Open Arms

Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, 

you will never enter the Kingdom of heaven.  Matt 18:3

Children are born knowing only "me".  Yes, they're selfish. That doesn't seem like a goal we should pursue.

Children are born messy, noisy and hard to control.  That sounds like us - but again, not much of a spiritual mission.

Children are born completely dependent on us.  Well, we are told to give our lives over to God.  I suppose that could be what He means.

This little record of ramblings called Sandals and a Stick is the attempt to look for God in this small world of mine. The more I look, the more I find.

Amazing Grace

Whether or not you're a frequent in-the-pew kind of person, I'm thinking it impossible that you'd be unfamiliar with this hymn. It's journey began in 1733 and with a few changes along the way, remains in wide use today.

For more information, Click here.

I was reminded this past week of an "attitude" that always seemed to rear up when listening to (or when forced to sing) this song.  Boring.  Uninteresting.  Not so very challenging.  WHY are we singing this one - again!

Nobody Sees You

More rare than you'd think, but it does happen that someone cares enough to give great advice.

As I was beginning a fundraising "adventure" called Segway Off the Streets, a great man who loves the freedom of wind-in-your-face motorcycle experiences, said,

"When riding your Segway, assume you are absolutely invisible to every driver and pedestrian around you. If you DO become visible, assume they are aiming for you."

Forgiveness

'The weak can never forgive.  Forgiveness is an attribute of the strong."  Gandhi.

Be Strong

(sharing a short, thought provoking video)

Bounci"full"

A toy.  A simple ball introduced way back in 1965.  Yes, the Wham-O Superball.

Acting normally on its way down, it lands.
Compresses.
Then it leaps upward with energy exceeding all anticipations.

This ball seemed to bounce forever.  It was a powerhouse of energy.  I wish I could say that.  I seem to run out of energy all the time now.  There are reasons for this of course - none of which I'll discuss here!

Today, I saw more than a bouncing ball.
Today, the ball taught me a lesson.

• Trust God on the way down.
• Allow the compression
• Experience the gift; incomprehensible energy, peace and hope for the future.

Lord, help me to be more like a Superball. Help me to trust you in difficult times knowing that soon, you will be the reason that I am able to bounce forward.

May every one of you experience this bouncifull" relationship.

(I know, right? Sometimes, I just don't know where this stuff comes from...)

Lessons from the Collapse of a Bridge

In an Instant:  Rush Hour Disaster (ABC Docudrama, 3/7/15)

Interviews captured the memories of horror, helplessness, struggle, disbelief and sorrow as survivors of the 35W bridge collapse battle to keep it together in front of the cameras. Memories of this event are vivid.  It's almost as if today were August 1, 2007.

Video recorded the sudden loss of life for 13 and change of life for so many on and off that bridge.

Now THAT'S what I'M talking about ...

A Wal-Mart store in South Chicago on a Sunday morning.

A quick run to get a couple of things for breakfast as the day begins.

Yes, in a hurry.  But there's this woman.

An early morning employee, she's trying to get the carts to stack properly.  But when she pushes the last one to the front, the rest move uncontrollably.

A look of frustration.  It's not the first attempt.

A voice.  Do something.

Two seconds holding the first keeps them from moving away.

Two seconds and the work is done - the carts are lined up.

A woman smiles and says "Now THAT'S what I'M talking about!"

This story is six years old and seems to be unforgettable.  It was just a few seconds of life and yet still carries a lesson.  It says, "listen."  It says, "small things."  It says, "by this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."  John 13:35.

Hoarders

Videos of bulldozers moving tons of material away from the homes of hoarders can be viewed on news outlets every once in a while.  I've always found it hard to understand and I'm guilty of judgement.  But that's another posting altogether.

Hoarder's Disorder is actually a disease.  It can be dangerous and it's certainly sad.

Lately, I've been thinking that I too have this tendency.  In case you're wondering, I do not have tunnels and paths built around old magazines, newspapers and other materials and possessions throughout my condo.

My first choice for the repository of materials is called Outlook.  Excel serves well as the alternate reservoir.

Which Way is Happiness?

Since I'm directionally challenged, I checked my app.  Happiness is not searchable on Waze.

It isn't knocking on my door and frankly, I'm a little tired of waiting for the Prize Patrol.  Even if they did show up, I'm not sure they'd be bringing any happiness with them.

Facebook?  Twitter?  Don't bother.

Hand slapping forehead. I feel so stupid.  I should have just clicked the Supreme Guru of Information.  Google.

Searching "How to Find Happiness" returns 73 Million hits within 0.53 seconds.  Start reading and be happy!