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One of my ongoing endeavors is that of trying to establish a balance between travel for conferences, retreats, etc. and being at home so I can have more time to write. At the same time I consistently seek ways that I can be in touch with my readers and those seeking spiritual nourishment. I am happy to report that I now have a monthly e-newsletter. (It's free.) I decided to offer this as a source of regular communication and an avenue of connection. My intention is to have a short essay with something spiritually enriching in the newsletter, along with a brief bit of information on my current travels and publications. If you, or someone you know, would like to be on the mailing list to receive this newsletter, please contact me:
Joyce@joycerupp.com - Joyce
NEW ** Online Videos featuring Joyce Rupp** NEW
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From the author... |
Welcome! Thank you for taking time to visit my website. Whether you arrived here on purpose or accidentally, I’m glad you came. As I write this I am savoring the beautiful solitude and peaceful quiet of my home in the woods. This lovely spot continues to allow me the contemplative space I need in order to write with depth and quality. I find great joy in sharing this wee part of the planet with the birds, deer, woodchuck, tree toads, fireflies and other creatures who dwell here.
I hope you’ll find what you are looking for as you browse through this website. And if you are not seeking anything in particular, perhaps you will happen upon a blessed surprise. Thanks to my gifted website creator and manager, Faye Williamsen, you can click on a variety of items at the top of this page and have access to my current speaking schedule, information on publications, and a variety of articles, poems, and videos online plus my monthly essay “Spiritual Zest.” If there’s other information you are seeking and do not find here, contact me at: Joyce@joycerupp.com
My 2011 writing has focused on editing my unpublished poetry. I continue to work with this manuscript and polish it for publication. This book will be forthcoming by the end of this year or early next. The publication date will be posted on this site. It will also be announced in my monthly e-newsletter. (Refer to the top of the homepage for information on how to receive this newsletter.)
The Institute of Compassionate Presence remains a central focus of my teaching and speaking. The Institute thrives in its fourth year at our Servite Center of Compassion in Omaha. This is an eight session program (once a month on the second Friday). I will be teaching the April 13th and July 13th sessions of the ICP this year. The four day intensives for the ICP that I offer nationally also continue to develop. (2012 includes a new location: San Damiano in Danville, CA) The ICP intensive combines the content and process of the eight-day-once-a-month ICP and offers it in a four day format. (Check my schedule for dates and places for this intensive.) I absolutely love the remarkable growth and deepened awareness that takes place for participants in this program. I truly believe compassion is what our world most needs, not only in order to survive, but to live the deepest and best of our precious humanity.
Always I am grateful for those who participate in my conferences, retreats and other programs. I learn much from these participants. Each brings the gift of individual wisdom and life experience. This enriches all of us.
I am equally grateful to those who take the time to communicate with me regarding my publications. Thank you for your interest and support. Your comments and suggestions bring encouragement, especially on those days when the pages I long to fill with words challenge me with their stark emptiness.
Whoever you are, wherever you are, may you find inner harmony and a desire to be a loving presence in our world.
- Joyce |
Articles of Interest...
Book shares peace found on journey - Review by Shirley Ragsdale, Des Moines Register, July 15, 2006, of Walk in a Relaxed Manner
Sneak Preview - Read preview chapter of Joyce's new book Walk in a Relaxed Manner online at The Healing Garden Journal.
"Desperately Seeking Sophia," US Catholic Magazine, October 2002
"Open Some Doors this Advent," US Catholic Magazine, November 24, 2008.
"Five Spiritual Lessons of Loss," Family Perspectives Journal, Summer 2002
"Celtic Crossovers: May the Lent of the Irish Be With You," U.S. Catholic, March 2001
"The art of cultivating spiritual growth," The editors interview Joyce Rupp. US Catholic, April 2000. pp 26-31.
"Let the Land Teach Us" About Healing and Creativity. Joyce Rupp. Catholic Rural Life, Spring 2000, pp. 12-16. Catholic Rural Life is a publication of the National Catholic Rural Life Conference. http://www.ncrlc.com
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Book Awards Announced
Catholic Press Association:
Walk in a Relaxed Manner - placed first in the area of spirituality, softcover book.
The Circle of Life placed second in this same category!
Independent Book Publishers Association:
The Circle of Life received a second place award in the Religion category.
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Devotional
Booklets
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About Joyce Rupp...
Joyce Rupp is well known for her work as a writer, a spiritual "midwife," and retreat and conference speaker. She has led retreats throughout North America, as well as in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Joyce has a B.A. in English, a M.R.E. in Religious Education, and a M.A. in Transpersonal Psychology. She is a member of the Servites (Servants of Mary) community and a volunteer for Hospice. She currently resides in Des Moines, Iowa. A list of Joyce's works can be found in the left column of this page. Click on the book title to find out more information about that title.
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Spiritual Zest
May 2012
Jesus himself came near and went with them. (Lk24:15)
Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” (Jn20:19)
Jesus came…and said to Thomas, “Peace be with you.” (Jn20:27)
The Risen Onecame to them, came to the one who repeatedly denied knowing him, came to the ones who slept through his intense agony before his death, came to those who stood apart on a hillside instead of drawing near to the cross on which he hung, came to the one who insisted he’d never believe that the Risen One was alive unless he saw for himself. Yes, the resurrected Christ came, came to them all.
The disguised Christ did not wait for his fearful, grieving disciples to finally “get it” and look for him. No, he approached them and did so deliberately, intentionally. He approached them to instill hope and extend forgiveness. He opened the way for those who failed in friendship to enter into relationship again. Out of loving kindness the Risen One assured, comforted, assisted, and challenged the disciples to get up and move forward. His surprising visits helped them overcome their fear, restore their faith, and find inner peace.
This same Great Love still comes today to those who hesitate, to those who forget how wondrously they are loved, to anyone in need of forgiveness, to those who insist they do not know the One who is always for them and never against them, and to all who stand at a distance for any reason whatsoever.
The Easter stories carry a reminder for us:
Trust that a moment will come when you, too, will receive the grace of this blessed Presence. This visitation may come into the room of your heart when you gather with others at church. It might happen as you walk on the lonely road of sorrow. Perhaps this visit will take place while you are on the seashore of your work, in the garden of quiet prayer, or amid the Galilee of your leisure.
Listen and watch. These visits of the Risen One can be quite subtle and are often as surprising as the ones with the early disciples. Keep your hope alive for this Risen One will come, just as surely as he came to those he loved long ago.
Learn how to go forth to others. When you experience hurt from someone do not wait for him or her to come to you. Be the one who comes and opens the way to forgiveness. In all things difficult learn from the resurrected Christ. Reach out and step forth, as he did, with a genuinely loving approach. |
© Joyce Rupp
Check out previous Spiritual Zest Articles.
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Reviews...
"The Dance of Oneness," A review of The Cosmic Dance by Loretta Peters, EarthLight, Summer 2002.
"A Nurturing God," A review by Sally Cunneen of Prayers to Sophia and The Star in My Heart. The American Catholic, March 2000, pp. 7, 19. http://www.vfr.com/tac
Reviews by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat,Values and Visions Review Service
Open the Door
Walk in a Relaxed Manner
Out of the Ordinary: Prayers, Poems, and Reflections for Every Season
The Star in My Heart: Experiencing Sophia, Inner Wisdom
Reviewed by Sharon Flesher Prayers to Sophia: A Companion to "A Star in My Heart"
Reviewed by Austin Repath Walk in a Relaxed Manner |
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