My Favorite Credo

I Stand by the Door by Sam Shoemaker

I stand by the door. I neither go too far in, nor stay too far out, The door is the most important door in the world- It is the door through which people walk when they find God. There's no use my going way inside, and staying there, When so many are still outside and they, as much as I, Crave to know where the door is. And all that so many ever find Is only the wall where a door ought to be. They creep along the wall like blind people, With outstretched, groping hands. Feeling for a door, knowing there must be a door, Yet they never find it ... So I stand by the door. The most tremendous thing in the world Is for people to find that door--the door to God. The most important thing any person can do Is to take hold of one of those blind, groping hands, And put it on the latch--the latch that only clicks And opens to the person's own touch. People die outside that door, as starving beggars die On cold nights in cruel cities in the dead of winter— Die for want of what is within their grasp. They live, on the other side of it--live because they have not found it. Nothing else matters compared to helping them find it, And open it, and walk in, and find Him ... So I stand by the door. Go in, great saints, go all the way in-- Go way down into the cavernous cellars, And way up into the spacious attics-- It is a vast roomy house, this house where God is. Go into the deepest of hidden casements, Of withdrawal, of silence, of sainthood. Some must inhabit those inner rooms. And know the depths and heights of God, And call outside to the rest of us how wonderful it is. Sometimes I take a deeper look in, Sometimes venture in a little farther; But my place seems closer to the opening ... So I stand by the door. There is another reason why I stand there. Some people get part way in and become afraid Lest God and the zeal of His house devour them For God is so very great, and asks all of us. And these people feel a cosmic claustrophobia, And want to get out. "Let me out!" they cry, And the people way inside only terrify, them more. Somebody must be by the door to tell them that they are spoiled For the old life, they have seen too much: Once taste God, and nothing but God will do any more. Somebody must be watching for the frightened Who seek to sneak out just where they came in, To tell them how much better it is inside. The people too far in do not see how near these are To leaving--preoccupied with the wonder of it all. Somebody must watch for those who have entered the door, But would like to run away. So for them, too, I stand by the door. I admire the people who go way in. But I wish they would not forget how it was Before they got in. Then they would be able to help The people who have not, yet even found the door, Or the people who want to run away again from God, You can go in too deeply, and stay in too long, And forget the people outside the door. As for me, I shall take my old accustomed place, Near enough to God to hear Him, and know He is there, But not so far from people as not to hear them, And remember they are there, too. Where? Outside the door-- Thousands of them, millions of them. But--more important for me-- One of them, two of them, ten of them, Whose hands I am intended to put on the latch. So I shall stand by the door and wait For those who seek it. "I had rather be a door-keeper ..." So I stand by the door. Sam Shoemaker, founder of Faith At Work at Calvary Episcopal Church in New York City, in 1926, was also one of the spiritual leaders who helped draft the 12 Steps of A.A.

Random Rambling

Dear Me!

I really don't know what to put here. Way too much has been going on lately for me to put it all down. Between, school, real estate, work, kids, a broken air conditioner, a broken van, grass to mow, cars to wash, shopping to do, bills to pay, warm weather to enjoy, tests to take, marketing to do, emails to manage, social networking to complete, etc., where do I jump in? Such is life! It's been hectic but good lately though, so I can't complain.

Tonight I am going to saute some shrimp (in butter of course, with a wee bit of pepper) and generally enjoy my last weekend of scrumptious food before beginning my dietary and workout regimen on Tuesday to alter my lifestyle and waistline substantially. The goal over the next 6-12 months is to travel backward away from the 216lb toward the 185lb mark that is ideal for me...here's hoping for success! It's going to be rough I know. The "before" picture is at the right...we'll have to post an "after" shot in 6 months or so...if this works! Wish me luck!

Well, that's all for now. Talkatchalater!

- Rick Alexander

Easter Weekend

We had a wonderful Easter weekend. On Friday night, I sat down with the family to share communion with them in our living room and explain to my children the real meaning of Good Friday.

Then on Sunday, after Morning Worship, we went to some friends' place for Sunday Dinner and fellowship in celebration of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The children participated in the family's traditional Easter egg hunt and got to see doggies, geese, and turkeys. I liked some of the classic cars there. You'll see those pictures below. Altogether, it was a blessed day as we remembered Christ the Savior and an empty tomb. I trust your weekend was as joyful as ours has been. Have a great week!

- Rick

We talked about the nails used on Jesus.

We broke bread and drank grape juice and discussed their symbology.

Some of the classic cars at our friends' house.

Ooh La La!

Beautiful Flowers

Close up!

LOOT ;-)

Online Books

Here is a great free resource if any of you are interested. There are lots of books on here from which to choose and peruse. Enjoy!

http://www.fullbooks.com/

The Weekend

Well, Friday has arrived. What are your weekend plans? I have duty this weekend so you will all have to get out there and have fun on my behalf! Be sure to take advantage of the Springtime that is almost here! Visit here for tips!

7 Useful Financial Management Capabilities

In these crazy economic times, all of us are thinking more about what we spend and how. Here is a great site with some great tools to use that will help. Click ont he image for another.

Manage Your Money

Blank Music Sheets

For all you musicians out there who need blank music sheets on which to create your compositions, visit the site below for the perfect resource. Click and print!

http://www.cello.org/manu.htm

Astronomy

If you've read my blog long or have looked into my archives, then you know I am a fan of anything amazing, or beautiful, particularly when it reflects the astounding creativity of our Creator. if you click on the image above, it will take you to a site where you can view 35 beautiful images like this one. Consider and wonder!

Wow! What a Skyline!

Dubai is one of the places I want to visit in my lifetime. It certainly seems to be a place where mankind is flexing his collective creative abilities. Seeing this city reminds of the human race at the time of Babel in the Old Testament. Truly, whatever men put their minds to do, they seem capable of doing. And, though they'll never admit it, they reflect their Maker when they do. Give Him praise today! (Click on the image above to view more amazing shots.)

Upside Down

Visit this link for a video clip that will encourage and inspire you. It's wonderful. While you are there, check out the rest of the site. They have some good resources. Have a blessed Sunday!

Upside Down

Amazing!

Beautiful Guitar Style. I found this on YouTube. Can anyone else out there do this?

The Genographic Project

This is actually quite cool. Jenn & I have participated and found the results to be fascinating! Give it a shot!


https://genographic.nationalgeographic.com/genographic/participate.html

Okinawa 2009

This Guy Is Amazing!!

This guy is simply amazing and his intricate art, made from single sheets of paper, is phenomenal and unparalleled! Check it out. You'll be glad you did. I sure am glad God made people with minds and skills like this! Enjoy!

http://www.petercallesen.com/

Old Time Radio

Old Time Radio Catalog

(OTRCAT.com) is dedicated to the preservation of the golden era of radio (old time radio). You can hear thousands of old time radio episodes online and can stream or download full episodes in Mp3 format. Detailed descriptions of the performers and series broadcast in the era (1920's - 1959) are available to read. In the 'daily downloads', there are the broadcasts of the day throughout history (from the last 50-70+ years).

More information about old time radio...

This is to introduce this great site and in future, there will also be a link where you may visit the site from my blog anytime. Enjoy! (Thanks Jon!)

Coin Stacking

From the truly stupendous to the marvelously mundane, it's a great world we live in full of lots of talent and diversity! I love it! I trust you are enjoying our week of the amazing! If you wish to imitate what you see in the photo, just click on it to visit the site. Don't forget tomorrow is Thanksgiving!

Amazing Brain

As I said yesterday, I am amazed by the creation called man. Created in the image of God we still reflect His glory even after millenia of deterioration and degradation from the original.

I like to consider things amazing about God's crowning creation and this includes understanding more about how our brains work and process data. Here is a web site to visit for fun to understand more about how our brains work.

http://testdex.com/personality_tests.html

Enjoy!

Amazed by People

Every day I discover new things that amaze me. While I am amazed by the universe and astonished by the technology we possess, I am particularly enthralled by the power of the human mind as it reflects its Creator. The things we are able to see, discover, imagine, and build demonstrate to me the diversity of thought and immensity of creativity imprinted upon us by our Maker. Enjoy!

Space Station Flash
Beginner Aerodynamics
The Mind's Retreat
Amazing Cyclist

God.

Today is Sunday, and this little site is enlightening and encouraging as it explores the many Hebrew names for God. Visit and be strengthened!

http://www.ldolphin.org/Names.html

I'm Back!

Hey Everybody!

I am back! Sorry for the long delay in posting. I know many of you have visited often and have been disappointed to find no new posts. Well I won't go into all the details, but this month has been incredibly hectic. Anyway, it is time to post again and get this rolling again, to keep my brain flexing and your day interesting (I hope!). So to kick things off, here is a neat website. Check it out. As I have stated before, I am a big fan of this kind of technology. Not only do I plan to invest in it with my money, I hope to share these ideas with others and encourage their participation in the stewardship of our planet!

http://www.biopowersystems.com/

Will Knot!

It is Wednesday, midway through the week already. Can you believe it? Time flies by so quickly. Well, I don't know what you've got going on this week. It may be good or bad. However, Here's a neat site to take your mind off it for a while and work out some of those frustrations you might be having. Learn how to tie some knots. Handy to know!

http://www.iwillknot.com/

Classic Cat

Love Classical Music? We do. Since my wife is a music major and we both sing and write music, we are music lovers, including having roots in some of the finest classical music. For those of you out there who share this appreciation or passion, here is a site for you! Have a great Tuesday!

http://www.classiccat.net/

Monday Money

The 7 Most Useful Online Applications for Managing your Money

Today is Monday and the business of the week commences. I am afraid Wall Street's wild gyrations will never calm down in spite of the economic packages being used world wide. There's just a lot of foolishness out there right now and a fortunate few are cashing in on all of it. Nevertheless, the rest of us have some money and we need to manage as best we can. Here is a site to help with that. Enjoy!

http://blog.lendingclub.com/2008/10/07/the-7-most-useful-and-free-online-apps-for-managing-your-money/

Fire & Ice

“Do not seek for warm fire under cold ice.” –Samuel Rutherford

This is a fascinating site for all of you out there interested in the history of theology and Christianity. You also might be surprised to find some direct truths in these writings. Please browse and be challenged!

http://www.puritansermons.com/

It's the Weekend!

Greetings all!

It is the weekend and I will be working as usual...if not one thing, then another. In the meantime, enjoy the post I have posted for you! This is the perfect time of year for a project like this. IF it is rainy or cold where you are this project will make the day interesting and yet profitable. I think these would be beautiful and with a little creative work, would make great holiday gifts. Fun Have!

http://www.candletech.com/techniques-and-ideas/water-balloon-luminaries/