“I’m Your Accuser, And I Approve This Message”

Last updated on: October 22, 2012 at 6:17 am By David Rupert

I’ve tried to avoid political ads. Honest, I’ve really tried. But living in a swing state means the message are coming at my neighbors and me at an amazing pace. The mail is a jumble of colors, full of flags and staged family photos, mixed with sinister Photoshopped images of opponents. When the ads come on the radio, I turn the volume down for exactly two and 1/2 minutes.If I watch television, I use the DVR’s “skip 30 seconds” function... Read more

Micromanager or just a Strong Leader?

Last updated on: October 18, 2012 at 10:47 am By David Rupert

I read with interest the article by Christine A. Scheller over at The High Calling about micromanagement.I’ve worked with micromanagers and in full disclosure, I’ve been a micromanager.Her question is, “Is it a Leadership Style or a Pathology.” Photo by Lord Maiser In other words, is it just another way to conduct business, or is it rooted deeper in your makeup and personality. She interviews three people. L. Gregory Jones, senior strategist for leadership education and professor of theology at Duke Divinity School, says that... Read more

My songs do not belong to me

Last updated on: October 14, 2012 at 5:32 am By David Rupert

Want to share great quotes on photo cards, on your blog or with a friend? Visit WordCandy.me. Please, share with a friend if you feel moved. Read all past issues at http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davidrupert Read more

Say a prayer for The Pretender

Last updated on: October 11, 2012 at 5:14 am By David Rupert

I looked longingly past the island, the exile, and I wondered. I thought the moat that surrounded me was there for my own good, to keep the world at bay. But then I realized it was there only to keep me imprisoned to what I done. For years, I dreamed of freedom, counting the days. I don’t remember when, but at some point I gave up. It could have been after I was told for the thousandth time that it couldn’t... Read more

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

Who was the giant defeated by David?