Winning Words 3/31/09
“A bit of experience is better than a barrel full of knowledge.” (Finnish proverb) E.S., with his 8th grade education, joined the Navy in WW 2 and became a deep sea diver and underwater welder. As a young boy, I doubt that he dreamed about doing those jobs. Life has a way of putting us into circumstances that surprise us. Many different jobs gave me experiences beyond what I learned from books and lectures. I suppose you can say the same, as you look in the rear view mirror. ;-) Jack

FROM M.E. IN NEWPORT BEACH: Where did you meet ES? Did he have an opinion on capitalism vs socialism? FROM JACK: He was the dad/grandpa of friends of mine. He wasn't an openly opinionated person, just a humble hard-working Finn.

FROM B.G. IN MICHIGAN: As a person who grew up in a Finnish home (my mom is a full-blooded Finn) and a Suomi Synod church, I am quite familiar with the Finns and their “unique” brand of wisdom. As a child, I have memories of entire services being spoken in Finnish and the hymns being sung in Finnish. So, the Finnish words of wisdom are a welcome gift this week.

FROM P.O. IN THE HOLY LAND: "Life has a way of putting us into circumstances that surprise us" --- a hearty Amen! FROM JACK: Like placing you in the Holy Land at this time....!

FROM EMT SINGS IN MICHIGAN: It makes getting older so interesting!

FROM CJL IN OHIO: I needed the books to understand what I was experiencing... FROM JACK: I needed the professors to explain the books, and common sense to choose right from wrong.

FROM C.H. ON CAPE COD: I'm sure I've quoted him before but here he is again: "Education is an admirable thing but it is well to remember from time to time, that nothing that is worth knowing can be taught." (Oscar Wilde, [I think]) My grandmother, (who had a PhD in literature in Germany in the 1920's or thereabouts) taught me that one!

FROM CWR IN B'MORE: ...........my favorite job was pushing and packing down garbage with a bulldozer in a Baltimore landfill in the summer of 1958. I got the job , in that recession year with political pull from the Baltimore County Executive, at the time......get this, Spiro Agnew (who ,then, was a Democrat and a friend of my sister's friend's father)....so with political pull in a recession year, I landed a job in a garbage dump pushing garbage, with a bulldozer, (no shirt)....... when I returned to Gettysburg that Fall, the girls all thought that I'd turned bronze from a Summer, in the hot Maryland sun, at the beach in Ocean City ( I said nothing to dissuade them).... it was then that I decided to go on to Seminary where, I thought, the work would be cleaner....... little did I know.......

FROM MOLINER C.F.: As I look in the rear view mirror, I somehow see myself scrambling like hell to catch up.

FROM SNOWBIRD F.M.: But a barrel of knowledge is good to have when you are confronting a new experience! FROM JACK: Make it a barrel of common sense.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: It's so hard to get anywhere without experience, but you have to have the knowledge to know how to get somewhere... I never dreamed I would have done one tenth of the things I have done. I'm glad I had no knowledge of what I would go through or where I would end up. It's the wonderful experiences that have lead me to greater knowledge. I am just glad I know where I will spend eternity....that is one thing I AM sure of!

Winning Words 3/30/09
“Time goes on while life runs out.” (Finnish proverb) This is going to be a week of Finnish proverbs, honoring E.S. who died last week at 96 years and 71 years of marriage. He left school after 8th grade to work as a logger in the U.P. More later in the week. This proverb reminds me of two “hour” glasses, one containing the sand for our life, and a larger one representing the life of the world….one grain at a time. It disappears “like a fart in the Sahara.” (another Finnish proverb). ;-) Jack

FROM PR J.S. IN MI: Or if we combine the insights of science and faith, we might say "that time is relative while life is eternal" FROM JACK: God is time-less.

FROM MOLINER LIZ: Who is E.S.? One of your bloggers? FROM JACK: I use initials or nicknames for a limited privacy. E.S. is someone I've known for many years as father and grandfather of friends of mine.

FROM CJL IN OHIO: If we are wise, we'll recognize this fact....and live actively one day at a time...

FROM MOLINER C.F.: No wonder the Finns drink

FROM CWR IN B'MORE: .........Finnish proverb II is my kind of proverb.

FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: The nice thing about an hourglass is that you can upend it and start over again. Would each of us do any better if our life was so reversible?

FROM G.C. IN SAN DIEGO: "Fart in the Sahara..." Gosh, that brings a chuckle to this Swede.My wife and I saw a Swedish movie last Fri eve entitled..."Everlasing Moments." I would recommend that you see it although there are some tough moments in it...but such is life. "Farts" plays a humerous role more than once. It is all about a woman photographer and a dysfunctional family caused largely by a husband/father abuser. She was Finnish.

Winning Words 3/27/09
“git ‘er dun” (Unknown) I saw this bumper sticker on the car next to mine in the parking lot yesterday. It goes together with similar ones staring at me from beside my computer…JUST DO IT! and GET TOUGH. GET OFF YOUR DUFF! and HEY YOU, GET BUSY! I guess we all need a prod now and then. My son once commented that pastors need a boss, and he wasn’t talking about God.. ;-) Jack

SOCRATES: Let him that would move the world first move himself.

WILLIAM WIRT: Genius, unexerted, is like the poor moth that flutters around a candle till it scorches itself to death.

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Are you kidding? Git R Dun is the catch phrase of Dan Whitley better know as Larry the Cable Guy. He is the top earning comedian of all time. He makes $250,000 a night. An estimated 30 million last year. If you don't catch him on Comedy Central you may notice his name on the Forbes Richest in America. I assume you are playin' dumb for the Joke Jack, if not dude just look anywhere other than MSNBC. Larry the Cable guy is to Rednecks what the Pope is to Catholics

FROM PR J.S. IN MI: Your son is right on the money. We have too many pastors who don't know how to manage their time nor their priorities. Some are so involved in synod and extra curricular activities that they don't do the job for which they are paid....leading the local congregation in its mission. Others simply don't do any real job....they spend their time on Facebook or whatever. WE have church after church sliding into decline and the blame rests mainly with the pastors. It's a crime....literally....taking money under false pretenses.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: I'm sure you have heard by now that a country comedian says that all the time...it's his "line". I can't remember his name, but it's his tag! And you are right, not only pastors need a boss, but we all need someone to tell us to "git'er dun"! And that's a good thing!!! Happy Friday!

FROM B.G. IN MI: I have a boss. She is on the church's staff.

FROM H.S. IN MI: Good one today FROM JACK: I know that you have a boss.

FROM E.A. IN MI: I think at various times in our lives we all need a "boss" be it G-D, a wife, a real boss or someone interested in us.

FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: one of my favorite t-shirt/bumper sticker message is, "jesus is coming...look busy". saw it many years ago in a shop in indianapolis. FROM JACK: I suppose you and your sister had your aprons on.

FROM CJL IN OHIO: I like Satchel Paige's "Don't look back, some thing might be gaining on you". That's kind of like "git 'er dun". Your son is right!

FROM B.P. IN NAPLES: This is the slogan of the comedy star Larry the cable guy. He has hats shirts etc.

FROM MOLINER C.P.: I THINK THAT SAYING WAS STARTED BY " LARRY THE CABLE GUY." AT LEAST HE ALWAYS SAYS IT WHEN HE`S BEING INTERVIEWED , LIKE ON THE JAY LENO TONITE SHOW.

FROM CWR IN B'MORE: ........Amen......and that's not the end of a prayer, but the resolve of the pray-er.

FROM MOLINER C.F.: "Forward, March!' is a moving command.

FROM A.W. IN ILLINOIS: Conscience and a messy desk always served me....until I retired. Last year I entered the messiest desk contest in our local paper. Did not win, but got a hazing from a neighbor who saw the picture. Thanks for your messages.

Winning Words 3/26/09
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.” (Marcel Proust) After reading about Proust, I see some things with new eyes. Research does that. Most of us have an ample supply of preconceived ideas. I recently had new lenses put into my eyes, but to see with “new eyes” means to be willing to adjust some thinking and some opinions. Who knows what exciting things we might discover when we dare to do that. Change is not necessarily a bad word. ;-) Jack

FROM SONGWRITER JON: “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” Is Wayne Dyer’s modern version of Marcel’s words. FROM JACK: I occasionally watch Dyer. Be sure to Google Proust sometime today.

FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: I think for as long as I've known you, your "vision" has been quite exceptional. FROM JACK: Which end of the telescope are you using?

FROM PR J.S. IN MI: "Change" is not necessarily a good word either. It is something to be thought about and considered. It is something to be open to but not necessarily the answer. FROM JACK: Change from one rut to another doesn't make things better, but to get out of the rut is better than staying in it. MORE FROM J.S.:
Not necessarily. My Dad used to drive his feed trucks in the ruts because if you got out of them, it was practically impossible to get anywhere on the old farm roads. Sometimes old ruts take us to the best places....----- REPLY FROM JACK: That's right! It depends on the situation.

FROM S.G. IN TAMPA: Is it like all the lights are on now? FROM JACK: It needed to be done, and I'm glad for medical technology.

FROM CJL IN OHIO: Change is a necessary word & fact of life....

FROM MOLINER C.F.: Change, good or bad, is in the eyes of the beholder.

SOMETHING ELSE I HAPPENED TO SEE TODAY: O would some power the giftie gie us to see ourselves as others see us. (O would some power the gift to give us to see ourselves as others see us.)
Robert Burns, Poem "To a Louse"

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Opening eyes sometimes mean the best thing are right in front of us...that doesn't change is good or bad, but sometimes just looking at the same thing differently makes all the "change" in the world.

Winning Words 3/25/09
“The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.” (Plutarch) This famous Roman historian (of Greek heritage) lived about 2000 years ago. He had an influence on Emerson and the transcendentalists. Maybe I’m strange, but when I read the quote, I kept thinking of the song, Light My Fire, by The Doors. Sometimes there are days when we need someone to light our fire. Maybe today’s WWs can be a spark. Is there someone who has kindled your mind? I can think of several. ;-) Jack

FROM (GOOD DEBT) SONGWRITER JON: You know that it would be untrue You know that I would be a liar If I was to say to you Girl, we couldn't get much higher
The time to hesitate is through No time to wallow in the mire Try now we can only lose
Gotta love those rock guys, aside from “come on baby light my fire” that is the whole song.
Still a great classic. The only higher paid writing per word than this song may be ransom notes….
FROM JACK: In this instance, I took the words out of context, simply because them fit the point I was trying to make....and I knew that readers would relate to them (forgetting the rest of the song). Except you!

FROM PR J.S. IN MI: Richard John Neuhaus was always an inspiration for me. He had a real knack for seeing through the garbage and telling it like it was. He wasn't always liked for that quality but I think it is something we desperately need....-----

FROM J.H. IN OHIO: love it... as you may have guessed. Maybe I'll use PARTS of this song to open my next motivation talk (coming up in April).

FROM MY SON: Were you trying to be clever when you said “Maybe I’m strange, but when I read the quote, I kept thinking of the song, Light My Fire, by The Doors” ??
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awi14wDTxNw FROM SONGWRITER JON: Yeah, I forgot about When You’re Strange. But it seems to suit you…

FROM M.L. IN ILL: more teachers should read this and believe in the philosophy. as far as someone who lights my fire, (besides jim morrison), well...hmm...you.

FROM MOLINER C.F.: And have you noted the number of people who are trying to "bank your fire" with all the socialism? FROM JACK: I believe that those who "have" should have compassion on the "have-nots." If they want to call it, socialism, that's OK with me.

FROM CJL IN OHIO: Maybe WW's does just that...

FROM A.M. IN MI: I always recal Jose Feliciano, the blind musician, singing Light My Fire. We pray that the Holy Spirit enkindle within us the fire of His Divine love. My husband and I invoke this prayer each night for our indidual family members, friends, political leaders, pastoral leaders and those serving in the military. We ask for wisdom. It makes more sense than spending our time trying to figure out the stimulus package.

FROM SNOWBIRD F.M.: Like you, there are several persons, including you with some of your 'winning words'. Keep up this valuable ministry of yours.

FROM J.C. IN HONG KONG: I remember my freshman year at Ann Arbor in 1970, my roomate Greg played electric piano while I had my electric guitar, and we would play the long version of Light My Fire.
I didnt know you were a Jim Morrison fan, too.

FROM P.H. IN MINNESOTA: i think the Doors were talking about a fire that was a bit more sexual in nature but we still got the message. FROM JACK: As most of of us are prone to do, I chose to take this phrase out of context, because it fit the point I was trying to make.

FROM CHARLES DICKENS: What is the odds so long as the fire of soul is kindled...

Winning Words 3/24/09
“Happiness is a decision.” (Michael J. Fox) On Sunday someone handed me this quote from the Ladies Home Journal. Michael has been living with Parkinson’s disease and has dedicated himself to helping find a cure. He could have gone into seclusion and felt sorry for himself, but he made a decision to do something positive. Opportunities to make a difference are presented to each of us every day. Every day is decision day. ;-) Jack

FROM L.K. IN OHIO: AMEN FROM JACK: I like the song, AMEN; in fact, I'm humming it right now!

FROM GOOD DEBT JON IN OHIO: Alex P. Keaton is a brave man. This excellent quote likely a child of Martha Washington's words: "Happiness depends on your disposition, not your circumstances."

FROM FOXY ROXY: How true. I love it!

FROM JACK: (More on the subject of deciding)...."The first step to getting the things you want is to decide what you want." (Ben Stein)

FROM CJL IN OHIO: Just like LOVE and just about every response we give to stimulii...

FROM JDR IN CA: Peace starts with a smile FROM JACK: Yes, to smile is a decision.

FROM MOLINER C.F.: Decisions are like diapers. They need changing once in a while. MORE FROM C.F.: Is that your final decision? AND MORE FROM C.F.: Indecision is the thief of time

FROM MOLINER G.S.: AMEN. Another way of saying happiness is a choice.

FROM PR J.S. IN MI: Was happiness a decision for the people in Nagasaki when the atomic bombs were dropped? FROM JACK: Harry Truman had to decide between two evils. He did not shirk. "The buck stops here." War is hell.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: "If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with success unexpected in common hours." Thoreau. I believe the same.

FROM JACK: Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn't know you left open."
--John Barrymore,

FROM J.O. IN MI: Michael sounds like an optimist...

FROM A.W. IN ILLINOIS: the origin of this quote, I believe, is from a health institute in Kansas. Nevertheless...the truth is eternal. Seems I heard that Abraham LIncoln also said something similar.(maybe that is Illinois propaganda).

Winning Words 3/23/09
“No one can do everything. Everyone can do something.” (weaddup.com) A young girl was sitting in front of me in church yesterday and had this quote printed on the back of her shirt. Afterward she explained the meaning to me. You can look it up for yourself on the .com address. The truth of the saying also applies in the home, at work and in our various communities. We each can do something to make this a better world. ;-) Jack

FROM CJL IN OHIO: Remember what Gov Youngdahl said at the opening worship of our class at St. John's
Lutheran Church:
I am only one.
I can't do everything, but I can do something.
What I can do, I ought to do.
What I ought to do,
By the grace of God, I will do!

FROM MOLINER C.F.: You'll never know what you can do until you try everything. I love Nike's line, "Just do it"

FROM B.S. NEAR ORLANDO: Yes, and we must.

Winning Words 3/20/09
“Leadership involves finding a parade and getting in front of it.” (John Naisbitt) Many major corporations call on Naisbitt for advice on restructuring. If there’s a desire on your part for a different life direction, perhaps it involves stepping out of your comfort zone. Don’t let short term disruptions get you down. There are many types of parades that are calling for new leadership. On another note, parades also need someone to sit on the curb and clap as they go by. We each have our role. ;-) Jack

FROM PR J.S. IN MI: Sometimes a parade needs someone to sit on the side and not clap but to say "the Emperor has no clothes"...there are many roles out there

FROM L.K. IN OHIO: I think leadership means more starting a parade for a noble cause.

FROM B.G. IN MI: …as long as you have discerned that the parade is not headed over a cliff. If it is, then, leadership involves re-directing the parade and, if necessary, finding a different road for the parade to travel.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: I disagree on this one! True leadership is finding a group of people desiring a parade, getting them costumes, organizing the bands, finding a route and then leading the parade....that's the problem now-a-days...too many are jumping in front without the proper procedures in place. MORE: I believe true leadership is teaching, planning and organizing the people in the direction the parade should go.

FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: I'm not very supportive of Naisbitt on this one. His statement seems to be more about jumping on the bandwagon...the front of the bandwagon. I think leadership is getting involved when others aren't giving an important issue or situation the attention it deserves. FROM JACK: The point, as I see it, is directed to someone who is looking for a new challenge in life. As Yogi once said, "When you come to a fork in the road, take it." FROM R.I.: I see your point. Sometimes one's better vision leads to better things because that person was willing to take the ball and run with it.It's interesting that today's quote brought mainly skeptical responses to Naisbitt's point of view.

FROM EMT SINGS IN MI: I'm a clapper!

FROM CWR IN B.MORE: .......no, no. Leadership means forming a parade to ignite interest in a progressive movement. FROM JACK: It would be better if you elimated the ....no, no.

FROM MOLINER C.F.: I've got mixed emotions on this one. Why is Santa always at the end of the parade? Yet the Grand Marshall is at the beginning. I guess I should start my own parade and position myself where I want. FROM JACK: That's a good thought...but I think that most of the responses have missed what I was trying to get at....Many of us need to restructure our lives, and, in so doing, need to find a cause (parade).

FROM M.F. IN MI: I'm ready to step into my new role, thanks for all the winning words.

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: You and John N. Are confused. You are describing politics...

Winning Words 3/19/09
“Those who danced were thought to be quite insane by those who could not hear the music.” (Angela Monet) I suppose that’s what’s meant by the phrase, “He marches to the beat of a different drummer.” When it comes to dancing, I’m like Steve Martin when he tried to dance in the movie, The Jerk. Everyone doesn’t hear the same music we hear, so let’s try to be understanding and kind to those around us today. ;-) Jack

FROM S.T. IN MI: Thank you for the positive insight.

FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: Some of us are just not as loose as others when it comes to rhythm. Or we've simply not taken time to develop it. I liked the moment in the movie "Zorba the Greek" when the young intellectual submitted and said, "Teach me to dance!" FROM JACK: Hey, I shoulda done that. Shoulda, woulda, coulda!

FROM M.T. IN PA: If only more people would remember this....more often. FROM JACK: You are one of those people who sees things differently than the ordinary person sees....and you probably dance to a different tune, too. FROM M.T.: I think you are right -- but I've learned to be pretty good at covering that up.

FROM PR J.S. IN MI: As my hearing slips away, I am becoming more and more aware of the meaning of such a saying. It's funny to sit in a crowd and hear them laugh at a joke that you can't even hear. You often just laugh along with them because you know it must have been funny. Hearing is a precious thing but it pales before love. That is the one thing without which we cannot live. FROM JACK: What is living?

FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: i used to be self-conscious about dancing when i was younger because i never felt accomplished at doing "the in-dance", whatever it was. one day i just decided to dance with reckless abandon, hearing my own beat, singing my own song. it worked for me. it also lead to a whole lot of abandonment in my life in general. now i dance as if no one were watching and often when no one is watching! i enjoy watching others dance their own tune, like steve martin's "jerk dance".

FROM K.B. IN MI: One of my favorites

FROM MOLINER C.F.: "He knows the words but he's singing off key"

FROM INDY GENIE: I LOVE TO DANCE.....and always have. I don't even need music....I dance to the sound of the wind, ocean waves, etc. or just the music in my head! I also enjoy a good kitchen dance now and then (put the music on loud and dance in the kitchen.....Emily and I enjoyed that when she was growing up....still do)

FROM EMT SINGS IN MI: I always say "Be kind to each other-we are all in the same boat and some of us don't swim very well!"

FROM CJL IN OHIO: ...and hope they have the same toward us....

FROM N.O. IN MI: I just wanted to thank you for keeping me on your list for winning words. I can’t tell you how many times those words have hit the spot in relation to things that are going on in my life. It’s been really something. My husband and I both read them every day.

Winning Words 3/18/09
“Fear less, hope more. Eat less, chew more. Whine less, breathe more. Talk less, say more. Love more, and all good things will be yours.” (Swedish Proverb) Here’s some advice from the Swedes for those gloom and doom times. Each of the couplets has its own message. Which of them says the most to you? I like the first and last. ;-) Jack

FROM CJL IN OHIO: they are Swedish... I like them all...(What did you expect?)

FROM PR J.S. IN MI: Ja, det har ar riktigt fin! (forgive the broken Swedish). Don't you just love having a Swedish heritage? Swedes just break me up. I had a great time when I visited over there and found my family and had a chance to enjoy that culture. It helped my understand why the remnants of the Augustana synod are so screwed up and yet so delightful!!!

FROM J.H. IN OHIO: I like Whine less, breathe more! Moving us to ACTION!

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: They all have some relevance in my life...but it would probably be Talk less, say more.

FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: i like talk less, say more. there is power in silent pauses.

FROM MOLINER C.F.: A closed mouth is the sign of an open mind.

FROM G.C. IN SAN DIEGO: Those Swedes aren't as hard-headed as some might make them out to be. They can make sense at times. FROM JACK: Maybe that's why they call him a Senska Pojke.

FROM GUSTIE MARYLYS: I’m with you Jack.

FROM J.O. IN MI: I prefer the "talk less, say more." Verbose people don't really seem to have much to say.

FROM A.M. IN MI: Whining is something I never could tolerate. None of our five children whined-probably because it did not bring out the best in Mom.

FROM L.P. IN MI: People are dancing to different tunes.I often wonder what my neighbors say when I do the chicken dance in my kitchen. :)I liked the Swedish proverb too. Each piece has its applicability. I've been feeling whiny lately so maybe I just need a few minutes to breath.

FROM A.J. IN MI: Hope all is well this first day of Spring. I really like this saying. I need the "Whine less ..." One. I'll think about it all day and try to improve.

Winning Words 3/17/09
“Vocatus atque non Vocatus Deus aderit” (Delphic Oracle) “Bidden or not bidden, God is present.” The eminent psychologist Carl Jung had these words carved over the door of his house and also on his tombstone. The omnipresence of God is something we believe, though most of the time we store it in the back of our mind. There’s still room for this quote to be posted by my computer. ;-) Jack

FROM B.G. IN MI: A good Lutheran idea; one that reminds us that God is here for all of us, all of the time, no matter what we believe.

FROM L.K. IN OHIO: This is always timely.........maybe especially now when recent news shows supposed decline in the American religious sphere.

FROM J.A. IN MI: Great message today. Thank you.

FROM CJL IN OHIO: I hope you have room for all those quotes you're putting on your computer.

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: I hope this doesn’t mean conversely that, ““Vocatus atque non Vocatus Diablo aderit” Though I may be mixing the eleven, Spanish, French and Latin words I know. Here is one I like: Le Diablo est mort. Veritas Vos Liberabit. (Truth Shall Set You Free). That is carved on a stone that goes in my brick mailbox. This is the seventh year of construction at the Hanson household. I think the temporary mailbox will come down this year… FROM JACK: I also remember the carved stone that you have by your garage door...ANCORA IMPARO (I am still learning).

FROM M.T. IN PA: I need to move that pearl to the front of the store!

FROM PR. J.S. IN MI: It's curious that the Oracle at Delphi spoke in Latin..... FROM JACK: I translated, so that you could understand.

FROM SNOWBIRD F.M.: Sought or not sought, God is still present in our lives and in this world. Here's an attachment of Fred and friends celebrating St. Patrick's Day. Sought or not sought, God is still present in our lives and in this world.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: If you believed God was a smiter or vengeful, that would be a terrifying thought. I believe He is there to watch over us, guide us and always love us so it is a comforting wonderful thought.

FROM E.A. IN MI: Isn't this the philosophy of Spinoza?

FROM G.C. IN SAN DIEGO: Good quote today!!!

FROM A. & O .M. IN MI: HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY. MAY THE ROOF OVER OUR HEADS NEVER FALL IN AND MAY THE FRIENDS UNDER IT NEVER FALL OUT.

FROM CWR IN B'MORE: Is it in Latin or English or German?

Winning Words 3/16/09
“If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it….If you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place.” (Nora Roberts) Nora is a famous author of romance novels. Her quote seems to relate to the difficulty of writing, but in fact it can apply to more than that. We all have goals of one sort or another, and they won’t be met if we don’t take that first step forward. Is such a step needed in your life? ;-) Jack

FROM PR J.S. IN MI: And sometimes a step forward is really a step backward....C. S. Lewis' devotions this morning dealt with that. If we have erred, it is smart to take a step backward and deal with the error so that we can then go forward.... FROM JACK: "Situation" rears its ugly head again. FROM J.S.: Another definitive answer from the situational ethics people....they are as slippery as the ethics they espouse

FROM C.N. IN BOSTON: absolutely!! i am traveling this week to interview for a fellowship that would be a big step and a good change in my career path...i need to step forward!

FROM MOLINER G.S.: I'm taking a course to be a volunteer First Responder at our fire department. Haven't taken college tests in over 30 years - hope to survive the tests.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Everything good is worth working for...not exactly a wonderful sentence, but a wonderful sentiment.

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: As true as, “If your parents didn’t have children, neither will you. And wherever you go there you are.” Well, there are some things I want so I need to go forward, one of them is at Starbucks.. Good day, Jack.

FROM MOLINER C.F.: It's ok to step forward but wait for the light to change.

FROM J.C. IN HONG KONG: Not a bad quote ... sounds like Colleen Howe's. I was thinking, rather than to suggest the possibility that a person might have a first step to take, suggest the certainty that everyone needs to identify at least one area in their life where a first step needs to be taken, or re-taken. ;-)
In that case, I don't have enough time to sit still!

FROM SNOWBIRD F.M.: I just finished reading "Repacking your Bags" by Leider and Shapiro. I'm trying to lighten my load - maybe not stepping forward!

FROM B.S. NEAR ORLANDO: Yes, yes, everyday. I need to jab myself in the keister and say, "get going, get going, and sometimes I get going, and sometimes, it is just jabber. I need a daily buddy who will urge me on, motivate me, and in returnI can reciprocate. together we will be a team. go team go.Wilmot, Wilmot, hats off to thee, to our colors true we shall ever be....with a U Ra Ra etc. ( Lincoln High, Minnesota, who else? ) Thanks Jack, depression is a terrible waste of human kind.

Winning Words 3/13/09
“When you’ve got an elephant by the hind leg, and he’s trying to get away, it’s best to let him run.” (A. Lincoln) One of the characteristics that made Lincoln a great leader was his ability to make wise decisions. Sometimes life presents us with challenges that seem to have no solutions, and we have choices to make. A winner says, “I’ll find a way to deal with it.” A loser says, “I quit.” Keep looking. ;-) Jack

FROM PR J.S. IN MI: Your commentary is the opposite of the saying. Lincoln is saying that sometimes it's smart to say "I quit." Then you can live to go on and do something else. FROM JACK: I'll find a way to show you that the two really do go together.

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: I have a friend that says he'd quit smoking but, " He doesn't want to be seen as a quitter." I suggested he take up jogging. That way he might live as long as if he did neither.

FROM INDY GENIE: that's what i love about life....even when you're sure there's not, there's always a way. FROM JACK: One of my pastor friends is almost 100, and has written a book, "Show Me The Way To Go Home."

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Abraham's way of dealing with it was to turn to God. I like that best of all!

FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: i think this one falls under the catagory of choosing your battles! FROM JACK: You could be President of the United States of America!

FROM MOLINER C.F.: One of Abe's other great attributes was that he was a Republican FROM: He decided to let the elephant go, didn't he?

FROM SNOWBIRD F.M.: At my age, running is not permitted, so anything that is running, I leave alone! One of the learning's of old age is being willing to go at a slower pace . . . or just being patient to arrive a bit later

FROM B.S. NEAR ORLANDO: OR, we'll call up a buddy and say, "Hey, ole buddy, how would you handle this??"

Winning Words 3/12/09
“When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live in such a way that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.” (Native American Proverb) What happens after death has always been a mystery, with many people giving opinions. A biography is not a mystery, although Paul Harvey became popular for telling, “The Rest Of The Story.” We all know people who have a rest of the story, don’t we? ;-) Jack

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Absolute pure freedom...in all sense of the word! Heavenly!!!

FROM J.C. IN HONG KONG: Good day!

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Great proverb. At our house when a baby was born, it was like the Elvis song "In the Ghetto"" ...if there's one thing the world don't need is another hungry little mouth to feed--in the ghetto--and his moma cried..." In 1963 I was 7 the best meal of the day was the free lunch at school, JFK was shot and my brother the fifth child was born and it felt like my moma cried.. a lot that year. But without all that I couldn't be living the great life I have now. God has given my life such sweeping brush strokes and contrasts. Each year He pulls me back a little so I can see a little more of the picture. I don't know the rest of the story, yet. But I like what God has shown me so far.

FROM L.K. IN OHIO: yet another good one! GO BLUE! Beat Iowa! MORE: Paul Harvey always had a "page 2"!........I have finally learned (and am glad for it) that God is dependable with a page 3.......I like being tuned in to that special page, whatever page 2 happens to be.....

FROM MOLINER C.F.: I'm afraid nobody knows "The rest of the story." And the ending comes all to soon. Or does it? FROM JACK: The Shadow knows. "I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me, et."

FROM M.T. IN PA: That's a great one, Jack!! Enjoy the day.

FROM B.S. NEAR ORLANDO: a part of the problem is now most of those people you helped are now home with our father in heaven, If we could handle the cold, returning to the land that nurtured us may find only the children of those whose lives we crossed daily, and only a few of them will remember our fidelity. If our children chose to think about current affairs, others children may also. Thank goodness for the safety net of the church.and some old friends. We must remain active.

Winning Words 3/11/09
“May you live in interesting times.” (Sent by Mark Stutrud, Pres. of LSSM) This quote is an ancient Chinese expression which can mean either a blessing or a curse. This is certainly a description of our times. It can also describe the life that is ours. Events that occur, though some might label them, bad, can mean opportunity and challenge. That’s what makes them interesting. The cup is half full. ;-) Jack

FROM PR J.S. IN MI: The cup is half full and half empty....drink from the half that you will MORE: My Uncle Carl and the teachers in Moline certainly didn't teach you that a cup that is half full is full.....you must have come up with that from one of those profs at your seminary

FROM MOLINER C.F.: You pretty well covered that one. Might add the "old saw"... when handed a lemon, make lemonade.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Sometimes I like dull days! They bring everything into perspective. glass full thank you FROM JACK: All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy is a proverb. Its meaning is that without time off from work, a person becomes bored and boring. The sentiment expressed by this proverb was first recorded thousands of years ago by the Egyptian sage Ptahhotep, who wrote in 2400 B.C., One that reckons accounts all the day passes not a happy moment. One that gladdens his heart all the day provides not for his house. The bowman hits the mark, as the steersman reaches land, by diversity of aim. He that obeys his heart shall command. The more familiar modern saying appeared first in James Howell's Proverbs in English, Italian, French and Spanish (1659), and was included in later collections of proverbs. Some writers have added a second part to the proverb, as in Harry and Lucy Concluded (1825) by the Irish novelist Maria Edgeworth: All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,All play and no work makes Jack a mere toy.

FROM CJL IN OH: I think ALL times are interesting. You might have to look a bit.

Winning Words 3/10/09
“Neither life nor death shall ever From the Lord his children sever; Unto them his grace he showeth, And their sorrows all he knoweth..” (Swedish Hymn) This song is a favorite of Swedish Lutherans. A friend of mine died last week, and this was a hymn that he liked. In my mind, I can hear it being sung at his funeral today. Is there a song that you like, because the words are meaningful to you? ;-) Jack

FROM CJL IN OH: Day by Day. The unofficial hymn of the Class of '54

FROM PR J.S. IN MI: "His Justice like mountains high soaring above; His clouds which are fountains of goodness and love." What a tremendous statement of the breadth of the Christian faith....dealing with BOTH the justice and the love of our Lord FROM JACK: I like that one, too. The music fits the words.

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: I don’t know this Swedish hymn. I like the lyrics. A fellow I met on Songramp.com, Ken Damkier, lives in Denmark sent me a link to a blues song: Smukke Kvinde (Danish) which I believe translates roughly to “Thank you beautiful woman.” There is a link to play it here: http://www.songramp.com/mod/mps/viewtrack.php?trackid=70890
Actually since he’s put up the translation maybe this is not a good example. Seem interesting to hear a blues song in Danish though. FROM JACK: The Danes, traditionally, have been divided into the Happy Danes (liberal and the Sad Danes (conservative). This seems to have come from the happy ones.

FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: those are songs in that vein of life. i have many significant songs. my life is basically a musical in progress!
oh boy! that one just makes me cry for obvious and various reasons. as a swedish lutheran, i think it is one of the first hymns i hummed as a toddler. i like "when you walk through a storm", also for obvious and various reasons. both of those songs are significant and meaningful to me.

FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: Solemn words from the hymnist as we each in our own way ponder our personal memento mori.

FROM MOLINER G.S.: Holy, Holy, Holy & Amazing Grace for the words; When the Saints Go Marchin' In & Beyond the Sea for the rythm and because I play them on the piano. Remember Canadian Sunset? MORE: My favorite artist doing Canadian Sunset was Don Cherry singing it.

FROM S.G. IN TAMPA: One of my favorites is How Great Thou Art. The subject of Ash Wednesday and Lent came up last night during my daily evening walk with a good friend who is 42. She was raised in a Lutheran family and doesn't remember either as being celebrated. I remember something different from my Swedish grandfather who was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Moline and from my many friends growing up in Moline. FROM JACK: Ash Wednesday and Lent cerytainly aren't what they used to be, but I can't believe that someone "raised" in a Lutheran Church can't remember Ash Wed and Lent. But then...being riased means different things to different people. Some families we called, C & E members...You see them on Christmas and Easter.

FROM MOLINER LIZ: I am very sorry to hear about your friend. The "church" songs that always bring tears to my eyes are "Onward Christian Soldiers" and "We Gather Together." I'm an Episcopalian-- I've not heard "We Gather Together" at other denominations' services-- it's a Thanksgiving song. FROM JACK: "We Gather" is a Dutch hymn from the 16th century, celebrating freedom from the Spanish and from the Catholic Church. That puts a different spin than the Thanksgiving one.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: "How Great Thou Art" and "Battle Hymn of the Republic"

FROM MOLINER C.F.:
'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free,
'Tis the gift to come down where you ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gain'd,
To bow and to bend we shan't be asham'd,
To turn, turn will be our delight,
Till by turning, turning we come out right.
Battle Hyme of the Republic ranks very high on my list. Goosebumps every time I hear it.

FROM P.H. IN MN: My wife is 100% Swede as you may know. in her family, this hymn is sung at every wedding, funeral, family reunion, and birthday party!! hope you are well today. i did a funeral this morning for a 55 year old man who was killed in a car crash last week. so many mysteries in life...

FROM B.S. NEAR ORLANDO: I am going to check out our hymnal to see if we too can share that lovely hymm.

FROM S.G. IN MI: Yes, I have many songs that have lyrics that "speak" to me. Music is the universal language!

FROM J.T. IN MI: Good afternoon! The song that always come to my mind is "Be Not Afraid". I first heard it more than 25 yrs ago. Two people who I loved were divorcing and I had gone to Phoenix to be of support. The morning I was to come home this song was sung at church. I left with a light heart.

FROM SNOWBIRD F.M.: Two choices for me for - Children of the Heavenly Father. . . and O God our Help in Ages Past FROM JACK: Both were sung at my friend's funeral.

FROM J.J. IN AZ: I JUST LOVE THAT SONG. IN NORWEGIAN IT STARTS LIKE THIS " INGEN ER SAA TRYGG FRA FARE SOM GUD'S LILLE BARNESKARE" DON'T REMEMBER THE REST. GETTING OLD I GUESS. REGARDS

FROM D.S. IN SAN DIEGO: I LOVE "Amazing Grace". It is so true.

FROM A FUNERAL DIRECTOR AND TEACHER IN MI: I have a sailing friend who wants "Everybody's Talkin'" by Nillson; I think he just likes the "only the echoes of my mind" part....I prefer "Lovely Cruise" by Jimmy Buffett for him instead, "this one's for you, yeah, it's been a lovely cruise". In college, my roommate was a "Grateful Dead head", she wanted the song, "Truckin' "; the refrain goes "what a long, strange trip it's been". Indeed. A lady once asked me to play "Bridge over the River Kwai"---I think the song is actually from the movie, but that's not the right name. Most songs are appropriate and sentimental to my recollection.
I think my students would try to glean something about the person from family & friends and then offer up some choices. Today's funeral, for instance, I knew the man loved sailing so I chose "Distant Shore" for the video track.

FROM THE GOOD SHEPARD IN MI: I like Abide with me.

FROM D.R. IN MI: You may be sorry you asked. This is my favorite. It's LBW 373. 'Didn't make it into the ELW. It was the Hymn of the Day for my ordination. My favorite words are at the end of the last stanza.

Eternal ruler of the ceaseless round
Of circling planets singing on their way
Guiding the nations from the night profound
Into the glory of the perfect day
Rule in our hearts that we may live anew
Guided and strengthened and upheld by you.

We are your own, the children of your love,
As dearly loved as your beloved Son;
Descend, O Holy Spirit, like a dove
And rule our hearts, that we may be as one
One in the strength that makes your children free
To follow truth, and thus in you to be.

We would be one in hatred of all wrong
One in our love of all things true and fair
One with the joy that finds a voice in song,
One with the grief that trembles into prayer
One in the strength that makes your children free
To follow truth, and thus in you to be.

Oh, clothe us with your heav'nly armour, Lord.
Your trusty shield and sword of love endure;
Our constant inspiration be your Word;
We ask no victories that are not yours.
Give or withold, let pain or pleasure fall:
To know that we are serving you is all.

Winning Words 3/9/09
“Don’t be afraid about stepping out and doing something. Losing is not to have participated in the race.” (Colleen Howe) Mrs. Hockey died last Friday. She wasn’t afraid to step out and do things. At times she could be abrasive, but she was who she was and was admired for that. Mr. Hockey (Gordie) once said: “The formula for success is to believe in yourself, believe in God and marry the right girl.” The Howes are two Hall of Fame people, and have made two fine statements of advice. ;-) Jack

FROM PR J.S.: Perhaps we could add that "doing something" often requires preparation. Those who do things without preparation often would be better off not doing them at all.

FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: the words i repeated many a time as my children were growing up and used them yesterday on my 25 year old son are, "life is not a competition". just go out and play!

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: We called it "stretching your comfort zone". When my kids were little, everytime we went to the grocery store, we purchased something we had never eaten before....mostly a different kind of fruit but it could be anythine. Andy especially loved to "push his zone" and he would try anything. Kimberly was a little more reserved but would go along with trying new things. When I had my two Girl Scout troops, we also did the same thing. We would name the tasting after the camp....Metamora Measure, Innsfree item, etc. and all the scouts would try something new. Most of the time unsuccessfully, but none-the-less, everyone tried the new thing. It's about challenging yourself! FROM JACK: That's one of the best ideas I've heard in a long time. You were (are) a leader!

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: The theme for my NSAI songwriters seminar in Columbus, GA last week was, “Dare to Suck.” I’ve sang some pretty horrible scratch vocals as guides that talented singer can make into a beautiful song. But without daring to step out and risk embarrassment, humiliation, and the contumelies of the rabble on the side lines the song is never written. Daring to Suck is what eventually leads to success. Mr. Hockey is right about the formula for success, too. FROM JACK: I think each of us has had some "not daring to suck" moments. MORE: How about American Idol tryouts for daring to suck moments?

FROM MOLINER C.F.: Now there's a real "hat trick" FROM JACK: Check again, There were only two quotes.

FROM SNOWBIRD F.M.: Very timely - thanks Jack. You do keep up with current events~~!

FROM B.S. NEAR ORLANDO: Marrying the right girl is a prime key of success. If one is smart enuff to do that, just think of his potential. Also, working hard to make the marriage succeed is also very important.My Mother used to say, "always settle an argument before going to bed at night"

Winning Words 3/6/09
“Start by doing what’s necessary; then what’s possible; suddenly you’re doing the impossible.” (St. Francis of Assisi) Another one that seems to fit…”One step, and then another, and the longest journey is over.” Is there something necessary that needs doing today? Leave the impossible things until later, but don’t forget them. ;-) Jack

FROM J.E. IN MI: This is a perfect thought for prioritizing what has to be done. We must continue to chip away at what must be done. Thank you for your prayers. My husband is doing wonderful. We go for the follow-up today.

FROM M.T. IN PA: good advice!!

FROM CJL IN OHIO: Yeah. It's necessary I do some work for the IRS.....

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Necessary???? hmmmmmmm...I will ponder my necessary objects today and then move ahead to the possible and then accomplish the impossible!!! Possibly! Probably! Perhaps! Positively!!

FROM M.E. IN NEWPORT BEACH: Both my wife and Mother are and were particularly good at this. I try to use this as a guide each day with my "lists". Will try to maintain more focus after completing the necessary on the possible. Like this one.

FROM MOLINER C.F.: To dream the impossible dream,to fight the unbeatable foe,to bear with unbearable sorrow,to run where the brave dare not go.To right the unrightable wrong,to love pure and chaste from afar,to try when your arms are too weary,to reach the unreachable star.This is my quest,to follow that star --no matter how hopeless,no matter how far.To fight for the rightwithout question or pause,to be willing to march into hell for aheavenly cause.And I know if I'll only be true to thisglorious questthat my heart will be peaceful and calmwhen I'm laid to my rest.And the world will be better for this,that one man scorned and covered with scarsstill strove with hïs last ounce of courage.To reach the unreachable stars.

FROM S.G. IN TAMPA: One day at a time.

Winning Words 3/5/09
“Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.” (Dr. Seuss) There seem to be a lot of complicated questions out there in the world today…perhaps even in your own life. Maybe the answer to them is a simple one, waiting for someone to discover it. Not all would agree with simple answers; but complicated ones present a problem, too. Is Dr. Seuss a real doctor? ;-) Jack

FROM T.L. IN MI: Jack, just want you to know I look forward to WW each day. You give me sweet nuggets during the time of day I call "my space"! Thank you very much!

FROM E.M. IN MI: My kids love the movie Horton Hears A Who - we've watched it several timesand laugh hysterically every time. Simple answers... - why do we complicate things so much with our words? Dr. Seuss - not a doctor but he had a PhD in life! So many messages aboutlife interwoven into his books. Great stuff.

FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: There are a lot of complicated questions in all of our lives, and one answer may apply to all...simplify, simplify. FROM JACK: I have a friend, living in Wisconsin, who mantra is: Simplify, Simplify! I'm still adding, adding (not stuff, but information and friends). FROM R.I.: Sure, and that's a manner of simplifying.

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Sometimes the solution is simple and people need to feel self-important by applying a complicated confusing solution.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: I love Dr. Seuss. Did you know the new Horton Hears a Who also comes with a Bible study? Actually, I think you have to purchase it separately. I plan to get it for my grandsons. That's my simple answer today!

FROM MOLINER LIZ: Is Dr. Seuss a real doctor? Quite simply, no. FROM JACK: He's not a real doctor, is a tag line from a snippet that used to be heard on NPR about offbeat scientific questions. Dr. Science (He's not a real doctor) would give crazy answers. It's not on in Detroit anymore, but you can Google, "Doctor Science."

FROM MOLINER C.F.: Dr, Seuss used nonsense to a great advantage. Made you think, didn't he?

FROM L.P. IN MI: I like today's quote. It's a premise I've tried to hold onto with my dissertation.

FROM G.C. IN SAN DIEGO: Dr. Suess is such a real doctor that a world famous library is named after him namely...the Geisel Library on the Univ of CA SD campus. Your friend George is there probably 3-4 times a wk. Now I know naming a library after you may not make you a real doctor...but then, maybe it does. It takes all kinds of doctors to make the world turn.

Winning Words 3/4/09
“All the flowers of tomorrow are in the seeds of today.” (Chinese Proverb) Yesterday’s quote was about optimism. Today, we’re reminded that the seed, which appears to be dead, has a flower locked inside. Could it be that way with an economy that seems lifeless, or a personal problem that seems to have no obvious solution? Some seeds were discovered in an ancient Egyptian pyramid. As I recall, they were planted and wheat was produced. Don’t give up. ;-) Jack

FROM A.P. IN MI: I remember you and I had this conversation years ago regarding our confirmed students then not attending church anymore. You responded with this thought. You never know when the seed will take. I have persevered many times based on that conversation. FROM JACK: I've seen it happen too many times, so I try never to give up on anyone. Someone recently said to me, "You never gave up on me." That made my day.

FROM M.V. IN MI: This is great analogy and very appropriate for the Easter season. Thanks!

FROM CLASSMATE, P.B.: I"ve always liked that idea, Jack - - I think it has something to say regarding the Resurrection.

FROM MOLINER LIZ: Stocks are at bargain basement prices. Time to buy. It's during times likes these that the smart shopper can make "winning" investments. Today's seeds grow into tomorrow's profits. JACK'S REPLY: There's a problem. Sometimes I can't tell the seeds of a weed from the seeds of a flower.

FROM M.F. IN MI: I really liked this one.

FROM MOLINER C.F.: The seeds won't sprout unless watered. In this case the water has to be faith.

FROM P.H. IN MN: how true, how true... FROM JACK: I'm sure you have stories of people that you've never given up on, as do I...but God's stories are better than ours.

FROM CJL IN OH: We can't, if the faith means anything...

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: One of my favorite songs..."In a bulb there is a flower, in a seed an apple tree, in cocoons a hidden promise, butterflies will soon be free"......

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: You are correct pastor: “The seeds of today are not being planted deep enough and allowed time to grow; we are seeking shallow, impatient, unsustainable, dare I say—insane solutions for the economy. Americans and the pied pipers in DC are trying to reap where they have not sown.” BTW my book Good Debt, Bad Debt is the featured book at Columbus Metropolitan Library for National Consumer Protection Week. JACK'S REPLY: I'm reminded of the little boy who was given a seed to plant, and he was told to expect a flower. Nothing seemed to sprout. Come to find out, each night he was digging up the seed to see how it was doing. Sometimes we are not patient enough to let things germinate and grow in God's good time.

Winning Words 3/3/09
“Being an optimist after you’ve got everything you want, doesn’t count.” Ken Hubbard) I’m off to attend my weekly Optimist Club meeting today. Hubbard’s quote causes me to wonder if I should really belong to that club. I’d probably have to give up church, too, if it meant being totally consistent in my beliefs. I guess that life, for all of us, is a combination of consistency and inconsistency. I’m still going to look on the sunny side of everything. How about you? ;-) Jack

FROM S.G. IN TAMPA: Absolutely, yes.

FROM M.L. IN IL: it's the sidewalk i choose!

FROM C.S. IN MI: I still have the Optimist Creed "plaque" you gave me sitting on my computer desk!!!

FROM N.L. IN FLORIDA: TRUE

FROM A.M. IN MI: Absolutely. I am generally optimistic. I am more frequently torn by my anger at some situations with individuals and my trying to do the right thing, set an example. One of my son's is dealing with a personal problem. I felt great pride when he said he was not going to handle the situation with hardness in his heart.

FROM MOLINER G.S.: Remember that WJR radio program, Sunny Side Of The Street? Used to listen to it when we lived in northern Ohio.

FROM L.K. IN OHIO: If one holds to Christ, and for the rest, be totally uncommitted......there's the real ground of and for optimism, right?

FROM EMT SINGS IN MI: definitely!

FROM MOLINER C.F.: "Grab your coat and get your hat........." FROM JACK: You left out the most important part...."leave your worries on the doorstep (God's doorstep)."

FROM P.H. IN AZ GOING TO MN: its easy see the sunny side of everything when you are in sunny AZ for a month. 87 here yesterday. but, alas, we fly home this afternoon to the snow and cold. but that is okay too. i like all the seasons of the year. hope you are well today, my friend.

FROM J.C. IN HONG KONG: Let me take you by the handAnd lead you through the streets of LondonI will show you something to make you change your mind. Have you seen the old man in a closed down market,Kicking up the papers with his worn out shoes?In his eyes you'll see no pride and, held loosely by his sideAre yesterday's papers, telling yesterday's news. And how can ya' tell me that you're lonelyOr say that for you the sun won't shine?Let me take you by the handAnd lead you through the streets of LondonI will show you something to make you change your mind. And have you seen that old girl who walks the streets of LondonWith the dirt in her hair and her clothes in rags?She's no time for talking; she just keeps right on a-walkin',Carryin' her home in two carrier bags. And how can ya' tell me that you're lonelyOr say that for you the sun won't shine?Let me take you by the handAnd lead you through the streets of LondonI will show you something to make you change your mind. In that all-night cafe at a quarter past elevenThe same old man sitting there on his ownLooking at the world over the rim of his tea cupEach tea lasts an hour then he wanders home alone. And how can ya' tell me that you're lonelyOr say that for you the sun won't shine?Let me take you by the handAnd lead you through the streets of LondonI will show you something to make you change your mind. And have you seen that old man outside the seaman's missionHis memory fading like the ribbons that he wears?Yes, and in this winter city, the rain cries a little pityFor one more forgotten hero in a world that doesn't care. And how can ya' tell me that you're lonelyOr say that for you the sun won't shine?Let me take you by the handAnd lead you through the streets of LondonI will show you something to make you change your mind.
Ralph McTell [b.1944] in Famborough, Kent, UK. First recorded on McTell's album Spiral Staircase, 1969
This variant arranged and recorded by Ryan's Fancy (Looking Back, ©1972, Audat Records).

FROM JACK: Try this link for the above set to music. http://www.wtv-zone.com/phyrst/audio/nfld/11/london.htm

FROM CJL IN OHIO: I'm a Kiwanian. Our motto is "We Build". I guess that's OK. At least I've been one for 50yrs and haven't found anything that would make me give it up. Maybe being the present president has something to do with that.....

FROM P.O. IN THE HOLY LAND: Guilty of being the original 'cock-eyed optimist'.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Yep....I look on the sunnyside but that doesn't mean there isn't a dark side too....I just don't go there often.

FROM D.P. IN WI: i'm with you. it's always warmer on the sunny side of the street...

Winning Words 3/2/09
“When we walk by faith…we see windows instead of walls.” (Tom White) Sometimes there are occasions when life closes in on us. During such frightening times, we need to look and see. Ah, there it is.. a window.. with a sign above it, reading: Faith. And it opens from the inside, too. Faith can mean different things to different people, but it has a miraculous way of letting us see situations with a new perspective. ;-) Jack

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Bill Gates saw Windows; instead of dos. FROM JACK: See, it works!

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Our family's faith is so important to us....we talk all the time about it. It's so important to always grow and learn because faith does allow us to see through the walls!

FROM CJL IN OH: Stories are described as "windows" to show us what is meant. They are not meant as "motivations". I guess that's where faith comes in. It opens what is meant.

FROM L.K. IN OH: Yet again.....AMEN!

FROM MOLINER C.F.: I prefer to see faith as a door I can walk through. windows are for looking.

FROM EMT SINGS IN MI: I really enjoyed this message. I have found it so true as I have been on this journey with my Mother.

FROM P.O. IN THE HOLY LAND: Thank you, thank you, thank you!

FROM S.S. IN MI: Thank you, with seemingly an endless amount of gloomy news these days I look forward to your WW. The open window touched a "happy" note for me.