Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Sacred Space Celtic-style

I was leading a retreat day a few days ago and mentioned the amazing Skellig Michael in Ireland as a wonderful example of sacred space. It is a Celtic monastic community dating back to the 7th Century. These stone 'beehive' huts or cells were built by the monks themselves near a sheer cliff edge almost at the summit of the 230-metre-high rock!
I can't wait to see Skellig when I visit Ireland again, but the sea conditions have to be just right even to visit!

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Iona lyricist Cindy L Spears says Celtic Treasure is the best Celtic Christian book on the market


"After reading your book I was deeply moved, encouraged and blessed. I say this most sincerely: this is the best Celtic Christian book I have read on the topic. Why? You have pulled out all the treasures of the history of Celtic Christianity and written it in such a way everyone, no matter their background, can understand and embrace all the beautiful truths. You have carefully, in true Celtic form, woven the many threads of the saints, the beliefs, the poetry, the music, the inspiration, the Word-- in short, all the foundational elements into a beautiful inspiring explanation of the importance of this culture. This culture which you and I and so many love and admire for its totality needs to be shared by more. Reading this reminded my heart of so many things we often lose in the hustle and bustle of modern day life. Thank you for writing this - it is so well written! The photos, too, wonderfully accent and heighten the experience of the words.

Do you know, over and over again, I kept thinking of many of the lyrics I have written that echoed your own words and the words of the saints? And I was very much reminded of how I felt when I was in Ireland standing on many of those cliffs feeling the centuries of prayers that went up for the Celtic people. It is such a universal thing isn't it: that need for oneness and unity of spirit and the desire to explore our roots. Liz, it is a true honour to be included in this collection as it very much represents my beliefs and heart." Cindy L Spear

Monday, June 22, 2009

Boy, we had a fun 'Celtic Treasure' day




We launched my book on Saturday at a Celtic Treasure creativity day in Essex, for the Christian Dance Fellowship of Britain. I love our dancers - they are so up for anything and God did amazing things.We mixed art with design, and devotion with dance. It was wonderful to see one of my CT prayers danced out in intercession for the the lost too. Very moving. What a great way to launch Celtic Treasure. A real celebration of creativity through worship. Wish you all could have been there. Boy, did we have fun.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Celtic Treasure Promo video

My interview on location in York - filmed by fellow author Paul Griffiths. Wasn't that nice of him. But, don't I make some funny faces when I'm interviewed!

Friday, June 12, 2009

First Reader feedback on Celtic Treasure

I always love hearing from my readers. This is my first comment, received this morning, from Gill, who lives in Oxford, England:
Thank you so much for posting my book so quickly. I am thrilled with it – it is a really beautiful book, and I will be buying more copies for family and friends.
I was interested in your introduction saying about your box of family treasures and the similarities you've draw between what we inherit from our family ancestors and ancestors in the faith. When I went to Iona in 2006 it was following the death of my father, and was a really important part of the healing process for me. I was amazed how God used that time to bring my family feelings and faith together, and it has had a lasting effect. I think if I had had your book then, it would have been an even richer experience.
Anyway, thank you again – not just for this brilliant book, but all you do. You are a true inspiration.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Celtic Treasure has just arrived!

An exciting day. I've just received my stock of Celtic Treasure today, even though it isn't available in the shops until the 19th June. So you can order an advance copy signed by me from my website now. I've sold 10 already today. Click on the cover of my book on this blog to purchase, or visit my website www.lizbabbs.com
Let me know if you like it and any favourite thoughts, poems, prayers etc and I'll post them on this blog.
Remember, you can still win a free copy by joining this blog and leaving an interesting comment.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Love this Celtic Quote

One of my favourite monastic writers is Esther De Wall. I long to go on one of her retreats some day. I love this quote from her book 'The Celtic Way of Prayer':

The Celtic world....remains totally unique, earthy, and mysterious, knowing darkness and pain but equally rejoicing in light, full of poetry and song and celebration, showing me the depths of penitence and the heights, touching me in the secret hidden parts of my own self and yet connecting me with others. Esther De Wall

Amusing Celtic poem!

Well the Celts were all about celebration and living out John 10:10 (experiencing life in all its fullness). So here's a fun poem from Phil about Celtic Treasure:

There is a young woman called Liz
Whose creative writing's a whiz
A spiritual Celt
Who has under her belt
A great, brand new book, that's the biz !!!

Win the 1st signed copy of Celtic Treasure

Win the first signed copy of Celtic Treasure by joining this blog and leaving a comment. I'll be making my selection on Monday 15th June, 4 days before it is published and available in the shops. The more interesting the comment, the more likely you are to win!

Good luck.

Monday, June 8, 2009

New Header!

The nice folk at Kregel Publishing, who are going to be distributing Celtic Treasure in the USA, have just designed me a banner for my blog. Nice, eh?

I've also just finished an article on 'Celebrating Life Celtic-Style' for Woman Alive magazine and it will appear in their October issue here in the UK.

Add a comment and let me know your Celtic musings.

Liz

Friday, June 5, 2009

Starting the day with Saint Patrick

I think a great way to start the day is with this prayer attributed to Saint Patrick:
Bless to us, O God
The morning sun that is above us,
The good earth that is beneath us,
The friends that are around us,
Your image deep within us,
The day which is before us.
St Patrick

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Celtic Treasure published in just 2 weeks

Welcome to my new Celtic Treasure blog. It's an exciting time as I've just received the first author copies of my new Celtic gift book Celtic Treasure. So why this blog? Well, I want to share with you some of the riches of Celtic Christianity. We have much to learn from those who have gone before us in the faith, and I plan to share some of the riches of this ancient tradition with you here.
Please come through and add your thoughts, comments and insights.