Does compassion have its limits?

Last updated on: July 5, 2011 at 6:22 am By David Rupert

You’ve seen the signs: “Veteran. Anything helps” “Out of work. God Bless” “Hungry and cold. Thank you. You know the people. Friends, family, neighbors or coworkers, who have had a bad run of luck. Medical bills. Cars that never run. Jobs that never seem to last. Nothing goes their way …ever. You also know the Scriptures, Jesus was moved by the poor, by the defenseless, the hopeless. by jptshawn They are everywhere. They aren’t just sleeping in the parks or panhandling on the overpass. They... Read more

Forsaken

Last updated on: July 1, 2011 at 5:56 am By David Rupert

It’s happened to all of us. It might have been a simple schoolyard experience, with kids unleashing cruelty as any only they can. It might have been a friend, who lost their tolerance for your company. It might have been a love, who found another. It might have been a family member who turned and walked away. In any case, to be forsaken hurts as deep as any insult.To be admired and liked, accepted and trusted, embraced and loved, and then to... Read more

What the world’s ugliest dog taught me about God

Last updated on: June 28, 2011 at 2:57 pm By David Rupert

It’s a title no pooch really aspires to have, but Yoda of Hanford, CA, is officially the world’s ugliest dog. He’s a sight. Hairless legs. Tongue hanging out the side of his mouth. Fur all amiss. (The losers are not much prettier! Video here)The 14-year old Chinese Crested Teacup Chihuahua was found in a field by the Schumacher family, wrapped in a garbage bag. At first, they thought it was a rat.And you have to love the quote they gave to KSEE TV. “She’s... Read more

A War of Words

Last updated on: June 27, 2011 at 5:25 am By David Rupert

How many wars have we waged on words? The war on drugs.The war on poverty.The war on obesity.The war on terror. None of them have been particularly victorious. We have greater drug use now than ever. 43 million Americans are on some form of government sustenance. More than 63 percent of Americans are overweight. Bombs are still going off all around the world, just not here. One thing we are learning, is that you can’t fight a word. But I’m... Read more

The God-Sized Dream

Last updated on: June 23, 2011 at 5:33 am By David Rupert

Everyone has dreams. Admit it. Even you. Maybe it’s a material dream, revolving around a bigger house or a different job. Maybe it’s as heart-felt as empty spot across the table with a spouse or a friend. Maybe it’s an empty womb that cries to be completed. Maybe it has to do with a different location or destination in life. We all dream. Some are just silly. Like my dream to sit in a cabin, along a creek and just write.... Read more

Garage Sale Grace

Last updated on: June 20, 2011 at 5:00 am By David Rupert

It was dirty, rusted and completely unusable. I walked right by it, heading straight for the table of loose tools and shop gadgets. But then, my eyes drifted back, drawn by the shame of its condition. Like a lookey-loo on the freeway, gawking at the wreckage, I just had to look at it’s condition. How awful! It was an Underwood typewriter, the kind that my grandmother might have used at her factory secretary job Or the kind that reporters used... Read more

To my father

Last updated on: June 17, 2011 at 7:36 am By David Rupert

Dad would have been 94 next week…he didn’t quite make it.He’ll be on my heart and mind this weekend. You’ll recognize some of what I’ve said about him before, but it bears repeating. Adam Rupert, Emma Rupert, and Gordon Rupert (my dad) The truth is, I wish I was half the man he was. He was a roofer by trade, a cowboy at heart and a gentleman by nature. For more than 50 years, he crawled over rooftops, and literally... Read more

There is no list

Last updated on: June 15, 2011 at 8:04 am By David Rupert

Jon Acuff is a witty reporter of the Stuff Christians Like. He has razor insight into what makes us tick in a laugh-at-ourselves kind of way. But every Wednesday, he gets serious. And today, what he said could just change your life. I think it might change mine. He was talking about the Prodigal Son and the second half of the story. You know the first half. Son takes the money and leaves home and goes off to see the... Read more

Alien life

Last updated on: June 15, 2011 at 7:11 am By David Rupert

“If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” — C.S. Lewis Please, share with a friend if you feel moved. Read all past issues at http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davidrupert Read more

The way back home

Last updated on: June 13, 2011 at 10:37 am By David Rupert

My son and I were on vacation last week in South Lake Tahoe, visiting loved ones. Reminiscing. Laughing. Healing. Bonding. We escaped the family buzz and just the two of us headed out on a short hike to CascadeLake and Falls. “A stunning vista that you’ll never forget. Instant Gratification.” beckoned the trail guide. I read the directions to the trail head. “Drive up Highway 89 north from South Lake Tahoe 8 miles. Turn at Bayview campground across from Inspiration Point. Drive... Read more

Who said, "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still"?