Winning Words 9/6/11
“Live your life and forget your age.” (Norman Vincent Peale) “How old would you be if you didn’t know your age?” Ask that question today and see what kind of an answer you get. I’ve read Peale’s book, “The Power of Positive Thinking,” and I found it to be worthwhile. Jesus said (Mk 9:23): “All things are possible to the one who believes.” He was one of the first advocates of positive thinking. ;-) Jack

FROM NL IN FLORIDA/INDIANA: Norman always knew how to live Jack////FROM JACK: ...and the good thing is--that you've shared your knowledge with others.

FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: I've got a book here somewhere titled "Treat Me, Don't Treat My Age" written by a doctor about the ageism among doctors in our culture. I get what Normal Vincent Peale is trying to say but do think I'll remember my age and just try to ignore the misconceptions people have about age in our culture, especially that older people aren't extremely useful and valuable people anymore.////FROM JACK: I like the title (and the concept) of that book. Following up on that thought..."Relate to me, don't relate to my age." People, young and old, want to be treated as people, not as a statistic.

FROM CJL IN OHIO: NVP was a "boss" when John worked for Peale's Press. When Dad died, he wrote to my sister, Ann, the following: "He (Dad) passed from life to life and knew nothing of the passing" I've remembered and treasured that truth over the years. BTW= other than being unable to do things I used to, I feel pretty young. Happy (belated) Labor Day.....////FROM JACK: It's interesting to know that Norman wrote things other than books. Sometimes we lose sight of the fact that famous people can be people. At each age, there are things that we can and cannot do. So what? Enjoy the day and the age!

FROM JE IN MICHIGAN: Perfect for today!! Thank you. It’s a great first BACK-TO-SCHOOL day!!////FROM JACK: It sounds like (in your mind) you're young again. Kids have a way of causing that to happen.////MORE FROM JE: Kids and happy families are so UP today….visited 5 schools and was at the bus garage at 4:45 am with WDIV reporter…they did a bus safety feature and rode on one of our high school buses en route to WL Central, then went to one of our elementary schools for a back-to-school feature. I then visited two more elementary schools. Tons of fun!////FROM JACK: You've got a great job!

FROM BLAZING OAKS IN ILLINOIS: NVP's book "Power of Positive Thinking" gave me the courage to start singing solo, when my twin Jan (and husband Hal) moved far away from Moline. We had always been a duet team! It is a truly inspiring book! I feel blessed to have had these many years to do good work, enjoy children, g.children, and now "greats", and share many special friendships. Your observation that there are things we can, and cannot do at any age, so enjoy the present, is "spot-on"! Our whole family gathered here for a "last hurrah" before Fall sets in, and had a great Labor Day weekend together. (Tho I christened my 3 great-grandsons the "white tornadoes" from the looks of the house when they left! :-) Here's to staying "Young-at-Heart", my theme song!////FROM JACK: "Young at Heart," sung by Jimmy Durante, is one of my favorites. The miracle of uTube will let me listen to it today. I might even blog the lyrics. More "power" to you!

YOUNG AT HEART
Fairy tales can come true
It can happen to you
If you're young at heartor 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

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 GUSTIE MARLYS: Clem once took his course on "The Power of Positive Thinking." ////FROM JACK: It really works. I like "The Little Engine That Could."

FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: I would gladly forget my age if I could remember it.////FROM JACK: Count the candles on your birthday cake, but be careful not to get too close.

FROM WATERFORD ANNE: Happy Birthday. May you have many more happy, peaceful and healthy years. I love birthdays and I love being 81. I speak my mind with love to the young ones who tell me abstinence is a generational thing. This brings on discussions of morals, responsibility, children, character. I suggest the Closing of the American Mind by Allan Bloom , secular writing on these subjects. I also try to tell them to think at the university which so often teaches a too open acceptance without reason.
I talk to the Kroger butcher who tells me rib steaks are on sale for $6.99 but whole rib is $7.99. "Oh", I said "that does not make sense. Steaks are more labor for you. I thought I could get the whole rib for $5.99." He stared at me and I laughed. We did settle for the whole for $6.99 per pound I think he thought he had better get rid of this old lady. My husband was wandering through the bakery department while I had my fun visit with the butcher..
Stuff happens in the family. It is not my place to judge but I don't have to agree with some of the choices made by the next generation. They respect their grandparents. I take the opportunity to reemphasize the purpose and importance of families.
So cheers for birthdays! As you have done, we must spread the Good News.////FROM JACK: I can imagine... Your grandchildren rolling their eyes... The butcher going home at night and telling his wife about that old lady who gave him a hard time... Your conversations with God in heaven.

FROM CZB IN COLORADO: I love this quote. I'm going to write it down. Thank you.////FROM JACK: Be sure to write it in your mind, too. However...you are one who has always seemed to live younger than your age, and I would expect that you will continue doing that.