Winning Words 9/30/09
“What you possess in the world will be found at the day of your death to belong to someone else. But what you are will be yours forever.” (Henry Van Dyke) People on The Antiques Roadshow, often bring in quite valuable things that once belonged to a deceased relative. “If grandma only knew…” It bears repeating: “I’ve never seen a hearse pulling a U-Haul trailer.” The life we live is far more important than the stuff we own. Let’s think about what we want to pass on to our survivors. ;-) Jack
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: Trying to live each day, telling people I love them, thanking them and telling God how thankful I am for them, reconciling where it's necessary, forgiving, asking for forgiveness, when I die I hope I don't leave anyone with a pile of guilt and years of unresolved grief. Hope they are genuinely thankful I've died.
FROM JACK: ...not that you have died, but that you have lived!
FROM PRJS IN MICHIGAN: There is one material possession that seems to defy this law....."American Express Travelers Cheques: Good Forever." FROM JACK: Put the card in the casket.
FROM CJL IN OHIO: "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches......" FROM JACK: And yours is one of the good ones.
FROM MOLINER CF: That's interesting: A hearse towing a Hertz
FROM CS IN WISCONSIN: This is an awesome quote!!!! I’m so glad we downsized by half of what we had in IL…haven’t missed anything yet. I’m know we could pare down some more and not miss it either…our kids don’t know what to do with the “treasures” they’ve already received from grandparents, let alone what will come when we are gone.
FROM SG IN TAMPA: I have never been too interested in "stuff." In fact, I literally hate to shop, unlike all of my friends and family.But I did write the book a few years ago, The Guffeys and the De Taeyes, which I gave to our five children and five older grandchildren. Now I am having to two copies reprinted for my two thirteen year old granddaughters. So, in the dedication I wrote that the 66 page book Is to help my children and grandchildren to "know the history of your family which came to this country to start a new life, to worship God as they wished, and to help to build a great country." After a brief synopsis it continues "to help you count the blessings of parents and grandparents who have taught you to be the best person that you can be, to develop the talents and gifts that God has given to you, to know the difference between right and wrong, to be a good citizen. to be a loving, kind, helpful, fair, and generous person, and to help you get to Heaven.
FROM PRPH IN MINNESOTA: widsom indeed! if only the world believed it!
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Very timely as we try to deal with Gary's mom's possessions. She lived simply and had just enough. It's the way I want to be. Just enough! Our treasures have been given away already...with the exception of my scrapbooking albums. I want to be known by who I was...not what I had.
FROM PRAW IN ILLINOIS: Jack.....this is a grand reminder. Just this week, we made pre-funeral arrangements and feel the clock ticking. We look around our home and realize that what we have is for our convenience. We doubt that any of our children or their family is going to find much of interest to them. No antiques, just worn stuff. But we hope and pray that what we tried to share of our faith has taken root in their lives and will bear fruit now and forever. Heaven looks more promising every day., especially as our health declines and so do our abilities.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Winning Words 9/29/09
“A will finds a way.” (Orison Swett Marden) Marden is the father of the modern “Success Movement,” preceding Peale, Schuller, Mandino, and the like. He founded Success magazine in 1897. Some of his writings: You Can, But Will You?; Not The Salary, But The Opportunity; Optimism. In my life, I’ve discovered that roadblocks are not necessarily negatives. New roads can have interesting landscapes. ;-) Jack
FROM ML IN ILLINOIS: that's just what made that little old ant think he'd move that rubber tree plant! that and high hopes! FROM JACK: Once in awhile an OOPS, but continuing on with high hopes.
FROM PRJS IN MICHIGAN: Would you include Joel Osteen as a part of that movement? FROM JACK: Joel Osteen is an interesting and complex individual, as are we all. I've listened to and read some of his stuff. I don't happen to name him to the Success Movement team (maybe in the minor leagues).
FROMN GOOD DEBT JON: I have read most of Marden’s 69 books. I bought most of them on eBay or Abebooks.com Some of them are worth several hundred dollars. He wrote his first book at age 46 inspired by Samuel Smiles 1859 book Self Help. He lived well but never became wealthy. He left a legacy that has lasted far beyond mere money though. His books are reprinted still today in many countries including here. List of Marden books and short bio: http://gooddebt.com/marden/ His original books are sought as collector items. His first book Pushing to the Front sold millions and is fairly common others like Do It to A Finish had small runs are extremely rare. I first read Marden (sitting at the counter at Bob Evans). I can still recall the oddly intoxicating scent of 108 year old book and could not get over how it seemed like he was speaking right to me, my situation, he knew my needs. That’s the kind of writing I wanted to create. Will anything we write today be
useful to people 100 years from now? You can read Orison Swett Marden today and apply it today. As I often say, “Carnegie may have built libraries, but Marden made them worth going to.” FROM JACK: I wonder where Smiles got his "Self-Help" inspiration? We stand tall, because we stand on the soulders of giants.
FROM EMT SINGS IN MICHIGAN: Just have to add my two cents worth! In my collection of things that I have written (and do not have time to look for right now) I know that I have written an essay about having to take a detour and finding interesting things on the alternate route. But in the little time that I have I did find one of my Thoughts For The Day that is kind of pertinent to todays WW: If something happens to slow you down, don't whine about something you can't change anyway. Relax--try to enjoy the slower pace! (Hope that you do not mind my ramblings!) FROM JACK: One of the great things about the blog is that it allows the exchange of ideas, such as yours. Your words show an other interesting path for our thoughts to travel.
FROM MOLINER PHANNING: Positively, Positive Philosophy.
FROM PRPH IN MINNESOTA: you are such a fountain of wisdom!!!
FROM CJL IN OHIO: That's one reason to take "The Road Less Travelled"...scenery FROM JACK: I think I'll read Robert Frost's poem again. THE ROAD NOT TAKEN
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveller, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: When my husband and I went to the Harvest Dinner at the Gleaners downtown, we got a free copy of Yes! Magazine. It says the Yes! theme is "The New Economy: This downturn marks the end of an unsustainable economy. Rather than trying to reinflate the old bubble economy, these activists, visionaries, and upstarts are trying something new: an economy that puts people first and works within the carrying capacity of Mother Earth." One article is about Cleveland and the people building on the city's most
significant assets: the network of health care, higher education, and cultural "anchor institutions" that are a legacy of the city's once-strong manufacturing base."That's certainly very hopeful. The solutions apparently aren't so much in casinos and sports but rather in worker-owned cooperative businesses and communities. Seems like there must be some activists, visionaries and upstarts in Detroit too since they were giving out
free copies of this magazine to all who attended the Dinner. I think there is considerable will too.
“A will finds a way.” (Orison Swett Marden) Marden is the father of the modern “Success Movement,” preceding Peale, Schuller, Mandino, and the like. He founded Success magazine in 1897. Some of his writings: You Can, But Will You?; Not The Salary, But The Opportunity; Optimism. In my life, I’ve discovered that roadblocks are not necessarily negatives. New roads can have interesting landscapes. ;-) Jack
FROM ML IN ILLINOIS: that's just what made that little old ant think he'd move that rubber tree plant! that and high hopes! FROM JACK: Once in awhile an OOPS, but continuing on with high hopes.
FROM PRJS IN MICHIGAN: Would you include Joel Osteen as a part of that movement? FROM JACK: Joel Osteen is an interesting and complex individual, as are we all. I've listened to and read some of his stuff. I don't happen to name him to the Success Movement team (maybe in the minor leagues).
FROMN GOOD DEBT JON: I have read most of Marden’s 69 books. I bought most of them on eBay or Abebooks.com Some of them are worth several hundred dollars. He wrote his first book at age 46 inspired by Samuel Smiles 1859 book Self Help. He lived well but never became wealthy. He left a legacy that has lasted far beyond mere money though. His books are reprinted still today in many countries including here. List of Marden books and short bio: http://gooddebt.com/marden/ His original books are sought as collector items. His first book Pushing to the Front sold millions and is fairly common others like Do It to A Finish had small runs are extremely rare. I first read Marden (sitting at the counter at Bob Evans). I can still recall the oddly intoxicating scent of 108 year old book and could not get over how it seemed like he was speaking right to me, my situation, he knew my needs. That’s the kind of writing I wanted to create. Will anything we write today be
useful to people 100 years from now? You can read Orison Swett Marden today and apply it today. As I often say, “Carnegie may have built libraries, but Marden made them worth going to.” FROM JACK: I wonder where Smiles got his "Self-Help" inspiration? We stand tall, because we stand on the soulders of giants.
FROM EMT SINGS IN MICHIGAN: Just have to add my two cents worth! In my collection of things that I have written (and do not have time to look for right now) I know that I have written an essay about having to take a detour and finding interesting things on the alternate route. But in the little time that I have I did find one of my Thoughts For The Day that is kind of pertinent to todays WW: If something happens to slow you down, don't whine about something you can't change anyway. Relax--try to enjoy the slower pace! (Hope that you do not mind my ramblings!) FROM JACK: One of the great things about the blog is that it allows the exchange of ideas, such as yours. Your words show an other interesting path for our thoughts to travel.
FROM MOLINER PHANNING: Positively, Positive Philosophy.
FROM PRPH IN MINNESOTA: you are such a fountain of wisdom!!!
FROM CJL IN OHIO: That's one reason to take "The Road Less Travelled"...scenery FROM JACK: I think I'll read Robert Frost's poem again. THE ROAD NOT TAKEN
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveller, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: When my husband and I went to the Harvest Dinner at the Gleaners downtown, we got a free copy of Yes! Magazine. It says the Yes! theme is "The New Economy: This downturn marks the end of an unsustainable economy. Rather than trying to reinflate the old bubble economy, these activists, visionaries, and upstarts are trying something new: an economy that puts people first and works within the carrying capacity of Mother Earth." One article is about Cleveland and the people building on the city's most
significant assets: the network of health care, higher education, and cultural "anchor institutions" that are a legacy of the city's once-strong manufacturing base."That's certainly very hopeful. The solutions apparently aren't so much in casinos and sports but rather in worker-owned cooperative businesses and communities. Seems like there must be some activists, visionaries and upstarts in Detroit too since they were giving out
free copies of this magazine to all who attended the Dinner. I think there is considerable will too.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Winning Words 9/28/09
“Since nobody’s perfect, how good is good enough?” (Andy Stanley) A.S.’s book explores the question: What does it take to get to heaven?” What’s your theory? How much goodness, if any, is needed? Martin Luther said that three things will surprise him when he gets to heaven: some will be there who he didn’t expect to see; some will not be there who he did expect; and most surprising of all…he will be there. ;-) Jack
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Heaven is not ours by what we do. But by God's Grace and accepting his free offer of everlasting life. We do not enter heaven by doing, but by believing. Many say GRACE stands for God's Riches at Christs Expense.
FROM PRJS: You have to be as good as Jesus was....which means no one is good enough....Grace is the only entrant to God's realm...we have to have the sense to say "Yes" to that Grace since we do have the right to say "No"....think Abdiel in Paradise Lost...
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: The Bible, God's Word to us is very clear.....I'm sure you can quote the words if you choose. Thankfully, God is merciful. FROM JACK: Psalm 14:3 They have all gone astray, they are all alike corrupt; there is none that does good, no, not one.
FROM CB IN THE PHILIPPINES: I have never gotten into doing Blogs as yet. I have a good quote that i think is very true." Love, Humility and Prayer solve all problems." If we are faithful to love those around us and hunble enought to confess our mistakes when we make one and not let our pride get in the way and then faithful to pray for our loved ones and our seemingly enemies. The World would be a better place. FROM JACK: The Jewish people in our community are observing Yom Kippur, which is much like what you are describing.
FROM MOLINER CF: Heaven is a pretty lofty goal. FROM JACK: "I Got Shoes" Lyrics by Nana Mouskouri
I got a song you got a song
All of God's children got a song
When I get to Heaven
Gonna sing my song
Gonna sing all over God's Heaven
Ain't going there Heaven Heaven
I'm gonna sing all over God's Heaven
I got a harp you got a harp
All of God's children got a harp
When I get to Heaven
Gonna play my harp
I'm gonna play all over God's Heaven
Heaven Heaven
Everybody's talking about Heaven
Ain't going there Heaven Heaven
I'm gonna play all over God's Heaven
I got a robe you got a robe
All of God's children got a robe
When I get to Heaven
Gonna put on my robe
I'm gonna shout all over God's Heaven
Heaven Heaven
Everybody's talking about Heaven
Ain't going there Heaven Heaven
I'm gonna shout all over God's Heaven
I got a wings you got a wings
All of God's children got a wings
When I get to Heaven
Gonna open my wings
I'm gonna fly all over God's Heaven
Heaven Heaven
Everybody's talking about Heaven
Ain't going there Heaven Heaven
I'm gonna fly all over God's Heaven
I got shoes you got shoes
All of God's children got shoes
When I get to Heaven
Gonna put on my shoes
I'm gonna walk all over God's Heaven
Heaven Heaven
Everybody's talking about Heaven
Ain't going there Heaven Heaven
I'm gonna walk all over God's Heaven
I got a harp you got a harp
All of God's children got a harp
When I get to Heaven
Gonna play my harp
I'm gonna play all over God's Heaven
Heaven Heaven
Everybody's talking about Heaven
Ain't going there Heaven Heaven
I'm gonna play all over God's Heaven
I got a song you got a song
All of God's children got a song
When I get to Heaven
Gonna sing my song
Gonna sing all over God's Heaven
Ain't going there Heaven Heaven
I'm gonna sing all over God's Heaven
FROM MS IN MINNESOTA: Wow—If Martin Luther has doubts, what does that say for the rest of us!!! FROM JACK: I think that he's simply saying that heaven isn't something that we deserve; it's a gift from God, beyond what he deserves.
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: I know my grubby thinking; it can never be good enough. Pretty crappy actually. But what gives me the greatest comfort and peace is I believe so strongly that God knows all my grubby thinking and, as long as that's the case, I also believe I have a chance as He melts me, molds me, fills me and uses me. My theory is it's all about God and what He is doing here that is going to get me to heaven. Trying to be faithful and not fall away, not let the belief/theory be shaken. FROM JACK: Regarding heaven? Yes, it's all
about God.
FROM EMT SINGS IN MICHIGAN" Left to my own devices I am lost, I'm afraid. I am depending on a whole lot of grace! FROM JACK: You and I and Luther are in the same boat.
FROM DS IN SAN DIEGO: Jack, this is one of the things we discuss quite often in our men's Bible Study group. I hope I surprise a lot of people by being there. FROM JACK: I think that "heaven" will reveal many surprises. What if it were more like Detroit than San Diego?
FROM SG IN TAMPA: Trying to be perfect might be a good start. By the way. that was very interesting a few days ago when you described how you started to save your winning words. I am so glad that you did as they are always thought provoking. Thanks for including me. MORE FROM SG: Another reply to that question. Everyone has the free will to decide how they want to live their lives. Last week we went to a going away party for a young man who is a friend of one of my grandsons who is entering the Trappist Monastery in Kentucky tomorrow. In the early 50's I knew a fellow from Moline who went there. That is when I read Seven Storey Mountain. FROM JACK: I might last a week as a Trappist. BTW, I wonder if using the computer counts against the vow of silence. BTW AGAIN: I read yesterday about a girl could neither hear nor speak. When she wanted to ignore them, she'd just close her eyes. True story!
“Since nobody’s perfect, how good is good enough?” (Andy Stanley) A.S.’s book explores the question: What does it take to get to heaven?” What’s your theory? How much goodness, if any, is needed? Martin Luther said that three things will surprise him when he gets to heaven: some will be there who he didn’t expect to see; some will not be there who he did expect; and most surprising of all…he will be there. ;-) Jack
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Heaven is not ours by what we do. But by God's Grace and accepting his free offer of everlasting life. We do not enter heaven by doing, but by believing. Many say GRACE stands for God's Riches at Christs Expense.
FROM PRJS: You have to be as good as Jesus was....which means no one is good enough....Grace is the only entrant to God's realm...we have to have the sense to say "Yes" to that Grace since we do have the right to say "No"....think Abdiel in Paradise Lost...
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: The Bible, God's Word to us is very clear.....I'm sure you can quote the words if you choose. Thankfully, God is merciful. FROM JACK: Psalm 14:3 They have all gone astray, they are all alike corrupt; there is none that does good, no, not one.
FROM CB IN THE PHILIPPINES: I have never gotten into doing Blogs as yet. I have a good quote that i think is very true." Love, Humility and Prayer solve all problems." If we are faithful to love those around us and hunble enought to confess our mistakes when we make one and not let our pride get in the way and then faithful to pray for our loved ones and our seemingly enemies. The World would be a better place. FROM JACK: The Jewish people in our community are observing Yom Kippur, which is much like what you are describing.
FROM MOLINER CF: Heaven is a pretty lofty goal. FROM JACK: "I Got Shoes" Lyrics by Nana Mouskouri
I got a song you got a song
All of God's children got a song
When I get to Heaven
Gonna sing my song
Gonna sing all over God's Heaven
Ain't going there Heaven Heaven
I'm gonna sing all over God's Heaven
I got a harp you got a harp
All of God's children got a harp
When I get to Heaven
Gonna play my harp
I'm gonna play all over God's Heaven
Heaven Heaven
Everybody's talking about Heaven
Ain't going there Heaven Heaven
I'm gonna play all over God's Heaven
I got a robe you got a robe
All of God's children got a robe
When I get to Heaven
Gonna put on my robe
I'm gonna shout all over God's Heaven
Heaven Heaven
Everybody's talking about Heaven
Ain't going there Heaven Heaven
I'm gonna shout all over God's Heaven
I got a wings you got a wings
All of God's children got a wings
When I get to Heaven
Gonna open my wings
I'm gonna fly all over God's Heaven
Heaven Heaven
Everybody's talking about Heaven
Ain't going there Heaven Heaven
I'm gonna fly all over God's Heaven
I got shoes you got shoes
All of God's children got shoes
When I get to Heaven
Gonna put on my shoes
I'm gonna walk all over God's Heaven
Heaven Heaven
Everybody's talking about Heaven
Ain't going there Heaven Heaven
I'm gonna walk all over God's Heaven
I got a harp you got a harp
All of God's children got a harp
When I get to Heaven
Gonna play my harp
I'm gonna play all over God's Heaven
Heaven Heaven
Everybody's talking about Heaven
Ain't going there Heaven Heaven
I'm gonna play all over God's Heaven
I got a song you got a song
All of God's children got a song
When I get to Heaven
Gonna sing my song
Gonna sing all over God's Heaven
Ain't going there Heaven Heaven
I'm gonna sing all over God's Heaven
FROM MS IN MINNESOTA: Wow—If Martin Luther has doubts, what does that say for the rest of us!!! FROM JACK: I think that he's simply saying that heaven isn't something that we deserve; it's a gift from God, beyond what he deserves.
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: I know my grubby thinking; it can never be good enough. Pretty crappy actually. But what gives me the greatest comfort and peace is I believe so strongly that God knows all my grubby thinking and, as long as that's the case, I also believe I have a chance as He melts me, molds me, fills me and uses me. My theory is it's all about God and what He is doing here that is going to get me to heaven. Trying to be faithful and not fall away, not let the belief/theory be shaken. FROM JACK: Regarding heaven? Yes, it's all
about God.
FROM EMT SINGS IN MICHIGAN" Left to my own devices I am lost, I'm afraid. I am depending on a whole lot of grace! FROM JACK: You and I and Luther are in the same boat.
FROM DS IN SAN DIEGO: Jack, this is one of the things we discuss quite often in our men's Bible Study group. I hope I surprise a lot of people by being there. FROM JACK: I think that "heaven" will reveal many surprises. What if it were more like Detroit than San Diego?
FROM SG IN TAMPA: Trying to be perfect might be a good start. By the way. that was very interesting a few days ago when you described how you started to save your winning words. I am so glad that you did as they are always thought provoking. Thanks for including me. MORE FROM SG: Another reply to that question. Everyone has the free will to decide how they want to live their lives. Last week we went to a going away party for a young man who is a friend of one of my grandsons who is entering the Trappist Monastery in Kentucky tomorrow. In the early 50's I knew a fellow from Moline who went there. That is when I read Seven Storey Mountain. FROM JACK: I might last a week as a Trappist. BTW, I wonder if using the computer counts against the vow of silence. BTW AGAIN: I read yesterday about a girl could neither hear nor speak. When she wanted to ignore them, she'd just close her eyes. True story!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Winning Words 9/25/09
“Never compare your inside with somebody else’s outside.” (Hugh MacLeod) This talented individual is able to take a few scribbles and a few words and make a profound impact. Today’s quote is an example of his talent. Why are we so obsessed with comparing ourselves to others, not knowing the whole story? Like Popeye said: “I yam what I yam and that’s all that I yam.” ;-) Jack
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: My question is, we have all this diversity among us of amount of wealth, how can we show our insides which are caring so much for others less fortunate, in a way so the world can see our insides outside, even though we have material wealth others don't have, that the world can see that we care. What talk, actions will do that the best, what line of reasoning? FROM JACK: Ah there's the rub.
FROM MOLINE G.S.: Humans are comparative. If a neighbor here has only 1 car and his neighbors have 2 cars he might feel he is in poverty. But if he was living in rural Sudan he would feel very rich. Comparative. Not right, but that's how we tend to be. FROM JACK: So, are we content to let it be that way, or do we work for positive change, starting with ourselves? You're enough of an entrepreneur to know that is possible to effect change.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: We try to walk with our insides showing so that they are readable from the outside. Doesn't always work, but we try...that' what a true Christ-following Christian is called to do. FROM JACK: I don't everyone seeing what I'm feeling on the inside. Houses have shades. Sometimes they're up; sometimes they're down. FROM MOLINER CF: Liked your response to Outhouse Judy. We don't heed to bare our soul every moment of every day. That's why they coined the word "privacy."
FROM DEB: LOVE that one!!!
FROM EMT SINGS IN MICHIGAN: Like I always say: Be yourself, who else is better qualified? FROM JACK: What you see is what you get.....sometimes.
FROM L IN ILLINOIS: I don't compare myself to others. We all have our strengths and our weaknesses, and it all pretty much evens out in the end.
FROM DK IN GULL LAKE: I love that one!!! I have a friend who gets Winning Words from someone else who forwards them to her. Crazy, huh?
FROM CA FROM MICHIGAN: Glad to hear from Popeye out of my past.
“Never compare your inside with somebody else’s outside.” (Hugh MacLeod) This talented individual is able to take a few scribbles and a few words and make a profound impact. Today’s quote is an example of his talent. Why are we so obsessed with comparing ourselves to others, not knowing the whole story? Like Popeye said: “I yam what I yam and that’s all that I yam.” ;-) Jack
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: My question is, we have all this diversity among us of amount of wealth, how can we show our insides which are caring so much for others less fortunate, in a way so the world can see our insides outside, even though we have material wealth others don't have, that the world can see that we care. What talk, actions will do that the best, what line of reasoning? FROM JACK: Ah there's the rub.
FROM MOLINE G.S.: Humans are comparative. If a neighbor here has only 1 car and his neighbors have 2 cars he might feel he is in poverty. But if he was living in rural Sudan he would feel very rich. Comparative. Not right, but that's how we tend to be. FROM JACK: So, are we content to let it be that way, or do we work for positive change, starting with ourselves? You're enough of an entrepreneur to know that is possible to effect change.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: We try to walk with our insides showing so that they are readable from the outside. Doesn't always work, but we try...that' what a true Christ-following Christian is called to do. FROM JACK: I don't everyone seeing what I'm feeling on the inside. Houses have shades. Sometimes they're up; sometimes they're down. FROM MOLINER CF: Liked your response to Outhouse Judy. We don't heed to bare our soul every moment of every day. That's why they coined the word "privacy."
FROM DEB: LOVE that one!!!
FROM EMT SINGS IN MICHIGAN: Like I always say: Be yourself, who else is better qualified? FROM JACK: What you see is what you get.....sometimes.
FROM L IN ILLINOIS: I don't compare myself to others. We all have our strengths and our weaknesses, and it all pretty much evens out in the end.
FROM DK IN GULL LAKE: I love that one!!! I have a friend who gets Winning Words from someone else who forwards them to her. Crazy, huh?
FROM CA FROM MICHIGAN: Glad to hear from Popeye out of my past.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Winning Words 9/24/09
“An apology is a good way to have the last word.” (From the cigar box) Many years ago, when I began collecting Winning Words, I kept them in a cigar box. The box has disappeared, but I came across this quote rescued from the box. Not everything that is old is out of date. Apologies still make the news. I like the definition: A word of regret. We all say regrettable things from time to time, don’t we? ;-) Jack
FROM MKH IN MICHIGAN: An Apology is always the best way to have the last word, it is a lot like confession if it us pure it wipes the slate clean gives it to God and gives the opportunity to move on. Its done let it go, try harder!! Often an Apology is the best way even if you were not wrong if it heals wounds. FROM JACK: Not accepting an apology is a problem, too...another way of having the last word. I like the comparison with confession.
FROM LG IN MICHIGAN: That's a good one, Jack! I'm glad you found it! I've never found it difficult to say I'm sorry. It is a very natural thing for me. But I've known others who find apologizing to be nearly impossible. I've seen the walls this creates in their lives...I wish they could feel the joy of unburdening themselves with guilt! FROM JACK: I'm wondering (not contradicting)...Is an apology more meaningful if it's hard to do?
FROM PRJS IN MICHIGAN: An apology is often the key to a good relationship...no one is going to live without doing things that demand an apology. FROM JACK: Yes, all have sinned...and fallen short of perfection. The old Augustana Service of Confession begins: "We poor, miserable sinners...." How's that for a way to
begin the Sunday morning worship service?
FROM MOLINER CF: Cigar boxes are cool. I had one full of marbles. Wish I had it today. It would be worth a box on wheels from Germany.
MORE FROM CF: Speaking of your WW today. I was at the lunch counter of Hickey Brothers at the corner of Brady and Second Street in Davenport one day and got up to go pay my check. As I turned to head toward the cash register, I bumped in to a coat tree with something hanging on it. "oops. Excuse me." Boy did I feel foolish. So I guess you have to be careful even when you apologize.
FROM L IN ILLINOIS: Apologies are a lost art. FROM JACK: I guess that it depends. Sometimes it's just between two people and others don't know about it. I sometimes I've read about someone in a courtroom apologizing to families who are grieving. Who's to just if an apology is sincere? Your responses usually cause me to think.
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: That wasn't true for Joe Wilson. FROM JACK: I don't presume to know the mind of Joe, or of anyone who makes an apology. Also, I don't know that a regret is the same as an apology. I suppose that the two can go together.
FROM PRFM IN WISCONSIN: Too bad you lost the cigar box . . . we lost a pill box over the weekend, but that doesn't measure up to the loss you have had. FROM JACK: The box was only a container. A good thought for the funeral that I will conduct tomorrow. I still remember stuff that the box contained....."Worry is like putting today's sun behind tomorrow's cloud....A committee is a group of people who talk for hours to produce a result known as minutes....A narrow mind and a wide mouth often go together....Church members, like autos, usually start missing before they quit."
FROM PRFM IN WISCONSIN: I once thought that my mother lived though a 'lot of history'. She was born in 1888, and died in 1992. But if I live much longer, I'll probably see more change and 'progress' then she lived through. Her world changed from horse and buggy to the jet plane and space travel. I thinking of the change in the last 20 years from early cell phones to Blackberrys etc., for one example. FROM JACK: Never would she have dreamed of throwing a pass at Lambeau Field on a day when the Packers played. And an African American president, too.
“An apology is a good way to have the last word.” (From the cigar box) Many years ago, when I began collecting Winning Words, I kept them in a cigar box. The box has disappeared, but I came across this quote rescued from the box. Not everything that is old is out of date. Apologies still make the news. I like the definition: A word of regret. We all say regrettable things from time to time, don’t we? ;-) Jack
FROM MKH IN MICHIGAN: An Apology is always the best way to have the last word, it is a lot like confession if it us pure it wipes the slate clean gives it to God and gives the opportunity to move on. Its done let it go, try harder!! Often an Apology is the best way even if you were not wrong if it heals wounds. FROM JACK: Not accepting an apology is a problem, too...another way of having the last word. I like the comparison with confession.
FROM LG IN MICHIGAN: That's a good one, Jack! I'm glad you found it! I've never found it difficult to say I'm sorry. It is a very natural thing for me. But I've known others who find apologizing to be nearly impossible. I've seen the walls this creates in their lives...I wish they could feel the joy of unburdening themselves with guilt! FROM JACK: I'm wondering (not contradicting)...Is an apology more meaningful if it's hard to do?
FROM PRJS IN MICHIGAN: An apology is often the key to a good relationship...no one is going to live without doing things that demand an apology. FROM JACK: Yes, all have sinned...and fallen short of perfection. The old Augustana Service of Confession begins: "We poor, miserable sinners...." How's that for a way to
begin the Sunday morning worship service?
FROM MOLINER CF: Cigar boxes are cool. I had one full of marbles. Wish I had it today. It would be worth a box on wheels from Germany.
MORE FROM CF: Speaking of your WW today. I was at the lunch counter of Hickey Brothers at the corner of Brady and Second Street in Davenport one day and got up to go pay my check. As I turned to head toward the cash register, I bumped in to a coat tree with something hanging on it. "oops. Excuse me." Boy did I feel foolish. So I guess you have to be careful even when you apologize.
FROM L IN ILLINOIS: Apologies are a lost art. FROM JACK: I guess that it depends. Sometimes it's just between two people and others don't know about it. I sometimes I've read about someone in a courtroom apologizing to families who are grieving. Who's to just if an apology is sincere? Your responses usually cause me to think.
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: That wasn't true for Joe Wilson. FROM JACK: I don't presume to know the mind of Joe, or of anyone who makes an apology. Also, I don't know that a regret is the same as an apology. I suppose that the two can go together.
FROM PRFM IN WISCONSIN: Too bad you lost the cigar box . . . we lost a pill box over the weekend, but that doesn't measure up to the loss you have had. FROM JACK: The box was only a container. A good thought for the funeral that I will conduct tomorrow. I still remember stuff that the box contained....."Worry is like putting today's sun behind tomorrow's cloud....A committee is a group of people who talk for hours to produce a result known as minutes....A narrow mind and a wide mouth often go together....Church members, like autos, usually start missing before they quit."
FROM PRFM IN WISCONSIN: I once thought that my mother lived though a 'lot of history'. She was born in 1888, and died in 1992. But if I live much longer, I'll probably see more change and 'progress' then she lived through. Her world changed from horse and buggy to the jet plane and space travel. I thinking of the change in the last 20 years from early cell phones to Blackberrys etc., for one example. FROM JACK: Never would she have dreamed of throwing a pass at Lambeau Field on a day when the Packers played. And an African American president, too.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Winning Words 9/23/09
“History never looks like history when you’re living through it.” (John Gardner) I don’t know whether you realize it or not, but we’re living through some pretty significant times. Space exploration, electronic gadgetry, Vietnam, Civil Rights movement, atomic bomb, WW 2, social security, Great Depression…past history. But the last couple of years are current history. And we were (are) there. Exciting! ;-) Jack
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: I think the breaking down of barriers between the denominations is really something astonishing during this last 50 years. And it is one place where history doesn't look like history because I think we're getting so used to thinking about church differently that we almost can't remember a time when there was such rancor and dissension between the different parts of the Church over theology. This is from my simple laywoman's perspective, maybe to Pastors it looks different. FROM JACK: From a simple pastor's perspective, I think you're right.
FROM PRJS IN MICHIGAN: A complete remake of American Industry is going on under our noses. I see that FISKER AUTOMOTIVE just got a $582 million loan. It will be a "new" auto company in the Detroit area. When was the last time we saw a new auto company here? Alternative energy is spawning a lot of new industry. It is like the 70s which were another down time in American history. It is spawning a new
birth.....exciting, at least to me. Perhaps the church will go thru a significant change....it is certainly a downtime there. FROM JACK: I happen to think that the Church is spawning a new birth, too...knowing that you probably won't agree with me on this.
FROM MV IN MICHIGAN: Our minister’s sermon last Sunday was about the prophet Jeremiah and the hard times he was facing. I’m paraphrasing but he was facing a war against his cousin that was tearing their country apart and yet he made a leap of faith and bought a field. This was used in the context of the times we face now. Other examples were used such as college graduates in 1932 selling apples on street corners and during World War II having to go right into the service. I came out of college in 1980 and worked for my father in his jewelry business in Flint when Flint led the nation in unemployment. Talk about tough! Trying to sell jewelry in that environment! Another example he used was a group of people who predicted the end of the world on a certain day in the 20th century and the minister of that church scheduled his wedding on that day! Another leap of faith! I’ll forward the sermon to you when I get a chance. FROM JACK: Sounds like a good sermon, but I like your illustration even better....Trying to sell jewelry during economic hard times seems harder than trying to sell apples on a street corner.
FROM L IN ILLINOIS: And we shall survive this, too! FROM JACK: Reminds me of the Gloria Gaynor song, I Will Survive.
FROM CJL IN OHIO: It's a great time to be alive! Maybe we'll have some impact on a small corner of it!
“History never looks like history when you’re living through it.” (John Gardner) I don’t know whether you realize it or not, but we’re living through some pretty significant times. Space exploration, electronic gadgetry, Vietnam, Civil Rights movement, atomic bomb, WW 2, social security, Great Depression…past history. But the last couple of years are current history. And we were (are) there. Exciting! ;-) Jack
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: I think the breaking down of barriers between the denominations is really something astonishing during this last 50 years. And it is one place where history doesn't look like history because I think we're getting so used to thinking about church differently that we almost can't remember a time when there was such rancor and dissension between the different parts of the Church over theology. This is from my simple laywoman's perspective, maybe to Pastors it looks different. FROM JACK: From a simple pastor's perspective, I think you're right.
FROM PRJS IN MICHIGAN: A complete remake of American Industry is going on under our noses. I see that FISKER AUTOMOTIVE just got a $582 million loan. It will be a "new" auto company in the Detroit area. When was the last time we saw a new auto company here? Alternative energy is spawning a lot of new industry. It is like the 70s which were another down time in American history. It is spawning a new
birth.....exciting, at least to me. Perhaps the church will go thru a significant change....it is certainly a downtime there. FROM JACK: I happen to think that the Church is spawning a new birth, too...knowing that you probably won't agree with me on this.
FROM MV IN MICHIGAN: Our minister’s sermon last Sunday was about the prophet Jeremiah and the hard times he was facing. I’m paraphrasing but he was facing a war against his cousin that was tearing their country apart and yet he made a leap of faith and bought a field. This was used in the context of the times we face now. Other examples were used such as college graduates in 1932 selling apples on street corners and during World War II having to go right into the service. I came out of college in 1980 and worked for my father in his jewelry business in Flint when Flint led the nation in unemployment. Talk about tough! Trying to sell jewelry in that environment! Another example he used was a group of people who predicted the end of the world on a certain day in the 20th century and the minister of that church scheduled his wedding on that day! Another leap of faith! I’ll forward the sermon to you when I get a chance. FROM JACK: Sounds like a good sermon, but I like your illustration even better....Trying to sell jewelry during economic hard times seems harder than trying to sell apples on a street corner.
FROM L IN ILLINOIS: And we shall survive this, too! FROM JACK: Reminds me of the Gloria Gaynor song, I Will Survive.
FROM CJL IN OHIO: It's a great time to be alive! Maybe we'll have some impact on a small corner of it!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Winning Words 9/22/09
“You never wait too long when you wait for something good.” (Swedish Proverb) When I was child, I could hardly wait for cookies to come out of the oven and for the first snowfall. Aging changes our wants. Now, it’s waiting for the last snow; however, I still enjoy waiting for the warm cookies. Can you remember waiting long for something good? Perhaps you’re waiting for something good, even now. ;-) Jack
FROM MKH IN MICHIGAN: It is a delight to watch my nieces and nephews wait for our annual Labor Day trip to Traverse City, as soon as Christmas gets here it is a topic until the fall how many more days to Traverse City? The Adults do too but we wait until July! FROM JACK: I remember reading once about a little girl who kept a diary. On one page she wrote: "Today we went to Amery." She had written it two days before the trip took place, anticipating the excitement of the trip. Anticipation is often part of the fun.
MORE FROM JACK:
Do you remember the ketchup commercial...ANTICIPATION?
Or the song by Carly Simon....
We can never know about the days to come
But we think about them anyway, yay
And I wonder if I'm really with you now
Or just chasin' after some finer day
Anticipation, anticipation
Is makin' me late
Is keepin' me waitin'
And I tell you how easy it feels to be with you
And how right your arms feel around me
But I, I rehearsed those lines just late last night
When I was thinkin' about how right tonight might be
Anticipation, anticipation
Is makin' me late
Is keepin' me waitin'
And tomorrow we might not be together
I'm no prophet and I don't know nature's ways
So I'll try and see into your eyes right now
And stay right here 'cause these are the good old days
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: I have a friend who is needing and wanting to forgive someone who has hurt her very badly. Many of us around her have heard her story over and over these past six years now. Why is it taking so long for peace to come to this friend? "You never wait too long" means something to me. From past experiences with the way God works in our lives, I'm just hoping and praying that all of us in this woman's story too will one day be able also to acknowledge "You never wait too long when you wait for somethng good." FROM JACK: Sometimes we wait so long that it's too late.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Thanksgiving Day was a huge event in my life. My whole family, over 40 would come to my grandma and grandpa's house....we would have everyone gathered for a fun day of Thanksgiving. Down through the years, the location changed and it is now at my house. It is still my favorite family time. Now my sisters and brother and I are the oldest generation and it's so much fun to share the memories and make new ones. FROM JACK: Do you remember a word, "antsy?" It was used by our parents to describe the
excitement by sister and I had when we "couldn't wait" for some event to take place. Another expression was, "Don't get ants in your pants." I wonder if "antsy" would mean anything to today's kids. MORE FROM JUDY: Know it, I still use it. My kids and grandkids know and use the word....
FROM SG IN TAMPA: Graduations and weddings are on the top of my list. FROM JACK: Confirmations are great, too. Four down and two to go. It's good to see the passing of the torch.
FROM BBC IN ILLINOIS: You're the best and we're on the same page with the snow and the cookies.
FROM MOLINER CF: If you want those good cookies sooner, put them in a convection oven. FROM JACK: What kind of an oven is that? We use the old fashioned kind.
“You never wait too long when you wait for something good.” (Swedish Proverb) When I was child, I could hardly wait for cookies to come out of the oven and for the first snowfall. Aging changes our wants. Now, it’s waiting for the last snow; however, I still enjoy waiting for the warm cookies. Can you remember waiting long for something good? Perhaps you’re waiting for something good, even now. ;-) Jack
FROM MKH IN MICHIGAN: It is a delight to watch my nieces and nephews wait for our annual Labor Day trip to Traverse City, as soon as Christmas gets here it is a topic until the fall how many more days to Traverse City? The Adults do too but we wait until July! FROM JACK: I remember reading once about a little girl who kept a diary. On one page she wrote: "Today we went to Amery." She had written it two days before the trip took place, anticipating the excitement of the trip. Anticipation is often part of the fun.
MORE FROM JACK:
Do you remember the ketchup commercial...ANTICIPATION?
Or the song by Carly Simon....
We can never know about the days to come
But we think about them anyway, yay
And I wonder if I'm really with you now
Or just chasin' after some finer day
Anticipation, anticipation
Is makin' me late
Is keepin' me waitin'
And I tell you how easy it feels to be with you
And how right your arms feel around me
But I, I rehearsed those lines just late last night
When I was thinkin' about how right tonight might be
Anticipation, anticipation
Is makin' me late
Is keepin' me waitin'
And tomorrow we might not be together
I'm no prophet and I don't know nature's ways
So I'll try and see into your eyes right now
And stay right here 'cause these are the good old days
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: I have a friend who is needing and wanting to forgive someone who has hurt her very badly. Many of us around her have heard her story over and over these past six years now. Why is it taking so long for peace to come to this friend? "You never wait too long" means something to me. From past experiences with the way God works in our lives, I'm just hoping and praying that all of us in this woman's story too will one day be able also to acknowledge "You never wait too long when you wait for somethng good." FROM JACK: Sometimes we wait so long that it's too late.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Thanksgiving Day was a huge event in my life. My whole family, over 40 would come to my grandma and grandpa's house....we would have everyone gathered for a fun day of Thanksgiving. Down through the years, the location changed and it is now at my house. It is still my favorite family time. Now my sisters and brother and I are the oldest generation and it's so much fun to share the memories and make new ones. FROM JACK: Do you remember a word, "antsy?" It was used by our parents to describe the
excitement by sister and I had when we "couldn't wait" for some event to take place. Another expression was, "Don't get ants in your pants." I wonder if "antsy" would mean anything to today's kids. MORE FROM JUDY: Know it, I still use it. My kids and grandkids know and use the word....
FROM SG IN TAMPA: Graduations and weddings are on the top of my list. FROM JACK: Confirmations are great, too. Four down and two to go. It's good to see the passing of the torch.
FROM BBC IN ILLINOIS: You're the best and we're on the same page with the snow and the cookies.
FROM MOLINER CF: If you want those good cookies sooner, put them in a convection oven. FROM JACK: What kind of an oven is that? We use the old fashioned kind.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Winning Words 9/21/09
“No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up.” (Gloria Starr, Business Consultant) She goes on to say that clothing and personal appearance can send a positive or a negative message. Her views are regularly quoted in the business world. She’s also written an article: “How to project a champagne taste on a beer budget.” Look around you today, starting with the mirror: champagne or beer?” ;-) Jack
FROM MKH IN MICHIGAN: Did you say champagne or beer or Jack?
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Beer today, Dom Pérignon tomorrow...
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: Miriam Woolbert's scripture reading today is from Matthew where Jesus was eating with the tax collectors and sinners and getting criticized for it. I wonder what he was dressed in, was it his carpenter clothes? John the Baptist in his skins. Beer budget message? Personally, I admire Queen Elizabeth's clothing very much. Princes lines, fresh colors, not ever anything dark or even neutral, beautiful blues,
pinks, greens to go with her beautiful silvery gray hair. My ambition is to give other people, particularly disabled or elderly, the option of having clothing designed like Queen Elizabeth's though must say many think Queen Elizabeth is not really very fashionable. I actually think her "message" is not champagne taste or beer budget but, maybe something like carpenter Jesus or John the Baptist, "style setter" taking into account the needs of those she is wanting to be with in a constructive way. From all the biographies I read about her, she has a very strong sense of "duty" and responsibility. Gloria Starr sounds like she has that same sense. FROM JACK: I suppose the first mirrors were reflecting pools. I wonder if Jesus or John the Baptist ever saw their images in such a mirror?Others should know that you, SH, design and sew clothing for the disabled and elderly which is easier to put on and take off, and is stylish, too.
FROM EA IN MICHIGAN: I will get up and dress up but tomorrow I will not show up at Optimist , as we will be on our way to Niagra on the Lake for Shaw plays. Be well and stay well. FROM JACK: When a thing is funny, search it carefully for a hidden truth. George Bernard Shaw
FROM HS IN MICHIGAN: I guess I had better show up! FROM JACK: Better not. No meeting tomorrow.
FROM TL IN MICHIGAN: Jack, great one! I'm going to use it in my meetings this week! FROM JACK: Don't forget to bring a mirror. Champagne and beer are optional.
FROM ML IN ILLINOIS: great ww. sometimes we just have to get over ourselves. my mother-in-law has a similar quote that all four of her boys grew up hearing and we have passed it on to the next generation. It's, "stand up straight, smile, and be pleasant". FROM JACK: There are good mother-in-laws, too! I had one.
FROM AM IN MICHIGAN: I read this a few months ago in Winning Words. I believe it was quoted from 90 year old Brett from Cleveland. I certainly agree with the idea. I have repeated it many times to others quoting Winning Words. FROM JACK: Who said old people don't have sharp eyes? I thought that the quote sounded familiar. Of course, 90-year-old Brett is a fake. "The rest of the story" is that Brett is a 40 or 50-something writer for the Cleveland Plain Dealer, and someone doctored her age on the internet thinking that it would make a more interesting story. It did, and many people copied it as true. It's good, just the same. But I think that I got the source, so give me credit for that.
FROM LK IN OHIO: Thanks...I'm taking this to heart.
FROM CJL IN OHIO: Do you remember the book, :Everything but money"? says the same thing. FROM JACK: Sam Levenson....what a great guy. He had his hand on the pulse of our homes.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: I really don't agree with her message if it's just talking about work. Sometimes you need to get in your comfortable clothes, grab the grandkids and just snuggle. My priorities have never been to impress anyone...just live a good honest life....leave the dressing up and champagne to someone else. FROM JACK: Of course, her message was directed to mainly business people. She probably would have written differently, if it were to grandmas.
FROM MOLINER CF: Very sobering thought. FROM JACK: Yes, I got it.
FROM SG IN TAMPA: Champagne that has aged. FROM JACK: I like that answer.
FROM PH IN MINNESOTA: i like that "hard" lemonade! FROM JACK: A father at Comerica Park in Detroit was arrested for buying hard lemonade and giving it to his little boy. He said that he thought it was just lemonade and didn't know what "hard" meant. Do you know what it means?
“No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up.” (Gloria Starr, Business Consultant) She goes on to say that clothing and personal appearance can send a positive or a negative message. Her views are regularly quoted in the business world. She’s also written an article: “How to project a champagne taste on a beer budget.” Look around you today, starting with the mirror: champagne or beer?” ;-) Jack
FROM MKH IN MICHIGAN: Did you say champagne or beer or Jack?
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Beer today, Dom Pérignon tomorrow...
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: Miriam Woolbert's scripture reading today is from Matthew where Jesus was eating with the tax collectors and sinners and getting criticized for it. I wonder what he was dressed in, was it his carpenter clothes? John the Baptist in his skins. Beer budget message? Personally, I admire Queen Elizabeth's clothing very much. Princes lines, fresh colors, not ever anything dark or even neutral, beautiful blues,
pinks, greens to go with her beautiful silvery gray hair. My ambition is to give other people, particularly disabled or elderly, the option of having clothing designed like Queen Elizabeth's though must say many think Queen Elizabeth is not really very fashionable. I actually think her "message" is not champagne taste or beer budget but, maybe something like carpenter Jesus or John the Baptist, "style setter" taking into account the needs of those she is wanting to be with in a constructive way. From all the biographies I read about her, she has a very strong sense of "duty" and responsibility. Gloria Starr sounds like she has that same sense. FROM JACK: I suppose the first mirrors were reflecting pools. I wonder if Jesus or John the Baptist ever saw their images in such a mirror?Others should know that you, SH, design and sew clothing for the disabled and elderly which is easier to put on and take off, and is stylish, too.
FROM EA IN MICHIGAN: I will get up and dress up but tomorrow I will not show up at Optimist , as we will be on our way to Niagra on the Lake for Shaw plays. Be well and stay well. FROM JACK: When a thing is funny, search it carefully for a hidden truth. George Bernard Shaw
FROM HS IN MICHIGAN: I guess I had better show up! FROM JACK: Better not. No meeting tomorrow.
FROM TL IN MICHIGAN: Jack, great one! I'm going to use it in my meetings this week! FROM JACK: Don't forget to bring a mirror. Champagne and beer are optional.
FROM ML IN ILLINOIS: great ww. sometimes we just have to get over ourselves. my mother-in-law has a similar quote that all four of her boys grew up hearing and we have passed it on to the next generation. It's, "stand up straight, smile, and be pleasant". FROM JACK: There are good mother-in-laws, too! I had one.
FROM AM IN MICHIGAN: I read this a few months ago in Winning Words. I believe it was quoted from 90 year old Brett from Cleveland. I certainly agree with the idea. I have repeated it many times to others quoting Winning Words. FROM JACK: Who said old people don't have sharp eyes? I thought that the quote sounded familiar. Of course, 90-year-old Brett is a fake. "The rest of the story" is that Brett is a 40 or 50-something writer for the Cleveland Plain Dealer, and someone doctored her age on the internet thinking that it would make a more interesting story. It did, and many people copied it as true. It's good, just the same. But I think that I got the source, so give me credit for that.
FROM LK IN OHIO: Thanks...I'm taking this to heart.
FROM CJL IN OHIO: Do you remember the book, :Everything but money"? says the same thing. FROM JACK: Sam Levenson....what a great guy. He had his hand on the pulse of our homes.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: I really don't agree with her message if it's just talking about work. Sometimes you need to get in your comfortable clothes, grab the grandkids and just snuggle. My priorities have never been to impress anyone...just live a good honest life....leave the dressing up and champagne to someone else. FROM JACK: Of course, her message was directed to mainly business people. She probably would have written differently, if it were to grandmas.
FROM MOLINER CF: Very sobering thought. FROM JACK: Yes, I got it.
FROM SG IN TAMPA: Champagne that has aged. FROM JACK: I like that answer.
FROM PH IN MINNESOTA: i like that "hard" lemonade! FROM JACK: A father at Comerica Park in Detroit was arrested for buying hard lemonade and giving it to his little boy. He said that he thought it was just lemonade and didn't know what "hard" meant. Do you know what it means?
Friday, September 18, 2009
Winning Words 9/18/09
“…a place to get all of your answers questioned.” (Gwendolyn Miller) Gwen is a pastor who’s writing about her seminary experience at LSTC. Do have a place to go to, or a person to talk with, where your answers can be challenged in an encouraging and a helpful way? I’ve been fortunate to have had such experiences. And I realize that I still have more answers that need to be questioned. Do you? ;-) Jack
FROM MKH IN MICHIGAN: Does anyone have all their questions answered?? FROM JACK: More importantly, how many people have their "answers" questioned. It's a hard thing to have our opinions questioned in a thoughtful way.
FROM PO IN MICHIGAN: Many more. And interestingly enough, it's my youngest son who (gently) challenges me to 'tighten up my thinking" and helps keeps me honest. FROM JACK: Your answer reminds me of the child who pointed and said, "The king has no clothes."
FROM L IN ILLINOIS: My dad has all the answers. Just ask him! LOL FROM JACK: :-) :-) :-)
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: My place to go is Bible study and also prayer evenings where we share our concerns aloud. That's a great way to put it--answers questioned. FROM JACK: Your church's garden is not the only place where things grow.
FROM EMT SINGS IN MICHIGAN: I definitely have more questions than answers! FROM JACK: But what do you do about them? That's the question that is before all of us. Good luck. MORE FROM EMT: I think more questions arise when you realize that you do not have all the answers. In fact, I think that having more questions might be part of the answers: Our Wednesday morning Bible Studies has about 20 very vocal women of varying degrees of Biblical knowledge and studying different ideas is encouraged. Through contact and openness to others, I think a person challenges their own perconceived ideas and therefore generates
more questions. Being an extremely curious person also helps, I think!
FROM JK IN MICHIGAN: My uncle arranged for me to receive your "Winning Words" inspirational email. This has been such a Blessing to me. I look forward to opening it every day as I start my day.
FROM MOLINER CF: If it needs to be questioned, it's not an answer. FROM JACK: I guess that's an answer, but it raises some questions.
FROM LG IN MICHIGAN: Where / what is LSTC? I like the quote--very thought-provoking. Am I even a person interested in having my answers questioned? Hmmm...have to think about that for awhile... FROM JACK: The Lutheran School of Theology is near the Univ of Chicago. I don't think that we are ever too old or too sure of ourselves, not to be ready to have our "answers" examined. Prejudices continue, often because people are so set in their ways that they're unwilling to change. Your work is about getting people to take a new look at the answers they've been giving toward the problem of substance abuse.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Some folks think there are more than one answer for all questions....sometimes that's true. It's also true sometimes there is only one answer but we don't like the question.
FROM RI. IN PRAGUE: (From Prague) You are frequently questioning my answers, and I find that valuable. FROM JACK: I have to be careful. Not everyone finds that valuable.
“…a place to get all of your answers questioned.” (Gwendolyn Miller) Gwen is a pastor who’s writing about her seminary experience at LSTC. Do have a place to go to, or a person to talk with, where your answers can be challenged in an encouraging and a helpful way? I’ve been fortunate to have had such experiences. And I realize that I still have more answers that need to be questioned. Do you? ;-) Jack
FROM MKH IN MICHIGAN: Does anyone have all their questions answered?? FROM JACK: More importantly, how many people have their "answers" questioned. It's a hard thing to have our opinions questioned in a thoughtful way.
FROM PO IN MICHIGAN: Many more. And interestingly enough, it's my youngest son who (gently) challenges me to 'tighten up my thinking" and helps keeps me honest. FROM JACK: Your answer reminds me of the child who pointed and said, "The king has no clothes."
FROM L IN ILLINOIS: My dad has all the answers. Just ask him! LOL FROM JACK: :-) :-) :-)
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: My place to go is Bible study and also prayer evenings where we share our concerns aloud. That's a great way to put it--answers questioned. FROM JACK: Your church's garden is not the only place where things grow.
FROM EMT SINGS IN MICHIGAN: I definitely have more questions than answers! FROM JACK: But what do you do about them? That's the question that is before all of us. Good luck. MORE FROM EMT: I think more questions arise when you realize that you do not have all the answers. In fact, I think that having more questions might be part of the answers: Our Wednesday morning Bible Studies has about 20 very vocal women of varying degrees of Biblical knowledge and studying different ideas is encouraged. Through contact and openness to others, I think a person challenges their own perconceived ideas and therefore generates
more questions. Being an extremely curious person also helps, I think!
FROM JK IN MICHIGAN: My uncle arranged for me to receive your "Winning Words" inspirational email. This has been such a Blessing to me. I look forward to opening it every day as I start my day.
FROM MOLINER CF: If it needs to be questioned, it's not an answer. FROM JACK: I guess that's an answer, but it raises some questions.
FROM LG IN MICHIGAN: Where / what is LSTC? I like the quote--very thought-provoking. Am I even a person interested in having my answers questioned? Hmmm...have to think about that for awhile... FROM JACK: The Lutheran School of Theology is near the Univ of Chicago. I don't think that we are ever too old or too sure of ourselves, not to be ready to have our "answers" examined. Prejudices continue, often because people are so set in their ways that they're unwilling to change. Your work is about getting people to take a new look at the answers they've been giving toward the problem of substance abuse.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Some folks think there are more than one answer for all questions....sometimes that's true. It's also true sometimes there is only one answer but we don't like the question.
FROM RI. IN PRAGUE: (From Prague) You are frequently questioning my answers, and I find that valuable. FROM JACK: I have to be careful. Not everyone finds that valuable.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Winning Words 9/17/09
“Life is 10% what you make it and 90% how you take it.” (Irving Berlin) Life wasn’t always easy for Israel Baline, but he was able to make a success of it and write songs like, Blue Skies, Count You Blessings Instead Of Sheep and I Can Always Find A Little Sunshine. Do you have a favorite Berlin song? ;-) Jack
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: How Deep is the Ocean Did he write "Mammy"? Like that one too.
FROM JACK: THE SONG, MAMMY
Written in 1932, this song has roots dating back to the 1930 Al Jolson film Mammy, for which Berlin composed a number entitled "To My Mammy." While he considered it one of his weakest efforts, he was impressed by some of the lyrics he wrote for it. He extracted several of its lines and used them as a springboard for this song, "How Deep is the Ocean?" He also derived some of the opening verse from his 1930 song "How Much I Love You." The music to "How Deep is the Ocean?," of course, was new and quite inspired. It has a generally subdued character, but is still quite passionate in its outpourings about love. Not surprisingly, it is the refrain that contains the most famous music. When it comes, with its famous third and fourth lines -- "How Deep is the ocean? How high is the sky?" -- the song's romantic character takes on a sense of yearning, a sense of passion. Berlin fashions one of his loveliest melodies here and matches it with touching lyrics: when the familiar lines above reappear in the song, they are preceded by the words: "And if I ever lost you -- How much would I cry?" Here the music soars almost to the heavens and then the song quietly ends. ~ All Music Guide
FROM MT IN PENNSYLVANIA: This observations is one of my all-time favorites -- but I never knew the source, until now. Thanks, Jack!
FROM PRJS IN MICHIGAN: "White Christmas" FROM JACK: I read that the morning after he wrote the song — Berlin usually stayed up all night writing — the songwriter went to his office and told his musical secretary, "Grab your pen and take down this song. I just wrote the best song I've ever written — hell, I just wrote the best song that anybody's ever written!"
FROM EMT SINGS IN MICHIGAN: Did't he write God Bless America? If he did that would be my favorite!
FROM JACK: From what I've read, Berlin originally wrote the song in 1918 while serving in the U.S. Army at Camp Upton in Yaphank, New York, but decided that it did not fit in a revue called Yip Yip Yaphank, so he set it aside. The lyrics at that time included the line, "Make her victorious on land and foam, God bless America.." as well as "Stand beside her and guide her, to the right with the light from above." Music critic Jody Rosen comments that a 1906 Jewish dialect novelty song, "When Mose with His Nose Leads the Band", contains a six-note fragment that is "instantly recognizable as the opening strains of "God Bless America"". He interprets this as an example of Berlin's "habit of interpolating bits of half-remembered songs into his own numbers
FROM MOLINER CF: Edelweiss FROM JACK: Oops! Sorry! That song is from The Sound of Music and was the last one written by Rogers and Hammerstein. There's a table prayer that uses the tune, but it can't be printed, because it's copyrighted.
FROM BD IN MICHIGAN: I've been using the attached by Charles Swindoll for 20 years with my employee's, it works.
ATTITUDE by: Charles Swindoll
The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our attitudes.
“Life is 10% what you make it and 90% how you take it.” (Irving Berlin) Life wasn’t always easy for Israel Baline, but he was able to make a success of it and write songs like, Blue Skies, Count You Blessings Instead Of Sheep and I Can Always Find A Little Sunshine. Do you have a favorite Berlin song? ;-) Jack
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: How Deep is the Ocean Did he write "Mammy"? Like that one too.
FROM JACK: THE SONG, MAMMY
Written in 1932, this song has roots dating back to the 1930 Al Jolson film Mammy, for which Berlin composed a number entitled "To My Mammy." While he considered it one of his weakest efforts, he was impressed by some of the lyrics he wrote for it. He extracted several of its lines and used them as a springboard for this song, "How Deep is the Ocean?" He also derived some of the opening verse from his 1930 song "How Much I Love You." The music to "How Deep is the Ocean?," of course, was new and quite inspired. It has a generally subdued character, but is still quite passionate in its outpourings about love. Not surprisingly, it is the refrain that contains the most famous music. When it comes, with its famous third and fourth lines -- "How Deep is the ocean? How high is the sky?" -- the song's romantic character takes on a sense of yearning, a sense of passion. Berlin fashions one of his loveliest melodies here and matches it with touching lyrics: when the familiar lines above reappear in the song, they are preceded by the words: "And if I ever lost you -- How much would I cry?" Here the music soars almost to the heavens and then the song quietly ends. ~ All Music Guide
FROM MT IN PENNSYLVANIA: This observations is one of my all-time favorites -- but I never knew the source, until now. Thanks, Jack!
FROM PRJS IN MICHIGAN: "White Christmas" FROM JACK: I read that the morning after he wrote the song — Berlin usually stayed up all night writing — the songwriter went to his office and told his musical secretary, "Grab your pen and take down this song. I just wrote the best song I've ever written — hell, I just wrote the best song that anybody's ever written!"
FROM EMT SINGS IN MICHIGAN: Did't he write God Bless America? If he did that would be my favorite!
FROM JACK: From what I've read, Berlin originally wrote the song in 1918 while serving in the U.S. Army at Camp Upton in Yaphank, New York, but decided that it did not fit in a revue called Yip Yip Yaphank, so he set it aside. The lyrics at that time included the line, "Make her victorious on land and foam, God bless America.." as well as "Stand beside her and guide her, to the right with the light from above." Music critic Jody Rosen comments that a 1906 Jewish dialect novelty song, "When Mose with His Nose Leads the Band", contains a six-note fragment that is "instantly recognizable as the opening strains of "God Bless America"". He interprets this as an example of Berlin's "habit of interpolating bits of half-remembered songs into his own numbers
FROM MOLINER CF: Edelweiss FROM JACK: Oops! Sorry! That song is from The Sound of Music and was the last one written by Rogers and Hammerstein. There's a table prayer that uses the tune, but it can't be printed, because it's copyrighted.
FROM BD IN MICHIGAN: I've been using the attached by Charles Swindoll for 20 years with my employee's, it works.
ATTITUDE by: Charles Swindoll
The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our attitudes.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Winning Words 9/16/09
“Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights, while looking out the back window.” (Peter Drucker) In conversation yesterday, Peter Drucker’s name came up. This respected business consultant has come up with some ideas that apply to all of life, as well as to business. Today’s quote is just one example. The future is before us, not behind us. ;-) Jack
FROM LK IN OHIO: Glad God's got His hand on the wheel. FROM JACK: This reminds me of a song by Carrie Underwood....Jesus Take The Wheel.
She was driving last Friday on her way to Cincinnati
On a snow white Christmas Eve
Going home to see her Mama and her Daddy
With the baby in the backseat
Fifty miles to go and she was running low
On faith and gasoline
It'd been a long hard year
She had a lot on her mind and she didn't pay attention
She was going way too fast
Before she knew it she was spinning
On a thin black sheet of glass
She saw both their lives flash before her eyes
She didn't even have time to cry
She was so scared
She threw her hands up in the air
Jesus, take the wheel
Take it from my hands
?Cause I can't do this on my own
I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
To save me from this road I'm on
Jesus, take the wheel
It was still getting colder when she made it to the shoulder
And the car came to a stop
She cried when she saw that baby in the backseat
Sleeping like a rock
And for the first time in a long time
She bowed her head to pray
She said I'm sorry for the way
I've been living my life
I know I've got to change
So from now on tonight
Jesus, take the wheel
Take it from my hands
?Cause I can't do this on my own
I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
To save me from this road I'm on
Oh Jesus, take the wheel
Oh, I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
Save me from this road I'm on
From this road I'm on
Jesus, take the wheel
Oh, take it, take it from me
Oh, why, ooh
FROM INDY GENIE: good carrie underwood song.....thanks for that.
FROM TL IN MICHIGAN: Jack, thanks for the reminder. I wish you peace today!
FROM SG IN TAMPA: Speaking of the future, today is Grandparents' Day in the schools here. The schools are a good place to see the future of our family and of our country. FROM JACK: I figured the day was coming, because I saw some Grandparents' Day cards displayed. I don't expect to receive one, but I have six fine grandchildren just the same, and I know that they will make a difference in the workl. Your's, too! MORE FROM SG: The day was very interesting and different. This was my ninth year at this elementary school. Usually there are at least 8 to 10 grandparents in each class of 18 to 20 students. Today I was the only one in Mark's first grade class and the only one in Emily's third grade class, which was in the computer lab for the time I was there. I don't know what accounted for the difference. A sign of what girls do this day is what my
8th grader did yesterday. She had her long auburn hair cut and is donating it for wigs for cancer patients. My two granddaughters in Orlando had done this, too, when they were in high school. This is what gives me a great deal of hope for the future.
FROM MOLINER G.S.: That is, major league in business ... just like in bb. He also said that if you're batting .333 in mgt decision-making, you're a major league manager. FROM JACK: I knew that I'd hear from you when I quoted your hero.
FROM CH ON CAPE COD: I hadn't been familiar with him, until I started doing some vision work and was trying to get people inspired about visioning and Bible Study and one 'business' person in the congregation (vice president of the council at the time) was all perplexed why we'd choose to use biblical texts when we could just have the council read Peter Druker!!! FROM JACK: We have many resources among our church members, if we'd just listen.
FROM PJ IN MICHIGAN: Thanks for the compliment!
FROM ERIN IN SPAIN: Hola de Espana!!
FROM PRGC IN SAN DIEGO: Peter Drucker is a So CA product. I think he is still living but must be in his early 90's. Not sure. He taught at one of the rather famous Claremont Colleges just east of LA. He certainly is one of the real gurus in the world of understanding and leading business management. Ken Blanchard, a good friend of mine and he collaborated on a number of best-selling books. I think you could say that Ken is a
disciple of Peter Drucker. FROM JACK: Peter died, 11/11/02 in Claremont at age 95. Drucker demanded that public and private organizations operate ethically and decried managers who reap bonuses by laying off employees. "This is morally and socially unforgivable, and we will pay a heavy price for it," he said. He wasn't always right, and academics disdained his popular approach, criticizing him for relying on anecdotes and accusing him of manipulating facts to fit his positions. But evidence of his influence is found in just how ordinary his insights now seem: A company should streamline bureaucracy. Managers should look for more efficient models for organizing work. Results are obtained by exploiting opportunities, not solving problems.
In 1971, Mr. Drucker moved to California, where he helped develop the country's first executive master's of business administration program for working professionals at Claremont Graduate University. Its management school, where he taught until 2002, is named after him.
“Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights, while looking out the back window.” (Peter Drucker) In conversation yesterday, Peter Drucker’s name came up. This respected business consultant has come up with some ideas that apply to all of life, as well as to business. Today’s quote is just one example. The future is before us, not behind us. ;-) Jack
FROM LK IN OHIO: Glad God's got His hand on the wheel. FROM JACK: This reminds me of a song by Carrie Underwood....Jesus Take The Wheel.
She was driving last Friday on her way to Cincinnati
On a snow white Christmas Eve
Going home to see her Mama and her Daddy
With the baby in the backseat
Fifty miles to go and she was running low
On faith and gasoline
It'd been a long hard year
She had a lot on her mind and she didn't pay attention
She was going way too fast
Before she knew it she was spinning
On a thin black sheet of glass
She saw both their lives flash before her eyes
She didn't even have time to cry
She was so scared
She threw her hands up in the air
Jesus, take the wheel
Take it from my hands
?Cause I can't do this on my own
I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
To save me from this road I'm on
Jesus, take the wheel
It was still getting colder when she made it to the shoulder
And the car came to a stop
She cried when she saw that baby in the backseat
Sleeping like a rock
And for the first time in a long time
She bowed her head to pray
She said I'm sorry for the way
I've been living my life
I know I've got to change
So from now on tonight
Jesus, take the wheel
Take it from my hands
?Cause I can't do this on my own
I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
To save me from this road I'm on
Oh Jesus, take the wheel
Oh, I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
Save me from this road I'm on
From this road I'm on
Jesus, take the wheel
Oh, take it, take it from me
Oh, why, ooh
FROM INDY GENIE: good carrie underwood song.....thanks for that.
FROM TL IN MICHIGAN: Jack, thanks for the reminder. I wish you peace today!
FROM SG IN TAMPA: Speaking of the future, today is Grandparents' Day in the schools here. The schools are a good place to see the future of our family and of our country. FROM JACK: I figured the day was coming, because I saw some Grandparents' Day cards displayed. I don't expect to receive one, but I have six fine grandchildren just the same, and I know that they will make a difference in the workl. Your's, too! MORE FROM SG: The day was very interesting and different. This was my ninth year at this elementary school. Usually there are at least 8 to 10 grandparents in each class of 18 to 20 students. Today I was the only one in Mark's first grade class and the only one in Emily's third grade class, which was in the computer lab for the time I was there. I don't know what accounted for the difference. A sign of what girls do this day is what my
8th grader did yesterday. She had her long auburn hair cut and is donating it for wigs for cancer patients. My two granddaughters in Orlando had done this, too, when they were in high school. This is what gives me a great deal of hope for the future.
FROM MOLINER G.S.: That is, major league in business ... just like in bb. He also said that if you're batting .333 in mgt decision-making, you're a major league manager. FROM JACK: I knew that I'd hear from you when I quoted your hero.
FROM CH ON CAPE COD: I hadn't been familiar with him, until I started doing some vision work and was trying to get people inspired about visioning and Bible Study and one 'business' person in the congregation (vice president of the council at the time) was all perplexed why we'd choose to use biblical texts when we could just have the council read Peter Druker!!! FROM JACK: We have many resources among our church members, if we'd just listen.
FROM PJ IN MICHIGAN: Thanks for the compliment!
FROM ERIN IN SPAIN: Hola de Espana!!
FROM PRGC IN SAN DIEGO: Peter Drucker is a So CA product. I think he is still living but must be in his early 90's. Not sure. He taught at one of the rather famous Claremont Colleges just east of LA. He certainly is one of the real gurus in the world of understanding and leading business management. Ken Blanchard, a good friend of mine and he collaborated on a number of best-selling books. I think you could say that Ken is a
disciple of Peter Drucker. FROM JACK: Peter died, 11/11/02 in Claremont at age 95. Drucker demanded that public and private organizations operate ethically and decried managers who reap bonuses by laying off employees. "This is morally and socially unforgivable, and we will pay a heavy price for it," he said. He wasn't always right, and academics disdained his popular approach, criticizing him for relying on anecdotes and accusing him of manipulating facts to fit his positions. But evidence of his influence is found in just how ordinary his insights now seem: A company should streamline bureaucracy. Managers should look for more efficient models for organizing work. Results are obtained by exploiting opportunities, not solving problems.
In 1971, Mr. Drucker moved to California, where he helped develop the country's first executive master's of business administration program for working professionals at Claremont Graduate University. Its management school, where he taught until 2002, is named after him.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Winning Words 9/15/09
“Never insult an alligator until you’ve crossed the river.” (Oriental Proverb) This may be an old one, but it serves as a reminder to wait and reconsider before you send off that “hot” letter or say something that you might later regret. Maybe it should have been posted in the US Open locker room a few days ago. ;-) Jack
FROM KB IN MICHIGAN: I love this--timely for me as I find myself very impatient with folks. FROM JACK: You?
FROM L IN ILLINOIS: Just plain don't insult the alligator. You never know when you might have to go back across the river again! FROM JACK: But, once in awhile, it just feels good to let it out.
FROM PRJS IN MICHIGAN: I have some real sympathy with Serena....as does John McEnroe. Some of these officials can be incredibly arrogant and ill mannered....you'd think that they were ELCA synodical folks. It's too bad that she lost it but I think we can look at the calls that brought that on. Those officials need some scrutiny, too. But they just sit back and smirk at Serena after bringing it all on by their incompetence and
arrogance. FROM JACK: I thought you were taught good manners at home....And you were probably told Jesus' words about forgiveness when you were in Sunday School. "It's how you play the game. Life isn't always fair. MORE FROM PRJS: When a kid did something to me in school, I usually found a way to get "even." I have not taken a lot of junk in the wider church either. The liberals are wimps who usually try to stab you in the back. When they tried that, I climbed all over them. I had real forbearance in the parish but even then I didn't let people go all over other people. I am a great believer in Original Sin and that we can't just ignore it....my favorite political scientist was Reinhold Niebuhr. He would have thrown up over the return to naive liberalism that has occurred in the mainline Protestant church.
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: I've pondered this one quite a few minutes this morning wondering if the alligator could be transformed. Maybe the operative word is "do not insult". This proverb is interesting and it's interesting to try to let it make sense in my mind even though don't ever have any contact with alligators like the Orientals do. Thanks for sharing it. Where do you find all of these WWs?!!!!!!!!! I appreciate reading them and also your comments. FROM JACK: Maybe God will someday become an alligator in order to show that species a better way of life. But then he'd have to provide a different food source
FROM MOLINER CF: I'll give you an official response to this tomorrow.
FROM CA IN MICHIGAN: Oh, do I love this one!! I enjoy reading your winning words.
“Never insult an alligator until you’ve crossed the river.” (Oriental Proverb) This may be an old one, but it serves as a reminder to wait and reconsider before you send off that “hot” letter or say something that you might later regret. Maybe it should have been posted in the US Open locker room a few days ago. ;-) Jack
FROM KB IN MICHIGAN: I love this--timely for me as I find myself very impatient with folks. FROM JACK: You?
FROM L IN ILLINOIS: Just plain don't insult the alligator. You never know when you might have to go back across the river again! FROM JACK: But, once in awhile, it just feels good to let it out.
FROM PRJS IN MICHIGAN: I have some real sympathy with Serena....as does John McEnroe. Some of these officials can be incredibly arrogant and ill mannered....you'd think that they were ELCA synodical folks. It's too bad that she lost it but I think we can look at the calls that brought that on. Those officials need some scrutiny, too. But they just sit back and smirk at Serena after bringing it all on by their incompetence and
arrogance. FROM JACK: I thought you were taught good manners at home....And you were probably told Jesus' words about forgiveness when you were in Sunday School. "It's how you play the game. Life isn't always fair. MORE FROM PRJS: When a kid did something to me in school, I usually found a way to get "even." I have not taken a lot of junk in the wider church either. The liberals are wimps who usually try to stab you in the back. When they tried that, I climbed all over them. I had real forbearance in the parish but even then I didn't let people go all over other people. I am a great believer in Original Sin and that we can't just ignore it....my favorite political scientist was Reinhold Niebuhr. He would have thrown up over the return to naive liberalism that has occurred in the mainline Protestant church.
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: I've pondered this one quite a few minutes this morning wondering if the alligator could be transformed. Maybe the operative word is "do not insult". This proverb is interesting and it's interesting to try to let it make sense in my mind even though don't ever have any contact with alligators like the Orientals do. Thanks for sharing it. Where do you find all of these WWs?!!!!!!!!! I appreciate reading them and also your comments. FROM JACK: Maybe God will someday become an alligator in order to show that species a better way of life. But then he'd have to provide a different food source
FROM MOLINER CF: I'll give you an official response to this tomorrow.
FROM CA IN MICHIGAN: Oh, do I love this one!! I enjoy reading your winning words.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Winning Words 9/14/09
“God’s first language is silence. Everything else is a translation.” (Thomas Keating) We are often frustrated when our prayers seem to be met with silence. Maybe in those times we need to look around to see and hear if God is speaking in a different translation. Of course silence can be an answer, too. Have you ever answered in that way? ;-) Jack
FROM LK IN OHIO: Not enough, ha! FROM JACK: My laugh for the day.
FROM SG IN TAMPA: Thy will be done. That is my way of accepting God's will. FROM JACK: A followup are the words of Jesus from the cross. "My God, my God, why?.....Nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done." Christians believe that part of the role of the humanity of Jesus, is to give us an example of desirable human behavior.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Yes. Silence is an answer to prayer. God always listens but do we?
FROM MOLINER CF:
FROM CWR IN B'MORE: ......excellent.
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: I've been praying "centering prayer" or "prayer of quiet". The practice advises repeating a "mantra". My own little technique is repeating "silence" and knowing that the reason I use the word silence is that at the same time I'm actually trying for once to be silent and let God's Voice into my consciousness. The only intention I want, the most concise word I could think of, it was interesting to read this morning that Thomas Keating thinks God's first language is silence. That must be my Dad all right.
“God’s first language is silence. Everything else is a translation.” (Thomas Keating) We are often frustrated when our prayers seem to be met with silence. Maybe in those times we need to look around to see and hear if God is speaking in a different translation. Of course silence can be an answer, too. Have you ever answered in that way? ;-) Jack
FROM LK IN OHIO: Not enough, ha! FROM JACK: My laugh for the day.
FROM SG IN TAMPA: Thy will be done. That is my way of accepting God's will. FROM JACK: A followup are the words of Jesus from the cross. "My God, my God, why?.....Nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done." Christians believe that part of the role of the humanity of Jesus, is to give us an example of desirable human behavior.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Yes. Silence is an answer to prayer. God always listens but do we?
FROM MOLINER CF:
FROM CWR IN B'MORE: ......excellent.
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: I've been praying "centering prayer" or "prayer of quiet". The practice advises repeating a "mantra". My own little technique is repeating "silence" and knowing that the reason I use the word silence is that at the same time I'm actually trying for once to be silent and let God's Voice into my consciousness. The only intention I want, the most concise word I could think of, it was interesting to read this morning that Thomas Keating thinks God's first language is silence. That must be my Dad all right.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Winning Words 9/11/09
“The future has a way of arriving unannounced.” (George Will) Eight years ago as the day began, who would have thought that a horrific world-changing event would shortly take place? We never know, do we? It can happen on a personal scale, too. As kids, in one of our games, we used to call out, “Ready or not…” ;-) Jack
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: I appreciated your Winning Words this morning. Remembering the victims of 9/ll but also with 20/20 hindsight I am also remembering the victims of our response to that tragedy, the number of men and women who were apprehended, imprisoned without recourse to a rational justice system, and in some cases tortured. The future that came unannounced to them must have been horrific to say the least. There seems to be no way, in my own mind at least, to make the irrational rational and I think that has been
the most horrific world changing experience in my own recent memory. The law was bent to accommodate us. Just trying to deal with it all now. Thanks for your Winning Words, remembering and helping us to be sober this day.
FROM MT IN PENNSYLVANIA: So very true, and a good reminder that we should live every day striving to be our best selves. FROM JACK: The sand in the hour glass keeps on dropping. The glass is dark, so we don't know how much sand is left.
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: 9-11-2001 I was framing out the house I currently live in. A surreal moment in time, like when JFK was shot (I was 7) you don't forget.
FROM L IN ILLINOIS: And who would have dreamed that in the near future such terrorist masterminds as the one behind Lockerbie would be released-- only to return to a "welcome home" bash? History may not forget, but humans do.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Yes, September 11 was a life-changing event in all of our lives. Some "events" leave much chaos and unsettling but some bring with them a completely different view forever. I give you this quote from an unknown person, at least to me...."The greater friend of truth is time and her constant companion is humility."
FROM MOLINER CF: We sure can't plan for it , can we. FROM JACK: Not completely.
FROM AM IN MICHIGAN: It pays to be ready.
“The future has a way of arriving unannounced.” (George Will) Eight years ago as the day began, who would have thought that a horrific world-changing event would shortly take place? We never know, do we? It can happen on a personal scale, too. As kids, in one of our games, we used to call out, “Ready or not…” ;-) Jack
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: I appreciated your Winning Words this morning. Remembering the victims of 9/ll but also with 20/20 hindsight I am also remembering the victims of our response to that tragedy, the number of men and women who were apprehended, imprisoned without recourse to a rational justice system, and in some cases tortured. The future that came unannounced to them must have been horrific to say the least. There seems to be no way, in my own mind at least, to make the irrational rational and I think that has been
the most horrific world changing experience in my own recent memory. The law was bent to accommodate us. Just trying to deal with it all now. Thanks for your Winning Words, remembering and helping us to be sober this day.
FROM MT IN PENNSYLVANIA: So very true, and a good reminder that we should live every day striving to be our best selves. FROM JACK: The sand in the hour glass keeps on dropping. The glass is dark, so we don't know how much sand is left.
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: 9-11-2001 I was framing out the house I currently live in. A surreal moment in time, like when JFK was shot (I was 7) you don't forget.
FROM L IN ILLINOIS: And who would have dreamed that in the near future such terrorist masterminds as the one behind Lockerbie would be released-- only to return to a "welcome home" bash? History may not forget, but humans do.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Yes, September 11 was a life-changing event in all of our lives. Some "events" leave much chaos and unsettling but some bring with them a completely different view forever. I give you this quote from an unknown person, at least to me...."The greater friend of truth is time and her constant companion is humility."
FROM MOLINER CF: We sure can't plan for it , can we. FROM JACK: Not completely.
FROM AM IN MICHIGAN: It pays to be ready.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Winning Words 9/10/09
“God is perfect….Only man makes misteaks.” (Seen on a church sign) I always like to see a little bit of humor around religious places. Here’s another quote by Hugh Elliott that seems to relate. “If there’s one thing I know, it’s God does love a good joke.” I once saw a picture of a laughing Jesus. It made me smile. ;-) Jack
FROM PC IN MICHIGAN: Good Morning. I enjoy this one. My "saying" if you will, since childhood, was that "God loves everyone, so why is man particular?" I came up with that in 2nd grade when I decided I was going to be a nun.
FROM CB IN COLORADO: I saw another good one: "God loves you. Everyone else is trying." Loved it! FROM JACK: Now, that is funny!
FROM L IN ILLINOIS: I have always thought that God has a sense of humor. Otherwise, how could he have instilled that feature in us?
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Absolutely true! And thank God we have such a loving Father Who overlooks and forgives....and laughs!
FROM FM IN WISCONSIN: we have a parish on the south side of Racine which has a very modern church sign on which they post a different message each week. I am sharing your WW today with their interim pastor, Lee Longrie - thanks
FROM JM: One of Dad's favorite pictures of Jesus was the "laughing Jesus" -- it hung in his office for a long time. Now it's in Steve's home office. A great reminder to enjoy life!
FROM JN IN MICHIGAN: I saw, and bought, a greeting card that has this quote attributed to Martin Luther: "If there's no laughter in heaven, I don't want to go there." I've not been able to verify the authorship, but it would be nice to have a truly joyous quote from the man who is so often characterized only as serious and stern. FROM JACK: It's often attributed to Mark Twain, but you're right. Reliable sources say that it was Martin Luther...who was lnown for his sense of humor.
FROM BBC IN ILLINOIS: I like the laughing Christ drawing too - had it on the fridge for a while to give the children a less somber image. Thanks, always, for your thoughts.
FROM MOLINER CF: God's sense of humor is sometimes elusive. FROM JACK: So is yours...and mine, too.
FROM EM IN MICHIGAN: I've heard different versions of this one but it goes something like: "If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans." I'm trying not to take myself too seriously these days.
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: “How would you like to be God and only have human beings to see your will done? Maybe I've had enough coffee this morning…” That is my tweet for this morning. FROM JACK: Do you think that God ever gets lonely, or is that a human condition? If loneliness is "human," then Jesus probably knew it.
FROM CJL IN OHIO: One of my men at Bethel had up in his office at a steel making factory, the Hook picture of a tosseld, sweatty head of Jesus with a smile. It looked like He may have just come off the open-hearth floor. The men who worked there really saw a connection between their Christianity & their workl! FROM JACK: Last Sunday, in my sermon, I referred to a sign above the door to George Washington Carver's lab. It read, "God's Little Workshop." I guess a steel factory can be God's Little Workshop. too.
“God is perfect….Only man makes misteaks.” (Seen on a church sign) I always like to see a little bit of humor around religious places. Here’s another quote by Hugh Elliott that seems to relate. “If there’s one thing I know, it’s God does love a good joke.” I once saw a picture of a laughing Jesus. It made me smile. ;-) Jack
FROM PC IN MICHIGAN: Good Morning. I enjoy this one. My "saying" if you will, since childhood, was that "God loves everyone, so why is man particular?" I came up with that in 2nd grade when I decided I was going to be a nun.
FROM CB IN COLORADO: I saw another good one: "God loves you. Everyone else is trying." Loved it! FROM JACK: Now, that is funny!
FROM L IN ILLINOIS: I have always thought that God has a sense of humor. Otherwise, how could he have instilled that feature in us?
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Absolutely true! And thank God we have such a loving Father Who overlooks and forgives....and laughs!
FROM FM IN WISCONSIN: we have a parish on the south side of Racine which has a very modern church sign on which they post a different message each week. I am sharing your WW today with their interim pastor, Lee Longrie - thanks
FROM JM: One of Dad's favorite pictures of Jesus was the "laughing Jesus" -- it hung in his office for a long time. Now it's in Steve's home office. A great reminder to enjoy life!
FROM JN IN MICHIGAN: I saw, and bought, a greeting card that has this quote attributed to Martin Luther: "If there's no laughter in heaven, I don't want to go there." I've not been able to verify the authorship, but it would be nice to have a truly joyous quote from the man who is so often characterized only as serious and stern. FROM JACK: It's often attributed to Mark Twain, but you're right. Reliable sources say that it was Martin Luther...who was lnown for his sense of humor.
FROM BBC IN ILLINOIS: I like the laughing Christ drawing too - had it on the fridge for a while to give the children a less somber image. Thanks, always, for your thoughts.
FROM MOLINER CF: God's sense of humor is sometimes elusive. FROM JACK: So is yours...and mine, too.
FROM EM IN MICHIGAN: I've heard different versions of this one but it goes something like: "If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans." I'm trying not to take myself too seriously these days.
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: “How would you like to be God and only have human beings to see your will done? Maybe I've had enough coffee this morning…” That is my tweet for this morning. FROM JACK: Do you think that God ever gets lonely, or is that a human condition? If loneliness is "human," then Jesus probably knew it.
FROM CJL IN OHIO: One of my men at Bethel had up in his office at a steel making factory, the Hook picture of a tosseld, sweatty head of Jesus with a smile. It looked like He may have just come off the open-hearth floor. The men who worked there really saw a connection between their Christianity & their workl! FROM JACK: Last Sunday, in my sermon, I referred to a sign above the door to George Washington Carver's lab. It read, "God's Little Workshop." I guess a steel factory can be God's Little Workshop. too.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Winning Words 9/9/09
“Everything you do in life has a consequence. When you do things without thinking, then you ain’t makin’ the choice, the choice is makin’ you.” (Mark Steven Johnson) I’ve found that the Winning Words I choose are better when I have a reason in mind, instead of just filling the computer screen. Isn’t it interesting how our choices make things happen in our life…on and on? ;-) Jack
FROM MOLINER G.S.: Good WW. And we have to take responsibility for those decisions. FROM JACK: Do-overs aren't a part of life. Is that good or bad? I suppose that it depends....
FROM ML IN ILLINOIS: sometimes it's the spontaneous decisions that put us on our path. over thinking can be too restrictive. do something spontaneous today, with abandonment! MORE FROM ML: most usually i have found reason to celebrate when i listen to the wind.
FROM JS IN MICHIGAN: The choice that the ELCA made at its convention this summer will have enormous consequences in ways that we can't even imagine now....some may be good and some not so good. We are old so it won't effect us a great deal but for those who are now being ordained, etc. there are now some big choices for them. I think for many the choice will be to just slowly drift away from the ELCA and into no man's land or into an evangelical congregation. I doubt if there will be a large new church formed out of
this struggle. I hear about it but don't believe it. Interesting. FROM JACK: Consequences? Yes. Enormus? Time will tell. We all have choices, as it was with Adam and Eve.
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Nice FROM JACK: Nice answer!
FROM MOLINER CF: Everything you don't do In life also has a consequence. FROM JACK: Ergo, everything we do has a consequence.
FROM SG IN TAMPA: That is an interesting thought. Do you think that we make decisions without thinking? How can that be? Sometimes the decisions might be the wrong ones, but we always learn something from them -good or bad. FROM JACK: Do reflex actions require thought? Is brain activity, thought? For example, was Maddon's decision to go with his relief pitcher when Inge was at bat, thoughtful?
FROM FM IN WISCONSIN: It is frightening, but so true. But the other side of the coin - if we get so involved in our choices - so that we fail to make choices or decisions - tied up with indecision - the failure to make a choice results in a choice without our intentional input. I know of a few people who have so much trouble making decisions and their lives are hell on earth. FROM JACK: Did you know that Rodin's sculpture, The Thinker, is part of a larger sculpture showing man (the Thinker) looking down upon Dante's Inferno and pondering what hell is like (people not being able to make decisions???).
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: Our daughter sent a CD set back with us while we were driving home from Iowa. "Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When the Stakes are High." It seems that people can have real dialogue or choose silence or choose violence. Some good ideas--I'm going to try to aim for/choose more real dialogue in--my marriage, my work, my church, my community and my daughter's probably hoping--my relationship with her. Heart, respect, love, real dialogue, understanding of each other's stories. She got the CDs from her work, a seminar at her company. The kids are working on the problems along with us old fogeys.
FROM DS IN SAN DIEGO: makes one think. We are in Romans now and in our group we discuss redestination and "free will". Your Wining Words reflects that kind of discussion. It's when we don't have choices that can make things tough. FROM JACK: I guess there can be times when there is no choice.
FROM PC IN MICHIGAN: Good Morning. I enjoy this one. My "saying" if you will, since childhood, was that "God loves everyone, so why is man particular?" I came up with that in 2nd grade when I decided I was going to be a nun.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Winning Words 9/8/09
“When you really trust someone, you have to be okay with not understanding some things.” (Real Live Preacher) Trust isn’t such a great thing when it’s directed toward someone who thinks exactly as you do. As I look back, I see that I’ve learned much from people who have challenged me with new ideas. Think about that word, trust, today, and see if you can come up with some new insights. ;-) Jack
FROM LK IN OHIO: In our case at present, I DO UNDERSTAND why God wants to re-call the loan on MA's life....He has a better deal in mind. That's fine. For both of us here, that is. Hard to accept at first, but He has shown us how to GET IT! Keep loving! Keep trusting!
FROM MOLINER CF: You can trust some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time, but you can't trust all of the people all of the time. Abe Ryser
FROM OUTHOUSE JUSY: There are very few people I "really trust" in this world, my husband being one I trust the most. You don't have to trust someone to hear and learn from their ideas. Trust is one of the strongest emotions, you can love, admire, care of, and listen to someone, but not trust them. FROM JACK: The "key" to this quote is...to trust and to be OK with not understanding some things. That's trust!
FROM CJL IN OHIO: When you trust, you do it automatically, you don't think about it. FROM JACK: I'll have to think about that.
“When you really trust someone, you have to be okay with not understanding some things.” (Real Live Preacher) Trust isn’t such a great thing when it’s directed toward someone who thinks exactly as you do. As I look back, I see that I’ve learned much from people who have challenged me with new ideas. Think about that word, trust, today, and see if you can come up with some new insights. ;-) Jack
FROM LK IN OHIO: In our case at present, I DO UNDERSTAND why God wants to re-call the loan on MA's life....He has a better deal in mind. That's fine. For both of us here, that is. Hard to accept at first, but He has shown us how to GET IT! Keep loving! Keep trusting!
FROM MOLINER CF: You can trust some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time, but you can't trust all of the people all of the time. Abe Ryser
FROM OUTHOUSE JUSY: There are very few people I "really trust" in this world, my husband being one I trust the most. You don't have to trust someone to hear and learn from their ideas. Trust is one of the strongest emotions, you can love, admire, care of, and listen to someone, but not trust them. FROM JACK: The "key" to this quote is...to trust and to be OK with not understanding some things. That's trust!
FROM CJL IN OHIO: When you trust, you do it automatically, you don't think about it. FROM JACK: I'll have to think about that.
Friday, September 04, 2009
Winning Words 9/4/09
“I’m working toward a world in which it will be easier for people to behave decently.” (Dorothy Day) D.D. was always a worker for the poor and disadvantaged. She went to prison in 1917, because she protested that women weren’t allowed to vote. She helped found an organization to get better working conditions for laborers. Mainly, her goal was to help make the world a more decent place. Maybe that should be the cause for Labor Day. ;-) Jack
FROM MOLINER G.S.: Good quote. "Keep Laboring On." FROM JACK: A hymn I like is titled, "Go, Labor On."
Go, labor on: spend, and be spent,
Thy joy to do the Father’s will:
It is the way the Master went;
Should not the servant tread it still?
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Interesting quote....I would work to have people behave decently so the world would be a better place. It's easy to behave decently...nothing else is required but kindness.
FROM LMS IN MICHIGAN: How about Health Care for ALL!!!! (another right for the poor and disadvantaged)
FROM JACK: That seems like a decent thing to do.
FROM MOLINER C.F.: DeeDee, as I used to call her, was working for all of the right reasons. I remember, she told me once that we would have a woman president. Maybe she waas right. What do you think? FROM JACK: I am surprised to know that you were acquainted with her. I think that there were those who thought we'd have a woman president before we'd have an Afro-American president.
WRITTEN BY NOEL COWARD: Sometimes work is more fun that fun.
FROM B.S. NEAR TAMPA: Thank Goodness for Dorothy Day. We have had several chickies with the name of Dorothy who were nice gals. Not speech givers in front of city halls. But supporters of good causes. Thank the Good Lord for parents who taught their families the right way.
FROM JACK: Famous Dorothys
Judy Garland
Dorothy Lamour
Dorothy Kilgallen
Dorothy Hamill
Dorothy Parker
Dorothy Dandridge
Dorothy Fields wrote lyrics for...
I'm In The Mood For Love
On The Sunnyside Of The Street
Dorothy was more popular name when I was growing up, that it is now.
According to the name book, Dorothy neans: Gift of God.
FROM F.M. IN WISCONSIN: AMEN - And for industry, bankers, unions, and all of us.
FROM CJL IN OHIO: why can't we behave "decently" now? What about setting an example?
“I’m working toward a world in which it will be easier for people to behave decently.” (Dorothy Day) D.D. was always a worker for the poor and disadvantaged. She went to prison in 1917, because she protested that women weren’t allowed to vote. She helped found an organization to get better working conditions for laborers. Mainly, her goal was to help make the world a more decent place. Maybe that should be the cause for Labor Day. ;-) Jack
FROM MOLINER G.S.: Good quote. "Keep Laboring On." FROM JACK: A hymn I like is titled, "Go, Labor On."
Go, labor on: spend, and be spent,
Thy joy to do the Father’s will:
It is the way the Master went;
Should not the servant tread it still?
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Interesting quote....I would work to have people behave decently so the world would be a better place. It's easy to behave decently...nothing else is required but kindness.
FROM LMS IN MICHIGAN: How about Health Care for ALL!!!! (another right for the poor and disadvantaged)
FROM JACK: That seems like a decent thing to do.
FROM MOLINER C.F.: DeeDee, as I used to call her, was working for all of the right reasons. I remember, she told me once that we would have a woman president. Maybe she waas right. What do you think? FROM JACK: I am surprised to know that you were acquainted with her. I think that there were those who thought we'd have a woman president before we'd have an Afro-American president.
WRITTEN BY NOEL COWARD: Sometimes work is more fun that fun.
FROM B.S. NEAR TAMPA: Thank Goodness for Dorothy Day. We have had several chickies with the name of Dorothy who were nice gals. Not speech givers in front of city halls. But supporters of good causes. Thank the Good Lord for parents who taught their families the right way.
FROM JACK: Famous Dorothys
Judy Garland
Dorothy Lamour
Dorothy Kilgallen
Dorothy Hamill
Dorothy Parker
Dorothy Dandridge
Dorothy Fields wrote lyrics for...
I'm In The Mood For Love
On The Sunnyside Of The Street
Dorothy was more popular name when I was growing up, that it is now.
According to the name book, Dorothy neans: Gift of God.
FROM F.M. IN WISCONSIN: AMEN - And for industry, bankers, unions, and all of us.
FROM CJL IN OHIO: why can't we behave "decently" now? What about setting an example?
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Winning Words 9/3/09
“Computers are useless. They can only give you answers.” (Picasso) I wonder if Pablo had that to say about art lessons. Do you think he took lessons to be able to paint the way he did. The human brain is a marvelous creation. How can it be said that this “tool” just happened? I suppose it can be said, but does that make it true? BTW, I would be reluctant to give up my computer, because my “tool” likes it. ;-) Jack
FROM L IN ILLINOIS: Picasso expressed himself brilliantly with art. His words weren't all that brilliant, apparently. FROM JACK: Were these words brilliant? Art is not the application of a canon of beauty but what the instinct and the brain can conceive beyond any canon. When we love a woman we don't start measuring her limbs. Pablo Picasso
FROM N IN ILLINOIS: Picture worth thousand words. FROM JACK: Sometimes...
FROM MOLINER C.F.: If Picasso had lived long enough, he would be doing stunning stuff with Photoshop. And his attitude toward computers would have been, "It's just another brush.
“Computers are useless. They can only give you answers.” (Picasso) I wonder if Pablo had that to say about art lessons. Do you think he took lessons to be able to paint the way he did. The human brain is a marvelous creation. How can it be said that this “tool” just happened? I suppose it can be said, but does that make it true? BTW, I would be reluctant to give up my computer, because my “tool” likes it. ;-) Jack
FROM L IN ILLINOIS: Picasso expressed himself brilliantly with art. His words weren't all that brilliant, apparently. FROM JACK: Were these words brilliant? Art is not the application of a canon of beauty but what the instinct and the brain can conceive beyond any canon. When we love a woman we don't start measuring her limbs. Pablo Picasso
FROM N IN ILLINOIS: Picture worth thousand words. FROM JACK: Sometimes...
FROM MOLINER C.F.: If Picasso had lived long enough, he would be doing stunning stuff with Photoshop. And his attitude toward computers would have been, "It's just another brush.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Winning Words 9/2/09
“Children are not things to be molded, but are people to be unfolded.” (Jess Lair) This is a good one for teachers and parents; in fact, we all need to be reminded of the potential that is in each individual. As parent, grandparent and teacher, I’m in awe as I watch a life unfold…like the opening of a beautiful flower. ;-) Jack
FROM R.I. NEAR BOSTON: That's an uncommon perception and indeed very sensitive. Instead of shaping children according to our own vision, feed and nurture and support them to enable their individual growth to maturity. I like your analogy...the sprout developing, the leaves enlarging, the bud unfolding and the final flowering result. FROM JACK: I like to see a map unfolded....and all the beautiful possibilities laid out.
FROM L.P. IN MICHIGAN: Our little daughter has picked up several responses from Sunday worship which
she will inject into conversation throughout the day. Tonight as she snacked on crackers and milk before story time and bed she piped up "Thanks be to God!" So, I asked her what she is thankful for. "Cookies"...(pause)..."and waffles and pancakes".
FROM S.G. IN TAMPA: Yes, what you are is God's gift to you; what you become is your gift to God.
FROM L IN ILLINOIS: My 19-year-old college junior keeps reminding me that she is an "adult." So I especially like today's WW. FROM JACK: She's unfolding. Enjoy the beauty of it.
FROM MOLINER C.F.: Kids are a real joy. Try to stay one. FROM JACK: Have you noticed how I keep referring to things from the past?
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Now that we have three grandchildren, it is such a blessing to sit back and watch them grow instead of having to teach them to grow. When we are parents, we nurture and teach... most of the lessons in life come from us and later come from experiences. But grandparents can actually watch the whole process and what a wonderful gift! We interject nurturing and teaching but in a different way.
FROM S.G. IN MICHIGAN: What a perfect proverb to begin the first day of classes (tomorrow). As always, thanks for the inspiration. FROM JACK: Here's some advice to share with your students...."I will not yell in class. I will not throw things. I will not get mad. I will be good, because I am the teacher."
FROM INDY GENIE: Reminds me of Kahlil Gibran's words "On Children". "Your children are not your children, they are the sons and the daughters of Life's longing for itself" I've been lucky in my life to witness alot of flowers opening!
FROM EMT SINGS IN MICHIGAN: Could not agree more! In fact when I look at the grandchildren all I can see is "possibility". Mariah and I talk a lot about that. BTW yesterday morning our Bible Study group went to the Holocaust Memorial Center. What an experience! FROM JACK: One of the saddest things about the Holocaust was that it was the result of someone wanting to create a super race, starting with the children.
“Children are not things to be molded, but are people to be unfolded.” (Jess Lair) This is a good one for teachers and parents; in fact, we all need to be reminded of the potential that is in each individual. As parent, grandparent and teacher, I’m in awe as I watch a life unfold…like the opening of a beautiful flower. ;-) Jack
FROM R.I. NEAR BOSTON: That's an uncommon perception and indeed very sensitive. Instead of shaping children according to our own vision, feed and nurture and support them to enable their individual growth to maturity. I like your analogy...the sprout developing, the leaves enlarging, the bud unfolding and the final flowering result. FROM JACK: I like to see a map unfolded....and all the beautiful possibilities laid out.
FROM L.P. IN MICHIGAN: Our little daughter has picked up several responses from Sunday worship which
she will inject into conversation throughout the day. Tonight as she snacked on crackers and milk before story time and bed she piped up "Thanks be to God!" So, I asked her what she is thankful for. "Cookies"...(pause)..."and waffles and pancakes".
FROM S.G. IN TAMPA: Yes, what you are is God's gift to you; what you become is your gift to God.
FROM L IN ILLINOIS: My 19-year-old college junior keeps reminding me that she is an "adult." So I especially like today's WW. FROM JACK: She's unfolding. Enjoy the beauty of it.
FROM MOLINER C.F.: Kids are a real joy. Try to stay one. FROM JACK: Have you noticed how I keep referring to things from the past?
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Now that we have three grandchildren, it is such a blessing to sit back and watch them grow instead of having to teach them to grow. When we are parents, we nurture and teach... most of the lessons in life come from us and later come from experiences. But grandparents can actually watch the whole process and what a wonderful gift! We interject nurturing and teaching but in a different way.
FROM S.G. IN MICHIGAN: What a perfect proverb to begin the first day of classes (tomorrow). As always, thanks for the inspiration. FROM JACK: Here's some advice to share with your students...."I will not yell in class. I will not throw things. I will not get mad. I will be good, because I am the teacher."
FROM INDY GENIE: Reminds me of Kahlil Gibran's words "On Children". "Your children are not your children, they are the sons and the daughters of Life's longing for itself" I've been lucky in my life to witness alot of flowers opening!
FROM EMT SINGS IN MICHIGAN: Could not agree more! In fact when I look at the grandchildren all I can see is "possibility". Mariah and I talk a lot about that. BTW yesterday morning our Bible Study group went to the Holocaust Memorial Center. What an experience! FROM JACK: One of the saddest things about the Holocaust was that it was the result of someone wanting to create a super race, starting with the children.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Winning Words 9/1/09
“Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself.” (Chinese Proverb) This is the month when the doors of our schools typically reopen. Buildings and equipment are important, but the success of a school depends on the quality of the teachers and the desire of the students to learn. Offer a prayer for a teacher or student today. ;-) Jack
FROM D.R. IN CALIFORNIA: What about you old favorite third grade teacher, Miss Wilson?? FROM JACK: How do you know that story from my past?
FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: god bless the children for they will inherit the earth. god bless the teachers, for they hold the responsibility to guide the earth's children to face that awesome inheritance with responsibility. amen! MORE FROM M.L.: thank god i had and continue to have predominantly good teachers in academia and in life, they came/come in all different ages, sizes, and colors.
FROM S.M. IN MICHIGAN: And supportive and engaged parents. It takes a village!
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: I have some very fond memories of some very special teachers. I can name a few from school but most came directly from my own family! FROM JACK: The classes I liked best in school, I liked mainly because of the teachers.
FROM MOLINER C.F.: Teachers are a special breed and, good or bad, they add something to the learning experience. My granddaughter started her Junior year as a premed student at Augie last week and she is already swooning over the quality of teachers...one and all. Prayers are great but I think we need to say "thank you" as well.
FROM L.K. IN OHIO: I believe God is taking back MA in part so she can help teach in heaven those 7th graders (in age) throughout the world whom God is also re-claiming for reasons of His own. She is ready to help Him keep the doors open for them. FROM JACK: There is so much that we don't know. We celebrate what we do know which gives us faith to move forward toward that which shall be revealed.
FROM J.N. IN MICHIGAN: Your Winning Words for today fit in with Good Samaritan's Second Annual Blessing of Teachers and Support Staff (aides, bus drivers, food service, etc.). Parents, grandparents, and anyone else who interacts with students--all are invited. It will take place Tuesday, September 15, at 7:00 p.m. at the church (517 W. Walton Blvd., Pontiac, between Silver Lake and Telegraph Roads). Music by Praise 150. Light refreshments will be served after the service. For more information call 248-335-9881. Everyone who attended last year said it was a most uplifting experience. Because many of your Winning Words messages are so timely, I believe your choices come under the category of Holy Spirit Stuff.
“Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself.” (Chinese Proverb) This is the month when the doors of our schools typically reopen. Buildings and equipment are important, but the success of a school depends on the quality of the teachers and the desire of the students to learn. Offer a prayer for a teacher or student today. ;-) Jack
FROM D.R. IN CALIFORNIA: What about you old favorite third grade teacher, Miss Wilson?? FROM JACK: How do you know that story from my past?
FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: god bless the children for they will inherit the earth. god bless the teachers, for they hold the responsibility to guide the earth's children to face that awesome inheritance with responsibility. amen! MORE FROM M.L.: thank god i had and continue to have predominantly good teachers in academia and in life, they came/come in all different ages, sizes, and colors.
FROM S.M. IN MICHIGAN: And supportive and engaged parents. It takes a village!
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: I have some very fond memories of some very special teachers. I can name a few from school but most came directly from my own family! FROM JACK: The classes I liked best in school, I liked mainly because of the teachers.
FROM MOLINER C.F.: Teachers are a special breed and, good or bad, they add something to the learning experience. My granddaughter started her Junior year as a premed student at Augie last week and she is already swooning over the quality of teachers...one and all. Prayers are great but I think we need to say "thank you" as well.
FROM L.K. IN OHIO: I believe God is taking back MA in part so she can help teach in heaven those 7th graders (in age) throughout the world whom God is also re-claiming for reasons of His own. She is ready to help Him keep the doors open for them. FROM JACK: There is so much that we don't know. We celebrate what we do know which gives us faith to move forward toward that which shall be revealed.
FROM J.N. IN MICHIGAN: Your Winning Words for today fit in with Good Samaritan's Second Annual Blessing of Teachers and Support Staff (aides, bus drivers, food service, etc.). Parents, grandparents, and anyone else who interacts with students--all are invited. It will take place Tuesday, September 15, at 7:00 p.m. at the church (517 W. Walton Blvd., Pontiac, between Silver Lake and Telegraph Roads). Music by Praise 150. Light refreshments will be served after the service. For more information call 248-335-9881. Everyone who attended last year said it was a most uplifting experience. Because many of your Winning Words messages are so timely, I believe your choices come under the category of Holy Spirit Stuff.
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