Friday, August 29, 2008

Jack’s Winning Words 8/29/08
“Your head is not only for putting your hat on.”
(Ukranian Proverb) I have a friend who is from the Ukraine, and she says that they have many interesting sayings. Perhaps there are some special proverbs from your background, too. I particularly like the one that is being used today. If you don’t get it, use your head. ;-) Jack


FROM MOLINER C.F.: Famous proverb from Northwestern School of Drama. What is that on the road? A head?

FROM J.L. IN MI: I've been using my head a lot lately and it's starting to hurt! I don't think I can get another thing in there and sometimes I need too. I will try harder!

FROM GOOD DEBT JON IN OH: My friend, Buck Bennett, used to say: "You've got a point, but a hat will cover it."

FROM JJN IN MI: "If you don't use your head, you have to use your feet." My mother said this to me often as a child when I forgot to do something or pick up something and had to walk back to do the forgotten task. Retracing steps or using extra steps is nothing to a child, but it's more difficult when the mileage of many years adds up!

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Jack’s Winning Words 8/28/08
“Even on the most exalted throne in the world, we are only sitting on our own bottom.”
(de Montaigne) It’s wise for us not to get too carried away by the rhetoric of any of the politicians. We all are “human” beings. This quote is an example of how Montaigne would introduce humor into his writing on serious subjects. He is said to have influenced Emerson, Descartes, Rousseau, Nietzsche, and perhaps Shakespeare. Some of you may already have known that. Congratulations! ;-) Jack


FROM L.K. IN OH: I wish the politicians would take this to heart.

FROM MOLINER G.S.: Did you watch the coronation last night - or is it tonight?

FROM MOLINER C.F.: How come you call me Mr. Negative for expressing those same sentiments about politicians? Getting disenchanted?

FROM F.M. IN WI: I didn't! But now I do know this bit of information. Thanks.

FROM PR J.S. IN MI: If it's Shawn Johnson, she is probably standing on her hands!!!

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Maybe you are a day early with this.

FROM J.L. IN MI: This was my laugh of the day... How wise and very correct he is! When it comes down to it, we are all humans!

FROM BBC IN IL: You know me well enough that I can say, (with all due respect) that Obama certainly carries the MLK torch and…makes me wonder what it was like to be at the feet of our Lord. If Obama can inspire the masses imagine what it was like to hear the Rabbi Jesus! More than the rhetoric last night, I felt the authenticity of Obama's desire to scrub away the rust/tarnish and regain our bearings as a people. The children were bouncing on the couch with excitement. I recall the Proverbs 29 "without a vision the people perish". Christ elucidated the vision of the Kingdom of God which we live in and yet anticipate and I wish this could be translated well into the political milieu. We live in times of great peril and great opportunity and, even if McCain is elected, I think the "people" have got the idea that they need to join together to make the world a better place instead of waiting for someone above to get it done for them….rambling now, but my 85 y/o mom talks a lot about how people during WWII were all behind the war effort in giving of themselves, rationing of their food and luxuries and did so (according to her) with a spirit of support for the greater good. Ahh the past. And the future!

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Jack’s Winning Words 8/27/08
“If we could only figure out that each of us has the power to do little things, and if we did all those little things with great passion, the whole world would change.”
(Valerie Michrina) Valerie works with a group that helps adults with mild developmental disabilities step toward independence. It is successful, because people with a passion make it happen. You probably know of other organizations that are working to affect a change in the lives of people. Support them! ;-) Jack


FROM J.L. IN MI: Some organizations make big changes in little ways to a lot of lives. I walked in a 5K for breast cancer, and I couldn't believe how many people were there in downtown Detroit. Around 35,000! People have donated so much money and so many different cures are being discovered. October 12 my family is walking in another 5K for Suicide Prevention in memory of my nephew. Hopefully, we will make a difference in someone else's life. Little steps, little things, little changes...make the world of difference. Change doesn't have to be a dirty word but a bunch of little ones grouped together. May you change someone's life today....donate blood, give an extra tip, write that check you've been meaning too, smile at someone....little changes. Blessings!

FROM MOLINER C.F.: It's the little things that count.

FROM M.L. IN IL: mother theresa knew that. big things come in little packages. most often, big things come without "bells and whistles". at school we teach our little ones that we can do big things together. it's true.

FROM A.McC. IN MI: To paraphrase Mother Theresa we may not all be able to do great things but we can do small things well.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Jack’s Winning Words 8/26/08
“Always be a little kinder than necessary.”
(James Barrie) Barrie was the creator of Peter Pan, the little boy who refused grow up and who lived in Neverland. Some might call a place where kindness ruled, Neverland, a fairy tale. I would like to live in such a place. Is it possible that you and I could be kinder than necessary today? ;-) Jack.

FROM E.T. (NOT THE ALIEN) IN MI: I am going to try! A good thing to do on my birthday. Thanks for the reminder!

FROM J.L. IN MI: I really enjoyed this quote today. It's so appropriate. My grandsons devotional today was about kindness. It's a simple quote and a simple way of life. Kindness is so simple. How easy it is to be kind to someone...just a little smile, pat on the back, so easy to accomplish. I will be kind today...a little kinder than normal.

FROM MOLINER EFP: I am helping my best friend's mom, who suffers from dementia, to stay in her home as long as possible by taking three "shifts" a week. She and my friend have always been the sweetest, kindest people and it is my pleasure to return some kindness to her and her family.

FROM CJL IN OH: I try that most days. It really works.

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: If you think about it, ultimately kindness does rule.

FROM PR J.S. IN MI: I'm the exact opposite of Peter Pan....the little boy who tried to grow but never did!!!

FROM S.G. IN MI: Always! Here's a quote to follow up....... Smiles for a beautiful and kind day,

FROM K.B. AT M.G.: I loved today's WW--"Kinder than Necessary!"--what a concept and I think I will add that to my list of forever changes

FROM M.L. IN IL: would you like to join me at preschool today?

FROM MOLINER C.F.: Wouldn't it be wonderful to live in a world where it isn't necessary to be kind? Wher it just comes naturally?

Monday, August 25, 2008

Jack’s Winning Words 8/28/08 a
Anyone can be an idealist. Anyone can be a cynic. The hard part lies somewhere in the middle, i.e. being human.”
(Hugh MacLeod) What is it to be human? I prefer the idealistic answer: Love your neighbor as you love yourself! I was going to send a political quote today, but I like this one better. I may blog the other. ;-) Jack


FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: I constantly travel between idealism and cynicism, and it seems the hope that comes from idealism is the only thing that carries me beyond cynicism.

FROM J.L. IN MI: I definitely lean toward the idealist. It's the only way to fly. Life is hard and then you die, but it's what you do and who you do it too in the middle with what you have that makes you who you are.

FROM MOLINER C.F.: Some of the people can be synics some of the time and all of the people can be idsealists some of the time, but only people can be human all of the time.
Abe Goldsein

FROM PR J.S. IN MI: To define humanity I like Psalm 8...."Yet, thou hast made them a little less than the elohim..." We are wonderful creatures with a purpose in life to be Caregivers in God's world....but we are not "elohim"!!!

FROM L.K. IN OH: What is one to be idealistic about?; what is one to be cynical about?
The world would be better off were there a higher proportion of idealists like you, Jack!



Jack’s Winning Words 8/25/08 b
“I’m not a member of an organized political party. I’m a Democrat.”
(Will Rogers) This familiar quote seems appropriate for what will happen this week. Even though I always manage to vote, I’ve never officially registered as a member of a political party. I may watch some of the convention on TV, but keep the OFF button handy. ;-) Jack

FROM J.L. IN MI: As to your political quote...I heard one reporter on Fox News say: "There will be a lot of people watching at the convention and 3 or 4 watching on the tv." That's the way I feel. I won't be watching, that's a guarantee!

FROM MOLINER C.F.: Remember, DEMOCRAT spelled backwards is TARCOMED, which in ancient Sanskrit means "synic." It's important to keep this in mind as you watch all of the promises being made. And being the optimist that I am, I know will all be kept. I'm gonna watch Andy Griffith.





Friday, August 22, 2008

Jack’s Winning Words 8/22/08
“The Olympics remain the most compelling search for excellence that exists in sports, and maybe in life itself.”
(Dawn Fraser) This is a pretty bold statement by the one-time Australian swimmer. I wonder if you agree with it. Incidentally, Dawn is reputed to have climbed the flagpole at the Japanese emperor’s palace in order to steal the Olympic flag flying there. ;-) Jack

FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: That statement is probably right if you stop at "sports".

FROM S.H. IN MI: Here is what Rabbi Wein has to say about the Olympics. His commentary was all something I wasn't aware of and it was interesting to read his thought that the Palestinians had some people at the games who were evidently there to "vex" the Israelis. It sounds like he thinks the people who run the games are able to make "political statements" through them to the world. I suppose so. Are we all manipulated by them? How would it be, if atheletes just competed individually and not representing a nation? Would people still tune in?

FROM MOLINER EFP: Dawn doesn't have her priorities straight...

FROM J.L. IN MI: Unfortuntely, the Olympics are sometimes tainted by dishonesty, cheating, drugging, and unprincipled peoples. However, 99% of them are worthy hardworking honest people. Those are the people we should look to for inspiration and admire. They work hard toward a goal and live upstanding lifestyles. Stealing is against the law...both people's law and God's law...that's not noteworthy. Thank God for all those good athletics who are noteworthy. Whenever there is a goal to achieve there will be dishonest people....but they are in the vast minority!

FROM MOLINER C.F.: I'd expect a statement like that from a sportsman. Bret Favre would probably say }The Super Bowl." All things are relative.

FROM B.S. NEAR ORLANDO: I bel;ieve that many people who can practice five hours a day, 5 days a week, can become an Olympic winner. But, can they do something else in life that may be useful in society? Immagine if I would have had just one of the tutors my football roommate had, even two, not haveing parents to guide me, what could I have achieved inorder to help other people.

FROM MOLINER G.S.: I agree with the sports part. MORE: Perhaps the most significant thing about sports is that it is a microcosism of life - fear, anxiety, patience, struggling, etc.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Jack’s Winning Words 8/21/08
“When you’re curious, you find lots of interesting things to do.”
(Walt Disney) I happened to be in downtown Detroit yesterday. Out of curiosity I drove onto Belle Isle. It’s a real treasure. It’s a shame that Detroit’s image is a negative one, when there are so many positive things to experience. It’s the same with people. They’re so much more interesting when you look for their good qualities. ;-) Jack


JACK'S FOLLOW UP: Detroit treasures include: The Detroit Institute of Arts, The Detroit Symphony, The Eastern Market, The Detroit Medical Center, Wayne State University, The Opera House, The Michigan State Fair, The Detroit River (an international waterway with Canada on the other side), The Ren-Cen, The River Walk, Pewabic Pottery, International Auto Show, Greek Town, Mexican Town, Black History Museum, The Science Center, Five Major League Sports Teams, Lafayette and American Coney Island. Any others?

FROM E.D. IN ICELAND: In a slightly different context I am in Iceland right now at a Volcanology conference. Talk about a group of people who are curious and finding lots of interesting things to do!!

FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: When you get curious with people, a lot of interesting information comes up too. Some rather nondescript people can surprise you with their accomplishments.

FROM BBC IN IL: Absolutely!

FROM MOLINER C.F.: Walt Disney should have been a lathe operator because he sure knew how to turn a buck. MORE: Were you aware that Jack Zukerman supplied all of the lighting fixtures for Renaissance Center? Now there's a curiousment for you.

FROM PR P.H. IN MN: i recall belle isle too. a beautiful green space in the city...


FROM J.L. IN MI: Having to little grandsons aged 9 & 4....makes to stop and enjoy their curosity. As adults, we forget how absolutely wonderful this world is until we sit and talk with a little one. They don't know all the answers and are filled with questions! Good example...The Sermon I think this Mom will never forget.... this particular Sunday sermon...'Dear Lord,' the minister began, with arms extended toward heaven and a rapturous look on his upturned face. 'Without you, we are but dust...' He would have continued but at that moment my very obedient daughter who was listening leaned over to me and asked quite audibly in her shrill little four year old girl voice, 'Mom, what is butt dust?'

FROM HAWKEYE GEORGE: Read Bill Russell's latest book. Curiosity is what made hium a champion.





Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Jack’s Winning Words 8/20/08
“We don’t know a millionth of one percent about anything.”
(Thomas Edison) I just finished reading a book that explores this idea…”Finding God In The Questions” by Dr. Tim Johnson. Today’s quote can apply to the universe, the earth, people and G-d. Don’t let anyone intimidate you by their right-eouness. ;-) Jack


FROM PR J.S. IN MI: The most important question in the world is "Does God love us?" The answer to that one makes all the difference in everything that we do. We DO KNOW the answer to that one. MORE: I am assuming from that answer that you don't think we "know" anything. In that case the very word becomes superfluous and should never have been used by the speaker in the first place nor should it have been quoted by our illustrious WW mailer.

FROM INDY G.G.: good advice, i won't.

FROM J.L. IN MI: I once read when Thomas Edison viewed salt through the microscope and saw all of the sharp edges, he never would eat it again. I remember thinking, there are somethings we just shouldn't know. Silly of me perhaps, but it has been true in my life sometimes. The only one who intimidates me with righteousness is myself. I am surprised at my self-righteousness every once in awhile. It's humbling when I realize I'm falling into that trap.

FROM D.P. IN WI OR MI: I always knew I wasn't very smart, so this message is very encouraging to me, and gives me an inkling {about a millionth of one percent or much less] of God's unfathomablepower!

FROM MOLINER C.F.: Don't know that I have ever been intimidated. Awestruck a few times, though. MORE:
Actually I was once. At Marine Corps Boot Camp. Eighteen years old, first time away from mommy and here are these two apes shouting at you from dawn to dusk. Good experience and I never forgot it. which was thier goal.

FROM MOLINER G.S.: sort of like, "As I get older, the more I know about less and less."


FROM F.M. IN WI: We lost a dear friend last Saturday too - a former neighbor who was what our Lord meant when we spoke of a good neighbor.

FROM A & O McC IN MI: Ain't that the truth! We read so much but how few of us read anything about God, their church!

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Jack’s Winning Words 8/19/08
“It is a common experience that a problem difficult at night is resolved in the morning after the committee of sleep has worked on it.”
(John Steinbeck) I don’t know how this happens, but it has worked for me on more than a few occasions. When faced with a difficult decision, it’s not a bad idea to say, “I’m going to sleep on it.” I think that a prayer for guidance would help, too. ;-) Jack


FROM MOLINER C.F.: If you don't have time to sleep on it, a slow blink helps.

FROM G.G. IN INDY: "oh let the sun shine in, face it with a grin"....."the sun'll come out tomorrow, bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow there'll be sun!"

FROM J.L. IN MI: Yes, I also have "slept" on a problem. Sometimes it helps and sometimes it doesn't, but you have a new perspective when you wake the next morning. A fresh new day, a prayer or two and onward you go.

FROM A.J. IN MI: I think it's the prayer part at bedtime that lets the answer appear in our minds when we wake

FROM HAWKEYE GEORGE: The problem for me if it is a worrisome one, is getting to sleep in the first place.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Jack’s Winning Words 8/18/08
“There is but a step between me and death.”
(1 Samuel 20:3) There are verses in the Bible, taken out of context, that have a truth of their own. This is one of them. A few days ago a friend of mine died suddenly at age 46. We never know. It is well to have our life (particularly our spiritual life) in order at all times. That’s a personal assignment whatever our faith might be. There is but a step…. ;-) Jack

FROM P.O. IN MI: A good reminder and a sad, sad time.

FROM MOLINER EFP: Good morning. I am sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. Another reason to enjoy each day and appreciate what we have, rather than focusing on the future and a perceived "better life" out there somewhere.

FROM L.K. IN OH: Yep

FROM B.M. IN MI: Good word for today. Thank you.

FROM M.L. IN IL: it is important to present yourself to life each day as if it is your last. it just may be. MORE: another to file under, "don't understand, but will come to accept". i'm sorry for your loss. wear sunglasses and cozy clothes today. it helps soften the the blow.

FROM MOLINER C.F.: The song Jerry Lewis always does on the MD Marathon is inspirational at times like the: "Walk on. and you'll never walk alone..."

FROM MKH IN MI: I think those early sudden deaths are to make us do just that, Get Our House in Order!!

FROM J.L. IN MI: When the final door is closed on this earth, we are welcomed with an open door to a Heavenly eternity.


Friday, August 15, 2008

Jack’s Winning Words 8/15/08
“You’ve got to have the guts not to be afraid to screw up.”
(Fuzzy Zoeller) Fuzzy screwed up more than once on the golf course, but he kept returning to the first tee. At one time the record for the most strikeouts in the major leagues was held by Babe Ruth, but he kept stepping up to the plate. Just because you’ve failed at something doesn’t mean you should stop trying. I like the Finnish word, SISU! ;-) Jack

FROM PR J.S. IN MI: And...it takes even more guts to put in the work that will minimize those screw ups.....e.g. Tiger Woods

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Song writer Brian White has had 11 number one hits and keeps swinging. He does a seminar for new writers called “Dare to Suck.” As I always say: It should go without saying that we cannot meet success if we have quit the day before.

FROM MOLINER C.F.: There once was a fellow named Freed,
Who always rode a white steed.
He said with great pride,
Look at the positive side,
.And you'll live a great life. Guaranteed.

FROM F.M. IN WI: He who takes risks, usually accomplishes things.
The important thing is not to avoid risks, but to be diligent in considering the risks you select to take on.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Jack’s Winning Words 8/14/08
“All human knowledge takes the form of interpretation.”
(Walter Benjamin) I had a conversation with a pastor yesterday on this very subject. Is it not the role of the pastor to be an interpreter? Surprisingly, some would have the pastor keep his interpretations to himself. The doctor, the lawyer and the politician are interpreters. I would try to explain the background of Benjamin’s quote, but that would be interpretation. ;-) Jack

FROM B.M. IN MI: Awesome! winning words.

FROM MOLINER G.S.: Pastors are essential to explaining the Bible.

FROM L.K. IN OH: ...and, I suppose, if you don't like your pastor's interpretation of things, find one more agreeable (if that's what it takes).....

FROM J.L. IN MI: It's the job of the pastor to be God's spokesperson. If that mean interpretations, so be it. It's very hard for congregation members to interpret their pastors sometimes. Actually, I think most of us are intrepreters everyday...try to intrepret the wants and needs of an infant, 3 year olds, a crabby teen, a salesperson, a stock market, retirement needs, insurance policies, doctor's RX's, a tired spouse....I could go on and on, but I too would be making interpretations.

FROM P.O. IN MI: Interesting --- I'm going to be rolling this one around in my head all day.....And you can explain the background to me --- I'll make 'allowances' for interpretation

FROM B.G. IN MI: Today’s WW would be an interesting one to process in a course on the bible. If, as WB asserts, all human knowledge takes the form of interpretation, how do we handle the question of inspiration? I happen to agree with WB, as did Luther (e.g. his derogatory comments re: Revelation and James). Does today’s WW imply that the question of interpretation is one with which every generation must wrestle? (e.g. the role of women in scripture; homosexuality; slavery; etc.) Certainly a different perspective than a rigid fundamentalism.

FROM M.L. IN IL: interpret on

FROM PR J.S. IN MI: The pastor needs to be an interpreter....but not a freelancer. I think we have had a plethora of the latter in recent years and their "free lancing" has led us to some strange conclusions. Interpretation needs to be within the traditionn of Irenaeus, Augustine, Anselm, Abelard (an interesting choice but nonetheless a valid party of the Christian tradition), Luther, Edwards, Niebuhr, etc. Tradiiton is not something to be just chucked aside for the sake of a loosey goosey idea.....

FROM MOLINER C.F.: Ofttimes interpreters speak a foreign language.

FROM D.S. IN SAN DIEGO: Jack, you hit on one that fits right in with our bible study group. When I read certain things in the bible I find that my interpretation initially may be totally different from those that have much more knowledge of the bible’s writings, and in most cases the “real” meaning is totally different from what I thought. That is what makes my bible study group so important to me.

FROM L&MS IN MI: Hence, the existance of so many different religions ect. (all depending on the subject) (different view points) The reason we're Lutheran today rather than Catholics!

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Jack’s Winning Words 8/13/08
“Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers.”
(Voltaire) Are there any questions that have been bugging you? Though often thought of as an atheist, Voltaire really had questions about God. ;-) Jack

FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: Over the years I frequently heard, "you can tell a lot about a man by how well his shoes are shined."

FROM J.L. IN MI: Perhaps it's not right, but many times I wonder at God's decisions. Nothing has happened in my life though which hasn't happened for the better...even though i wonder why they have happened in the first place. I have a lot of questions for Him when I get up there!

FROM MOLINER C.F.: I have often wondered..... MORE: Sometimes I woonder why.....

FROM PR J.T. IN WI: Dr. G. Timothy Johnson, Physician Journalist, Good Morning America/ABC News, Augie, Class of 1958 is coming to St. Matthew's Lutheran Church here this year for a "Day of Grace" lecture (date to be determined). His book is entitled "Finding God in the Questions - A Personal Journey".

FROM F,M. IN WI: It is frequently much more pleasant to spend time with a person who asks questions then a person who seems to have all the answers - true if the subject is religion, politics, sports, the weather, or life itself.

FROM C.H. ON CAPE COD: I appreciate the Voltaire quotation. Some of the most stimulating questions I've been asked have been from an Israeli Jewish friend... Once he asked me, "Don't you think it's dangerous to elevate a human being to God?" Years later, "Do you desire that everyone in the world become a Christian and would the world be bettter?"

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Jack’s Winning Words 8/12/08
“A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and goes to bed at night and in between does what he wants to do.”
(Bob Dylan) I hope that today is one of those days when you are doing what you want to do. A better question might be: What is it that makes you satisfied or feel successful? Incidentally, Time Magazine named Dylan one of the 100 most important people in the last century. He was born in 1941 in Duluth, Minn. I like his music.. ;-) Jack


FROM CWR IN B'MORE: .....that sounds good to me.....though, I've not had very many entire days like that recently.

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: I remember hearing a story song by Dylan on a bootleg tape (in 1977) that always stuck with me, about intolerance and racism....It could be a metaphor of how politics, religion, and race are shaped still today. I thought Dylan wrote the song but apparently he did not. The song was Hezekiah Jones also known as Black Cross: I was surprised to find it so easily on the internet:

FROM H.R. IN MI: I like Dylan also. However, many times you have to do what your suppose to do and your always suppose to do the right thing, which is not always what you want to do. (Success is many things, not least of those is loving what you do.)



FROM PR J.S. IN MI: That's way too subjective. Sometimes we need to do what is asked of us by our God, our ethics and our sense of justice and compassion. We may not always want to do those things but the human was created with a purpose other than to be turned in on himself.

FROM L.K. IN OH: I really like this one........also, have you read C.S. Lewis, "A Grief Observed"? I just finished it for the third time.

FROM MOLINER G.S.: I'll be successful if my kids think so.......Got my 10 laps in, watered the plants - now I'm almost ready for today! Devotions next - then I'll be ready.

FROM J.L. IN MI: Hum....satisfaction to me is doing the right thing even when I don't want to and trying to be the best person I can be. If I have done something for someone else is when I feel most successful. I'm not so sure about his quote though. If I only did what I wanted to do, a lot of things wouldn't get done that needed to get done. Interesting thought!

FROM P.H. IN MN: apparently you like lots of nasel sounds... i do like his lyrics a lot but have never warmed up to his voice...

FROM MOLINER C.F.: I think success includes doing the things you don't want to do. Dylan sounds selfish.

FROM M.L. IN IL: more successful if what is done during waking hours is carried out with positive intention. now go forward and do good!

FROM D.W. IN MI: Dylan is the voice of an entire generation. Feel that for one second and you are overwhelmed.One man. One voice. Remind you of anyone??

Monday, August 11, 2008

Jack’s Winning Words 8/11/08
“Pain makes man think. Thought makes man wise. Wisdom makes life endurable.”
(John Patrick) Patrick is a Canadian physician, well known as a lecturer on the subject of medical ethics. One lecture is entitled: What Hippocrates knew and we have forgotten. Can you guess what it’s about? ;-) Jack

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Sounds like the opposite of Kevorkian’s theory.

FROM MOLINER C.F.: Probably "do no harm"

FROM CWR IN B'MORE: "never do harm to anyone"......

FROM F.M. IN WI: A physician's sole goal should be the healing and welfare of the patient, not to attain wealth!

Friday, August 08, 2008

Jack’s Winning Words 8/8/08
“Only the mediocre are always at their best.”
(Jean Giraudoux) I like the sound of the word, mediocre, but I don’t necessarily like what it describes…like the bullpen of the Tigers. In the Urban Dictionary, avocado can be used to replace, mediocre. I’ll be you didn’t know that piece of information. ;-) Jack


FROM CWR IN B'MORE: .....actually, I like that quote. As, the receipient of alot of health-care and a veteran of many years working in the system, I've discovered to sort out the excellent from the mediocre providers and it's true that the mediocre are always at THEIR best. Yet, it's the excellent ones who more often err , but generally catch their own errors admit them and correct them. The mediocre, take few risks and often get mediocre to poor outcomes. ps. I did not know that "avocado" can be used to replace "mediocre" , unless an avocado is a mediocre pear.

FROM PR J.S. IN MI: Now I know what you like about the ELCA.....they are always at their best in your point of view!!!

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: From Latin: Mediocris originally meaning halfway up the mountain. “I’d say mediocre describes the best of the worst, the worst of the best. The cream of the crap.”

FROM J.L. IN MI: I would say our government was full of avocados right now....and the same with the Tigers. But, there's always hope!

FROM MOLINER C.F.: Avocados are deffinitely mediocre.

FROM L.K. IN OH: Where is the element of motivation in this?

FROM P.O. IN MI: Say what???!

FROM F.M. IN WI: You have made my day - with some new information that I didn't know!

Thursday, August 07, 2008

Jack’s Winning Words 8/7/08
“Now in my golden years, I’ve learned that you can’t know how to live until you know how to give.”
(Kirk Douglas) A worker in the Williams White drafting room first talked to me about tithing. A friend in Wisconsin is a tither, too. He says, “I write God’s check first.” There’s a verse in the Bible that says: “The Lord loves a cheerful giver.” Is there a smile on your face when you write God’s check? ;-) Jack


FROM A.McC. IN MI: Absolutely. I recall in the early 1930s that my folks had the envelope for God when there was little money and we all came out of our financial difficulties eventually.

FROM MOLINER EFP: There are a lot of ways to write "God's check." When I give to St. Jude's Children's Hospital as a memorial for a friend, I feel I am writing God's check. When I give to our office's collection for a sick co-worker, I feel I am writing God's check. And when I jump from my booth at the Village Inn to help someone with a walker maneuver the (needlessly) heavy doors, I feel as if I am writing God's check. Though it's not really a "check" at all.

FROM MOLINER C.F.: Never thought of God needng a check.

FROM J.L. IN MI: Tithing is so much more than money! Giving comes from the heart and always makes one feel good. It's the little tithes than mean so much ... time, volunteering, helping, collecting, smiling and remembering!

FROM MOLINER G.S.: Yep. The more we give, the more we are blessed - Not claim-it, take-it, but the fruits of the spirit: Gal 5:22.

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Jack’s Winning Words 8/6/08
“Sometimes you have to get to know someone really well to realize you’re really strangers.”
(Mary Tyler Moore) My wife and I have been married over 50 years, and there are still strange things that we occasionally learn about each other. Today, try to learn something new about a person who’s close to you. ;-) Jack

FROM MOLINER G.S.: just got back from a 10 year-old g'son trip. Got to know him better - but he still does some strange, wonderful things.

FROM MOLINER, C.F.: Some strangers are strange all of the time and all strangers are strange some of the time, but all strangers are not strange all of the time. Abe Lefstein.

FROM J.L. IN MI: At breakfast this morning, Gary told me something about his dad (who died when Gary was 18) that I had never known. What a perfect quote for today. I shall endeavor to learn something new about someone else today also.

FROM E.A. IN MI: I make OUR time together at 56 years and you are absolutely correct.

FROM A.McC. IN MI: We lost a friend in February whom we had known for thirty -eight years. When I read Roger's obituary, I realized how much I did not know about him. It would have been good to talk to him more about his life. He was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula and we were born and raised in Manhattan. His Family was Finnish and ours, Irish. He was Lutheran and we are Catholics. We had many grand discussions.
He had often spoken of his Dad, Emil. His Mom would make beans for the family, all boys, and his Dad would get the meat. This came up because my husband often makes beans and our friend was one who enjoyed them. He and his wife were at our home eight weeks before he died. Something made me ask his mother's name and he said "Amanda". Your words today brought all this to mind.

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Jack’s Winning Words 8/5/08
“You better act your best and think your best today, for today is the sure preparation for tomorrow and all the other tomorrows that follow.”
(Harriet Martineau) Harriet was born 200 years ago and became an advocate for women’s rights at a time when women were expected to stay at home, making skirts and darning socks. She was one who tried to act her best. Let that be a challenge for us. ;-) Jack

FROM MOLINER C.F.: Once did a slpgan for a client, "Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Let it be the dawn of a new beginning."

FROM M.S. IN MI: I REALLY LIKED THIS ONE jACK. i WILL FORWARD IT TO OTHERS.

FROM B.S. NEAR ORLANDO: Thank the Good Lord for all the fine woman who braved the battle and paved the way for people today to fight for respon sible laws, and equality for all people, especially us Swedes. My mother couldn't vote when she graduated from "Normal School", her mother couldn't vote. I asked her how in the world did those men actually run our government? Yes, ran it into the ground. I'll give you a bet if women had been in charge we would have had fewer wasteful wars in our memories.

Monday, August 04, 2008

Jack’s Winning Words 8/4/08
“Morality, like art, means drawing a line someplace.”
(Oscar Wilde) …and there’s the rub. Some of you may agree with me as to where the line is to be drawn; some of you may not. The saying goes this way: “I know what I like!” However, there is a word that applies to what I like…eclectic! That’s where I draw the line. ;-) Jack


FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: I think each of us could establish a set of moral standards that we'd expect society to live by...standards to which we should aspire. Our frequent moral failures however, result from giving in to "desire" instead of sticking with to what we should aspire. There's a phrase regarding art..."Straight is the line of duty and curved is the line of beauty." Straight may be a safe choice...curves can often lead to trouble.

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: “Most people are willing to draw a line, if they can use erasable ink.”

FROM PR J.S. IN MI: “Most people are willing to draw a line, if they can us erasable ink.” JACK'S RESPONSE: I've always leaned toward Situation Ethics.

MORE FROM PR J.S.: Leaned? You have fallen right over them!!!

FROM J.L. IN MI: There is or should be always a line....most step right over though!

Friday, August 01, 2008

Jack’s Winning Words 8/1/08
“Keep you face to the sunshine and you will not see the shadows.”
(Helen Keller) I can’t imagine what it was like to live as Helen Keller lived; but this quote helps me to understand a little bit. Of course, you and I know that there are several forms of sunshine and shadows. Here’s a little chorus I remember singing when I was child. So let the sunshine in. Face it with a grin. Smilers never lose and frowners never win. So let the sunshine in. Face it with a grin. Open up you heart and let the sunshine in. ;-) Jack


FROM P.O. IN MI: Omigosh --- I sang that one too!

FROM A.J. IN MI: That song was always one of my favorites. I needed a lift this morning. Now I remember to "let the sunshine in"

FROM M.L. IN IL: grab your coat and get your hat, leave your worries by the doorstep.
just direct your feet, (and life can be so sweet on), to the sunny side of the street.


FROM PR J.S. IN MI: Makes you think that probably she could "sense" the sunshine with her three other senses and perhaps also, even tho blind, sense it with her eyes.....that there was not complete darkness when she faced the sunshine. I knew a blind man who once told me that he never could see God clearly until he went blind....

FROM J.T. IN MI: I think you should have called and sung "Let the sun shine in." It brings back good memories, doesn't it.

FROM G.G. IN INDY: one of my favorites!

FROM J.L. IN MI: Sunshine and shadows! I prefer to live in the sonshine, think sonshine, and walk in sonshine...if you don, the shadows fall away. My grandmother, Mildred Katherine Sorenson, taught me that song when I was very little. I think it was the first song I actually memorized. I still sing it and today I pray it will stay with me all day! Another wonderful quote from Helen which I have cross-stitched and hung in our bedroom.... "The most beautiful things in the world are not seen or touched, they are felt with the heart."

FROM E.A. IN MI: I am going to try and let the sunshine of your face and personality shine on me when I get to the meeting next week. I will probably still be limping but "ce lavie"

FROM MOLINER C.F.: "You are my Sunshine."

FROM NFC IN IL: I remember being with Aunt Ruth (who was blind) one day in their house on 26th Av Moline. I was wiping dishes, and she told me to wipe only one at a time, because if you stacked two or three to wipe them, you'd chip the edges. I thought some magic had made her able to see how I was wiping the dishes. Then she said, "The sun just came out." Wow! Then she explained she could feel the warmth on her arms and hands. Just using the sense-s God gave us increases our awareness of the world around us. She was one smart cookie.