Fresh Bread, and Other Gifts of Spiritual Nourishment, by Joyce Rupp

Joyce Rupp, a member of the Servants of Mary Community (Servites), a well-known speaker, retreat director, and author of spiritual books, has written this handbook for spiritual growth which began as a monthly newsletter for those who are caught up with their busy schedules and have little time to devote to Scripture reading or personal prayer; but still they have a hunger for nourishing their inner spirit.

The author begins with the theme of a handful of dough, which mixed with other ingredients becomes bread to nourish us and help us to grow. So in the spiritual realm, we take what we know of God and the god-life within us and the love that God reveals to us through the beauties of Creation, other persons and God's Word in Scripture --and mix it with the events of our everyday lives--to nourish our spirit and transform our lives in God and to be a blessing for others.

For each month Joyce gives a theme related to the season of the year, such as the freshness of new snow, growing through the hardships of life, searching for what is missing in our life (Lent), the joyful moments of Spring and new growth, Autumn leaves and sorrow, and preparing a dwelling place for the Lord. These themes are reinforced by brief daily Scripture readings, personal reflection, prayers in prose and poetry, questions at the end of each chapter, with suggestions for journaling and integrating daily life and prayer. You will find this small book delightfully refreshing and spiritually nourishing.

The Circle of LIfe: The Heart's Journey Through the Seasons by Joyce Rupp and Macrina Wiederkehr

Both authors have each written a sizable number of popular books on spirituality, and as close friends , they decided to do one together. Since they graciously give permission to copy any part of this book for use as a prayer resource or in a review such as this, I will accept their generosity and offer you several direct quotes. I would never be able to match the beauty and poetry of their writing in a paraphrase. The introduction begins with the statement:  "The four seasons tell a story of transformation every year."  --and continues with --"The seasons invite us to honor the earth out of which new birth germinates, sprouts, blooms, blossoms and grows.  Listen to Earth's song of the seasons passing through her sacred body.  Listen intently to these seasons as they reveal our story of unfolding growth as well."

In a section on prayer, the seasons are referred to as "Winter, Humble Servant of Creation"; "Spring, Graceful, Playful Child of Creation";  "Summer, Earth's Fruitful Season";  and "Autumn, Season of Wisdom and Transformation." -- And later, they  reflect that "Each of the four seasons is a classroom for the heart.  If you sink your roots deep in the soil of a season's truth, it can become your mentor."  For each season there are childhood memories, prayers, poetry, and celebrations, all related to the seasons of our lives.  The authors claim that "We long for connections in the midst of disconnected lives -- connections to ourselves, to others, to the world we live in.  Most of all we yearn to connect with the sacred."

Here are two additional quotes, one from each author, on the season in which we are -- winter:

"Blesses are you, winter, frozen and cold on the outside, within your silent, nurturing womb you warmly welcome all that longs for renewal."  (Joyce Rupp)

"Tonight I honor the darkness and sing of the life I was given in the holy darkness of my first home, that nurturing, earthy womb where I grew bright with life and blossomed in God." (Macrina Weiderkehr).

Even if you do not live in a geographical area of dramatic change from one season to the next, where all that is written "rings true" from life experience, I expect you will find beauty and inspiration on every page.  I heartily recommend The Circle of Life to any reader who has an interest in deepening your life through a closer relationship with creation.