Winning Words 5/4/12
“I have lived to thank God that all my prayers have not been answered.” (Jean Ingelow) There’s an old saying that “when the gods were angry with someone, they’d give them what they prayed for.” Garth Brooks sings about it. I taught confirmation students that God always answers prayer. ”Yes…No…Let’s wait!” It’s best to end our prayers with the words, “Not my will, but your will be done.” ;-) Jack

FROM HAPPY TRAILS IN NOVA SCOTIA: You are probably familiar with the Rabbinical story about the pious poor man who asked God if it was true if a thousand years were like a minute to him. God replied yes.
The poor man thought about that and said, "Then it would be possible for you to make me rich?" God replied yes. "Will you please?" "Yes." (Loooong pause) "When?" "In a minute."////FROM JACK: I like the words of Psalm 90: 1Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. 2Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. 3You turn men back to dust, saying, “Return to dust, O sons of men.” 4For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night. 5You sweep men away in the sleep of death; they are like the new grass of the morning— 6though in the morning it springs up new, by evening it is dry and withered.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: All I can say is a big Amen!////FROM JACK: How about a looooooong Aaaaamen?

FROM HAWKEYE GEORGE: Good 'un. Always enjoy your WW.////FROM JACK: When the farmer plants the corn, he anticipates an eventual harvest. I suppose the Iowa farmers are out in the fields these days.

FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Amen. By the way, do you have an ipod, or how do you keep up with all of the new songs? I have just finished reading Steve Jobs' autobiography, and it was very enlightening compared to a childhood in the heartland in the 30's and 40's.////FROM JACK: No ipod nor ipad nor laptop...yet. I do like to Google, and I have a mind that asks questions.

FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: Did a commercial with Garth Brooks for John Deere before he got famous. For their Parts Division. "Don't let a broken part give you a breakdown."////FROM JACK: I wonder if he says the same thing about you? "I knew him before he got famous." I impressed with the experiences you've had. BTW, Earl Scruggs, Steve Nartin (and others) have a great YouTube of Foggy Mountain Breakdown.

FROM BLAZING OAKS: Like I'm thankful for many of the things I DIDN"T say! (Especially in a fit of pique!:-) Yes,I'm sure if we think back, we are grateful we did not receive what we prayed for, or can see the wisdom in what was given...Good thought!////FROM JACK: Martin Luther didn't think much of the Letter of James in the Bible, but I think that there's truth in what it says about the tongue. "3:8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be."