Winning Words 11/30/09
“Never think that you’re not good enough. My belief is that in life people will take you at your own reckoning.” (Anthony Trollope) An elementary school in our community is working to build self-esteem among the students by having each teacher write a positive statement about each student. The students then take the statements home to show their parents. It seems like a good idea for everyone! ;-) Jack
MORE FROM JACK: 20 to 25 students each week are involved in this program, until all those in the school have an opportunity to be a "Star Student." Each day a few children read one of the positive statements on the in house TV program. During the year each student goes to see the principal who reads their teachers' comments and congratulates them. He then gives them a "good" paperback book to take home and read as a gift for being a fine student in the school.
FROM PRJS IN MICHIGAN: I am a very positive person. Had to be. Yet, I have often found that positive thinking is "positive lying." We need to let our positivism be honest or ultimately we will have no need of a Savior. FROM JACK: We lie to ourselves in many ways. The thought in today's quote is an example of this. Most of us are better than we think we are.
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: What a neat idea, especially the part where the principal is also brought in to know and congratulate them and give the student a book as a gift. Nice to hear the whole community is involved in giving kids positive feedback in such a caring way. FROM JACK: For many of these children, this is the first positive reinforcement that they've ever been able to bring home and show their parents. Reports cards don't always tell the whole story.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: I've heard it said, we are our toughest critics. Thinking we aren't good enough is easy but acting like we are is. And there's one of those words again...."reckoning". How often is that word used today? Not much I reckon! FROM JACK: During the days when I was learning to be a pastor, I followed a chaplain around in Chicago's Cook County Hospital, as he visited the sick, many from "skid row." One of the Bible verses I remember hearing him whisper in the ear of a patient was Romans 8:18, "I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing to the Glory of God." MORE FROM OJ: Very very good! Romans is one of my favorites....and this was worth reading again.
FROM HAWKEYE GS: My favorite teachers were ones who made positive statements to/about me. The same goes for relatives.
FROM MOLINER CF: A pat on the head works better than a kick in the rump. FROM JACK: And sometimes a pat on the rump works better than a kick in the head.
FROM SG IN TAMPA: Do you think that there are a lot of people-adults and children-who have a low opinion of themselves? FROM JACK: The egotists seem to be in the minority...and even the egotists have an inner self-doubt that most of us don't see. In my "humble" opinion.
FROM AN IN MICHIGAN: "You gotta accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative and don't mess with Mr. in between." FROM JACK: You gotta keep accentuating!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Winning Words 11/27/09
“You’re not only wrong, you’re wrong at the top of your voice.” (John Macreedy) I was intrigued when I read JM’s words. So much seems to be said “loudly” these day: Black Friday, for example. When I first heard of Black Friday, it was another term for Good Friday, that day when a crowd shouted at the top of their voice, “Crucify him.” Just because something is shouted, doesn’t mean that it’s right. ;-) Jack
Winning Words 11/27/09
“The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings.” (Eric Hoffer) Another saying that fits: “You never miss the water ‘til the well runs dry.” The Thanksgiving season is time for us to take inventory of the good things we seem to take for granted. “…name them, one by one, and it will surprise you…” ;-) Jack
FROM TS VISITING IN OHIO: How is it we are treated to two Winning Words today? Special Treat! FROM JACK: I couldn't decide which of the messages to send, so I sent both. Two different thoughts.
FROM PRFM IN WISCONSIN: I received a call from a pastor yesterday, long since retired, thanking me for my assistance to him and the parish he was serving over 20 years ago - and an e-mail this morning from a pastor now serving a four point parish in North Dakota thanking me for being a mentor to him back in the 80's when he served as a P/D in Maple Lake, MN. Yesterday I counted many blessings . . . including the blessing of meeting you back in the 80's. FROM JACK: Correction: It was in 1969, 40 years ago...even a longer blessing for both of us.
FROM MOLINER CF: Sometimes you have to shout to the hearing impaired. Doesn't mean you are angry or lying. Count your blessing that you can hear. FROM JACK: The descriptive phrase is...WHEN YOU ARE WRONG.
FROM PRJS IN MICHIGAN: I had never heard the Friday after Thanksgiving called "Black Friday" until just recently. I wonder why that term? Wild Friday might seem more appropriate/....or "Meet the Nuts Friday" FROM JACK: Black Friday is the Friday following Thanksgiving Day in the United States, which is the beginning of the traditional Christmas shopping season. The term dates back to at least 1966, although its usage was primarily on the East coast. The term has become more common in other parts of the country since 2000. According to Reuters, in 2007 135 million people participated in the Black Friday shopping rush, more than turned out to vote in the 2008 United States presidential election, which recorded the largest voter turn out in history. The term "Black Friday" originated in Philadelphia in reference to the heavy traffic on that day. More recently, merchants and the media have used it instead to refer to the beginning of the period in which retailers go from being in the red (i.e., posting a loss on the books) to being in the black (i.e., turning a profit).
FROM L IN ILLINOIS: Thank you for Winning Words. I read WW first thing each morning. You're better than coffee (or, in my case, a Coke) at getting me going.
“You’re not only wrong, you’re wrong at the top of your voice.” (John Macreedy) I was intrigued when I read JM’s words. So much seems to be said “loudly” these day: Black Friday, for example. When I first heard of Black Friday, it was another term for Good Friday, that day when a crowd shouted at the top of their voice, “Crucify him.” Just because something is shouted, doesn’t mean that it’s right. ;-) Jack
Winning Words 11/27/09
“The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings.” (Eric Hoffer) Another saying that fits: “You never miss the water ‘til the well runs dry.” The Thanksgiving season is time for us to take inventory of the good things we seem to take for granted. “…name them, one by one, and it will surprise you…” ;-) Jack
FROM TS VISITING IN OHIO: How is it we are treated to two Winning Words today? Special Treat! FROM JACK: I couldn't decide which of the messages to send, so I sent both. Two different thoughts.
FROM PRFM IN WISCONSIN: I received a call from a pastor yesterday, long since retired, thanking me for my assistance to him and the parish he was serving over 20 years ago - and an e-mail this morning from a pastor now serving a four point parish in North Dakota thanking me for being a mentor to him back in the 80's when he served as a P/D in Maple Lake, MN. Yesterday I counted many blessings . . . including the blessing of meeting you back in the 80's. FROM JACK: Correction: It was in 1969, 40 years ago...even a longer blessing for both of us.
FROM MOLINER CF: Sometimes you have to shout to the hearing impaired. Doesn't mean you are angry or lying. Count your blessing that you can hear. FROM JACK: The descriptive phrase is...WHEN YOU ARE WRONG.
FROM PRJS IN MICHIGAN: I had never heard the Friday after Thanksgiving called "Black Friday" until just recently. I wonder why that term? Wild Friday might seem more appropriate/....or "Meet the Nuts Friday" FROM JACK: Black Friday is the Friday following Thanksgiving Day in the United States, which is the beginning of the traditional Christmas shopping season. The term dates back to at least 1966, although its usage was primarily on the East coast. The term has become more common in other parts of the country since 2000. According to Reuters, in 2007 135 million people participated in the Black Friday shopping rush, more than turned out to vote in the 2008 United States presidential election, which recorded the largest voter turn out in history. The term "Black Friday" originated in Philadelphia in reference to the heavy traffic on that day. More recently, merchants and the media have used it instead to refer to the beginning of the period in which retailers go from being in the red (i.e., posting a loss on the books) to being in the black (i.e., turning a profit).
FROM L IN ILLINOIS: Thank you for Winning Words. I read WW first thing each morning. You're better than coffee (or, in my case, a Coke) at getting me going.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Winning Words 11/25/09
“You say grace before meals. I say grace before a concert, before reading a book, before dancing, and before I dip the pen in the ink.” (G.K. Chesterton) Grace is an interesting word. As a prayer, it recognizes that many gifts are given to us out of love, and not because we deserve them. I’ve never thought to say a prayer before reading a book. I certainly would need to say one before dancing. ;-) Jack
FROM ST IN MICHIGAN: Hello Jack, this one is particularly touching. Gratitude is the most essential ingredient in any recipe. Thank you for sharing not just your words but the "winning words" of others. Healthy and happy holiday to you and your family. FROM JACK: In spite of everything, we are truly blessed.
FROM PRJS IN MICHIGAN: I have often wondered why they called the pre meal thanksgiving prayer "grace"? Any answers on that? It seems like a misnomer but may not be. FROM JACK: Yahoo wondered about this and asked its readers. Some responses: ...it is not prayer before eating, but 'thanks-giving' before eating...it could be a term families make up for themselves, as we call the remote control of TV, the RC...thanking our 'perceived Benefactor' would be being gracious...ask a starving child. And one, not from Yahoo: An old practice was to pray TWICE at a meal...before eating (the blessing), AND after eating (giving thanks). I suppose that these don't answer your "wondering" directly, but they seem to be to the point.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Besides meals, I say grace before opening my Bible. FROM JACK: A good idea.
FROM JB IN WISCONSIN: You may have used these words at sometime, but I came across them in a magazine yesterday and thought they were great and wanted to share them with you. "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." Winston Churchill
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
FROM LG IN MICHIGAN: Nice one FROM JACK: Speaking of nice, have a nice Thanksgiving.
FROM MF IN MICHIGAN: I'm going to give it a try, especially before the next time I go dancing,. may help (dancing), can't hurt.
FROM NE IN MICHIGAN: I think this is a particularly good one!! FROM JACK: ...and appropriate for the season.
FROM ML IN MICHIGAN: I thank you for the words of wisdom you so graciously share. FROM JACK: There's that "grace" word again.
FROM SG IN TAMPA: It seems that one could never say too many prayers. Happy Thanksgiving. FROM JACK: My grandsons tell me that some of those "church" prayers could be shorter.
FROM EA IN MICHIGAN: Before dancing: Is that because of beliefs or because of lack of knowledge on how to dance? FROM JACK: Mainly, because no one bothered to teach me, and also because I didn't want to look, "stupid." The two times I tried dancing, without knowing how, I feel (and look) "stupid."
FROM MOLINER CF: I've seen you dance! Even Hail Mary's wouldn't help.
FROM SG IN TAMPA: Some things never change. FROM JACK: As Major Bowes used to say, "Round and round she goes...."
FROM CJL IN OHIO: It wouldn't do me any good to pray before dancing! FROM JACK: I thought that you believed in miracles.
FROM MK IN MICHIGAN: Corrine is learning about prayers and has learned to say "God is great and God is good, and we thank Him for our food, Amen" before eating. She recently has been requesting the "table prayer" before bed. It is fun to watch her when we join others for dinner who don't prayer before meals because she'll stop and gasp, clasp her hands together up high, and exclaim "we forgot prayers!".
Happy Thanksgiving! FROM JACK: Soak it all in. These are the best of times.
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Chesterton is one of my favorites. FROM JACK: I like what "they" called him...The Prince of Paradox.
FROM JT IN MICHIGAN: Regarding grace before dancing - it's my partner that would need the grace.
FROM AM IN MICHIGAN: G.K.had great thoughts and a way with words. Pretty funny on your dance grace.
“You say grace before meals. I say grace before a concert, before reading a book, before dancing, and before I dip the pen in the ink.” (G.K. Chesterton) Grace is an interesting word. As a prayer, it recognizes that many gifts are given to us out of love, and not because we deserve them. I’ve never thought to say a prayer before reading a book. I certainly would need to say one before dancing. ;-) Jack
FROM ST IN MICHIGAN: Hello Jack, this one is particularly touching. Gratitude is the most essential ingredient in any recipe. Thank you for sharing not just your words but the "winning words" of others. Healthy and happy holiday to you and your family. FROM JACK: In spite of everything, we are truly blessed.
FROM PRJS IN MICHIGAN: I have often wondered why they called the pre meal thanksgiving prayer "grace"? Any answers on that? It seems like a misnomer but may not be. FROM JACK: Yahoo wondered about this and asked its readers. Some responses: ...it is not prayer before eating, but 'thanks-giving' before eating...it could be a term families make up for themselves, as we call the remote control of TV, the RC...thanking our 'perceived Benefactor' would be being gracious...ask a starving child. And one, not from Yahoo: An old practice was to pray TWICE at a meal...before eating (the blessing), AND after eating (giving thanks). I suppose that these don't answer your "wondering" directly, but they seem to be to the point.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Besides meals, I say grace before opening my Bible. FROM JACK: A good idea.
FROM JB IN WISCONSIN: You may have used these words at sometime, but I came across them in a magazine yesterday and thought they were great and wanted to share them with you. "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." Winston Churchill
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
FROM LG IN MICHIGAN: Nice one FROM JACK: Speaking of nice, have a nice Thanksgiving.
FROM MF IN MICHIGAN: I'm going to give it a try, especially before the next time I go dancing,. may help (dancing), can't hurt.
FROM NE IN MICHIGAN: I think this is a particularly good one!! FROM JACK: ...and appropriate for the season.
FROM ML IN MICHIGAN: I thank you for the words of wisdom you so graciously share. FROM JACK: There's that "grace" word again.
FROM SG IN TAMPA: It seems that one could never say too many prayers. Happy Thanksgiving. FROM JACK: My grandsons tell me that some of those "church" prayers could be shorter.
FROM EA IN MICHIGAN: Before dancing: Is that because of beliefs or because of lack of knowledge on how to dance? FROM JACK: Mainly, because no one bothered to teach me, and also because I didn't want to look, "stupid." The two times I tried dancing, without knowing how, I feel (and look) "stupid."
FROM MOLINER CF: I've seen you dance! Even Hail Mary's wouldn't help.
FROM SG IN TAMPA: Some things never change. FROM JACK: As Major Bowes used to say, "Round and round she goes...."
FROM CJL IN OHIO: It wouldn't do me any good to pray before dancing! FROM JACK: I thought that you believed in miracles.
FROM MK IN MICHIGAN: Corrine is learning about prayers and has learned to say "God is great and God is good, and we thank Him for our food, Amen" before eating. She recently has been requesting the "table prayer" before bed. It is fun to watch her when we join others for dinner who don't prayer before meals because she'll stop and gasp, clasp her hands together up high, and exclaim "we forgot prayers!".
Happy Thanksgiving! FROM JACK: Soak it all in. These are the best of times.
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Chesterton is one of my favorites. FROM JACK: I like what "they" called him...The Prince of Paradox.
FROM JT IN MICHIGAN: Regarding grace before dancing - it's my partner that would need the grace.
FROM AM IN MICHIGAN: G.K.had great thoughts and a way with words. Pretty funny on your dance grace.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Winning Words 11/24/09
“Promise me you’ll always remember: you’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” (Christopher Robin to Pooh) These words apply to many of us. Everyone has days when a word of encouragement would be welcomed. As we reach out to lift the spirit of someone, chances are that our own spirit will be lifted as well. Try it. ;-) Jack
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Good words to remember and good words to share! FROM JACK: Promise that you will do that? MORE FROM OJ: I am stronger than I think, braver than I believe, and smarter than everyone else thinks! Those are powerful statements!
FROM AJ IN MICHIGAN: Good words to think about, Jack. Happy Thanksgiving.
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: As a book-a-holic, I really like these Winning Words today too, especially "smarter than you think" Just playing around could it be "braver than your heart, stronger than your muscles and smarter than your mind?" Good news for us mortals indeed. I never realized before that maybe I could be smarter than I think. FROM JACK: ANCORA IMPARO.
FROM MOLINER CF: You don't need pompoms to be a cheerleader. FROM JACK: ...or to be pom-pous, either. hYour comment is a good one.
FROM L IN ILLINOIS: Like this one a lot. Christopher Robin was a smart kid.
FROM PJ IN MICHIGAN: Jack, used this at a luncheon today where I was speaking! FROM JACK: There's some truth in there for some people.
FROM MO IN ILLINOIS: I LOVE WINNIE THE POOH...I READ HIS BOOK TO ALL MY CHILDREN, AND THE
OLDER BOYS, EVEN IN JR. HIGH, ENJOYED THE WISDOM OF POOH! WE WILL HAVE 43 HERE FOR
THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION...CHAOTIC BUT GREAT FAMILY TIME.
“Promise me you’ll always remember: you’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” (Christopher Robin to Pooh) These words apply to many of us. Everyone has days when a word of encouragement would be welcomed. As we reach out to lift the spirit of someone, chances are that our own spirit will be lifted as well. Try it. ;-) Jack
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Good words to remember and good words to share! FROM JACK: Promise that you will do that? MORE FROM OJ: I am stronger than I think, braver than I believe, and smarter than everyone else thinks! Those are powerful statements!
FROM AJ IN MICHIGAN: Good words to think about, Jack. Happy Thanksgiving.
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: As a book-a-holic, I really like these Winning Words today too, especially "smarter than you think" Just playing around could it be "braver than your heart, stronger than your muscles and smarter than your mind?" Good news for us mortals indeed. I never realized before that maybe I could be smarter than I think. FROM JACK: ANCORA IMPARO.
FROM MOLINER CF: You don't need pompoms to be a cheerleader. FROM JACK: ...or to be pom-pous, either. hYour comment is a good one.
FROM L IN ILLINOIS: Like this one a lot. Christopher Robin was a smart kid.
FROM PJ IN MICHIGAN: Jack, used this at a luncheon today where I was speaking! FROM JACK: There's some truth in there for some people.
FROM MO IN ILLINOIS: I LOVE WINNIE THE POOH...I READ HIS BOOK TO ALL MY CHILDREN, AND THE
OLDER BOYS, EVEN IN JR. HIGH, ENJOYED THE WISDOM OF POOH! WE WILL HAVE 43 HERE FOR
THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION...CHAOTIC BUT GREAT FAMILY TIME.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Winning Words 11/23/09
“Nothing is impossible. Some things are just less likely than others.” (Jonathan Winters) JW has been one of my favorite improvisational comedians. I Googled a few of his skits last week, and he still cracks me up. But he has a serious side, too, as shown by today’s quote and by his personal life. His wife of 60 years died this year after a long battle with cancer. “Nothing is impossible” is today’s thought! ;-) Jack
FROM MT IN PENNSYLVANIA: Always a fave of mine too. And a lot of younger-generation comedians owe a great deal to JW (most especially, Robin Williams). FROM JACK: I laugh inside, just thinking of his antics and facial expressions. Improv shows creativity.
FROM EM IN MICHIGAN: Loved watching him and Robin Williams together on Mork and Mindy! FROM JACK: I miss creative comedy. MORE FROM EM: One of my favorite shows as a young child. I actually remember dressing up as Mork for Halloween - suspenders and all!
FROM PRFM IN WISCONSIN: I don't know who said it, but another similar word is . . . "Nothing is impossible. Some things just take a bit longer to accomplish." FROM JACK: I think that it was a motto of the Seabees. It may also have appeared in Alice in Wonderland.
FROM CJL IN OHIO: He spoke at the dedication of Wittenberg's "Festival of the Arts" a few years ago. Great speaker as well as comedian! FROM JACK: I wish I could have been there. I visited Hamma once, but never tourned the W campus. I did drive by the football field.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: He was one of my favorites too....especially his hilarious facial expressions. He struggled with some large problems in his life but was able to overcome them. I remember a serious conversation he had with an interviewer years and years ago and he revealed some tough issues. I don't remember them now, but I remembered thinking how he turned his tears into laughter...for himself and those who still remember him. FROM JACK: I guess I'm not the only one who likes JW.
FROM MOLINER CF: Jonathan was a Marine and one of our mottos ended with",,,the impossible takes a little longer." Once a Marine, always a Marine. FROM JACK: Semper Fi
“Nothing is impossible. Some things are just less likely than others.” (Jonathan Winters) JW has been one of my favorite improvisational comedians. I Googled a few of his skits last week, and he still cracks me up. But he has a serious side, too, as shown by today’s quote and by his personal life. His wife of 60 years died this year after a long battle with cancer. “Nothing is impossible” is today’s thought! ;-) Jack
FROM MT IN PENNSYLVANIA: Always a fave of mine too. And a lot of younger-generation comedians owe a great deal to JW (most especially, Robin Williams). FROM JACK: I laugh inside, just thinking of his antics and facial expressions. Improv shows creativity.
FROM EM IN MICHIGAN: Loved watching him and Robin Williams together on Mork and Mindy! FROM JACK: I miss creative comedy. MORE FROM EM: One of my favorite shows as a young child. I actually remember dressing up as Mork for Halloween - suspenders and all!
FROM PRFM IN WISCONSIN: I don't know who said it, but another similar word is . . . "Nothing is impossible. Some things just take a bit longer to accomplish." FROM JACK: I think that it was a motto of the Seabees. It may also have appeared in Alice in Wonderland.
FROM CJL IN OHIO: He spoke at the dedication of Wittenberg's "Festival of the Arts" a few years ago. Great speaker as well as comedian! FROM JACK: I wish I could have been there. I visited Hamma once, but never tourned the W campus. I did drive by the football field.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: He was one of my favorites too....especially his hilarious facial expressions. He struggled with some large problems in his life but was able to overcome them. I remember a serious conversation he had with an interviewer years and years ago and he revealed some tough issues. I don't remember them now, but I remembered thinking how he turned his tears into laughter...for himself and those who still remember him. FROM JACK: I guess I'm not the only one who likes JW.
FROM MOLINER CF: Jonathan was a Marine and one of our mottos ended with",,,the impossible takes a little longer." Once a Marine, always a Marine. FROM JACK: Semper Fi
Friday, November 20, 2009
Winning Words 11/20/09
“Experience is a good teacher, but sometimes she sends in terrific bills.” (Minna Thomas Antrim) As the cowardly lion said in The Wizard of Oz, “Ain’t it the truth? Ain’t it the truth.” Just in! Minna was born (1859} in Philadelphia, a descendant of staunch Quakers. She was Episcopalian and the mother of 3 children. She liked music and outdoor sports. Thanks to Mike at the WB Library. ;-) Jack
FROM MT IN PENNSYLVANIA: Reminds me of a couple of other quotes:
"Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately, it eventually kills all of its students." (Hector Berlioz)
"I know God will never give me anything I can't handle; I just wish He didn't trust me so much." (Mother Teresa)
FROM JACK: Ohhhh, the lessons we have learned. "We grow too soon old and too late smart."
FROM RI IN BOSTON: That reminds me of a bumper sticker I saw: "If you think Education is expensive, try Ignorance." There are so many ways to learn things. Parental experience can offer a lot in that regard but consider the number of children who make the same old mistakes. FROM JACK: Have you read any reviews of the movie, "Precious?" Some of the story seems to fit with your comments.
FROM MO IN ILLINOIS: As Will Rogers once said, "Good Judgment comes with experience. Experience comes from Bad Judgments!" Ain't it the truth? FROM JACK: One of my favorite stage shows was "The Will Rogers Follies." There is probably a CD of it. It's worth a look.
FROM INDY GENIE: My only hope is that after I've paid the bill, I've learned my teacher's lesson! FROM JACK: Sometimes we don't "Get it" (the lesson) until later in life.
FROM JO IN MICHIGAN: Wow, that is so true! FROM JACK: Sometimes the truth hurts, but, in the end, it's better than fiction.
FROM CJL IN OHIO: You're sure to get them & compelled to pay. FROM JACK: The alternative ain't so hot.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: The bills are due but thankfully we are able to pay. Experience and prayer have helped tremendously.
“Experience is a good teacher, but sometimes she sends in terrific bills.” (Minna Thomas Antrim) As the cowardly lion said in The Wizard of Oz, “Ain’t it the truth? Ain’t it the truth.” Just in! Minna was born (1859} in Philadelphia, a descendant of staunch Quakers. She was Episcopalian and the mother of 3 children. She liked music and outdoor sports. Thanks to Mike at the WB Library. ;-) Jack
FROM MT IN PENNSYLVANIA: Reminds me of a couple of other quotes:
"Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately, it eventually kills all of its students." (Hector Berlioz)
"I know God will never give me anything I can't handle; I just wish He didn't trust me so much." (Mother Teresa)
FROM JACK: Ohhhh, the lessons we have learned. "We grow too soon old and too late smart."
FROM RI IN BOSTON: That reminds me of a bumper sticker I saw: "If you think Education is expensive, try Ignorance." There are so many ways to learn things. Parental experience can offer a lot in that regard but consider the number of children who make the same old mistakes. FROM JACK: Have you read any reviews of the movie, "Precious?" Some of the story seems to fit with your comments.
FROM MO IN ILLINOIS: As Will Rogers once said, "Good Judgment comes with experience. Experience comes from Bad Judgments!" Ain't it the truth? FROM JACK: One of my favorite stage shows was "The Will Rogers Follies." There is probably a CD of it. It's worth a look.
FROM INDY GENIE: My only hope is that after I've paid the bill, I've learned my teacher's lesson! FROM JACK: Sometimes we don't "Get it" (the lesson) until later in life.
FROM JO IN MICHIGAN: Wow, that is so true! FROM JACK: Sometimes the truth hurts, but, in the end, it's better than fiction.
FROM CJL IN OHIO: You're sure to get them & compelled to pay. FROM JACK: The alternative ain't so hot.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: The bills are due but thankfully we are able to pay. Experience and prayer have helped tremendously.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Winning Words 11/19/09
“Smiles are the soul’s kisses….Don’t build castles in Spain….Satiety is a mongrel that barks at the heels of plenty.” (Minna Thomas Antrim) I hope you enjoy Minna’s words as much as I do. Think awhile on each quote, even if you don’t know what satiety means. Give someone a smile today, and see if it’s returned. ;-) Jack
FROM EA IN MICHIGAN: How well satiety fits the quote. I could make that the "word" for the day. My trial will be done and I will see you on Tuesday with a surprise. FROM JACK: Satiety...I like the sound of that.
FROM MF IN MICHIGAN: I am enjoying them also, not sure if you have heard that I'm working again.. in a special ed. school. I'm touched often by the smiles from the multiply impaired kids, mostly they can't walk or
talk, but some will smile. Have continued to enjoy your winning words, and often think of you and that you continue to excel in your mission. FROM JACK: What a great new job (opportunity). Congratulations!
FROM MOLINER CF: When you're smiling When you're smiling The whole world smiles with you FROM JACK: "Say CHEESE!" MORE FROM CF: When one uses words people don't understand, one is not communicating.
People can't or won't take the time to research a word that doesn'r stir their curiosuty. K.I.S.S. FROM JACK: Complain to Minna. I'm just using her word.
FROM LG IN MICHIGAN: I know what satiety means...and now I know what bathos means, too! : ) FROM JACK: Two good words for the vocabulary.
FROM CS IN MICHIGAN: so many words to revisit--very interesting. Where do you find these books? are you mining the internet? do you really pay in rupees? sending you a smile this morning FROM JACK: There are so many interesting things to see and hear when you are "tuned in." I saw that Minna's book was available from some place in India. You had to pay in rupees, though.
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: that last one is making me think of some old movies I've seen where the people are gathered around the table, feeding their faces, and some old hound-dog is hanging around near-by catching the bones and scraps they are tossing at him. It wouldn't seem right with any other word than "satiety" and it wouldn't seem right with any other word than "mongrel" except maybe that's because that's the only way I have seen it now.
“Smiles are the soul’s kisses….Don’t build castles in Spain….Satiety is a mongrel that barks at the heels of plenty.” (Minna Thomas Antrim) I hope you enjoy Minna’s words as much as I do. Think awhile on each quote, even if you don’t know what satiety means. Give someone a smile today, and see if it’s returned. ;-) Jack
FROM EA IN MICHIGAN: How well satiety fits the quote. I could make that the "word" for the day. My trial will be done and I will see you on Tuesday with a surprise. FROM JACK: Satiety...I like the sound of that.
FROM MF IN MICHIGAN: I am enjoying them also, not sure if you have heard that I'm working again.. in a special ed. school. I'm touched often by the smiles from the multiply impaired kids, mostly they can't walk or
talk, but some will smile. Have continued to enjoy your winning words, and often think of you and that you continue to excel in your mission. FROM JACK: What a great new job (opportunity). Congratulations!
FROM MOLINER CF: When you're smiling When you're smiling The whole world smiles with you FROM JACK: "Say CHEESE!" MORE FROM CF: When one uses words people don't understand, one is not communicating.
People can't or won't take the time to research a word that doesn'r stir their curiosuty. K.I.S.S. FROM JACK: Complain to Minna. I'm just using her word.
FROM LG IN MICHIGAN: I know what satiety means...and now I know what bathos means, too! : ) FROM JACK: Two good words for the vocabulary.
FROM CS IN MICHIGAN: so many words to revisit--very interesting. Where do you find these books? are you mining the internet? do you really pay in rupees? sending you a smile this morning FROM JACK: There are so many interesting things to see and hear when you are "tuned in." I saw that Minna's book was available from some place in India. You had to pay in rupees, though.
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: that last one is making me think of some old movies I've seen where the people are gathered around the table, feeding their faces, and some old hound-dog is hanging around near-by catching the bones and scraps they are tossing at him. It wouldn't seem right with any other word than "satiety" and it wouldn't seem right with any other word than "mongrel" except maybe that's because that's the only way I have seen it now.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Winning Words 11/18/09
“Don’t be a prude; be prudent….Don’t quarrel by mail….Don’t confuse bathos with pathos.” (Minna Thomas Antrim) These are three quotes that I like from Minna’s book: “Don’ts For Girls—A Manual of Mistakes,” published in 1902. You can buy it online for 784 rupees. I had to look up “bathos” to get the point of that one. Each quote seems relevant, even after 100 years. ;-) Jack
FROM LG IN MICHIGAN: Hey, don't keep us in suspense... What's "bathos" mean? FROM JACK: In school, when you said something like that, what did the teacher say? MORE FROM LG: Oh mannnnnn!! Okiedokey! I'll "look it up"! :)
FROM L IN ILLINOIS: Looks as if you're going to make us all look up "bathos." FROM JACK: I hope that "bathos" doesn't describe the thought of these daily Winning Words.
FROM LB IN MICHIGAN: I assume you tried this already. You can read a scanned copy of this book--and others she wrote--on http://books.google.com. Just search by her name and all her scanned books will be listed. You can select this one and read the scanned pages. FROM JACK: Ask a librarian if you are stumped. I did read the "Don'ts" book, but it didn't have any personal info about the author.
FROM MOLINER CF: I disagree with MTA's "Don't quarrel by mail." I find it saves a lot of bloody noses. FROM JACK: Face to face allows clarification. Many things are said in letters that are misunderstood and lead to further animosity.
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: I bit and looked up both words: All the pathos I can muster, I see it is only raising bathos in you. But it is the "Don't quarrel by mail" that I am guilty of so often. Were the Apostle Paul's letters quarrelling by mail or are those instances of not quarrelling, just being right? Just thinking about letters here on the computer and wondering if Minna has the best truth, that we should always handle our stuff face-to-face where people can see if we have pathos or bathos.
FROM JACK: Simply stated, bathos is insincere pathos.
“Don’t be a prude; be prudent….Don’t quarrel by mail….Don’t confuse bathos with pathos.” (Minna Thomas Antrim) These are three quotes that I like from Minna’s book: “Don’ts For Girls—A Manual of Mistakes,” published in 1902. You can buy it online for 784 rupees. I had to look up “bathos” to get the point of that one. Each quote seems relevant, even after 100 years. ;-) Jack
FROM LG IN MICHIGAN: Hey, don't keep us in suspense... What's "bathos" mean? FROM JACK: In school, when you said something like that, what did the teacher say? MORE FROM LG: Oh mannnnnn!! Okiedokey! I'll "look it up"! :)
FROM L IN ILLINOIS: Looks as if you're going to make us all look up "bathos." FROM JACK: I hope that "bathos" doesn't describe the thought of these daily Winning Words.
FROM LB IN MICHIGAN: I assume you tried this already. You can read a scanned copy of this book--and others she wrote--on http://books.google.com. Just search by her name and all her scanned books will be listed. You can select this one and read the scanned pages. FROM JACK: Ask a librarian if you are stumped. I did read the "Don'ts" book, but it didn't have any personal info about the author.
FROM MOLINER CF: I disagree with MTA's "Don't quarrel by mail." I find it saves a lot of bloody noses. FROM JACK: Face to face allows clarification. Many things are said in letters that are misunderstood and lead to further animosity.
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: I bit and looked up both words: All the pathos I can muster, I see it is only raising bathos in you. But it is the "Don't quarrel by mail" that I am guilty of so often. Were the Apostle Paul's letters quarrelling by mail or are those instances of not quarrelling, just being right? Just thinking about letters here on the computer and wondering if Minna has the best truth, that we should always handle our stuff face-to-face where people can see if we have pathos or bathos.
FROM JACK: Simply stated, bathos is insincere pathos.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Winning Words 11/17/09
“Three failures denote uncommon strength. A weakling has not enough grit to fail thrice.” (Minna Thomas Antrim) I tried more than 3 times to find information about Minna, other than 1861-1950 as her lifespan. She’s often quoted, but little noted. I have the grit to try again to learn something about Minna. ;-) Jack
FROM ML IN ILLINOIS: trilogy theme this week? FROM JACK: That gives me an idea for tomorrow.
FROM L IN ILLINOIS: Although Stafon Johnson only spoke seven words, they were loaded with meaning and hope. Repeating the last words spoken to him by his late grandfather, the Southern California tailback said, "God has a plan. Run, Stafon, run." FROM JACK: WWs' readers might want to Google the Stafon story.
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: You know, today's WW are uncanny. Three times I had a loss, an adversity attack me and try to make me completely despairing and without faith. My comfort is in the Apostle Paul having that thorn in his side which he prayed for relief three times and all the other three's in the Bible. What is it about that number 3?!!!!! FROM JACK: Father, Son and Holy Spirit!
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Boy am I ever strong!!! FROM JACK: Philippians 4:13
FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: Based on Minna's comments, count me among the strong!
FROM AM IN MICHIGAN: I often think of Churchill when I think of failure. He had many sruggles but, oh, the strengths! Never heard of Antrim but Antrim is a county in Ulster, northern Ireland. Thank you for the words.
FROM CJL IN OHIO: Aren't you finished after three? FROM JACK: If at third you don't succeed, try, try again.
FROM SG IN TAMPA: Who was Minna? FROM JACK: That's what I want to know.
STAFON JOHNSON of the Southern California Trojans scored the winning touchdown against Ohio State in September, a few weeks before his weight room accident. Johnson already can speak in a soft, raspy voice less than three months after a weight bar crushed his throat in a potentially fatal weight room accident. He briefly demonstrated his remarkable recovery Saturday before the Trojans' game against Stanford. "Just the whisper, it was a big thing," said Kim Mallory, Johnson's mother. "I wasn't expecting any type of sound for a while. It's overwhelming." Johnson also has regained the ability to swallow and eat solid food, an improbably quick achievement after several operations on his neck, according to the doctors who have supervised his recovery since the late-September accident in the USC weight room. Dr. Ryan Osborne said the tracheostomy tube has been removed from Johnson's throat, and he no longer has a feeding tube in his stomach. "Anyone looking at him today, or who heard the story, would say it's miraculous," said Dr. Jason Hamilton, a throat specialist. "No physician can tell a patient what his chances are for recovery. He never put limitations on himself, and that's why he's making great strides." Johnson has had three more operations since leaving the hospital Oct. 14. His right vocal cord was torn away from its mooring and his larynx was crushed. His doctors seemed even more impressed by his ability to swallow, thinking it might be impossible for someone with such a severe injury. "Due to a gladiator-type mentality toward his outcome ... he has regained the ability to swallow," Osborne said. It's too early to tell whether Johnson has the interest or ability to return to the sport. When asked if he intended to play for USC next season, he responded with a shrug. Mallory isn't surprised by Johnson's determination. Johnson decided he wanted to play football when he was 5 years old, and no amount of cajoling from his mother — "Don't you want to play baseball? Don't you think basketball is better?" she recalled saying — could dissuade him from the violent sport. "(There are) good days, bad days, but because Stafon is a fighter, there's never been any (depression)," Mallory said. Johnson only gets emotional at the thought of not being able to speak to his young son, Stafon Jr., but he's not even on medication for pain or depression, a common necessity for patients with similar injuries. Johnson's doctors and family all seem optimistic for something approaching a full recovery. "Will there be any limitations on him?" Osborne asked. Those are only going to be set by Stafon."
FROM PRFM IN WISCONSIN: A great word today . . . I checked for something on her life and doings, but couldn't find anything. Maybe someone should write a brief bio on her . . . Jack. You have the qualifications!
FROM GS IN MICHIGAN: my heroine! FROM JACK: I read this week that there are he-roes and she-roes.
FROM LP IN MICHIGAN: eck! I'm reviewing my _three_ thesis topics as I prepare for my defense. May it not be a test of my grit as well. FROM JACK: I have something to send to you or anybody which will indicate whether or not you are under stress.
“Three failures denote uncommon strength. A weakling has not enough grit to fail thrice.” (Minna Thomas Antrim) I tried more than 3 times to find information about Minna, other than 1861-1950 as her lifespan. She’s often quoted, but little noted. I have the grit to try again to learn something about Minna. ;-) Jack
FROM ML IN ILLINOIS: trilogy theme this week? FROM JACK: That gives me an idea for tomorrow.
FROM L IN ILLINOIS: Although Stafon Johnson only spoke seven words, they were loaded with meaning and hope. Repeating the last words spoken to him by his late grandfather, the Southern California tailback said, "God has a plan. Run, Stafon, run." FROM JACK: WWs' readers might want to Google the Stafon story.
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: You know, today's WW are uncanny. Three times I had a loss, an adversity attack me and try to make me completely despairing and without faith. My comfort is in the Apostle Paul having that thorn in his side which he prayed for relief three times and all the other three's in the Bible. What is it about that number 3?!!!!! FROM JACK: Father, Son and Holy Spirit!
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Boy am I ever strong!!! FROM JACK: Philippians 4:13
FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: Based on Minna's comments, count me among the strong!
FROM AM IN MICHIGAN: I often think of Churchill when I think of failure. He had many sruggles but, oh, the strengths! Never heard of Antrim but Antrim is a county in Ulster, northern Ireland. Thank you for the words.
FROM CJL IN OHIO: Aren't you finished after three? FROM JACK: If at third you don't succeed, try, try again.
FROM SG IN TAMPA: Who was Minna? FROM JACK: That's what I want to know.
STAFON JOHNSON of the Southern California Trojans scored the winning touchdown against Ohio State in September, a few weeks before his weight room accident. Johnson already can speak in a soft, raspy voice less than three months after a weight bar crushed his throat in a potentially fatal weight room accident. He briefly demonstrated his remarkable recovery Saturday before the Trojans' game against Stanford. "Just the whisper, it was a big thing," said Kim Mallory, Johnson's mother. "I wasn't expecting any type of sound for a while. It's overwhelming." Johnson also has regained the ability to swallow and eat solid food, an improbably quick achievement after several operations on his neck, according to the doctors who have supervised his recovery since the late-September accident in the USC weight room. Dr. Ryan Osborne said the tracheostomy tube has been removed from Johnson's throat, and he no longer has a feeding tube in his stomach. "Anyone looking at him today, or who heard the story, would say it's miraculous," said Dr. Jason Hamilton, a throat specialist. "No physician can tell a patient what his chances are for recovery. He never put limitations on himself, and that's why he's making great strides." Johnson has had three more operations since leaving the hospital Oct. 14. His right vocal cord was torn away from its mooring and his larynx was crushed. His doctors seemed even more impressed by his ability to swallow, thinking it might be impossible for someone with such a severe injury. "Due to a gladiator-type mentality toward his outcome ... he has regained the ability to swallow," Osborne said. It's too early to tell whether Johnson has the interest or ability to return to the sport. When asked if he intended to play for USC next season, he responded with a shrug. Mallory isn't surprised by Johnson's determination. Johnson decided he wanted to play football when he was 5 years old, and no amount of cajoling from his mother — "Don't you want to play baseball? Don't you think basketball is better?" she recalled saying — could dissuade him from the violent sport. "(There are) good days, bad days, but because Stafon is a fighter, there's never been any (depression)," Mallory said. Johnson only gets emotional at the thought of not being able to speak to his young son, Stafon Jr., but he's not even on medication for pain or depression, a common necessity for patients with similar injuries. Johnson's doctors and family all seem optimistic for something approaching a full recovery. "Will there be any limitations on him?" Osborne asked. Those are only going to be set by Stafon."
FROM PRFM IN WISCONSIN: A great word today . . . I checked for something on her life and doings, but couldn't find anything. Maybe someone should write a brief bio on her . . . Jack. You have the qualifications!
FROM GS IN MICHIGAN: my heroine! FROM JACK: I read this week that there are he-roes and she-roes.
FROM LP IN MICHIGAN: eck! I'm reviewing my _three_ thesis topics as I prepare for my defense. May it not be a test of my grit as well. FROM JACK: I have something to send to you or anybody which will indicate whether or not you are under stress.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Winning Words 11/16/09
“Dream --Set Goals—Take Action” (Seen on a baseball cap) I was at a “Fair” last Saturday and saw a display of baseball caps for sale. The one that carried today’s quote really caught my eye. If you want to achieve something, follow that advice. ;-) Jack
FROM PRJS IN MICHIGAN: Was that a Chicago Cubs hat??? FROM JACK: Except for the "Take Action" part.
FROM ML IN ILLINOIS: so, did you buy it? FROM JACK: I couldn't decide. It was between that one and another that read: "It's a priest thing. You wouldn't understand."
FROM JK IN MICHIGAN: Your word today really resonates with me. I heard a parable of a man who owned a restaurant in Great Depression. Everyday he would send someone out to the road to wave customers into his restaurant. His business grew to the point that he sent word to his son at college to come home and help him manage the family business. His son indeed did came home and told his dad "Don't you know that there is economic crisis in the country? You need to adjust your business to survive." Taking his son's advice he cut
back on advertising, adjusted his business in other ways, etc. Well wouldn't you know it - His restaurant closed. The question is did it close because of expectation or perspective? Thank You for the reminder. It seems these days there are so many reasons not to believe and dream for our future. FROM JACK: Just the other day I saw some kids waving signs and smiling at the people going by. Car Wash! Car Wash! And people were stopping, too.
FROM MOLINER CF: I wonder if whoever created that phrase was influenced by "Ready, Set... GO." FROM JACK: That's a good observation. I wonder who "whoever" is? MORE FROM CF: The difference between a dream and a nightmare is the action you take.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Or...."On your mark"..."Get Set"...."GO"! We watched a video of our water-water rafting trip with Pastor Chuck and that would have been a very good title for the DVD!!!!
“Dream --Set Goals—Take Action” (Seen on a baseball cap) I was at a “Fair” last Saturday and saw a display of baseball caps for sale. The one that carried today’s quote really caught my eye. If you want to achieve something, follow that advice. ;-) Jack
FROM PRJS IN MICHIGAN: Was that a Chicago Cubs hat??? FROM JACK: Except for the "Take Action" part.
FROM ML IN ILLINOIS: so, did you buy it? FROM JACK: I couldn't decide. It was between that one and another that read: "It's a priest thing. You wouldn't understand."
FROM JK IN MICHIGAN: Your word today really resonates with me. I heard a parable of a man who owned a restaurant in Great Depression. Everyday he would send someone out to the road to wave customers into his restaurant. His business grew to the point that he sent word to his son at college to come home and help him manage the family business. His son indeed did came home and told his dad "Don't you know that there is economic crisis in the country? You need to adjust your business to survive." Taking his son's advice he cut
back on advertising, adjusted his business in other ways, etc. Well wouldn't you know it - His restaurant closed. The question is did it close because of expectation or perspective? Thank You for the reminder. It seems these days there are so many reasons not to believe and dream for our future. FROM JACK: Just the other day I saw some kids waving signs and smiling at the people going by. Car Wash! Car Wash! And people were stopping, too.
FROM MOLINER CF: I wonder if whoever created that phrase was influenced by "Ready, Set... GO." FROM JACK: That's a good observation. I wonder who "whoever" is? MORE FROM CF: The difference between a dream and a nightmare is the action you take.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Or...."On your mark"..."Get Set"...."GO"! We watched a video of our water-water rafting trip with Pastor Chuck and that would have been a very good title for the DVD!!!!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Winning Words 11/13/0
“We are all richer than we think we are.” (de Montaigne-16th century philosopher) A 21-yr-old who lives in our area of Michigan won $8.55 million playing poker in Vegas. Playing poker is practically a living for him. His high school friends say that money hasn’t changed him. What is it that makes someone rich? I know some poor people who are really rich. ;-) Jack
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: What is it that makes someone rich? I think it is belief that God is a God of abundance and being surrounded by people, including Pastors, so that when we are tempted to get off the track and doubt, they help us to get back on again and trust in God. Maybe it is that the young 21 year-old with all that money was still able to keep central his whole trust in God. Neat to think about. FROM JACK: You are rich.
FROM JO IN MICHIGAN: Money is nice, but friends are better. Since I lost my job, it has been incredible to receive the support I have from people like you and countless others. Money cannot buy that... FROM JACK: As the song goes..."That's what friends are for."
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: We are actually richer because of the blessings we have received over the years than the money we have made. FROM JACK: We need to spend more time counting our blessings, instead of counting our money.
FROM SG IN TAMPA: Having faith, a loving family and friends, health, and being a citizen of the United States, where you can work and study hard and reach your goals because of or in spite of your family. FROM JACK: We don't have to win the lottery in order to be rich.
FROM AM IN MICHIGAN: Some of the grandchildren talked about some kids as being "really rich". We talked about having enough and being really rich like Grandma in love and family. I pray they got it. They knew I meant it. FROM JACK: Without a teacher, it's hard to learn.
FROM MOLINER CF: Richness is a state of mind.
FROM PRJM IN MICHIGAN: What do you mean, Jack, that playing poker is "practically a living for him"? I'd say 8.5 million is a good living! As for riches, money is not a bad thing but it is hardly the best thing. Yes, I know that more marriage founder on the rocks of money arguments but it is really about power and control than bills and needs. Rich people are those who find contentment in their everyday lives. They are able to give what others need -- love, care, food, time, etc. -- because they feel content with whatever amount they have. FROM JACK: What would you really do with $8.5 million? MORE FROM JM: What would I really do with $8.5 million? Probably give away all but 1 million of it right away. There are some charities I'd really like to support better and I'd love to have a pile of money to give away. The other million I'd put into some sort of living trust so I could live on it, distribute some to family and friends as needed, and have the rest of it distributed at my death. That's what I'd most likely do. When I was a kid we'd sometimes play a game called What Would You Do With A Million Dollars? Not that it was much of a game, just making a list of what we'd do and sharing it with each other. It was kind of a thought-provoking exercise to think of how we'd spend that much money. Keep on keeping on!
FROM MO IN ILLINOIS: Especially here in America...I have toured India, Japan, Thailand, Dem.Republic of Congo, Haiti (the worst!) The Holy LAND,Turkey, and all of Europe, and nowhere does one see the opulence of even our middle classes. Whether we are as rich in faith, life-contentment, self-satisfaction etc. may be another matter entirely! But there is no doubt we in America are so blessed compared to the rest of the world! FROM JACK: You are fortunate to be able to make the comparison. I don't think most Americans realize how rich they are...in so many ways. So they complain, complain, complain. More, more, more. Oops! I supposed to be positive and not negative.
“We are all richer than we think we are.” (de Montaigne-16th century philosopher) A 21-yr-old who lives in our area of Michigan won $8.55 million playing poker in Vegas. Playing poker is practically a living for him. His high school friends say that money hasn’t changed him. What is it that makes someone rich? I know some poor people who are really rich. ;-) Jack
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: What is it that makes someone rich? I think it is belief that God is a God of abundance and being surrounded by people, including Pastors, so that when we are tempted to get off the track and doubt, they help us to get back on again and trust in God. Maybe it is that the young 21 year-old with all that money was still able to keep central his whole trust in God. Neat to think about. FROM JACK: You are rich.
FROM JO IN MICHIGAN: Money is nice, but friends are better. Since I lost my job, it has been incredible to receive the support I have from people like you and countless others. Money cannot buy that... FROM JACK: As the song goes..."That's what friends are for."
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: We are actually richer because of the blessings we have received over the years than the money we have made. FROM JACK: We need to spend more time counting our blessings, instead of counting our money.
FROM SG IN TAMPA: Having faith, a loving family and friends, health, and being a citizen of the United States, where you can work and study hard and reach your goals because of or in spite of your family. FROM JACK: We don't have to win the lottery in order to be rich.
FROM AM IN MICHIGAN: Some of the grandchildren talked about some kids as being "really rich". We talked about having enough and being really rich like Grandma in love and family. I pray they got it. They knew I meant it. FROM JACK: Without a teacher, it's hard to learn.
FROM MOLINER CF: Richness is a state of mind.
FROM PRJM IN MICHIGAN: What do you mean, Jack, that playing poker is "practically a living for him"? I'd say 8.5 million is a good living! As for riches, money is not a bad thing but it is hardly the best thing. Yes, I know that more marriage founder on the rocks of money arguments but it is really about power and control than bills and needs. Rich people are those who find contentment in their everyday lives. They are able to give what others need -- love, care, food, time, etc. -- because they feel content with whatever amount they have. FROM JACK: What would you really do with $8.5 million? MORE FROM JM: What would I really do with $8.5 million? Probably give away all but 1 million of it right away. There are some charities I'd really like to support better and I'd love to have a pile of money to give away. The other million I'd put into some sort of living trust so I could live on it, distribute some to family and friends as needed, and have the rest of it distributed at my death. That's what I'd most likely do. When I was a kid we'd sometimes play a game called What Would You Do With A Million Dollars? Not that it was much of a game, just making a list of what we'd do and sharing it with each other. It was kind of a thought-provoking exercise to think of how we'd spend that much money. Keep on keeping on!
FROM MO IN ILLINOIS: Especially here in America...I have toured India, Japan, Thailand, Dem.Republic of Congo, Haiti (the worst!) The Holy LAND,Turkey, and all of Europe, and nowhere does one see the opulence of even our middle classes. Whether we are as rich in faith, life-contentment, self-satisfaction etc. may be another matter entirely! But there is no doubt we in America are so blessed compared to the rest of the world! FROM JACK: You are fortunate to be able to make the comparison. I don't think most Americans realize how rich they are...in so many ways. So they complain, complain, complain. More, more, more. Oops! I supposed to be positive and not negative.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Winning Words 11/12/09
“Everything you want is just outside your comfort zone.” (Terry Slattery) These words were spoken at a sales meeting, but they’re good for all of us. Doubt, fear and negative thoughts can keep us from venturing out to achieve what we really want. Everything we want is waiting for us. A saying is staring at me now from beside my computer: “Get Tough…Get Off Your Duff.” ;-) Jack
FROM LG IN MICHIGAN: Love this one, Jack!! If nothing changes, nothing changes...... I just read another good one from a friend this morning who just received a diagnosis of cancer...she said she started running again, and is really watching her blood sugar carefully now--all things she should have been doing anyway. She asked why it took something like a cancer diagnosis to get her off her duff to do the self-care, but then said she's a firm believer in the philosophy of "it takes what it takes." I thought you might like that one, too! FROM JACK: "If nothing changes, nothing changes." I like it!
FROM RI IN BOSTON: Your WW begs the question...Is everything we want what we really need? It brings to mind that wise and cautious advice...Be careful what you want because you'll get it. FROM JACK: Be wise and cautious is good advice, but if we didn't want something, we wouldn't strive for betterment. MORE FROM RI: We also wouldn't maintain a bustling national economy, and the jobs that go with it.
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: These Winning Words are so true!!!! Thanks!!! I just forwarded them to all the fellow
Bible study students. Especially in Bible study we all want to be able to share our unique authentic selves and often, in doing that, need to go just outside our comfort zones but isn't true community what we all really want? And isn't that what the world is afraid of, there is such power in true community, but isn't that also what the world really needs? FROM JACK: "What the world needs now is love sweet love, It*s the only thing that there*s just too little of. What the world needs now is love sweet love, no not just for some but for everyone."
FROM MS IN LAOS: I'm in Laos and really far outside my comfort zone!
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: One of the most profound messages you have ever sent. FROM JACK: Another saying that is staring at me is one that you sent: Ancora Imparo....I am still learning. Profound. MORE FROM GDJ: Yes, I am into profundity and learning induced epiphanies. Hello, “My name is Jon, and I am an epiphany junkie.” AND STILL MORE FROM GDJ: I thought you might like this quote from my Pastors sermon
yesterday: "If you need anything, let us know, and we'll teach you how to live without it." (Monk speaking to a guest).
FROM MOLINER CF: Lofty goals flex our wings. (Fanning) FROM JACK: But don't just beat the air. MORE FROM CF: The point is to get your landing rear off the ground. (Gear has not been misspelled)
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: This is one of my favorites....now if I will just get off my duff!!!! FROM JACK: Some things you have to do for yourself.
FROM LP IN MICHIGAN: Hmmm... FROM JACK: Don't just sit there, humming.
FROM PRJM IN MICHIGAN: Next to my Sylvan Lake secretary's computer on a piece of hemp rope with googly eyes: A day without prayer? I'm a frayed knot! FROM JACK: I have another sign by my computer: Jesus knows me, this I love.
“Everything you want is just outside your comfort zone.” (Terry Slattery) These words were spoken at a sales meeting, but they’re good for all of us. Doubt, fear and negative thoughts can keep us from venturing out to achieve what we really want. Everything we want is waiting for us. A saying is staring at me now from beside my computer: “Get Tough…Get Off Your Duff.” ;-) Jack
FROM LG IN MICHIGAN: Love this one, Jack!! If nothing changes, nothing changes...... I just read another good one from a friend this morning who just received a diagnosis of cancer...she said she started running again, and is really watching her blood sugar carefully now--all things she should have been doing anyway. She asked why it took something like a cancer diagnosis to get her off her duff to do the self-care, but then said she's a firm believer in the philosophy of "it takes what it takes." I thought you might like that one, too! FROM JACK: "If nothing changes, nothing changes." I like it!
FROM RI IN BOSTON: Your WW begs the question...Is everything we want what we really need? It brings to mind that wise and cautious advice...Be careful what you want because you'll get it. FROM JACK: Be wise and cautious is good advice, but if we didn't want something, we wouldn't strive for betterment. MORE FROM RI: We also wouldn't maintain a bustling national economy, and the jobs that go with it.
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: These Winning Words are so true!!!! Thanks!!! I just forwarded them to all the fellow
Bible study students. Especially in Bible study we all want to be able to share our unique authentic selves and often, in doing that, need to go just outside our comfort zones but isn't true community what we all really want? And isn't that what the world is afraid of, there is such power in true community, but isn't that also what the world really needs? FROM JACK: "What the world needs now is love sweet love, It*s the only thing that there*s just too little of. What the world needs now is love sweet love, no not just for some but for everyone."
FROM MS IN LAOS: I'm in Laos and really far outside my comfort zone!
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: One of the most profound messages you have ever sent. FROM JACK: Another saying that is staring at me is one that you sent: Ancora Imparo....I am still learning. Profound. MORE FROM GDJ: Yes, I am into profundity and learning induced epiphanies. Hello, “My name is Jon, and I am an epiphany junkie.” AND STILL MORE FROM GDJ: I thought you might like this quote from my Pastors sermon
yesterday: "If you need anything, let us know, and we'll teach you how to live without it." (Monk speaking to a guest).
FROM MOLINER CF: Lofty goals flex our wings. (Fanning) FROM JACK: But don't just beat the air. MORE FROM CF: The point is to get your landing rear off the ground. (Gear has not been misspelled)
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: This is one of my favorites....now if I will just get off my duff!!!! FROM JACK: Some things you have to do for yourself.
FROM LP IN MICHIGAN: Hmmm... FROM JACK: Don't just sit there, humming.
FROM PRJM IN MICHIGAN: Next to my Sylvan Lake secretary's computer on a piece of hemp rope with googly eyes: A day without prayer? I'm a frayed knot! FROM JACK: I have another sign by my computer: Jesus knows me, this I love.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Winning Words 11/11/09
“Grandpa, were you a hero in the war?” Grandpa replied, “No, but I served in a company of heroes.” (Richard Winters) Today, on Veterans Day, it’s good to recall the sacrifices that have been made (and are being made) to preserve our freedom. Most vets aren’t looking for sympathy…just a little understanding. Today, I remember Soren, a good friend and church member whose name is on The Nam Wall. ;-) Jack
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN" Anymore, to me they are all heroes. not looking for sympathy...just a little understanding and the older I get, the more complexity that seems behind the reasons for these wars we engage in, the more humbled I am realizing people serve and live out responsibility for us all. Honestly don't know if we citizens do enough for our part. Taking a day to remember is good.
FROM ML IN ILLINOIS: i remember soren too. i can't imagine the struggle that his brother must have gone through losing his other half. even as a little girl the thought of it was heartbreaking. so many families with similar losses. i will never understand the violent nature of the human state. peace be with us all someday. FROM JACK: I knew that I would hear from you today.
FROM PRJS IN MICHIGAN:"I remember Clarence who was presented the Croix de Guerre by Chas. DeGaulle. FROM JACK: Tell me about Clarence and the Cross of War. MORE FROM JS: MORE FROM JS: He was an active member of POG ....Veep of Council, etc.....He was a potato farmer from the UP and joined the army .... ended up as a Tank Commander under Patton....was shot out of his tank three times....escaped from the Germans in Belgium....later became the head of the Tank Arsenal....went to Mich Tech on the GI Bill with the express purpose of developing better tanks. He said the Sherman was a lousy tank. Met with Nasser about the sale of US Tanks to Egypt and was a regular at the NATO Headquarters .....after retirement he and another UP vet used to take care of the lawn and gardens at POG. Great guy.
FROM CJL IN OHIO: And I remember Aaron Kempf, Jr., Salem, Williamsport, Pa., Battle of the Bulge. FROM JACK: A fierce and bloody battle. Things seemed to be going badly for the Allies and the Germans demanded: Surrender. Gen Anthony McAuliffe gave a one-word reply: NUTS!
FROM MOLINER CF (A VETERAN): A mutual friend of ours has a daughter who is a fourth grade teacher. Each year, at this time, I receive a thank you letter from one of her students. What a warm feeling this gives and I always respond. Here's a teacher who is passing on good values. FROM JACK: What a great teaching project, in more ways than one.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: My dad proudly served in the Navy...on an LST. He was a baker and a machine gunner. His LST was hit by kamikaze planes. He had a lot of horrifying stories, humorous stories, touching stories and loving stories he shared with us growing up. He was my hero. I am deeply deeply grateful to all of our service men and women for kept and keep us free. God Bless them and America! FROM JACK: You are who you were. Our parents are a great influence.
FROM L IN ILLINOIS: When they first started talking about the WWII memorial, I thought, "It's about time!" My godfather served in Europe and later in Korea. My dad, who is younger, was a Marine, occupying China after the second world war ended. You'll find both their names in the memorial's WWII Registry of Remembrance, celebrating vets and civilians alike who contributed to the war effort. Recently, the Quad Cities has been sending our WWII vets to visit the memorial in DC, and I am proud to contribute to that worthy cause as well. I always have felt the utmost respect and gratitude for the lives lost, changed or just interrupted by serving in the military. What I'd like to see someday is a memorial in D.C. to military families.
FROM JACK: I can see why Veterans Day is special to you. One of those who accompanied the Q-C vets to Washington, is a reader of Winning Words and contributes to the blog.
FROM HAWKEYE GS: We had an interesting article in the paper today which was an interview of two veterans - who served in WW II. One is 87 - the other 85. Both were shot down, one was shot down on his 47th mission, got out of the plane at 19,000 feet and made his way out of southern Europe, the other on his 44th mission, was shot down, parachuted, rode a raft in the SW Pacific for six hours, and returned to his unit and flew 14 more missions.
FROM SG IN TAMPA: It is awe inspiring for the children and grandchildren of veterans to visit to National Cemetery in Bushnell, Fl. Today the crowd was smaller than usual, but the program was beautiful. Many of the speakers have family buried there, and the mayor of Mascotte who gave the invocation had a son who was killed in Iraq in 2004.What is hard to believe as one from the WWII era is how many wars we have fought since then and how many young men and women have helped to keep our nation safe so far. FROM JACK: ...and the answer is blowin' in the wind. I'm impressed that the mayor who lost a son in Iraq gave the invocation.....a prayer from the heart.
FROM GP IN MICHIGAN: I obviously remember USO shows as I had the priveledge of hauling a few USO tours around all those years ago. FROM JACK: Since you are a veteran and a pilot, I expected that you might have something to post on Nov 11.
FROM INDY GENIE: I remembered Soren with you yesterday....I'll never forget that memorial service.
“Grandpa, were you a hero in the war?” Grandpa replied, “No, but I served in a company of heroes.” (Richard Winters) Today, on Veterans Day, it’s good to recall the sacrifices that have been made (and are being made) to preserve our freedom. Most vets aren’t looking for sympathy…just a little understanding. Today, I remember Soren, a good friend and church member whose name is on The Nam Wall. ;-) Jack
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN" Anymore, to me they are all heroes. not looking for sympathy...just a little understanding and the older I get, the more complexity that seems behind the reasons for these wars we engage in, the more humbled I am realizing people serve and live out responsibility for us all. Honestly don't know if we citizens do enough for our part. Taking a day to remember is good.
FROM ML IN ILLINOIS: i remember soren too. i can't imagine the struggle that his brother must have gone through losing his other half. even as a little girl the thought of it was heartbreaking. so many families with similar losses. i will never understand the violent nature of the human state. peace be with us all someday. FROM JACK: I knew that I would hear from you today.
FROM PRJS IN MICHIGAN:"I remember Clarence who was presented the Croix de Guerre by Chas. DeGaulle. FROM JACK: Tell me about Clarence and the Cross of War. MORE FROM JS: MORE FROM JS: He was an active member of POG ....Veep of Council, etc.....He was a potato farmer from the UP and joined the army .... ended up as a Tank Commander under Patton....was shot out of his tank three times....escaped from the Germans in Belgium....later became the head of the Tank Arsenal....went to Mich Tech on the GI Bill with the express purpose of developing better tanks. He said the Sherman was a lousy tank. Met with Nasser about the sale of US Tanks to Egypt and was a regular at the NATO Headquarters .....after retirement he and another UP vet used to take care of the lawn and gardens at POG. Great guy.
FROM CJL IN OHIO: And I remember Aaron Kempf, Jr., Salem, Williamsport, Pa., Battle of the Bulge. FROM JACK: A fierce and bloody battle. Things seemed to be going badly for the Allies and the Germans demanded: Surrender. Gen Anthony McAuliffe gave a one-word reply: NUTS!
FROM MOLINER CF (A VETERAN): A mutual friend of ours has a daughter who is a fourth grade teacher. Each year, at this time, I receive a thank you letter from one of her students. What a warm feeling this gives and I always respond. Here's a teacher who is passing on good values. FROM JACK: What a great teaching project, in more ways than one.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: My dad proudly served in the Navy...on an LST. He was a baker and a machine gunner. His LST was hit by kamikaze planes. He had a lot of horrifying stories, humorous stories, touching stories and loving stories he shared with us growing up. He was my hero. I am deeply deeply grateful to all of our service men and women for kept and keep us free. God Bless them and America! FROM JACK: You are who you were. Our parents are a great influence.
FROM L IN ILLINOIS: When they first started talking about the WWII memorial, I thought, "It's about time!" My godfather served in Europe and later in Korea. My dad, who is younger, was a Marine, occupying China after the second world war ended. You'll find both their names in the memorial's WWII Registry of Remembrance, celebrating vets and civilians alike who contributed to the war effort. Recently, the Quad Cities has been sending our WWII vets to visit the memorial in DC, and I am proud to contribute to that worthy cause as well. I always have felt the utmost respect and gratitude for the lives lost, changed or just interrupted by serving in the military. What I'd like to see someday is a memorial in D.C. to military families.
FROM JACK: I can see why Veterans Day is special to you. One of those who accompanied the Q-C vets to Washington, is a reader of Winning Words and contributes to the blog.
FROM HAWKEYE GS: We had an interesting article in the paper today which was an interview of two veterans - who served in WW II. One is 87 - the other 85. Both were shot down, one was shot down on his 47th mission, got out of the plane at 19,000 feet and made his way out of southern Europe, the other on his 44th mission, was shot down, parachuted, rode a raft in the SW Pacific for six hours, and returned to his unit and flew 14 more missions.
FROM SG IN TAMPA: It is awe inspiring for the children and grandchildren of veterans to visit to National Cemetery in Bushnell, Fl. Today the crowd was smaller than usual, but the program was beautiful. Many of the speakers have family buried there, and the mayor of Mascotte who gave the invocation had a son who was killed in Iraq in 2004.What is hard to believe as one from the WWII era is how many wars we have fought since then and how many young men and women have helped to keep our nation safe so far. FROM JACK: ...and the answer is blowin' in the wind. I'm impressed that the mayor who lost a son in Iraq gave the invocation.....a prayer from the heart.
FROM GP IN MICHIGAN: I obviously remember USO shows as I had the priveledge of hauling a few USO tours around all those years ago. FROM JACK: Since you are a veteran and a pilot, I expected that you might have something to post on Nov 11.
FROM INDY GENIE: I remembered Soren with you yesterday....I'll never forget that memorial service.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Winning Words 11/10/09
“Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.” (Martin Luther) Luther was a man of hope. A priest that I know once described him in a homily as a Catholic with a conscience. In a sense, ML’s world was going to pieces all around him, but he continued to believe that God would provide a tomorrow. Hope and faith were supports for him in the difficult days. ;-) Jack
FROM ML IN ILLINOIS: one day at a time...encourage life on each one! FROM JACK: Yep! Keep on keeping on.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: We are still planting too.....Kimberly has the H1N1 flu....I'm going back over there today for a few days. Take care of yourself!
FROM EMT SINGS IN MICHIGAN: Can you believe that 19 years ago today you married Rick and I! Yesterday the 9th was my Mother's 97th birthday. We live a very full life. Thanks for getting it off to such a great start!
FROM JACK: I just drove by the entrance to your "old" place a few minutes ago. 19 and 97 are more than numbers. They represent a lot of memories.
FROM SG IN TAMPA: One day at a time. FROM JACK: The challenge....To live it!
FROM CL IN MICHIGAN: Amen and Amen
FROM PRPH IN MINNESOTA: someone told me that Luther never really said this but its still a great quote. and maybe my friend was wrong... FROM JACK: There will always be people like Thomas, and that's not bad, just reality. I suppose there are many things that "Luther said" that he didn't say. Even the best research is not complete research. It's a good quote, just the same.
FROM JS IN MICHIGAN: Does this imply that Catholics do not have consciences? FROM JACK: You'd make a good Lutheran, because I don't think you feel guilty about not following Catholic rules exactly.
“Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.” (Martin Luther) Luther was a man of hope. A priest that I know once described him in a homily as a Catholic with a conscience. In a sense, ML’s world was going to pieces all around him, but he continued to believe that God would provide a tomorrow. Hope and faith were supports for him in the difficult days. ;-) Jack
FROM ML IN ILLINOIS: one day at a time...encourage life on each one! FROM JACK: Yep! Keep on keeping on.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: We are still planting too.....Kimberly has the H1N1 flu....I'm going back over there today for a few days. Take care of yourself!
FROM EMT SINGS IN MICHIGAN: Can you believe that 19 years ago today you married Rick and I! Yesterday the 9th was my Mother's 97th birthday. We live a very full life. Thanks for getting it off to such a great start!
FROM JACK: I just drove by the entrance to your "old" place a few minutes ago. 19 and 97 are more than numbers. They represent a lot of memories.
FROM SG IN TAMPA: One day at a time. FROM JACK: The challenge....To live it!
FROM CL IN MICHIGAN: Amen and Amen
FROM PRPH IN MINNESOTA: someone told me that Luther never really said this but its still a great quote. and maybe my friend was wrong... FROM JACK: There will always be people like Thomas, and that's not bad, just reality. I suppose there are many things that "Luther said" that he didn't say. Even the best research is not complete research. It's a good quote, just the same.
FROM JS IN MICHIGAN: Does this imply that Catholics do not have consciences? FROM JACK: You'd make a good Lutheran, because I don't think you feel guilty about not following Catholic rules exactly.
Monday, November 09, 2009
Winning Words 11/9/09
“Persevere and never fear.” (Swedish Proverb) We face a daily bombardment of fear messages…war, terrorism, crime, illness, bad economy. How are we to respond? The proverb says to stand firm. A long time ago I was taught “to trust in the Lord.” Later I learned that God does not abandon his people when they press on in faith. Perhaps you can share a word of encouragement with someone today.. ;-) Jack
FROM JONATHAN IN MICHIGAN: "The remarkable thing about fearing God is that when you fear God you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God you fear everything else." (Oswald Chambers) I discovered this quote while doing sermon prep as part of our 40 days spiritual growth journey based on Max Lucado's excellent new book called Fearless. The topic for the week was the one healthy fear - the "fear of God". FROM JACK: I was taught that to "fear" God was to "respect" God. I like you comments on fear.
FROM ML IN ILLINOIS: my sister ruthie coined a phrase for the family when she was overheard telling our dog, manfred, who was very afraid of storms to, "never fear...god is near". she was probably five years old at the time!
FROM JACK: If Ruthie's advice it works for dogs, it works even better for humans. I remember Manfred. Was he named after Tom Terrific"s Wonder Dog, Manfred?
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: It has been a very tough year for the family....but with a strong faith and a strong family, we are getting through. I can't say we have never feared, but we persevere. FROM JACK: I like that word, persevere..."to maintain a purpose, in spite of difficult obstacles."
FROM CJL IN OHIO: That's your Swedish background coming out! FROM JACK: Half Swedish and half German. Mary sometimes says, "That's the German in you." I wonder what she means by that?
FROM MOLINER CF: FDR said it pretty well, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." FROM JACK: These words were spoken in his first inaugural address, during the depths of The Great Depression. They ring true today.
“Persevere and never fear.” (Swedish Proverb) We face a daily bombardment of fear messages…war, terrorism, crime, illness, bad economy. How are we to respond? The proverb says to stand firm. A long time ago I was taught “to trust in the Lord.” Later I learned that God does not abandon his people when they press on in faith. Perhaps you can share a word of encouragement with someone today.. ;-) Jack
FROM JONATHAN IN MICHIGAN: "The remarkable thing about fearing God is that when you fear God you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God you fear everything else." (Oswald Chambers) I discovered this quote while doing sermon prep as part of our 40 days spiritual growth journey based on Max Lucado's excellent new book called Fearless. The topic for the week was the one healthy fear - the "fear of God". FROM JACK: I was taught that to "fear" God was to "respect" God. I like you comments on fear.
FROM ML IN ILLINOIS: my sister ruthie coined a phrase for the family when she was overheard telling our dog, manfred, who was very afraid of storms to, "never fear...god is near". she was probably five years old at the time!
FROM JACK: If Ruthie's advice it works for dogs, it works even better for humans. I remember Manfred. Was he named after Tom Terrific"s Wonder Dog, Manfred?
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: It has been a very tough year for the family....but with a strong faith and a strong family, we are getting through. I can't say we have never feared, but we persevere. FROM JACK: I like that word, persevere..."to maintain a purpose, in spite of difficult obstacles."
FROM CJL IN OHIO: That's your Swedish background coming out! FROM JACK: Half Swedish and half German. Mary sometimes says, "That's the German in you." I wonder what she means by that?
FROM MOLINER CF: FDR said it pretty well, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." FROM JACK: These words were spoken in his first inaugural address, during the depths of The Great Depression. They ring true today.
Friday, November 06, 2009
Winning Words 11/6/09
“I don’t think anything is unrealistic if you can do it.” (Mike Ditka) How you think and what you believe often determine what you can do.. I read an article this week in which the author said that negative thinking is good for you. Coach Ditka doesn’t think it’s good for a football team. Take an inventory of those around you. Who are the ones who brighten your life and who inspire you…positives or negatives? ;-) Jack
FROM SG IN TAMPA: Absolutely positives. FROM JACK: You are blessed!
FROM MKH IN MICHIGAN: Your winning words often make my day! Have a great weekend. FROM JACK: Writing and sending WWs makes my day; receiving comments like yours makes it even better.
FROM L IN ILLINOIS: Is there anyone who's accomplished anything they really didn't believe they could do? FROM JACK: I see this as a rhetorical question. I'll have to think about it.
FROM LP IN MICHIGAN: I've got to say, I cannot think of any time that negative thinking has helped me do anything but feel bad. Here's to the positive thoughts! May you have a weekend full of them. FROM JACK: This morning I spent close to an hour in a meeting where many positive thoughts were exchanged.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: 99% positive...1% negative....a dear friend who I am working on.
FROM ED IN ARIZONA: I am reading a book by one of Freyman's former students about Freyman's life and has many of his speeches and stories. He is hilarious, oh yes, and brilliant. FROM JACK: Almost every response from you contains surprise information.
FROM PRJS IN MICHIGAN: Naive positives darken my life. I like realistic people. FROM JACK: I like realistic people, too. Naive or not, I'd rather be among positve people than negative ones.
FROM MOLINER CF: Coach Ditka did a John Deere Battery (The Hibernator) promotional video for us once. On the second "take" we all thought it was great. Ditka said, "Let's do it one more time. I think I can do better. We did and he did. What a guy! FROM JACK: I liked him when he played for Da Bears.
FROM MO IN ILLINOIS: Positive, no doubt about it! Mike Ditka is pretty much a law unto himself, but he was a good coach! FROM JACK: I agree. I grew up, a fan of the Bears...when they played at Wrigley Field. One of my confirmation students had a season with "The Monsters," and you said that Bill was on the team until he was injured.
FROM CA IN MICHIGAN: POSITIVES of course ! thanks for your continued winning words.
“I don’t think anything is unrealistic if you can do it.” (Mike Ditka) How you think and what you believe often determine what you can do.. I read an article this week in which the author said that negative thinking is good for you. Coach Ditka doesn’t think it’s good for a football team. Take an inventory of those around you. Who are the ones who brighten your life and who inspire you…positives or negatives? ;-) Jack
FROM SG IN TAMPA: Absolutely positives. FROM JACK: You are blessed!
FROM MKH IN MICHIGAN: Your winning words often make my day! Have a great weekend. FROM JACK: Writing and sending WWs makes my day; receiving comments like yours makes it even better.
FROM L IN ILLINOIS: Is there anyone who's accomplished anything they really didn't believe they could do? FROM JACK: I see this as a rhetorical question. I'll have to think about it.
FROM LP IN MICHIGAN: I've got to say, I cannot think of any time that negative thinking has helped me do anything but feel bad. Here's to the positive thoughts! May you have a weekend full of them. FROM JACK: This morning I spent close to an hour in a meeting where many positive thoughts were exchanged.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: 99% positive...1% negative....a dear friend who I am working on.
FROM ED IN ARIZONA: I am reading a book by one of Freyman's former students about Freyman's life and has many of his speeches and stories. He is hilarious, oh yes, and brilliant. FROM JACK: Almost every response from you contains surprise information.
FROM PRJS IN MICHIGAN: Naive positives darken my life. I like realistic people. FROM JACK: I like realistic people, too. Naive or not, I'd rather be among positve people than negative ones.
FROM MOLINER CF: Coach Ditka did a John Deere Battery (The Hibernator) promotional video for us once. On the second "take" we all thought it was great. Ditka said, "Let's do it one more time. I think I can do better. We did and he did. What a guy! FROM JACK: I liked him when he played for Da Bears.
FROM MO IN ILLINOIS: Positive, no doubt about it! Mike Ditka is pretty much a law unto himself, but he was a good coach! FROM JACK: I agree. I grew up, a fan of the Bears...when they played at Wrigley Field. One of my confirmation students had a season with "The Monsters," and you said that Bill was on the team until he was injured.
FROM CA IN MICHIGAN: POSITIVES of course ! thanks for your continued winning words.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Winning Words 11/5/09
“Science creates an expanding frontier of ignorance where most discoveries lead to more
questions.” (Richard Freyman—physicist) It’s true in sociology and theology, too. I’m suspicious of the one who has all of the answers in any of those fields. There is so much for us to learn. Yesterday I quoted Charles Beard, and that caused me to pick up my old history textbook and “see” new things I thought I had seen. ;-) Jack
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: Guess we have then got to be human beings who can start to love the questions, as well as the answers. Just now, right this minute, read your WW to my physicist husband before he started out the door to work. He says "yep. There's more questions than there are answers." That's a provocative thing to think about too. FROM JACK: Silly us. We expect an ultimate answer for every question.
FROM PRJS IN MICHIGAN: That's where Geometry is such a great tool. It teaches you that everything begins with assumptions. If you look at the current controversy within mainline Protestantism, that is the problem. The left and right are starting with different assumptions. Are the scriptures the anchor or is the anchor something out "beyond the scriptures."??? Those assumptions will lead to different conclusions just
as surely as the non-Euclidean assumptions lead to new Geometries. FROM JACK: That's what I've been trying to tell you. The scriptural answer depends on the interpreter and there are varieties of interpreters.
FROM MOLINER CF: Questions lead to discontent. Accept some things for what they are. FROM JACK: Questions can also lead to answers that satisfy.
FROM ED IN ARIZONA: I am reading a book by one of Freyman's former students about Freyman's life and has many of his speeches and stories. He is hilarious, oh yes, and brilliant. FROM JACK: Almost every response from you contains surprise information.
FROM MO IN ILLINOIS: Right! The more we know, the more we realize we DON"T know! We will always have more questions than answers in this mortal life, I believe...
“Science creates an expanding frontier of ignorance where most discoveries lead to more
questions.” (Richard Freyman—physicist) It’s true in sociology and theology, too. I’m suspicious of the one who has all of the answers in any of those fields. There is so much for us to learn. Yesterday I quoted Charles Beard, and that caused me to pick up my old history textbook and “see” new things I thought I had seen. ;-) Jack
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: Guess we have then got to be human beings who can start to love the questions, as well as the answers. Just now, right this minute, read your WW to my physicist husband before he started out the door to work. He says "yep. There's more questions than there are answers." That's a provocative thing to think about too. FROM JACK: Silly us. We expect an ultimate answer for every question.
FROM PRJS IN MICHIGAN: That's where Geometry is such a great tool. It teaches you that everything begins with assumptions. If you look at the current controversy within mainline Protestantism, that is the problem. The left and right are starting with different assumptions. Are the scriptures the anchor or is the anchor something out "beyond the scriptures."??? Those assumptions will lead to different conclusions just
as surely as the non-Euclidean assumptions lead to new Geometries. FROM JACK: That's what I've been trying to tell you. The scriptural answer depends on the interpreter and there are varieties of interpreters.
FROM MOLINER CF: Questions lead to discontent. Accept some things for what they are. FROM JACK: Questions can also lead to answers that satisfy.
FROM ED IN ARIZONA: I am reading a book by one of Freyman's former students about Freyman's life and has many of his speeches and stories. He is hilarious, oh yes, and brilliant. FROM JACK: Almost every response from you contains surprise information.
FROM MO IN ILLINOIS: Right! The more we know, the more we realize we DON"T know! We will always have more questions than answers in this mortal life, I believe...
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Winning Words 11/4/09
“When it’s dark enough, you can see the stars.” (Charles A. Beard) Beard is called “a progressive historian.” I remember using one of his books as a text in college. These are “dark” days for some people facing a variety of problems. But the stars are still shining, and they will still be shining tomorrow. Sometimes it takes real darkness to enable us to see unexpected beauty. Keep looking up! ;-) Jack
FROM MT IN PENNSYLVANIA: What a profound and beautiful thought! FROM JACK: One of my favorite paintings is Van Gogh's "Starry Night." Beauty is all around us, so we need to keeping looking.
STARRY NIGHT by Vincent Van Gogh is his most famous painting and one of the most well known images in modern culture and one of the most replicated prints. Google it and see for yourself!
VINCENT, A SONG ABOUT VAN GOGH
Starry, starry night.
Paint your palette blue and grey,
Look out on a summer's day,
With eyes that know the darkness in my soul.
Shadows on the hills,
Sketch the trees and the daffodils,
Catch the breeze and the winter chills,
In colors on the snowy linen land.
Now I understand what you tried to say to me,
How you suffered for your sanity,
How you tried to set them free.
They would not listen, they did not know how.
Perhaps they'll listen now.
Starry, starry night.
Flaming flowers that brightly blaze,
Swirling clouds in violet haze,
Reflect in Vincent's eyes of china blue.
Colors changing hue, morning field of amber grain,
Weathered faces lined in pain,
Are soothed beneath the artist's loving hand.
Now I understand what you tried to say to me,
How you suffered for your sanity,
How you tried to set them free.
They would not listen, they did not know how.
Perhaps they'll listen now.
For they could not love you,
But still your love was true.
And when no hope was left in sight
On that starry, starry night,
You took your life, as lovers often do.
But I could have told you, Vincent,
This world was never meant for one
As beautiful as you.
Starry, starry night.
Portraits hung in empty halls,
Frameless head on nameless walls,
With eyes that watch the world and can't forget.
Like the strangers that you've met,
The ragged men in the ragged clothes,
The silver thorn of bloody rose,
Lie crushed and broken on the virgin snow.
Now I think I know what you tried to say to me,
How you suffered for your sanity,
How you tried to set them free.
They would not listen, they're not listening still.
Perhaps they never will...
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: One dark and clear night, our family was driving through South Dakota. Out of the sky, we watched a meteorite fly through the air and actually watched it hit the ground. It's a sight we will never forget! Sky watching and star watching are a favorite of our family...especially when the meteorites are soaring across the sky in August....our favorite! FROM JACK: Do you remember the song, "Oh, give me land, lots land under starry skies above. Don't fence me in.?"
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: One of my favorites....as sung by the Mitch Miller group! I have his CD's!
DON'T FENCE ME IN
Oh, give me land, lots of land under starry skies above,
Don't fence me in.
Let me ride through the wide open country that I love,
Don't fence me in.
Let me be by myself in the evenin' breeze,
And listen to the murmur of the cottonwood trees,
Send me off forever but I ask you please,
Don't fence me in.
FROM L IN ILLINOIS: It's always darkest before the dawn. FROM JACK: That's what they (the Van Patten family) say. When the night is dark, it's really dark...in more ways than one.
FROM LP IN MICHIGAN: More to your point, I've always found peace in rainbows. I caught a glimpse of one a few weeks ago and gave me that "peace-that-passes-understanding" feeling as the Sunday school
song goes. Perhaps I'll take a new look at the stars tonight... MORE FROM LP: Verity and I enjoyed looking at the harvest moon last night. We called Granddad (my dad) so he could enjoy it too. FROM JACK: The sky...so beautiful...so mysterious! STILL MORE FROM LP: The depth of which is interesting to explain to a 2 year old. I said "the moon IS big tonight" then I realized that the moon doesn't change but just our perspective. I decided to explain that the moon was far away and at night we got to look at it when it was dark. A lot of mental editing went into the construction of that explanation!
Verity pointed out it looked yellow.
FROM LG IN MICHIGAN: I like this one, Jack! Here's one I just found that you might like...
"A rock pile ceases to be a rock pile the moment someone sees in it the exciting vision of a cathedral." (Antoine Saint-Exupery-adapted)
This was included in a church bulletin so I don't know anything about the author of this statement. But I do know that my daily prayer includes a request that I be given the eyes of Jesus to see in everyone I meet what he sees in them. So many are less because no one sees their potential... FROM JACK: Those who have eyes to see, let them see!
FROM MO IN ILLINOIS: Amen, brother!
“When it’s dark enough, you can see the stars.” (Charles A. Beard) Beard is called “a progressive historian.” I remember using one of his books as a text in college. These are “dark” days for some people facing a variety of problems. But the stars are still shining, and they will still be shining tomorrow. Sometimes it takes real darkness to enable us to see unexpected beauty. Keep looking up! ;-) Jack
FROM MT IN PENNSYLVANIA: What a profound and beautiful thought! FROM JACK: One of my favorite paintings is Van Gogh's "Starry Night." Beauty is all around us, so we need to keeping looking.
STARRY NIGHT by Vincent Van Gogh is his most famous painting and one of the most well known images in modern culture and one of the most replicated prints. Google it and see for yourself!
VINCENT, A SONG ABOUT VAN GOGH
Starry, starry night.
Paint your palette blue and grey,
Look out on a summer's day,
With eyes that know the darkness in my soul.
Shadows on the hills,
Sketch the trees and the daffodils,
Catch the breeze and the winter chills,
In colors on the snowy linen land.
Now I understand what you tried to say to me,
How you suffered for your sanity,
How you tried to set them free.
They would not listen, they did not know how.
Perhaps they'll listen now.
Starry, starry night.
Flaming flowers that brightly blaze,
Swirling clouds in violet haze,
Reflect in Vincent's eyes of china blue.
Colors changing hue, morning field of amber grain,
Weathered faces lined in pain,
Are soothed beneath the artist's loving hand.
Now I understand what you tried to say to me,
How you suffered for your sanity,
How you tried to set them free.
They would not listen, they did not know how.
Perhaps they'll listen now.
For they could not love you,
But still your love was true.
And when no hope was left in sight
On that starry, starry night,
You took your life, as lovers often do.
But I could have told you, Vincent,
This world was never meant for one
As beautiful as you.
Starry, starry night.
Portraits hung in empty halls,
Frameless head on nameless walls,
With eyes that watch the world and can't forget.
Like the strangers that you've met,
The ragged men in the ragged clothes,
The silver thorn of bloody rose,
Lie crushed and broken on the virgin snow.
Now I think I know what you tried to say to me,
How you suffered for your sanity,
How you tried to set them free.
They would not listen, they're not listening still.
Perhaps they never will...
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: One dark and clear night, our family was driving through South Dakota. Out of the sky, we watched a meteorite fly through the air and actually watched it hit the ground. It's a sight we will never forget! Sky watching and star watching are a favorite of our family...especially when the meteorites are soaring across the sky in August....our favorite! FROM JACK: Do you remember the song, "Oh, give me land, lots land under starry skies above. Don't fence me in.?"
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: One of my favorites....as sung by the Mitch Miller group! I have his CD's!
DON'T FENCE ME IN
Oh, give me land, lots of land under starry skies above,
Don't fence me in.
Let me ride through the wide open country that I love,
Don't fence me in.
Let me be by myself in the evenin' breeze,
And listen to the murmur of the cottonwood trees,
Send me off forever but I ask you please,
Don't fence me in.
FROM L IN ILLINOIS: It's always darkest before the dawn. FROM JACK: That's what they (the Van Patten family) say. When the night is dark, it's really dark...in more ways than one.
FROM LP IN MICHIGAN: More to your point, I've always found peace in rainbows. I caught a glimpse of one a few weeks ago and gave me that "peace-that-passes-understanding" feeling as the Sunday school
song goes. Perhaps I'll take a new look at the stars tonight... MORE FROM LP: Verity and I enjoyed looking at the harvest moon last night. We called Granddad (my dad) so he could enjoy it too. FROM JACK: The sky...so beautiful...so mysterious! STILL MORE FROM LP: The depth of which is interesting to explain to a 2 year old. I said "the moon IS big tonight" then I realized that the moon doesn't change but just our perspective. I decided to explain that the moon was far away and at night we got to look at it when it was dark. A lot of mental editing went into the construction of that explanation!
Verity pointed out it looked yellow.
FROM LG IN MICHIGAN: I like this one, Jack! Here's one I just found that you might like...
"A rock pile ceases to be a rock pile the moment someone sees in it the exciting vision of a cathedral." (Antoine Saint-Exupery-adapted)
This was included in a church bulletin so I don't know anything about the author of this statement. But I do know that my daily prayer includes a request that I be given the eyes of Jesus to see in everyone I meet what he sees in them. So many are less because no one sees their potential... FROM JACK: Those who have eyes to see, let them see!
FROM MO IN ILLINOIS: Amen, brother!
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Winning Words 11/3/09
“Live Simply. Love Generously. Serve Faithfully. Speak Truthfully. Pray Daily. Leave
Everything else to God." (Seen on a plaque) This wise advice for daily living was carved in wood by someone in Wisconsin. There really are many positive statements, actions, and people out there in the world…after you cut through all of the negativity. ;-) Jack
FROM L IN ILLINOIS: A long ago college professor of mine died Sunday. He was a wonderful, mesmerizing teacher, one of the best. Not only was his obituary amusing, he added this bit of wisdom at the end. Don't know that it's original to him, but I like it. " It is not a calamity to die without fulfilling your dreams, however it is a calamity not to dream." FROM JACK: The dreams of teachers live on in the lives of perceptive students.
MORE FROM L: It's true. I may be what's called an "unintentional learner." It was never my goal to get good
grades, unfortunately. (Though I got plenty of them if I liked the course.) But I picked up all sorts of useful info from teachers
FROM PRJS IN MICHIGAN: What we need is a good balance of the negative and the positive....e.g.....Thou shalt NOT murder and Thou shalt honor thy parents. All positives creates an imbalance in our lives FROM JACK: I think that Luther tried to do that with his explations to the commandments, the creed, the Lord's Prayer and the Sacraments. I always like the positives along with the negatives.
FROM MO IN ILLINOIS: Certainly wise words! There would be a lot less trouble in the world if we all adhered to these teachings!! Have you ever used Ralph Waldo Emerson's words of wisdom? I like this quote: "Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could; Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; Forget them as soon as you can! Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it well and serenely." FROM JACK: Thanks for a positive e-mail in the midst of the world's negativity. The world needs people like you, as it needed Ralph in his day.
FROM JB IN WISCONSIN: Those Wisconsin people really know how to say it, don't they? FROM JACK: I'll always appreciate the fact that my ministry began in Wisconsin and that the state was willing to share one of its native young ladies to be my wife. Our three children were born in Wisconsin, too.
FROM MOLINER CF: I'm very negative on negativity. FROM JACK: Are positive about that?
FROM PRFM IN WISCONSIN: Another example why one chooses to live in Wisconsin~! FROM JACK: Why would "one" then choose to escape during the beautiful and stimulating wintertime?
FROM DS IN MICHIGAN: I love this! It’s sure says it all. Those Wisconsin people are special. FROM JACK: The old saying is so true. "You can take the girl out of Wisconsin, but you can't take Wisconsin out of the girl."
FROM ML IN ILLINOIS: i know a few wisconsinites who practice this philosophy. FROM JACK: That's right! You were from Wisconsin before you moved to Illinois, right?
“Live Simply. Love Generously. Serve Faithfully. Speak Truthfully. Pray Daily. Leave
Everything else to God." (Seen on a plaque) This wise advice for daily living was carved in wood by someone in Wisconsin. There really are many positive statements, actions, and people out there in the world…after you cut through all of the negativity. ;-) Jack
FROM L IN ILLINOIS: A long ago college professor of mine died Sunday. He was a wonderful, mesmerizing teacher, one of the best. Not only was his obituary amusing, he added this bit of wisdom at the end. Don't know that it's original to him, but I like it. " It is not a calamity to die without fulfilling your dreams, however it is a calamity not to dream." FROM JACK: The dreams of teachers live on in the lives of perceptive students.
MORE FROM L: It's true. I may be what's called an "unintentional learner." It was never my goal to get good
grades, unfortunately. (Though I got plenty of them if I liked the course.) But I picked up all sorts of useful info from teachers
FROM PRJS IN MICHIGAN: What we need is a good balance of the negative and the positive....e.g.....Thou shalt NOT murder and Thou shalt honor thy parents. All positives creates an imbalance in our lives FROM JACK: I think that Luther tried to do that with his explations to the commandments, the creed, the Lord's Prayer and the Sacraments. I always like the positives along with the negatives.
FROM MO IN ILLINOIS: Certainly wise words! There would be a lot less trouble in the world if we all adhered to these teachings!! Have you ever used Ralph Waldo Emerson's words of wisdom? I like this quote: "Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could; Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; Forget them as soon as you can! Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it well and serenely." FROM JACK: Thanks for a positive e-mail in the midst of the world's negativity. The world needs people like you, as it needed Ralph in his day.
FROM JB IN WISCONSIN: Those Wisconsin people really know how to say it, don't they? FROM JACK: I'll always appreciate the fact that my ministry began in Wisconsin and that the state was willing to share one of its native young ladies to be my wife. Our three children were born in Wisconsin, too.
FROM MOLINER CF: I'm very negative on negativity. FROM JACK: Are positive about that?
FROM PRFM IN WISCONSIN: Another example why one chooses to live in Wisconsin~! FROM JACK: Why would "one" then choose to escape during the beautiful and stimulating wintertime?
FROM DS IN MICHIGAN: I love this! It’s sure says it all. Those Wisconsin people are special. FROM JACK: The old saying is so true. "You can take the girl out of Wisconsin, but you can't take Wisconsin out of the girl."
FROM MISSIONARY CB IN THE PHILIPPINES: I've never done any blogging so I do not really know how it all works. but I just wanted to say I enjoy your good thoughts and inspiring messages. We have been very busy over here with the flood relief. We were hit head on again here in Manila by a Typhoon last Sat., which caused 115.000 people to evacuate their homes. The storm lasted around 4 hours and was scary . I have 8 grand children over here and the twin babies were very frightened as they saw trees being uprooted, and the power went off for a couple of days. It is very hot here without the power, The fans are almost like your life support system. HA! Please uphold us in prayer. We are working very hard doing flood relief for the many that lost everything. We need "The Lord's strength." We raise all of our own funds over here and live by Faith as we do our work. We have been quite strapped for funds. Not to mention the many things the poor people need... food, clothing, cleaning supplies, toiletries, etc.
FROM ML IN ILLINOIS: i know a few wisconsinites who practice this philosophy. FROM JACK: That's right! You were from Wisconsin before you moved to Illinois, right?
Monday, November 02, 2009
Winning Words 11/2/09
“If they can make penicillin out of mouldy bread, they can sure make something out of you.” (Muhammad Ali) Ali is best known as a boxer, but I’ve been impressed by the way he uses words. He’s no palooka! I first knew of him as Cassius Clay, named Cassius after the famous 19th Century abolitionist. Ali is a direct descendant of pre-Civil War slaves. His latest fight is with Parkinson’s disease. ;-) Jack
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: It is a challenge to really admit we are mouldy bread and can still be something transformed and key instruments of transforming others in a Body. Interesting Ali used those particular words, that particular analogy, it's so good with Christianity and also good with Islam? I think he is a Moslem. Thanks for finding those Winning Words, they are encouraging and maybe a lot of us will use them in encouraging others to see themselves in a more hopeful and purposeful light.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: I wonder who "they" were? Ali was really special....I was amused by his boxing tactics but they were very successful! He was very colorful both in the ring and out! FROM JACK: I believe that the "they" is a literary device...and I've forgotten what it's called. Son David, whenever his mother would begin a comment with "They say....", would respond, "Who's...They? The Van Patten family?" It's become a standard response in our family to "They say...." statements. Unless the "they" is defined, it is interesting, but has no validity. FROM JUDY: Exactly....they are no one of importance unless "they" are identified. We are
the same in our family!
FROM MKH IN MICHIGAN: Love it! What a comparison!
FROM SG IN TAMPA: How true that all is. I remember him at the Olympics a few years ago. It is amazing, too, the progress in fighting Parkinsons. FROM JACK: In a way, he's been more of a value to society since he became afflicted with PD. That's how it can be with mouldy bread. At the Olympics a few years ago????? Try 49 years ago!
FROM PL IN MICHIGAN: The next time we get together, remind me to tell you a story about an experience I had with Ali. FROM JACK: How long will I have to wait? It wasn't in the ring, was it?
FROM HAWKEYE GS: He also has Irish ancestors. FROM JACK: As Baron Munchausen used to say, "Vas you dere Charley?"
FROM MOLINER CF: "Move like a butterfly, sting like a bee" is on a par with TR's "Speak softly and carry a big stick." FROM JACK: That's a good comparison.
“If they can make penicillin out of mouldy bread, they can sure make something out of you.” (Muhammad Ali) Ali is best known as a boxer, but I’ve been impressed by the way he uses words. He’s no palooka! I first knew of him as Cassius Clay, named Cassius after the famous 19th Century abolitionist. Ali is a direct descendant of pre-Civil War slaves. His latest fight is with Parkinson’s disease. ;-) Jack
FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: It is a challenge to really admit we are mouldy bread and can still be something transformed and key instruments of transforming others in a Body. Interesting Ali used those particular words, that particular analogy, it's so good with Christianity and also good with Islam? I think he is a Moslem. Thanks for finding those Winning Words, they are encouraging and maybe a lot of us will use them in encouraging others to see themselves in a more hopeful and purposeful light.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: I wonder who "they" were? Ali was really special....I was amused by his boxing tactics but they were very successful! He was very colorful both in the ring and out! FROM JACK: I believe that the "they" is a literary device...and I've forgotten what it's called. Son David, whenever his mother would begin a comment with "They say....", would respond, "Who's...They? The Van Patten family?" It's become a standard response in our family to "They say...." statements. Unless the "they" is defined, it is interesting, but has no validity. FROM JUDY: Exactly....they are no one of importance unless "they" are identified. We are
the same in our family!
FROM MKH IN MICHIGAN: Love it! What a comparison!
FROM SG IN TAMPA: How true that all is. I remember him at the Olympics a few years ago. It is amazing, too, the progress in fighting Parkinsons. FROM JACK: In a way, he's been more of a value to society since he became afflicted with PD. That's how it can be with mouldy bread. At the Olympics a few years ago????? Try 49 years ago!
FROM PL IN MICHIGAN: The next time we get together, remind me to tell you a story about an experience I had with Ali. FROM JACK: How long will I have to wait? It wasn't in the ring, was it?
FROM HAWKEYE GS: He also has Irish ancestors. FROM JACK: As Baron Munchausen used to say, "Vas you dere Charley?"
FROM MOLINER CF: "Move like a butterfly, sting like a bee" is on a par with TR's "Speak softly and carry a big stick." FROM JACK: That's a good comparison.
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