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
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
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
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
We all know people who have been laid off, fired or whose jobs have disappeared altogether. For millions, months have now turned into years of unemployment or under-employment. Maybe this is you. I have a friend — John — who lost his job. His attitude was amazing. With a wife and children at home, he could have, he should have gotten angry. But instead his very first reaction was of expectancy. “I don’t like it. I don’t understand it. But... Read more
(Photo credit: OldOnliner) Have you ever opened up a desk drawer and promptly closed it because it was just too messy to deal with. Some of us have chapters of our lives that we wish weren’t part of our history. There is abundant counsel and books that go to great lengths to help us “deal with it.” The problem is that there seems to be so little to deal with. For me, when I look back at those years, when I survey the... Read more
(This is a repost from last year’s Mother’s Day article. When I printed it off and showed it to her, she cried. I didn’t know it would be her last Mother’s Day) She was always a good sport. Amazing senseof humor. “Mom, hold this broom and smile” Mom has always had a passion for flowers. She believed they could brighten any drab room, liven any conversation, and change any dour mood. For 20 years, she took this vision earnestly each... Read more
“Iron rusts from disuse; stagnant water loses its purity and in cold weather becomes frozen; even so does inaction sap the vigor of the mind.” — Leonardo da Vinci, The Notebooks What do you do to keep fresh? Photo by Justified Sinner Please, share with a friend if you feel moved. Read all past issues at http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davidrupert Read more
What will our children remember? We all treasure memories. At most of my family gatherings, more than one conversation begins with the expression, “remember when?” The term is sometimes used to provoke a story, to spur the conversation. But in a deeper way, it’s a tool to help us never forget, to perpetuate the memory. If you don’t keep telling the story, the details get fuzzy – or exaggerated. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard about the root... Read more
Photo by Andy Arthur When personal tragedy hits, we often are shocked to the core.Where did that come from? When we are hit with a failed relationship or a big bill or the loss of a job, we go into a nerve-rattling state of unbelief. Who could have seen that one coming? But the truth of the matter is that there really is no such thing as “all of sudden” When we objectively look back at our past, we can see... Read more
Select your answer to see how you score.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In