peninsula in North Wales. From 1997 - 2015 she was a commissioning editor for BRF as well as editing New Daylight and Quiet Spaces over a number of years. She has also written The Recovery of Love, Pilgrims to the Manger and Good Enough Mother for BRF.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 24 March 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNAOMI STARKEY's \u003cem\u003eThe Recovery of Hope\u003c\/em\u003e cobbles together 103 wide ranging Bible reading notes, all with hope in common, originally published in sundry editions of BRF's New Daylight . A mature writer with a sure touch, her soign commentary on any biblical text never exceeds 300 words, and her balanced hermeneutic is well resourced and sparky.\u003cbr\u003eHer book includes four beautifully crafted poems, with all her writing having the high quality of a prose poem. She is never afraid to be hard-hitting, with comments such as 'Unlimited power carries with it unlimited responsibility rather than unlimited veniality,'and 'Leaders should care for their flock rather than simply grandstand on issues.' I will try to grandstand less and care more!\u003cbr\u003eThe three sub-themes, 'Coping with Darkness', 'Challenged to Journey', and 'In Resurrection Light', boldly take us into some unusual territory. There are 14 studies on 2 Kings 13-17, 14 on Stephen's speech in Acts, and 12 on the latter chapters of Mark (including the shorter and longer endings); a further seven studies are offered on Psalm 37, Jonah, and Ezekiel. Themes on 'The Absence of God', 'Gardens and God', and 'Holy Fire' draw material from across the scriptures. Starkey is the most pleasant of fellow travellers throughout, a sheer joy to be with. She draws examples from her ministerial context in glorious North Wales, seasoning the text with the occasional Welsh word - can it get any better than this?\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rt Revd David Wilbourne; Assistant Bishop of Llandaff.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 15px; text-align: left;\"\u003eDiocese of Bangor News February 2016\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the psalms and prophets of the Old Testament to the gospels and epistles of the New Testament, chapters are opened up to draw us to read more deeply. Naomi presents each section with an introduction and then taking a few verses at a time explores at greater depth the meaning behind the words. This is not offered as a commentary but in a way that draws the reader into the passage being read, and how that may be 'read' within our own lives. Hope is important for every person, and here, through the ups and downs of the biblical stories, we can find again the hope that is given to us in God. Naomi writes very simply, but is not simplistic. She encourages further reading and offers plenty of thought provoking questions.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAnyone who enjoys an Advent or Lent book and feels bereft through the rest of the year, will find much in this book to help fill that gap.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI enjoyed reading Naomi's book, and found plenty within its pages which made me stop, think and pray.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJanet Fletcher \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiocese of Bangor Spirituality Officer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCambrian News; 11 February 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eJULIE MCNICHOLLS VALE follows cleric-in-training Naomi Starkey's journey from the Channel Islands to the Llyn Peninsula and her beliefs through her book...\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor the last eight months, cleric-in-training Naomi Starkey has made Aberdaron on the Llyn Peninsula her home.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eA full-time ordained minister in the Church in Wales, Naomi works in the Bro Enlli Ministry area, which covers the south-west coast of the Llyn Peninsula and takes in six churches, including St Hywyn, Aberdaron;St Pedrog, Llanbedrog and St Cian, Llangian.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAberdaron is undoubtedly beautiful, but far from her previous home, near Llanidloes.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAnd becoming a full-time member of the ministry also seems far removed from her previous work in publishing, but the 50-year-old mother-of-three knew the time was right to make the move to Gwynedd, and to the church.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e'I had a strong sense that it was time to move from publishing - a field I had worked in for 21 years - to full-time church work and there was a job in Aberdaron that I felt was right for me.The area of publishing I worked in was related in a way, as I had been editor of the BRF (Bible Reading Fellowship) for many years, but that's not the same as leading services and getting out there meeting people.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNaomi started working for the church as a part-time cleric in Machnylleth and the surrounding villages. Then a cleric-in-training post came up in Gwynedd and Naomi made the move in June 2015. Also that month, Naomi was ordained as a priest in Bangor. She was previously ordained as a deacon in June 2014.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNaomi says it wasn't her childhood dream to become a priest - indeed, it wasn't possible for women to do so at the time - but there had always been a leaning towards the church, as she explained. 'According to me mother I used to line up my teddies and give church services to them like my father, who was a vicar.But I never thought of becoming a vicar myself. I didn't think I could as a woman because women couldn't be ordained at the time. But my mother reminded me that I used to do this when I was about five years old, so I guess there's always been something there.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNaomi was raised on the Channel Islands, and believes growing up there has helped her to fall in love with Aberdaron. 'My father was a vicar on the Channel Islands, on Jersey, and there are so many similarities to the Llyn,' Naomi said. 'It's almost like being on an island here in Aberdaron and there is some bilingualism, as there is on Jersey. There is also a lot of farming, tourism and of course, beautiful beaches.' As a cleric in training, Naomi says she is happy to be learning more about the church, and about the Llyn, and would like to stay in the area if possible. 'It depends if work is available but I have been learning Welsh for six years and I lead services and preach in Welsh, so I would definitely like to be able to use the language in a future post. And Aberdaron is lovely, as is the Llyn. I love the beaches on the Llyn in particular, and the mountains. It feels such a privilege to live somewhere that people want to go to on their holidays.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs well as working for the Bro Enlli Ministry and exploring the Llyn, Naomi has also just released her fourth book. \u003cem\u003eThe Recovery of Hope\u003c\/em\u003e contains a series of Bible passages, along with reflections on them and some poems written by Naomi. The theme of hope is explored throughout.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e'Even if people are not fully paid-up members of the church, there is a lot in the Bible that can give comfort, especially in dark times,' said Naomi. 'In the book there are readings and words to encourage, and to help, even if you don't believe what those words imply. Even if you are not a Christian, the Bible is still full of wisdom and that can be helpful.' She went on: 'In the 1960s there was a sense that science would prove everything and religion was for the elderly or the weak. Now I think people are more spiritual. There's mindfulness and gratitude, and faith. There's a lot in the Bible that's hard to understand and to wrestle with and that needs reflection and interpretation. Through the book, and my work, I share what I know. I won't tell you what to believe in, but I will start a conversation. I hope that, for those who already read the Bible and go to church, this book might give them access to lesser-known parts they may not have read before. For others, I think, and I hope, that this book is a gentle way in.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003chr\u003e"}
You may also like:
The Recovery of Hope: Bible reflections for sensing God's presence and hearing God's call
£8.99
We live in the hope of experiencing first-hand the all-sufficient grace, love and forgiveness which is God's alone, a hope...
{"id":2439766540388,"title":"The Twelve Degrees of Silence","handle":"the-twelve-degrees-of-silence","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe stresses and strains of contemporary life leave so many of us thirsting for peace and clarity of mind and heart. While we may sense that constant distraction hinders spiritual growth, we may find it hard to cultivate attitudes of peace and stillness. We may long to experience closer communion with God, yet feel overwhelmed by the many demands on our attention.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n \r\n\u003cp\u003eThis book invites us to nurture a spirituality of silence through the words and wisdom of the 19th-century Carmelite and mystic, Sister Marie-Aimee de Jesus. Through a combination of her measured insights and exercises for personal application by author and spiritual teacher Lucinda M. Vardey, the reader is invited on a twelve-movement journey into a silent and intimate union with God. An introduction and biography of Marie-Aimee de Jesus explores her influence on other well-known Carmelites such as the saint and martyr Edith Stein. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nSr Marie-Aimee (1839-1874) was a discalced carmelite in Paris.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJulian Meetings Magazine April 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis small book has an enticing cover of a beautiful candlelit labyrinth in a large, probably French, cathedral. It reads like an old, quite academic history book, having been translated from French by editor Lucinda M. Vardey and a colleague, who are both described as living quiet secluded lives of contemplation and study of the sacred. I would suggest that this book is for the serious contemplative, as the 12 degrees of silence were written by Marie to guide and teach novices about the interior life for their lives as a religious.\u003cbr\u003eIt begins with a 25 page biography about the natural young mystic Marie-Aimee de Jesus (1839-1874), presented to us by Lucinda from the original, written by Edith Stein around 1939. Edith herself was a successful philosopher, feminist thinker and lecturer. She was called to a Carmelite Vocation after reading Saint Teresa of Avila's autobiography, and died in Auschwitz in 1942. Edith suggested that Marie-Aim e's depth of wisdom and disciplined mental attitudes on the path of perfection of the soul were where her own convictions found fellowship.\u003cbr\u003eThe following 45 pages cover The Twelve Degrees of Silence, which are: Silence....in words; in actions; with one's imagination; memories; others; one's heart; to self interest; of the mind; to judgements; to the will; towards oneself and lastly Silence with God. \u003cbr\u003eMost of Marie-Aimee's silences are described in less than half a page, written in the language of the last century. Lucinda, a writer on Catholicism and contemporary spirituality, adds her own Guided Reflections in a similar style. These consist of bullet points, mainly deep searching questions and exercises to do, framed with a bible verse and prayer.\u003cbr\u003eSo this is not a book for the faint-hearted, but may be a useful resource for your own silent retreat. A small book with a big deep punch!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFiona Elliot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:35+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:36+00:00","vendor":"Sister Marie-Aimee de Jesus","type":"Paperback","tags":["Apr-15","For individuals","Spirituality"],"price":599,"price_min":599,"price_max":599,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769264922724,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857464071","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Twelve Degrees of Silence - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":599,"weight":76,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857464071","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857464071-l.jpg?v=1549043162"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857464071-l.jpg?v=1549043162","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238877036683,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857464071-l.jpg?v=1549043162"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857464071-l.jpg?v=1549043162","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThe stresses and strains of contemporary life leave so many of us thirsting for peace and clarity of mind and heart. While we may sense that constant distraction hinders spiritual growth, we may find it hard to cultivate attitudes of peace and stillness. We may long to experience closer communion with God, yet feel overwhelmed by the many demands on our attention.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n \r\n\u003cp\u003eThis book invites us to nurture a spirituality of silence through the words and wisdom of the 19th-century Carmelite and mystic, Sister Marie-Aimee de Jesus. Through a combination of her measured insights and exercises for personal application by author and spiritual teacher Lucinda M. Vardey, the reader is invited on a twelve-movement journey into a silent and intimate union with God. An introduction and biography of Marie-Aimee de Jesus explores her influence on other well-known Carmelites such as the saint and martyr Edith Stein. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nSr Marie-Aimee (1839-1874) was a discalced carmelite in Paris.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJulian Meetings Magazine April 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis small book has an enticing cover of a beautiful candlelit labyrinth in a large, probably French, cathedral. It reads like an old, quite academic history book, having been translated from French by editor Lucinda M. Vardey and a colleague, who are both described as living quiet secluded lives of contemplation and study of the sacred. I would suggest that this book is for the serious contemplative, as the 12 degrees of silence were written by Marie to guide and teach novices about the interior life for their lives as a religious.\u003cbr\u003eIt begins with a 25 page biography about the natural young mystic Marie-Aimee de Jesus (1839-1874), presented to us by Lucinda from the original, written by Edith Stein around 1939. Edith herself was a successful philosopher, feminist thinker and lecturer. She was called to a Carmelite Vocation after reading Saint Teresa of Avila's autobiography, and died in Auschwitz in 1942. Edith suggested that Marie-Aim e's depth of wisdom and disciplined mental attitudes on the path of perfection of the soul were where her own convictions found fellowship.\u003cbr\u003eThe following 45 pages cover The Twelve Degrees of Silence, which are: Silence....in words; in actions; with one's imagination; memories; others; one's heart; to self interest; of the mind; to judgements; to the will; towards oneself and lastly Silence with God. \u003cbr\u003eMost of Marie-Aimee's silences are described in less than half a page, written in the language of the last century. Lucinda, a writer on Catholicism and contemporary spirituality, adds her own Guided Reflections in a similar style. These consist of bullet points, mainly deep searching questions and exercises to do, framed with a bible verse and prayer.\u003cbr\u003eSo this is not a book for the faint-hearted, but may be a useful resource for your own silent retreat. A small book with a big deep punch!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFiona Elliot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e"}
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The Twelve Degrees of Silence
£5.99
The stresses and strains of contemporary life leave so many of us thirsting for peace and clarity of mind and...
{"id":2439751204964,"title":"Hilda of Whitby: A spirituality for now","handle":"hilda-of-whitby-a-spirituality-for-now","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the dark and turbulent centuries after the Roman occupation of Britain and during the Anglo-Saxon colonisation, the light of heaven still shone through the work and witness of the monastic communities, ‘villages of God’, which dotted the land. One of the most remarkable figures of those times was Hilda of Whitby. Born and reared among warring pagan tribes, through the influence of Celtic saints and scholars she became a dominant figure in the development of the British Church, above all at the famous Synod where Celtic and Roman Churches came together. This book not only explores the drama of Hilda’s life and ministry but shows what spiritual lessons we can draw for Christian life and leadership today.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublished to coincide with the 1400th anniversary of the birth of Hilda.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eForeword by the Archbishop of York\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have much to be thankful for in God's own county, but of all the bright stars of Yorkshire's rich heritage of Christian witness, for me St Hilda of Whitby shines out as one of the brightest. I am thankful to Ray Simpson for retelling her story in a way that connects so directly with our contemporary world, inspiring prayer and reflection which I trust will bear fruit as it did so abundantly, graciously, and quietly in her own life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI enjoy my visits to Whitby, not just for the fantastic kippers I often come away with, but also because Hilda's memory lives on in the faith, hope, and love of today's Christian community in that town. I thank God also that the Sisters of the Order of the Holy Paraclete continue the monastic tradition in that town, with their Mother House, St Hilda's Priory, Sneaton Castle, looking across the bay to the ruins of the Abbey where Hilda's church once stood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHilda's example of self-sacrificial leadership, and of courageous acceptance of what the gathered church discerned as the will of God, is a particular challenge to us today. At the Synod of Whitby over which she presided, although she was a firm believer in the Celtic way, she accepted fundamental changes to the time-honoured ecclesiastical polity of the Celtic Church. She was willing to embrace the new ways of the Roman mission for the sake of the unity of the Church's witness in this land.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHilda was baptised on Easter Day, April 12th 627 on the site where York Minster stands today, along with King Edwin, by Paulinus, first Bishop of York. In recent years I have baptised new believers on the same spot outside the Minster, along with other local church leaders. I visited Hinderwell a few months after becoming Archbishop of York. I baptised a baby at Hilda's well and drank water from the well too!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy prayer is that those baptised today, and all of us who seek to follow Jesus in the North of England, will follow Hilda's example. With her I hope we shall live wholeheartedly for Jesus, carrying the light of God into the communities to which we belong, and seeing the love of God transform both church and nation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book will help us along the way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e+Sentamu Eboracencis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ca id=\"introduction\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBorn into a pagan, Anglo Saxon family in the province of Deira (land to the north of the Humber) in 614, Hilda's early life was to witness much of the brutality and darkness for which that period has become most famous. Her own father was poisoned in the continuing battle for power between ruling claimants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHer first encounter with Christianity happened after her uncle Edwin won power, encountering a vision of Christ which led to the family's baptism. But victory was short term and Hilda was forced into exile in the Christian kingdom of the East Angles, holding on to her newfound faith while others cast it aside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHilda returned north after power passed to the Christian ruler Oswald who set out to reconvert the people of the area, inviting Aidan of Ireland to lead the work. Hilda had only known Christianity with Roman roots. She now came into direct contact with Celtic Christianity for the first time and discovered a stark difference in terms of lifestyle, approaches to mission, models of church and the requirements of soul friends to assist personal faith development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHilda planned to become a nun and depart overseas, but Aidan convinced Hilda to stay and set her on the path of her life's work of pioneering monasteries and establishing learning for men and women. The Celtic church had no qualms over women leadership, unlike the Roman church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving set the scene, Ray Simpson goes on to unfold the story of Hilda's work at Hartlepool and Whitby, drawing out key lessons for our own age from her life, work and legacy and through questions for reflection, encourages personal application.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJust before her birth, Hilda's mother had a vision of light cast across Britain from a necklace - a vision that St Bede, writing in his Ecclesiastical History of the English People (completed 731AD), regarded as being fulfilled through Hilda, and a light Ray Simpson now projects into our own age. Published to coincide with the 1400th anniversary of the birth of Hilda.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\nThere have been times and places where the wise woman or wise man was central to the community. These people were not pandered celebrities, but those open to the depths of God, and a way of love. Hilda was such a woman. 'Hilda of Whitby' reveals Hilda's secret as well as her history and perhaps may challenge us to seek new styles of leadership for today. Penny Warren, Members' Guardian, Community of Aidan and Hilda\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nRay Simpson is a founder of the international new monastic movement known as The Community of Aidan and Hilda and is principal tutor of its Celtic Christian Studies programmes. He has written some thirty books on spirituality and lives on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, where many Christian leaders come to the Community's Retreat House and Library and for consultation. He tweets a daily prayer @whitehouseviews and writes a weekly blog on www.raysimpson.org\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis enthusiastic and well-informed book is the work of an author who knows his topic well from within, and is delighted by it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\nHe first tells the story of Christianity in Britain - especially northern Britain - in the days when the Romans had just left and the early Anglo-Saxon Christians were beginning to form a new kind of society. So the word 'spirituality' heads the first three chapters and deals in turn with factors that did, over those early centuries, form just that. We read that it was uphill work, but work that paid off - and out of which we are still, today, reaping benefit.\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\nOf the people who played an important part in establishing Christianity in north Britain, some names live on. In this book, Simpson is most interested in St Hilda, who, as he makes clear, was responsible for much of the dedicated and enthusiastic work that rooted Christianity. For her, the gospel was the beginning, middle, and end of things.\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n(There were, of course, many other saints. Aidan's is the other name that crops up frequently, and he, Simpson says, profoundly impressed Hilda. Those two names are today linked in the name of the Community of Aidan and Hilda, a community that Simpson founded, and which is centred on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.)\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n'Wholeness is the realisation of our humanity,' Simpson writes as he describes spiritual formation at Whitby 14 centuries ago. In his recounting of his own experience, one senses that the claim may well be authenticated.\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\nThe story told in this book is, indeed, a powerful one. Reading it may well bring to the attention of more people the value (to both Church and society) of religious communities. Currently, many of these are getting smaller and smaller. I sense, however, that here is an authentic reaching out of the past to find a way of living the Christian life, both in everyday society and in a dedicated community. Such a relationship is one that may well 'bear fruit, fruit that shall last'.\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Armson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCanon Armson is a former Precentor of Rochester Cathedral\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:43+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:45+00:00","vendor":"Ray Simpson","type":"Paperback","tags":["Celtic Christianity","For individuals","Kindle","Mar-14","Spirituality","Women"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769092857956,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841017280","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Hilda of Whitby: A spirituality for now - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":107,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841017280","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781841017280-l.jpg?v=1549043171"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781841017280-l.jpg?v=1549043171","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238875201675,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":561,"width":369,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781841017280-l.jpg?v=1549043171"},"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":561,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781841017280-l.jpg?v=1549043171","width":369}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the dark and turbulent centuries after the Roman occupation of Britain and during the Anglo-Saxon colonisation, the light of heaven still shone through the work and witness of the monastic communities, ‘villages of God’, which dotted the land. One of the most remarkable figures of those times was Hilda of Whitby. Born and reared among warring pagan tribes, through the influence of Celtic saints and scholars she became a dominant figure in the development of the British Church, above all at the famous Synod where Celtic and Roman Churches came together. This book not only explores the drama of Hilda’s life and ministry but shows what spiritual lessons we can draw for Christian life and leadership today.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublished to coincide with the 1400th anniversary of the birth of Hilda.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eForeword by the Archbishop of York\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have much to be thankful for in God's own county, but of all the bright stars of Yorkshire's rich heritage of Christian witness, for me St Hilda of Whitby shines out as one of the brightest. I am thankful to Ray Simpson for retelling her story in a way that connects so directly with our contemporary world, inspiring prayer and reflection which I trust will bear fruit as it did so abundantly, graciously, and quietly in her own life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI enjoy my visits to Whitby, not just for the fantastic kippers I often come away with, but also because Hilda's memory lives on in the faith, hope, and love of today's Christian community in that town. I thank God also that the Sisters of the Order of the Holy Paraclete continue the monastic tradition in that town, with their Mother House, St Hilda's Priory, Sneaton Castle, looking across the bay to the ruins of the Abbey where Hilda's church once stood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHilda's example of self-sacrificial leadership, and of courageous acceptance of what the gathered church discerned as the will of God, is a particular challenge to us today. At the Synod of Whitby over which she presided, although she was a firm believer in the Celtic way, she accepted fundamental changes to the time-honoured ecclesiastical polity of the Celtic Church. She was willing to embrace the new ways of the Roman mission for the sake of the unity of the Church's witness in this land.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHilda was baptised on Easter Day, April 12th 627 on the site where York Minster stands today, along with King Edwin, by Paulinus, first Bishop of York. In recent years I have baptised new believers on the same spot outside the Minster, along with other local church leaders. I visited Hinderwell a few months after becoming Archbishop of York. I baptised a baby at Hilda's well and drank water from the well too!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy prayer is that those baptised today, and all of us who seek to follow Jesus in the North of England, will follow Hilda's example. With her I hope we shall live wholeheartedly for Jesus, carrying the light of God into the communities to which we belong, and seeing the love of God transform both church and nation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book will help us along the way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e+Sentamu Eboracencis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ca id=\"introduction\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBorn into a pagan, Anglo Saxon family in the province of Deira (land to the north of the Humber) in 614, Hilda's early life was to witness much of the brutality and darkness for which that period has become most famous. Her own father was poisoned in the continuing battle for power between ruling claimants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHer first encounter with Christianity happened after her uncle Edwin won power, encountering a vision of Christ which led to the family's baptism. But victory was short term and Hilda was forced into exile in the Christian kingdom of the East Angles, holding on to her newfound faith while others cast it aside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHilda returned north after power passed to the Christian ruler Oswald who set out to reconvert the people of the area, inviting Aidan of Ireland to lead the work. Hilda had only known Christianity with Roman roots. She now came into direct contact with Celtic Christianity for the first time and discovered a stark difference in terms of lifestyle, approaches to mission, models of church and the requirements of soul friends to assist personal faith development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHilda planned to become a nun and depart overseas, but Aidan convinced Hilda to stay and set her on the path of her life's work of pioneering monasteries and establishing learning for men and women. The Celtic church had no qualms over women leadership, unlike the Roman church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving set the scene, Ray Simpson goes on to unfold the story of Hilda's work at Hartlepool and Whitby, drawing out key lessons for our own age from her life, work and legacy and through questions for reflection, encourages personal application.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJust before her birth, Hilda's mother had a vision of light cast across Britain from a necklace - a vision that St Bede, writing in his Ecclesiastical History of the English People (completed 731AD), regarded as being fulfilled through Hilda, and a light Ray Simpson now projects into our own age. Published to coincide with the 1400th anniversary of the birth of Hilda.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\nThere have been times and places where the wise woman or wise man was central to the community. These people were not pandered celebrities, but those open to the depths of God, and a way of love. Hilda was such a woman. 'Hilda of Whitby' reveals Hilda's secret as well as her history and perhaps may challenge us to seek new styles of leadership for today. Penny Warren, Members' Guardian, Community of Aidan and Hilda\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nRay Simpson is a founder of the international new monastic movement known as The Community of Aidan and Hilda and is principal tutor of its Celtic Christian Studies programmes. He has written some thirty books on spirituality and lives on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, where many Christian leaders come to the Community's Retreat House and Library and for consultation. He tweets a daily prayer @whitehouseviews and writes a weekly blog on www.raysimpson.org\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis enthusiastic and well-informed book is the work of an author who knows his topic well from within, and is delighted by it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\nHe first tells the story of Christianity in Britain - especially northern Britain - in the days when the Romans had just left and the early Anglo-Saxon Christians were beginning to form a new kind of society. So the word 'spirituality' heads the first three chapters and deals in turn with factors that did, over those early centuries, form just that. We read that it was uphill work, but work that paid off - and out of which we are still, today, reaping benefit.\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\nOf the people who played an important part in establishing Christianity in north Britain, some names live on. In this book, Simpson is most interested in St Hilda, who, as he makes clear, was responsible for much of the dedicated and enthusiastic work that rooted Christianity. For her, the gospel was the beginning, middle, and end of things.\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n(There were, of course, many other saints. Aidan's is the other name that crops up frequently, and he, Simpson says, profoundly impressed Hilda. Those two names are today linked in the name of the Community of Aidan and Hilda, a community that Simpson founded, and which is centred on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.)\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n'Wholeness is the realisation of our humanity,' Simpson writes as he describes spiritual formation at Whitby 14 centuries ago. In his recounting of his own experience, one senses that the claim may well be authenticated.\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\nThe story told in this book is, indeed, a powerful one. Reading it may well bring to the attention of more people the value (to both Church and society) of religious communities. Currently, many of these are getting smaller and smaller. I sense, however, that here is an authentic reaching out of the past to find a way of living the Christian life, both in everyday society and in a dedicated community. Such a relationship is one that may well 'bear fruit, fruit that shall last'.\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Armson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCanon Armson is a former Precentor of Rochester Cathedral\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
Hilda of Whitby: A spirituality for now
£7.99
In the dark and turbulent centuries after the Roman occupation of Britain and during the Anglo-Saxon colonisation, the light of...
{"id":2439736295524,"title":"Walking with Gospel Women: Interactive Bible meditations","handle":"walking-with-gospel-women-interactive-bible-meditations","description":"\u003cp\u003eImaginative meditation can be a powerful way of attuning ourselves to God's presence, involving as it does the emotions as well as the mind. This book offers a refreshing and inspiring way into Bible study, using meditative monologues based around many of the women of the gospels. Through a time of guided reflection, we identify with the woman concerned and see what lessons emerge for today as we ponder her story.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter consists of a monologue, linked Bible passage and discussion material designed to draw out deep communication and group fellowship, as well as transformational learning. While designed primarily for small groups meeting to grow their relationships with God and with each other, the monologues can also be used as a way into silent reflection either for individuals or with larger groups (for example, the monologues could be adapted to use in Sunday worship - for intercession, a time of reflection or as part of a sermon).\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRead Fiona's introduction to the book:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are involved in a women's Bible study group, particularly in leading it, the big question at the start of each term is likely to be what to study. There are a lot of resources available, so where do you begin? In my book I wanted to offer something different... a new way of making familiar Bible stories personal, walking alongside the women involved, exploring their emotions and feeling their heartbeat.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWalking with Gospel Women: Interactive Bible meditations \u003c\/strong\u003eis a series of 26 meditative monologues based on biblical passages in which each character tells the story of her encounter with Jesus. As we enter her story through the imagination, we discover what issues were touched in her life and how she responded. Our minds and emotions are engaged as we listen and are then guided through group discussion and individual reflection to consider these issues further. The questions encourage deep communication and are designed to stimulate conversation that leads to personal and spiritual growth as well as developing friendships and community. Transformational learning takes place. What can we learn from Mary, the mother of Jesus, at the wedding of Cana about letting go, about joy and celebration? How does Jesus' encounter with Martha teach us to deal with resentment, inner restlessness and how to balance the demands in our lives? Our spiritual journey is fostered as we are, and we are then led to consider what each episode teaches us about God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWomen with much experience of Bible study in groups will find this innovative approach refreshing. Creative women will be drawn to exploring biblical passages through the imagination. Newcomers to the Bible will find this resource approachable and will gain cultural insights from the monologues. \u003cstrong\u003eWalking with Gospel Women\u003c\/strong\u003e could also be used by reading groups and for individual reflection. The monologues could be used without the studies in many contexts: as part of a church's Christmas or Easter programme; for storytelling; as a stimulus for a sermon or guided meditation.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\nImagination is a pathway for the spirit. In her book of meditations, Fiona leads us along this path to fresh encounters with God. Ann Persson \r\n\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nA qualified speech and language therapist, Fiona Stratta has worked with adults and children and is also a member of the Association of Teachers of Speech and Drama. The idea for this book first emerged when she endured a prolonged period of ill-health which led her to engage with meditative approaches to Bible reading.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:19:46+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:19:47+00:00","vendor":"Fiona Stratta","type":"Paperback","tags":["Devotional","Jul-12","Kindle","Women"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":false,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21768906276964,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857460103","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"Walking with Gospel Women: Interactive Bible meditations - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":205,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857460103","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857460103-l.jpg?v=1549043182"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857460103-l.jpg?v=1549043182","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238874185867,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":561,"width":369,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857460103-l.jpg?v=1549043182"},"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":561,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857460103-l.jpg?v=1549043182","width":369}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eImaginative meditation can be a powerful way of attuning ourselves to God's presence, involving as it does the emotions as well as the mind. This book offers a refreshing and inspiring way into Bible study, using meditative monologues based around many of the women of the gospels. Through a time of guided reflection, we identify with the woman concerned and see what lessons emerge for today as we ponder her story.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter consists of a monologue, linked Bible passage and discussion material designed to draw out deep communication and group fellowship, as well as transformational learning. While designed primarily for small groups meeting to grow their relationships with God and with each other, the monologues can also be used as a way into silent reflection either for individuals or with larger groups (for example, the monologues could be adapted to use in Sunday worship - for intercession, a time of reflection or as part of a sermon).\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRead Fiona's introduction to the book:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are involved in a women's Bible study group, particularly in leading it, the big question at the start of each term is likely to be what to study. There are a lot of resources available, so where do you begin? In my book I wanted to offer something different... a new way of making familiar Bible stories personal, walking alongside the women involved, exploring their emotions and feeling their heartbeat.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWalking with Gospel Women: Interactive Bible meditations \u003c\/strong\u003eis a series of 26 meditative monologues based on biblical passages in which each character tells the story of her encounter with Jesus. As we enter her story through the imagination, we discover what issues were touched in her life and how she responded. Our minds and emotions are engaged as we listen and are then guided through group discussion and individual reflection to consider these issues further. The questions encourage deep communication and are designed to stimulate conversation that leads to personal and spiritual growth as well as developing friendships and community. Transformational learning takes place. What can we learn from Mary, the mother of Jesus, at the wedding of Cana about letting go, about joy and celebration? How does Jesus' encounter with Martha teach us to deal with resentment, inner restlessness and how to balance the demands in our lives? Our spiritual journey is fostered as we are, and we are then led to consider what each episode teaches us about God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWomen with much experience of Bible study in groups will find this innovative approach refreshing. Creative women will be drawn to exploring biblical passages through the imagination. Newcomers to the Bible will find this resource approachable and will gain cultural insights from the monologues. \u003cstrong\u003eWalking with Gospel Women\u003c\/strong\u003e could also be used by reading groups and for individual reflection. The monologues could be used without the studies in many contexts: as part of a church's Christmas or Easter programme; for storytelling; as a stimulus for a sermon or guided meditation.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\nImagination is a pathway for the spirit. In her book of meditations, Fiona leads us along this path to fresh encounters with God. Ann Persson \r\n\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nA qualified speech and language therapist, Fiona Stratta has worked with adults and children and is also a member of the Association of Teachers of Speech and Drama. The idea for this book first emerged when she endured a prolonged period of ill-health which led her to engage with meditative approaches to Bible reading.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n"}
You may also like:
Walking with Gospel Women: Interactive Bible meditations
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Imaginative meditation can be a powerful way of attuning ourselves to God's presence, involving as it does the emotions as...
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