Jack’s Winning Words 7/9/14
“I’m the best failure you’ve ever seen.”  (Matt Paxton)  Matt, a recovering alcoholic and gambler, a social loser, got an idea while cleaning his grandma’s basement.  She didn’t just give him money; she gave him a job.  That’s how Clutter Cleaners began.  He hires ex-cons (who need a job) to clean out basements, garages, you name it.  A hymn verse says, “God works in mysterious ways, his wonders to perform.”    ;-)  Jack

FROM TARMART REV:  Now there's a true diamond in the dust kind of story!!====JACK:  I see the grandma as being the heroine.  It's called tough-love.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  WHOA! I NEED  HIS NUMBER! CLUTTER CLEANERS IS A NEAT MONIKER FOR REALLY NECESSARY WORK! SOME OF OUR COLLEGE GRADS ARE FINDING THEY HAVE TO RE-EVALUATE THEIR FOCUS. MY GOD SON'S DAUGHTER DIDN'T FIND A TEACHING JOB, BUT BECAME A BELOVED "NANNY" TO 3 CHIDLREN (CHICAGO) AND IS PAID 3X WHAT HER BEGINNING TEACHER'S SALARY WOULD!!  SHE IS HELPING HER  HUSBAND THROUGH SEMINARY...FAILURE IN ONE THING OFTEN LEADS TO SUCCESS IN ANOTHER, EVENTUALLY.====JACK:  "Eventually" is the key word.  Some people want the Lord's Prayer to read: "Thy will be done NOW on earth as it is in heaven."

FROM TAMPA SHIRL:  God certainly does work in mysterious ways. I enlisted my family to clean out my garage for Mother's Day. They did a great job. We have just returned from a trip down memory lane.  In 1946 Shirley Peterson and I took the train to Colorado Springs and to LaJolla CA.  When we awoke in the morning with the Rockies we ended up staying there for a week instead of two days.  We enjoyed bicycling in the Garden of the Gods and then she had to return to Moline to work after a week in California.  I stayed until August in California.  On this trip we visited Yellowstone, Mt. Rushmore, the Badlands, etc.  What a beautiful  country we have.====JACK:  As RLS wrote:  "The world is so full of a number of things, I ’m sure we should all be as happy as kings.”

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  Sounds like a wonderful grandma!  God works wonders with anyone willing to work!====JACK:  If the Bible were to be written in today's world, do you think that the Lord's Prayer might read, "Our Grandma who art in heaven."?

FROM PEPPERMINT MARY:  this lyric was imprinted on my soul after i heard you speak them at the shepherd of the lakes 50th celebration.  genie, ruth, and i put it to our own music when leaving the parking lot that day.  i can't tell you how many times i have shared it with those around me.  it's become a sort of mantra.====JACK:  There are so many hymns that are my favorites.  First,  I like the words, regardless of the music.  Then, I like the story behind the words.  Finally I like the tunes.  When all three come together, that's what I really like.  Amazing Grace comes to mind.  What a Friend is another.  Thanks for being a friend.