Winning Words 2/28/11
“Never give in and never give up.” (Hubert Humphrey) “The Happy Warrior,” as HHH was called, was a consistent political fighter for “the underdog.” I remember meeting him in Wisconsin when he was running for president against Nixon. Of course, he lost the election, but he never gave up on his desire to be a public voice for so many whose voices didn’t seem to matter. ;-) Jack

FROM JK IN MICHIGAN: Your email is just what I needed to hear this morning FROM JACK: Much obliged! Obliged...now there's a word you don't hear much anymore.

FROM PL IN MICHIGAN: I loved HH!!! FROM JACK: I like his middle name...Horatio (loyal, supportive, rational) from Shakespeare's "Hamlet." Not only is it apropos, but he sounds good, too. Hubert Horatio Humphrey. MORE FROM PL: We need a guy like him, today..don't you think? FROM JACK: Every age needs someone like that.

FROM MOLINER CF: I'll never forget the Democratic Convention where Jimmy Carter introduced him as Hubert Horatio Hornblower FROM JACK: I wonder if he did that on purpose. I note that he quickly changed it to, Humphrey.

FROM PRHS IN ILLINOIS: Jack, did you happen to get his unique autograph? It was four vertical lines and one horizontal line. Quick and easy. FROM JACK: No I didn't get an autograph, but I practiced doing it his way, and I think I could forge it, if I had too.

FROM CJL IN OHIO: His ideas seem pretty good today... FROM JACK: Yes, especially speaking up for those whose voices don't seem to be heard.

FROM BLAZING OAKS: I felt that Hubert Humphrey never got his "due". He was an admirable man of character, but the times we had come through apparently reflected on him in a negative way. I have seen situations where it would be the better part of wisdom to give in, but not to give up! As Ralph Waldo Emerson observed, "For every minute you are angry, you lose sixty seconds of happiness". Something to ponder! FROM JACK: It's like Kenny Rogers sings: "You got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em." I think HHH would have made a good president, but we'll never know.

Winning Words 2/25/11
“There are 3 rules regarding material possessions: Make all you can. Save all you can. Give all you can.” (John Wesley – Sent by Phil Hemke) JW was one of the founders of Methodism...doing things (especially religious stuff) in a methodical way. There’s something to be said for that. His “method” for handing personal possessions is one that is worth considering by people of all faiths. ;-) Jack

FROM TL IN MICHIGAN: Jack, thank you for your daily nourishment! I appreciate you and your Ministry. Thanks be to God! FROM JACK: I appreciate your response regarding something that I enjoy doing.

FROM HAWKEYE GEORGE: The most important decision we made in our 1st year of marriage was to tithe. FROM JACK: I'm sure that you made other important marriage decisions, too. Sometimes we just let our decisions evolve. Someone has said that we should fall in love "head first."

FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: I've already spent some time thinking about my possessions today--need to
conquer some of the clutter in our house here, cleaning you know. Taking these WW to heart. They hit the nail on the head. I can do better. Thanks once again!!!!! FROM JACK: Methodism isn't all bad!

FROM JT IN MINNESOTA: How appropriate were your winning words today. I spent a portion of my day at city hall where a number of organizations, I suppose about 25 of them, were competing for federal funds that come to the city. I was with the Senior Board from the senior center. It was an interesting debate. I hope we get a portion of the funding. a significant fact of our senior center is that 300 to 500 persons use the center every day. There is a great variety of actitivities going on. I'm on the board but I also volunteer to facilitate a support group for persons with memory loss and their care givers. That is one of the many actitivities that occur there. Money is very scarce this year. The senior center is located in the old vacated airport building. It has been remodeled and fixed up and works well. And you are right it is how our bread is buttered that affects our choices. FROM JACK: The government is meant to supply a safety net for those who need help. People like you and the other Senior Board members, who truly "care," are the ones who make a difference in the lives of the needy. That caring will continue on, regardless of funding. Keep on truckin'. FROM SENIOR ADVOCATE AM IN MICHIGAN: The letter from the board member serving seniors brought so many thoughts to mind; competition for government dollars, coordination between service groups, outreach information to seniors, seniors responsibility seeking information and supporting senior services. To paraphrase Mother Theresa we cannot all do great things but we can do small things well. Thanks to the board member for his/her participation.

FROM JE IN MICHIGAN: Yes, this deserves much consideration, especially since it is still early in the year. I will ponder what I can do/change to live more closely to this. My dad, who is my rock and mentor, lives by this. FROM JACK: A mentor is one who cares enough about us to show us a "better" way.

FROM PRBG IN MICHIGAN: Thanks for today’s WW. It strikes me as being particularly relevant, in light of Sunday’s words of Jesus from Matthew; you cannot serve God and wealth. FROM JACK: We read in the Bible that, "The Lord loves a cheerful giver." I like the modern translation which reads, "The Lord loves the one who gives hilariously."

FROM DP IN MINNESOTA: I like these winning words. They describe how I think,esp. now in my later years, when the needs of people here and abroad are so great, and I need only a little food, stamps, gas for my car, plus my little apartment. FROM JACK: By comparison, we have so much when we have all we need. "Give one thing more, O Lord....a grateful heart."

FROM BF IN MICHIGAN: My wife's grand father once said: make all you can, put it in a can, then sit on the can. FROM JACK: I've heard that some people have gotten some great ideas while sitting on the can.

FROM BLAZING OAKS: That is concise and precise! What we are called to do...in other words don't do a lot of splurging on ones self, eh? FROM JACK: I'm glad that I learned the lesson of saving and not spending... everything. Someone also taught me the lesson giving.

Winning Words 2/24/11
“Not a deed would he do, nor a word would he utter, till he’d weighed its relation to plain bread
and butter.” (J. R. Cowell) I pick up the newspaper (not the e-version) and read what I already know….there are so many needs and not enough money to meet them. A variety of people express solutions, but I’ve observed that opinions are often based on how personal “bread ‘n butter” is affected. ;-) Jack

FROM RI IN BOSTON: When my parents were still with us we often asked, "What can we get for you, to eat?" My mother would say, "All I need is a good slice of bread and butter." At the time of their deaths my parents were comfortably "well off", in no small part because that modest attitude pervaded their choices in life, in more situations than just dining. FROM JACK: The world today is interested in a different kind of bread. And butter substitutes are preferred by many who are weight-conscious, rather than hunger-conscious. There's a reason why they are sometimes referred to as, "The good old days."

FROM MOLINER CF: The old NIMBY theory at work. FROM JACK: I spent nine years on our community's Planning Commission, and I saw that theory in action. In case some blog readers don't understand...NIMBY stands for: Not In My Back Yard.

FROM JO IN MICHIGAN: How true. That's the problem...everyone is looking out for themselves. FROM JACK: I wish I could remember a poem where it talks about, "Me, myself and I." Do you know it? FROM BLAZING OAKS: "Me and my wife, my son and his wife We four, and no more..." MORE FROM JO IN MICHIGAN: I remember a rap song about "Me, myself, and I", but no poem... FROM JACK: Come to think of it, there are some things about you that remind me of a rapper.
Mirror mirror on the wall
Tell me mirror what is wrong?
Can it be my De La Clothes
Or is it just my De La Soul
What I do ain't make believe
People say I sit and try
But when it comes to being De La
It's just me myself and I
It's just me myself and I.

FROM BLAZING OAKS: What a truism this is! Especially in these times, when money is tight, and everything is going up in price, there are MANY worthy org. that are hurting, and we DO weigh our donations in respect to our own needs or family experiences. If a family member has diabetes, you usually support that group, if heart trouble, give to the heart funds: My friend has a now-grown son, who always participated in the Special Olympics, and still does, so I sponsor him, etc. We are probably all overwhelmed at the number of worthy causes that we cannot support at this time!! But as Bill used to say, "It is not what you'd do with a Million, if fortune should be your lot, but what you are doing now, with the buck and a half you've got'...and he led by example, let me tell you! Good quote! FROM JACK: One of my favorite stories from the Bible is called, The Widow's Mite...about the poor woman gave more than the rich people, because she gave all that she had. There's a temptation to concentrate on the details and to miss the point.

FROM CJL IN OHIO: Almost always. FROM JACK: Sometimes it's called, survival.

FROM HAWKEYE GEORGE: I'd rather spend my own money and be responsible for it, rather than someone I don't know. FROM JACK: That's the point of today's quote. For me...I've adjusted to living in a less than perfect world.

FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Life was all so different when I was working for Catholic Social Service in Peoria 1949-1950. The parish priests knew their families and the families knew their priest and who really needed help financially,too, and how to help them. Of course, families were a lot stronger, too, and helped each other. Teachers, too, knew who needed help. Have you read My Moline by John Cervantes? He details how his teachers helped him, especially Miss Hendee. FROM JACK: I guess each generation has had its helpers. Ruth and Naomi gleaned the fields of Boaz. Gleaning was a kind of welfare. The Good Samaritan comes to mind. Today, there are safety nets to help the disadvantaged. The Catholic Church two blocks from us has a "Food Bank" van in its parking lot on the 1st Friday of each month, and all people of the community are encouraged to stop by and put food in the van for the hungry.

Winning Words 2/23/11
“Don’t think you can’t. Think you can!” (Charles Inge) Have you heard any good optimist/pessimist jokes lately? “The optimist sees the light, while the pessimist tries to blow it out.” I became a charter member of the Optimist Club in my community, because optimism is a part of my nature. That doesn’t mean that I’m always optimistic, but I try, and I succeed…most of the time. How about you? ;-) Jack

FROM HS IN MICHIGAN: Yes! FROM JACK: We must keep on trying (and truckin').

FROM PASTY PAT: I always thought I was basically an optimist but I'm finding it increasingly difficult. I received disturbing news this morning from an EA currently serving in Yanoun, about one of our villages. I know these families --- have eaten in their homes and held their newborn babies. We witnessed their 2nd demolition when we returned for a visit in Feb. of 2010, the third was in Dec. and this is the fourth. We will be seeing them again in April. What do we say to them? FROM JACK: This isn't about optimism; it's about hope and faith. Our belief in a God who loves and cares in a personal way, fuels our hope, which is reason for optimism. "I believe; help my unbelief" were the words of a discouraged father spoken to Jesus. Then, the miracle happened.

FROM MK IN MICHIGAN: I truly feel Blessed. Is that optimism? FROM JACK: I call it: faith, belief, trust! Because we have that within ourselves, optimism is the byproduct. However, we need to regularly "Count our blessings!"

FROM LG IN MICHIGAN: Almost always... I just try to see a brighter day ahead every day, in every
circumstance... That is a gift from God, I believe, because I don't really ever remember having to TRY to be optimistic. Thank you, Lord, for the gift of optimism at birth and faith much later!! FROM JACK: I recall hearing, from you, some of your story...and I know that there have been some "trying" times for you, as there have been for all of us. It's good that these can fade into the background, because of good things that have happened. And so, optimism becomes part of our life.

FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: I'm an optimist but fearful I won't always be an optimist--who knows what adversities lie ahead. People I know who can witness and testify to God's goodness even in the midst of trajedies help me to sustain the faith. But, again, my life is not all lived yet and I consider the possibility that there may be something I'm not strong enough for. You and all your WW are a great light for me early each morning. Thanks for strengthening and building us up to see God's goodness in our world. FROM JACK: Optimism follows faith, and faith is something that we have to work at day by day. Even Jesus said that it wouldn't be easy to believe.

FROM PEPPERMINT MARY: turn that frown upside down! FROM JACK:
It isn't any trouble
Just to S-M-I-L-E
It isn't any trouble
Just to S-M-I-L-E
So smile when you're in trouble,
It will vanish like a bubble
If you'll only take the trouble
Just to S-M-I-L-E

FROM MOLINER JT: If I wasn"t an Optimist I wouldn't be here today. FROM JACK: Besides your optimism: your guts....a wonderful mate....therapists and doctors....a loving and caring God.

FROM HAWKEYE GEORGE: Can't never did anything. remember the "I CAN" can? FROM JACK: I thought that the Can Can was a dance.

FROM ILLINOIS LIZ: I am naturally optimistic. No one ever accomplished anything thinking they couldn't. Just think of the Olympic athletes. FROM JACK: I, too, think that I am naturally optimistic, but I'm not sure that I was "born" with that spirit. I'm trying to think of the people and situations that influenced me to have that attitude. I've come up with a few.

FROM EMT SINGS IN MICHIGAN: I think that I am a pretty optimistic person. I don't know about you, but at times I feel it is not the most popular way to be! Really goes against the grain of a really pessimistic person sometimes! They don't seem to think it can be for real. FROM JACK: Just like going to church regularly helps me to reinforce my faith, so my regular attendance at the Tuesday Optimist Club meetings helps reinforce my optimistic attitude. The people we associate with tend to help direct our thoughts and actions.

FROM BBC IN ILLINOIS: Have you seen the "Urban Word" "chronoptomist"? I think the definition is someone who always thinks they have enough time to get everything done. Ooops, I just looked it up and their definition has a negative connotation (below) :)
"A person who always under estimates the time necessary to do something or get somewhere."
FROM JACK: I like that word...chronoptimist...It has a certain ring to it. I always try to be a little bit ahead of time for appointments...AND not late. I guess I'd be a chronrealist.

FROM MOLINER CF: Sometimes it's hard to drain the swamp when you are up to your hips in alligators. The optimist would say, Oh, what nice handbags these would make." FROM JACK: The pessimist would say, "The market for gator bags is probably going down, so I'd better get out of this swamp...FAST!

FROM PH ON THE WAY HOME FROM ARIZONA: good words today, Jack. thanks! we fly home this
afternoon to cold and snowy MN. it will be a bit of an adjustment. FROM JACK: The optimist says, "Oh, boy! This weather will be great. I'll get to go sledding again."

FROM DS IN SAN DIEGO: It's funny...always seems to be the people with more money than they could ever spend that say things like that. FROM JACK: I wonder who said, "Money isn't everything." It was probably someone who had a lot of money, but didn't have health or love. Or maybe it was someone who had love and nothing else mattered. MORE FROM DS: Yes, Yes....I agree with that version.

FROM BLAZING OAKS: So true! Some people have a real problem with loving themselves. I am asking for Prayer for my son who had a right hip replacement on Feb. 10, and now has been re-admitted to the hospital with what was diagnosed early this morning as MYRSA infection. We are devastated. Of all the prayers I uttered, the main one was please protect him from infection, (!) as it seems so common after hospital stays. Oh well! Am waiting to hear what the next step will now be, but am so sad this has happened. He was SO looking forward to walking without pain, and being able to hit the golf links this Spring and Summer....:-( FROM JACK: In my prayers, God knows what it is that I want, and then, I end by saying to God what it is that I "really" want...."Thy will be done." My prayer is added to yours.

FROM CJL IN OHIO: You can only live when you are an optimist; pessimists simply exist. FROM JACK: The life we live is a matter of the choices we make....most of the time.

FROM NK IN WISCONSIN: not as of late- at pc we're waiting to see what happens with Walkers budget repair bill here in Wi - and for the last 2 days and tom i'm covering all 180 beds ....let's just say I don't have a lot left to be optimistic about right now.....maybe in a few days. for now I'll just "keep on truckin." FROM JACK: Being optimistic doesn't mean being unrealistic. It's like the old saying, "When life hands you a lemon, make lemonade." Caring people like you will not stop caring about people because of the action of politicians. Keep on makin' lemonade.

Winning Words 2/22/11
“I don’t care too much for money. Money can’t buy me love.” (Paul McCartney) One problem with
songs by The Beatles is that the tunes are so good that we often miss the great lyrics. This is one of those instances. “Yesterday” and “Hey, Jude” are others. Wanting “love” is the underlying theme of many of their popular songs. Maybe they’re popular, because that’s what many of us want. ;-) Jack

FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: Great lyrics!!!! What a lot of us want in this materialistic world is love but also I don't care TOO MUCH for money. All this fighting about it now, it's very destabilizing and now trying to look back wonder if the Beatles were pining for more love and less love of money back then too. A good message for us, our bankers, our corporations, our congress, our governors, our unions, our doctors, our insurance people, our hospitals, our schools, our churches, our military, Judas, who else can I think of.....thanks for a stirring WW.
FROM JACK: From the musical, "Cabaret," the song, "Money, money," seems to fit.

Money makes the world go around
The world go around
The world go around
Money makes the world go around
It makes the world go 'round.

A mark, a yen, a buck, or a pound
A buck or a pound
A buck or a pound
Is all that makes the world go around,
That clinking clanking sound
Can make the world go 'round.

Money money money money money money
Money money money money money money
Money money money money money money
Money money

FROM JE IN MICHIGAN: Of course “Hey Jude” is one my favorites. And the I do love the Beatles. Have a nice day. The sky is as blue as an Easter egg and the sun is shining, what could be better. FROM JACK: I'm wondering. What do I like best about The Beatles...the music or the words? I guess it's the music, first!

FROM BLAZING OAKS: So true! LOVE makes the world go round, and how desolate are those who seek for that all of their lives, and never really know the love of friends and family. And those who haven't received love, can't give it, either, as usually their lives are so warped. Not always, and being in the work of sharing faith in God, we have seen some real miracles of love blossoming in formerly destitute lives! "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you"...says Jesus! FROM JACK: Two references in the Bible speak to me of love...."We love, because he first loved us" and "Love the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind, and love your neighbor as you love YOURSELF." Some have the notion that loving yourself is a sin.

FROM HAWKEYE GEORGE: couldn't say it better FROM JACK: Love is a many splendored thing which leaves room for various descriptions.

BACKGROUND OF "HEY, JUDE" FROM JACK: Paul McCartney wrote this as "Hey Jules," a song meant to comfort John Lennon's 5-year-old son Julian as his parents were getting a divorce. The change to "Jude" was inspired by the character "Jud" in the musical Oklahoma!. McCartney loves show tunes. In 1987 Julian ran into Paul in New York City when they were staying at the same hotel and he finally heard Paul tell him the story of the song first-hand. He admitted to Paul that growing up, he'd always felt closer to him than to his own father. In Steve Turner's book The Stories Behind Every Beatles Song, Julian said: "Paul told me he'd been thinking about my circumstances, about what I was going through and what I'd have to go through. Paul and I used to hang out quite a bit - more than Dad and I did... There seem to be far more pictures of me and Paul playing at that age than me and Dad. I've never really wanted to know the truth of how Dad was and how he was with me. There was some very negative stuff - like when he said that I'd come out of a whisky bottle on a Saturday night. That's tough to deal with. You think, where's the love in that? It surprises me whenever I hear the song. It's strange to think someone has written a song about you. It still touches me." (Thanks to our Beatles expert Pattie Noah - check her out at luvmedeux.com.)

FROM MOLINE CF: Bacharach and David said it best, "What the world needs now." FROM JACK: Love-- but at what cost? It is a good song, regardless.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: "Most stress is caused by three things: money, family and family with no money" by Maxine. I had just read that cartoon before I read your email. It made me laugh of course. We didn't have much money growing up but we sure had a lot of love. Today, we have enough and we also have a ton of love. (For Christmas, we bought our grandsons the movie "Second-Hand Lions". It's a wonderful movie about money and love.) FROM JACK: "We didn't have much money," reminds me of Lorretta Lynn's song, "Coal Miner's Daughter."

FROM CJL IN OHIO: Maybe it's also what they were looking for.. FROM JACK: I think that it's the ubiquitous quest.

Winning Words 2/21/11
“Aspire to inspire before you expire.” (Sent by Hey, Hey, Mrs A) “Hey, Hey” is a school teacher who keeps this slogan on her desk. There’s room for it by my computer, too. It should also find a place in every CEO’s office. In fact, it’s a good slogan for each of us…as a reminder that we ought to be more than takers during our lifetime. Why not think of one thing that you can share with someone today? ;-) Jack

FROM NL IN FLORIDA: We do at Score.Org. FROM JACK: It's good that you've been able to find a satisfying opptunity to help others.

FROM MOLINER CF: Add to that; "Perspire." Sometimes it ain't easy. FROM JACK: "No sweat," when it's something and someone that you really care about.

FROM OUTHOUSE jUDY: I'll share my snow! FROM JACK: 9" here. Someone (I don't know who) came and used his snowblower on our driveway. A lawyer, a priest, or a good Samaritan? I don't know who.

FROM BLAZING OAKS: I just saw the play "Tuesdays With Morrie" and was reminded again of why Bill and I loved that book! He wanted to be a giver right up until he died. He insisted that Mitch Albom bring questions when he came on Tuesdays (This is flying in from Cleveland to Boston each week for the visit!) because he was a professor that loved to teach, and he was "coaching" Mitch on the meaning of life... I think most of us who have lived long years, realize that it really IS more blessed to give than to receive... This is an excellent quote!
FROM JACK: Flying in from DETROIT! Mitch is a longtime writer for The Detroit Free Press. One of his recent stories is about a drug addict who became a pastor, serving the homeless in downtown Detroit. His church was without heat most of the time, and it had a hole in the roof, covered with a tarp. Mitch went and worked with him to raise funds to have the heat turned on and the roof fixed. They became good friends. The pastor died suddenly a few months ago.

FROM TAMPA SHIRL: That is a great motto for everyone. FROM JACK: I had some teachers like that.

Winning Words 2/18/11
“We are always the same age inside.” (Gertrude Stein) Picasso once painted a portrait of Stein, and someone remarked that it didn’t look much like her. Pablo retorted,: “Don’t worry, it will.” Few people that I know appreciate the photos that are taken of them. We see ourselves with different eyes. Burns asked to see ourselves as others see us. Maybe we should try to see others beyond outward appearances. ;-) Jack

FROM JD IN MINNESOTA: JACK, DON'T YOU EVER SLEEP? LIKE ME WHAT ARE YOU DOING SENDING AN E-MAIL AT THIS EARLY HOUR. FROM JACK: I try to send out my Winning Words early, so that people see them when they turn on their computer. I didn't think that people in Minnesota would be up at 4 am. Oops, that's right, you have to get ready to go ice fishing.

FROM BS IN ENGLAND: How true! FROM JACK: How old are you....on the inside? I think that most of us who use computers are younger than we look. MORE FROM ENGLAND: On the inside, about 15------but on the outside 67eh!! FROM JACK: 15 can be a good age. So can 67, depending on the circumstances.

FROM PZ IN MICHIGAN: I like this one, a lot! FROM JACK: By and large, I've discovered that what we like (a lot) tells a lot about what kind of person we are (on the inside). MORE FROM PZ: Yup. I've found that I learned a lot from practicing patience.

FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: Heck, I'm now trying to see the whole church beyond outward appearances. Are all of us graying people the same age inside and are the 40's and younger able to see us and we to see them? Great WW again today especially yours that we should try to see others beyond outward appearances. Going to try to do my best. FROM JACK: At carnivals they often have someone trying to guess the weight and age of people. Maybe today (for the fun of it) we should try to guess the inside age of the people we meet.

FROM MT IN PENNSYLVANIA: A long time ago, the spry 90+ year old father of a longtime friend of mine came into the room and announced (in strong Greek accent) "Inside, I am still a young man. But...I look into the mirror and I say "WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED!??!!!" FROM JACK: I've got the solution for staying young. HIDE THE MIRRORS!

FROM J&PL OF 54: Jack, I always read, your "Winning Words". When a picture is taken of me and I don't expecially think it particularly flattering, I just put it away for 5 years, then have reexamined it and "low and behold", I look pretty good. That happens pretty often when you have lived as many years as I. FROM JACK: It's what's on the inside that really counts. BTW, if you were to choose the "best" picture of you, what year would you choose? I'd find it hard to do.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: This is a very true Winning Words. When I look in the mirror I don't see the
person I think I am. In fact, I have been down with a bad cold and today I am thankful you don't
have one of those cameras on your computer! :-) I went on a tour the other day with my grandsons to Morley's Candy Factory. I bumped into a guy I graduated with and hadn't seen him in over 25 years. He was so nice and kind in high school and was still the same! (I had seen photos of him over the years as he was a Police Chief in a city around us. In high school, I helped him a lot in Speech Class!) It was wonderful to see
him again. Aged yes, but changed, no. FROM JACK: I like the Jimmie Durante song, "Young at Heart." I've heard of some senior citizens groups that have chosen "Young at Heart" as their name.
Fairy tales can come true
It can happen to you
If you're young at heart
Or it's hard, you will find,
To be narrow of mind
If you’re young at heart
You can go to extremes
With impossible schemes
You can laugh when your dreams
Fall apart at the seams
And life becomes exciting with each passing day,
And love is either in your heart… or on its way.
Don't you know that it's worth
Every treasure on earth
To be young at heart?
For, as rich as you are,
It's much better by far
To be young at heart
And, if you should survive
To a hundred and five,
Look at all you'll derive
Just by being alive!
Now, here is the best part:
You have a head start
If you are amongst the very young...
At heart

FROM MOLINER CF: On FaceBook, I use my high school Football Team portrait. That's still me. FROM JACK: As long as it's in your memory bank, it's still you. That's one of the joys of remembering. MORE FROM CF: Recently, the Obit column of the Times carried one for a well known gentleman in Davenport. It had a baby picture captioned, "EARLY PHOTO." He either had a great sense of humor or never grew up. FROM JACK: That's one I've never heard of before. I choose: "He had a great sense of humor."

FROM CWR IN B'MORE: ....hope that you can retrieve this. FROM JACK: You're referring to Pam
Peterson's, "Memory a- Spoof". Funny! Yes, memory problems can sometimes be funny...or poignant, depending on the situation. Mary and I saw "Cats" when it played at a theater in Toronto...sitting in the 4th row. Thrilling - especially the singing of Memory.

FROM DMF IN MINNESOTA: Who is Burns? FROM JACK: The Scottish poet, Robert Burns, wrote a famous poem, "To a Louse." The whole poem is worth reading. One verse goes:
O would some Power the gift to give us
To see ourselves as others see us!
It would from many a blunder free us,
And foolish notion:
What airs in dress and gait would leave us,
And even devotion!

FROM DP IN MINNESOTA: Oh, absolutely, YES ! YES ! YES ! FROM JACK: Are you sure about that?

FROM GUSTIE MARLYS: I am one that does not like to be in pictures! I just called my friend in California last night. We both decided that we did not feel nearly as old as we are! I guess age is in the mind! FROM JACK: Isn't it great to have a friend like that...who sees us as we "really" are?

FROM CJL IN OHIO: That involves introspection and few of us are willing to do it FROM JACK: Your mother may have said: "Eat your vegetables. They're good for you." Introspection is also good for us, whether we like to do it, or not. MORE FROM CJL: When she told me that, I didn't do much introspection...I just ate. Some
introspection came later

FROM PRPH IN ARIZONA: Picasso was robbed at his home one day and he saw the robbers leave his house. the police asked him to draw a picture of the two robbers. so he did. the next day the police went out and arrested a lawn mower and a bycycle! FROM JACK: I don't that that is true.

FROM BLAZING OAKS: I don't know quite what to make of G. Stein's quote...I feel I am much older inside than I used to be...maybe I just don't get it!~? I think we mature both inside and out, and it's be a shame if we didn't! What am I missing? Anyway, it is certainly helpful, if we can step back, and get a good look at ourselves, and how we appear to others. Probably never perfect this ability fully! Ha! Occasionally a good friend will help us to do that. I mean a REALLY good friend... FROM JACK: I like the Almond Joy/Mounds commercial: "Sometimes you feel like a nut. Sometimes you don't." That's the way it is with life. Sometimes you feel like a nut. Sometimes you're more serious. Sometimes you feel your age. Sometimes you don't.

FROM LB IN MICHIGAN: I've found that as people age, the photos taken when they were younger start looking better and better. FROM JACK: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. CF wrote that he saw the obit of an older man showing his baby picture.

FROM ILLINOIS LIZ: Moliner CF is still as handsome as in his football days. He's a darned great dad, too!
FROM JACK: Good ole number 73!

Winning Words 2/17/11
“Are we downhearted? No!” (British WW 1 military expression) A characteristic of a good leader is the ability to motivate when times are tough. Perhaps you can remember someone in your life who lifted you up and encouraged you when you needed it. I recall a song “Buckle down Winsocki, Buckle down. You can win, Winsocki, if you knuckle down.” Try replacing Winsocki with your name. ;-) Jack

FROM RJP IN VENICE: My O My you are showing your age with that song. Not sure if it is WW I or Spanish Am war. Which one were you in????? FROM JACK: They don't make songs like that anymore. Do you remember the line from a WW 1 song..."while you've a lucifer to light your fag..."? Do you know what it means without looking it up? MORE FROM RJP: I believe it means a match or cigarette lighter and a fag was a cigarette .....????? FROM JACK: Lucifer is another name for the Devil. Since fire is associated with the Devil, matches in the days of WW 1 were referred to as lucifers.

FROM NG IN MICHIGAN: I don't remember that song. Maybe you could sing it for us some Sunday. FROM JACK: If you can't pull it up on uTube, I'll ask Bonnie to play iy as a prelude. Meanwhile, here are the words.
Buckle down, Winsocki
Buckle down
You can win, Winsocki
If you knuckle down
If you break their necks
If you make them wrecks
You can break the hex,
So buckle down,
Make 'em yell Winsocki, make 'em yell.
You can win, Winsocki
If you give 'em hell
It you don't give in take it on the chin
You are bound to win, it you will only buckle down,
If you fight you'll chuckle at defeat.
If you fight your luck'll not retreat
(Shout)
Knuckle down Winsocki
Knuckle down.
You can win, Winsocki
If you buckle down
If you mow them down
If you go to town
You can wear the crown
If you will only buckle down.

FROM INDY GENIE: ok...i forget..what or who is winsocki? FROM JACK: You can Google it and even listen to the song. You might even want to march to the music.

FROM HAWKEYE GEORGE: I remember it. FROM JACK: You could even substitute Eye-Wah Hawks for Winsocki.

FROM JE IN MICHIGAN: Jack….is this appropriate for today or what??? Public schools learned our budgets will be reduced by $470 per student. For Walled Lake, that means going from anticipated cuts of $15 million for next year to $20 million for next year. The reductions have to be made and announced prior to June 30 of this school year. Swallow hard and “buckle down.” I will. This is hard for all school districts. FROM JACK: I heard that it would be bad, but not that bad. People who've had to "buckle down" know that it's more than a catchy ditty.

FROM PRCH ON CAPE COD: I’m going to put my older daughter’s name in there and put it on the door to her room (She is 10 and in 5th grade) FROM JACK: No matter how old, or young we are, we each need a boost once in a while.

FROM BLAZING OAKS: As Pastor Schuller (of Crystal Cathedral...understand they have fallen on hard times, too) used to say, "Tough times don't last, Tough people do!"or as the old saying goes, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going'. Cheerleaders certainly buoy us up when we're down and out! What a blessing not to be plagued by depression!! FROM JACK: I'm wondering....Why do teams have cheerleaders? Do players care about the cheers? I remember this cheer from high school. "There ain't no fleas on us. There ain't no fleas on us. There may be fleas on the referees, but there ain't no fleas on us."

Winning Words 2/16/11
“You can take as much as you can from the generation that has preceded you, but then it’s up to you to make something new.” (Jackson Browne) Someone from a younger generation (the older generation seems to have vanished) recently introduced me to JB, through the words of “Doctor my eyes.” I went and read more about Jackson and his life and his songs. I learned something new. ;-) Jack

FROM RP IN MICHIGAN: Nice thoughts for the day. I've been a fan of JB since the early 70's. FROM JACK: I like it when somebody helps me to get out of the "rut." Broadening one's view is part of the educational process. I remember when you introduced me to the music of Dennis Coffey.

FROM MF IN MICHIGAN: One of my favorites, I used to have Jackson Browne cassettes to listen to while driving on long trips... fond memories. Guess I better get going on making something new. FROM JACK: Today's WWs are meant to encourage us not to be afraid of generations other than our own, younger and older. We can learn something from them.

FROM CZB IN COLORADO: I saw him in concert last summer at Red Rocks. He is still a great talent. Red Rocks is a gorgeous outdoor amphitheater cut into the rocks in Colorado. FROM JACK: I checked out Red Rocks. You are right...a great venue for concerts. I'll have to add it to "the bucket list."

FROM TAMPA SHIRL: He certainly has had an interesting life, to say the least.It's hard to pigeon-hole generations, don't you think? Have you read Red, White, and Ted by Ted Nugent? FROM JACK: Not only generations, but people are pigeon-holed. The "Motor City Mad Man" is one that I've p-h'd. You've caused me to take a second look. BTW, I think that "Ted, White and Blue" is by and about Ted Dekker.

FROM MV IN MICHIGAN: One of my favorite artists. I first saw him at Pine Knob theater in the 70’s. FROM JACK: I knew of Pine Knob at that time. How come it took me so long to know more about Jackson Browne? Maybe I was still listening to Glenn Miller LPs. MORE FROM MV: “Doctor My Eyes” was the first song I knew from him. He played as a warm up singer for America in ’73-’75. He is in there, in my opinion, as one of the great folk singers with James Taylor, Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Dan Fogelberg, et al.

FROM ME IN NEWPORT BEACH: Have seen him several times in concert, most recently at Red Rocks in
Colorado. I used to call (and occasionally still do) my son Jackson Browne, or “JB”. When he would act up during a soccer game. FROM JACK: You're the second one of my "friends" who went to a JB concert at Red Rocks.

FROM BLAZING OAKS: I think each generation thinks that everything has been invented, discovered, etc. before, and what can they do? But we seem to build ever higher, and dig ever deeper climbing on the shoulders of those who have gone before. I don't know Mr. Browne...suppose I should access the internet and learn something new, too! FROM JACK: I don't think that JB would respond to Mr. Browne. Ask your children if they know of Jackson Browne, and I think that you'll get a positive response. You seem to be a Big Band sort of person. Check out some Browne music...especially the lyrics.

Winning Words 2/15/11
“When people keep telling you that you can’t do something, you kind of want to do it.” (Margaret Chase Smith) Smith was the first woman elected to serve in both the House and the Senate. She was the first woman to be nominated for President. We often associate this quote with parent/teen conflict. But, I admire someone like MCS who sees an injustice and steps forward to meet it. ;-) Jack

FROM HAWKEYE GEORGE: Isn't that what kids do? FROM JACK: When I was a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child, I acted like a child, but when I became an adult, I tried to remember the things I learned as a child, and tried not to be so judgmental with regard to that generation.

FROM LG IN MICHIGAN: Me too FROM JACK: One of my favorite "Twilight Zone" episodes is the one called, "Kick the Can," where some older people are able to do something they were told that they couldn't do.

FROM PRJS IN MICHIGAN: The surname "Smith" is going to provoke a response from me. I just learned that my old debate partner Dick Smith has Alzheimer's Disease....in the middle stages right now. That has bothered me since I heard it. He and I were partners for all four years of our tenure at Augie. We kind of reconnected later in our lives and got together several times with our wives on my trips to Chicago. He was far more conservative than was I but we never had a problem discussing either faith or politics or whatever. We knew from debate that there is always more than one good side to every issue It kills me that that wonderful mind is now blunted. I was struggling with that when I woke up this morning and looked out the window and saw a light in the school parking lot in the shape of a cross and then I realized that even tho there is no "cure" for Alzheimer's....there is a cure. Christ has come and all of these earthly menaces can be seen in that perspective. God be praised. FROM JACK: "That's what it's all about, Charlie Brown!" Thanks for sharing that personal reflection.

FROM JK IN MICHIGAN: Thank You. I needed the encouragement this morning. FROM JACK: Winning Words are meant to be encouraging words (for the most part).

FROM MK IN MICHIGAN: Thanks for the winning words at the meeting yesterday. You always manage to
include everyone, and that is not always easy! Life just stinks sometimes! I have another person who would like your winning words. She has moved out of state. FROM JACK: "Into each life some rain must fall ... but too much is falling on me." Sometimes life seems so unfair. I read once that all sunshine makes a desert. We appreciate our friends who are with us in bad weather and good.

FROM BLAZING OAKS: MCS was a winner! She was probably amazed at the ever-widening doors of opportunity for women in recent years...but there had to be that FIRST one...first woman doctor (that was a fascinating read!), first woman in law school, first engineer, first woman clergyman, first astronaut...so many firsts in this past century! We are blessed! Yes some do take it as a challenge, when folks say "You can't do that!" :-) FROM JACK: I think I saw a note today that Pres Rutherford B. Hayes, on this day, signed a bill allowing women attorneys to argue before the Supreme Court. It was over 100 years later that Sandra Day O'Connor would be the first woman approved to be a Suipreme Court Justice. The glass ceiling has been cracked, but not broken. MORE FROM OAKS: Oh! We stayed the weekend at the Rutheford B.Hayes Home and museum a few years ago, when our good friend and a former parishioner, Roger Bridges (and wife), was the Executive there. He had previously been the Illinois state historian in Springfield. Yes, there is still a
need for women pioneers. There aren't many women clergy persons who have any kind of a sizeable church as Sr. Pastor!! And the pay is usually not comparable to men in similar positions, either. But we've come a long way, baby! FROM JACK: Things are changing for female pastors in the ELCA. I know of several who serve larger congregations. Good pastors are in demand, whatever the gender.

FROM PRFM IN ALABAMA: Some speak of people like this as stubborn . . . others would describe them as committed and determined! The Jack I know is very committed and very determined . . . that is why he gets so much accomplished. FROM JACK: I owe a lot to a lot of people.

FROM POPPY IN MOLINE: Like when my family was told I would never walk again. I've now gone to a cane.
FROM JACK: "I think I can, I think I can. I know I can!" ...and you did it! Congratulations.

Winning Words 2/14/11
“What the world needs now is love, sweet love. It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of.” (Hal David) With the music of Burt Bacharach, this is one of my favorite songs. I’ll bet that you can sing the words right now. The answer to the world’s problems seems so simple. How to put the word, love, into action is the real problem. Perhaps it starts in our small corner of the world. ;-) Jack

FROM RI IN BOSTON: Love shows in so many simple expressions, and is so easy to give. Too bad we set just one day aside with hearts and flowers to commemorate it. FROM JACK: Who sez so?

FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: Yes, I can already think of a couple of loving things to do right off the bat and they are loving because of my trying to change my attitude and trying to put myself in walking in someone's else's shoes and not just doing tit for tat. thanks for the reminding WW and stirring us to let the love flow out of us today. FROM JACK: "Love is all around, no need to waste it."

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Remember the "Love Is cartoons"? I loved them and I love your Winning Words
each morning. "All we need is love"! FROM JACK: "LOVE IS....growing closer as the years roll by." The Oakland Press prints those cartoons each day.

FROM BLAZING OAKS: ...Or how about good old Victor Herbert, in Naughty Marietta, one of the first
Operettas I acted in at dear old Prospect Park Muni in Moline! :-) Ah! Sweet Mystery of Life, at last I've found you! Ah, I know at last the secret of it all. All the longing, seeking, striving, waiting, yearning, The burning hopes, the joy and idle tears that fall! For...'tis love and love alone, the world is seeking: And...'tis love, and love alone, that can repay! "Tis the answer, 'tis the end, and all of living, For it is LOVE alone that rules for
aye! Good thought for Valentine's day, even tho I lost my true valentine nine years ago this month....
FROM JACK: Yes, "'tis love and love alone, the world is seeking." And remember that part of 1 Corinthians 13...."Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends." Another good thought for Valentine's Day.

FROM GUSTIE MARLYS: And sing it I did! FROM JACK: I thought I heard.....way down here in Michigan.

FROM MOLINER CF: One of my favorites in that vien is the Coke commercial. Granted, they are selling pop bit t is moving. FROM JACK: I agree. I wish that it could be more than a catchy jingle.

I'd like to build the world a home
and furnish it with love
grow apple trees and honey bees
and snow white turtle doves

I'd like to teach the world to sing
in perfect harmony
I'd like to hold it in my arms
and keep it company

I'd like to see the world for once
all standing hand in hand
and hear them echo through the hills
for peace throuout the land

thats the song I hear
Let the world sing today
a song of peace
that echoes on
and never goes away

I'd like to teach the world to sing
in perfect harmony

I'd like to teach the world to sing
in perfect harmony

I'd like to build the world a home
and funish it with love
grow apple trees and honey bees
and snow white turtle doves

I'd like to teach the world to sing
in perfect harmony
I'd like to hold it in my arms
and keep it company

FROM PRFM IN ALABAMA: And although it wasn’t expressed in this way in Egypt, but maybe peaceful dissent is another way . . . not as pleasant, but I hope that a lesson is learned by what thousands of Egyptians did in the last two weeks. But like you, I vote for LOVE. FROM JACK: Until I walk in their sandals, I don't know what I would do. I would start out with LOVE. Turning the other cheek is easier said than done, but I trust the one who said it.

FROM INDY GENIE: Maybe John Lennon was right...all we need IS love! ye ta da da da da! Happy Valentine's Day, my friend!!! FROM JACK: There are so many good "love" songs, and you've named one of them. You know many more of them, too. In fact, I'm sure that you can sing most of them.

FROM AM IN MICHIGAN: Heard Burt Bacharach play that at Pine Knob. We could start in our families by our example. I attended a brunch last week and one of the women's sister had died. The two were estranged for
many years. The feud involved a legal issue and an estate. Her sister had been dead a few months before this person heard of her death. How sad, no matter what the reason. We must forgive. It is the only path to peace for each of us and the world. "Let it begin with me". FROM JACK: In the Bible, it says: "The LOVE of money is the root of all kinds of eveil." Aint it the truth?

Winning Words 2/11/11
“If you have health, you will probably be happy, and if you have health and happiness, you have all the wealth you really need, even if it’s not all you want.” (Elbert Hubbard) While channel-flipping I happened upon the movie, “The Bucket List.” I stopped and watched. I was particularly interested in the questions, “Have you had joy in your life? Have you brought joy to others?” ;-) Jack

FROM RI IN BOSTON: I've found that joy in life often comes from people from whom we hadn't expected it, or from situations that we hadn't predicted. Regarding giving joy to others, I believe we have probably imparted joy to people without ever knowing it. Some incidents that may not mean anything personally can actually bring joy to others. FROM JACK: The unexpected blessing is sometimes the best kind.

FROM TS IN MICHIGAN: As you know, Jack, many people do everything for others; many do nothing. I told my kids, "Make a difference. Make the world a better place as a result of you having been here." It appears that they have both listened. FROM JACK: It would be a better world if more parents did as you did, if more kids listened and acted as yours did. You are indeed blessed.

FROM MK IN MICHIGAN: Yes and I sure hope I have! FROM JACK: If it's a satisfaction to you....you have!

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: What wonderful words. You and I know how precious just being able walk, go up and down stairs, and get up from a chair without pain. Health is a huge blessing. And to be happy to be healthy is truly a blessing. As for having joy and bringing joy, it would be a true blessing to be able to say yes to both. Yes! FROM JACK: Some people wish that they'd win the lottery...when they already possess things far more valuable. "Who could wish for anything more?"

FROM EMT SINGS IN MICHIGAN: I can say "yes" to both of those questions. In fact, Rick and I just returned from driving to MN, through the UP, where we were with my Aunt, Mother's sister, to observe her 96th birthday! Getting and giving joy! Does it ever end? FROM JACK: As your mother now knows, "It only gets better!"

FROM JK IN MICHIGAN: Amen! This theme is everywhere. Usually it is stated "The most important things are not things...." FROM JACK: Good advice from the Sermon on the Mount: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth....but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven."

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Was a good movie FROM JACK: When it first came out, several people said that I should see it. Others kept talking about "Bucket Lists." Now, I know what they were talking about. MORE FROM JON: Guess it has a more folksy appeal than "goals for life list" FROM JACK: It's called, putting words into action. For example, the 10 Commandments are more than words.

FROM ILLINOIS LIZ: We must have been channel-flipping at the same time! FROM JACK: I like cable and the remote control.

FROM INDY GENIE: A big "YES" to the first part of the question and a big "I SURE HOPE SO" to the second!
FROM JACK: It takes others to answer the 2nd question. The answer is, "Yes!"

FROM CJL IN OHIO: Only then do you get happiness yourself. A great movie. Will watch it again. FROM JACK: Jack Nicholson seemed perfect for his part. If you were in the movies (not this one), what character would you be? MORE FROM CJL: I'd beAtticus in "To kill a mocking bird". He was a good parent, a good lawyer, and he didn't win them all, but he gave his best!

FROM BLAZING OAKS: I loved that movie, and after I saw it, I bought a tiny enameled bucket for each person, and had my senior S.S. class make out a bucket list. and try to fulfill the items on the list. We enjoyed talking about the lists, and had fun doing it. I'm trying to think of the name of the multi-millionaire from N.Y. that Bill talked to years ago, who said to him, "We spend the first half of our lives ruining our health, to gain our wealth, and the last half of life, spending our wealth to regain our health." ~! He was well-known at the time, but right now I can't bring it up!! :-( FROM JACK: Why don't you ask one of those persons if they still have their bucket and if any items have been removed? I imagine you had a bucket for yourself. MORE FROM BLAZING OAKS: We do talk about that from time to time...most have done at least half of their "wish list"...I have fulfilled a few of mine as well, tho still haven't gotten to Italy or Ireland, countries I think I would enjoy touring! One of my wishes was to get to CA to visit the Giant Redwoods(Sequoias) in Yosemite Nat'l. Park. Awesome! In the greenhouse were small saplings with a sign on them, "Come back in 435 years when we will be middle-aged"..:-) I find I am less inclined to leave the country, as I get older. However I have seen far more of the world than I ever dreamed of when I was growing up in a small town in IL! FROM JACK: What if you filled your bucket with all of the great experiences you have had? I'm reminded of the little girl who was sitting on the beach scooping water into a pail. "What are you doing?" she was asked. She replied with a smile, "I'm putting the ocean into my pail."

Winning Words 2/10/11
“Nothing is impossible. The word itself says, I’m possible.” (Audrey Hepburn) As I was pondering what to say about Audrey’s quote, someone sent me a uTube story about a woman in Texas who makes beautiful quilts, even though she’s blind. “Lack of sight is an inconvenience for me. I want to be an encourager for people who sit on the couch and say, ‘Woe is me.’ God has really blessed me.” ;-) Jack

THE uTube STORY
Check on site below...........
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lfaSmDxVZQ

FROM HS IN MICHIGAN: Brilliant! FROM JACK: Ashleigh Brilliant is one of my favorite writers. I hsve several of his "Brilliant Thoughts" books. One that I like: "Everything is under control, pehaps even the universe."

FROM PEPPERMINT MARY: i'd like to be audrey hepburn when i grow up. she did such great things for the world. she made things possible for others whenever possible. FROM JACK: I'll bet if Audrey had been given the opportunity, she would have liked to be you. But, life is such that we paddle our own canoe.

FROM MOLINER CF: "The difficult we do immediately, the impossible takes a little longer." USMC FROM JACK: Did you have a needlepoint of that saying in your office? MORE FROM CF: A stupid thought crossed my mind. WW is like a minstral show with you as the interlocutor. Think about it. We're all End Men answering your questions. FROM JACK: Inter(locutor)? Inter(esting)!

FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: what an interesting and thought-provoking WW. Yesterday afternoon I was with a small group of people, studying the Bible and the conversation turned to the various healings they had either experienced or seen being experienced by other people. How interesting to realize that, even though the body is going through some inconvenience and it may not be healed in a miraculous way that the blessings of God often are greater than even simply bodily healing. And, further, that that can have such an impact on all those around oneself. These WW have really lifted me up this morning and encouraged me. FROM JACK: "All things are possible to the one who believes." (Mark 9:23) Now, what does that mean? You could have a whole study, just on that verse.

FROM JE IN MICHIGAN: God has blessed me in so many ways I cannot count all of them. Jack, stay warm and thank you for Audrey’s words today! FROM JACK: The weather reminds me of the announcers in the "Groundhog Day" movie: "Brrr! It's cold outside." Audrey reminds us that there are people who are more than the image that they project. That goes for you and me, too.

FROM PRDM IN MICHIGAN: Your words are powerful! May I share your address with members of our
parish...? FROM JACK: Some congregations post WWs on their website every day. Another church adds the names of council member and other church leaders to my WWs address file. Whatever works.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Interesting. At one time I might have agreed. But I'm wondering how possible it would be now-a-days to get a Democrat to vote for a Republican or vice versa. Hummmm. It guess it could happen... :-) FROM JACK: It's too bad when we let outside influences drive us from our basic values. One of the values that I learned (and try to hang on to) it's good to try and get along with people. It's valued in the home, in a marraiage, in the neighborhood, in the community, in the church, in the nation, in the world. We cannot give up on trying to get along with people.

ANOPTHER THOUGHT FROM CF: Fortune Cookie at lunch today, "If you can't decide up or down try moving from side to side." FROM JACK: I like it!

FROM IE IN MICHIGAN: How about: "WOE for pessimists is WOW for OPTIMISTS"/// FROM JACK: WOW!

FROM MINNESOTA DOT: My computer tells me I have an outdated browser, so I couldn't see the quilts, but I have a blind friend here, and woe is she, but she never complains. I marvel at her every day. FROM JACK: I had an aunt who was blind. She did her own cooking on the gas stove. If she got too close to the flame, her hair would occasionally start to burn. She'd smell that and simply reach up and pat out the fire.

Winning Words 2/9/11
“For those whose closest thing to prayer is, OMG, we pray to the Lord.” (Unvirtuous Abbey) Is it just me? I seem to hear God mentioned a lot these days… and not in church. The name is so sacred to some of my friends that they spell it, G-d. How I got a Twitter account is a mystery, but it was there that I discovered U.V. One Twitter tweet suggests: For those who read Abbey, “Lord, have mercy.” ;-) Jack

FROM TS IN MICHIGAN: What a happy coincidence! FROM JACK: Some people call coincidences, miracles. I think that there's room for both.

FROM PRJS IN MICHIGAN: Perhaps some of the fault for that lies with the church....we are not dealing with the church at one of its greatest moments!!! FROM JACK: The history of the Church, in large part, is a reluctance to change or to adapt to "new" ways of doing things. Many people love to sing, "That old-time religion is good enough for me." I'm still trying to keep one foot in the past, with another foot in the future. It can be a stretch at times. "Lrd, hav mrcy!"

FROM MOLINER CF: Why does God get blamed for everything? We need to take responsibility for our own actions. FROM JACK: Blaming others for anything is a way of deflecting blame from ourselves.

FROM RS IN MICHIGAN: Amen! Jack, you start my days with such a big smile! This is so funny, yet not really funny at all is it? What have we (mankind) come to? I have a dear friend who is agnostic at best and often uses the Lord's name in vain. EVERYTIME she does I tell her that the Lord is on her mind whether she realizes it or not.Then I remind her that she offends me when she does it.She always apologizes and will go the rest of our visit without saying it ... til the next time we get together! FROM JACK: As in a game of cards, so it is in the game of life....You have to know when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em.....When to speak up and when to hold your tongue. You seem to be doing a pretty good job of it with your friend. The Lord is on your mind, too!

FROM PL IN MICHIGAN: It's always fun to read your stuff, Jack! Maybe you have this attachment already. Don' show it to an English teacher..their heart isn't strong enough for it. I just researched "Unvirtuous Abbey" Thanks for teaching me something new. BTW, UV is forcing me to see much more than I want to see. Attachment: tmvocab-Texting Vocabulary.pdf(46KB) FROM JACK: GMTA

FROM LG IN MICHIGAN: Loved today's email! The Exec. Director at the agency in which I am doing my internship told me I should not say things like, "praise God" or "I pray that works out..." Rather I should say, "I hope that works out..." Or "thamk goodness..." So in this way I won't offend clients of other faiths or of no faith. She also (a couple weeks later) told me not to wear my cross necklace to work. Now this woman is holding a great deal of power over me in my situation... I asked her some questions about why the cross. Then I told her I would need time to think about that one... I prayed that God would be true to His promises that He would protect me, that He holds my plan, and that I would not be tempted w/o a way out. I had agreed to the changes in speech, even though I know she could not legally ask that of me (Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII). I told her I couldn't quit wearing my cross, but that I bought a longer chain so that it could be kept closer to my heart and less visible beneath my clothing. Yet this is a woman, to your point. In today's quote, who thinks nothing of yelling in frustration, "Jeeesus Christ!" Or "Ohhh Gaaawwwd!" Not my place to judge or impose on her, though... I simply pray silently each time it happens, "forgive her Father, for she knows not
what she does..." FROM JACK: Thanks for a MOST interesting response. Life does present us with challenges. We can deal with the black and white. It's the gray that often gives us trouble. When to agree to compromise is a ubiquitous question...at work...in marriages (relationships)...at church...in the mind. We can a connection with what the former senator, Everett Dirksen, said when questioned about changing his mind on a certain issue: "The only people who never change their mind are eith dead or in an insane asylum." It appears to me that you are neither dead, nor in an asylum.

FROM ILLINOIS LIZ: lol. Did you know that all Tweets are kept by the Library of Congress for some reason? Read that recently and thought it was interesting. FROM JACK: Some say that God keeps a record of every word and every action that we speak and do. Do you think that he bothers to keep a record of tweets and responses to Winning Words?

FROM NIGHTENGALE/CONANT.COM: "Every thought, action, decision, or feeling creates an eddy in the
interlocking, interbalancing, ever-moving energy fields of life, leaving a permanent record for all of time. This realization can be intimidating when it first dawns on us, but it becomes a springboard for rapid evolution."
— Dr. David Hawkins: Physician, spiritual teacher, and lecturer

FROM JL IN MICHIGAN: I give up, Jack, what is "U.V."? FROM JACK: Go back to the quote and look at where it came from. OOPS. It should be U.A.

FROM BLAZING OAKS: That's a good one! When I was teaching, the students knew I did not allow the word God or Lord to be usedin a profane way, and they could turn that off and on at will...in the halls you often heard Oh God, or OMG, but they could "watch it" in my room, and if anyone slipped, it was the other students who reprimanded them! "Using God's name in vain is like a knife in Mrs. Os' heart...she a Christian!" :-) But I
wasn't a prude, and had a good sense of humor, which they loved. When I retired after 23 yrs. the plaque the choirs gave me had pictures of the various jazz choirs, and performing groups and musicals, and under my picture they had the caption, "I Can Do All Things, Through Christ, Who Strengthens ME!" I was surprised, as I don't remember ever quoting that to the kids!! But as I say, kids can be made aware of what they are saying, and can control it...I like U.A!! FROM JACK: Evidently your light wasn't hidden under a bushel. You taught more than music to your students.

FROM BBC IN ILLINOIS: Nice, thanks for the thoughts and the smile FROM JACK: If I knew how to use my Twitter account, I would tweet the response to you.

FROM SH IN ILLINOIS: I absolutely cannot stand it whenever anyone uses God's name in vain. If I know it's coming up in a song or rerun TV show, I'll turn it off. If I hear it in a new show, I try not to watch again. We teach in our church's Confirmation program that kids shouldn't say "Oh my G__" unless they're praying, and I correct them every time I hear it, whether they know me or not (or I ask them to get down on their knees and finish their prayer). The thing that gets me is when I hear a pastor using the phrase as the kids do. But, I correct him, too! If I heard a non-Christian say it, I think I'd really lose my temper. For me, it's about being respectful and reverent (or not, as the case may be). FROM JACK: When I was growing up, swearing did not seem as prevelent as it is now. Our Luther Leader (our pastor's wife) talked to us about sugar-coated swearing...Gee Whiz...Gosh...Heck...Gol Darn It...Shoot...Jeez...etc.

FROM JO IN MICHIGAN: Everyone calls on God when they're in trouble... FROM JACK: I don't know about "everyone," but I know that I do.

FROM AJ IN MICHIGAN: When I worked as a volunteer with my friend at the Our Lady of Refuge library, we daily heard little kids saying OMG. We finally decided to make them think about what they were saying. We said to the first child that sasid that that he had better be praying. He looked at us like we were nuts. We explained that we do not take God's name lightly, so if you want to speak to him that's great but do not swear in the library. You would be amazed how it worked. In about a week, the kids were telling each other to be praying. It seemed to work well. FROM JACK: There are various ways to teach lessons. During the time of slavery in the US, the slaves were denied education. A saying developed among the slaves..."Each one teach one." It became a cause for people to pass "education" on to someone else, who, in turn, would pass it on. You used the same technique in the library.

Winning Words 2/8/11
“Ever tried? Ever failed? No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.” (Samuel Beckett) Thomas Edison is known for the many things he invented, but he also had more failures than successes. Babe Ruth had more strikeouts than home runs. When I started a new congregation, I made door-to-door “cold” calls. I discovered that for every ten calls I made, I’d get one prospect. So, I kept on truckin’. ;-) Jack

FROM JACK: I thought of this New Year's poem as I read today's Winning Words.
He came to my desk with quivering lip--
The lesson was done.
"Dear Teacher I want a new leaf," he said,,
"I have spoiled this one."
I took the old leaf, stained and blotted,
And gave him a new one all unspotted,
And into his sad eyes smiled,
"Do better now, my child."
I went to the throne with a quivering soul--
The old year was done.
"Dear Father, hast Thou a new leaf for me?
I have spoiled this one."
He took the old leaf, stained and blotted,
And gave me a new one all unspotted,
And into my sad heart smiled,
"Do better now, My child."
-- Kathleen Wheeler

FROM PEPPERMINT MARY: i've done all. being with children is a great lesson in try-trying again. they just, "pick themselves up, brush themselves off, and start all over again"! FROM JACK: Sometimes children can be the bets teachers.

FROM JK IN MICHIGAN: Thank You Jack for your 'keep on truckin' messages the past two days. Just what I needed FROM JACK: I like those words, "Fail better."

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: The poen was wonderful and fit right in. We can all use new leaves. One of my favorite movies is "A New Leaf". FROM JACK: One of the gifts of God: Each day is a new day. MORE FROM JUDY: Yep, just like a drawing on an Etch-A-Sketch! FROM JACK: Or the computer's DELETE key.

FROM MOLINER CF: Used to have a sampler hanging in my office , "The harder I work, the luckier I get." Still have the sampler. Maybe I should hang it up again. FROM JACK: I thought that you'd already "hung it up."

FROM MINNESOTA DOT: It all depends on one's motivation and perseverance, right? FROM JACK: We are who we are.

FROM IE IN MICHIGAN: You also kept on "prayin & tryin"... FROM JACK: In the Bible it says, "Pray without ceasing."

FROM CJL IN OHIO: You always were persistent.. This is not new news! Congratulations anyway! FROM JACK: Try again and fail; try again and fail; try again. One of these times..... Reminds me of the Mary Tyler Moore theme song:
Love is all around, no need to waste it You can have a town, why don't you take it
You're gonna make it after all You're gonna make it after all

FROM AM IN MICHIGAN: I remember my first visit to Bloomfield Township in 1973 to ask for help with transportation for seniors. Supervisor Homer Case turned to a group of 125 homeowner representatives and laughingly asked if the township needed this service. They too. laughed. At the time, I was active in my homeowners group and volunteering with the seniors through St. Hugo's Christian Service program. Within a few years, Mr. Case recognized the value of seniors and called me offering to provide bus transportation using donations and municipal credits which came from gasoline tax. The bus service continues today. One must continue to knock on doors. FROM JACK: Your middle name should be, "Perpetua."

FROM BLAZING OAKS: Fail better? :-) Somewhat of an oxymoron, but I get the idea. Move forward, at least a little, the next time...We all learn lessons by failing...at least you know what DIDN'T work! I guess the secret is having the heart to try again. There are a lot of inspirational stories of folks who tried and tried, and finally had success. I just read the story of a Rock climber (Craig DeMartino, Ft. Collins, CO) who fell 100 ft., and injured his leg so badly that it eventually had to be amputated. Rock climbing had been his "life" (his wife and two children also joined him in this sport) and it of his struggle to get up courage to try it again, with so much pain, etc. and with much therapy, and determination, and faith in God, he is climbing through the pain, and just did the sheer steep cliff in Shoshone Nat'l Forest. Artificial leg, and all...True Grit!! FROM JACK: A long time ago I remember reading a magazine called, GRIT. I see that it's still being published. It extols the basic values of the rural life. I, for one, admire the gritty farmers who don't get enough praise.

FROM MW IN ILLINOIS: I remember your door to door call. When you came into my house, you said "you must have a new baby", my windows were steamed up from the old fasioned sterilizing bottles. That baby will turn 49 in April, so Jeanne must be the same age. And, SOTL will be 50 in 2012. We are currently beginning with plans for that event.

Winning Words 2/7/11
“Keep on truckin’.” (“Blind Boy” Fuller) Fuller was a famous “blues” singer/guitarist He lost his sight as a teen-ager. Life was not easy for him. Truckin’ is an urban saying, meaning: hang in there and stay focused, no matter what the circumstances of your situation might be. Someone suggested that Monday is a good day for a positive WWs message. To me, Keep on truckin’ seems to fit. ;-) Jack

FROM ILLINOIS LIZ: I think all your Winning Words are positive, aren't they? Let's have "Really Negative Tuesday." FROM JACK: At this point my computer and my mind aren't willing to buy into that idea.

FROM SG IN TAMPA: I am not familiar with Fuller, but his philosophy is great. To be helpful and to be busy with the mind and body are both important in my opinion. We had fun yesterday running around (not literally) Tampa and St. Pete while waiting for the Superbowl. Also I am reading two books The Longest Journey Home, and autobiography by the author of Marley and Me and Pearl Buck in China. The class at USF last week was interesting about South Sudan, their coming independence and oil discovery and Christian community. FROM JACK: It sounds as though you're doing a lot of truckin' and not singing the blues. You seem to have shifted the aging process into reverse.

FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: Thanks. Looked up Blind Boy Fuller on the internet here and intend to get a CD or more of his music. Gosh, if he could keep on truckin, expect the rest of us can. FROM JACK: It's amazing how the "physically challenged" people can be such an inspiration. You know that from your work with some people like thast, don't you?

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: They are great Winning Words for a snowy wintery day....cause ya need a truck to get around up here! FROM JACK: "Blind boy" didn't need no truck to do his truckin'. MORE FROM JUDY: That's true, with his other senses going strong, he knew how to feel and smell the snow. My Great Great Aunt Susie was blind and confined to a wheelchair but she knew everyone and everything around her. She was very old when I saw her and she thought her blindness was a "blessin"! My family has a long history of deafness. I have hearing loss and a second cousin is deaf. But, we all "keep on truckin'!"

FROM MOLINER CF: Well, The Pack sure kept on truckin'. Never give up! FROM JACK: Sometimes winning involves doing the right thing, while others are doing the wrong thing. MORE FROM CF, WHO'S AN ADMAN: Old Ad Saying, "Don't worry about the other guy. Do your own thing and let him woryy about what you're doing."

FROM A PACKER BACKER IN ALABAMA: It fit the Packer team this season with many injuries. FROM JACK: We're proud that Charles Woodson got his training at the Univ of Michigan. I liked his comment that he's never cried that hard (after being told of his injury) since he was a kid. I wonder how many of haven't really cried hard since childhood.

FROM A PACKER BACKER IN NEWPORT BEACH: The Packers sure did. FROM JACK: Is your second favorite team, The Chargers?

FROM BLAZING OAKS: It surely does seem positive, and I have heard it many times in my life, usually as a parting repartee among friends. Keep on Truckin' is what we continue to do, and it is good advice! Even for my nephew-in-law, who was a long-distance trucker. (Until his retirement...) :-) FROM JACK: Truckin' seems to be a tough, tough job. Have you ever seen the Ice Road Truckers on TV?

FROM NK IN WISCONSIN: I'll take your advice with me to work tomorrow- I'll need it! I've been working a minimum of 45 hrs week and sometimes more- pc lately has been nothing but total chaos. tomorrow i'll tell the staff "keep on truckin" when were short staff like usual. thanks for the motivational WW FROM JACK: Work can be difficult when there's so much to do, with so little time, and too few players on the team...but, you're right in telling "your team" to follow Blind Boy Fuller's advice.

Winning Words 2/4/11
“You have 100% control over your actions and zero control over the consequences.” (Roland Ware) These words cause me to stop and think. I believe that one of God’s great gifts to us is, Free Will. Some predestinarians might disagree, but I’ll let it go at that. I do think that we can agree on the fact, that what we do (or don’t do) can affect what our future will be like. So, be careful today! ;-) Jack

FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: This is something that has been occupying my mind because I see how easy it is to become suspicious of people and then stereotype whole groups when people start bending or distorting truth when they are feeling like they are in a desparate situation. This can happen with people of wealth who are afraid of losing their power and wealth and it can happen with people in poverty when they think no one will respond to their needs if they do ask for help for what they truly need so they ask for something else they think people will be more sympathetic for and it happens with people in the middle too. I count myself in the middle right now and need really every day to try to be truthful--practice so if I get wealth I will be secure in practice of being truthful and if I suddenly plunge into poverty, will also have had practice in being truthful. But also I realize the need to steer away from stereotyping people and start every day with a fresh slate of trying to take people at face value and hopefully the consequences of the day's actions all around will be more constructive. Is this trying to control consequences or is it trying to live honestly in the midst of all of them?
FROM JACK: "Zero control over consequences," so don't try to drive from the backseat.

FROM A BUSY MOM IN CALIFORNIA: Hi Jack, I read your winning words EVERY day and save several to
review them! I've been really busy.

FROM RB IN MICHIGAN: I certainly needed those words today!! FROM JACK: I write for myself as well as for others. Many of us seem to be on the same track.

FROM RI IN BOSTON: Ware's words express something I haven't considered before and they cause me to think. So the actions we take have consequences (perhaps immediate...perhaps far off) which we don't control. Is our death then the ultimate consequence of the choices we made in life (the food we ate, our physical activities, the risks we took, etc.)? If that's the case then each of us actually is responsible for our moment of death...right? By our actions we "scheduled" our exit from life. It really isn't God "flipping the switch that turns out our lights" at that specific moment. Such thinking shatters a common traditional perception. FROM JACK: It's such a simple truth. Every action causes a reaction. To deal with the reaction requires another action...ad infinitum.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: As I watch my husband's car get towed away, I was reading this quote. And as I
watched the car get towed away (he went through deep snow in our cul du sac and something got knocked off the bottom of his car), I was thinking....well, there goes the plans for my day. He had to take my car to work. In some ways we can control our actions. But I would change the quote to say "You have 100% control over your reactions and zero control over the consequences." FROM JACK: Why do I blame the snow when my car gets stuck in the drift? We do it all the time.

FROM IE IN MICHIGAN: I think it's important to be careful every day if you indeed want to succeed & make a change in the world. FROM JACK: One of the first warnings I can remember hearing from my parents was, "Be careful." Now, I hear it from you. When will we ever learn?

FROM CJL IN OHIO: And that includes your reaction to the things that happen to you... FROM JACK: To take action to control our reaction is easier said than done.

FROM MOLINER CF: This one is above my job level. FROM JACK: ...and just what is your job?

FROM BLAZING OAKS: That one is thought-provoking...ZERO control over the consequences?! I guess he is right, as the consequences involve OTHER person's reactions to what we do! I'd guess we've all been surprised more than once, about where our actions led, or the results of out actions. We get more thoughtful, or cautious as we age, having learned some lessons along the way. The future seems pretty close at hand, to us Octogenarians! Have a good day!! FROM JACK: I remember singing a song in Sunday School..."O, that the Lord would guide my ways..." While we do have responsibility for our actions, God gives us a nudge once in a while.

FROM NK IN WISCONSIN: I'll keep this one in mind FROM JACK: This is true with life in general. Just do your best, and let God do the rest.

Winning Words 2/3/11
“Everyone who’s ever taken a shower has an idea. It’s the person who gets out and does something about it that makes the difference.” (Nolan Bushnell—founder of ATARI) The first computer game that I can remember playing was, PONG. I didn’t always win, but I really tried. I wonder if Nolan got his idea for PONG in the shower? What’s important is that he did something with the idea. ;-) Jack

FROM MOLINER CF: Early in my career I asked an "old" advertising man if he ever ran out of ideas and his response was "The more you have, the more you get." And he was right. Maybe he took lot of showers. I have a waterproof note pad in mine. FROM JACK: I get many of my "best" ideas while lying in bed.

FROM JK IN MICHIGAN: This message is critical for people seeking to bring innovation to Michigan.
Historically, the difference between Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, etc is that these men moved on their inspirations. As you say they did something about it. (Funny you mention inspiration occuring in the shower because Napolean was noted for taking long baths. I wonder if his aspirations for conquest were birthed in the bath / shower as well??) FROM JACK: I even get "inspiration" as I read and respond to e-mails. Ideas seem to always be going on in my head.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: The shower isn't exactly my place for bright ideas....it's usually late at night. I keep a pad of paper and pen on my nightstand. Interesting! FROM JACK: Some people are said to have gotten ideas while visiting the outhouse. MORE FROM JUDY: Maybe that's where Newton "discovered" gravity but was just too embarrassed to tell everyone. An apple falling off the tree is much more glamorous.

FROM BLAZING OAKS: Interesting!! I'm more apt to sing in the shower, and revel in the luxury of nice hot water. (Took a lot of cold showers in Dem Rep.of Congo, and tour of India! Even in Japan and Europe) He must have lingered a lot longer than I do: But of course the main idea is that he ACTED on his inventive ideas...where was Archimedes when he shouted "EUREKA!!"?? :-) I have to isolate myself without distractions to think of a creative or clever program idea. Once I have an idea, the details roll in...We all have our quirks, eh? FROM JACK: I wonder if a cold shower stimulated someone to come up with the invention of a hot shower? Ahhhhhhhhh!

FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: Found something on the internet http://rationalwiki.org/wiki/martin_luther
"Martin Luther suffered from chronic constipation and believed he received theological insights while seated on the toilet constructed of stone. Being full of it may have been due to a diet of worms or half a lifetime avoiding the poopacy in Rome." I knew there had been something about this in one of the biographies. FROM JACK: "They" say that if it's on the internet, it must be true. I read this story about Martin and his toilet-inspiration long befor there was an internet.

Winning Words 2/2/11
“What if there is no tomorrow? There wasn’t one today.” (Phil Connors) Some of you will recognize this as a line from the movie, “Groundhog Day.” One of my quirks is that I try and see this film each Groundhog Day. I sit there and think what it would be like, never to have a tomorrow. We have our yesterdays and our todays, but what will our tomorrows be? Philosophical and theological! ;-) Jack

FROM SCARLETT: "After all, tomorrow is another day." (Gone With the Wind)

FROM TS IN MICHIGAN: Don't know if anyone will be seeing their shadow today, FROM JACK: Groundhog Day always signifies that we're on the downside of winter, regardless of Phil.

FROM RS IN MICHIGAN: The promise of tomorrow always brings hope. I don't want to imagine unhappy or worried people without hope. FROM JACK: What a sad word....HOPE-LESS! What a happy word....
HOPE-FULL!

FROM CS IN WISCONSIN: Did you know that the movie “Groundhog Day” was filmed in Woodstock, IL? Our town was privileged to see much of it filmed on our streets and in our town Square. I was working in a lawyer’s office on the Square and often was sent on bank runs so I could take pictures of exciting scenes being filmed or rehearsed – Bill Murray jumping out of the tower on our Opera House; the ice sculptures being made, Bill stepping into the puddle, etc. Funny stories about visitors to town walking into what they thought was the Rexall Drug Store only to find men and women sitting at desks in a realty business – many storefronts were redesigned for the movie. Another funny story was about a lawyer who was not liked much in town – kind of a smart aleck guy – who parked his vehicle in front of his office early in the morning when townspeople had been warned to stay off the Square because of filming that morning. A film crew placed a PA license plate over his thinking his car was one of the ‘stage’ vehicles. He came down and took off for a trial in Chicago and got picked up on the Interstate for speeding and when they checked his plates got in trouble for having fake plates on his car! Lots of laughs over that one, but he was sure an unhappy guy that morning!!!!! Threatened to sue, but got no where! Woodstock still celebrates Groundhog Day with big doings. FROM JACK: Thanks for the background on that movie.

FROM RI IN BOSTON: From time to time I come across such "philosophical" questions. Not long ago I saw a bumper sticker asking "What if the hokey pokey IS what it's all about?" FROM JACK: Is dancing the Hokey Pokey on your "Bucket List?"

FROM MT IN PENNSYLVANIA: I do recognize it! 'Groundhog Day' is the reason that, around 1998, I started playing music again after over 20 years of absence. I had been a musician/performer and guitar teacher in high school and all through college, but left music behind when glass artwork became my passion. After my 2nd viewing of the movie, it occurred to me that every day, whether you realize it or not, you make choices about who you will be be tomorrow. Phil Connors made some Putting that message in the surrealistic scenario of 'same day all over again' adds mystery and wonder. Phil Connors' music lessons, and their ultimate result, inspired me to start making daily decisions about music. My friend Jay McPhillips is a respected painter and also a published humorist. His book 'Staff Pick' contains many funny, and some rather crude, cartoons and commentary, and one of the pages contains a different wrinkle on Phil's line: "Yesterday, today was tomorrow." FROM JACK: There's stimulation for the brain all around us...even in a movie. Jay's line reminded me of one that is similar: "Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday."

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Gary's favorite movie...watched a hundred times at least. If there was no tomorrow, well, that's okay. If there was no tomorrow we will be in Heaven. I don't have a problem with that at all. Now, living everyday over and over again would be strange. I imagine most people would do exactly what Phil did....morphed into what he actually became...a caring, loving person. FROM JACK: I would imagine that "some" people would do what Phil did.

FROM MOLINER CF: If you don't believe in tomoorow, today is a waste of time. FROM JACK: Whether we believe in tomorrow, or not, it has a way of coming...."ready or not."

FROM SPARTAN JEFF: Tomorrow will be MSU 82, IOWA 69! Go Green! FROM JACK: Iowa is a young team with a new coach and is struggling. You are probably right about "tomorrow."

FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: There wasn't a big blizzard today either. My husband thought he would be home all day, so he slept in but late morning his boss called him so he had to readjust--there wasn't enough snow to keep his boss or him from working today. Last night we were thinking the forecasts would be accurate and making our plans for today. We should wait and see if we can see our shadows too. FROM JACK: Forecasts (shadows or otherwise) are not always accurate. TV weathercasting is designed to get out attention, so that we will look at the ads.

FROM BLAZING OAKS: Blazing Oaks! Wow! Does that mean I "sparkle"???! Or am "fiery"???!HA! : Whatever! I enjoy your winning words. You would not have to post them before noon for me! :-) I am snowed in ,but good. We got a foot of snow, but it blew 3 ft. on the lake roads FROM JACK: We are now on the downslope of winter. Just sit there patiently in front of the TV, with your cup of coffee, and, before you know it, the spring thaw will take care of the snow drift.

FROM DAZ IN COLORADO: That movie was very imaginative. He made the most out of a weird situation, living the same day over and over, ie tomorrow not coming. FROM JACK: I watched it this morning...an hour and 41 minutes. I enjoyed it as much as ever. Since you are the one who chooses movies for your neighbors, maybe you should choose Goundhog Day. It should provide some discussion.

FROM IKE ON THE MIKE: As you may know, one of the radio shows that I do on alternate Fridays from 11AM-11:30 on WNZK 690AM is titled "BRIGHT SIDE OF AGING" & my parting comment at the end of the program is: YESTERDAY IS HISTORY, TOMORROW IS A MYSTERY , TODAY IS A GIFT & THAT'S WE CALL IT THE PRESENT! unfortunately like a lot of great sayings, it's easier to say them than to actually do them... FROM JACK: Letting yesterday be history is the hard part for a lot of people. MORE FROM JACK: My step-father would often use this saying: "Forget about yesterday, plan a little bit for tomorrow and live like hell (When he was around pastors, he'd say, "heck.') today." My son had some cards printed with that saying on them. He placed one in "Gramps' casket before he was buried.

Winning Words 2/1/11
“All anybody needs to know about prizes is that Mozart never won one.” (Henry Mitchell) I’ll take it for granted that Henry researched this one. If it’s true, I am amazed. Wolfgang composed some of my favorite tunes. In fact, I sometimes listen to a CD, “Mozart for Your Mind” when I sit at the computer and write my Winning Words. BTW, a prize isn’t the important thing, after all. ;-) Jack

FROM RB IN MICHIGAN: Amen... we all have already been given the prize in Jesus Christ! Thanks for your inspiration FROM JACK: Some people think that winning the Super Bowl trophy is the ultimate prize. What does a prize signify, after all?

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: I would say he didn't win any prizes because he was very strange and I imagine people weren't too receptive of his ways. (Personally, Vivaldi, Bach and Mozart are my favorites.) FROM JACK: I like John Philip Sousa, too....and Buck Owens, also.

FROM MT IN PENNSYLNANIA: Some synchronicity going on this morning. I was on a similar topic this
morning in connection with a message from a friend who was doubting the value of his own "random
outpourings" of creative energy. (I have pasted one such product below.) My response: when we infuse our creations (however humble) with vision and intent, they gain inherent value. their meaning may only be apparent to us, and sometimes only apparent to others. and on rare (or not) occasion, to one special someone for whom that something fills a void or makes a match. far from simple, and just as far from self.

Grace -- by Gregory A Turner

The sun guarantees
the day to me
Each and every one the best
that by night, when's to rest
I count my blessings one by one
and they mount up
as does the sun
when day doth break

The moon does too
with silvery light
descends the dark and shadowy night
marks the course of starry flight
through heaven's cobalt fields

This poem, for natures messengers
bearers of fates, and passengers
hauliers on God's recurrent round
Mark them well for what they be
They shine their light, as well you see
on revelers
and sorrowers
the same

FROM JACK: Thanks for a prize-winning response. A good and appropriate poem.

FROM ILLINOIS LIZ: Maybe not, but he got a movie instead! FROM JACK: "Amadeus," the movie won 8 Academy Awards, so he did get some prizes, after all. The movie was also name one of the 100 best films ever made.

FROM MOLINER CF: There are a couple of marvelous CDs done Mozart style: "What if Mozart had written White Christmas", and Beatles songs "Cello Subarine. He may not have won any prizes but who was the winning coach in Super Bowl II? FROM JACK: The first two Super Bowl winning teams were coached by the same man for whom the Super Bowl Trophy is named. BTW, I'll try to check out the Mozart-style music.

FROM CJL IN OHIO: Unless it's money, all it does is clutter up wherever you keep it.... FROM JACK: I'm sure that you have some clutter around your place.

FROM LK IN OHIO: Jack, do you believe heaven is a prize for the believer? Oh, also, do you think Coach Brady Hoke will improve UM's football fortunes? FROM JACK: I think that heaven is a gift and not a prize. A prize is generally given, because you've earned it. AND, I think that Michigan is better off without a hi-profile coach. Did I read that someone from Pickerington is planning to commit to the Wolverines?

FROM BLAZING OAKS: Interesting. But if you read of his life and times, he did have a way of ruffling feathers. Still as wonderfully creative and talented as he was, that is amazing. I wonder how many prizes WERE awarded in those days...it may be more of a modern phenomenon(?). I'm sure if you were a person who garnered prizes, it would be gratifying, and a boost to one's self-esteem, but in most of our mundane lives, we
aren't so spot-lighted! That's O.K. We know we have made a difference in our little corner of the world! :-)
FROM JACK: The only trophy I ever received was a "small" gold cup, inscribed: "Second Place," in a YMCA Ping-Pong Tournament. I treasure it!