Enough Already

The Word of the Year  (More detail here)

Who knew that I'd continue something like this for 3 years!  And, I gotta' say, it's been interesting.

Report Card - Sequence (2014)
This one, I feel pretty good about, actually.  Trying to keep one word in mind every day throughout the year seemed impossible, but I found out that it's quite doable.  And, I believe (for the most part) that I fulfilled the goal - keeping God in mind first and foremost. When it was time to choose a new word, I actually felt some loss.  I was going to miss spending time with this word! The perceived success certainly encouraged me to continue with a new word for 2015, though.

It Only Works Once

Surprise.
Wonder.
Sometimes amazement and joy.


These are the things of children.  We seem to lose our ability to be surprised and amazed as we leave the things of children behind in favor of becoming adults. Inevitable, I suppose.

And this is certainly true in society and business. We have left behind the things of children in favor of adulthood.  But, once in a while, someone changes that if only for a minute or two.

Watch this German grocery store (Click Here) moving well beyond "sales pitch".  Many worked diligently to provide surprise, amazement and joy.  They chose to give -  to their customers and to all who watch this video. They chose to create smiles, hugs and even a little dancing.

Good People

Blue Bloods: "Backstabbers"  Episode.

A dinner discussion revolves around the fact that a good friend has used and lied to Nikki. It's happened to all of us at one time or another.

Nikki (Sami Gayle):  "Well, next time, I'm going to think long and hard before jumping in to help somebody."

Commissioner (Tom Selleck):  "Can't do that."

Is There Anything I Can Do . . .

A friend's job loss creates an inability to provide for the family.
You ask, "Is there anything I can do?"

A long-time neighbor dies.
You ask, "Is there anything I can do?"

A car accident creates months of physical therapy for a co-worker.
You ask, "Is there anything I can do?"

A family member is diagnosed.  It doesn't look good.
You ask, "Is there anything I can do?"

The question is honest and sincere.
It's asked out of compassion, empathy and maybe even love.

A genuine offer gratefully accepted as both recognize that, in most cases, there is nothing that can help.  There's nothing to be done.

It's futility is heavy.  And lonely.

Weigh-in

About this time in 2013, I lost nearly 50 pounds!  Like everyone who does something like this, I promised that those pounds would never come back.

Like everyone else who does something like this, I lied.  30 are back!  But I'm going after those "extras" and I will lose them . . . again.

I heard that weighing yourself first thing in the morning is best.  Consistency is important.  In my wisdom, I added "daily" thinking that more is better.  Well, it is, right?

I now read that watching progress, or lack thereof, on a micro level is neither encouraging nor motivating.  Weekly is the way to go.

Sine Waves

Having taken all of those required math courses (grades not published), I know that there are times when math reflects life.  Or maybe it's the other way around.

Our words and actions have consequences.  

If I do "x", I can anticipate "y". 

If I say "this", she's going to do "that".   

The words and actions of others create reactions.   

If she does "x", I'll counter with "y".

When he says "this", I say, "that".

This nearly automatic interaction with others can be good.  It can also be quite manipulative.

This is not the only way in which life and math mirror each other, however.

Light & Life

From the time we first open our eyes at birth to the moment we die and "follow the light", our world is filled with signs of hope through this miracle of life.

A morning sunrise.
A lighthouse on a rocky shore.
A street lamp on a running path.
A light refracted to create a rainbow.

A miracle because;
Light completely dispels darkness.
Light provides safety and leads the way.
Light encourages hope

Contagious Cure

A virus is wiping out mankind.  A battle ship is sent to find a cure.

Found and modified, it is now considered a "contagious cure" which is spread by the water vapor of breath, and close contact touching.

44 minutes into The Last Ship season finale, a gathering under the St. Louis Arch does just that. Person by person, touch by touch, breath by breath, handshake by handshake, hug by hug and even a kiss, people are being cured of this deadly disease. No age, no gender, no politics.  No us/them.  No black/white/brown.  No divisions. Just community sharing this cure with each other.

I am better than you!

Even imagining a time when speaking those words to another is difficult.  That just isn't something that should be said - ever!

Growing up, I remember hearing about Pharisees.  To my young mind, these guys were self-serving and arrogant.  They held themselves up as entitled, all-knowing, it's-all-about-the-rules-kinds of people.

And I thought, "I don't ever want to be a Pharisee."

Just by recognizing my Pharisee phobia, I can't give myself a pat on the back, though.

I am better than you!

Circle the Wagons

Of course I walked today!  It's apparently my time to think.  And weird things start to happen when I think.  You know that already.

I noticed a bus advertisement for the local newspaper.  They're encouraging people to sign up for, what they call, the "Inner Circle".  This group of people receive all kinds of new "benefits" with their membership.  I started to consider the human need to belong.

Affecting the Life of Another

Opportunities (large and small) to serve others are all around us.

Yes, this was recorded and serves as an example.  Our service opportunities will not be visible to the world.  That does not change the result of action, however.  Let our hearts be touched by the facial expressions and the emotions of those receiving this 'God is Good' message.  We are our brother's keepers.

Today, I want to;
Be inspired.
Be attentive.
Be this change.

Man Pays for Stranger's Groceries
(7 minute video)

But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,  so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6: 3-4

Dissonance

Musical dissonance.

Annoying.  Grating.  The tension is intolerable.

We long for its termination.

Thankfully, the release is usually not far behind and it feels (yes, feels rather than sounds) great!



The reverse is also true.  We have periods where harmony exists throughout our days.  Relationships, finances and health are all in tune. We're in a good place.  C-Major is our life!

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!

Cupcakes

At what point will I actually believe that life is short? 

Morning has broken

The dew-point is in the mid 60's.
Uncomfortable, but it might be dropping.
Slowly, though.

Puddles from last night's rain are in the way.
Avoiding some - possible.
The rest? Thank you Gore-Tex.

The sun is shining.
The birds are singing.
It smells fresh - clean, even.

Pandora keeps me company.
The David Haas channel today.
Cat Stevens sings

20 - 15 - 11

Hiking a football are we?  Not exactly.  Law & Order (20 years on air), ER (15) and Grey's Anatomy (11).

So what, you say.  I agree.  We live busy lives and although television is a distraction from our busyness, it's not all that important, right?

Here's another one.  I Love Lucy.  Can you name the 4 main characters?  You might even remember the names of the actors themselves.  The original series ran from October, 1951 to May, 1957.  Holy memory synapses, Batman!  I Love Lucy is still around today so it's not just us geezers that recall our favorite episodes.

Bruce Sallan Blog

Why am I talking about this!  Well, "back in the days" a family would sit around a this amazing box and get totally involved in the lives of television characters.  We could hardly wait to enjoy this exciting technology together as this "box" warmed up. Yes, it took a few minutes of watching 'television snow' in order to eventually be captivated with images of black, white and shades of grey.

01010011 01100101 01110001 01110101 01100101 01101110 01100011 01100101

Those ones and zeros spell Sequence.  It's kind of fun!  Pick a word and try it!  Click here

A couple of years ago, I heard, read, or was in some way exposed to the idea of the"Word of the Year". It's much more than a New Year's Resolution.  It's a commitment to live more positively based on just one word.  Although I thought, "impossible" I gave it a shot. 

Last year, my word was Sequence. Listening to a lot of sermons, I found one that seemed to speak more loudly than others.  Knowing I have only two minutes of reading time here, I'll condense my comments as much as possible.

There were images and explanations of the differences between Psyche and Zoe (two Greek words for life) explaining how important it is to remember distinctions between the two especially as it relates to John 12:25. 

(Honestly, this verse always confused me.  If I hate my life I get to keep it forever? What!?)

Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone 

who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

Catalyst

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”  Mahatma Gandhi

This is a quote we see all the time.  I've read that these famous words might not be Gandhi's actual words, though.  In either case, the point is made. We can be a catalyst for change.

In at least 3 recent conversations, I've discussed Soul Pancake. Since it has apparently been on my mind, I thought I'd share a couple of their videos.  These people are amazingly clever, creative and intelligent.  

They have the ability to evoke strong emotions through their work.  I've laughed.  I've cheered.  I've cried.  No matter the emotional result, there is always a thought-provoking core which is evident in each production.

Customer Experience

I've heard it said, "everybody is in sales".  I can buy that (pun intended, I suppose).

A 'typical' company looks to win a contract (sale) by attempting to make a good impression, provide excellent service and hopefully, begin a long term relationship.  This logo is representative of corporate good intentions.

Rochester Public Utilities - I've had good experiences here.

Companies all promise something.  Will promises made help acquire and retain customers or might companies lose them with this very same promise?

The answer is determined by customer expectations. I've read about these "promises".  I've read about delivering on these promises as well.

There is an  entire range of possibilities within a customer satisfaction matrix.

The ACT

It's that time of year. Our weekends are spent in celebration as we congratulate each and every High School Graduate!

I did just a little research on the tests that are required for college entrance.  Whoa.  I am seriously grateful that I am well beyond the High School Junior status!

There are generally two main tests that colleges consider when reviewing applicants;  The SAT and the ACT.  Click here for sample ACT questions (if you dare).

Guest Writer: The Design

Have you ever thought to yourself or out loud…...Are we….am I ….living how God designed us to live?

What was the design? The original design that is.  What is the design?  Does it still exist today?

A friend of mine….the one who came up with “Sandals and a Stick” used the word “Design” in one of our many conversations about God. So it got me using it now too.

What is Conflict of Interest

Maybe you're a news-junkie.  Maybe you just check-in once in a while.  I know that it's hard to watch the steady stream of horrific scenes from all around the world.  ISIS.  Syria. Plane crashes, Train derailments. Terrorism bombings. I guess this is why I make sure that I catch Steve Hartman every Friday.  At least there is one positive news clip!

Dreamstime photo

In addition to the above mentioned atrocities, I'm noticing more and more news that falls into what might be termed, "Conflict of Interest".  Normally we understand this term in a legalistic point of view; Legal or illegal, yes or no, black or white, right or wrong.  Can something be legal and yet still be a conflict of interest?  Can something provide some good and still be found guilty of this conflict?

Examples.

Gut Check

Image by Mark Bartholomew

A 10 posting review in order to;

1. determine what kind of track is developing  
2. see if articles are accomplishing the goal of Sandals and a Stick
3. adjust any trend that is not moving toward these goals.

Result.  Adjustment required.

I've noticed that some of these postings seem to be a little preachy - definitely not the goal here.  Reading the header, these articles are supposed to be about the things in life that I see and recognize as opportunities to walk with God in a better relationship.

Servants

Flying back from Hawaii 8 years ago now, I was given a book with blank pages.  I was instructed to write something for the new bride and groom.  It was to be a book of wisdom and advice for this new couple to help them on their way.  I could only think of one thing to write.  One of my favorite in-the-pew songs is called the Servant Song.  Listen here if you'd like.

Not Every Day is a Good Day

"You just can't argue with that", I think to myself.  Sometimes, the planned day proceeds flawlessly. Some days, nothing goes right.  Blame everything from Murphy's Law to the weather to the color of your socks, but it probably won't help much.

• Shrug your shoulders and sigh.  
• Boil your rage to Category 5 levels and flatten everything around you.  
• Find a secluded corner and quietly break.  

Choices.  None of them good.

Truth by Humor

Chuck Lorre Vanity Cards - Click Here

If' you're familiar with Chuck Lorre, you'll know that he's been writing Vanity Cards for years.

Lilacs, 1 Corinthians and Mothers

• Mom 
• Purple 
• Lavender
• Spring

Your thoughts of Lilac bushes might not leave impressions matching the items on my list.  But, during spring, Lilacs manage to attract my attention frequently. Pretty strange.  It seems like way too much thought about an ordinary plant.  However, the smell of lavender and the sight of those purple blossoms will always and forever make me think of my mom. These sights and smells cement a cerebral connection between a mother and son. She has always been there for me - and others too, of course.  After all, she's the mother of 5!

Madam Secretary

In the episode called "There But for the Grace of God", the Secretary of State (Tea Leoni) is talking with her husband, Matt (Tim Daly).  A moral dilemma is being discussed.  It seems like there are no good options.  Then, Matt says,

"When everything seems to be lacking in integrity, you know what you do?  You find it in yourself.  You change the world right from where you're standing!"

 Television isn't always bad...

Hesitation

Guilty.

Efforts to;

• be prepared, 
• make sure all ducks are in the row, 
• make sure there are no typos, 
• work towards finding the right audience, 
• discern what topics should be addressed, 
• make absolutely certain that content appears rational rather than foolish, 

3 Reasons To Walk in the Morning

Spring is here and it's time to start walking again.  It's really the only exercise I get.  So here's my "wisdom" for the day.  Walk in the morning because;

1. It's cooler.  I don't like to sweat - so this is a good thing!
2. You can begin your day with great views, a more positive attitude and

Ring Tones

There's a lot of anger out there.  Some anger is justifiable, some anger is not.

At the grocery store the other day, someone's phone rang.  It was

Spilled Water

WHY did I let that happen?

Maybe it's just me.  Sometimes, simple things seem hard to learn and put into practice.  And, I'm talking simple!

A favorite chair.  A small table next to it.  And it's on this table that I keep a glass of water, a television remote, a box of Kleenex, a pen, a pencil, a notepad and in the morning, a latte'. Remember I said "small" table.  Normally when I bring the coffee, rearrangement is necessary. Sometimes that involves stacking.  Usually, that ends in small disasters. Kleenex to the rescue.  Now, the reason I say all this

Bean Blessings

Bless us Oh Lord and these Thy gifts which we are about to receive from Thy bounty through Christ our Lord, Amen.

You've probably said that - maybe a million times.  Yea, me too.  It's one of those prayers we learn as a child and can say in about a quarter of a second as we reach for our favorite dish.

And what's the first thing I reach for every day?