Winning Words 7/18/11
“Everything will be OK in the end. If it’s not OK, it’s not the end.” (Carolyn Myers) Do you know of someone who needs a word of encouragement? Maybe today is that day when you send off an e-mail, make a spur-of-the-moment phone call, or even hand-write a letter. I knew someone who kept messages like that in a box. On “difficult” days he’d go to the box and reread what friends had written. It helped. ;-) Jack

FROM DR IN MICHIGAN: Just so you know, from time to time I have been using your winning words as foci for the devotions with the staff here in Midland at my new Interim position. Thank you for the research you do and your faithful sharing of what moves you.////FROM JACK: As I remember telling you when you were contemplating retirement...."My ten years of interim ministry after retirement were among the best years of being a pastor." I hope that you are enjoying your time in Midland. Thanks for your comments about Winning Words.

FROM DMF IN MINNESOTA: Ledge////FROM JACK: Right!

FROM BLAZING OAKS: Ha! What a neat quote...If it's not O.K. It's not the end! Alright! I will try to smile and have a cheerful word today, as I pass out Meals On Wheels in Springfield, where the heat index is 110...! That way the heart can be warmed as well as the body...////FROM JACK: The heat in the village of Hell, Michigan, isn't that hot today. At least you won't have to worry about keeping the neals warm.

FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: Some days I swear you have a sixth sense.////FROM JACK: I call it, The Holy Spirit.

FROM A FRIEND IN MINNESOTA: this is really ironic. on Wed. i have one of those dreaded colonoscopy tests since there is some colon cancer on my Mom's side of the family. i truly hope everything will be okay "in the end!" argh! ////FROM JACK: Colonoscopies are OK. What is to dread...not having one. I like the song, "One day at a time, sweet Jesus!"

FROM FM IN WISCONSIN: I heeded your word today and called a very good friend we know from our time in the south each winter . . . he lives in Harrisville, MI . . .. was at the U of Mich. Hospital in Ann Arbor last week and didn’t get a good report on some tumors no his left kidney. We talked for a half an hour .. . . I have a better feel on what he is dealing with . . . we’ll keep him in our prayers. They are unable to operate right now . . . so it is a waiting game for 4 – 6 months. He has a real faith, he said he spoke to his pastor yesterday for a half an hour after church . . . he is a real saint, a a blessing to us for the faith he and his wife demonstrate. //// FROM JACK: There are stories like this being told in hospitals every day. The comforting thing to know is that there is a God who has our days marked on his calendar...and that he loves us and cares.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Spent the day with sick grandkids. Told many words of encouragement to Andy and Jess (Andy's 31st birthday today) also. Everyone seems fine now, illness is past. Grandma is just tired! //// FROM JACK: The end of an OK day...it seems to me.