Keep it Simple

Last updated on: October 9, 2012 at 6:14 am By David Rupert

I have a tendency to complicate … everything. If the car manufacturer says 3,000 miles for oil changes, I’m calculating the affect of extending the recommendation. If someone comes to me with a problem, I’m probing the past and the future, looking for answers. If the recipe calls for certain ingredients, I’m second guessing and pondering substitutions. “Can molasses be replaced with corn syrup?” I do that with my interactions with people. I over explain, bringing up depths and angles of issues to... Read more

When It’s Not Good to Look the Other Way

Last updated on: October 5, 2012 at 5:23 am By David Rupert

There is a festering anger across the world. The images of embassies burning, signs in the streets and shouting masses make us shudder. Here in America, we are more civilized, but no less angry. We take to the airwaves and gather around water coolers and get behind the wheels of our cars to express our our frustrations.We are angry at government, angry at employers and angry at the economy.At personal levels, we express similar dissatisfaction with coworkers, neighbors and family members.There is... Read more

Embracing Obscurity: Why Less is the New More

Last updated on: October 1, 2012 at 5:43 am By David Rupert

I just finished reading the Embracing Obscurity, and there’s something about this book that hit’s me wrong. But as much as I hate to admit it, it’s totally right. The whole world right now is about getting noticed. If you are in business, just hunkering down and doing the work is no longer acceptable. There must be innovation, transformation and marketing of your idea. This is done in the boardroom all the way down to the boiler room. Social media... Read more

The Four Paths Your Dream Might Take

Last updated on: September 27, 2012 at 9:00 am By David Rupert

What are you dreaming of these days? Could it be retirement? A new job? A vacation next year? Are you dreaming about a future mate, another career, or a child in the womb? Are you dreaming about eternity? “I have a dream,” shouted Martin Luther King in a sermon that still reverberates across the ocean of time. He saw a situation and envisioned a better day for minorities. His dream is coming true. What would have happened if he had... Read more

Define “Neighbor”

Last updated on: September 25, 2012 at 5:30 am By David Rupert

There is a deep-seated craving for meaning, to make an impact on the world around me. I’m not here just to consume, or to exist, or live out my days minding my own business. God, use me! So I approach Jesus, just like one of his followers. “Lord, I love you with all my God with all my heart, soul, and strength. But what more can I do?” So he presses me, “Love your neighbor, as yourself.” Bible study is easy.... Read more

Break the Chain

Last updated on: September 20, 2012 at 6:06 am By David Rupert

We all have chains of continuity, passed on through the generations. I have my father’s nose, a Norwegian tribute to the sky. I have my mother’s personality, at times engaging and at other times, annoying. With my kids I used the same phrases my mother did. “You’re face is going to stay like that.” “In order to have a friend, you need to be a friend.” “If you look for trouble, you’re going to find it.“ I have issues with control,... Read more

Why Worry?

Last updated on: October 25, 2017 at 12:21 pm By David Rupert

My friend is in the middle of a difficult workplace situation. He’s torn between pleasing his boss and certain career decisions that must be made. It rips his heart to have to be in the middle of a no-win situation. He’s losing sleep, anxious over the turbulence and disruption. I didn’t mean to dismiss the situation, but I asked, “In the end, in the final scheme of all things important, in light of eternity, where will this rank?” I have been... Read more

Who needs money when you have bacon?

Last updated on: September 15, 2012 at 5:18 am By David Rupert

) Oscar Meyer has found a way to get down to the pure basics in life. They recently announced that actor Josh Sankey will travel the length of the country loaded with a trailer full of 3,000 pounds of bacon. His journey will make stops in 12 American cities and he’ll go without any form of currency, including debit or credit cards. He’ll have to barter his way for gas, motels and resturants. You can follow Josh herehere. You can... Read more

Who will care for the flowers? A call to the next generation

Last updated on: September 13, 2012 at 5:25 am By David Rupert

The key to the front door is now in the hands of strangers. They’re probably moving boxes in, thinking about what color to paint the walls, adjusting the couch against the front window just so. It’s an odd feeling. Mom died last year. Dad 10 months prior. The little yellow house in the woods kept the reality of their passing at bay. Now, it’s real. There was something about that house that was a lingering reminder of their life. Although... Read more

Before I Die

Last updated on: September 10, 2012 at 5:29 am By David Rupert

What’s important to me? There are some things that come right off the top of my head. Relationships with my family, my walk with God, friends, church and work. And there are the secondary things. Will my retirement be around when I’m ready to leave work? Will my car make it through another winter? And then there is another level: Will the washer need to be replaced? Will I be able see my kids for the holidays? Will I need... Read more