Winning Words 6/29/12
“I love judges. They typify on earth what we shall meet hereafter in heaven under a just God.” (William Howard Taft) We got a flier in the mail today showing pictures of two judges. The tagline read: “Most voters can name only one of these judges.” One was Judge Judy. Can you guess the name of the other? Several of my friends are judges. I gave each a copy of Deuteronomy 1:16,17 to have on their bench. ;-) Jack
DEUTERONOMY 1:16,17 - Listen to the disputes that come up among your people. Judge every dispute fairly, whether it concerns only your own people or involves strangers who live among you. Show no partiality in your decisions; judge everyone on the same basis, no matter who he is. Do not be afraid of anyone, for the decisions you make come from God.
FROM ATTORNEY TRIHARDER: Really?////FROM JACK: Notice who was quoted. Maybe you have to be a judge in order to understand it. Judgments are not always comprehensible. That could apply to the Great Judge, too.
FROM CL IN MICHIGAN: My guess would be John Roberts.////FROM JACK: And you would be right. Our voters are the only voters we've got, and that's the way it is.
FROM TRAVELIN' MARY: That’s always a prayer (in less eloquent words) for our leaders.////FROM JACK: The followers need prayers, too. The old song has these words, "Where he leads me, I will follow."
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: Don't forget Flip Wilson... here come da judge.////FROM JACK: Not all judges are created equal.
FROM ME IN NEWPORT BEACH: Probably Chief Judge Roberts. He surprised many people 2 days ago.////FROM JACK: The ad was created before the Roberts' decision. I used it in WWs, because I thought that the timing was ironic. I suppose you watch Judge Judy in your spare time.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: GOOD ADVICE FOR A JUDGE: THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT THEY NEED TO DO! WE HAD A JUDGE IN ONE OF OUR CHURCHES, WHO TOOK A REAL SHINE TO BILL, AND TOOK HIM ALONG TO THE MASTERS GOLF TOURNAMENT, TO WHICH HE HAD YEARLY TICKETS. WE OFTEN HAD SUNDAY DINNER TOGETHER, EITHER AT OUR HOUSE, OR HE TOOK US OUT, AND OCCASIONALLY TALKED ABOUT A TROUBLING CASE WITH BILL. HE IS IN A NURSING HOME NOW, 94 YRS. OLD, AND STILL KEEPS IN TOUCH. HAS A TERRIFIC SENSE OF HUMOR! I'M SURE YOUR FRIENDS VALUED YOUR INPUT AND FRIENDSHIP!! AND LIKE THE QUOTE SAYS, THE "GREAT" JUDGEMENT IS COMING...HOW DID YOU LOVE THE HUNGRY, THE SICK, THE POOR AND IN PRISON...
////FROM JACK: Judges and pastors are people, too. No wonder that they can cannot. Oftentimes "the public" doesn't see them as such.
FROM HONEST JOHN: Don't tell me that you have a pix of Samuel....where did you get it? I knew you were old but I didn't think that you were that old!!!////FROM JACK: No, it wasn't a picture of Samuel Alito, it was one of John Roberts. You guessed the wrong Supreme Court justice.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Winning Words 6/28/12
“The Great Lakes were dug out by Paul Bunyan in order to provide a watering hole for Babe, his blue ox.” (Fakelore Story) Today is observed as Paul Bunyan Day in many areas of our country. If I were in Minocqua, I’d have lunch at his Cooking Shanty. There are many Pauls that I can think of…Robeson, Saint, McCartney, Cezanne, Harvey, Revere, Harrington and Lipson. Are there others that you know? ;-) Jack
FROM DS IN MICHIGAN: Paul Lipson is one of my favorites. ;o) Heading to Bemidji, MN this morning. Plan to have my picture taken with their giant Paul Bunyan and Babe.////FROM JACK: WOW! Paul with two Babes!
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: We heard of Paul Bunyan in school as little kids. Now-a-days, I'm sure that wonderful story isn't told anymore in school. It was a great story! John Paul???////FROM JACK: John Paul Jones or Pope John Paul?:
FROM NURSE NANCY: I like this better than the ice age theory.////FROM JACK: I also read that it took 5 storks to deliver Baby Paul to his parents.
FROM WATERFORD JAN: Paul of Peter, Paul, and Mary (whose last names escape me right now). ////FROM JACK: Stookey...and Yarrow, if I ever do a Peter...and Travers. if I ever do a Mary.
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: Paul Williams, Paul Whiteman, Paul Mahoney, Ron Paul, and Ken Pauly.////FROM JACK: The Mahoney I'm thinking of was Phil.////.MORE PFC: The Mahoney I'm thinking of is the ventriloquist.////FROM JACK: That reminds me of Edgar.
FROM FM IN WISCONSIN: I like your reference to Paul Bunyan today . . . we have eaten in the shanty in Minocqua many times. And thinking about Paul’s in my life, an uncle, a brother who had it as a middle name and 14 Paul’s in my email address book – and think of the many baseball players, like Paul Molitor and Paul Wagner and Paul Dean.////FROM JACK: Paul Dean's nickname was "Daffy." His brother was Jerome "Dizzy" Dean.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: It's been many years since I ate at the Paul Bunyan restaurant, but I remember many super-sized items! Imagine that Paul Bunyan Day is super-sized Fun! I had an Uncle Paul, have a good neighbor Paul, and church friend Paul. There are quite a few famous ones, as you wrote! All hail to special days that we can celebrate. My family was here over the weekend to celebrate my baby girl's 49th b.day! Big Whoop!!////FROM JACK: How could I forget the famous theologian, Paul Tillich?
FROM PEPPERMINT MARY: We just drove past Paul Bunyan and Babe in Minocqua a couple of weeks ago on our way up to family reunion in Manitowish Waters. Never gets old. I feel like I did as a little girl seeing them. Lake County Museum has a Paul and Babe as a part of their permanent exhibit.
I have never met a Paul I didn't like.////FROM JACK: When The Rolling Stones was being formed, Paul Jones was asked to be the lead singer, but he turned them down. He went on to be less successful than The Stones. One of his songs was, "I've Been a Bad, Bad Boy."
FROM CS EN ROUTE: Yes, Paul Shepard. Enjoying your "words" in Spain. It has been a great trip. On our way home today.////FROM JACK: Yes, the good Shepard!
FROM PH IN MINNESOTA: who is that Harrington guy??////FROM JACK: OOPS! My mistake. I see that I already listed "Saint" Paul.
“The Great Lakes were dug out by Paul Bunyan in order to provide a watering hole for Babe, his blue ox.” (Fakelore Story) Today is observed as Paul Bunyan Day in many areas of our country. If I were in Minocqua, I’d have lunch at his Cooking Shanty. There are many Pauls that I can think of…Robeson, Saint, McCartney, Cezanne, Harvey, Revere, Harrington and Lipson. Are there others that you know? ;-) Jack
FROM DS IN MICHIGAN: Paul Lipson is one of my favorites. ;o) Heading to Bemidji, MN this morning. Plan to have my picture taken with their giant Paul Bunyan and Babe.////FROM JACK: WOW! Paul with two Babes!
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: We heard of Paul Bunyan in school as little kids. Now-a-days, I'm sure that wonderful story isn't told anymore in school. It was a great story! John Paul???////FROM JACK: John Paul Jones or Pope John Paul?:
FROM NURSE NANCY: I like this better than the ice age theory.////FROM JACK: I also read that it took 5 storks to deliver Baby Paul to his parents.
FROM WATERFORD JAN: Paul of Peter, Paul, and Mary (whose last names escape me right now). ////FROM JACK: Stookey...and Yarrow, if I ever do a Peter...and Travers. if I ever do a Mary.
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: Paul Williams, Paul Whiteman, Paul Mahoney, Ron Paul, and Ken Pauly.////FROM JACK: The Mahoney I'm thinking of was Phil.////.MORE PFC: The Mahoney I'm thinking of is the ventriloquist.////FROM JACK: That reminds me of Edgar.
FROM FM IN WISCONSIN: I like your reference to Paul Bunyan today . . . we have eaten in the shanty in Minocqua many times. And thinking about Paul’s in my life, an uncle, a brother who had it as a middle name and 14 Paul’s in my email address book – and think of the many baseball players, like Paul Molitor and Paul Wagner and Paul Dean.////FROM JACK: Paul Dean's nickname was "Daffy." His brother was Jerome "Dizzy" Dean.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: It's been many years since I ate at the Paul Bunyan restaurant, but I remember many super-sized items! Imagine that Paul Bunyan Day is super-sized Fun! I had an Uncle Paul, have a good neighbor Paul, and church friend Paul. There are quite a few famous ones, as you wrote! All hail to special days that we can celebrate. My family was here over the weekend to celebrate my baby girl's 49th b.day! Big Whoop!!////FROM JACK: How could I forget the famous theologian, Paul Tillich?
FROM PEPPERMINT MARY: We just drove past Paul Bunyan and Babe in Minocqua a couple of weeks ago on our way up to family reunion in Manitowish Waters. Never gets old. I feel like I did as a little girl seeing them. Lake County Museum has a Paul and Babe as a part of their permanent exhibit.
I have never met a Paul I didn't like.////FROM JACK: When The Rolling Stones was being formed, Paul Jones was asked to be the lead singer, but he turned them down. He went on to be less successful than The Stones. One of his songs was, "I've Been a Bad, Bad Boy."
FROM CS EN ROUTE: Yes, Paul Shepard. Enjoying your "words" in Spain. It has been a great trip. On our way home today.////FROM JACK: Yes, the good Shepard!
FROM PH IN MINNESOTA: who is that Harrington guy??////FROM JACK: OOPS! My mistake. I see that I already listed "Saint" Paul.
Winning Words 6/27/12
“Misery dipped in chocolate is still misery.” (From Baby Blues) I jotted this quote down while doing some reading last week. It referred to how kids might feel when promised an ice cream bar if they cleaned their room. In the business world, promises like that are called incentives. Did I write it down, because it’s cute, or is there a deeper meaning? I don’t see heaven or hell in that way, or do I? ;-) Jack
FROM RB IN MICHIGAN: Now that is deep! What a question to pose. Thank you for the inspiration to start the day.////FROM JACK: Most swimming pools have a shallow end and a deep end. Going into the deep end can be fun and exciting...when you know how to swim.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Reminds me of the quote, "Money can't buy happiness, but it does make misery more bearable'... I think "happiness" is an "inside job", and as we age, most of us learn, as Paul, "in whatever state I am, to be content". If not, one can become negative and complaining; Who needs that??! Embrace life with Gusto. for as long as we can!////FROM JACK:I saw a video today of a young girl with no lower arms and no lower legs...playing rugby. She was right there in the scrum, sweating and laughing and having a good time.
FROM ILLINOIS LIZ: Yeah, but as Mary Poppins said, "A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down."////FROM JACK: I never have liked the taste of Alka-Seltzer, even with smiling "Speedy" on the front of the box.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Misery is still misery but I have a friend who is addicted to chocolate. I'll send this to her to see what she says! I bet she"ll say chocolate can cover and comfort anything. ////FROM JACK: That's why Luther didn't believe in works righteousness
FROM PEPPERMINT MARY: Well...my mark and my sister genie would say that the chocolate would help the taste of misery. I, however, would rather like my misery wrapped in a savory sauce.////FROM JACK: I've heard that some people try to wrap their misery is "the sauce," so. be careful.
FROM RG IN ARIZONA: I hesitated making my reply on your blog... I actually utilize a similar metaphor in my description of mankind's strategy to compensate for their perceived failings or flaws. I term the metaphor: the chocolate covered turd! The "turd" is the lie we tell ourselves, i.e., I am not good enough, I am unworthy, I am unloveable, I am no good, etc.. The chocolate is the effort(s) we enable to make attempts to prove otherwise. For example, one who thinks of himself as unworthy might dedicate himself to creating overwhelming worth, as if to cover the turd of unworthiness. Ylikewise, someone who considers oneself as not good enough, spends undying effort to do "good". After all, who argues with success?
Yet, one can never do enough "good" or have enough "worth" to mask the haunting lie of unlove-ability or unworthiness one has convinced oneself actually is. No other person, who is presented with a chocolate covered turd, will take a bite or even a lick of it. It is repulsive to them, and likewise the person who thinks of oneself in this way, expends maximum effort to maintain the disguise of the chocolate covering --- in hopes that the big secret of their unworthiness can be maintained by extensive layers of chocolate!
The chocolate really serves as the mask for others' perspective, because the turd (deceit) has to be engaged head-on, even though it is constantly avoided. However, when engaged and dealt with, the turd is eventually transformed into a fertilizer of sorts. Fertilizer and a turd is the same "stuff" but with different metaphorical representations, because it now has a different meaning. Fertilizer nourishes the soil from which new things can grow, while turds are to be avoided. (look up on YouTube: David Whyte's poem, The Faces at Braga. It is a beautiful characterization of man's creation and inner beauty so often hidden underneath our false perceptions of ourselves).
There is a lot of value that comes from suffering....even our own salvation comes at the expense of the Christ's suffering. These perceptions of ourselves that are untrue need to die within us so that the new man (Adam) can be "born again"; just as the image and likeness of God would suggest we truly are!
////FROM JACK: I thought about editing your response (for brevity), but believed that others might be interested in reading it in its entirety.////FROM WATERFORD JAN: I just read some of the previous blogs and was taken by RG's response of June 27. I'm glad you didn't edit it, despite its length. In my brain it "sounded" like a good, brief sermon--as effective on Friday as on a Sunday. (I'll still go to church Sunday.)
“Misery dipped in chocolate is still misery.” (From Baby Blues) I jotted this quote down while doing some reading last week. It referred to how kids might feel when promised an ice cream bar if they cleaned their room. In the business world, promises like that are called incentives. Did I write it down, because it’s cute, or is there a deeper meaning? I don’t see heaven or hell in that way, or do I? ;-) Jack
FROM RB IN MICHIGAN: Now that is deep! What a question to pose. Thank you for the inspiration to start the day.////FROM JACK: Most swimming pools have a shallow end and a deep end. Going into the deep end can be fun and exciting...when you know how to swim.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Reminds me of the quote, "Money can't buy happiness, but it does make misery more bearable'... I think "happiness" is an "inside job", and as we age, most of us learn, as Paul, "in whatever state I am, to be content". If not, one can become negative and complaining; Who needs that??! Embrace life with Gusto. for as long as we can!////FROM JACK:I saw a video today of a young girl with no lower arms and no lower legs...playing rugby. She was right there in the scrum, sweating and laughing and having a good time.
FROM ILLINOIS LIZ: Yeah, but as Mary Poppins said, "A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down."////FROM JACK: I never have liked the taste of Alka-Seltzer, even with smiling "Speedy" on the front of the box.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Misery is still misery but I have a friend who is addicted to chocolate. I'll send this to her to see what she says! I bet she"ll say chocolate can cover and comfort anything. ////FROM JACK: That's why Luther didn't believe in works righteousness
FROM PEPPERMINT MARY: Well...my mark and my sister genie would say that the chocolate would help the taste of misery. I, however, would rather like my misery wrapped in a savory sauce.////FROM JACK: I've heard that some people try to wrap their misery is "the sauce," so. be careful.
FROM RG IN ARIZONA: I hesitated making my reply on your blog... I actually utilize a similar metaphor in my description of mankind's strategy to compensate for their perceived failings or flaws. I term the metaphor: the chocolate covered turd! The "turd" is the lie we tell ourselves, i.e., I am not good enough, I am unworthy, I am unloveable, I am no good, etc.. The chocolate is the effort(s) we enable to make attempts to prove otherwise. For example, one who thinks of himself as unworthy might dedicate himself to creating overwhelming worth, as if to cover the turd of unworthiness. Ylikewise, someone who considers oneself as not good enough, spends undying effort to do "good". After all, who argues with success?
Yet, one can never do enough "good" or have enough "worth" to mask the haunting lie of unlove-ability or unworthiness one has convinced oneself actually is. No other person, who is presented with a chocolate covered turd, will take a bite or even a lick of it. It is repulsive to them, and likewise the person who thinks of oneself in this way, expends maximum effort to maintain the disguise of the chocolate covering --- in hopes that the big secret of their unworthiness can be maintained by extensive layers of chocolate!
The chocolate really serves as the mask for others' perspective, because the turd (deceit) has to be engaged head-on, even though it is constantly avoided. However, when engaged and dealt with, the turd is eventually transformed into a fertilizer of sorts. Fertilizer and a turd is the same "stuff" but with different metaphorical representations, because it now has a different meaning. Fertilizer nourishes the soil from which new things can grow, while turds are to be avoided. (look up on YouTube: David Whyte's poem, The Faces at Braga. It is a beautiful characterization of man's creation and inner beauty so often hidden underneath our false perceptions of ourselves).
There is a lot of value that comes from suffering....even our own salvation comes at the expense of the Christ's suffering. These perceptions of ourselves that are untrue need to die within us so that the new man (Adam) can be "born again"; just as the image and likeness of God would suggest we truly are!
////FROM JACK: I thought about editing your response (for brevity), but believed that others might be interested in reading it in its entirety.////FROM WATERFORD JAN: I just read some of the previous blogs and was taken by RG's response of June 27. I'm glad you didn't edit it, despite its length. In my brain it "sounded" like a good, brief sermon--as effective on Friday as on a Sunday. (I'll still go to church Sunday.)
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Winning Words 6/26/12
“You should feel like you’re the best one out there, whether you are or not.” (Austin Rivers) I once went to a conference where each person was encouraged to talk about themselves and their life. Then the group would point out the good things they heard. We all went away from that event with a good self-image.. Perhaps today you can point out the good that you see in someone and brighten their day. Try it. ;-) Jack
FROM HONEST JOHN: So much for honesty!////FROM JACK: No equivocation from you! Lucy, in Peanuts, would like you. She didn't like people who were "Wishy Washy."
FROM MT IN PENNSYLVANIA: I know someone who has been retired from the ministry for many years, and still finds a way to bring light into many lives every day.////FROM JACK: ...and I know an artist whose stained glass windows bring a message every day, too. And that's the truth!
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Great "Winning Words" especially for this week's Olympic time trials. I haven't seen a lot of t.v. this week but I have seen one of the 800k races. It's unreal how very fast those people run. I'm sure they all think they are the best, or could be the best. It's always nice to hear something good about one's self. It will be a good goal for today.////FROM JACK: "Best" is not always determined by the statistics. Sometimes it's a matter determined by the mind.
FROM DO IN MICHIGAN: Good to have you back Jack.////FROM JACK: There's a saying that I like: "To be away is good, but to be at home is best."
FROM BLAZING OAKS: I read a story about a teacher of 2nd or 3rd grade, who had her students write what they liked about every other student in the class, then she gave each student a copy of all the nice things said about him/her to keep. A young man killed in Iraq still had that frayed note in his billfold, and displayed at his funeral service. Other classmates who attended the service then said that they, too, still had that list and cherished it! "Nothing improves our hearing like PRAISE"!! It is good for the soul! Thanks for the positive words for today!! Will try to spread the Joy today.////FROM JACK: "There 's nothing wrong with pointing out good things about people. We don't do it often enough, do we....except at funerals?
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: Murphy had a line he always threw at Lefty. "You know what I like best about you?" To which Lefty would always respond, "No.'" "Nothing!" said Murph and we all had a good laugh and felt better. This went on for years.Oh, how I miss those two.////FROM JACK: The old saying is true..."God gave must memory so that we could have roses in December."
“You should feel like you’re the best one out there, whether you are or not.” (Austin Rivers) I once went to a conference where each person was encouraged to talk about themselves and their life. Then the group would point out the good things they heard. We all went away from that event with a good self-image.. Perhaps today you can point out the good that you see in someone and brighten their day. Try it. ;-) Jack
FROM HONEST JOHN: So much for honesty!////FROM JACK: No equivocation from you! Lucy, in Peanuts, would like you. She didn't like people who were "Wishy Washy."
FROM MT IN PENNSYLVANIA: I know someone who has been retired from the ministry for many years, and still finds a way to bring light into many lives every day.////FROM JACK: ...and I know an artist whose stained glass windows bring a message every day, too. And that's the truth!
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Great "Winning Words" especially for this week's Olympic time trials. I haven't seen a lot of t.v. this week but I have seen one of the 800k races. It's unreal how very fast those people run. I'm sure they all think they are the best, or could be the best. It's always nice to hear something good about one's self. It will be a good goal for today.////FROM JACK: "Best" is not always determined by the statistics. Sometimes it's a matter determined by the mind.
FROM DO IN MICHIGAN: Good to have you back Jack.////FROM JACK: There's a saying that I like: "To be away is good, but to be at home is best."
FROM BLAZING OAKS: I read a story about a teacher of 2nd or 3rd grade, who had her students write what they liked about every other student in the class, then she gave each student a copy of all the nice things said about him/her to keep. A young man killed in Iraq still had that frayed note in his billfold, and displayed at his funeral service. Other classmates who attended the service then said that they, too, still had that list and cherished it! "Nothing improves our hearing like PRAISE"!! It is good for the soul! Thanks for the positive words for today!! Will try to spread the Joy today.////FROM JACK: "There 's nothing wrong with pointing out good things about people. We don't do it often enough, do we....except at funerals?
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: Murphy had a line he always threw at Lefty. "You know what I like best about you?" To which Lefty would always respond, "No.'" "Nothing!" said Murph and we all had a good laugh and felt better. This went on for years.Oh, how I miss those two.////FROM JACK: The old saying is true..."God gave must memory so that we could have roses in December."
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Winning Words 6/20/12
“If time be of all things the most precious, wasting time must be the greatest prodigality.” (Ben Franklin) I looked up prodigality and discovered that it means “wastefulness,” and comes from the word, prodigal., as in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. I should have known that, but, somehow, I didn’t take the time to research it. So, it’s never too late to learn what you think you know. ;-) Jack
FROM MT IN PENNSYLVANIA: "It's never too late to learn what you think you know." I will always remember that! It belongs right up there with the best of Ben Franklin.////FROM JACK: Here are other surprises that I came across. Ben's father was a soapmaker, and Ben was the 15th of 17 children. Ben left school at age 10, in order to become a printer's devil. Poor Richard's Almanack began publication in 1732, the year of George Washington's birth.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Wasting time is a shame, but relishing a quiet moment is a blessing too! Ben Franklin also believed the only way to be taught was to use the Bible as the basis of education. Most of our Founding Fathers, if not all, believed the same way.////FROM JACK: In his writings Ben gave advice on hos To Live Jollily. Have you heard that word before? "He that lies down with Dogs, shall rise up with fleas."
“If time be of all things the most precious, wasting time must be the greatest prodigality.” (Ben Franklin) I looked up prodigality and discovered that it means “wastefulness,” and comes from the word, prodigal., as in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. I should have known that, but, somehow, I didn’t take the time to research it. So, it’s never too late to learn what you think you know. ;-) Jack
FROM MT IN PENNSYLVANIA: "It's never too late to learn what you think you know." I will always remember that! It belongs right up there with the best of Ben Franklin.////FROM JACK: Here are other surprises that I came across. Ben's father was a soapmaker, and Ben was the 15th of 17 children. Ben left school at age 10, in order to become a printer's devil. Poor Richard's Almanack began publication in 1732, the year of George Washington's birth.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Wasting time is a shame, but relishing a quiet moment is a blessing too! Ben Franklin also believed the only way to be taught was to use the Bible as the basis of education. Most of our Founding Fathers, if not all, believed the same way.////FROM JACK: In his writings Ben gave advice on hos To Live Jollily. Have you heard that word before? "He that lies down with Dogs, shall rise up with fleas."
Winning Words 6/19/12
“I celebrate anything with freedom in it.” (Comedian Paul Mooney) Mooney was asked on NPR why he celebrated Juneteenth. “J” is a holiday in Texas, remembering the announcement of The Emancipation Proclamation in Galveston, 2 ½ years after it was first issued. News travelled pretty s-l-o-w-l-y in those days. I must be “slow,” too, because I just learned about Juneteenth a few weeks ago. ;-) Jack
FROM DC IN MICHIGAN: If you had substituted in Pontiac, you would have heard of Juneteenth many many years ago.////FROM JACK: Juneteenth is one of many things that have been unknown to me. A friend of mine has this saying literally etched in stone by his garage door...ANCORA IMPARO...."I am always learning." I have a picture of that stone right next to my computer.
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: You're a "few weeks" up on me.////FROM JACK: I enjoy learning new stuff. I like this quote from Robert Louis Stevenson: "The world is so full of a number of things, I’m sure we should all be as happy as kings."
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Freedom is definitely something to be celebrated...and something I think a lot of American take for granted. We are truly a blessed nation, flaws and all. I knew about Juneteenth from traveling to Texas. It's amazing how very slowly news did travel back then.////FROM JACK: I think that the 2 1/2 years might have been with a purpose...until the war was over. But, better late than never.
FROM DP IN MINNESOTA: And grants us death...to relieve us of all pain, evil, suffering,etc etc. Death is a gift!////FROM JACK: There are different degrees of freedom, and the transition from life to death to eternal life is the ultimate one.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Juneteenth seems to be BIG here, and gets lots of publicity...It took over one of the parks all weekend in Springfield. Lots of activities and food! We are so blessed to live in a country where we have such freedom. I just received an email from Sharzia in Pakistan, who asked for prayer for their Baptist church, and for her sister and herself, who are active Christians there. Can you imagine your life as a Baptist in Pakiistan??! Talk about FAITH! I am in awe!////FROM JACK: Religious persecution any place turns me off, Baptist, Muslim, Jewish. We have a Pakistani doctor who recently visited Palestine and brought back a gift for us...vials of water, soil,
“I celebrate anything with freedom in it.” (Comedian Paul Mooney) Mooney was asked on NPR why he celebrated Juneteenth. “J” is a holiday in Texas, remembering the announcement of The Emancipation Proclamation in Galveston, 2 ½ years after it was first issued. News travelled pretty s-l-o-w-l-y in those days. I must be “slow,” too, because I just learned about Juneteenth a few weeks ago. ;-) Jack
FROM DC IN MICHIGAN: If you had substituted in Pontiac, you would have heard of Juneteenth many many years ago.////FROM JACK: Juneteenth is one of many things that have been unknown to me. A friend of mine has this saying literally etched in stone by his garage door...ANCORA IMPARO...."I am always learning." I have a picture of that stone right next to my computer.
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: You're a "few weeks" up on me.////FROM JACK: I enjoy learning new stuff. I like this quote from Robert Louis Stevenson: "The world is so full of a number of things, I’m sure we should all be as happy as kings."
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Freedom is definitely something to be celebrated...and something I think a lot of American take for granted. We are truly a blessed nation, flaws and all. I knew about Juneteenth from traveling to Texas. It's amazing how very slowly news did travel back then.////FROM JACK: I think that the 2 1/2 years might have been with a purpose...until the war was over. But, better late than never.
FROM DP IN MINNESOTA: And grants us death...to relieve us of all pain, evil, suffering,etc etc. Death is a gift!////FROM JACK: There are different degrees of freedom, and the transition from life to death to eternal life is the ultimate one.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Juneteenth seems to be BIG here, and gets lots of publicity...It took over one of the parks all weekend in Springfield. Lots of activities and food! We are so blessed to live in a country where we have such freedom. I just received an email from Sharzia in Pakistan, who asked for prayer for their Baptist church, and for her sister and herself, who are active Christians there. Can you imagine your life as a Baptist in Pakiistan??! Talk about FAITH! I am in awe!////FROM JACK: Religious persecution any place turns me off, Baptist, Muslim, Jewish. We have a Pakistani doctor who recently visited Palestine and brought back a gift for us...vials of water, soil,
Monday, June 18, 2012
Winning Words 6/18/12
“Small opportunities are often the beginning of great enterprises.” (Demosthenes) In 1957, with 7 cars and a hunch, Jack Taylor began a rental car business. Taylor was a former WW2 fighter pilot and named his company after the aircraft carrier on which he served, the Enterprise. Hence, the story of the largest car rental company, with over 1 million vehicles. Small opportunities can produce great results. ;-) Jack
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Loved the "Winning Words", especially at the beginning of VBS season. VBS was instrumental in our families' life as we all worked at one time or another. Kimberly, Josh and Noah are on the first day of their VBS. You never know when that will start a child or adult on the journey to believe. The history of Enterprise Car Rental was interesting!////FROM JACK: From my point of view, the faith journey starts with baptism and involves the parents, the family, the sponsors, the Church and, of course, the Holy Spirit. It's amazing how the Spirit of God works. Even VBS can be a work of the Spirit.
FROM ME IN NEWPORT BEACH: Nice story. Never thought Enterprise was the largest car rental company. Enjoy the summer and Tiger baseball.////FROM JACK: In my retirement, just for the fun of it, I delivered cars for the local Chevy dealer. I got to drive all models, including Corvettes and trucks. I made deliveries to various Enterprise locations, and, in the process, heard the "E" story.
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: Great WW today. Think I'll see if anyone wants to rent my VW. ////FROM JACK: One of the "hottest" things now going is renting cars by the hour. It's called ZipCar. Maybe you could rent your VW by the second and call it, "Secs-e-Bug."
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Wow! QUITE an enterprise!! I think I read, however, that over half of new businesses fail in the first year, so the ones who do well, have beaten the "odds". A quote by Clark Little might be appropriate: "Faith is not about everything turning out O.K.; Faith is about being O.K., no matter how things turn out!" More power to those who succeed, and to those who learn a hard lesson through failure.////FROM JACK: Demosthenes probably wasn't envisioning a car rental company. I wonder if they rented chariots in those days?
“Small opportunities are often the beginning of great enterprises.” (Demosthenes) In 1957, with 7 cars and a hunch, Jack Taylor began a rental car business. Taylor was a former WW2 fighter pilot and named his company after the aircraft carrier on which he served, the Enterprise. Hence, the story of the largest car rental company, with over 1 million vehicles. Small opportunities can produce great results. ;-) Jack
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Loved the "Winning Words", especially at the beginning of VBS season. VBS was instrumental in our families' life as we all worked at one time or another. Kimberly, Josh and Noah are on the first day of their VBS. You never know when that will start a child or adult on the journey to believe. The history of Enterprise Car Rental was interesting!////FROM JACK: From my point of view, the faith journey starts with baptism and involves the parents, the family, the sponsors, the Church and, of course, the Holy Spirit. It's amazing how the Spirit of God works. Even VBS can be a work of the Spirit.
FROM ME IN NEWPORT BEACH: Nice story. Never thought Enterprise was the largest car rental company. Enjoy the summer and Tiger baseball.////FROM JACK: In my retirement, just for the fun of it, I delivered cars for the local Chevy dealer. I got to drive all models, including Corvettes and trucks. I made deliveries to various Enterprise locations, and, in the process, heard the "E" story.
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: Great WW today. Think I'll see if anyone wants to rent my VW. ////FROM JACK: One of the "hottest" things now going is renting cars by the hour. It's called ZipCar. Maybe you could rent your VW by the second and call it, "Secs-e-Bug."
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Wow! QUITE an enterprise!! I think I read, however, that over half of new businesses fail in the first year, so the ones who do well, have beaten the "odds". A quote by Clark Little might be appropriate: "Faith is not about everything turning out O.K.; Faith is about being O.K., no matter how things turn out!" More power to those who succeed, and to those who learn a hard lesson through failure.////FROM JACK: Demosthenes probably wasn't envisioning a car rental company. I wonder if they rented chariots in those days?
Friday, June 15, 2012
Winning Words 6/15/12
“I believe that everything happens for a reason. Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.” (Marilyn Monroe) “Norma Jean” had a reputation as a dumb blonde, but today’s quote reveals some thinking. As an unwanted child, she was raised in foster homes. She made the best of a lot of bad things. The end of her life was hardly better than the beginning, but God “understands” situations. ;-) Jack
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: When we think of the bad times in our lives, we understand they are but stepping stones to a greater understanding of the love and Grace God has for us. He never leaves us. We always get through with His help.////FROM JACK: In my "pile" of quotes, I have this one by someone unknown. "The difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is the way we use them."
FROM BLAZING OAKS: As Albert Einstein opined, "In the midst of difficulty lies opportunity"...and Marilyn M. had plenty of both! In retrospect, it seems quite a tragic life, and one of the things missing was a Faith in God. But she did read avidly, and I'm sure pondered life's conundrums...A story is told of Billy Graham contacting her to talk to her, and she replied, "I don't need your Jesus." Whether that is accurate, I'm not sure! But that doesn't take away from the insight in her quote today: We often see the "reason" for things that happen, after the fact!////FROM JACK: My Jesus, BG's Jesus and NJ's Jesus are not necessarily the same. We each walk our own path. God understands.
FROM JE IN MICHIGAN: I love this one. I did not know Marilyn Monroe said this. Father Prus, a Catholic priest I grew up with from Royal Oak Shrine, (he’s now at St. James in Ferndale) ALWAYS said this. This past Lent I bought a wooden sign with the first part….”Everything happens for a reason” on it and sent it to him. I believe this. It also goes along with, “We are not in charge.” We spend so much time trying to make things happen, we do not make things happen, HE does. It is when we give our days over to HIM that we are free and we are following HIM.////FROM JACK: I found Winning Words within your response. "We spend so much time trying to make things happen, we do not make things happen." If we would just relax and let God be God!
FROM CWR IN B'MORE: ......sorry. I don't believe that one. I believe that "Sh-T Happens" sometimes for no reason whatsoever. It just does. That's the uncertainty in life. Cheers. CR ps: I see God as a Companion, not a Puppeteer. Unamuno, "The Tragic Sense of Life" is my hero.////FROM JACK: Marilyn might agree with you. But, as the saying goes..."Everyone has to walk in their own moccasins," or something like that. BTW, I wonder if Jesus wore sandals, moccasins, or went barefoot?
FROM SAINT JAMES: I believe that when good things fall apart, we can grow through the process of putting them back together with God's help. I try not to look at such events as an end, but a beginning of a new experience.////FROM JACK: A true optimistic viewpoint..."It's not the end. It's the beginning."
FROM CL IN MICHIGAN: Amen, Amen and Amen////FROM JACK: I take it that you agree.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Marilyn had a good philosophy then until the end of her life. Too bad that she didn't follow through.////FROM JACK: We are the product of what goes on in our life, and how we react. God's judgment is based on that. Marilyn's life had its ups and downs.
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: I don't think Norma Jean was dumb...naive maybe...but not dumb. ////FROM JACK: She was "used" and abused.
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: What an interesting quote. Normally we grieve when good things fall apart and don't put it on a continuum. I do believe I should think of my church like this--simply think of it as a good church that seems to be falling apart so it all can come together better. I wonder what led her to think in this way--what good thing did she see fall apart. A curious statement but I think she's on to something here. Thanks for e-mailing it out.////FROM JACK: The world's idea of success is not necessarily the same as God's opinion.
FROM JT IN ILLINOIS: How true this is! I spent three days this week in the hospital following a "tiny" heart attack. They tell me I'm, once again, very lucky! Or maybe the man upstairs is watching over me? ////FROM JACK: "The man upstairs," is closer than you think. He's also in hospital rooms.
FROM LGM IN MICHIGAN: Once you learn how to be happy, you won't tolerate being around people that make you feel anything less.////FROM JACK: Sometimes you have to reach out and teach another how to look at the sunnyside of life.
“I believe that everything happens for a reason. Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.” (Marilyn Monroe) “Norma Jean” had a reputation as a dumb blonde, but today’s quote reveals some thinking. As an unwanted child, she was raised in foster homes. She made the best of a lot of bad things. The end of her life was hardly better than the beginning, but God “understands” situations. ;-) Jack
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: When we think of the bad times in our lives, we understand they are but stepping stones to a greater understanding of the love and Grace God has for us. He never leaves us. We always get through with His help.////FROM JACK: In my "pile" of quotes, I have this one by someone unknown. "The difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is the way we use them."
FROM BLAZING OAKS: As Albert Einstein opined, "In the midst of difficulty lies opportunity"...and Marilyn M. had plenty of both! In retrospect, it seems quite a tragic life, and one of the things missing was a Faith in God. But she did read avidly, and I'm sure pondered life's conundrums...A story is told of Billy Graham contacting her to talk to her, and she replied, "I don't need your Jesus." Whether that is accurate, I'm not sure! But that doesn't take away from the insight in her quote today: We often see the "reason" for things that happen, after the fact!////FROM JACK: My Jesus, BG's Jesus and NJ's Jesus are not necessarily the same. We each walk our own path. God understands.
FROM JE IN MICHIGAN: I love this one. I did not know Marilyn Monroe said this. Father Prus, a Catholic priest I grew up with from Royal Oak Shrine, (he’s now at St. James in Ferndale) ALWAYS said this. This past Lent I bought a wooden sign with the first part….”Everything happens for a reason” on it and sent it to him. I believe this. It also goes along with, “We are not in charge.” We spend so much time trying to make things happen, we do not make things happen, HE does. It is when we give our days over to HIM that we are free and we are following HIM.////FROM JACK: I found Winning Words within your response. "We spend so much time trying to make things happen, we do not make things happen." If we would just relax and let God be God!
FROM CWR IN B'MORE: ......sorry. I don't believe that one. I believe that "Sh-T Happens" sometimes for no reason whatsoever. It just does. That's the uncertainty in life. Cheers. CR ps: I see God as a Companion, not a Puppeteer. Unamuno, "The Tragic Sense of Life" is my hero.////FROM JACK: Marilyn might agree with you. But, as the saying goes..."Everyone has to walk in their own moccasins," or something like that. BTW, I wonder if Jesus wore sandals, moccasins, or went barefoot?
FROM SAINT JAMES: I believe that when good things fall apart, we can grow through the process of putting them back together with God's help. I try not to look at such events as an end, but a beginning of a new experience.////FROM JACK: A true optimistic viewpoint..."It's not the end. It's the beginning."
FROM CL IN MICHIGAN: Amen, Amen and Amen////FROM JACK: I take it that you agree.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Marilyn had a good philosophy then until the end of her life. Too bad that she didn't follow through.////FROM JACK: We are the product of what goes on in our life, and how we react. God's judgment is based on that. Marilyn's life had its ups and downs.
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: I don't think Norma Jean was dumb...naive maybe...but not dumb. ////FROM JACK: She was "used" and abused.
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: What an interesting quote. Normally we grieve when good things fall apart and don't put it on a continuum. I do believe I should think of my church like this--simply think of it as a good church that seems to be falling apart so it all can come together better. I wonder what led her to think in this way--what good thing did she see fall apart. A curious statement but I think she's on to something here. Thanks for e-mailing it out.////FROM JACK: The world's idea of success is not necessarily the same as God's opinion.
FROM JT IN ILLINOIS: How true this is! I spent three days this week in the hospital following a "tiny" heart attack. They tell me I'm, once again, very lucky! Or maybe the man upstairs is watching over me? ////FROM JACK: "The man upstairs," is closer than you think. He's also in hospital rooms.
FROM LGM IN MICHIGAN: Once you learn how to be happy, you won't tolerate being around people that make you feel anything less.////FROM JACK: Sometimes you have to reach out and teach another how to look at the sunnyside of life.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Winning Words 6/14/12
“Hats off! The flag is passing by…” (Henry Bennett) Today, June 14, is Flag Day, honoring the decision, June 14, 1777, to have a flag for our new nation. Betsy Ross is thought to have designed that flag. Bennett’s poem speaks of giving honor to the “stars and stripes.” Recently, our newspaper ran an article which described how to properly display the flag. I think I’ll blog it, and Bennett’s poem, too. ;-) Jack
HATS OFF! - Henry Holcomb Bennett
Along the street there comes
A blare of bugles, a ruffle of drums,
A flash of color beneath the sky:
Hats off!
The colors before us fly....
But more than the flag is passing by....
Days of plenty and years of peace;
March of a strong land's swift increase;
Equal justice, right, and law,
Stately honor and reverend awe;
Sign of a nation, great and strong
To ward her people from foreign wrong:
Pride and glory and honor,-all
Live in the colors to stand or fall.
Hats off!
Along the street there comes
A blare of bugles, a ruffle of drums;
And loyal hearts are beating high:
Hats off!
The flag is passing by!
HOW TO FLY THE FLAG WITH PROPER DIGNITY The Detroit Free Press May 28, 2012
If you plan to let your patriotic colors fly today in honor of Memorial Day, do right by Old Glory and display it with dignity -- which is to say, not on your stars-and-stripes bikini. The U.S. Flag Code gives guidelines for properly displaying the American flag. The rules are purely advisory and there's no enforcement or penalty for violating them, though there are some exceptions for the District of Columbia and states can make their own flag laws.
What you should do
• Whether hanging horizontally or vertically, the union should be uppermost and to the observer's left (in a window, the observer is the person in the street).
• On Memorial Day, the flag should fly at half-staff until noon and then be hoisted to the peak. (When flying at half-staff, hoist the flag to the peak first before lowering it to half-staff; bring to the peak again before bringing it down for the day.)
• The flag should be displayed outside from sunrise to sunset only, unless it's properly illuminated at night.
• When displayed with other national flags, all flags should be the same size and fly from separate staffs of the same height.
• When displayed with other state, local or society flags, the U.S. flag should always be at the peak (if on the same halyard -- the rope that hoists the flag); at the center and highest point (if in a cluster of staffs); and hoisted first and lowered last (if on adjacent flagpoles). No other flag should be above it or to the flag's own right.
• When marching, the flag should be carried on the marching right, or, if there's a line of flags, in front of the center of that line.
• On a car, the flag staff should be fixed to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.
• Wear a flag lapel pin over your heart.
What you shouldn't do
• Don't display the flag during inclement weather (unless it's an all-weather flag).
• Never let the flag touch anything beneath it, including the ground, water or merchandise.
• Don't drape the flag over vehicles, wear it as apparel or use it as bedding or drapery.
• Never carry the flag flat or horizontal, or festoon it or draw it up in folds. It should fly aloft and free.
• Never put any mark, insignia, words, pictures or designs on the flag.
Folding the flag
Though the Flag Code does not specify how the flag should be folded, tradition dictates you end up with a triangle with only the blue union showing. For instructions, visit www.legion.org/flag/folding.
FROM EEC IN MICHIGAN: Thanks for the reminder!////FROM JACK: After I posted Winning Words, I went out and put up the flag.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: We keep ours up 24/7. We do have the proper lights on it at night also. God Bless America!!////FROM JACK: I'm going to check and see how many flags I see flying today, besides those in front of businesses.
FROM RI IN BOSTON: I remember Bennett's poem from elementary school. It was perhaps the first piece of poetry to which we were introduced...and worthy of that distinction.////FROM JACK: Hats off to you, if you can remember the words.
FROM HONEST JOHN: My cousin Henry (Hank) was born on Flag Day. Always made it an easy birthday date to remember...he was a Moliner and played on their baseball team.////FROM JACK: Hats off to Hank and to all those with June 14 birthdays...like Steffi Graf, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Burl Ives and Donald Trump.
FROM INDY GENIE: ok..we'll take our hats off for a minute but then we we'll have to put them right back on. we are all(john, mary, ruth, pat, kids and grandkids, cousins etc.)gathering in northern wisconsin (manitowish waters) for our family reunion!! so excited to be together in the northern woods! today is travelling day...we'll all be "up north" tomorrow! (we were all talk taught as kids to honor the flag..no doubt about that!)////FROM JACK: I suppose you will visit the Hurley homestead. I wonder if it's as wild as it used to be when you lived there?
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: Every day is Flag Day at our house.////FROM JACK: Do you take off your hat when you pass it by?
FROM WATERFORD JAN: Hats off to you for supporting the honoring of our nation's flag, and for giving extra acknowledgement by including Bennett's poem and the details of flag courtesy.////FROM JACK: My favorite depiction of the flag was from Joe Rosenthal's 1945 photo of 5 Marines and a Navy corpsman raising the flag on Mt. Suribachi on the island of Iwo Jima.
FROM GUSTIE MARLYS: It is raining here on my stars and stripes! Uff Da! I do have my "flag lapel pin" on however.////FROM JACK: A lapel flag counts. BTW, when is the Swedish Flag Day?
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: I hung my flag early this morning. We have neighbors and children who have flagpoles in their front yards and who fly the flag every day. I still have the flag which I had when I taught in Moline and in Long Beach, and it has the 48 stars.////FROM JACK: Whatever happened to your one with 13 stars in a circle?
FROM BLAZING OAKS: I enjoyed the poem, which I don't remember ever reading before. Good old-fashioned patriotism and pride!! I hadn't thought about it being flag day,(It was perfect day to be on the golf course!) but have a flag displayed on my patio, in front. We certainly are blessed to be living in the USA, despite out trials and turmoils, it is still a great place to be!////FROM JACK: Just think...on this Flag Day the US Open is being played in San Francisco, and you're playing Outinthe Open in Illinois.
“Hats off! The flag is passing by…” (Henry Bennett) Today, June 14, is Flag Day, honoring the decision, June 14, 1777, to have a flag for our new nation. Betsy Ross is thought to have designed that flag. Bennett’s poem speaks of giving honor to the “stars and stripes.” Recently, our newspaper ran an article which described how to properly display the flag. I think I’ll blog it, and Bennett’s poem, too. ;-) Jack
HATS OFF! - Henry Holcomb Bennett
Along the street there comes
A blare of bugles, a ruffle of drums,
A flash of color beneath the sky:
Hats off!
The colors before us fly....
But more than the flag is passing by....
Days of plenty and years of peace;
March of a strong land's swift increase;
Equal justice, right, and law,
Stately honor and reverend awe;
Sign of a nation, great and strong
To ward her people from foreign wrong:
Pride and glory and honor,-all
Live in the colors to stand or fall.
Hats off!
Along the street there comes
A blare of bugles, a ruffle of drums;
And loyal hearts are beating high:
Hats off!
The flag is passing by!
HOW TO FLY THE FLAG WITH PROPER DIGNITY The Detroit Free Press May 28, 2012
If you plan to let your patriotic colors fly today in honor of Memorial Day, do right by Old Glory and display it with dignity -- which is to say, not on your stars-and-stripes bikini. The U.S. Flag Code gives guidelines for properly displaying the American flag. The rules are purely advisory and there's no enforcement or penalty for violating them, though there are some exceptions for the District of Columbia and states can make their own flag laws.
What you should do
• Whether hanging horizontally or vertically, the union should be uppermost and to the observer's left (in a window, the observer is the person in the street).
• On Memorial Day, the flag should fly at half-staff until noon and then be hoisted to the peak. (When flying at half-staff, hoist the flag to the peak first before lowering it to half-staff; bring to the peak again before bringing it down for the day.)
• The flag should be displayed outside from sunrise to sunset only, unless it's properly illuminated at night.
• When displayed with other national flags, all flags should be the same size and fly from separate staffs of the same height.
• When displayed with other state, local or society flags, the U.S. flag should always be at the peak (if on the same halyard -- the rope that hoists the flag); at the center and highest point (if in a cluster of staffs); and hoisted first and lowered last (if on adjacent flagpoles). No other flag should be above it or to the flag's own right.
• When marching, the flag should be carried on the marching right, or, if there's a line of flags, in front of the center of that line.
• On a car, the flag staff should be fixed to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.
• Wear a flag lapel pin over your heart.
What you shouldn't do
• Don't display the flag during inclement weather (unless it's an all-weather flag).
• Never let the flag touch anything beneath it, including the ground, water or merchandise.
• Don't drape the flag over vehicles, wear it as apparel or use it as bedding or drapery.
• Never carry the flag flat or horizontal, or festoon it or draw it up in folds. It should fly aloft and free.
• Never put any mark, insignia, words, pictures or designs on the flag.
Folding the flag
Though the Flag Code does not specify how the flag should be folded, tradition dictates you end up with a triangle with only the blue union showing. For instructions, visit www.legion.org/flag/folding.
FROM EEC IN MICHIGAN: Thanks for the reminder!////FROM JACK: After I posted Winning Words, I went out and put up the flag.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: We keep ours up 24/7. We do have the proper lights on it at night also. God Bless America!!////FROM JACK: I'm going to check and see how many flags I see flying today, besides those in front of businesses.
FROM RI IN BOSTON: I remember Bennett's poem from elementary school. It was perhaps the first piece of poetry to which we were introduced...and worthy of that distinction.////FROM JACK: Hats off to you, if you can remember the words.
FROM HONEST JOHN: My cousin Henry (Hank) was born on Flag Day. Always made it an easy birthday date to remember...he was a Moliner and played on their baseball team.////FROM JACK: Hats off to Hank and to all those with June 14 birthdays...like Steffi Graf, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Burl Ives and Donald Trump.
FROM INDY GENIE: ok..we'll take our hats off for a minute but then we we'll have to put them right back on. we are all(john, mary, ruth, pat, kids and grandkids, cousins etc.)gathering in northern wisconsin (manitowish waters) for our family reunion!! so excited to be together in the northern woods! today is travelling day...we'll all be "up north" tomorrow! (we were all talk taught as kids to honor the flag..no doubt about that!)////FROM JACK: I suppose you will visit the Hurley homestead. I wonder if it's as wild as it used to be when you lived there?
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: Every day is Flag Day at our house.////FROM JACK: Do you take off your hat when you pass it by?
FROM WATERFORD JAN: Hats off to you for supporting the honoring of our nation's flag, and for giving extra acknowledgement by including Bennett's poem and the details of flag courtesy.////FROM JACK: My favorite depiction of the flag was from Joe Rosenthal's 1945 photo of 5 Marines and a Navy corpsman raising the flag on Mt. Suribachi on the island of Iwo Jima.
FROM GUSTIE MARLYS: It is raining here on my stars and stripes! Uff Da! I do have my "flag lapel pin" on however.////FROM JACK: A lapel flag counts. BTW, when is the Swedish Flag Day?
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: I hung my flag early this morning. We have neighbors and children who have flagpoles in their front yards and who fly the flag every day. I still have the flag which I had when I taught in Moline and in Long Beach, and it has the 48 stars.////FROM JACK: Whatever happened to your one with 13 stars in a circle?
FROM BLAZING OAKS: I enjoyed the poem, which I don't remember ever reading before. Good old-fashioned patriotism and pride!! I hadn't thought about it being flag day,(It was perfect day to be on the golf course!) but have a flag displayed on my patio, in front. We certainly are blessed to be living in the USA, despite out trials and turmoils, it is still a great place to be!////FROM JACK: Just think...on this Flag Day the US Open is being played in San Francisco, and you're playing Outinthe Open in Illinois.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Winning Words 6/13/12
“God has two dwellings--one in heaven, and the other in a meek and thankful heart.” (Izaac Walton) One of the Bible writers describes heaven as a place with streets of gold and gates of pearl. A guy named Richard Deem says that heaven won’t have gravity or thermodynamics. I think that Izaac has the right idea about God’s heaven. Walton’s heaven might have a fishing stream, too. ;-) Jack
FROM MK IN MICHIGAN: Jack are you a fishermen? Or a fisher of men? Both is my guess!////FROM JACK: Guess again.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Great quote and I wonderful way to think of Heaven.////FROM JACK: My "heaven" is wherever God is.
FROM PH IN MINNESOTA: also, a place where there will be no more committee meetings...////FROM JACK: Don't be too sure about that. Have you read the fine print in the Bible?
“God has two dwellings--one in heaven, and the other in a meek and thankful heart.” (Izaac Walton) One of the Bible writers describes heaven as a place with streets of gold and gates of pearl. A guy named Richard Deem says that heaven won’t have gravity or thermodynamics. I think that Izaac has the right idea about God’s heaven. Walton’s heaven might have a fishing stream, too. ;-) Jack
FROM MK IN MICHIGAN: Jack are you a fishermen? Or a fisher of men? Both is my guess!////FROM JACK: Guess again.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Great quote and I wonderful way to think of Heaven.////FROM JACK: My "heaven" is wherever God is.
FROM PH IN MINNESOTA: also, a place where there will be no more committee meetings...////FROM JACK: Don't be too sure about that. Have you read the fine print in the Bible?
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Winning Words 6/12/12
“Harvard endures, because Harvard changes.” (Drew Gilpin Faust) Harvard was established in 1636, and remains strong, because it has embraced change. There is a natural resistance to new ideas, but positive change can happen when a vision is communicated, when teamwork is promoted and there is a goal. Think about it. All of life involves change….a university, a business, an organization, the self! ;-) Jack
FROM ABRAHAM LINCOLN: "Important principles may, and must, be inflexible."////FROM JACK: See! There are exceptions to change
FROM OPRAH WINFREY: "The whole point of being alive is to evolve into the complete person you were intended to be."
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Harvard endures because of a 4.3 Billion dollar endowment.////FROM JACK: An endowment like that certainly helps. Some churches have large endowments, too, and empty pews. Money isn't everything.
FROM JAYFOR IN MICHIGAN: In 1961, students were upset because Harvard was changing its diplomas from Latin to English. Harvard’s president at the time gave a witty response, but many students failed to see the humor. The university argued that since Latin was no longer required in the curriculum, it made no sense to continue the Latin diploma tradition just for the sake of tradition (but of course, the motto “Veritas” is still in Latin). When I was a student there (in the 1980s), divesting from Apartheid companies in South Africa was a big concern – the Harvard foundation eventually divested. I agree wholeheartedly that change is hard!!!////FROM JACK: Change, without being difficult, is not really change.
FROM CB IN MICHIGAN: I like your quote in Winning Words today - thank you!////FROM JACK: It's not only Harvard that benefits from change. I try to keep "preaching" that.
FROM YOOPER FLICKA: YES !! THANK YOU...I AM REMBERING WHEN I WAS VERY YOUNG..AND MY MOTHER WOULD REMIND ME ABOUT THE DIFFERENT SAYINGS WHEN WE WOULD DRIVE PAST HARVARD.........EONS AGO !!////FROM JACK: Do you mean that Harvard is older that you (and I) are?
FROM IRONMAN IN MICHIGAN: I like today's winning words. Unfortunately police officers in general do not like change so improving an organization takes time. Two steps forward one step back! ////FROM JACK: Pastors also will often meet a group within a congregation who will say, "We've never done it that way before." I've found that to be an energizing challenge.
FROM WATERFORD JAN: A church?////FROM JACK: You said that. I didn't.
FROM EMT SINGS IN MICHIGAN: As they say: Don't let your rear view mirror be bigger than your windshield!////FROM JACK: It's surprising how many people there are who think that driving while looking in the rearview mirror is safer than driving while looking forward.
FROM RI IN BOSTON: Another reason Harvard endures is because it has billions of dollars in endowments, and gets more every year, and the changes they engender frequently come at the expense of the community.////FROM JACK: It sounds as though roses aren't the only flowers grown in Cambridge
FROM ILLINOIS LIZ: Change 4 the sake of change is not wise... change & growth can be very different. I read many Harvard grads r reluctant 2 claim their alma mater these days. Larry Summers, former Harvard President, once declared that women were not as good @ math & science as men. Bet he wishes he could change that statement!////FROM JACK: Would you ever want to change some of the statements that you've made? I know that I would. It would be a strange organization, if all of the members agreed. I read this morning that a large group of the GOP would have a hard time accepting the leadership of Ronald Reagan.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Harvard had a very strong Christian background but not anymore. Sometimes change isn't good.////FROM JACK: Even Christianity has changed from the 17th century. The King James Bible was written in 1611, and it, too, was a "new" translation...a product of change. I find it interesting that Harvard and the KJV are both about the same age.
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: How DARE you infer that I am a Democrat!!!!////FROM JACK:
No inference. In 1948, in Harrisburg, Illinois, Harry Truman delivered a speech attacking the Republicans. During the speech a supporter yelled out "Give 'em Hell, Harry!". Truman replied, "I don't give them Hell. I just tell the truth about them and they think it's Hell." No inference.
FROM MEDD-O-LANE: Changes are mostly instigated by negativity.////FROM JACK: Your response reminds me of Peter Finch, in the 1976 movie, "Network," when he screams, "I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore." Frustration also begets change...or a desire for it.
FROM CWR IN B'MORE: True......and it is likewise true of the Church. The Reformation must exercise continuous Re-Formation.////FROM JACK: ...so do congregations and members of congregations.
FROM SAINT JAMES: One thing that I have learned is that when we as individuals stop embracing change, that is a sign of shutting down. I have witnessed that in many people in my life and hope that I don't fall into that trap. Each day I live, I end it learning something I didn't know when that day began. It's intimidating, but it must happen!////FROM JACK: The emergence of the butterfly is a good example. Two words I learned in high school science were pupa and chrysalis.////MORE FROM THE SAINT: We should always embrace the emergence of the butterfly in our lives...when we don't, we miss a ton of what life has to offer!
FROM MEDD-O-LANE: I don't know who said it first, "If it ain't broke don't try to fix it."////FROM JACK: Do you suppose that's from the Book of Proverbs or some place else in the Bible?
“Harvard endures, because Harvard changes.” (Drew Gilpin Faust) Harvard was established in 1636, and remains strong, because it has embraced change. There is a natural resistance to new ideas, but positive change can happen when a vision is communicated, when teamwork is promoted and there is a goal. Think about it. All of life involves change….a university, a business, an organization, the self! ;-) Jack
FROM ABRAHAM LINCOLN: "Important principles may, and must, be inflexible."////FROM JACK: See! There are exceptions to change
FROM OPRAH WINFREY: "The whole point of being alive is to evolve into the complete person you were intended to be."
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Harvard endures because of a 4.3 Billion dollar endowment.////FROM JACK: An endowment like that certainly helps. Some churches have large endowments, too, and empty pews. Money isn't everything.
FROM JAYFOR IN MICHIGAN: In 1961, students were upset because Harvard was changing its diplomas from Latin to English. Harvard’s president at the time gave a witty response, but many students failed to see the humor. The university argued that since Latin was no longer required in the curriculum, it made no sense to continue the Latin diploma tradition just for the sake of tradition (but of course, the motto “Veritas” is still in Latin). When I was a student there (in the 1980s), divesting from Apartheid companies in South Africa was a big concern – the Harvard foundation eventually divested. I agree wholeheartedly that change is hard!!!////FROM JACK: Change, without being difficult, is not really change.
FROM CB IN MICHIGAN: I like your quote in Winning Words today - thank you!////FROM JACK: It's not only Harvard that benefits from change. I try to keep "preaching" that.
FROM YOOPER FLICKA: YES !! THANK YOU...I AM REMBERING WHEN I WAS VERY YOUNG..AND MY MOTHER WOULD REMIND ME ABOUT THE DIFFERENT SAYINGS WHEN WE WOULD DRIVE PAST HARVARD.........EONS AGO !!////FROM JACK: Do you mean that Harvard is older that you (and I) are?
FROM IRONMAN IN MICHIGAN: I like today's winning words. Unfortunately police officers in general do not like change so improving an organization takes time. Two steps forward one step back! ////FROM JACK: Pastors also will often meet a group within a congregation who will say, "We've never done it that way before." I've found that to be an energizing challenge.
FROM WATERFORD JAN: A church?////FROM JACK: You said that. I didn't.
FROM EMT SINGS IN MICHIGAN: As they say: Don't let your rear view mirror be bigger than your windshield!////FROM JACK: It's surprising how many people there are who think that driving while looking in the rearview mirror is safer than driving while looking forward.
FROM RI IN BOSTON: Another reason Harvard endures is because it has billions of dollars in endowments, and gets more every year, and the changes they engender frequently come at the expense of the community.////FROM JACK: It sounds as though roses aren't the only flowers grown in Cambridge
FROM ILLINOIS LIZ: Change 4 the sake of change is not wise... change & growth can be very different. I read many Harvard grads r reluctant 2 claim their alma mater these days. Larry Summers, former Harvard President, once declared that women were not as good @ math & science as men. Bet he wishes he could change that statement!////FROM JACK: Would you ever want to change some of the statements that you've made? I know that I would. It would be a strange organization, if all of the members agreed. I read this morning that a large group of the GOP would have a hard time accepting the leadership of Ronald Reagan.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Harvard had a very strong Christian background but not anymore. Sometimes change isn't good.////FROM JACK: Even Christianity has changed from the 17th century. The King James Bible was written in 1611, and it, too, was a "new" translation...a product of change. I find it interesting that Harvard and the KJV are both about the same age.
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: How DARE you infer that I am a Democrat!!!!////FROM JACK:
No inference. In 1948, in Harrisburg, Illinois, Harry Truman delivered a speech attacking the Republicans. During the speech a supporter yelled out "Give 'em Hell, Harry!". Truman replied, "I don't give them Hell. I just tell the truth about them and they think it's Hell." No inference.
FROM MEDD-O-LANE: Changes are mostly instigated by negativity.////FROM JACK: Your response reminds me of Peter Finch, in the 1976 movie, "Network," when he screams, "I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore." Frustration also begets change...or a desire for it.
FROM CWR IN B'MORE: True......and it is likewise true of the Church. The Reformation must exercise continuous Re-Formation.////FROM JACK: ...so do congregations and members of congregations.
FROM SAINT JAMES: One thing that I have learned is that when we as individuals stop embracing change, that is a sign of shutting down. I have witnessed that in many people in my life and hope that I don't fall into that trap. Each day I live, I end it learning something I didn't know when that day began. It's intimidating, but it must happen!////FROM JACK: The emergence of the butterfly is a good example. Two words I learned in high school science were pupa and chrysalis.////MORE FROM THE SAINT: We should always embrace the emergence of the butterfly in our lives...when we don't, we miss a ton of what life has to offer!
FROM MEDD-O-LANE: I don't know who said it first, "If it ain't broke don't try to fix it."////FROM JACK: Do you suppose that's from the Book of Proverbs or some place else in the Bible?
Monday, June 11, 2012
Winning Words 6/11/12
“People are the same all over the world.” (Barbara Ann Kipfer) This is one thought from the book, 8,789 Words of Wisdom, which was given to graduates yesterday at church. Although my world travels have been limited, I’ve “visited” many countries by meeting people from other lands. But I feel unfulfilled. As Rudyard Kipling wrote: “The first condition of understanding a country is to smell it.” ;-) Jack
FROM PASTY PAT: Yes, yes, yes --- at least from the little bit (19 countries now) that I've seen ////FROM JACK: Are there really 19 different smells?
////PAT'S RESPONSE: I never thought about it before, but there are. And I can 'bring them back' when I think of a place or an event. Weird. ////JACK: Then Kipling must be right.
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: Just had a phone call with my sister and she told me she doesn't like to travel to "see sights" but to "feel" the place. Probably includes smelling it. I don't agree with Barbara Ann Kipfer. When our daughter and her boyfriend (living in Houston) visited Detroit they were delighted to see so many brick homes and also that yards were not enclosed by fences. Kris said it reminded him of his original home in Poland. Houston is a little different but it also is still "home" to them. Maybe "People are the same all over the world" in that we all are at some point charmed and delighted by diversity but we all like to "feel" like we belong somewhere and we just then look at what we have in common and not focus so much on our differences. Maybe that's the human trait that helps us to adapt and form communities. ////FROM JACK: The word, "same," can have various interpretations...similar, but not the same.
FROM MY FLORIST: Without question Kipling is one of my favorites. In fact, I have successfully encouraged a few small additions to the curriculum at St. Mary’s the English department. The one that I am most happy about is the memorization of the poem “IF” by Brother Kipling. You might also be amused to hear that my oldest son Aaron just graduated from St. Mary’s and as tradition requires he chose a quote for his year book. He chose “Fast is fine, but accuracy is everything” words to live by from Wyatt Earp .////FROM JACK: I like your choice and Aaron's, too...maybe Aaron's best, because I haven't seen it before.
FROM ILLINOIS LIZ: Some countries don't smell so good... I remember public transit when I was a student in Rome. The food sure smelled good, tho! My friend, John, & I r "armchair travelers." We joke about friends who have traveled extensively, & seemingly learned nothing from their experiences. Worldly is a state of mind... not stamps on a passport.////FROM JACK: Just like in the USA, I suppose the smell depends on where you are standing. I always remember the smell of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Mosinee, Wisconsin.
FROM HAWKEYE GEORGE: Some are friendlier than others. Like Ireland.////FROM JACK: "In a purple field down Wicklow way, there's a fragrance to be bottled." (From The Irish Times magazine) Did you find this to be true?
FROM CJL IN OHIO: RK was right. You can be transported in the mind but there is no substitute for the "smell"////FROM JACK: I wonder if Kipling ever "smelled "lutefisk?
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: The second condition is to speak the language. I'll never forget the "honeydippers" who used to pass our compound in the morning when we were outdoors, at attention, for roll call.////FROM JACK: Did you ever learn any of their language?////PFC: Very little."Very Good. Very Bad. Count to 10." As an 18 year old, that wasn't on my "A" list. Fortunately, they spoke some English. Had a rickshaw race back to the compound one night weir the Marines pulling the rickshaws. Regular drivers laughed all the way until we insisted they pay us.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: They may be the same all over the world, but I'm sure they are very different too. Our bucket list still has a long line of travel sites. There are some wonderful "smells" out there yet.
FROM CS ON THE WAY TO SPAIN: We had a psychiatrist friend who always said, "folks are folks are folks".We are leaving Saturday for Spain hoping to get a good feeling and "smell" of the culture and the place. I'm excited to go to Barcelona to see the Gaudi architecture,to go to the Prado in Madrid to see Velasquez and Goya, to the Reina Sophia to see Picasso's Guernica ; and we will also have a tour to Granada and the Alhambra where several ancient cultures and religions lived together peacefully!////FROM JACK: I hope you folks will enjoy meeting some new folks.
“People are the same all over the world.” (Barbara Ann Kipfer) This is one thought from the book, 8,789 Words of Wisdom, which was given to graduates yesterday at church. Although my world travels have been limited, I’ve “visited” many countries by meeting people from other lands. But I feel unfulfilled. As Rudyard Kipling wrote: “The first condition of understanding a country is to smell it.” ;-) Jack
FROM PASTY PAT: Yes, yes, yes --- at least from the little bit (19 countries now) that I've seen ////FROM JACK: Are there really 19 different smells?
////PAT'S RESPONSE: I never thought about it before, but there are. And I can 'bring them back' when I think of a place or an event. Weird. ////JACK: Then Kipling must be right.
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: Just had a phone call with my sister and she told me she doesn't like to travel to "see sights" but to "feel" the place. Probably includes smelling it. I don't agree with Barbara Ann Kipfer. When our daughter and her boyfriend (living in Houston) visited Detroit they were delighted to see so many brick homes and also that yards were not enclosed by fences. Kris said it reminded him of his original home in Poland. Houston is a little different but it also is still "home" to them. Maybe "People are the same all over the world" in that we all are at some point charmed and delighted by diversity but we all like to "feel" like we belong somewhere and we just then look at what we have in common and not focus so much on our differences. Maybe that's the human trait that helps us to adapt and form communities. ////FROM JACK: The word, "same," can have various interpretations...similar, but not the same.
FROM MY FLORIST: Without question Kipling is one of my favorites. In fact, I have successfully encouraged a few small additions to the curriculum at St. Mary’s the English department. The one that I am most happy about is the memorization of the poem “IF” by Brother Kipling. You might also be amused to hear that my oldest son Aaron just graduated from St. Mary’s and as tradition requires he chose a quote for his year book. He chose “Fast is fine, but accuracy is everything” words to live by from Wyatt Earp .////FROM JACK: I like your choice and Aaron's, too...maybe Aaron's best, because I haven't seen it before.
FROM ILLINOIS LIZ: Some countries don't smell so good... I remember public transit when I was a student in Rome. The food sure smelled good, tho! My friend, John, & I r "armchair travelers." We joke about friends who have traveled extensively, & seemingly learned nothing from their experiences. Worldly is a state of mind... not stamps on a passport.////FROM JACK: Just like in the USA, I suppose the smell depends on where you are standing. I always remember the smell of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Mosinee, Wisconsin.
FROM HAWKEYE GEORGE: Some are friendlier than others. Like Ireland.////FROM JACK: "In a purple field down Wicklow way, there's a fragrance to be bottled." (From The Irish Times magazine) Did you find this to be true?
FROM CJL IN OHIO: RK was right. You can be transported in the mind but there is no substitute for the "smell"////FROM JACK: I wonder if Kipling ever "smelled "lutefisk?
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: The second condition is to speak the language. I'll never forget the "honeydippers" who used to pass our compound in the morning when we were outdoors, at attention, for roll call.////FROM JACK: Did you ever learn any of their language?////PFC: Very little."Very Good. Very Bad. Count to 10." As an 18 year old, that wasn't on my "A" list. Fortunately, they spoke some English. Had a rickshaw race back to the compound one night weir the Marines pulling the rickshaws. Regular drivers laughed all the way until we insisted they pay us.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: They may be the same all over the world, but I'm sure they are very different too. Our bucket list still has a long line of travel sites. There are some wonderful "smells" out there yet.
FROM CS ON THE WAY TO SPAIN: We had a psychiatrist friend who always said, "folks are folks are folks".We are leaving Saturday for Spain hoping to get a good feeling and "smell" of the culture and the place. I'm excited to go to Barcelona to see the Gaudi architecture,to go to the Prado in Madrid to see Velasquez and Goya, to the Reina Sophia to see Picasso's Guernica ; and we will also have a tour to Granada and the Alhambra where several ancient cultures and religions lived together peacefully!////FROM JACK: I hope you folks will enjoy meeting some new folks.
Friday, June 08, 2012
Winning Words 6/8/12
“There are no extra pieces in the universe. Everyone is here because he or she has a place to fill, and every piece must fit itself into the big jigsaw puzzle.” (Deepak Chopra) The next time I work on one of my 500-piece jigsaw puzzles, I’m going to look at each piece as a person. At least that many people have filled a place in my life. Think of the number of pieces in God’s puzzle…and you’re one of them. ;-) Jack
FROM SB IN MICHIGAN: Thank you for today’s “Winning Words.”. I read your message right after fitting some pieces into a jigsaw puzzle in our living room.////FROM JACK: It's a good thought to know that God has a place for you in the BIG puzzle.
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: I believe this too. Sometimes, when mulling about things and trying to figure them out, the Judases puzzle me--why, God? Is it because of free will? And is free will worth all that? But then I get on with the business of living and don't dwell on such things but try to leave them up to God. He certainly knows better what we need than I do.////FROM JACK: Working on my own puzzle is hard enough, without trying to figure out God's puzzle as well.
FROM PC IN MICHIGAN: Love Deepak Chopra. Read one of his books by accident about 10 years ago. I need to get another one. I see he has Nook books which will work. Thanks for the idea.////FROM JACK: Your response caused me to probe deeper into Deepak. I guessed that he was Indian born, but did not know that he was a physician, a Yogi, and a 20-year friend of Michael Jackson.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: It's an awesome thought. Each one is loved too! There are some of my jigsaw pieces I don't love so much...too hard to put together. LOL////FROM JACK: I like it when the BIG picture makes sense. Sometimes i put together puzzles within the puzzle. That's life!
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: You must have a lot of patience to work with and to finish a 500 piece puzzle. ////FROM JACK: One piece, and then another, and you finally get the picture.
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: The first piece of the puzzle is just as important as the last. And probably more important because all else hinges on it.////FROM JACK: Just as with the shepherd and the lost sheep, God does not give up on looking for the piece that seems to be missing.
FROM CJL IN OHIO: A good metaphor. Do well to remember it.////FROM JACK: There you go-- using those big college words again.
FROM DP IN MINNESOTA: What a cool comparison!////FROM JACK: Speaking of cool, one of my 550 piece puzzles shows the Peanuts gang standing in the snow in front of the famous Christmas tree and saying, "Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown!"
“There are no extra pieces in the universe. Everyone is here because he or she has a place to fill, and every piece must fit itself into the big jigsaw puzzle.” (Deepak Chopra) The next time I work on one of my 500-piece jigsaw puzzles, I’m going to look at each piece as a person. At least that many people have filled a place in my life. Think of the number of pieces in God’s puzzle…and you’re one of them. ;-) Jack
FROM SB IN MICHIGAN: Thank you for today’s “Winning Words.”. I read your message right after fitting some pieces into a jigsaw puzzle in our living room.////FROM JACK: It's a good thought to know that God has a place for you in the BIG puzzle.
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: I believe this too. Sometimes, when mulling about things and trying to figure them out, the Judases puzzle me--why, God? Is it because of free will? And is free will worth all that? But then I get on with the business of living and don't dwell on such things but try to leave them up to God. He certainly knows better what we need than I do.////FROM JACK: Working on my own puzzle is hard enough, without trying to figure out God's puzzle as well.
FROM PC IN MICHIGAN: Love Deepak Chopra. Read one of his books by accident about 10 years ago. I need to get another one. I see he has Nook books which will work. Thanks for the idea.////FROM JACK: Your response caused me to probe deeper into Deepak. I guessed that he was Indian born, but did not know that he was a physician, a Yogi, and a 20-year friend of Michael Jackson.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: It's an awesome thought. Each one is loved too! There are some of my jigsaw pieces I don't love so much...too hard to put together. LOL////FROM JACK: I like it when the BIG picture makes sense. Sometimes i put together puzzles within the puzzle. That's life!
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: You must have a lot of patience to work with and to finish a 500 piece puzzle. ////FROM JACK: One piece, and then another, and you finally get the picture.
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: The first piece of the puzzle is just as important as the last. And probably more important because all else hinges on it.////FROM JACK: Just as with the shepherd and the lost sheep, God does not give up on looking for the piece that seems to be missing.
FROM CJL IN OHIO: A good metaphor. Do well to remember it.////FROM JACK: There you go-- using those big college words again.
FROM DP IN MINNESOTA: What a cool comparison!////FROM JACK: Speaking of cool, one of my 550 piece puzzles shows the Peanuts gang standing in the snow in front of the famous Christmas tree and saying, "Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown!"
Wednesday, June 06, 2012
Winning Words 6/7/12
“No person will make a great business who wants to do it all himself or get all the credit.” (Andrew Carnegie) Carnegie was one of the great philanthropists of his time. In fact, NPR announces that his foundation is a supporter of their programming, almost 100 years since AC’s death. His name is on the library in my hometown. His was a “rags to riches” story, and he never forgot the “rags” part of it. ;-) Jack
FROM RI IN BOSTON: One of the pleasures of wealth, even modest wealth, is to spend it in ways that benefit others. When you've come from humble circumstances it doesn't take a fortune to make you feel "rich". ////FROM JACK: I read that people who move from poverty to middle class, are happier than than those in the middle class who get additional wealth.. I like what Buffett and Gates are doing by encouraging the wealthy to give away large sums to help the poor.
FROM DC IN MICHIGAN: I lived for four years in Braddock, PA. The first Carnegie Library was there. It also had a Carnegie Hall. Our church was built in 1904 and Mrs. Carnegie saw to it that an organ was put in that church. That organ was still there from 1944 to 1948 when we lived there. When we went back in about 1950, it had been replaced. My dad had to make arrangements for the Gustavus Choir to sing in Braddock in about 1947. It was supposed to be in Scott High School in No Braddock, but through some mix up, they couldn't sing there. So they sang in Carnegie Hall.////FROM JACK: I wonder how many Carnegie libraries there are. It's interesting to read that you have seen the first one. Were you there for the dedication? It's also interesting to know that there's another Carnegie Hall besides the one in NYC.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: That was a wonderful library. Have you seen the new one? Once we took our children to see the film Johnny Appleseed there sometime in the 60's. He is another inspiration for young people.////FROM JACK: I know that there's a new one, but I haven't seen it. It probably isn't a "Carnegie." In the old one, I remember going downstairs to look at pictures, using a steriopticon. ////MORE FROM TS: That is one of my fondest memories, too. Also, the librarian had some kind of a contest with a ladder, and for each book one read you moved your figure up a rung. There must have been a reward when you reached the top.
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Amen brother.////FROM JACK: I wonder if Carnegie's friends ever called him, Andy?
FROM BLAZING OAKS: My Augustana Choir sang in NYC Carnegie Hall, with its excellent acoustics. Still remember that night perfectly...my parents drove from Moline, and surprised Jan and me, in the audience! I well remember our Moline Carnegie Library, and spent many hours there. What a fantastic heritage of giving he left, which continues even today! It would be interesting to know how many libraries and city buildings he did endow! Bless A. Carnegie!!////FROM JACK: I read that there are 2,811 Carnegie Libraries., and each one has its own story.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Several people I know have taken his course and loved it. They are better people for taking it too. He was a blessing.////FROM JACK: Two different Carnegies. The one you're referring to is Dale Carnegie. The quote is from Andrew Carnegie who was born in Scotland in 1835. He made his money in the steel industry.
Winning Words 6/6/12
“No matter how old you are, there’s always something good to look forward to.” (Lynn Johnston) I wonder how old Lynn was when she wrote these words? I wonder if it was before or after her bout with cancer or her marriage problems? It takes a strong person to be positive when negative things are happening. “For Better Or Worse” is a good name for her comic strip. BTW, her birthday is 5/28/47 ;-) Jack
FROM JAN: I work in a doctor's office. A patient was told to return in six months. Many times our patients moan that they may not be alive at that point. This patient said she will make that date. She "can't die now because life is just too damn interesting! " Love that attitude.
////MORE FROM TS: You jog my memory about 1947. I finished my sophomore year at Marycrest, worked at the main headquarters of Deere and Co. on 3rd Ave for the summer where I started out in the mailroom and then progressed to secretary before returning to Marycrest where I was editor of the newspaper and of the yearbook. Those were busy days By the way, we forgot to mention D-Day yesterday. I remember we were all juniors and about to take our finals that day, but it was hard to concentrate with all of the news.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Her comic strip is so "today". She hits the nail on the head but uses such great humor to offset the facts. I'm not surprised therefore, that this quote came from her. There is always a reason to get up each day...always something to look forward to, if only to hear the birds sing.////FROM JACK: This morning I was asked to send Winning Words to someone who was perfectly healthy six months ago, but is now "hooked up to tubes." There is always something to look forward to? I'm going to have to ponder that one.////OJ RESPONSE: I read this today in one of my devotions: "When my friend Marci's father-in-law passed away, she stopped making his favorite dessert: pineapple salad. One day, her little boy aske why she no longer served it. She replied, 'It reminds me of Papa, and it makes me sad: Papa really liked that dessert.' Her son replied in a chipper tone, 'Not better than heaven.!'" And that what we have to look forward to each day..even the really really bad days.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Amen to Lynn Johnston! She's old enough to be on Medicare ...that's a plus, I guess! I like Henry Ward Beecher's observation, "A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs---jolted by every pebble in the road." Maybe writing her comic strip keeps her optimistic?! Good thought!
“No matter how old you are, there’s always something good to look forward to.” (Lynn Johnston) I wonder how old Lynn was when she wrote these words? I wonder if it was before or after her bout with cancer or her marriage problems? It takes a strong person to be positive when negative things are happening. “For Better Or Worse” is a good name for her comic strip. BTW, her birthday is 5/28/47 ;-) Jack
FROM JAN: I work in a doctor's office. A patient was told to return in six months. Many times our patients moan that they may not be alive at that point. This patient said she will make that date. She "can't die now because life is just too damn interesting! " Love that attitude.
////MORE FROM TS: You jog my memory about 1947. I finished my sophomore year at Marycrest, worked at the main headquarters of Deere and Co. on 3rd Ave for the summer where I started out in the mailroom and then progressed to secretary before returning to Marycrest where I was editor of the newspaper and of the yearbook. Those were busy days By the way, we forgot to mention D-Day yesterday. I remember we were all juniors and about to take our finals that day, but it was hard to concentrate with all of the news.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Her comic strip is so "today". She hits the nail on the head but uses such great humor to offset the facts. I'm not surprised therefore, that this quote came from her. There is always a reason to get up each day...always something to look forward to, if only to hear the birds sing.////FROM JACK: This morning I was asked to send Winning Words to someone who was perfectly healthy six months ago, but is now "hooked up to tubes." There is always something to look forward to? I'm going to have to ponder that one.////OJ RESPONSE: I read this today in one of my devotions: "When my friend Marci's father-in-law passed away, she stopped making his favorite dessert: pineapple salad. One day, her little boy aske why she no longer served it. She replied, 'It reminds me of Papa, and it makes me sad: Papa really liked that dessert.' Her son replied in a chipper tone, 'Not better than heaven.!'" And that what we have to look forward to each day..even the really really bad days.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Amen to Lynn Johnston! She's old enough to be on Medicare ...that's a plus, I guess! I like Henry Ward Beecher's observation, "A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs---jolted by every pebble in the road." Maybe writing her comic strip keeps her optimistic?! Good thought!
Tuesday, June 05, 2012
Winning Words 6/5/12
“John Wesley had a knack for making complex thoughts simple.” (Rev Bob) In a church newsletter I read that Wesley challenged his followers to live by 3 Simple Rules. 1) Do no harm. 2) Do good. 3) Stay in love with God. The article went on to say, “If we get this right, there’ll be much less fussing and fretting and much more loving.” Wesley said this over 300 years ago. It still makes a lot of sense today. ;-) Jack
FROM YOOPER FLICKA: THAT'S A SUPER ONE.....JOHN W. DID OUR BOY MARTIN L. HEAR THAT ONE ? ////FROM JACK: John may have picked it from his reading of Martin's works. He was very much influenced by Luther's commentary on the Book of Romans.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: It's a gift to be able to communicate simply. He definitely had a gift. If everyone followed his simple rules, what a different place this world would be.////FROM JACK: Speaking of keeping it simple...The Christophers have a simple message: "It's better to light a candle than to curse the darkness." This saying inspired a song which has these lines: "And if everyone lit just one little candle What a bright world this would be."////OJ RESPONSE: "This little light of mine! I'm gonna let it shine!"
FROM SL IN HOUSTON: And to this I add simply - Amen.////FROM JACK: That's simple enough. At least you didn't write, Amen. Amen. Amen.
FROM HAWKEYE GEORGE: You're no longer going to my Junk folder. what happened? Did you become LCMS?////FROM JACK: I'm "too liberal" for the LCMS, but God understands, and I'm satisfied with that. BTW, I was baptized by a LCMS pastor in our family living room in Des Moines. I wonder who it is that determines whether or not what I send you is junk?
FROM LIZ IN ILLINOIS: Simple is almost always better. It is more difficult 2 b precise than 2 b verbose. ////FROM JACK: I like the song, Simple Gifts. "'Tis the gift to be simple, 'Tis the gift to be free. 'Tis the gift to come down where you ought to be." I try to keep WWs out of the verbose category.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Wesley does make a lot of sense...I once read How To Make A Speech: Be Sincere, Be Brief, Be seated ! Not a bad rule to go by, but DIFFICULT!! As for Love: "Who being loved, is poor?" Oscar Wilde. Amen////FROM JACK: One of the best rules is K.I.S.S.
FROM RI IN BOSTON: Many of us have a knack for making simple situations complex.////FROM JACK: I think that it's called, "Analysis paralysis."
FROM ILLINOIS LIZ: Simple is almost always better. It is more difficult 2 b precise than 2 b verbiose. ////FROM JACK: I like the song, Simple Gifts. "'Tis the gift to be simple, 'Tis the gift to be free. 'Tis the gift to come down where you ought to be." I try to keep WWs out of the verbose category.////LIZ AGAIN: Simple Gifts was one of my mom's favorite songs, which I found out when Dad had it played @ her funeral. I don't recall having heard it b4... lovely!
“John Wesley had a knack for making complex thoughts simple.” (Rev Bob) In a church newsletter I read that Wesley challenged his followers to live by 3 Simple Rules. 1) Do no harm. 2) Do good. 3) Stay in love with God. The article went on to say, “If we get this right, there’ll be much less fussing and fretting and much more loving.” Wesley said this over 300 years ago. It still makes a lot of sense today. ;-) Jack
FROM YOOPER FLICKA: THAT'S A SUPER ONE.....JOHN W. DID OUR BOY MARTIN L. HEAR THAT ONE ? ////FROM JACK: John may have picked it from his reading of Martin's works. He was very much influenced by Luther's commentary on the Book of Romans.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: It's a gift to be able to communicate simply. He definitely had a gift. If everyone followed his simple rules, what a different place this world would be.////FROM JACK: Speaking of keeping it simple...The Christophers have a simple message: "It's better to light a candle than to curse the darkness." This saying inspired a song which has these lines: "And if everyone lit just one little candle What a bright world this would be."////OJ RESPONSE: "This little light of mine! I'm gonna let it shine!"
FROM SL IN HOUSTON: And to this I add simply - Amen.////FROM JACK: That's simple enough. At least you didn't write, Amen. Amen. Amen.
FROM HAWKEYE GEORGE: You're no longer going to my Junk folder. what happened? Did you become LCMS?////FROM JACK: I'm "too liberal" for the LCMS, but God understands, and I'm satisfied with that. BTW, I was baptized by a LCMS pastor in our family living room in Des Moines. I wonder who it is that determines whether or not what I send you is junk?
FROM LIZ IN ILLINOIS: Simple is almost always better. It is more difficult 2 b precise than 2 b verbose. ////FROM JACK: I like the song, Simple Gifts. "'Tis the gift to be simple, 'Tis the gift to be free. 'Tis the gift to come down where you ought to be." I try to keep WWs out of the verbose category.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Wesley does make a lot of sense...I once read How To Make A Speech: Be Sincere, Be Brief, Be seated ! Not a bad rule to go by, but DIFFICULT!! As for Love: "Who being loved, is poor?" Oscar Wilde. Amen////FROM JACK: One of the best rules is K.I.S.S.
FROM RI IN BOSTON: Many of us have a knack for making simple situations complex.////FROM JACK: I think that it's called, "Analysis paralysis."
FROM ILLINOIS LIZ: Simple is almost always better. It is more difficult 2 b precise than 2 b verbiose. ////FROM JACK: I like the song, Simple Gifts. "'Tis the gift to be simple, 'Tis the gift to be free. 'Tis the gift to come down where you ought to be." I try to keep WWs out of the verbose category.////LIZ AGAIN: Simple Gifts was one of my mom's favorite songs, which I found out when Dad had it played @ her funeral. I don't recall having heard it b4... lovely!
Monday, June 04, 2012
Winning Words 6/4/12
“Experience is a hard teacher, because she gives the test first, the lessons afterwards.” (Vernon Law) We are in that time of the year when students are taking their final exams. Oh, how I hated finals! I tried to be the first done, even if that meant not doing my best work. If I were to live those early years over, I’d do some things differently. Are there some things that you might improve on? ;) Jack
FROM RI IN BOSTON: Your WW are a striking reversal of how we normally learn. You follow up with comments how we as individuals might improve, but I think mankind has fallen short..society collectively has proven to be a slow learner.////FROM JACK: I have several sayings posted near my computer. One says: "Act Old Later!" and the another reads: "Ancora Imparo (I am still learning.)."
FROM MV IN MICHIGAN: Yes Jack there are many things I would improve on. We read “The Road Less Travelled” in 9th grade and that poem has stayed with me forever. I think about it often as I reflect upon its application to my life. It also reminds me of the Yogi Berra-ism, “When I come to a fork in the road, I pick it up”. ////FROM JACK: "I woulda, coulda, shoulda!" Once, having made the choice, there are no do-overs, only new choices. For better or worse, that's life! I remember this poem...
He came to my desk with quivering lip;
The lesson was done.
“May I have a new sheet, dear teacher?
I’ve spoiled this one.”
So I took his sheet all spoiled and blotted,
And gave him a new one – all unspotted,
Then into his sad eyes smiled,
“Do better now, my child.”
I came to the Throne with quivering heart;
The old year was done.
“May I have a new year, dear Master?
I’ve spoiled this one.”
So He took my year, all spoiled and blotted,
And gave me a new one – all unspotted,’
Then into my sad heart smiled,
“Do better now, my child.”
FROM HONEST JOHN: I always had the need to be done first, too. I learned to use the extra time to double check my answers. It has been a good lesson for life.////FROM JACK: I shoulda listened to my chemistry teacher (Uncle Carl) who said, "You can do better." At least, I've remembered those words.////MORE HONESTY: I finally got that message thru to my daughter (took a while) and she ended up as a Summa Cum Laude at the Un of Mich....it is a key lesson in life. I think my woodworking hobby helped me to learn it...unfortunately, I still forget it at times and then comes "ouch"
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: There are things I deeply regret but to do things differently, I'm not so sure. I have forgiveness for the things I didn't do my best on, and I'm quite happy with my life now. Perhaps I would have taken better care of my body while involved with all the sports I played.////FROM JACK: Sometimes we are better for the mistakes that we have made.
FROM MEDD-O-LANE: Isn't it amazing the longer we live the smarter we get until our memory starts playing games with us.////FROM JACK: I read somewhere that we never forget anything. Everything is stored somewhere in the recesses of the brain. In one of my four-drawer filing cabinets, I have a folder, marked: Moline. It's fun to look through it once in a while. My brain works the same way.
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: I would have stuck with the piano.////FROM JACK: Phil Conners stuck with it in "Groundhog Day" and became an outstanding jazz pianist.
FROM CL IN MICHIGAN: O' so many things. If only we could get a do over.////FROM JACK: Reincarnation isn't one of our beliefs.
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: I grew up in a family that tried not to visit the doctor very much. No insurance and so forth. Consequently, I've had various illnesses and afflictions and don't take care of things fast enough so that they don't get too serious. I think if I were to change anything in my life, it would be to go to the doctor and dentist earlier.////FROM JACK: Visits to the doctor and to the dentist were rare in my life, too. In fact, I can't remember ever taking our dog to the vet.
FROM ME IN NEWPORT BEACH: Read more and improve my reading skills. My wife reads all of the time and I often joke that I do not know how to read. While I usually tested well, I was almost always the last one done with any tests because I was such a slow reader. Is the quote from Vernon Law the baseball player? ////FROM JACK: My problem was that I could read, but often could not comprehend. Now, when I read what I want to read, the comprehension is there. But I guess that education is not about reading what you want to read. I thought that baseball players were only capable of "Yogi-type" quotes, but I was wrong. Yes, this quote is by Vern Law, the former baseball pitcher.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: I wish that I had more patience with the electronic stuff of our age. The grandchildren just seem punch everything and get everything to come up right. I don't seem to have the patience to read through all the instructions, and even if I do the results are not always satisfactory. Anyway, in the big scheme of life, that is all not important. Just now my 99 cent iphone has mysteriously gone on a vibrating tone instead of a ring. It is a challenge, sort of.////FROM JACK: I don't see my grandchildren reading any set of instructions. I read the instructions, but it seems as though some of the pages are missing. I can't even learn to "text."
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Makes me remember Will Rogers saying, "Good judgment comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgment!" Bill used to quote that fairly often to our kids...The key is to LEARN from experiences, as your WW points out. Good thought for today! Hopefully as octogenarians we are a little wiser for all of our "experiences"! :-)////FROM JACK: Is that why Tom Brokaw wrote a book and called it, "The Greatest Generation?"
“Experience is a hard teacher, because she gives the test first, the lessons afterwards.” (Vernon Law) We are in that time of the year when students are taking their final exams. Oh, how I hated finals! I tried to be the first done, even if that meant not doing my best work. If I were to live those early years over, I’d do some things differently. Are there some things that you might improve on? ;) Jack
FROM RI IN BOSTON: Your WW are a striking reversal of how we normally learn. You follow up with comments how we as individuals might improve, but I think mankind has fallen short..society collectively has proven to be a slow learner.////FROM JACK: I have several sayings posted near my computer. One says: "Act Old Later!" and the another reads: "Ancora Imparo (I am still learning.)."
FROM MV IN MICHIGAN: Yes Jack there are many things I would improve on. We read “The Road Less Travelled” in 9th grade and that poem has stayed with me forever. I think about it often as I reflect upon its application to my life. It also reminds me of the Yogi Berra-ism, “When I come to a fork in the road, I pick it up”. ////FROM JACK: "I woulda, coulda, shoulda!" Once, having made the choice, there are no do-overs, only new choices. For better or worse, that's life! I remember this poem...
He came to my desk with quivering lip;
The lesson was done.
“May I have a new sheet, dear teacher?
I’ve spoiled this one.”
So I took his sheet all spoiled and blotted,
And gave him a new one – all unspotted,
Then into his sad eyes smiled,
“Do better now, my child.”
I came to the Throne with quivering heart;
The old year was done.
“May I have a new year, dear Master?
I’ve spoiled this one.”
So He took my year, all spoiled and blotted,
And gave me a new one – all unspotted,’
Then into my sad heart smiled,
“Do better now, my child.”
FROM HONEST JOHN: I always had the need to be done first, too. I learned to use the extra time to double check my answers. It has been a good lesson for life.////FROM JACK: I shoulda listened to my chemistry teacher (Uncle Carl) who said, "You can do better." At least, I've remembered those words.////MORE HONESTY: I finally got that message thru to my daughter (took a while) and she ended up as a Summa Cum Laude at the Un of Mich....it is a key lesson in life. I think my woodworking hobby helped me to learn it...unfortunately, I still forget it at times and then comes "ouch"
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: There are things I deeply regret but to do things differently, I'm not so sure. I have forgiveness for the things I didn't do my best on, and I'm quite happy with my life now. Perhaps I would have taken better care of my body while involved with all the sports I played.////FROM JACK: Sometimes we are better for the mistakes that we have made.
FROM MEDD-O-LANE: Isn't it amazing the longer we live the smarter we get until our memory starts playing games with us.////FROM JACK: I read somewhere that we never forget anything. Everything is stored somewhere in the recesses of the brain. In one of my four-drawer filing cabinets, I have a folder, marked: Moline. It's fun to look through it once in a while. My brain works the same way.
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: I would have stuck with the piano.////FROM JACK: Phil Conners stuck with it in "Groundhog Day" and became an outstanding jazz pianist.
FROM CL IN MICHIGAN: O' so many things. If only we could get a do over.////FROM JACK: Reincarnation isn't one of our beliefs.
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: I grew up in a family that tried not to visit the doctor very much. No insurance and so forth. Consequently, I've had various illnesses and afflictions and don't take care of things fast enough so that they don't get too serious. I think if I were to change anything in my life, it would be to go to the doctor and dentist earlier.////FROM JACK: Visits to the doctor and to the dentist were rare in my life, too. In fact, I can't remember ever taking our dog to the vet.
FROM ME IN NEWPORT BEACH: Read more and improve my reading skills. My wife reads all of the time and I often joke that I do not know how to read. While I usually tested well, I was almost always the last one done with any tests because I was such a slow reader. Is the quote from Vernon Law the baseball player? ////FROM JACK: My problem was that I could read, but often could not comprehend. Now, when I read what I want to read, the comprehension is there. But I guess that education is not about reading what you want to read. I thought that baseball players were only capable of "Yogi-type" quotes, but I was wrong. Yes, this quote is by Vern Law, the former baseball pitcher.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: I wish that I had more patience with the electronic stuff of our age. The grandchildren just seem punch everything and get everything to come up right. I don't seem to have the patience to read through all the instructions, and even if I do the results are not always satisfactory. Anyway, in the big scheme of life, that is all not important. Just now my 99 cent iphone has mysteriously gone on a vibrating tone instead of a ring. It is a challenge, sort of.////FROM JACK: I don't see my grandchildren reading any set of instructions. I read the instructions, but it seems as though some of the pages are missing. I can't even learn to "text."
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Makes me remember Will Rogers saying, "Good judgment comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgment!" Bill used to quote that fairly often to our kids...The key is to LEARN from experiences, as your WW points out. Good thought for today! Hopefully as octogenarians we are a little wiser for all of our "experiences"! :-)////FROM JACK: Is that why Tom Brokaw wrote a book and called it, "The Greatest Generation?"
Friday, June 01, 2012
Winning Words 6/1/12
“The strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack.” (Rudyard Kipling) I used these words recently when I spoke at an event honoring “fallen police officers.” The Police Dept is only as strong as the individual officer. The same can be said of any organization, including the Church. Do you remember this song? ”I am the Church. You are the Church. We are the Church together.” ;-) Jack
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: So true.////FROM JACK: At the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Ben Franklin said, "Gentlemen we must all hang together or we shall most assuredly all hang separately."
FROM HY YO: I told you - I like this one!////FROM JACK: I do listen...once in a while.
FROM MY LAWYER: Somehow that song wasn't part of my repertoire growing up!!! I do like the thought, however.////FROM JACK: Perhaps you learned it as, "I am the synagogue. You are the synagogue. We are the synagogue together."
FROM DC IN MICHIGAN: This was about twenty years ago or so, wasn't it? In one of the Sunday School song books. I mean, sure I know it. I think I know the rest of the words too, but maybe I have forgotten some of them. Next time I go to Gloria Dei, I'll look that song up.////FROM JACK: It might have been more than 20 years ago.
(chorus) I am the Church, you are the Church, we are the Church together.
All who follow Jesus all around the world, yes, we’re the Church together.”
The church is not a building, the church is not a steeple,
the church is not a resting place, the church is a people. (chorus)
We're many kinds of people, with many kinds of faces,
all colors and all ages, too, from all times and places. (chorus)
Sometimes the church is marching, Sometimes it's bravely burning,
Sometimes it's riding, sometimes hiding, Always it's learning. (chorus)
And when the people gather, there's singing and there's praying,
there's laughing and there's crying sometimes, all of it saying: (chorus)
FROM GUSTIE MARLYS: Oh yes! I remember leading that song to our whole congregation while dressed in my Madrigal costume! Of course I ha motions and all! It was spectacular! Ha.////FROM JACK: You must have made a "spectacular" of yourself. Too bad it's not on YouTube.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: We learned that song long ago in a Bapist Church at VBS. It was before our church started VBS. It is still one of my favorites but I admit, I had forgotten it. Thanks for the reminder and thanks for honoring our fallen heroes!////FROM JACK: Speaking of VBS songs, did you ever sing about Noah and his arkie, arkie?
FROM CS IN MICHIGAN: I noted this quote when you used it at the Police Week Presentation. I like it and I was hoping that others remembered it as well. Glad you decided to use it again here today. ////FROM JACK: Some things are worth repeating. There are many situations in which the quote applies.
FROM WATERFORD JAN: We sang this at Good Samaritan very early in our consolidation process. Pastor Bud Miller was our Interim Pastor and his wife, Barbara, suggested this song. It was especially appropriate to remind us who the "church" really is when we were struggling to give up our former church buildings in order to perpetuate the lives of our merging congregations.////FROM JACK: One of my favorite cartoons shows two donkeys tied together with a rope. Each is reaching for a pile of hay, but the rope isn't long enough. They keep tugging, but it's no use. Finally the problem is solved when they cooperate and both go for the same hay.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Ah, what memories that I AM THE CHURCH song brings. Used it at church, camp, VBS, etc. My youth choir sang it for special music...And you mentioned in your blog, Noah and the Arkie: I just had a young women who works with youth in Chicago area, ask me to write out the words for that song, so she could teach it to her church kids. I had her in Baptist Camp years ago! (She was at my church for a funeral!) Music sure plays an important role in our lives, doesn't it??! I am taking part in Ken Bradbury's new play "Couplings' which opens tonight in Petersburg...following the lives of 8 couples. I am the elderly woman with beginning Alzheimer's...! NOT typecasting!! (Still beautiful, and with a very loving husband...:-) HA! It's fun to do some drama occasionally ,too! All of our "packs" have strength, individual and as a group. Thanks for WW!////FROM JACK: The pack is stronger because of critters like you.
“The strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack.” (Rudyard Kipling) I used these words recently when I spoke at an event honoring “fallen police officers.” The Police Dept is only as strong as the individual officer. The same can be said of any organization, including the Church. Do you remember this song? ”I am the Church. You are the Church. We are the Church together.” ;-) Jack
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: So true.////FROM JACK: At the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Ben Franklin said, "Gentlemen we must all hang together or we shall most assuredly all hang separately."
FROM HY YO: I told you - I like this one!////FROM JACK: I do listen...once in a while.
FROM MY LAWYER: Somehow that song wasn't part of my repertoire growing up!!! I do like the thought, however.////FROM JACK: Perhaps you learned it as, "I am the synagogue. You are the synagogue. We are the synagogue together."
FROM DC IN MICHIGAN: This was about twenty years ago or so, wasn't it? In one of the Sunday School song books. I mean, sure I know it. I think I know the rest of the words too, but maybe I have forgotten some of them. Next time I go to Gloria Dei, I'll look that song up.////FROM JACK: It might have been more than 20 years ago.
(chorus) I am the Church, you are the Church, we are the Church together.
All who follow Jesus all around the world, yes, we’re the Church together.”
The church is not a building, the church is not a steeple,
the church is not a resting place, the church is a people. (chorus)
We're many kinds of people, with many kinds of faces,
all colors and all ages, too, from all times and places. (chorus)
Sometimes the church is marching, Sometimes it's bravely burning,
Sometimes it's riding, sometimes hiding, Always it's learning. (chorus)
And when the people gather, there's singing and there's praying,
there's laughing and there's crying sometimes, all of it saying: (chorus)
FROM GUSTIE MARLYS: Oh yes! I remember leading that song to our whole congregation while dressed in my Madrigal costume! Of course I ha motions and all! It was spectacular! Ha.////FROM JACK: You must have made a "spectacular" of yourself. Too bad it's not on YouTube.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: We learned that song long ago in a Bapist Church at VBS. It was before our church started VBS. It is still one of my favorites but I admit, I had forgotten it. Thanks for the reminder and thanks for honoring our fallen heroes!////FROM JACK: Speaking of VBS songs, did you ever sing about Noah and his arkie, arkie?
FROM CS IN MICHIGAN: I noted this quote when you used it at the Police Week Presentation. I like it and I was hoping that others remembered it as well. Glad you decided to use it again here today. ////FROM JACK: Some things are worth repeating. There are many situations in which the quote applies.
FROM WATERFORD JAN: We sang this at Good Samaritan very early in our consolidation process. Pastor Bud Miller was our Interim Pastor and his wife, Barbara, suggested this song. It was especially appropriate to remind us who the "church" really is when we were struggling to give up our former church buildings in order to perpetuate the lives of our merging congregations.////FROM JACK: One of my favorite cartoons shows two donkeys tied together with a rope. Each is reaching for a pile of hay, but the rope isn't long enough. They keep tugging, but it's no use. Finally the problem is solved when they cooperate and both go for the same hay.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Ah, what memories that I AM THE CHURCH song brings. Used it at church, camp, VBS, etc. My youth choir sang it for special music...And you mentioned in your blog, Noah and the Arkie: I just had a young women who works with youth in Chicago area, ask me to write out the words for that song, so she could teach it to her church kids. I had her in Baptist Camp years ago! (She was at my church for a funeral!) Music sure plays an important role in our lives, doesn't it??! I am taking part in Ken Bradbury's new play "Couplings' which opens tonight in Petersburg...following the lives of 8 couples. I am the elderly woman with beginning Alzheimer's...! NOT typecasting!! (Still beautiful, and with a very loving husband...:-) HA! It's fun to do some drama occasionally ,too! All of our "packs" have strength, individual and as a group. Thanks for WW!////FROM JACK: The pack is stronger because of critters like you.
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