In the Garden of Your Mind

Last updated on: June 9, 2012 at 6:00 am By David Rupert

I miss this wonderful man. What are you growing these days? Please, share with a friend if you feel moved. Read all past issues at http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davidrupert Read more

Guest Post: Troy Sims. “Sorry, I have to work”

Last updated on: June 8, 2012 at 5:30 am By David Rupert

A number of guest posters this month will be weighing in on “What I learned From My First Job.” Today we’re privileged to have Troy Sims give his insight. Troy has a M.Div from Brite Divinity School in Ft. Worth TX and blogs at Loving God With All Your Mind. He and I first met at Laity Lodge and sat on the River Frio devouring bowls of ice cream with fresh berries. I appreciated his sense of humor and insight into... Read more

Guest Post: Becky Garrison, “Laughing Through The Pain”

Last updated on: June 6, 2012 at 5:30 am By David Rupert

In our ongoing series of guest posts about, “What I Learned From My First Job,” we’ve been getting some laughs and some schooling along the way. Today Becky Garrison drops in and tells us what she has learned from her job as a religious satirist. Her work for the now defunct Wittenburg Door was masterful, as she balanced sound doctrine with a tongue firmly planted in her cheek. Thanks in part to that early work, she’s now the author of... Read more

It’s never too late

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

Helen was an instant hit at our writer’s conference. She’s the kind of woman you want as a mother, grandmother, or friend. Photo by Laura Boggess Her story was of loss – and resilence. She was married for 65 years to the same man and had lost him. Although she was now widowed, she didn’t quit. To be surrounded by a good retirement, a big house, loving children and grandchildren wasn’t enough. She still had a story to tell. And that’s why... Read more

Guest Post, Marcus Goodyear: “The service is what matters”

Last updated on: June 4, 2012 at 5:30 am By David Rupert

For the next two weeks we’ll bring you some of the most interesting bloggers from the blogosphere all sharing what they learned from their first job. I already have a couple of dozen posts lined up, but there’s still room for you. Send me your idea here.I first met Marcus Goodyear in 2007 at GodBlog in Las Vegas and I instantly liked him. A humble charm belies his brilliant mind and leadership ability. As the senior editor of The High Calling, he... Read more

Keep the light burning

Last updated on: June 1, 2012 at 5:30 am By David Rupert

I had a friend once who’s life took a series of ugly turns. He ended up being just bad news, with no job, no family and no faith, having turned his back on everything. Seeing nothing but darkness, I walked away. Years later I heard that he recovered and was a brilliant example of grace and restoration — and I missed it.The LA Times last week reported a most interesting story. In 1935, a neon light was installed to backlight a... Read more

work

Last updated on: May 31, 2012 at 10:22 am By David Rupert

things struck me: The light was intentionally covered over in the name of progress and modernization. That there was nothing remarkable about its purpose which was to illuminate from the inside a painting of a landscape. That people were fascinated about the light and trying to explain its longevity. The discovery that the original plans of the owner at the time were to help those in need, and it was his light that was still burning. Add to these the... Read more

Is retirement an option for the Christian?

Last updated on: May 29, 2012 at 5:30 am By David Rupert

What are you working for? Do you look forward to the day when you take advantage of 4 P.M. early bird menus, who-cares-when schedules and golfing at noon? Or do you have plans – big plans for God. “My husband has just checked out.” The exasperated woman confessed her frustration at a workshop I was at last weekend. Apparently, her husband hit a certain age, began drawing a retirement check, and decided his ministry years were over. He had an impressive background,... Read more

A little water won’t hurt

Last updated on: May 25, 2012 at 5:00 am By David Rupert

It’s always interesting to see how informal groups quickly fall behind a person. There’s always somebody that has the magnetism and the drive that others recognize. Every group needs a leader, otherwise it will quickly fall apart.The ragtag group called “the disciples” were obviously led by Peter. Full of vim, vigor and bluster he seemd to be the first one to make the leap. He wanted to show the world that he was a true believer.He stood in the courtyards and tried... Read more

Can we ever trust again?

Last updated on: May 23, 2012 at 3:47 pm By David Rupert

Trust is a critical component — in the workplace, in the home, in churches and in politics. Nothing will derail good intentions faster than a lack of trust. Many of our societal ills come from a lack of trust. Government manipulation of data to support the Vietnam War, capped by Watergate started the modern-day distrust of authority. Investigative reporters became a standard at most newsrooms. And before you knew it, every authority figure was looked at askance, as if anything they... Read more