Twilight

I stood in the dark, my eyes blind
     my feet searching for a path I could not see.
He said, "my son, if you but ask
     I can bring light to your darkness."
So, I asked, and light came, I could see.
     From that moment nothing was the same.
Now I could see MY path.
     Now I could determine MY course.
But there were also dark shadows moving all around me
     the shadows confused me, distracted me, taunted me . . . beckoned me.
But at least I had light and could SEE
     so I ignored the shadows, tried to ignore them.
He said, "my son, if you will trust me fully
     I will bring out out of the shadows into the full light of day."
I said, "what do you mean . . .'trust you fully?'"
     He said, "leave your path and follow me.
I will take you to to the light, free of shadows
    Full of hope and purpose."
I could catch glimpses of His path and it "seemed" straight,
     but it wasn't MY path
I knew, I think, where My path was going
     I wasn't so sure about His path.
So, I think I'll stick with what I know, after all I do have light.
     I just wish there weren't so many of these pesky shadows.

My Newest Book: The Principles of Life

This is the cover of my newest book which was just released on Kindle.  You can find it listed at this link:

The Principles of Life

I have presented, in short form, these principles to literally hundreds if not thousands of people over the last 15+ years.  In small groups, large groups, graduation speeches, and one-on-one mentoring, I've talked about the importance of establishing core principles for effective living.  These five principles were the subject of conversation in our home as we were raising our children and continue to help guide me day by day.  

In this book I have taken the opportunity to expand the meaning of each of the Principles, including practical stories and applications.  The Principles can be summed up in five words:  Relationships, Leadership, Excellence, Resilience, and Persistence.  However, it is in the full statement of each Principle along with the expansion which describes the practical application of the Principle where most will find points to discuss and thoughts to develop for themselves.

The first chapter after the introduction is devoted to the Shema.  This passage of the Bible is found in Deuteronomy 4:5,6 and quoted in other places and cited by no less person that Jesus himself as the greatest commandment.  As you read the context surrounding the Shema from the Bible it becomes obvious that this teaching is something which should carry greater weight in our consideration and focus in our lives.  When you couple this with Jesus' words regarding the Shema you can understand why I've included it as a foundation for every other Principle.

The book is laid out in eight chapters: Introduction, Shema, Relationships, Leadership, Excellence, Resilience, Perseverance, and Conclusion.  Each chapter except the conclusion includes questions which can be used for personal reflection, or if used in a book study, for group discussion.

These Principles have already helped many and I hope you will find them beneficial to you as well.

I am taking pre-orders for print copies.  If you would like to know more about those and when they would be available, please leave a comment here or email me at rlupchurch@gmail.com with the subject line: Principles of Life.

Blessings,

Rick