September 23, 2006: "Kingdom of Heaven is Green," Scottsdale Tribune Clergy Corner

"We first have to show kindness to other humans, or our species' self-destruction will set the plan back a bit. But it won't stop God."

Read this story

September 16, 2006:
ABUNDANCE: The Richest of Fare Spiritual Fitness Program
Church of the Holy Innocents
Phoenix, AZ

Program highlights:

Spiritual fitness—what it is and why it matters
How to assess your own spiritual fitness
How your spirit gets exercise
Top 10 spiritual fitness tips from the Bible
Top 10 spiritual fitness tips from today
Overview of spiritual exercise options
Types of spiritual exercise and a menu of exercise options
Customizing a Spiritual Fitness Plan to Invite Grace & Achieve Goals
Event leader: Phyllis Strupp, spiritual mentor and author

May 15, 2006: A New Desert Mother

Why was she doing that--up, down, back, and forth right in front of me?

Once she had my full attention, she showed me her secret.

Read this story

May 9, 2006: “Spiritual Secrets of Evolution-Part II”

This session offers an exciting spiritual safari through the major events of human evolution that led to the mind/body/spirit experience of life we enjoy today. Highlights include a look at the spiritual expressions unique to humans, such as art, music, morality, and social justice, as well as the Desert’s role in spiritual evolution.

May 3, 2006: “Evolution in Three Dimensions: Science, Spirit and Story"

Co-Sponsors:

AZ Ecumenical Council
AZ Foundation for Contemporary Theology
Episcopal Diocese of AZ/Nature & Spirituality Program

Speakers:

Tom Sharp, Professor of Geological Sciences, AZ State University

“Scientific Perspectives on Evolution and Earth History”

Phyllis Strupp, Education for Ministry Theological Mentor, Author

“The Spiritual Side of Evolution”.

The spiritual energy underlying physical evolution, as well as the unique spiritual expressions of humans (art, music, literature, morality, and religion) offer a new view of humanity's purpose in the universe that transcends the boundaries of religion, science, and politics.

Doug Bland, Pastor/Storyteller, Community Christian Church, Tempe AZ

“Finding Truth and Meaning Through Evolving Stories”

April 24, 2006:
Desert environment, spirituality linked in U.N. international year
'Information and knowledge are plentiful in our time, but wisdom seems scarce'

Interview with Phyllis Strupp by Phina Borgeson, Episcopal News Service
Read the article at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/41685_74497_ENG_HTM.htm

April 6-9, 2006: “Apes, Art and the Desert: The Spiritual Side of Evolution"

“Exploring Religion, Nature, & Culture” Conference
University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
Sponsored by the International Society for the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture
http://www.religionandnature.com/society/

Given the choice between a world without spirit offered by science and evolution or a world with spirit offered by spirituality and/or religion, the American public is opting for a world with spirit. The fallout includes a wide decline in scientific interest and competency.

This dilemma can be addressed by acknowledging the spiritual dimension of evolution. The spiritual energy underlying physical evolution, as well as the unique spiritual expressions of humans (art, music, literature, morality, and religion) offer a new view of humanity's purpose in the universe that transcends the boundaries of religion, science, and politics.

March 28th , 2006: "Spiritual Secrets of Evolution-Part I"

We will review a summary of the evolution of the universe, and how the spiritual patterns of self-destruction and collaboration have affected the whole universe—including us! Highlights include the spiritual significance of dark energy, stars, Earth, and life.

March 23rd , 2006: "Spiritual Secrets of Evolution"

P.E.O. International Chapter Meeting, Carefree, AZ

March 11th , 2006: Time-out in the Desert:
The Proven Path to Spiritual Wellness

The Desert has been associated with spiritual renewal for over 3,000 years! This program shares the Desert’s secrets for the wellness of mind, body and spirit. Learn how the Desert affects our spiritual energy and promotes inner renewal. Highlights include outdoor sessions and an in-depth look at the connection between Nature and spirituality.
Program fee: $60 (includes lunch, book and handouts)
Advance registration required. Spirit in the Desert, (480)488-5218 www.spiritinthedesert.org

The program leader for all of these events is Phyllis Strupp.
www.desertspirituality.com

March 4th , 2006: The Richest of Fare Spiritual Fitness Program:
More Joy, Less Stress

Make every day a “no burnout” day! This program will show you how to manage your spiritual energy to find more joy and less stress in daily life. Learn about our bipolar universe, the nasty channel, the spiritual body, and the hidden resources you have within to find renewal and wellness. Highlights include a video excerpt from “The Wizard of Oz” and outdoor sessions. You will leave with a customized plan for your spiritual fitness. Appropriate for anyone regardless of religious beliefs.
Program fee: $60 (includes lunch, book and handouts)

Advance registration required. Spirit in the Desert, (480)488-5218 www.spiritinthedesert.org

March 1st, 2006: THEY WILL JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER:
An Insider’s View of Writing an Award-Winning Book

Interested in writing a good book? Come and learn the secrets of making your dream a reality. Get practical suggestions on all stages of the process, from the self-expression and creative aspects as well as the publishing, marketing and distribution stages. Author Phyllis Strupp won the 2005 Independent Publisher Book Award in the New Age/Mind-Body-Spirit category with her first book “The Richest of Fare: Seeking Spiritual Security in the Sonoran Desert.”
Program fee: $30 (includes book and handouts)

Advance registration required. Spirit in the Desert, (480)488-5218 www.spiritinthedesert.org

February 3 , 2006: 2006 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF DESERTS AND DESERTIFICATION:
"Desertification, in the words of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, is one of the world’s most alarming processes of environmental degradation. The issue is often obscured, however, by a common misperception: that it’s a “natural” problem of advancing deserts in faraway developing countries."

January 11, 2006: APES, ART & THE DESERT:
"What You Don’t Know About Human Nature Might Help You!
Learn how genes, culture, and spirituality influence our humanity and views of evolution and intelligent design."

January 7, 2006: THE RICHEST OF FARE SPIRITUAL FITNESS PROGRAM:
"When the New You is the Real You
Spiritual fitness is the secret weapon that will make your 2006 goals a reality!"

December 9, 2005: SPIRITUAL PREPARATION FOR THE HOLIDAYS:
"How the Desert Can Make It Easy!
Make sure spiritual preparation is on your holiday checklist. Learn how the Desert can take you “home for the holidays” spiritually, regardless of your religious beliefs."

October 18, 2005: Southwest BookViews reviews "The Richest of Fare."
"Those willing to let go of dogma (religious, political, or economic), those willing to embrace old truths in a clear-sky light, will appreciate Phyllis Strupp for raising the spiritual conversation to a refreshing new level."

October 26, 2005: APES, ART & THE DESERT:
What You Don’t Know Might Help You!

October 17, 2005: THE RICHEST OF FARE:
Seeking Spiritual Security in the Sonoran Desert
Group Discussion Questions

July 28, 2005: Ravenous, Resilient Reptiles: A Summer’s Day in the Desert

July 1, 2005: "Above the Haze", essay on the unnatural wildfire consuming the Arizona Desert written on behalf of the Arizona Ecumenical Council

June 13, 2005: A Letter to the Kansas State Board of Education about Evolution and the Bible

June 4, 2005: "Spirit of the desert: Valley writer explores nature's connection to the power of religion"
Scottsdale Tribune editor Lawn Griffiths interviews "The Richest of Fare" author Phyllis Strupp.

"The desert plays an essential role in the physical evolution of not only life on Earth, but also human beings," Strupp says. Despite its obvious hostility, the desert remains a "conducive environment for new life forms physically as well as spiritually," she says. "When you see animals carry out predation, there is a spirit behind that. There is a spirit that says, 'Your life has no value except to sustain my life.'"

June 1, 2005: "Publisher's 1st book wins category award, The Arizona Republic."

May 26, 2005: "The Richest of Fare" wins prestigious Independent Publishers Award in the New Age/Mind-Body-Spirit category.

May 12, 2005: THE GOOD NEWS OF EVOLUTION:
Listening to the Bible and Science

Presentation and Book Signing at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Phoenix, AZ
Sponsored by The Episcopal Diocese of Arizona
www.episcopal-az.org

The Bible and modern science tell very different stories to explain how the universe was created, and how we came to be here on Earth.

Many people are confused about what to believe.

Who's right—the Bible or science?

At this session, theological mentor and author Phyllis Strupp will share her views on why the Bible and scientific findings about evolution are both right and bring us good news.

She will also review the 10 MOST IMPORTANT FINDINGS ABOUT EVOLUTION AND THE BIBLE that can help people understand their purpose in life

April 15-16, 2005: The Arizona Ecumenical Council sponsors the 5th Annual Caring For Creation Conference. This year’s theme is “Sharing the Earth with All God’s Critters”. For more information, visit http://home.earthlink.net/~caringforcreation

If We Could Talk with the Animals, April 16, 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Phyllis Strupp, author of “The Richest of Fare: Seeking Spiritual Security in the Sonoran Desert.” Actions speak louder than words. And that’s why animals of all types have plenty to “say” to us. This interactive workshop explores the valuable spiritual lessons we can learn from our fellow residents of the Sonoran Desert.

April 10, 2005: “Curled Up with a Good Book” gives its top 5-star rating to “The Richest of Fare.”

“Because I read so many books each year, I often find myself getting depressed when a book fails to lift me above myself, especially when the genre is inspirational or spiritual in nature. Five star reviews become less common. More and more books seem to be the same rehashed ideas told with slightly new angles. Big deal.

Thank the high heavens, and the high and low desert, for The Richest of Fare, a gorgeously photographed and utterly transcendent “guided tour to the desert’s life-changing spiritual power.” Those words appear on the book cover, and I heartily agree with them. This is one of the most moving, beautiful, spiritually fulfilling books I have read in over a decade, and it has not only renewed my love for the mysterious and powerful desert landscape, but it has also reaffirmed my faith and belief that God is alive and well and living in nature. Reading this book literally made my spirit soar and my heart swell.”

Entire review found at http://www.curledup.com/richfare.htm

April 9, 2005: Rambles, a cultural arts magazine, reviews “The Richest of Fare.”
“…Strupp brings the desert to life, both in its ecology and its lessons for human spirituality. That is the richest of fare that this book has to offer.”
Link content: entire review found at http://www.rambles.net/strupp_richest04.html

April 1, 2005: “Spring, Critters and Evolution”, personal reflection sent to the desert spirituality mailing list.

March 11-13, 2005: “Seeking God in the Desert”
Retreat, Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Carefree, AZ.

February 23, March 2 & 9, 2005: “The Voice of the Desert: A Call to Lenten Spiritual Renewal”, Grace St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Tucson, Arizona. Led by Phyllis Strupp.

In these three sessions, we will explore both the head and the heart aspects of our Lenten spiritual renewal tradition. We will take a closer look at the steps involved in Jesus' renewal process as well as the spiritual power of the Desert experience--and how both fit into our quest for spiritual growth today.

January 7, 2005: “Tame Your Inner Chimp and Succeed with Your Goals in 2005”

December 25, 2004: “Escape the din of the holidays and look up”, by Donna Wright, the Bradenton Herald, Bradenton, Ohio.

December 1, 2004:
Editorial Non-Fiction 2004 Book Picks for Holiday Gifts.
“And give someone in search of inspiration Phyllis Strupp’s The Richest of Fare: Seeking Spiritual Security in the Sonoran Desert.

November 14, 2004: “The Simple Life”, Tracey Godsey of the Times Record (Ft. Smith, Arkansas) interviews Phyllis Strupp on American spirituality.

October 19, 2004: “A Most Dangerous Time of the Year”, personal reflection sent to the desert spirituality mailing list.

July 20, 2004: “Is America Ready for a Low-Carb Spiritual Diet?”,

June 25, 2004: “The Desert: Source for a New American Spiritual Renewal?”

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