Joyce Rupp is well known for her work as a writer, spiritual midwife, international retreat leader, and conference speaker. She wrote Fresh Bread―originally published in 1985―several years after she began her ministry. It was the first of her numerous bestselling books and has sold more than 135,000 copies.Fresh Bread remains especially relevant in today’s chaotic and fragile Rupp urges you to be as faithful to your spiritual nourishment and your relationship with God as you are to feeding your body. This careful attention to your soul will help you sustain hope and inner peace in your life.Each chapter includes a reflection, poetry, and prayer that encourage you to rejoice in the sacred, everyday world that is around and within you.
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 was a volunteer for Hospice for fifteen years. 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.
This is a beautifully-written meditation book that can be used over and over. It is broken down in months of contemplation starting with a religious poem, then a reflection and then daily bible verses on which to meditate. The reflections are worth re-reading every now and then to centre oneself in meditation. I found Rupp's use of prosaic imagery deep but soothing which led naturally to more prayer. I looked with joy in opening her book and am excited about reading more of her work.
Although I am removing the book from my list, I believe that our group will continue to look at it because it is a structured way to examine spiritual progress. Also, in any given month, the author provides a framework of readings to stimulate one's thoughtful approach to the Bible and one's place in the universe. My negatives about the book. It seems sort a simplistic approach without the degree of sophisticated questions that I have found in other books of this type.
I enjoy every Rupp book I read. I finished this under the stars tonight. Her words remind me to find gratitude in everything, and to give and love abundantly. I so enjoy her poems and personal stories. This book is a reminder that God is always near.
Book meant to be used throughout the year. It has a chapter for each calendar month with rich symbolism regarding being the leaven of faith for others.