Chapter 7 I'm Not Funny and My Life Stinks!

1.) Does the image of the can of white paint (pg. 173) with a spot of red resonate with you.  Are there times when you find yourself only seeing the red spot?  How does humor help you keep things in perspective?

2.) How are joy and happiness different?  Have you ever experienced inner joy even in hard times?

3.) How do you deal with joyless people/situations.  How could you be the leaven in those circumstances?

Chapter 6 Laughing in Church

1.)  How can joy, (or lack there of) affect our ability to draw people to the church.  Do people in ministry sometimes come off as joyless as Fr. Martin asserts on pg. 143 (in the last paragraph)?

2.) In the late 19th century, the Protestant churches were just as grim as the Catholic Church yet they recognized at that important time the need to branch out in a social way and that is where the idea of "fellowship and fun" came in. (pg 147)  Do you think that the Catholic Church was as effective at "fellowship and fun"?  Please explain your response.

3.)  Consider "The Gatekeeper,"  the three doors that charitable speech must pass through.  Can you see how they can be useful in your own life?

4.)  Did any of the funny stories stand out to you?

Tuesday 11/15 Meeting Recap

Had a great group today with plenty of laughter which began with a lighthearted song for prayer.  Thanks Cheryl for encouraging us to "Lighten Up!"

Our talk focused on chapters 4 and 5 which talks about the benefits of joy!  We discussed the value of living authentically so as to experience joy and everyone was able to speak to that on some level.  Discussing the 11 1/2 reasons why joy is beneficial allowed some of us to consider areas of weakness and areas of strength.  Am I hospitable?  Do I laugh at my own absurdity?  Do I live in trust and in joy?  It was a lively discussion.

Since next week is Thanksgiving week we are skipping it and moving onto November 27th at 11am.  Please feel free to join us as we go through to chapter 7!

Moving right along!  

http://killingthebuddha.com/ktblog/father-james-martins-sublime-silliness/


Interview...check it out!

Hooray for Fr. Martin!

http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/best-books/2011/religion#book/book-7