Particia Velotta offers a practical guide to beginning the practice of Immanuel prayer. She was trained by Karl Lehman, who I think is the "inventor" of Immanuel Prayer, though he worked with a number of other people to develop the practice. Velotta also talks some about the psychology of making these positive connections while experiencing God (yes - science!).

Immanuel prayer is a practice of growing closer to God by listening and "seeing" God with the our spirits and our imaginations. Her particular emphasis is on a group setting (at least more than one person), the reality of spiritual warfare and protection, and the healing power of God. She emphasizes the nearness of God, (Immanuel means "God with us") and reminds us of God's desire to connect with us. She reminds us of God's positive nature (he's not angry) and his gentleness and patience when revealing blocks, painful memories, or sin. She continually reminds us to keep the focus on Jesus (especially as facilitators) rather than focus on the mentor-mentee relationship. Her writing style is easy to read and practical, and she carries a lovely combination of being imaginative and forward thinking yet down-to-earth.

The appendices are valuable sources for troubleshooting with Immanuel prayer and contains a ton of scripture on all the ways people have experienced God.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about Immanuel prayer! It's a great place to start! I hope more people check out this resource because it's very accessible.

I got an early sneak peek at this, and I think it's both genius and hilarious! Perfect for a high school or middle school play!

This novel is innovative for late 1800s. It seems he was spot on about several things. I wonder what Wells would think of society today––would he think it had deteriorated?

I wonder why Wells chose to use little dialogue?

I like that the time traveler is telling his story, and I loved realizing that his 'audience' was fictional. We, the readers, were the 'second' audience, if that makes sense. Well, I found that interesting, anyway.

I love any savagery v. civilization type books. :)

This is the first I've read of Wells, and I'm looking forward to more.

This was a pretty quick read. Kondo has her own method of tidying up, and from what I've heard before reading - you either love it or hate it. I'm somewhere in the middle.

A few things:
-I think there is a lot lost in translation/culture. Some of her claims come across as a tad bit arrogant in western culture, but I don't think that's her intention. This might be a cultural barrier.
-As a couple without kids, Kondo's methods seem realistic for me. I'm uncertain how this would work with a family - but I really like the idea of each person doing his/her own stuff.
-I like the idea of de-cluttering in one long swoop, but Kondo and I were both weird child organizers. ;) I can organize for a long time, and I enjoy it!
-I've researched "letting go" of sentimental items (my mom died several years ago, and I've purged most of her stuff), and actually think Kondo is pretty gentle. I "get" the idea of saying goodbye or "releasing" things. I've broken the rule of giving away and have given items to friends or my church, but knowing that these people DO get joy out of these items is worth it to me.
-I disagree with Kondo on papers and books -I'm a words of affirmation gal, and I keep lots of old cards (which she admits would be categorized in memorabilia rather than papers). I am planning on getting rid of some books, which is scary, but necessary (I'm a renter and not "settled"). And files.

I'm skeptical if this method is the answer to life, but I really like the idea of only having things in your house that bring you joy (and that can be a perspective thing - medications, etc.). Some people might have more things they derive joy from - fine with me! :) I think if it helps you, that's great.

I'd be interested to hear her take on tidying one's digital space...I'm sure that's coming soon.