Learning while doing my best to laugh.

I have talked about wanting to learn how to set up a blog for a few years, yet I could not think of a reason why I needed to step out and learn one more thing.  Honestly? I felt stressed just thinking about creating something that would surely end up reflecting a piece(s) of my inner most self.  You know...those pieces of self that reflect what makes you laugh and cry.  Those pieces that hold fears and old grudges. Those pieces that I, at least, try to keep hidden, even from myself.


It is funny what finally motivates one, or at least me, to risk making a mistake, to appear naive or silly...to become vulnerable.  Often, it is doing something I believe could be of benefit to someone else, that gives me the courage to step into unknown territory.  This venture of learning to blog is such an example.  So many people, myself included, in my congregation have calendars filled with places to be, deadlines to meet, appointments to keep... So many good and important things that all to often prevent us from the most important.  The most important being - simply to be still, for just ten minutes, and be totally present with our Maker and Creator. To be present in those moments with our selves. 


One of my favorite quotes from the movie Eat, Pray, Love ~ "God dwells within me as me." challenges me to consider that by learning to "know" myself, I actually meet God who created me.


This past week, feeling tired and frustrated trying to find SOMETHING that people in my congregation would want to participate in other than eating and getting together, I vented. Just a bit, but it was a vent. In my BPC Update I wondered why, when we say it is important, that sharing and learning about Jesus and how we fit within God's story, seems to be one of the last things we want to do.  I even said, "If we can't have conversations regarding our faith while at church, those conversations are most likely not going to happen outside the church!"


It seems as though many of us ( I ) have forgotten how to pause and be present within the moment of right now.  All to often many of us ( I ) are unhappy about what has been or are worrying about what will be.  Leaving the moment where we actually are....EMPTY!  Or, as some might say.....


So, during this Lenten season, I am going to try yet another way to invite myself and others to pause and to laugh, listen, and learn from scripture and from one another by creating a space  that allows all who are willing, to become a bit more vulnerable in order to learn more not only about our faith and the man we call Savior and Lord, but also about ourselves and one another.  


During this Lenten season I am inviting other women to read Joyce Rupp's book The Cup of Life.   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. She is a member of the Servites (Servants of Mary) community and a volunteer for Hospice. She currently resides in Des Moines, Iowa. If you are interested, you can learn more about Joyce at http://www.joycerupp.com/




Again, quoting from Ms. Rupp's website her publisher says,
"Anyone thirsting for a more intimate and disciplined life of prayer will find a rich wellspring in The Cup of Our Life. In this original and practical book Joyce Rupp shares how the ordinary cups that we use each day can become sacred vessels that connect us with life and draw us ever closer to God. She explores how the cup is a rich symbol of life, with it emptiness and fullness, its brokenness and flaws, and all of its blessings."


So, begins this venture of blogging AND reading this wonderful book. So begins this risking to laugh at myself while I learn by trial and error and by listening not only to Joyce Rupp's voice, but the voice of those who join me on this Lenten journey.