Jack’s Winning Words 6/28/13
“A man doesn’t have to be an angel in order to be a saint.” (Albert Schweitzer) Last Sunday the preacher asked, “How many of you expect to go to heaven?” Hands went up, but not all. How about you? Or, if someone asked if you were a saint, how would you answer? There are various definitions of the word, but I believe that a saint is one who by word, deed and thought tries to express godliness in the world to the world. ;-) Jack
FROM LP IN PLYMOUTH: "expect?" I might have hesitated. I hope. I pray. But I do not expect.
Yes, "I believe in one baptism for the forgiveness of sins", but I know that I daily (hourly. constantly.) fall short.====JACK: Children have ears and minds. It appears that you have used them.
FROM MICHIZONA RAY: I am sad to hear that some hands did not go up at the service. I too used to think I didn't deserve heaven, and wouldn't get there either. Now I know I was correct about not "deserving" heaven by my own hand; but still, I will confidently (by a faithfulness to the promise already given to me) enter my rightful place in heaven by Jesus' hand. Does this make me a saint? I don't know about that; but blessed...indeed. It is of little significance what title I am assigned by man here and now; it will be of no significance once Jesus welcomes me with a big smile!====JACK: I've learned to be non-judgmental toward non hand-raisers. Some might want to ask: "What do you mean by heaven? What do you mean by, expect? Are you talking to me alone, or to the whole group?" As I recall, you are a question asker.
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: i try my best.====JACK: There's an old saying: "Do your best, and God will do the rest."
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: I think your WW today actually illustrate a paragraph I recently read in a book "Wide Welcome: How the Unsettling Presence of Newcomers Can Save the Church": "Biblical faith confesses a different God. This God is, as Martin Luther would write, 'Deus absconditus--Deus revelatus', God whose self-revelation is also hidden: 'For the work of God must be hidden and never understood, even when it happens. But it is never hidden in any other way than under that which appears contrary to our conceptions and ideas.' The church of the cross speaks of a God who is revealed in the place that reason and experience would be least likely to look: in human form in the manger and on the cross. This is a God who is compassionate--one who is 'suffering-with', an incarnate God, a God in time, a God turned toward the world in love in Jesus Christ. Thus, the marks of the church of the cross are faith, hope, and love." Ironically, this paradoxical situation in our lives, rather than being the most foolish thing we could ever believe in, turns out to be the only reality we can ever fully believe in. It's really strong, especially in Sunday's worship together. Trying to understand what is truly mysterious in your WW this morning,====JACK: Yes, the mystery of God...both hidden and revealed, both known and unknown. Life is a journey of seeking.. An answer comes, and another question presents itself. In the end, the hope is that all questions will be provided with answers.
FROM DP IN MINNESOTA: Your winning words are often the encouragement I need to get me through a situation or a day! Every day I appreciate the message even though I seldom respond via email. Anyway, I think your efforts are saintly!====JACK: I do pray daily that God will use Winning Words to be helpful. I'm glad for your affirmation that prayer is more than words.
FROM WALMART REV: On the list by faith! -Because of Him, a sinner saint saved by His grace! ====JACK: Jesus loves me, this I know.....or, as someone has put it: Jesus knows me, this I love.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: I believe whoever believes in Jesus is a saint in His congregation. Even though none of are "saints".====JACK: Are you using two definitions of "saint?"
FROM DMF IN MINNESOTA: I remember you asking a group of campers (including me) at Camp Augustana vespers to raise their hand if they thought they were a saint. Almost all, including me, did not raise their hand. You explained what a saint was, then asked the question again. Everyone raised their hand. ====JACK: Something similar happened on Sunday, as the pastor went on to explain the question. While he did not ask for another show of hands, I think that the point was well made.
FROM CS IN WISCONSIN: Maybe it also works in reverse…you can be a saint to be married to the same person for 50 years and still appear to be an angel. Tomorrow Bob and I celebrate our 50th! Hardly seems possible – the years have gone by quickly.====JACK: What's this..."appear" to be angel? In this instance, are you talking about the husband or the wife? Congratulations to a couple of saints!
FROM GUSTIE MARLYS: I'm too Scandinavian to admit out loud to anything! ====JACK: In the mind of the old Swedes, pride would keep them from raising their hand. A lot of stuff in the "new" church would never "fly" in the old church. But times change...for better or worse.
FROM SBP IN FLORIDA: Go to heaven? God/Jesus sacrificed to forgive sins. Mine, too? And they have their hands full. But as LP says,”I hope. I pray. “...and I believe====JACK: I guess I see your hand going up.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: I think that everyone in heaven is a saint. And that is the goal and purpose of
living.====JACK:: Some words, like saint, have different meanings and meanings with different interpretations. Much misunderstanding between religious groups is because of this.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: I guess it is hard to think of ourselves as saints, though by your definition we might qualify...It makes me think of that phrase, "We are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses" (or saints) But one of my key verses is John 5:24 " He who hears my words, and believes on Him who sent me, has eternal life, and shall not come into judgment but has passed from death to life!" So I do expect to pass on to Heaven, which we really know very little about! We can never be Angels, as they are a separate created entity. Albert Schweitzer was an awe-inspiring missionary and musician!! I have No doubt that he is walking the halls of Heaven!! Enjoyed these WW.====JACK: My "heavenly" thoughts have evolved. I believe that what Paul wrote to the Corinthians expresses my current thinking.....“Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” I believe that, after death, it will be good for the saints...and God knows who they are.
FROM CWR IN MICHIGAN: ....a Saint? one who understands "I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was sick and you visited me."........and not to be focused so much on Heaven, but on "Wrapping it up with some sense of active goodness here"........====JACK: I like the song, "I sing a song of the saints of god."
I sing a song of the saints of God,
patient and brave and true,
who toiled and fought and lived and died
for the Lord they loved and knew.
And one was a doctor, and one was a queen,
and one was a shepherdess on the green;
they were all of them saints of God, and I mean,
God helping, to be one too.
They loved their Lord so dear, so dear,
and his love made them strong;
and they followed the right for Jesus' sake
the whole of their good lives long.
And one was a soldier, and one was a priest,
and one was slain by a fierce wild beast;
and there's not any reason, no, not the least,
why I shouldn't be one too.
They lived not only in ages past;
there are hundreds of thousands still.
The world is bright with the joyous saints
who love to do Jesus' will.
You can meet them in school, or in lanes or at sea,
in church, or in trains or in shops or at tea,
for the saints of God are just folk like me,
and I mean to be one too.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Jack’s Winning Words 6/27/13
“When you are real, you don’t mind that it hurts.” (The old Skin Horse) In the book, How Toys Become Real, a stuffed rabbit asks an older toy how to become real. He’s told that you become real through magic and through the love of a little boy. “When you are loved for a long, long time, not just to play with, you become real.” The rabbit wonders, “Does it hurt?” Today’s quote is the answer. It’s like that in real life, too. ;-) Jack
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: Thought-provoking WW. I don't believe I would like to be real and not be a Christian.====JACK: The "great" commandment speaks about love for self, neighbor and G-d. It is for the believer to define what love is in each of thos situations.
FROM MICHIZONA RAY: True enough! C.S. Lewis wrote of it too in Shadowlands. Referring to his own experience of loss (the death of his mother) as a child, he said that he then chose "safety". (He seemed to find his safety in academics and theology -- something that wouldn't leave him, and God that can't die.) For many, safety from such pain is to avoid making intimate connections with most anything or anyone (that would eventually experience death). As you know, he later fell in love with a woman who had cancer, and married her amidst the torment of its destructive nature. This certainly isn't the manner of one who seeks safety from the suffering of loss. Quite to the contrary, he accepted both cutting edges of the sword in this circumstance. There was no avoiding it. Lewis notes the difference he learned through this experience of engaging in the intimacies of Life, noting, "...the boy chooses safety; while the man chooses suffering". Our season on earth is like a crucible that turns our hair grey, wrinkles our skin, pains our joints, and slows us down to a virtual crawl. But every grey hair, wrinkle, and pain was well-earned; like a medal or badge that proclaims that you have been tested and matured in the fire, and the gold has become more pure as a result. BTW: another great line of Lewis, " I don't pray because it changes God. I pray because it changes me." ----JACK: Lewis's Screwtape Letters shows that he considered it a challenge to live out the "Christian" belief. Perhaps that's why the book has appealed to so many.
FROM WALMART REV: I've picked up on a new definition of "really hurting"... hurting while being real! ====JACK: I came across a thought this morning that seems to relate..."That's the thing about pain. It demands to be felt." (John Green)
FROM RI IN BOSTON: Maybe the converse is true too..."When it hurts, you know you're real." There are quite a few statements about "pain" floating around, such as, "Pain is good because it feels so good when it stops."====JACK: Repeating the quote that I sent to Walmart Rev...."That's the thing about pain. It demands to be felt." (John Green). While pain is a pain, it also alerts us to problems that could result in even more pain...like going to the dentist.
FROM EEC IN MICHIGAN: I thought that was in the book the Velveteen Rabbit...====JACK: You know your books!
FROM PH IN MINNESOTA: i thought that quote was from the Velvateen Rabbit. perhaps i am wrong. just fact checking.====JACK: You're right. BTW, Michigan's Velvet Peanut Butter was started in a family garage in 1937. I don't know where the Velveteen Rabbit originated.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Wasn't that in "The Velveteen Rabbit"? Pain is real...very real. To be human is to feel pain...any joy and happiness!====JACK: You're the third person to provide that information. I don't think that I ever read that book. I was too busy doing other stuff. Part of being human is to have feelings, pleasant and unpleasant.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: That's a quote from the Velveteen Rabbit book; a classic loved by my kids, grandkids, and "greats"! Dr. Brand and Philip Yancey wrote an excellent book entitled, "Pain: The gift nobody wants...Dr. Brand worked with Lepers who lost the capacity to feel pain, and suffered many injuries and disfigurements due to this. It is well worth reading, and gives you a different perspective on the gift of pain.Life is not all roses, but it is certainly worth the trip!====JACK: Am I the only one who hasn't read that the Velveteen Rabbit? The Chicago White Sox used to have a shortstop, Luke Appling, whose nickname was "Old aches and pains." He got that name, because he often played, even though injured, and didn't mind telling people how he was hurting.
FROM BBC IN ILLINOIS: Always loved that story and think of it from time to time. Thanks for the happy reminder.====JACK: One of these days I'm going to the library and check it out.
“When you are real, you don’t mind that it hurts.” (The old Skin Horse) In the book, How Toys Become Real, a stuffed rabbit asks an older toy how to become real. He’s told that you become real through magic and through the love of a little boy. “When you are loved for a long, long time, not just to play with, you become real.” The rabbit wonders, “Does it hurt?” Today’s quote is the answer. It’s like that in real life, too. ;-) Jack
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: Thought-provoking WW. I don't believe I would like to be real and not be a Christian.====JACK: The "great" commandment speaks about love for self, neighbor and G-d. It is for the believer to define what love is in each of thos situations.
FROM MICHIZONA RAY: True enough! C.S. Lewis wrote of it too in Shadowlands. Referring to his own experience of loss (the death of his mother) as a child, he said that he then chose "safety". (He seemed to find his safety in academics and theology -- something that wouldn't leave him, and God that can't die.) For many, safety from such pain is to avoid making intimate connections with most anything or anyone (that would eventually experience death). As you know, he later fell in love with a woman who had cancer, and married her amidst the torment of its destructive nature. This certainly isn't the manner of one who seeks safety from the suffering of loss. Quite to the contrary, he accepted both cutting edges of the sword in this circumstance. There was no avoiding it. Lewis notes the difference he learned through this experience of engaging in the intimacies of Life, noting, "...the boy chooses safety; while the man chooses suffering". Our season on earth is like a crucible that turns our hair grey, wrinkles our skin, pains our joints, and slows us down to a virtual crawl. But every grey hair, wrinkle, and pain was well-earned; like a medal or badge that proclaims that you have been tested and matured in the fire, and the gold has become more pure as a result. BTW: another great line of Lewis, " I don't pray because it changes God. I pray because it changes me." ----JACK: Lewis's Screwtape Letters shows that he considered it a challenge to live out the "Christian" belief. Perhaps that's why the book has appealed to so many.
FROM WALMART REV: I've picked up on a new definition of "really hurting"... hurting while being real! ====JACK: I came across a thought this morning that seems to relate..."That's the thing about pain. It demands to be felt." (John Green)
FROM RI IN BOSTON: Maybe the converse is true too..."When it hurts, you know you're real." There are quite a few statements about "pain" floating around, such as, "Pain is good because it feels so good when it stops."====JACK: Repeating the quote that I sent to Walmart Rev...."That's the thing about pain. It demands to be felt." (John Green). While pain is a pain, it also alerts us to problems that could result in even more pain...like going to the dentist.
FROM EEC IN MICHIGAN: I thought that was in the book the Velveteen Rabbit...====JACK: You know your books!
FROM PH IN MINNESOTA: i thought that quote was from the Velvateen Rabbit. perhaps i am wrong. just fact checking.====JACK: You're right. BTW, Michigan's Velvet Peanut Butter was started in a family garage in 1937. I don't know where the Velveteen Rabbit originated.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Wasn't that in "The Velveteen Rabbit"? Pain is real...very real. To be human is to feel pain...any joy and happiness!====JACK: You're the third person to provide that information. I don't think that I ever read that book. I was too busy doing other stuff. Part of being human is to have feelings, pleasant and unpleasant.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: That's a quote from the Velveteen Rabbit book; a classic loved by my kids, grandkids, and "greats"! Dr. Brand and Philip Yancey wrote an excellent book entitled, "Pain: The gift nobody wants...Dr. Brand worked with Lepers who lost the capacity to feel pain, and suffered many injuries and disfigurements due to this. It is well worth reading, and gives you a different perspective on the gift of pain.Life is not all roses, but it is certainly worth the trip!====JACK: Am I the only one who hasn't read that the Velveteen Rabbit? The Chicago White Sox used to have a shortstop, Luke Appling, whose nickname was "Old aches and pains." He got that name, because he often played, even though injured, and didn't mind telling people how he was hurting.
FROM BBC IN ILLINOIS: Always loved that story and think of it from time to time. Thanks for the happy reminder.====JACK: One of these days I'm going to the library and check it out.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Jack’s Winning Words 6/26/13
“Yes, dreams do come true.” (Derek Jeter) Today, Jeter turns 39. While growing up in Michigan, his dream was to play baseball for the Yankees. After high school he was drafted by his “dream” team. In his first full-year in the majors, “his” team won the World Series. As his career winds down, he’s ready for the Hall of Fame. “Dream, and they might come true. Dream, that’s the thing to do. So, dream, dream….” ;-) Jack
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: From what I read and hear, he's a class act. It's refreshing to hear someone's dream has come true. He's a hard worker and has prospered because of his work ethics. Dreams are prayers received.====JACK: While he was growing up, his parents offered him a contract to sign each year related to his behavior. That has carried through. He has now established a foundation to motivate kids to turn away from drugs and alcohol and to TURN 2 a healthy lifestyle.
FROM HONEST JOHN: My dream was tougher than Jeter's...I wanted to marry a great girl and have terrific kids...Guess what? It happened!====JACK: With the demanding schedule that baseball players have, time for family seems to be limited. Life presents its choices.
FROM WALMART REV: "Even in the midst of a few nightmares, keep on dreaming"...it is good for the soul!====JACK: Nightmares are really scary when they happen during the waking hours.====REV: I'm still reminiscing over that last one at Wal-Mart several weeks ago...====JACK: Wake up, and let it go.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: I THINK ESPECIALLY IN OUR COUNTRY THEY ARE MORE APT TO COME TRUE. JETER IS AN INSPIRATION TO OTHER YOUNG ASPIRANTS, AND NOT JUST IN SPORTS; NURTURING OUR CHILDREN TO REALIZE THAT THEY CAN BE ANYTHING THEY "DREAM" TO BE IS AN IMPORTANT AND SATISFYING VENTURE. YOU HAVE TO FOCUS ON THE DREAM, AND PUT IN THE HARD WORK, BUT DREAMS ARE ATTAINABLE. IN MAJOR LEAGUE SPORTS OF COURSE, THAT IS NOT ALWAYS TRUE. YOU CAN BE VERY GOOD, BUT NOT QUITE GOOD ENOUGH!! "DREAM" WAS ONE OF OUR "DREAMY" SONGS, AT THE OLD "REC" IN MOLINE! HOW OFTEN WE DANCED TO THAT \!!====JACK: Another danceable song about dreams (I remember roller skating to it) is this one...
"Fairy tales can come true, it can happen to you If you're young at heart
For it's hard, you will find, to be narrow of mind If you're young at heart
You can go to extremes with impossible schemes You can laugh when your dreams fall apart at the seams And life gets more exciting with each passing day And love is either in your heart or on it's way
Don't you know that it's worth every treasure on earth To be young at heart
For as rich as you are it's much better by far To be young at heart
And if you should survive to 105 Look at all you'll derive out of being alive
Then here is the best part, you have a head start If you are among the very young at heart."
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Yes, and he has chosen to build his huge new home in Tampa. He was a hard worker, had his goals, and lived his dreams. Lucky guy. But the values in our country are rather skewed at the moment with the monstrous amount of money.====JACK: The disparity between rich and poor seems to be a widening gulf, which can probably see in your area. It's in other places, too. I give Jeter credit for directing his Foundation toward disadvantaged kids. Ti be a "caring" person is something that he learned in his home in K-Zoo..====SHIRL: Just today my neighbors told me about three of their children and friends being laid off. It seems that things were getting better.
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: Remember that we sang that song as a chorus in the Senior ADC show? Dream on, Sweet Prince.====JACK: Prince Fielder plays first base for the Detroit Tigers.
“Yes, dreams do come true.” (Derek Jeter) Today, Jeter turns 39. While growing up in Michigan, his dream was to play baseball for the Yankees. After high school he was drafted by his “dream” team. In his first full-year in the majors, “his” team won the World Series. As his career winds down, he’s ready for the Hall of Fame. “Dream, and they might come true. Dream, that’s the thing to do. So, dream, dream….” ;-) Jack
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: From what I read and hear, he's a class act. It's refreshing to hear someone's dream has come true. He's a hard worker and has prospered because of his work ethics. Dreams are prayers received.====JACK: While he was growing up, his parents offered him a contract to sign each year related to his behavior. That has carried through. He has now established a foundation to motivate kids to turn away from drugs and alcohol and to TURN 2 a healthy lifestyle.
FROM HONEST JOHN: My dream was tougher than Jeter's...I wanted to marry a great girl and have terrific kids...Guess what? It happened!====JACK: With the demanding schedule that baseball players have, time for family seems to be limited. Life presents its choices.
FROM WALMART REV: "Even in the midst of a few nightmares, keep on dreaming"...it is good for the soul!====JACK: Nightmares are really scary when they happen during the waking hours.====REV: I'm still reminiscing over that last one at Wal-Mart several weeks ago...====JACK: Wake up, and let it go.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: I THINK ESPECIALLY IN OUR COUNTRY THEY ARE MORE APT TO COME TRUE. JETER IS AN INSPIRATION TO OTHER YOUNG ASPIRANTS, AND NOT JUST IN SPORTS; NURTURING OUR CHILDREN TO REALIZE THAT THEY CAN BE ANYTHING THEY "DREAM" TO BE IS AN IMPORTANT AND SATISFYING VENTURE. YOU HAVE TO FOCUS ON THE DREAM, AND PUT IN THE HARD WORK, BUT DREAMS ARE ATTAINABLE. IN MAJOR LEAGUE SPORTS OF COURSE, THAT IS NOT ALWAYS TRUE. YOU CAN BE VERY GOOD, BUT NOT QUITE GOOD ENOUGH!! "DREAM" WAS ONE OF OUR "DREAMY" SONGS, AT THE OLD "REC" IN MOLINE! HOW OFTEN WE DANCED TO THAT \!!====JACK: Another danceable song about dreams (I remember roller skating to it) is this one...
"Fairy tales can come true, it can happen to you If you're young at heart
For it's hard, you will find, to be narrow of mind If you're young at heart
You can go to extremes with impossible schemes You can laugh when your dreams fall apart at the seams And life gets more exciting with each passing day And love is either in your heart or on it's way
Don't you know that it's worth every treasure on earth To be young at heart
For as rich as you are it's much better by far To be young at heart
And if you should survive to 105 Look at all you'll derive out of being alive
Then here is the best part, you have a head start If you are among the very young at heart."
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Yes, and he has chosen to build his huge new home in Tampa. He was a hard worker, had his goals, and lived his dreams. Lucky guy. But the values in our country are rather skewed at the moment with the monstrous amount of money.====JACK: The disparity between rich and poor seems to be a widening gulf, which can probably see in your area. It's in other places, too. I give Jeter credit for directing his Foundation toward disadvantaged kids. Ti be a "caring" person is something that he learned in his home in K-Zoo..====SHIRL: Just today my neighbors told me about three of their children and friends being laid off. It seems that things were getting better.
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: Remember that we sang that song as a chorus in the Senior ADC show? Dream on, Sweet Prince.====JACK: Prince Fielder plays first base for the Detroit Tigers.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Jack’s Winning Words 6/25/13
“I’ve learned that one person saying to me, ‘You’ve made my day!’ makes my day.” (Unknown) No, Andy Rooney isn’t the author, but they’re good words, just the same. A businessman that I knew kept a file of “thank you” notes sent by customers. On days when business was slow, he’d pull out that file and reread some of the letters. Perhaps there’s someone you know who’d appreciate such a letter from you…today! ;-) Jack
CLINT EASTWOOD: "Go ahead, make my day" Spoken by Harry Callahan in the movie, "Sudden Impact."
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: You've made my day! Actually, it's easy to write this to you, you are a person who is affirming. I am trying to be friends now with a person I have to work with who is a super rigid personality, perfectionistic in many ways and constantly "correcting" how I do things--my fondest ambition is to one day be able to truthfully tell him "You've made my day!" Only with the help of God will this ever become reality.====JACK: One of my favorite sayings is...."It'll work out." Given time (and with the help of the Holy Spirit), it usually does.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Wonderful Winning Words! I was just sitting here thinking I should get off my duff and send a letter to my sponsored child, Sanskriti Rai, in India. Then I thought, oh, I will do it tomorrow. But now, I will do it right now. Thanks! "You made my day!" ====JACK: When you follow through, some child in India is going to open a letter soon and say (in whatever language), "This makes my day!"
FROM MT IN PENNSYLVANIA: You've thanked me many times for the work I did at Holy Spirit...and I hope that at least once over these many years I have returned the favor. Either way, I will today! Not long after I graduated from college, the first architect for whom I made a stained glass window said to me, "To make great architecture, you have to have a great client." The same is true for the architectural arts. Looking back over the 20 years that I spent working with glass, you, and the arts committee at Holy Spirit, were among a mere handful of truly great clients -- and I will always be grateful for having had the opportunity to work with, and for, you. ====JACK: The word that comes to mind is, symbiotic!====MT: indeed, it is that kind of a relationship. each team member literally 'feeds' positive energy into the project, giving it a life of its own.
FROM RJP IN NAPLES: Thank you, there are often times you make my day.====JACK: Do you remember the poem by Longfellow... Sometimes I feel that way about Winning Words.
I shot an Arrow into the air
It fell to earth I know not where,
For so swiftly it flew, the sight
Could not follow it in its flight.
I breath'd a Song into the air
It fell to earth, I know not where.
For who has sight so keen and strong
That it can follow the flight of a song?
Long, long afterward in an oak
I found the Arrow still unbroke;
And the Song from beginning to end
I found again in the heart of a friend.
FROM BM IN MICHIGAN: My grandson at camp – thanks for the “reminder”!====JACK: Most people that I know (and especially children) are happy when there's something in the mail for them.
FROM SBP IN FLORIDA: Well, I start my day with .....“Thank you, Lord!” ...for so many things. And WW is among the list of expressions of appreciations...specifically, for mental stimulation in so many arenas. At present, the WW “miracles” has my mind churning in many directions...one of which is, “If the Big Bang Theory (science) is any way near correct, how/where did the components that generated it develop?” Rob Bell’s first chapters in WWTAWWTAG? lead to more questions. Thank you, for sharing TG WW. ====JACK: Theories are interesting, particularly when you remember that they're just theories. A favorite professor of mine once said, "You can't unscrew the inscrutable."
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: Once saw a sign at a gas station cash register..."Don't tell me what kind if a day to have!"......... It made my day.====JACK: Have a nice day!====PFC: I KNEW you would fall into that trap! You made my day.====:(^ v ^)
FROM DRX: This isn't a letter but rather a simple word of thanks for your sharing God's Word with me and countless others...====JACK: The Word is in the ear/eye of the beholder. Thanks
FROM MY LAWYER: Thank you, Jack, for being my friend. I've thoroughly enjoyed knowing and working with you for almost 42 years. Let's enjoy many more in good health ====JACK:
If you're ever in a jam, here I am.
If you're ever in a mess, S.O.S.
If you're so happy, you land in jail. I'm your bail.
It's friendship, friendship, just a perfect blendship.
When other friendships are soon forgot, ours will still be hot.
Da da da da da da dig dig dig.
If you're ever down a well, ring my bell.
If you're ever up a tree, just phone to me.
If you ever loose your teeth when you're out to dine, borrow mine.
It's friendship, friendship, just a perfect blendship.
When other friendships are soon forgeet, ours will still be great.
Loddle doddle chuck chuck chaa.
If they ever black you're eyes, put me wise.
If they ever cook your goose, turn me loose.
And if they ever put a bullet through your brain, Ill complain.
It's friendship, friendship, just a perfect blendship.
When other friendships are soon forgit, ours will still be it.
Ah loddle doddle hip hap hap.
If you ever loose your mind, I'll be kind.
And if you ever loose your shirt, I'll be hurt.
If you're ever in a mill and get sawed in half, I won't laugh.
It's friendship, friendship, just a perfect blendship.
When other friendships are are up the crick, ours will still be slick.
FROM JT IN MICHIGAN: I've reread those notes many times. Kindness is such a little thing, but means so very much.====JACK: I couldn't slip anything by you, could I?
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Thanks for you WW. I really enjoy them, and they jar a lot of memories. Today at my Japanese class there was one woman who was in Nagasaki on August 9, 1945 and another whose father was killed in the war and whose uncle lives just down the street from me and who was like a father to her. What a small world in which we live.====JACK: Today I came across this quote by Tolstoy. "The strongest of all warriors are Time and Patience." A long life gives a person the opportunity to see how enemies can become friends. One of my good friends was a teenager in the German army. I still haven't bought a Japanese car.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: LOVE THIS THOUGHT....I SO ENJOY RE-READING MY LATE HUSBAND'S CARDS AND NOTES TO ME, SAVED OVER THE YEARS....WHAT A BLESSING! LOVED THE WORDS TO "FRIENDSHIP;, FRIENDSHIP, JUST A PERFECT BLENDSHIP" ON THE BLOG!! :-) YOU HAVE "MADE THE DAY" OF MANY;, MANY PEOPLE OVER THE YEARS! ====JACK: There's a difference (in my opinion) between receiving a computer-note and one that is hand written, comes in a stamped envelope and is delivered by the mail carrier. For one thing...it's easier to save and isn't subject to a PC crash.
“I’ve learned that one person saying to me, ‘You’ve made my day!’ makes my day.” (Unknown) No, Andy Rooney isn’t the author, but they’re good words, just the same. A businessman that I knew kept a file of “thank you” notes sent by customers. On days when business was slow, he’d pull out that file and reread some of the letters. Perhaps there’s someone you know who’d appreciate such a letter from you…today! ;-) Jack
CLINT EASTWOOD: "Go ahead, make my day" Spoken by Harry Callahan in the movie, "Sudden Impact."
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: You've made my day! Actually, it's easy to write this to you, you are a person who is affirming. I am trying to be friends now with a person I have to work with who is a super rigid personality, perfectionistic in many ways and constantly "correcting" how I do things--my fondest ambition is to one day be able to truthfully tell him "You've made my day!" Only with the help of God will this ever become reality.====JACK: One of my favorite sayings is...."It'll work out." Given time (and with the help of the Holy Spirit), it usually does.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Wonderful Winning Words! I was just sitting here thinking I should get off my duff and send a letter to my sponsored child, Sanskriti Rai, in India. Then I thought, oh, I will do it tomorrow. But now, I will do it right now. Thanks! "You made my day!" ====JACK: When you follow through, some child in India is going to open a letter soon and say (in whatever language), "This makes my day!"
FROM MT IN PENNSYLVANIA: You've thanked me many times for the work I did at Holy Spirit...and I hope that at least once over these many years I have returned the favor. Either way, I will today! Not long after I graduated from college, the first architect for whom I made a stained glass window said to me, "To make great architecture, you have to have a great client." The same is true for the architectural arts. Looking back over the 20 years that I spent working with glass, you, and the arts committee at Holy Spirit, were among a mere handful of truly great clients -- and I will always be grateful for having had the opportunity to work with, and for, you. ====JACK: The word that comes to mind is, symbiotic!====MT: indeed, it is that kind of a relationship. each team member literally 'feeds' positive energy into the project, giving it a life of its own.
FROM RJP IN NAPLES: Thank you, there are often times you make my day.====JACK: Do you remember the poem by Longfellow... Sometimes I feel that way about Winning Words.
I shot an Arrow into the air
It fell to earth I know not where,
For so swiftly it flew, the sight
Could not follow it in its flight.
I breath'd a Song into the air
It fell to earth, I know not where.
For who has sight so keen and strong
That it can follow the flight of a song?
Long, long afterward in an oak
I found the Arrow still unbroke;
And the Song from beginning to end
I found again in the heart of a friend.
FROM BM IN MICHIGAN: My grandson at camp – thanks for the “reminder”!====JACK: Most people that I know (and especially children) are happy when there's something in the mail for them.
FROM SBP IN FLORIDA: Well, I start my day with .....“Thank you, Lord!” ...for so many things. And WW is among the list of expressions of appreciations...specifically, for mental stimulation in so many arenas. At present, the WW “miracles” has my mind churning in many directions...one of which is, “If the Big Bang Theory (science) is any way near correct, how/where did the components that generated it develop?” Rob Bell’s first chapters in WWTAWWTAG? lead to more questions. Thank you, for sharing TG WW. ====JACK: Theories are interesting, particularly when you remember that they're just theories. A favorite professor of mine once said, "You can't unscrew the inscrutable."
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: Once saw a sign at a gas station cash register..."Don't tell me what kind if a day to have!"......... It made my day.====JACK: Have a nice day!====PFC: I KNEW you would fall into that trap! You made my day.====:(^ v ^)
FROM DRX: This isn't a letter but rather a simple word of thanks for your sharing God's Word with me and countless others...====JACK: The Word is in the ear/eye of the beholder. Thanks
FROM MY LAWYER: Thank you, Jack, for being my friend. I've thoroughly enjoyed knowing and working with you for almost 42 years. Let's enjoy many more in good health ====JACK:
If you're ever in a jam, here I am.
If you're ever in a mess, S.O.S.
If you're so happy, you land in jail. I'm your bail.
It's friendship, friendship, just a perfect blendship.
When other friendships are soon forgot, ours will still be hot.
Da da da da da da dig dig dig.
If you're ever down a well, ring my bell.
If you're ever up a tree, just phone to me.
If you ever loose your teeth when you're out to dine, borrow mine.
It's friendship, friendship, just a perfect blendship.
When other friendships are soon forgeet, ours will still be great.
Loddle doddle chuck chuck chaa.
If they ever black you're eyes, put me wise.
If they ever cook your goose, turn me loose.
And if they ever put a bullet through your brain, Ill complain.
It's friendship, friendship, just a perfect blendship.
When other friendships are soon forgit, ours will still be it.
Ah loddle doddle hip hap hap.
If you ever loose your mind, I'll be kind.
And if you ever loose your shirt, I'll be hurt.
If you're ever in a mill and get sawed in half, I won't laugh.
It's friendship, friendship, just a perfect blendship.
When other friendships are are up the crick, ours will still be slick.
FROM JT IN MICHIGAN: I've reread those notes many times. Kindness is such a little thing, but means so very much.====JACK: I couldn't slip anything by you, could I?
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Thanks for you WW. I really enjoy them, and they jar a lot of memories. Today at my Japanese class there was one woman who was in Nagasaki on August 9, 1945 and another whose father was killed in the war and whose uncle lives just down the street from me and who was like a father to her. What a small world in which we live.====JACK: Today I came across this quote by Tolstoy. "The strongest of all warriors are Time and Patience." A long life gives a person the opportunity to see how enemies can become friends. One of my good friends was a teenager in the German army. I still haven't bought a Japanese car.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: LOVE THIS THOUGHT....I SO ENJOY RE-READING MY LATE HUSBAND'S CARDS AND NOTES TO ME, SAVED OVER THE YEARS....WHAT A BLESSING! LOVED THE WORDS TO "FRIENDSHIP;, FRIENDSHIP, JUST A PERFECT BLENDSHIP" ON THE BLOG!! :-) YOU HAVE "MADE THE DAY" OF MANY;, MANY PEOPLE OVER THE YEARS! ====JACK: There's a difference (in my opinion) between receiving a computer-note and one that is hand written, comes in a stamped envelope and is delivered by the mail carrier. For one thing...it's easier to save and isn't subject to a PC crash.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Jack’s Winning Words 6/24/13
“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” (John Wayne) Have you ever heard of hippotherapy? It refers to the beneficial treatment of disabled people with the help of a horse. The horse’s rhythmic movement has a calming effect. My g-daughter once worked with children where therapy horses were stabled. Gene Autry’s, “Back In the Saddle,” is helpful, too. “…back where a friend is a friend.” ;-) Jack
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: What an interesting WW again this morning. Hippotherapy--the first new thing I've learned starting out this beautiful summer day. Thanks!!!!====JACK: The Greek word for horse is, hippus, and the word for river is potamus...hence, hippopotamus, river horse.
FROM WALMART REV: Got all excited when my father and mother told me we were going out to visit a family from our church who lived on a farm (back when I was in 1st or 2nd grade in school). I asked if they had any horses I could ride...they said maybe. When we arrived, the farmer said sure you can, and took me to his barn...there he showed me a saw horse sitting in the middle of the barn floor..."hippotherapy" for me that day wasn't working too well!====JACK: It's good when we have friends and family who have a sense of humor and will share it with us when we are children.====REV: So true... I surely enjoyed my upbringing in Kansas, the church and especially my family (more so now as I've experienced so many who have not had such a privilege of being reared in a God-fearing enviorment)...my father was one of those, but found Christ when I was two and I was certainly blessed by the fruit of His decision to follow the life and teachings of Christ. Thankfully blessed-
FROM HONEST JOHN: Had a person in the church who was a physical therapist and used that kind of therapy.====JACK: Therapy means treatment, or healing. I wonder if Jesus might be called a therapist in today's world?
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: We love John Wayne. My brother-in-law Ken is a groupie and he's 3 years younger than me! It's hard to believe John still has such a following. He wasn't perfect but we love his ideals. My friend Sue has such a stable on Gratiot. They work with many different kinds of people, not just kids. (Love Gene Autry too)====JACK: Thanks to Google, you can listen to Back In the Saddle Again again.
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: LAL====JACK: Duke, horses, Gene...lots to like.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Certainly True! I think of the courage it takes my friend Jim, with cerebral Palsy, to get up at dawn to get ready to go to his job at the IL State Library...unable to walk, talks with great difficulty, arms don't obey his mind's commands often, etc. Yet he has a keen mind, with a Master's degree in Library Science, and is a committed Christian. He has had a significant impact on many, many, lives; does volunteer work, calls on the sick in the hospital, just amazing. One of my grandsons is named after him.
"The truth is you don't have to be perfect or remarkable. You can be ordinary or an outsider, flawed and failed, tried or tired. No matter what shape you're in, God will use anyone from any walk of life to fulfill his plans and purposes." (Carol Osteen Comes) May we all have the courage of the "Jims" in the world to fulfill God's purposes!====JACK: Sympathy and empathy are similar words, but we can never really know what it's like to live as another lives. Even identical twins are not identical, are they?====OAKS: No, very similar, but with individual traits, as well..
.FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Who said that courage is greatest virtue?...I just finished reading Ike;s Bluff about bluffing the Russians in the fifties. I guess that is where I read it.====JACK: Talking about courage...How the courage needed to launch the D-Day invasion, knowing the lives that would be lost and the possibility of failure?.
FROM MK IN MICHIGAN: My niece Jess is the director at Banbury Cross in Metamora she was one of the very first people in Michigan to obtain a degree in this type of therapy, she works with many kids with autisim and brain injuries, it is truly amazing what a horse can do to stimulate the brain! They are now starting a program for soldiers! She loves what she does she is a dynamic person, the holy spirit just flows out of this lady! We are just a tiny bit proud of her! Jessica Moore! PS I know what a horse does for my soul too! Love it!!====JACK: I once had dinner at the White Horse Inn in Metamora. It opened in 1850 and was once a stagecoach stop. It recently closed, but Metamora remains a "horse" area. When we moved to West Bloomfield, we could see occasional horse riders on some of the unpaved roads. There was even a riding arena near to our home. I, too, know a therapy trainer.
FROM LH IN MICHIGAN: Have you heard the one: "Courage is fear having said its prayers"? I like that one a lot, too.====JACK: That quote is attributed to Dorothy Bernard, but it's appeared in many places... and it's a good one.
“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” (John Wayne) Have you ever heard of hippotherapy? It refers to the beneficial treatment of disabled people with the help of a horse. The horse’s rhythmic movement has a calming effect. My g-daughter once worked with children where therapy horses were stabled. Gene Autry’s, “Back In the Saddle,” is helpful, too. “…back where a friend is a friend.” ;-) Jack
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: What an interesting WW again this morning. Hippotherapy--the first new thing I've learned starting out this beautiful summer day. Thanks!!!!====JACK: The Greek word for horse is, hippus, and the word for river is potamus...hence, hippopotamus, river horse.
FROM WALMART REV: Got all excited when my father and mother told me we were going out to visit a family from our church who lived on a farm (back when I was in 1st or 2nd grade in school). I asked if they had any horses I could ride...they said maybe. When we arrived, the farmer said sure you can, and took me to his barn...there he showed me a saw horse sitting in the middle of the barn floor..."hippotherapy" for me that day wasn't working too well!====JACK: It's good when we have friends and family who have a sense of humor and will share it with us when we are children.====REV: So true... I surely enjoyed my upbringing in Kansas, the church and especially my family (more so now as I've experienced so many who have not had such a privilege of being reared in a God-fearing enviorment)...my father was one of those, but found Christ when I was two and I was certainly blessed by the fruit of His decision to follow the life and teachings of Christ. Thankfully blessed-
FROM HONEST JOHN: Had a person in the church who was a physical therapist and used that kind of therapy.====JACK: Therapy means treatment, or healing. I wonder if Jesus might be called a therapist in today's world?
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: We love John Wayne. My brother-in-law Ken is a groupie and he's 3 years younger than me! It's hard to believe John still has such a following. He wasn't perfect but we love his ideals. My friend Sue has such a stable on Gratiot. They work with many different kinds of people, not just kids. (Love Gene Autry too)====JACK: Thanks to Google, you can listen to Back In the Saddle Again again.
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: LAL====JACK: Duke, horses, Gene...lots to like.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Certainly True! I think of the courage it takes my friend Jim, with cerebral Palsy, to get up at dawn to get ready to go to his job at the IL State Library...unable to walk, talks with great difficulty, arms don't obey his mind's commands often, etc. Yet he has a keen mind, with a Master's degree in Library Science, and is a committed Christian. He has had a significant impact on many, many, lives; does volunteer work, calls on the sick in the hospital, just amazing. One of my grandsons is named after him.
"The truth is you don't have to be perfect or remarkable. You can be ordinary or an outsider, flawed and failed, tried or tired. No matter what shape you're in, God will use anyone from any walk of life to fulfill his plans and purposes." (Carol Osteen Comes) May we all have the courage of the "Jims" in the world to fulfill God's purposes!====JACK: Sympathy and empathy are similar words, but we can never really know what it's like to live as another lives. Even identical twins are not identical, are they?====OAKS: No, very similar, but with individual traits, as well..
.FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Who said that courage is greatest virtue?...I just finished reading Ike;s Bluff about bluffing the Russians in the fifties. I guess that is where I read it.====JACK: Talking about courage...How the courage needed to launch the D-Day invasion, knowing the lives that would be lost and the possibility of failure?.
FROM MK IN MICHIGAN: My niece Jess is the director at Banbury Cross in Metamora she was one of the very first people in Michigan to obtain a degree in this type of therapy, she works with many kids with autisim and brain injuries, it is truly amazing what a horse can do to stimulate the brain! They are now starting a program for soldiers! She loves what she does she is a dynamic person, the holy spirit just flows out of this lady! We are just a tiny bit proud of her! Jessica Moore! PS I know what a horse does for my soul too! Love it!!====JACK: I once had dinner at the White Horse Inn in Metamora. It opened in 1850 and was once a stagecoach stop. It recently closed, but Metamora remains a "horse" area. When we moved to West Bloomfield, we could see occasional horse riders on some of the unpaved roads. There was even a riding arena near to our home. I, too, know a therapy trainer.
FROM LH IN MICHIGAN: Have you heard the one: "Courage is fear having said its prayers"? I like that one a lot, too.====JACK: That quote is attributed to Dorothy Bernard, but it's appeared in many places... and it's a good one.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Winning Words 6/21/13
“Be realistic! Plan for a miracle.” (Osho – Indian mystic) Norman Vincent Peale is known for his book, The Power of Positive Thinking. I guess if you believe in miracles it’s OK to pray for one. A miracle is something beyond human power and attributed to the divine. So, if you believe in the Divine, miracles can happen. In the Lord’s Prayer we’re taught to pray, “Thy will be done.” “God’s will” is the real miracle. ;-) Jack
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: Here is Henri Nouwen's meditation for today. Among all the words and the things all of us people say to each other, I think the gist of these two things is really the miracle I appreciate most and hope in the most, hope in Christ Jesus. No need to despair, don't have to be perfect in my speech, Someone else is/was perfect for/in place for us, learning into understanding it more and more in life.
" Growing into the Truth We Speak (Henry Nouwen) Can we only speak when we are fully living what we are saying? If all our words had to cover all our actions, we would be doomed to permanent silence! Sometimes we are called to proclaim God's love even when we are not yet fully able to live it. Does that mean we are hypocrites? Only when our own words no longer call us to conversion. Nobody completely lives up to his or her own ideals and visions. But by proclaiming our ideals and visions with great conviction and great humility, we may gradually grow into the truth we speak. As long as we know that our lives always will speak louder than our words, we can trust that our words will remain humble."====JACK: That God is able to use us (as imperfect beings) is truly miraculous.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: I like Sharon's quote from Henry Nouwen, "If all our words had to cover all our actions, we'd be doomed to permanent silence." (!) I read a quote from Ben Franklin in THIS WEEK newsletter which stuck with me, as well. "As we must account for every idle word, so must we account for every idle silence". Good to ponder! I've seen some bona fide miracles, (in my belief), and believe they can happen! Probably not as often as we'd like, but someday we'll have that "perfect" knowledge as to why.... ====JACK: The real miracle is that there is a G-d who knows, cares and loves us. Without that belief, the longing and praying for miracles is wasted effort.
FROM WALMART REV: God's will is truly the "Miracle Working God" working miracles noted in His Word beyond our understanding and experienced by folks even today that at times leave us standing there scratching our heads in wonderment! I'm amused though at those who demand such, instead of ,“My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Thankful for all those little miracle touches by God in my life throughout the years...supplying all our needs during those 5 wonderful years in WB is one of them.====JACK: One of my favorite poems is The Power House by Christopher Morley. "Out for my evening stroll I discovered on 84th Street A power-house, quietly humming to itself, And though I lived near-by I had never known it was there. Some people are like that." Our miracle working God is sometimes like that, too.
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: Miracles are in the eyes of the beholder. Some people call them good fortune. The old "saw" goes, "One man's meat is another man's poison."====JACK: That "saw" is the name of a book by E. B. White that I have on my shelf.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Amen! God shows us miracles everyday if we just take the time to look around. We have seen them in our lives. Do you believe in Miracles?====JACK: I believe in God, the ultimate miracle, who makes all things possible.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Yes, I believe in miracles, but I also believe that one should live like everything depends on you and pray that everything depends on God.====JACK: In you believe in miracles, the Rays have a chance to win the World Series.
“Be realistic! Plan for a miracle.” (Osho – Indian mystic) Norman Vincent Peale is known for his book, The Power of Positive Thinking. I guess if you believe in miracles it’s OK to pray for one. A miracle is something beyond human power and attributed to the divine. So, if you believe in the Divine, miracles can happen. In the Lord’s Prayer we’re taught to pray, “Thy will be done.” “God’s will” is the real miracle. ;-) Jack
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: Here is Henri Nouwen's meditation for today. Among all the words and the things all of us people say to each other, I think the gist of these two things is really the miracle I appreciate most and hope in the most, hope in Christ Jesus. No need to despair, don't have to be perfect in my speech, Someone else is/was perfect for/in place for us, learning into understanding it more and more in life.
" Growing into the Truth We Speak (Henry Nouwen) Can we only speak when we are fully living what we are saying? If all our words had to cover all our actions, we would be doomed to permanent silence! Sometimes we are called to proclaim God's love even when we are not yet fully able to live it. Does that mean we are hypocrites? Only when our own words no longer call us to conversion. Nobody completely lives up to his or her own ideals and visions. But by proclaiming our ideals and visions with great conviction and great humility, we may gradually grow into the truth we speak. As long as we know that our lives always will speak louder than our words, we can trust that our words will remain humble."====JACK: That God is able to use us (as imperfect beings) is truly miraculous.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: I like Sharon's quote from Henry Nouwen, "If all our words had to cover all our actions, we'd be doomed to permanent silence." (!) I read a quote from Ben Franklin in THIS WEEK newsletter which stuck with me, as well. "As we must account for every idle word, so must we account for every idle silence". Good to ponder! I've seen some bona fide miracles, (in my belief), and believe they can happen! Probably not as often as we'd like, but someday we'll have that "perfect" knowledge as to why.... ====JACK: The real miracle is that there is a G-d who knows, cares and loves us. Without that belief, the longing and praying for miracles is wasted effort.
FROM WALMART REV: God's will is truly the "Miracle Working God" working miracles noted in His Word beyond our understanding and experienced by folks even today that at times leave us standing there scratching our heads in wonderment! I'm amused though at those who demand such, instead of ,“My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Thankful for all those little miracle touches by God in my life throughout the years...supplying all our needs during those 5 wonderful years in WB is one of them.====JACK: One of my favorite poems is The Power House by Christopher Morley. "Out for my evening stroll I discovered on 84th Street A power-house, quietly humming to itself, And though I lived near-by I had never known it was there. Some people are like that." Our miracle working God is sometimes like that, too.
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: Miracles are in the eyes of the beholder. Some people call them good fortune. The old "saw" goes, "One man's meat is another man's poison."====JACK: That "saw" is the name of a book by E. B. White that I have on my shelf.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Amen! God shows us miracles everyday if we just take the time to look around. We have seen them in our lives. Do you believe in Miracles?====JACK: I believe in God, the ultimate miracle, who makes all things possible.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Yes, I believe in miracles, but I also believe that one should live like everything depends on you and pray that everything depends on God.====JACK: In you believe in miracles, the Rays have a chance to win the World Series.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Winning Words 6/20/13
“Never regret. If it’s good, it’s wonderful. If it’s bad, it’s experience.” (Victoria Holt) Victoria was an English writer of romance novels. Her quote could probably apply to some situations in her fiction. It could also relate to some everyday life experiences. You can find romance and the pits in relationships, if that’s what you’re looking for. The “key” is to realize that life has ups and downs. So, live a little, and learn a lot. ;-) Jack
FROM WALMART REV: I was reading Hebrews 11 the other day and noticed that those living sheltered lives never made the "Hall of Faith" examples...everyone of them that lived for a length of time here on earth definitely had their "ups and downs"!====JACK: Some things never seem to change, but we keep hoping that they will.
FROM RI IN BOSTON: Everyday life does have its ups and downs. It's to keep us mentally alert. The longer we live, the more we learn. I don't think we ever graduate from the School of Hard Knocks. ====JACK: In the UK it's referred to as The University of Life. I seem to remember that the early Greek philosophers taught their students out in the open, in parks and on the streets. Perhaps that was the first teaching of "Street Smarts."
FROM SAINT JAMES: Good one...I still read your WWs each day.====JACK: I read them each day, too. Some days, it's wonderful; some days, it's an experience.
FROM IKE AT THE MIC: It has also been said: Good judgment comes from experience..experience comes from bad judgment.====JACK: "Wonderful" response!
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: It's easy to not regret but it's much harder not to forget. I used to read her novels when I was young. She was or even still is, a good write. She writes under a lot of names which I used to know but can't remember....much to my regret.====JACK: Victoria said, "Never regret." Easier said than done. But like Frankie sang: "Regrets? I've had a few."
“Never regret. If it’s good, it’s wonderful. If it’s bad, it’s experience.” (Victoria Holt) Victoria was an English writer of romance novels. Her quote could probably apply to some situations in her fiction. It could also relate to some everyday life experiences. You can find romance and the pits in relationships, if that’s what you’re looking for. The “key” is to realize that life has ups and downs. So, live a little, and learn a lot. ;-) Jack
FROM WALMART REV: I was reading Hebrews 11 the other day and noticed that those living sheltered lives never made the "Hall of Faith" examples...everyone of them that lived for a length of time here on earth definitely had their "ups and downs"!====JACK: Some things never seem to change, but we keep hoping that they will.
FROM RI IN BOSTON: Everyday life does have its ups and downs. It's to keep us mentally alert. The longer we live, the more we learn. I don't think we ever graduate from the School of Hard Knocks. ====JACK: In the UK it's referred to as The University of Life. I seem to remember that the early Greek philosophers taught their students out in the open, in parks and on the streets. Perhaps that was the first teaching of "Street Smarts."
FROM SAINT JAMES: Good one...I still read your WWs each day.====JACK: I read them each day, too. Some days, it's wonderful; some days, it's an experience.
FROM IKE AT THE MIC: It has also been said: Good judgment comes from experience..experience comes from bad judgment.====JACK: "Wonderful" response!
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: It's easy to not regret but it's much harder not to forget. I used to read her novels when I was young. She was or even still is, a good write. She writes under a lot of names which I used to know but can't remember....much to my regret.====JACK: Victoria said, "Never regret." Easier said than done. But like Frankie sang: "Regrets? I've had a few."
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Winning Words 6/19/13
“Why try to explain miracles to your kids when you can just have them plant a garden?” (Robert Brault) I have an apple seed attached to my computer as a reminder of what can happen when a “seed” is planted and allowed to grow…apples and more apples. A maple seedling is growing in our bushes. A “helicopter” seed evidently took root. A nest on our front porch produced 4 baby robins. Everyday miracles! ;-) Jack
BERNARD BERENSON (American Art Historian)"Miracles happen to those who believe in them."
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: Miracles don't have to be big for me--they can be little and meaningful, like one perfect rose, one sweet strawberry, the first one of the season, one little bean plant grown in a first-graders paper cup. Thanks for your WW, the fact that you're so faithful in conveying them each morning is also a miracle to me. I always look forward to reading them!!!!!====JACK: Large or small, a miracle is still a miracle.
FROM WALMART REV: More than we can ever comprehend this side of eternity...enjoy planting and experiencing your's today as I will mine..."Multiplied,multiple multiplicities of miracles!"====JACK: Be on the lookout for God's miracles today...even the little ones that can slip under the radar.
FROM HONEST JOHN: I grew up on eleven acres...planted a lot of gardens...harvested a lot of fruit and grapes and berries, etc. still love to garden...the bunnies, et. al. And I share the produce.====JACK: Carl Sandburg wrote a little book, The Rootabaga Stories. Did you ever grow rootabagas?====JOHN: Don't like them except in pasties...did grow popcorn, however...a fairly unusual crop====JACK: Did you ever grow horse radishes?====JOHN: Radishes, yes...let horses grow their own
FROM PASTY PAT: Amen, amen (from the shores of Lake Superior with more miracles all around me!) ====JACK: The formation of a Petosky stone is a miracle, too. Do you see any on the shore?
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: Like. A lot.====JACK: Perhaps LAL could be a new Facebook abbreviation.
FROM RUTHIE IN ILLINOIS: I have spent the last week watching a sparrow couple feed their babies-what a joy! They made the nest in one of my hanging planters, close to the house,&they dont seem to mind me watching them:) God works in mysterious ways, his wonders to perform:)====JACK: Here's another song that you might like.
Under His wings I am safely abiding,
Though the night deepens and tempests are wild,
Still I can trust Him; I know He will keep me,
He has redeemed me, and I am His child.
Refrain
Under His wings, under His wings,
Who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
Safely abide forever.
Under His wings, what a refuge in sorrow!
How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!
Often when earth has no balm for my healing,
There I find comfort, and there I am blessed.
Refrain
Under His wings, oh, what precious enjoyment!
There will I hide till life’s trials are o’er;
Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me,
Resting in Jesus, I’m safe evermore.
Refrain
====RUTHIE: Ha! I replied before I read about your robins-synchronicity-I love it...I have been thinking of my father alot this week, writing a song for him-...he taught me to plant seeds. I still see his hands, showing me. Such a great lesson-to plant a seed & have faith that it will grow:)
FROM SBP IN FLORIDA: “The Lord is good to me...And so I thank the Lord...For giving me the things I need..The sun and rain and the apple seed. Oh, the Lord is good to me!” Johnny Appleseed”s song! Darts! Seeds! Gifts to stimulate awareness and remind us of .....Jesus’ parables! Re Honest John....There’s a delightful story in The Rootabaga Stories that he(because he grew popcorn)might enjoy : The Chinese Silver Slipper Buckle....I love it...and so did all the children to whom I read it. I touched the sleeve of Carl Sandburg’s black suit jacket at the U. of I. .....I didn’t wash my hands for days.====JACK: My father grew up in Galesburg when Carl Sandburg also lived there. I once visited Sandburg's home and have a picture of him on a wall near my computer. From what I heard from my Galesburg relatives, Carl had some rough edges.
“Why try to explain miracles to your kids when you can just have them plant a garden?” (Robert Brault) I have an apple seed attached to my computer as a reminder of what can happen when a “seed” is planted and allowed to grow…apples and more apples. A maple seedling is growing in our bushes. A “helicopter” seed evidently took root. A nest on our front porch produced 4 baby robins. Everyday miracles! ;-) Jack
BERNARD BERENSON (American Art Historian)"Miracles happen to those who believe in them."
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: Miracles don't have to be big for me--they can be little and meaningful, like one perfect rose, one sweet strawberry, the first one of the season, one little bean plant grown in a first-graders paper cup. Thanks for your WW, the fact that you're so faithful in conveying them each morning is also a miracle to me. I always look forward to reading them!!!!!====JACK: Large or small, a miracle is still a miracle.
FROM WALMART REV: More than we can ever comprehend this side of eternity...enjoy planting and experiencing your's today as I will mine..."Multiplied,multiple multiplicities of miracles!"====JACK: Be on the lookout for God's miracles today...even the little ones that can slip under the radar.
FROM HONEST JOHN: I grew up on eleven acres...planted a lot of gardens...harvested a lot of fruit and grapes and berries, etc. still love to garden...the bunnies, et. al. And I share the produce.====JACK: Carl Sandburg wrote a little book, The Rootabaga Stories. Did you ever grow rootabagas?====JOHN: Don't like them except in pasties...did grow popcorn, however...a fairly unusual crop====JACK: Did you ever grow horse radishes?====JOHN: Radishes, yes...let horses grow their own
FROM PASTY PAT: Amen, amen (from the shores of Lake Superior with more miracles all around me!) ====JACK: The formation of a Petosky stone is a miracle, too. Do you see any on the shore?
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: Like. A lot.====JACK: Perhaps LAL could be a new Facebook abbreviation.
FROM RUTHIE IN ILLINOIS: I have spent the last week watching a sparrow couple feed their babies-what a joy! They made the nest in one of my hanging planters, close to the house,&they dont seem to mind me watching them:) God works in mysterious ways, his wonders to perform:)====JACK: Here's another song that you might like.
Under His wings I am safely abiding,
Though the night deepens and tempests are wild,
Still I can trust Him; I know He will keep me,
He has redeemed me, and I am His child.
Refrain
Under His wings, under His wings,
Who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
Safely abide forever.
Under His wings, what a refuge in sorrow!
How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!
Often when earth has no balm for my healing,
There I find comfort, and there I am blessed.
Refrain
Under His wings, oh, what precious enjoyment!
There will I hide till life’s trials are o’er;
Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me,
Resting in Jesus, I’m safe evermore.
Refrain
====RUTHIE: Ha! I replied before I read about your robins-synchronicity-I love it...I have been thinking of my father alot this week, writing a song for him-...he taught me to plant seeds. I still see his hands, showing me. Such a great lesson-to plant a seed & have faith that it will grow:)
FROM SBP IN FLORIDA: “The Lord is good to me...And so I thank the Lord...For giving me the things I need..The sun and rain and the apple seed. Oh, the Lord is good to me!” Johnny Appleseed”s song! Darts! Seeds! Gifts to stimulate awareness and remind us of .....Jesus’ parables! Re Honest John....There’s a delightful story in The Rootabaga Stories that he(because he grew popcorn)might enjoy : The Chinese Silver Slipper Buckle....I love it...and so did all the children to whom I read it. I touched the sleeve of Carl Sandburg’s black suit jacket at the U. of I. .....I didn’t wash my hands for days.====JACK: My father grew up in Galesburg when Carl Sandburg also lived there. I once visited Sandburg's home and have a picture of him on a wall near my computer. From what I heard from my Galesburg relatives, Carl had some rough edges.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Winning Words 6/18/13
“Forty is the old age of youth, and fifty is the youth of old age.” (French Proverb) This proverb reminds me of the saying, “You’re as young as you feel.” The young are often trying to appear older, and the old are trying to appear younger. Like the song goes, “It’s a strange world, Master Jack.” Did people care about their age before there were calendars? If someone told you to act your age, what would you be doing? ;-) Jack
FROM MICHIZONA RAY: I would continue with little regard to the non-specific command. How does one provide a good answer to a bad question; or in this case, a useful response to a poor directive? Does such a command better identify how the other would behave in that circumstance of time? And then, what would that have to do with me and my life in this circumstance of time? Oh, I forgot, we're all supposed to be the same, act the same, think the same.====JACK: I don't whether or not you're acting your age....but you are being you. And that's good!
FROM WALMART REV: I told myself earlier on to enjoy every life stage I find myself in...whether I have or not, I don't really know, but it feels like I have... thinking now that I'm in the final stretch, prepared to greet humbly but with gracious expectancy my Creator!====JACK: You sound like Paul writing to the Philippians.
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: i pay no attention to "numbers."====JACK: How do you play the lottery without using numbers?
FROM RI IN BOSTON: Act my age? "Acting" usually means to assume a role in a performance. So you can expect me to carry on as though I am younger than my actual years. If someone told me, "Live your age", then I'd be sitting on a park bench leaning on my cane.====JACK: Teenagers long to be older than they really are. When, if ever, does that feeling pass?
FROM RS IN TEXAS: If someone told me to act my age, I hope I would be playing golf ..........probably not real well, but playing.====JACK: Don't you wish that you could shoot your age on the golf course? For 18 holes, not 9.
FROM ME IN NEWPORT BEACH: Living down to the fun of my youth. Hopefully, at no one else's expense. Pretty much my goal in life====JACK: Isn't it interesting how the description of fun changes as the person's age changes?
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Do you think that people real change as they age? Just in observing my friends and family it seems like they all keep up their interests and activities just as they did when we were all young. ====JACK: I think that evolve is the word. The people I've met and the experiences I've had along the way have had a major influence on me...and, yet, there's a basic something that seems to hang on.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: OR SOME SAY 50 IS THE NEW 30! THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT WE ARE MUCH MORE ACTIVE AND HEALTTHY IN OLD AGE, THAN USED TO BE TRUE. HOW DO YOU "ACT" 83??! I REFUSE TO SIT IN A ROCKING CHAIR AND ROCK AWAY THE DAY...IN FACT MY NIECE (JAN'S YOUNGEST, 54) AND I ARE OFF TO THE GOLF COURSE TO PLAY 18 HOLES ON A BEAUTIFUL DAY. I AM BLESSED, AND I KNOW IT!!!====JACK: I remember a time when I tried to see how fast I could play 18 holes. I ran from shot to shot. I don't think that that would interest me anymore. But maybe you're in better shape than I am.
FROM SBP IN FLORIDA: I imagine age was “measured” by “bones”, failing sight, diminishing agility, gray hair and beards and the like,,,,,,Much like now...only we put it on an age-range scale...or where we are on the bell curve of life. As Popeye said, “I yam what I yam...”and though “time’s winged chariot {is} hurrying near..”,I feel much as I remember as a child.... wanting/trying to do to keep up and/or surpass....... with some success and some deferred gratification. Life is good! Another TG WW.====JACK: Do you think that Methuselah really had 969 candles on his birthday cake?
FROM GUSTIE MARLYS: Jumping rope! Ha!====JACK:
Call the Army, call the Navy
So-so's gonna have a baby.
Wrap it up in tissue paper,
send it down the elevator,
(Rope turned double time)
Boy, girl, twins, triplets, boys, girls, twins, triplets, etc.
--(Whichever the jumper misses on is the number of babies she's going to have.)
====MARLYS: I never did that one--we did Johnnie over the ocean--Johnie over the sea--Johnie broke a bottle and blamed it on to to me--I told Ma--Ma told Pa--Johnie got a licken so Hee hee hee. How many ??? did he get--1-2-3-and so on. We did others too. It was always fun. I never did master the Double Dutch tho.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: I would be playing with Barbies and swinging on a swing.====JACK: Your response reminds me of this song.
Would you like to swing on a star?
Carry moonbeams home in a jar?
And be better off than you are?
Or would you rather be a mule?
A mule is an animal with long, funny ears
He kicks up at anything he hears
His back is brawny and his brain is weak
He's just plain stupid with a stubborn streak
And, by the way, if you hate to go to school
You may grow up to be a mule
FROM KF IN MICHIGAN: At the drive-through window at Taco Bell the cashier asked me if I would like a 'senior's drink' with my order - so I guess I'm older than I feel ; )====JACK: My laugh for the day. When my mother was 85, the clerk asked to see her ID to prove that she should have a senior discount.
“Forty is the old age of youth, and fifty is the youth of old age.” (French Proverb) This proverb reminds me of the saying, “You’re as young as you feel.” The young are often trying to appear older, and the old are trying to appear younger. Like the song goes, “It’s a strange world, Master Jack.” Did people care about their age before there were calendars? If someone told you to act your age, what would you be doing? ;-) Jack
FROM MICHIZONA RAY: I would continue with little regard to the non-specific command. How does one provide a good answer to a bad question; or in this case, a useful response to a poor directive? Does such a command better identify how the other would behave in that circumstance of time? And then, what would that have to do with me and my life in this circumstance of time? Oh, I forgot, we're all supposed to be the same, act the same, think the same.====JACK: I don't whether or not you're acting your age....but you are being you. And that's good!
FROM WALMART REV: I told myself earlier on to enjoy every life stage I find myself in...whether I have or not, I don't really know, but it feels like I have... thinking now that I'm in the final stretch, prepared to greet humbly but with gracious expectancy my Creator!====JACK: You sound like Paul writing to the Philippians.
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: i pay no attention to "numbers."====JACK: How do you play the lottery without using numbers?
FROM RI IN BOSTON: Act my age? "Acting" usually means to assume a role in a performance. So you can expect me to carry on as though I am younger than my actual years. If someone told me, "Live your age", then I'd be sitting on a park bench leaning on my cane.====JACK: Teenagers long to be older than they really are. When, if ever, does that feeling pass?
FROM RS IN TEXAS: If someone told me to act my age, I hope I would be playing golf ..........probably not real well, but playing.====JACK: Don't you wish that you could shoot your age on the golf course? For 18 holes, not 9.
FROM ME IN NEWPORT BEACH: Living down to the fun of my youth. Hopefully, at no one else's expense. Pretty much my goal in life====JACK: Isn't it interesting how the description of fun changes as the person's age changes?
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Do you think that people real change as they age? Just in observing my friends and family it seems like they all keep up their interests and activities just as they did when we were all young. ====JACK: I think that evolve is the word. The people I've met and the experiences I've had along the way have had a major influence on me...and, yet, there's a basic something that seems to hang on.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: OR SOME SAY 50 IS THE NEW 30! THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT WE ARE MUCH MORE ACTIVE AND HEALTTHY IN OLD AGE, THAN USED TO BE TRUE. HOW DO YOU "ACT" 83??! I REFUSE TO SIT IN A ROCKING CHAIR AND ROCK AWAY THE DAY...IN FACT MY NIECE (JAN'S YOUNGEST, 54) AND I ARE OFF TO THE GOLF COURSE TO PLAY 18 HOLES ON A BEAUTIFUL DAY. I AM BLESSED, AND I KNOW IT!!!====JACK: I remember a time when I tried to see how fast I could play 18 holes. I ran from shot to shot. I don't think that that would interest me anymore. But maybe you're in better shape than I am.
FROM SBP IN FLORIDA: I imagine age was “measured” by “bones”, failing sight, diminishing agility, gray hair and beards and the like,,,,,,Much like now...only we put it on an age-range scale...or where we are on the bell curve of life. As Popeye said, “I yam what I yam...”and though “time’s winged chariot {is} hurrying near..”,I feel much as I remember as a child.... wanting/trying to do to keep up and/or surpass....... with some success and some deferred gratification. Life is good! Another TG WW.====JACK: Do you think that Methuselah really had 969 candles on his birthday cake?
FROM GUSTIE MARLYS: Jumping rope! Ha!====JACK:
Call the Army, call the Navy
So-so's gonna have a baby.
Wrap it up in tissue paper,
send it down the elevator,
(Rope turned double time)
Boy, girl, twins, triplets, boys, girls, twins, triplets, etc.
--(Whichever the jumper misses on is the number of babies she's going to have.)
====MARLYS: I never did that one--we did Johnnie over the ocean--Johnie over the sea--Johnie broke a bottle and blamed it on to to me--I told Ma--Ma told Pa--Johnie got a licken so Hee hee hee. How many ??? did he get--1-2-3-and so on. We did others too. It was always fun. I never did master the Double Dutch tho.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: I would be playing with Barbies and swinging on a swing.====JACK: Your response reminds me of this song.
Would you like to swing on a star?
Carry moonbeams home in a jar?
And be better off than you are?
Or would you rather be a mule?
A mule is an animal with long, funny ears
He kicks up at anything he hears
His back is brawny and his brain is weak
He's just plain stupid with a stubborn streak
And, by the way, if you hate to go to school
You may grow up to be a mule
FROM KF IN MICHIGAN: At the drive-through window at Taco Bell the cashier asked me if I would like a 'senior's drink' with my order - so I guess I'm older than I feel ; )====JACK: My laugh for the day. When my mother was 85, the clerk asked to see her ID to prove that she should have a senior discount.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Winning Words 6/17/13
“Who’s the most important man this country ever knew?” (Spike Jones) Who’s the most important? “Barney Google, with those goo, goo, googly eyes.” He was Google before Google. Barney, the comic strip character, first appeared on this date in 1917. In fact, I once belonged to a Barney Google fan club. I liked Spike Jones’ music, too. Back to the subject, who would you name as our country’s most important person? ;-) Jack
FROM MICHIZONA RAY: I would say the person with whom I am with most, the person I wake up with every morning, and the person to whom I would be wise to better serve. It's the same person - my wife. Thanks for an easy question!====JACK: To day would be a good day to tell her so.
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: Martin Luther King, Jr., and I think I say that because the most pressing challenge in my life right now is how are people going to make a more equitable and just and fair society in my own community which is just adjacent to the City of Detroit so that we have a neighborhood that is peaceful and safe to live in and enjoy having our home in. Yep, it's Martin Luther King, Jr. ====JACK: Last night I saw part of the movie, "To Kill a Mockingbird." When will be ever learn? MLK Jr was an important teacher. Each generation needs its teachers and motivators.
FROM WALMART REV: ...grew up with heroes...watching some of the old "Saturday Morning Western Shows" I bought at Wal-Mart the other day (150 of them)...these were the Anne Oakley 30 minute westerns (4-5 of them)...the bad guys never got away with their crime...Anne was right on top of things...I could use a few new heroes in my life from those here in America presently...don't hear of them much anymore...seems like everyone has their skeletons exposed to the world (even suggested ones, not always proven to be so) by those wanting to defame a person)...Jack, come to think of it-you are one of my heroes that I can count on to inspire me to greater worth each day! Thanks...====JACK: In a college speech class, I was asked to give a George Washington's Birthday talk. The prof gave me an A on the presentation, but also gave me a lecture (in front of the class) because of the content. I had dug up many historical negative facts about GW. The class laughed, but I was told that it was inappropriate to try and denigrate honored people for laughs. ====REV: That is very interesting...definitely a different outlook today..."closet material" more accepted, sought after and expected, and unfortunately present in all our lives...very humbling to me. Makes me not want to be in the spotlight...but at times will find myself stumbling up to the front row!====JACK: One of the problems that pastors face....The pulpit is usually placed higher than where "the people" are.
FROM TS IN INDIANA: Abraham Lincoln====JACK: That's a very good answer and just what I'd expect from a "Civil War buff."
FROM HONEST JOHN: Abraham Lincoln====JACK: I thought that you were going to say..." Theodore Celms or Martin Holcomb."
FROM ME IN NEWPORT BEACH: Living: Pres. Obama Dead: Tie between George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. One got us started, the other kept us going. I am a little worried about where we are going.====JACK: Worried? You're in good company. There was uncertainty after The Revolution, after the Civil War, after the Nuclear Bomb, after the Racial Revolution, after Obama's election, etc. Before TV, picture news was presented on the movie screens with the title...Time Marches On!====ME: Probably for many different reasons, there is an absence of political leadership in our country, in both parties. Long on form, but short on substance.====JACK: Perhaps it's because we're more media driven than before. The instantaneous reporting tends to make us more fickle. It's hard to be a leader when daily polls are taken indicating whether or not people think you're doing a good job. I'd hate to have a daily performance review.
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: I think it is the same person whether looking forward or back: "The common man" (or common person, if you will). There are no so called important people without the mass of humanity that is America. The common man lifts, builds, shapes, both land, shelter, and means of production he is the foundation of society, without him and her there are no Warren Buffet's, Mellon's, Edison's, Tesla's, or pampered politicians(Romans 12:4-5). It is the mom, Mrs. Palmer the social studies teacher, it is kid at the fast food joint, the West Virginia Coal mine worker, my Barista Melissa at Starbucks (where I am heading now). It is the Detroit auto worker, even the ones currently in Alabama and Tennessee. It is the man who builds the fence, Jim brokering churches, it is Mrs. J. from Vietnam that tailors my suit, Dana the businessman that risks his capital to provide services for our little town, it is the young team with the next Google, Youtube, or Twitter. It is the college student that figures out the answer is not in a book. It is you, me, your blog readers, that are the most important. All of the Most Important People you read/hear/see in media would not be there without the effort of the common man mixed with their own unique initiative and discipline. Take away the scorecard of money--and then who is the greatest? I'm going with Mrs. Palmer, my sixth grade Social Studies teacher. ====JACK: Your response reminds me of a favorite music piece of mine...Fanfare for the Common Man by Aaron Copland. Carl Sandburg also eulogized the Common Man in much of his poetry.
FROM RJP IN NAPLES: I too loved Spike Jones and his crazy band. I would list these men.
Washington, because he set the tempo for the Presidency, Edison, because without him we would be devoid of so much. Franklin, because without him the continental congress would have been divided.
Noah Webster for his contribution to education Carver, who proved color did not separate genius,
Adams, Jefferson, Madison and the other founding fathers who had the vision. John Smith, who had the courage, Carnegie, Rockefeller, Mellon and the giants of the 19th century who helped America explode into history economically Far too many that have made great contributions to name just one.====JACK: This shows that you were paying attention during history class. Just like the United States is strong because of each individual state, it is also strong because of many individual persons...like you.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: WOW!! TRYING TO PICK "ONE" AS THE MOST IMPORTANT??! IMPOSSIBLE, I'D SAY! AND THERE HAVE BEEN SOME WOMEN, TOO! ELEANOR ROOSEVELT, WOULD BE ONE HELEN KELLER, ETC. OUR COUNTRY HAS A WONDERFUL LEGACY OF OUTSTANDING PEOPLE WHO HAVE IMPROVED OUR LIVES WITH INVENTIONS, SCIENCE DISCOVERIES, RELIGIOUS LEADERSHIP. HOW BLESSED WE ARE. AS BILL CLINTON SAID, "THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH AMERICA, THAT CANNOT BE CURED BY WHAT IS RIGHT WITH AMERICA." WELL SAID!====JACK: You didn't name Barney Google. Rosa Parks would be a good one. The first female president should be another on the list.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: That is a very hard question. In the beginning it would have to be George Washington. But then you have to consider Abraham Lincoln because we not be one country today but several like South America.====JACK: It's like asking someone, "Which person is most important to the family?"
FROM GUSTIE MARLYS: I had that record--a thick one--about 1/4 inch--on my grandma's old Edison crank phonograph. I played it all the time when I was at the farm. Almost wore it out! I could sing it for you now! ====JACK: We could sing it as a duet.
FROM CWR FORMERLY FROM B'MORE: Snuffy Jones.........====JACK: Close. Snuffy Smith. Also, Spark Plug, Loweezy, Tater, Jughaid, Elviney, Lukey and Parson.
FROM CL IN MICHIGAN: There are many but my top 3 choices Jesus Christ, Abe Lincoln and Thomas Edison====JACK: The Mormons believe that the resurrected Jesus lived in America, so I guess that counts. Lincoln and Edison are worthy choices.
FROM DS IN MICHIGAN: H-m-m-m. Define important.====JACK: Chief, critical, crucial, essential, exigent, foremost, importunate, mattering much, meaningful, paramount, signal, significant, vital.
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: Abe Lincoln ====JACK: I suppose he referred to you as, Chet, too.
FROM MK IN MICHIGAN: Now that is a tuffy! Would depend on where you come from I guess! Can’t think of one I would pick, for me it would have to be someone who brought about peace, who is your pick?====JACK: You're right. It would depend on circumstances. I would have to choose someone from my lifetime, since historians have a way of writing their own version compared to reality. I'm going to say, Harry Truman, because he became president by accident and made some difficult decisions which greatly affected the direction of the country. He was was also the first president I voted for.
FROM SBP IN FLORIDA: WW poses a question that I would deign to answer.....To my way of thinking...”Good” reflects personal effort and commitment...”Better” is what is built upon it...and “Best” reflects the combined efforts of all three.......with the support of equally committed persons.,,,,but I’m limited in my philosophical training/background. Good Question. Allows and accepts everyone’s opinions. Thanks for the darts.====JACK: I'm taking a poll. When you cast your first presidential ballot, who did you consider to be the better candidate?
FROM AW IN ILLINOIS: Spike Jones was my favorite band leader at that time. I have several of his records including "You alwasy hurt the one you love". He was very inovative with his music..but he finally made special newslines when he went after his wife with a pistol threatening her. Kind of tarnished the image I had of him.====JACK: Maybe he'd sipped Cocktails for two...more than he should have.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Abraham Lincoln...of course, who else would we say was the most important? But, we really do think he was!====JACK: Someone answered, Jesus.
“Who’s the most important man this country ever knew?” (Spike Jones) Who’s the most important? “Barney Google, with those goo, goo, googly eyes.” He was Google before Google. Barney, the comic strip character, first appeared on this date in 1917. In fact, I once belonged to a Barney Google fan club. I liked Spike Jones’ music, too. Back to the subject, who would you name as our country’s most important person? ;-) Jack
FROM MICHIZONA RAY: I would say the person with whom I am with most, the person I wake up with every morning, and the person to whom I would be wise to better serve. It's the same person - my wife. Thanks for an easy question!====JACK: To day would be a good day to tell her so.
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: Martin Luther King, Jr., and I think I say that because the most pressing challenge in my life right now is how are people going to make a more equitable and just and fair society in my own community which is just adjacent to the City of Detroit so that we have a neighborhood that is peaceful and safe to live in and enjoy having our home in. Yep, it's Martin Luther King, Jr. ====JACK: Last night I saw part of the movie, "To Kill a Mockingbird." When will be ever learn? MLK Jr was an important teacher. Each generation needs its teachers and motivators.
FROM WALMART REV: ...grew up with heroes...watching some of the old "Saturday Morning Western Shows" I bought at Wal-Mart the other day (150 of them)...these were the Anne Oakley 30 minute westerns (4-5 of them)...the bad guys never got away with their crime...Anne was right on top of things...I could use a few new heroes in my life from those here in America presently...don't hear of them much anymore...seems like everyone has their skeletons exposed to the world (even suggested ones, not always proven to be so) by those wanting to defame a person)...Jack, come to think of it-you are one of my heroes that I can count on to inspire me to greater worth each day! Thanks...====JACK: In a college speech class, I was asked to give a George Washington's Birthday talk. The prof gave me an A on the presentation, but also gave me a lecture (in front of the class) because of the content. I had dug up many historical negative facts about GW. The class laughed, but I was told that it was inappropriate to try and denigrate honored people for laughs. ====REV: That is very interesting...definitely a different outlook today..."closet material" more accepted, sought after and expected, and unfortunately present in all our lives...very humbling to me. Makes me not want to be in the spotlight...but at times will find myself stumbling up to the front row!====JACK: One of the problems that pastors face....The pulpit is usually placed higher than where "the people" are.
FROM TS IN INDIANA: Abraham Lincoln====JACK: That's a very good answer and just what I'd expect from a "Civil War buff."
FROM HONEST JOHN: Abraham Lincoln====JACK: I thought that you were going to say..." Theodore Celms or Martin Holcomb."
FROM ME IN NEWPORT BEACH: Living: Pres. Obama Dead: Tie between George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. One got us started, the other kept us going. I am a little worried about where we are going.====JACK: Worried? You're in good company. There was uncertainty after The Revolution, after the Civil War, after the Nuclear Bomb, after the Racial Revolution, after Obama's election, etc. Before TV, picture news was presented on the movie screens with the title...Time Marches On!====ME: Probably for many different reasons, there is an absence of political leadership in our country, in both parties. Long on form, but short on substance.====JACK: Perhaps it's because we're more media driven than before. The instantaneous reporting tends to make us more fickle. It's hard to be a leader when daily polls are taken indicating whether or not people think you're doing a good job. I'd hate to have a daily performance review.
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: I think it is the same person whether looking forward or back: "The common man" (or common person, if you will). There are no so called important people without the mass of humanity that is America. The common man lifts, builds, shapes, both land, shelter, and means of production he is the foundation of society, without him and her there are no Warren Buffet's, Mellon's, Edison's, Tesla's, or pampered politicians(Romans 12:4-5). It is the mom, Mrs. Palmer the social studies teacher, it is kid at the fast food joint, the West Virginia Coal mine worker, my Barista Melissa at Starbucks (where I am heading now). It is the Detroit auto worker, even the ones currently in Alabama and Tennessee. It is the man who builds the fence, Jim brokering churches, it is Mrs. J. from Vietnam that tailors my suit, Dana the businessman that risks his capital to provide services for our little town, it is the young team with the next Google, Youtube, or Twitter. It is the college student that figures out the answer is not in a book. It is you, me, your blog readers, that are the most important. All of the Most Important People you read/hear/see in media would not be there without the effort of the common man mixed with their own unique initiative and discipline. Take away the scorecard of money--and then who is the greatest? I'm going with Mrs. Palmer, my sixth grade Social Studies teacher. ====JACK: Your response reminds me of a favorite music piece of mine...Fanfare for the Common Man by Aaron Copland. Carl Sandburg also eulogized the Common Man in much of his poetry.
FROM RJP IN NAPLES: I too loved Spike Jones and his crazy band. I would list these men.
Washington, because he set the tempo for the Presidency, Edison, because without him we would be devoid of so much. Franklin, because without him the continental congress would have been divided.
Noah Webster for his contribution to education Carver, who proved color did not separate genius,
Adams, Jefferson, Madison and the other founding fathers who had the vision. John Smith, who had the courage, Carnegie, Rockefeller, Mellon and the giants of the 19th century who helped America explode into history economically Far too many that have made great contributions to name just one.====JACK: This shows that you were paying attention during history class. Just like the United States is strong because of each individual state, it is also strong because of many individual persons...like you.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: WOW!! TRYING TO PICK "ONE" AS THE MOST IMPORTANT??! IMPOSSIBLE, I'D SAY! AND THERE HAVE BEEN SOME WOMEN, TOO! ELEANOR ROOSEVELT, WOULD BE ONE HELEN KELLER, ETC. OUR COUNTRY HAS A WONDERFUL LEGACY OF OUTSTANDING PEOPLE WHO HAVE IMPROVED OUR LIVES WITH INVENTIONS, SCIENCE DISCOVERIES, RELIGIOUS LEADERSHIP. HOW BLESSED WE ARE. AS BILL CLINTON SAID, "THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH AMERICA, THAT CANNOT BE CURED BY WHAT IS RIGHT WITH AMERICA." WELL SAID!====JACK: You didn't name Barney Google. Rosa Parks would be a good one. The first female president should be another on the list.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: That is a very hard question. In the beginning it would have to be George Washington. But then you have to consider Abraham Lincoln because we not be one country today but several like South America.====JACK: It's like asking someone, "Which person is most important to the family?"
FROM GUSTIE MARLYS: I had that record--a thick one--about 1/4 inch--on my grandma's old Edison crank phonograph. I played it all the time when I was at the farm. Almost wore it out! I could sing it for you now! ====JACK: We could sing it as a duet.
FROM CWR FORMERLY FROM B'MORE: Snuffy Jones.........====JACK: Close. Snuffy Smith. Also, Spark Plug, Loweezy, Tater, Jughaid, Elviney, Lukey and Parson.
FROM CL IN MICHIGAN: There are many but my top 3 choices Jesus Christ, Abe Lincoln and Thomas Edison====JACK: The Mormons believe that the resurrected Jesus lived in America, so I guess that counts. Lincoln and Edison are worthy choices.
FROM DS IN MICHIGAN: H-m-m-m. Define important.====JACK: Chief, critical, crucial, essential, exigent, foremost, importunate, mattering much, meaningful, paramount, signal, significant, vital.
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: Abe Lincoln ====JACK: I suppose he referred to you as, Chet, too.
FROM MK IN MICHIGAN: Now that is a tuffy! Would depend on where you come from I guess! Can’t think of one I would pick, for me it would have to be someone who brought about peace, who is your pick?====JACK: You're right. It would depend on circumstances. I would have to choose someone from my lifetime, since historians have a way of writing their own version compared to reality. I'm going to say, Harry Truman, because he became president by accident and made some difficult decisions which greatly affected the direction of the country. He was was also the first president I voted for.
FROM SBP IN FLORIDA: WW poses a question that I would deign to answer.....To my way of thinking...”Good” reflects personal effort and commitment...”Better” is what is built upon it...and “Best” reflects the combined efforts of all three.......with the support of equally committed persons.,,,,but I’m limited in my philosophical training/background. Good Question. Allows and accepts everyone’s opinions. Thanks for the darts.====JACK: I'm taking a poll. When you cast your first presidential ballot, who did you consider to be the better candidate?
FROM AW IN ILLINOIS: Spike Jones was my favorite band leader at that time. I have several of his records including "You alwasy hurt the one you love". He was very inovative with his music..but he finally made special newslines when he went after his wife with a pistol threatening her. Kind of tarnished the image I had of him.====JACK: Maybe he'd sipped Cocktails for two...more than he should have.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Abraham Lincoln...of course, who else would we say was the most important? But, we really do think he was!====JACK: Someone answered, Jesus.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Winning Words 6/14/13
“Our flag is red, white and blue, but our nation is a rainbow.” (Jesse Brown) Where did you learn your values? I learned patriotism when we said “the pledge” each day in grade school. I learned diversity when we sang in Sunday School, “Jesus loves the little children…red and yellow, black and white; they are precious in his sight.” I’ll put out the flag today, because it’s Flag Day, and I’ll continue to appreciate the rainbow. ;-) Jack
FROM BD IN MICHIGAN: Putting up the flag, This is good.
FROM TS IN INDIANA: Thank you for the reminder. I did not remember, nor did I see any other reminder of flag day.====JACK: It's a grand old flag; it's a high flying flag!
FROM MICHIZONA RAY: I think you have touched a subject that has a fundamental basis of faith. As children of God, aren't our values determined through the very likeness of the One by whom we are created? Vaules aren't what we value as much as states-of-being that have value. Yet, how is it that so many of us find difficulty in the development of our values? Saul (Paul) persecuted Christians with great zeal because they contradicted his understanding by virtue of what he was taught. He was whole-heartedly following his values of truth and justice in his determination to root out, for him, this abomination. He would have said that he loved God with all his might; and there were these Christians who were defiling the God whom he followed. After his enlightenment, Paul (Saul) continued with the very same zeal as before --- only in a new direction. In other words, he didn't change his values, only the manner of his application of them. I think we are like Paul in this regard. Our values don't change; they are instilled in our souls. Nonetheless, they need to develop and flourish into that which the seed has already designed. Our context (family, culture, society) serves as the soil for their development. To know thyself, and to be true to that, is a very difficult challenge because it most often requires one to "break away" from the crowd that "taught" them --- at least these (Truth, Honesty, Understanding, Fulfillment, and Love) are the values that have been woven into my soul from the "beginning", and which I seek to make manifest in my own sojourn through the desert of this world in which I find myself.
====JACK: When I think of my value system, I remember a book that I was introduced to by my English professor...E. B. White's, "One Man's Meat Is Another Man's Poison." I learned that all value systems aren't the same. I also remember a course that helped shape my "political" views..."American Ideals." I learned that we can have a personal value system, but it's not necessarily the same for everyone. One man's meat etc.====RAY: That statement is true in its generality. Yet, one man's meat just might be his own poison as well. Hence, "to thine own self be true" (directed to me by my English Shakespeare teacher in High School). This suggests that "values" exist within thine true self, and not external to the person. Meaning, no one can "give" you values; they can only help another to cultivate them from within. Don't you think that if each person was truly focused on being accountable for him/herself, that there would be little if any time for attempts to manipulate another person's value-focus to coincide with one's own? The former process requires life-long attention; the latter is a complete avoidance. AND, isn't politics really a version of the latter?====JACK: A value-system doesn't exist in a vacuum; it's person-al. Religious (as well as political and moral) values are also taught (shared). It could be said that they were "in-spired," but that depends on a belief-system.
FROM MAHATMA GANDHI: "Your habits become your values, Your values become your destiny."
FROM HONEST JOHN: My sister and I would stand and face East at 11 am on Nov 11...and our Dad would march with the WW1 guys in the July 4th parade...lessons in Patriotism...East Moline was diverse..so I learned about diversity on the playground.====JACK: Every classroom in our grade school had a flag displayed in the front. We, too, would observe Nov 11, as you described. Other "flag" occasions were also remembered. While we did have diversity in the classroom, the stereotypes persisted.
FROM WALMART REV: ...I'll sing “Jesus loves the little children…red and yellow, black and white; they are precious in his sight” right along with you, Jack...don't have a flag to post, however sang our National Anthem and led in prayer before the stock car races last night at the fairgrounds...====JACK: BIG-TIME at the KRA Speedway! Did you sit in the stockcar pits waiting for drivers and pit-crew members to stop by for conversation?
FROM PEPPERMINT MARY: we are making flags today at school and having a parade to celebrate flag day. when i learned the pledge it stated, "one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all". sometimes feel that when the "under god" was added the people forgot about the importance and freedoms connected with diversity and a rainbow world. i think i'll fly my rainbow flag today beside the red, white, and blue.
btw-you also gave me my song of the day! thanks!====JACK: I remember a song: "O who can make a rainbow, I know I can't, can you?" I can't find the lyrics. Do you know it?====MARY: yes. google the lyrics from willy wonka and the chocolate factory. i think that sammy davis, jr also sang it. now i have two songs for the day!====JACK: Good, but not the one I was thinking of.
FROM ME IN NEWPORT BEACH: Nice.====JACK: Do you see any flags flying at "the beach?" ====ME: Not yet today, because I have not been out of house. They are flying here as I still have all my red, white and blue toys out from Memorial Day and they last well past the 4th of July. I also bike regularly by the American Legion Yacht Club on Balboa Peninsula where there are always lots of flags. Not only there, but all along the Coast on boats, homes, bridges and businesses.====JACK: I sometimes wonder about the huge flags flying in front of a business...patriotism?...attention getter? We have zoning restrictions covering attention getters, but American flags are excepted. Maybe, I shouldn't be so cynical.
FROM DMF IN MINNESOTA: Thanks for the reminder to put out the flag.====JACK: Count the ones on the block!
FROM BLAZING OAKS: FLAGS ARE FLYING IN P'BURG, (SMALL TOWN, U.S.A.) AND MINE IS OUT. MY CHERUB CHOIR USED TO SING THAT SONG: "O WHO CAN MAKE A FLOWER (RAINBOW, ETC ETC) I KNOW I CAN'T, CAN YOU? O WHO CAN MAKE A FLOWER (RAINBOW, ETC.) NO ONE BUT GOD, IT'S TRUE. I USED TO HAVE THEM COME UP WITH SOME THINGS THEY COULDN'T MAKE, BUT GOD COULD...GOT SOME INTERESTING ITEMS ! (KITTY-KAT, BEETLE-BUG, DANDELION, AND SO FORTH...) THEY LOVED TO SING IT. LOVED THE WW TODAY..====JACK: I always tried to make church fun for people...young and old. Last year on Father's Day (the pastor was on vacation, so I led the worship), I had the fathers come up with their children for the Children's Message. That was fun. It would have been interesting to have had the kids teach their dads a children's song, like, "O, who can make a flower?".
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: My grandparents and parents made sure us children knew why, how, when and who died, lived and worked for our freedom. The flag was out there everyday and still is at all of our homes. God made us the rainbow and I believe we never should be judged by our colors but by our hearts. ====JACK: As I recall, your flag is displayed 24/7 and lighted at night.====JUDY: That's correct. I lost three of my best friends in Vietnam, plus some uncles in World War II. My brother-in-law is in the Army and my nephew is in Afghanistan...special ops medic. And of course, all of the men and women who died for us and are currently protecting us. This is a great nation under God.. ====JACK: Yes, you have many reasons to fly the flag and to keep it flying.
FROM MY FLORIST: Very nice!
FROM GUSTIE MARLYS: Same with me.====JACK: I know you to be of the patriotic sort.
FROM BBC IN ILLINOIS: Embarrassed to say I did not realize it was flag day until I received your post. I always liked Jesus loves the little children too.====JACK: If you did know it was flag day, what would you do? BTW, perhaps you can quietly hum "Jesus loves the little chiildren." Fun?
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: My flag flies every day. And all night. Believe it or not, there was a rainbow over it one time. Not a lie. I didn't have a camera handy. (Long before cell phones.)====JACK: How do you observe "special" days, if every day is special?====PFC: Why does the flag have to wait for one day a year to be flown?====JACK: It's a free country.
FROM MOLINER JIM: Our Flag hangs every day (in good weather).====JACK: My favorite flag flying picture is the one of the Marines raising the flag on Iwo Jima in 1945.
FROM HAWKEYE GEORGE: I couldn't agree more with this.====JACK: Robert Heft, born in Michigan, designed the 50 star flag as a high school art project and received a grade of B-. When the design was accepted by Congress, the grade was changed to an A.
“Our flag is red, white and blue, but our nation is a rainbow.” (Jesse Brown) Where did you learn your values? I learned patriotism when we said “the pledge” each day in grade school. I learned diversity when we sang in Sunday School, “Jesus loves the little children…red and yellow, black and white; they are precious in his sight.” I’ll put out the flag today, because it’s Flag Day, and I’ll continue to appreciate the rainbow. ;-) Jack
FROM BD IN MICHIGAN: Putting up the flag, This is good.
FROM TS IN INDIANA: Thank you for the reminder. I did not remember, nor did I see any other reminder of flag day.====JACK: It's a grand old flag; it's a high flying flag!
FROM MICHIZONA RAY: I think you have touched a subject that has a fundamental basis of faith. As children of God, aren't our values determined through the very likeness of the One by whom we are created? Vaules aren't what we value as much as states-of-being that have value. Yet, how is it that so many of us find difficulty in the development of our values? Saul (Paul) persecuted Christians with great zeal because they contradicted his understanding by virtue of what he was taught. He was whole-heartedly following his values of truth and justice in his determination to root out, for him, this abomination. He would have said that he loved God with all his might; and there were these Christians who were defiling the God whom he followed. After his enlightenment, Paul (Saul) continued with the very same zeal as before --- only in a new direction. In other words, he didn't change his values, only the manner of his application of them. I think we are like Paul in this regard. Our values don't change; they are instilled in our souls. Nonetheless, they need to develop and flourish into that which the seed has already designed. Our context (family, culture, society) serves as the soil for their development. To know thyself, and to be true to that, is a very difficult challenge because it most often requires one to "break away" from the crowd that "taught" them --- at least these (Truth, Honesty, Understanding, Fulfillment, and Love) are the values that have been woven into my soul from the "beginning", and which I seek to make manifest in my own sojourn through the desert of this world in which I find myself.
====JACK: When I think of my value system, I remember a book that I was introduced to by my English professor...E. B. White's, "One Man's Meat Is Another Man's Poison." I learned that all value systems aren't the same. I also remember a course that helped shape my "political" views..."American Ideals." I learned that we can have a personal value system, but it's not necessarily the same for everyone. One man's meat etc.====RAY: That statement is true in its generality. Yet, one man's meat just might be his own poison as well. Hence, "to thine own self be true" (directed to me by my English Shakespeare teacher in High School). This suggests that "values" exist within thine true self, and not external to the person. Meaning, no one can "give" you values; they can only help another to cultivate them from within. Don't you think that if each person was truly focused on being accountable for him/herself, that there would be little if any time for attempts to manipulate another person's value-focus to coincide with one's own? The former process requires life-long attention; the latter is a complete avoidance. AND, isn't politics really a version of the latter?====JACK: A value-system doesn't exist in a vacuum; it's person-al. Religious (as well as political and moral) values are also taught (shared). It could be said that they were "in-spired," but that depends on a belief-system.
FROM MAHATMA GANDHI: "Your habits become your values, Your values become your destiny."
FROM HONEST JOHN: My sister and I would stand and face East at 11 am on Nov 11...and our Dad would march with the WW1 guys in the July 4th parade...lessons in Patriotism...East Moline was diverse..so I learned about diversity on the playground.====JACK: Every classroom in our grade school had a flag displayed in the front. We, too, would observe Nov 11, as you described. Other "flag" occasions were also remembered. While we did have diversity in the classroom, the stereotypes persisted.
FROM WALMART REV: ...I'll sing “Jesus loves the little children…red and yellow, black and white; they are precious in his sight” right along with you, Jack...don't have a flag to post, however sang our National Anthem and led in prayer before the stock car races last night at the fairgrounds...====JACK: BIG-TIME at the KRA Speedway! Did you sit in the stockcar pits waiting for drivers and pit-crew members to stop by for conversation?
FROM PEPPERMINT MARY: we are making flags today at school and having a parade to celebrate flag day. when i learned the pledge it stated, "one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all". sometimes feel that when the "under god" was added the people forgot about the importance and freedoms connected with diversity and a rainbow world. i think i'll fly my rainbow flag today beside the red, white, and blue.
btw-you also gave me my song of the day! thanks!====JACK: I remember a song: "O who can make a rainbow, I know I can't, can you?" I can't find the lyrics. Do you know it?====MARY: yes. google the lyrics from willy wonka and the chocolate factory. i think that sammy davis, jr also sang it. now i have two songs for the day!====JACK: Good, but not the one I was thinking of.
FROM ME IN NEWPORT BEACH: Nice.====JACK: Do you see any flags flying at "the beach?" ====ME: Not yet today, because I have not been out of house. They are flying here as I still have all my red, white and blue toys out from Memorial Day and they last well past the 4th of July. I also bike regularly by the American Legion Yacht Club on Balboa Peninsula where there are always lots of flags. Not only there, but all along the Coast on boats, homes, bridges and businesses.====JACK: I sometimes wonder about the huge flags flying in front of a business...patriotism?...attention getter? We have zoning restrictions covering attention getters, but American flags are excepted. Maybe, I shouldn't be so cynical.
FROM DMF IN MINNESOTA: Thanks for the reminder to put out the flag.====JACK: Count the ones on the block!
FROM BLAZING OAKS: FLAGS ARE FLYING IN P'BURG, (SMALL TOWN, U.S.A.) AND MINE IS OUT. MY CHERUB CHOIR USED TO SING THAT SONG: "O WHO CAN MAKE A FLOWER (RAINBOW, ETC ETC) I KNOW I CAN'T, CAN YOU? O WHO CAN MAKE A FLOWER (RAINBOW, ETC.) NO ONE BUT GOD, IT'S TRUE. I USED TO HAVE THEM COME UP WITH SOME THINGS THEY COULDN'T MAKE, BUT GOD COULD...GOT SOME INTERESTING ITEMS ! (KITTY-KAT, BEETLE-BUG, DANDELION, AND SO FORTH...) THEY LOVED TO SING IT. LOVED THE WW TODAY..====JACK: I always tried to make church fun for people...young and old. Last year on Father's Day (the pastor was on vacation, so I led the worship), I had the fathers come up with their children for the Children's Message. That was fun. It would have been interesting to have had the kids teach their dads a children's song, like, "O, who can make a flower?".
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: My grandparents and parents made sure us children knew why, how, when and who died, lived and worked for our freedom. The flag was out there everyday and still is at all of our homes. God made us the rainbow and I believe we never should be judged by our colors but by our hearts. ====JACK: As I recall, your flag is displayed 24/7 and lighted at night.====JUDY: That's correct. I lost three of my best friends in Vietnam, plus some uncles in World War II. My brother-in-law is in the Army and my nephew is in Afghanistan...special ops medic. And of course, all of the men and women who died for us and are currently protecting us. This is a great nation under God.. ====JACK: Yes, you have many reasons to fly the flag and to keep it flying.
FROM MY FLORIST: Very nice!
FROM GUSTIE MARLYS: Same with me.====JACK: I know you to be of the patriotic sort.
FROM BBC IN ILLINOIS: Embarrassed to say I did not realize it was flag day until I received your post. I always liked Jesus loves the little children too.====JACK: If you did know it was flag day, what would you do? BTW, perhaps you can quietly hum "Jesus loves the little chiildren." Fun?
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: My flag flies every day. And all night. Believe it or not, there was a rainbow over it one time. Not a lie. I didn't have a camera handy. (Long before cell phones.)====JACK: How do you observe "special" days, if every day is special?====PFC: Why does the flag have to wait for one day a year to be flown?====JACK: It's a free country.
FROM MOLINER JIM: Our Flag hangs every day (in good weather).====JACK: My favorite flag flying picture is the one of the Marines raising the flag on Iwo Jima in 1945.
FROM HAWKEYE GEORGE: I couldn't agree more with this.====JACK: Robert Heft, born in Michigan, designed the 50 star flag as a high school art project and received a grade of B-. When the design was accepted by Congress, the grade was changed to an A.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Winning Words 6/13/13
“That which is beautiful is not always good, but that which is good is always beautiful.” (Ninon de L’Enclos) I saw a listing of the 10 best cities in world in which to live. # 1 was Melbourne, Australia. Detroit was not on the list, but neither was the place where you live. Ninon’s words caused me to think. What makes a city beautiful? Parks? Buildings? The economy?…or the people? What’s good about your place? ;-) Jack
FROM MICHIZONA RAY: I suppose what I would say is "good" is really what I like, namely: sunshine and clear blue skies, its warmth, the quiet of the desert, its beauty, its vastness, the surrounding mountains and the view of the mountain ranges on the horizon, an assortment of wildlife that roams or flies so freely, the absence of cement and glass, and a peace that cities lack. I think the desert experience is a part of Life's process.; i.e., there is a time for it and a season for it. Much like the city, which has its time and place, so does the desert have its own. The two don't truly work together; but their contrasts serve the parts the other cannot. ====JACK: In a sense, the past has made the present possible for you.====RAY: Absolutely true. For myself, the city was the place in my youthfulness to work the soil with vigor and fruitful attention. Today, the desert is the place where I can find some usefulness for the harvest of my work. All in their rightful time and place.
FROM TRIHARDER: I have a real, ongoing problem with physical "ugliness" being portrayed as "evil" in children's cartoons; goodness as "beautiful". What a poor message it sends to the impressionable. It's a lesson that is not easily unlearned in life.====JACK: I like the Ray Stevens song which goes like this...
Everything is beautiful in it's own way.
We shouldn't care about the length of his hair, or the color of his skin.
Don't worry about what shows from without, but the love that lives within.
And we're gonna get it all together now; everything gonna work out fine.
Just take a little time to look on the good side my friend,
And straighten it out in your mind.
Ah, sing it children!
Everybody's beautiful in their own way,
Under God's heaven the world's gonna find a way.
====TRIHARDER: I love that song. Late 60s. I think his next song was Guitarzan.====JACK: Guitarzan preceded "beautiful." Two other songs of his that I like are..."I'm My Own Grandpaw" and "The Streak."
FROM WALMART REV: Our place used to be farm land. Now it's suburb but interestingly still carries signs of its having been farmland, i.e. the old apple trees we have in our yard, we still have much wildlife roaming around among us people living here--deer, raccoons, rabbits, squirrels, sometimes a fox, etc., etc. The people who made the charter and designed the layout for our suburb must have really appreciated its farm-like nature because we have streets like "Southfield" and many of our streets are actually called "roads" and not streets or avenues. When I walk around, I come across many people and we greet each other with a smile and a "how are you?" They all seem like beautiful people to me. It's really a beautiful neighborhood --homey and comfortable and not too fancy, which wouldn't be to my taste at all. And it's beautiful because I'm here living contently?! Great quote again today. Thanks for passing it on to us to think about .====JACK: I suppose you wear bib overalls and a straw hat, too. Our house was the first to be built on what was once a farm. Of course, that farm was previously an Indian hunting ground.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: A beautiful place can be filled with deadly snakes and spiders such as Melbourne, Australia. But it's also filled with beautiful scenery and beautiful people. I understand (although we've never been there) the people of Australia are especially nice. Cities and towns aren't like they used to be. People were out on the porches and walked nearly everywhere. Everyone knew everyone else's business...sometimes that's good and sometimes that's not so good. But, we live in a small sub on a cul du sac. There are five homes on our cul du sac and we are very close. Close enough to watch out for our children and grandchildren, close enough to be available to help each other, have meals together and have fun together. It's a little city within a city for which we are deeply grateful! ====JACK: Didn't you once write that you and your husband are planning to move (sometime) to your "dream" house up north. I sounds as though you're already living in a dream house.====JUDY: Gary will hopefully retire in two years. Then we will commence to find a home with a lot of acreage and a stream or lake or some kind of water on the property. We want a destination place where the kids can ride their dirt bikes, 4 wheelers and golf carts (when we get one).====JACK: What constitutes a "dream?"====JUDY: It's something you hope for pray for and work for. It's also something which could be elusive. But it's always fun to dream. We dream for a lot of things we know we will never have or really even want: like winning the lottery. I really don't want to win it but it's fun to think of all the things we would do with the money...that's dreaming. Did you have to read "The Lottery" in school? We did. It still makes me stop and think. Some books never leave us do they?====JACK: To dream the impossible dream. This is my quest.
FROM HF ON THE BAY OF FUNDY: Friends and people who want to make a better place and Nature
Thank you Jack for the winning words. I look forward to them every morning.====JACK: Nature is all around us...and so are potential friends.
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Ultimately it is the people, their values, and acceptance of others. It is what makes my area great. As I like to tell my children as one that has survived a period of narrow thinking, "Wide open acceptance of others, leaves little room for the narrow minded to make a mark." ====JACK: I read an article recently which raised the question..."Is living in a diverse community a sign of acceptance or just one of learning to adapt?" Since I live in a very diverse community, the article caused me to wonder. ====GOOD DEBT: I don't know whether I adapted or accepted, but I made a conscious effort to find the good in it.====JACK: I celebrate the diversity, hoping that I'm not rationalizing.====GD: What's that song? "Whatever gets you through the night...it's alright, it's alright"====JACK: It fits. Elton John, like many singers, expresses truisms through music.
FROM JE IN MICHIGAN: Rob and I have lived in Dunham Lake for 21 years. We feel so very fortunate to be in a place that is peaceful; offers great walking trails; has lake that is more than 100 feet deep, is clear and you can see the bottom; has NO motor boats and three beautiful beaches; has a wonderful golf course; is in a great location close to freeways and downtown Milford, and best of all, the people are caring, giving and have become extended family. We lucked out when we bought our home in Dunham! We’ve made our house our haven, home and refuge. I continue to work on gardens, plant trees and make our house a home. We have so many incredible memories of times with family and friends in Dunham Lake.====JACK: There's a place in Iowa called, "A Little Bit O Heaven." It looks like you've found such a place in Michigan.
FROM RI IN BOSTON: Regarding the WW, I agree with the first half...but I don't agree with the other half. And about cities, the perception of a beautiful city is so subjective, one should never let someone else decide for them which is best. As a matter of fact, perceptions change, such as Cleveland, which was considered a loser back in the 70's, then was an award winner in the 90's, and now it's considered so-so. Despite that, there's enough "beauty" there to hold some people through thick and thin. Good luck Detroit! ====JACK: Beautiful and good are subjective words. Who can really judge a beauty contest, or who is to judge between good and evil?
FROM MARCY IN FLORIDA: Weather and much slower, joyful place. Happy seniors!! A lot of smiles ====JACK: I liked that movie, "Grumpy Old Men." It evidently wasn't filmed in your neck of the woods.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: "Heaven seems a little closer in a house beside the water": "Those lucky enough to live beside the water are Lucky enough!" My small lake in the middle of Illinois is a pleasant place to be! Almost 300 homes around its shores, and mine is one of them....No Jet Skis allowed. Wild life including deer, and friendly neighbors who potluck together once in awhile, golf course at the end of my road. I say a prayer of thanks every day for such a blessing, and for family and friends who come to enjoy it! It is "GOOD"!====JACK: Edgar Guest says that a home is more than a house. Your home is what makes you happy...health...friends...family...memories...church. God is good!
It takes a heap o' livin' in a house t' make it home,
A heap o' sun an' shadder, an' ye sometimes have t' roam
Afore ye really 'preciate the things ye lef' behind,
An' hunger fer 'em somehow, with 'em allus on yer mind.
FROM JT IN MINNESOTA: Thank you for your continued winning words. So many of them seem directed to my situation and life.====JACK: Like in Jesus' parable of the sower. I feel like I'm the sower each morning when I "throw" out Winning Words. Evidently some take root in Minnesota.
FROM BS IN MICHIGAN: Your question made me think about the obvious & not so obvious: (In addition to spouse, children, grandchildren & other nearby relatives.) Friendly neighbors, feeling comfortable, feeling safe (but trying to be careful at the same time.), pretty surroundings, services - both public & private, nearby & accessible; good friends – both “old” & “new”; honest, ethical, hardworking business associates. There are sad days, of course, but, in general, I feel lucky all the time. This little exercise could be good for many people who often only see the negatives in life & society.====JACK: There's a "religious" word that seems to fit, and that is...BLESSING. G-d is good!
“That which is beautiful is not always good, but that which is good is always beautiful.” (Ninon de L’Enclos) I saw a listing of the 10 best cities in world in which to live. # 1 was Melbourne, Australia. Detroit was not on the list, but neither was the place where you live. Ninon’s words caused me to think. What makes a city beautiful? Parks? Buildings? The economy?…or the people? What’s good about your place? ;-) Jack
FROM MICHIZONA RAY: I suppose what I would say is "good" is really what I like, namely: sunshine and clear blue skies, its warmth, the quiet of the desert, its beauty, its vastness, the surrounding mountains and the view of the mountain ranges on the horizon, an assortment of wildlife that roams or flies so freely, the absence of cement and glass, and a peace that cities lack. I think the desert experience is a part of Life's process.; i.e., there is a time for it and a season for it. Much like the city, which has its time and place, so does the desert have its own. The two don't truly work together; but their contrasts serve the parts the other cannot. ====JACK: In a sense, the past has made the present possible for you.====RAY: Absolutely true. For myself, the city was the place in my youthfulness to work the soil with vigor and fruitful attention. Today, the desert is the place where I can find some usefulness for the harvest of my work. All in their rightful time and place.
FROM TRIHARDER: I have a real, ongoing problem with physical "ugliness" being portrayed as "evil" in children's cartoons; goodness as "beautiful". What a poor message it sends to the impressionable. It's a lesson that is not easily unlearned in life.====JACK: I like the Ray Stevens song which goes like this...
Everything is beautiful in it's own way.
We shouldn't care about the length of his hair, or the color of his skin.
Don't worry about what shows from without, but the love that lives within.
And we're gonna get it all together now; everything gonna work out fine.
Just take a little time to look on the good side my friend,
And straighten it out in your mind.
Ah, sing it children!
Everybody's beautiful in their own way,
Under God's heaven the world's gonna find a way.
====TRIHARDER: I love that song. Late 60s. I think his next song was Guitarzan.====JACK: Guitarzan preceded "beautiful." Two other songs of his that I like are..."I'm My Own Grandpaw" and "The Streak."
FROM WALMART REV: Our place used to be farm land. Now it's suburb but interestingly still carries signs of its having been farmland, i.e. the old apple trees we have in our yard, we still have much wildlife roaming around among us people living here--deer, raccoons, rabbits, squirrels, sometimes a fox, etc., etc. The people who made the charter and designed the layout for our suburb must have really appreciated its farm-like nature because we have streets like "Southfield" and many of our streets are actually called "roads" and not streets or avenues. When I walk around, I come across many people and we greet each other with a smile and a "how are you?" They all seem like beautiful people to me. It's really a beautiful neighborhood --homey and comfortable and not too fancy, which wouldn't be to my taste at all. And it's beautiful because I'm here living contently?! Great quote again today. Thanks for passing it on to us to think about .====JACK: I suppose you wear bib overalls and a straw hat, too. Our house was the first to be built on what was once a farm. Of course, that farm was previously an Indian hunting ground.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: A beautiful place can be filled with deadly snakes and spiders such as Melbourne, Australia. But it's also filled with beautiful scenery and beautiful people. I understand (although we've never been there) the people of Australia are especially nice. Cities and towns aren't like they used to be. People were out on the porches and walked nearly everywhere. Everyone knew everyone else's business...sometimes that's good and sometimes that's not so good. But, we live in a small sub on a cul du sac. There are five homes on our cul du sac and we are very close. Close enough to watch out for our children and grandchildren, close enough to be available to help each other, have meals together and have fun together. It's a little city within a city for which we are deeply grateful! ====JACK: Didn't you once write that you and your husband are planning to move (sometime) to your "dream" house up north. I sounds as though you're already living in a dream house.====JUDY: Gary will hopefully retire in two years. Then we will commence to find a home with a lot of acreage and a stream or lake or some kind of water on the property. We want a destination place where the kids can ride their dirt bikes, 4 wheelers and golf carts (when we get one).====JACK: What constitutes a "dream?"====JUDY: It's something you hope for pray for and work for. It's also something which could be elusive. But it's always fun to dream. We dream for a lot of things we know we will never have or really even want: like winning the lottery. I really don't want to win it but it's fun to think of all the things we would do with the money...that's dreaming. Did you have to read "The Lottery" in school? We did. It still makes me stop and think. Some books never leave us do they?====JACK: To dream the impossible dream. This is my quest.
FROM HF ON THE BAY OF FUNDY: Friends and people who want to make a better place and Nature
Thank you Jack for the winning words. I look forward to them every morning.====JACK: Nature is all around us...and so are potential friends.
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Ultimately it is the people, their values, and acceptance of others. It is what makes my area great. As I like to tell my children as one that has survived a period of narrow thinking, "Wide open acceptance of others, leaves little room for the narrow minded to make a mark." ====JACK: I read an article recently which raised the question..."Is living in a diverse community a sign of acceptance or just one of learning to adapt?" Since I live in a very diverse community, the article caused me to wonder. ====GOOD DEBT: I don't know whether I adapted or accepted, but I made a conscious effort to find the good in it.====JACK: I celebrate the diversity, hoping that I'm not rationalizing.====GD: What's that song? "Whatever gets you through the night...it's alright, it's alright"====JACK: It fits. Elton John, like many singers, expresses truisms through music.
FROM JE IN MICHIGAN: Rob and I have lived in Dunham Lake for 21 years. We feel so very fortunate to be in a place that is peaceful; offers great walking trails; has lake that is more than 100 feet deep, is clear and you can see the bottom; has NO motor boats and three beautiful beaches; has a wonderful golf course; is in a great location close to freeways and downtown Milford, and best of all, the people are caring, giving and have become extended family. We lucked out when we bought our home in Dunham! We’ve made our house our haven, home and refuge. I continue to work on gardens, plant trees and make our house a home. We have so many incredible memories of times with family and friends in Dunham Lake.====JACK: There's a place in Iowa called, "A Little Bit O Heaven." It looks like you've found such a place in Michigan.
FROM RI IN BOSTON: Regarding the WW, I agree with the first half...but I don't agree with the other half. And about cities, the perception of a beautiful city is so subjective, one should never let someone else decide for them which is best. As a matter of fact, perceptions change, such as Cleveland, which was considered a loser back in the 70's, then was an award winner in the 90's, and now it's considered so-so. Despite that, there's enough "beauty" there to hold some people through thick and thin. Good luck Detroit! ====JACK: Beautiful and good are subjective words. Who can really judge a beauty contest, or who is to judge between good and evil?
FROM MARCY IN FLORIDA: Weather and much slower, joyful place. Happy seniors!! A lot of smiles ====JACK: I liked that movie, "Grumpy Old Men." It evidently wasn't filmed in your neck of the woods.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: "Heaven seems a little closer in a house beside the water": "Those lucky enough to live beside the water are Lucky enough!" My small lake in the middle of Illinois is a pleasant place to be! Almost 300 homes around its shores, and mine is one of them....No Jet Skis allowed. Wild life including deer, and friendly neighbors who potluck together once in awhile, golf course at the end of my road. I say a prayer of thanks every day for such a blessing, and for family and friends who come to enjoy it! It is "GOOD"!====JACK: Edgar Guest says that a home is more than a house. Your home is what makes you happy...health...friends...family...memories...church. God is good!
It takes a heap o' livin' in a house t' make it home,
A heap o' sun an' shadder, an' ye sometimes have t' roam
Afore ye really 'preciate the things ye lef' behind,
An' hunger fer 'em somehow, with 'em allus on yer mind.
FROM JT IN MINNESOTA: Thank you for your continued winning words. So many of them seem directed to my situation and life.====JACK: Like in Jesus' parable of the sower. I feel like I'm the sower each morning when I "throw" out Winning Words. Evidently some take root in Minnesota.
FROM BS IN MICHIGAN: Your question made me think about the obvious & not so obvious: (In addition to spouse, children, grandchildren & other nearby relatives.) Friendly neighbors, feeling comfortable, feeling safe (but trying to be careful at the same time.), pretty surroundings, services - both public & private, nearby & accessible; good friends – both “old” & “new”; honest, ethical, hardworking business associates. There are sad days, of course, but, in general, I feel lucky all the time. This little exercise could be good for many people who often only see the negatives in life & society.====JACK: There's a "religious" word that seems to fit, and that is...BLESSING. G-d is good!
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Winning Words 6/12/13
“What do we live for, if not to make the world less difficult for each other?” (George Eliot) “Alfie” is a film about a self-centered young man who is led to question his reason for being. Burt Bacharach put it to music: “What’s it all about, Alfie?” What is your life’s purpose? The answer turns out to be, “love,” much like the answer given by the poet, and by Jesus. The greatest of the commandments is to show love. ;-) Jack
FROM HONEST JOHN: The greatest commandment is to love God. That opens the possibility of fulfilling the second great commandment...to love the neighbor====JACK: Just like a pious Swede... not mentioning the love of self!====JOHN: If you read the commandment, love of self is taken for granted ====JACK: Some people have trouble seeing good in themselves.
FROM WALMART REV: Ready to do the same this morning...odds are in my favor that I won't be called out again for doing so...stayed tuned...====JACK: How early do you start occupying your Walmart seat? ====REV: Always a few stops before...been having a leisurely lunch there lately, but bypassing the late afternoon visits for awhile.
FROM JE AT SCHOOL: Great one Jack. Praying for a peaceful, event less last half day of school today. Waiting to hear if bus drivers are going to show up! Waiting to see if the storms hold off until students are safely home this afternoon!====JACK: Into each life some rain must fall. Perhaps it will hold off until tomorrow.
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: Like.====JACK: I like the Alfie song, too.====LIZ: me, too. everything bachrach & david!
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: It's so easy to love most people and harder to love some. We sponsor a little girl in India. She has become a family member to each of us. It's interesting to observe my one grandson, Noah. He brings me coloring book pages, pictures, a little notes for her all the time. He has taken this sponsorship very seriously. He has a great capacity to love...everyone he meets is a friend. He also says the most beautiful prayers, it's amazing! ====JACK: I'm not worried about the future, when the world has people like Noah.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: "ALFIE" WAS A MEMORABLE FILM! AND THE SONG SO POIGNANT AND RELEVANT TO THE MOVIE MESSAGE. BILL PREACHED A SERMON USING THAT EXAMPLE, AND PLAYED IT OVER THE CHURCH SOUND SYSTEM DURING THE MESSAGE. HAD QUITE AN IMPACT AT THE TIME....LOVE GIVES US REASON AND STRENGTH TO TRY TO MAKE OUR CORNER OF THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE ====JACK: Oftentimes, music can energize the will. The "right" hymn can make a difference.
FROM HAWKEYE GEORGE: St. Francis said: Proclaim the Gospel every day. If necessary, use words. Jack, these may not be the exact words, but the message is there.====JACK: I grew up in a time when "saints" were looked upon negatively. The good old days weren't always good in some ways. I'm glad to have become acquainted with St. Francis...and some others.
FROM PH IN MINNESOTA: wise words, oh Wise One...====JACK: George Eliot is the wise one. I'm just the messenger.====PH: and wasn't that a pen name for a women whose writings would have never been accepted if people knew the author was a female??====JACK: Yes
FROM CS IN MICHIGAN: Many of your "words" hit home for me but this mornings quote spoke to me as we try to help ease the struggles of our grandson with his recovery from a closed head injury he had back in September. ====JACK: I can't do much...but I can add him and his family to my daily prayer list.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Those are great winning words.====JACK: There are many stories of people doing things to make life easier for other people. We just don't always hear them.
“What do we live for, if not to make the world less difficult for each other?” (George Eliot) “Alfie” is a film about a self-centered young man who is led to question his reason for being. Burt Bacharach put it to music: “What’s it all about, Alfie?” What is your life’s purpose? The answer turns out to be, “love,” much like the answer given by the poet, and by Jesus. The greatest of the commandments is to show love. ;-) Jack
FROM HONEST JOHN: The greatest commandment is to love God. That opens the possibility of fulfilling the second great commandment...to love the neighbor====JACK: Just like a pious Swede... not mentioning the love of self!====JOHN: If you read the commandment, love of self is taken for granted ====JACK: Some people have trouble seeing good in themselves.
FROM WALMART REV: Ready to do the same this morning...odds are in my favor that I won't be called out again for doing so...stayed tuned...====JACK: How early do you start occupying your Walmart seat? ====REV: Always a few stops before...been having a leisurely lunch there lately, but bypassing the late afternoon visits for awhile.
FROM JE AT SCHOOL: Great one Jack. Praying for a peaceful, event less last half day of school today. Waiting to hear if bus drivers are going to show up! Waiting to see if the storms hold off until students are safely home this afternoon!====JACK: Into each life some rain must fall. Perhaps it will hold off until tomorrow.
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: Like.====JACK: I like the Alfie song, too.====LIZ: me, too. everything bachrach & david!
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: It's so easy to love most people and harder to love some. We sponsor a little girl in India. She has become a family member to each of us. It's interesting to observe my one grandson, Noah. He brings me coloring book pages, pictures, a little notes for her all the time. He has taken this sponsorship very seriously. He has a great capacity to love...everyone he meets is a friend. He also says the most beautiful prayers, it's amazing! ====JACK: I'm not worried about the future, when the world has people like Noah.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: "ALFIE" WAS A MEMORABLE FILM! AND THE SONG SO POIGNANT AND RELEVANT TO THE MOVIE MESSAGE. BILL PREACHED A SERMON USING THAT EXAMPLE, AND PLAYED IT OVER THE CHURCH SOUND SYSTEM DURING THE MESSAGE. HAD QUITE AN IMPACT AT THE TIME....LOVE GIVES US REASON AND STRENGTH TO TRY TO MAKE OUR CORNER OF THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE ====JACK: Oftentimes, music can energize the will. The "right" hymn can make a difference.
FROM HAWKEYE GEORGE: St. Francis said: Proclaim the Gospel every day. If necessary, use words. Jack, these may not be the exact words, but the message is there.====JACK: I grew up in a time when "saints" were looked upon negatively. The good old days weren't always good in some ways. I'm glad to have become acquainted with St. Francis...and some others.
FROM PH IN MINNESOTA: wise words, oh Wise One...====JACK: George Eliot is the wise one. I'm just the messenger.====PH: and wasn't that a pen name for a women whose writings would have never been accepted if people knew the author was a female??====JACK: Yes
FROM CS IN MICHIGAN: Many of your "words" hit home for me but this mornings quote spoke to me as we try to help ease the struggles of our grandson with his recovery from a closed head injury he had back in September. ====JACK: I can't do much...but I can add him and his family to my daily prayer list.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Those are great winning words.====JACK: There are many stories of people doing things to make life easier for other people. We just don't always hear them.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Winning Words 6/11/13
“Don’t let anyone rob you of hope.” (Pope Francis) A lot of Catholic people and others have positive expectations regarding the new pope. Recently he met with a group of children and said to them, “Ask me anything.” Hands went up. “Do you still see friends from grade school?...How do you like being pope?...How should we handle poverty in the world.” Today’s WWs were his advice to the children and us. ;-) Jack
FROM WALMART REV: "Strength for today and hope for tomorrow!"====JACK: "Fret not thyself about the morrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring." A Jewish friend attended our clergy meeting on Thursday. On Saturday he died suddenly at the synagogue.
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: I saw a twitter quip this morning: "Worrying is like praying in reverse…" Deb Scott====JACK: I worry about worrying. Is faith supposed to eradicate the need for fretting?
FROM RI IN BOSTON: Can anyone rob us of hope, or do we just abandon it ourselves? The poet says, "Hope springs eternal". Hope is always there for us. So have some...no expiration date.====JACK: Hope becomes important for those who have something to hope for. It's not easy to always be optimistic and hopeful, but it's better than always being pessimistic and hopeless.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "Hope" is the most important word in the English language." Or probably any other language, as well. Hard to live in any meaningful way without it! Pope Francis is "spot on"!====JACK: This thought just came to mind....Is hope more significant to the children who have life before them, or to the elderly who tend to look at life, using the rear view mirror? ====OAKS: It's so significant for all of us, it is hard to say which is MORE significant, but my guess would be it is more needed when we are younger and dealing with a multitude of situations with marriage, children, jobs, social mores, and whatever illnesses and frustrations delve into our daily lives; as we age, hopefully we are sustained and calmer about what's "around the corner", especially if we have had a meaningful life....Agree?====JACK: Yes
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: Like====JACK: It appears as though you are being influenced by Facebook Liz.
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: Like.====JACK: "Like" father, "like" daughter
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Accentuate the positive. There is a song about that, too.====JACK: ...and you probably know the words and can sing it.
FROM PEPPERMINT MARY: faith...hope...and love abide...====JACK: When the Bible says that the greatest is love....It was not meant to denigrate the others.====MARY: can love really be without the others? something to ponder.====JACK: If Paul had meant love, alone, he would have excluded the others...which he did not.
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: Is "hope" in itself sufficient? (I know, the Pope was addressing children.)As an older child I find "faith, hope and love (charity)..these three...but the greatest of these is love.)also good advice.WW continues to be stimulating..challenging...enlightening. ====JACK: Jesus called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." What do you suppose that means?
FROM SBP IN FLORIDA: Is "hope" in itself sufficient?(I know the Pope was speaking to children.) As an older child I find "faith. hope and charity (love) ....these three...but the greatest of these is love."..also good advice. WW continues to stimulate, challenge and enlighten.====JACK: Beyond the theology...There are times when our faith is tested and upholds us. There are times when hope, beyond hope. That's a part of faith, too. And, finally, without the grace (love) of God, faith crumbles and hope evaporates. The three can be compared to a 3-legged stool. The stool needs all three.
“Don’t let anyone rob you of hope.” (Pope Francis) A lot of Catholic people and others have positive expectations regarding the new pope. Recently he met with a group of children and said to them, “Ask me anything.” Hands went up. “Do you still see friends from grade school?...How do you like being pope?...How should we handle poverty in the world.” Today’s WWs were his advice to the children and us. ;-) Jack
FROM WALMART REV: "Strength for today and hope for tomorrow!"====JACK: "Fret not thyself about the morrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring." A Jewish friend attended our clergy meeting on Thursday. On Saturday he died suddenly at the synagogue.
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: I saw a twitter quip this morning: "Worrying is like praying in reverse…" Deb Scott====JACK: I worry about worrying. Is faith supposed to eradicate the need for fretting?
FROM RI IN BOSTON: Can anyone rob us of hope, or do we just abandon it ourselves? The poet says, "Hope springs eternal". Hope is always there for us. So have some...no expiration date.====JACK: Hope becomes important for those who have something to hope for. It's not easy to always be optimistic and hopeful, but it's better than always being pessimistic and hopeless.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "Hope" is the most important word in the English language." Or probably any other language, as well. Hard to live in any meaningful way without it! Pope Francis is "spot on"!====JACK: This thought just came to mind....Is hope more significant to the children who have life before them, or to the elderly who tend to look at life, using the rear view mirror? ====OAKS: It's so significant for all of us, it is hard to say which is MORE significant, but my guess would be it is more needed when we are younger and dealing with a multitude of situations with marriage, children, jobs, social mores, and whatever illnesses and frustrations delve into our daily lives; as we age, hopefully we are sustained and calmer about what's "around the corner", especially if we have had a meaningful life....Agree?====JACK: Yes
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: Like====JACK: It appears as though you are being influenced by Facebook Liz.
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: Like.====JACK: "Like" father, "like" daughter
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Accentuate the positive. There is a song about that, too.====JACK: ...and you probably know the words and can sing it.
FROM PEPPERMINT MARY: faith...hope...and love abide...====JACK: When the Bible says that the greatest is love....It was not meant to denigrate the others.====MARY: can love really be without the others? something to ponder.====JACK: If Paul had meant love, alone, he would have excluded the others...which he did not.
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: Is "hope" in itself sufficient? (I know, the Pope was addressing children.)As an older child I find "faith, hope and love (charity)..these three...but the greatest of these is love.)also good advice.WW continues to be stimulating..challenging...enlightening. ====JACK: Jesus called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." What do you suppose that means?
FROM SBP IN FLORIDA: Is "hope" in itself sufficient?(I know the Pope was speaking to children.) As an older child I find "faith. hope and charity (love) ....these three...but the greatest of these is love."..also good advice. WW continues to stimulate, challenge and enlighten.====JACK: Beyond the theology...There are times when our faith is tested and upholds us. There are times when hope, beyond hope. That's a part of faith, too. And, finally, without the grace (love) of God, faith crumbles and hope evaporates. The three can be compared to a 3-legged stool. The stool needs all three.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Winning Words 6/10/13
“Dear God, be good to me. The sea is so wide, and my boat is so small.” (Prayer of Breton fishermen) During a naval training exercise, a friend of mine was dropped on a raft in the middle of the ocean. The chopper radioed, “We’ll be back.” My friend told me of the aloneness and apprehension he felt. I’m comforted by God’s promise, “Lo, I am with you always,” even during times when I feel like a face in the crowd. ;-) Jack
ASTRONAUT THOMAS K. MATTINGLY II: "It's hard to take yourself seriously when you look at the world from outer space."
FROM HONEST JOHN: My first practice debate at Augustana was against Phil Hubbart, the best debater in Augie history. I was demolished. Fortunately, he was also a very gracious person. A little grace helps when you feel crushed.====JACK: When life hands you a lemon...crush it...and then make lemonade. We are made better by an occasional setback. ====JOHN: They give a ring at West Point to the best debater in the nation...debate's equivalent of the Heisman Trophy...Hubbart won it twice...and was second the other time...no one else is close to him even though Augie has had some great debaters
FROM PH IN MINNESOTA: who are Breton fishermen?====JACK: There's a peninsula jutting out from France which is called, Brittany (Breton, "Little Britain"). It's the home of many fishing ports.====PH: I just knew there was a story here and that you would know it!!
FROM WALMART REV: I've had that experience at times...in the middle of a large crowd, feeling all alone...thankfully those times do pass on, especially when I begin to reach out to others in welcoming ways. ====JACK: "To have a friend, be a friend," except those times when your reaching out is seen as an intrusion into "private" space.
FROM RI IN BOSTON: As a child I felt comfortable living in the small town where I was born. I can remember, about age 5, occasionally my father taking me with him into the big city about 20 miles away. Driving into the bustling metropolis, with the busy streets, fast traffic, tall buildings, and crowded sidewalks, was a scary experience. The city was so big and I was so small. What if I got separated from my father? The security of his hand holding mine as we walked the streets was so reassuring. Through all the later years of my life my confidence came from knowing that I was still secure in the hands of the Father.====JACK: Canadian Anne Murray had a religious "pop" song, "Put your hand in the hand of the man who stilled the water."
FROM CL IN MICHIGAN: That is how I feel today. Just recvd word that a friend a young man in our congr was called home during the nite. A man that has had more problems than most. I know he is in a far better place than this harsh world.====JACK: Yesterday I heard that a Jewish friend suddenly died. He was one who made this harsh word a better place. David walked the talk. G-d is the same, yesterday, today and forever....in that eternal "better" place.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: I HAVE THIS POSTED IN MY "SEA SHELL" DECORATED BATHROOM! ALL MY GRANDCHILDREN AND "GREATS" KNOW IT BY HEART...SO TRUE! I FUNCTIONED FOR YEARS GROWING UP AS A "TWIN", SO WHEN WE MARRIED, AND LIVED VERY SEPARATE LIVES, (BOTH MARRIED TO MINISTERS, BUT GEOGRAPHICALLY WIDELY APART) I HAD TO LEARN TO "STAND ALONE" . NO ONE TODAY WILL BELIEVE THAT I WAS ONCE THE "QUIET TWIN" ! HA! I GREATLY ENJOYED THE BURL IVES DOUGHNUT HOLE SONG WHICH I'D NEVER HEARD, AND JUST LISTENED TO THIS A.M. ALWAYS EJOY YOUR WW AND THE BLOG COMMENTS!!====JACK: Burl Ives' LP also has these "old favorites"....The Little White Duck, Froggie Went a-Courtin' and Fooba Wooba John.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: It's such a wonderful feeling to know that no matter where we go, what we have to do, what we have to face and who we have to deal with, God is always always there. We are never ever alone.====JACK: And he's also there at those "oops" times when we've strayed from the straight and narrow. But that's the way it is with God. He's ALWAYS there!
FROM FM IN WISCONSIN: WW today reminded me of this photo – zoom in and see how God sees us as individuals – even when we are along on the ocean of life.! Hiding in a crowd? No more. Wait till this loads and zoom in... So you thought you might hide in the crowd......This picture was taken with a camera 70,000 x 30,000 pixels (2100 MegaPixels).It can identify a face in a multitude.The cameras are not sold to the public and are being installed in strategic locations. (This one is in Canada) Place the cursor in the multitude of people and left double click a couple times. It will continue to show the people much closer, when you double left click again or click more if needed. Amazing!! There were thousands of persons and yet one can spot and recognize any face.Imagine what this means... both police and Army have it.
http://www.gigapixel.com/image/gigapan-canucks-g7.html====JACK: My Little Boat is no longer lost.
FROM CS IN WISCONSIN: BE SURE AND WATCH TO THE END WHEN THERE IS A 1:35 MINUTE VIDEO....REALLY INTERESTING Subject: Grains of sand magnified up to 250 times
YOU WILL NEVER SEE A SANDY BEACH IN THE SAME WAY AGAIN!
http://inspirationgreen.com/magnified-grains-of-sand.html ====JACK: Even a grain of sand is not lost in the beach.
FROM PEPPERMINT MARY: sounds like max's journey to where the wild things are. it's maurice sendak's birthday today. did you know?====JACK: Someone else mentioned Maurice to me...so I had to look him up. Some librarians were reluctant to put his stuff on the shelves, until they saw him through the eyes of their children customers.
FROM MS IN MICHIGAN: Just returned from a trip to the Galapagos Islands. Seeing the stark lava up thrusts and being under the milky way seemed liked getting a glimpse of creation. Makes us very small. ====JACK: One of the most unusual places in this wonderful world.
“Dear God, be good to me. The sea is so wide, and my boat is so small.” (Prayer of Breton fishermen) During a naval training exercise, a friend of mine was dropped on a raft in the middle of the ocean. The chopper radioed, “We’ll be back.” My friend told me of the aloneness and apprehension he felt. I’m comforted by God’s promise, “Lo, I am with you always,” even during times when I feel like a face in the crowd. ;-) Jack
ASTRONAUT THOMAS K. MATTINGLY II: "It's hard to take yourself seriously when you look at the world from outer space."
FROM HONEST JOHN: My first practice debate at Augustana was against Phil Hubbart, the best debater in Augie history. I was demolished. Fortunately, he was also a very gracious person. A little grace helps when you feel crushed.====JACK: When life hands you a lemon...crush it...and then make lemonade. We are made better by an occasional setback. ====JOHN: They give a ring at West Point to the best debater in the nation...debate's equivalent of the Heisman Trophy...Hubbart won it twice...and was second the other time...no one else is close to him even though Augie has had some great debaters
FROM PH IN MINNESOTA: who are Breton fishermen?====JACK: There's a peninsula jutting out from France which is called, Brittany (Breton, "Little Britain"). It's the home of many fishing ports.====PH: I just knew there was a story here and that you would know it!!
FROM WALMART REV: I've had that experience at times...in the middle of a large crowd, feeling all alone...thankfully those times do pass on, especially when I begin to reach out to others in welcoming ways. ====JACK: "To have a friend, be a friend," except those times when your reaching out is seen as an intrusion into "private" space.
FROM RI IN BOSTON: As a child I felt comfortable living in the small town where I was born. I can remember, about age 5, occasionally my father taking me with him into the big city about 20 miles away. Driving into the bustling metropolis, with the busy streets, fast traffic, tall buildings, and crowded sidewalks, was a scary experience. The city was so big and I was so small. What if I got separated from my father? The security of his hand holding mine as we walked the streets was so reassuring. Through all the later years of my life my confidence came from knowing that I was still secure in the hands of the Father.====JACK: Canadian Anne Murray had a religious "pop" song, "Put your hand in the hand of the man who stilled the water."
FROM CL IN MICHIGAN: That is how I feel today. Just recvd word that a friend a young man in our congr was called home during the nite. A man that has had more problems than most. I know he is in a far better place than this harsh world.====JACK: Yesterday I heard that a Jewish friend suddenly died. He was one who made this harsh word a better place. David walked the talk. G-d is the same, yesterday, today and forever....in that eternal "better" place.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: I HAVE THIS POSTED IN MY "SEA SHELL" DECORATED BATHROOM! ALL MY GRANDCHILDREN AND "GREATS" KNOW IT BY HEART...SO TRUE! I FUNCTIONED FOR YEARS GROWING UP AS A "TWIN", SO WHEN WE MARRIED, AND LIVED VERY SEPARATE LIVES, (BOTH MARRIED TO MINISTERS, BUT GEOGRAPHICALLY WIDELY APART) I HAD TO LEARN TO "STAND ALONE" . NO ONE TODAY WILL BELIEVE THAT I WAS ONCE THE "QUIET TWIN" ! HA! I GREATLY ENJOYED THE BURL IVES DOUGHNUT HOLE SONG WHICH I'D NEVER HEARD, AND JUST LISTENED TO THIS A.M. ALWAYS EJOY YOUR WW AND THE BLOG COMMENTS!!====JACK: Burl Ives' LP also has these "old favorites"....The Little White Duck, Froggie Went a-Courtin' and Fooba Wooba John.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: It's such a wonderful feeling to know that no matter where we go, what we have to do, what we have to face and who we have to deal with, God is always always there. We are never ever alone.====JACK: And he's also there at those "oops" times when we've strayed from the straight and narrow. But that's the way it is with God. He's ALWAYS there!
FROM FM IN WISCONSIN: WW today reminded me of this photo – zoom in and see how God sees us as individuals – even when we are along on the ocean of life.! Hiding in a crowd? No more. Wait till this loads and zoom in... So you thought you might hide in the crowd......This picture was taken with a camera 70,000 x 30,000 pixels (2100 MegaPixels).It can identify a face in a multitude.The cameras are not sold to the public and are being installed in strategic locations. (This one is in Canada) Place the cursor in the multitude of people and left double click a couple times. It will continue to show the people much closer, when you double left click again or click more if needed. Amazing!! There were thousands of persons and yet one can spot and recognize any face.Imagine what this means... both police and Army have it.
http://www.gigapixel.com/image/gigapan-canucks-g7.html====JACK: My Little Boat is no longer lost.
FROM CS IN WISCONSIN: BE SURE AND WATCH TO THE END WHEN THERE IS A 1:35 MINUTE VIDEO....REALLY INTERESTING Subject: Grains of sand magnified up to 250 times
YOU WILL NEVER SEE A SANDY BEACH IN THE SAME WAY AGAIN!
http://inspirationgreen.com/magnified-grains-of-sand.html ====JACK: Even a grain of sand is not lost in the beach.
FROM PEPPERMINT MARY: sounds like max's journey to where the wild things are. it's maurice sendak's birthday today. did you know?====JACK: Someone else mentioned Maurice to me...so I had to look him up. Some librarians were reluctant to put his stuff on the shelves, until they saw him through the eyes of their children customers.
FROM MS IN MICHIGAN: Just returned from a trip to the Galapagos Islands. Seeing the stark lava up thrusts and being under the milky way seemed liked getting a glimpse of creation. Makes us very small. ====JACK: One of the most unusual places in this wonderful world.
Friday, June 07, 2013
Winning Words 6/7/13
“As you go through life, make this your goal. Watch the donut, not the hole.” (Burl Ives) A friend has reminded me that today is National Donut Day. Do you have a favorite? Krispy Kremes? Mmmmm. Donut Day was established in 1938, by the Salvation Army to honor the women who served donuts to the soldiers in WW 1. No KKs in those days. Back to today’s quote…You can probably sing that song. ;-) Jack
FROM RI IN BOSTON: When I was a school kid there was nothing like coming home from school and finding a plate of freshly made donuts. On a day when mom had a little extra time, she would mix up the dough, press out the "o's", drop them into the oil, then shake them in a bag of sugar and stack them on a plate. With a glass of milk, there was nothing comparable. (Recently in one of your WW you commented that often we don't cherish what we have until it's gone...certainly true about moms.)====JACK: Not related to donuts....but I used to reach up on top of the refrigerator and surreptitiously take a cookie from the cookie jar. One time...SNAP!...my father has placed a mousetrap in the jar. Everyone had a laugh when they heard the "thief" being caught.
FROM HONEST JOHN: French Crullers====JACK: I agree. Those are good. However, I hard time turning my nose up at any donut.====JOHN: "Yield not to Temptation" ====JACK: I yielded and went to Tim Horton's for a dozen.====JOHN: We went to Greenfield Village and had tea and scones at the Cotswald Cottage Tea Garden....so I guess I yielded as well....yielding is such sweet sorrow....
FROM WALMART REV: Must respectfully center my thoughts on the "hole" and 55 pounds off my body...I remember the day that 3-4 KK's and a cold glass of milk would "make my day!'====JACK: Do they sell donut holes at Walmart? The probably come free, if you buy the donut.
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: I've been feeling over-worked and over-stressed. Burl Ives/your WW are the perfect WW to read this morning!!!!! Thanks again for the spiritual uplift!!!!!====JACK: There's nothing like a hot cup of coffee, a fresh donut and Burl Ives to relieve the stress.
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: the qc's only krispy kreme closed a couple of years ago. :(====JACK: My first donut of the day was a KK. You may not have Krispy Kremes, but you have Whitey's.
FROM PH IN MINNESOTA: but i love donut holes!!====JACK: That because you're a hole-y man.
FROM CS IN WISCONSIN: Now that your mention the Salvation Army Donut Hole Day, I can remember as a child getting the little cardboard donut on a string – if you made a donation. That was a lot of years ago and a memory I’d forgotten.====JACK: The Salvation Army has done many good things with the contributions received.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: I guess the original Krispy Kreme is here in Tampa on Kennedy Blvd. The children used to sell boxes of them as fundraisers for school and teams. Knowing what is important in life is very important.====JACK: It's said that you learn something new every day, of you pay attention. Now I know Krispy Kreme originated. Some say that Dairy Queen originated in Moline.====MORE FROM SHIRL: You are really jogging my memory. When I lived on Riverside Drive at International Drive in New York,Burl Ives and his family lived right next door, and one of my friends was a baby sitter for his children. We liked his music, too. Juillard Music School was across the street, and one of our friends lived in the tower with her harp. Harping back to the old days,even though we were graduate students from all over the world, the women lived in one wing and the men in another. We only shared the cafeteria and the lobby and the auditorium. What a difference 50 years make. With DDay being yesterday, I wonder what the GIs would think of the country they saved 69 years ago today.====What about the WW 1 vets who made the world "safe for democracy?"
FROM DMF ON THE WAY TO MINNESOTA: You should have put a link to the song in your WW. ====JACK: Burl Ives - The Doughnut Song - 1951.wmv - YouTube
FROM ME IN NEWPORT BEACH: I remember reading essentially the same saying on the end of a donut carton that my Dad used to purchase, do not remember the brand. "As you travel on through life Brother, whatever be your goal, keep you eye upon the donut and not upon the hole."====JACK: The years have passed, but as I remember him, your dad was one who had his eye on the "donut."====ME: Literally and figuratively.
FROM LISA IN ARIZONA: Thank you for the link to the Burl Ives song; I'll have that stuck in my head for a few days now! I always think of him and the good ol' Christmas cartoon specials! My favorite donuts are crullers. The Koci's used to always bring donuts into entice us high schoolers into their Sunday School class. With their class, they didn't need the extra enticement, but, they definitely got me hooked on crullers! Those were my grandpa's favorites, too.====JACK: I remember certain SS teachers, too, and not just for the treats.
FROM RJP IN NAPLES: The proper way to say it is As you go through life brother, let one thing be your goal, keep you eye upon the donut and not upon the hole.......I have been telling my kids that for over 40 years as a way of saying.... Focus on what is important, not the frivolous. Burl Ives was not the first to use this phrase as it has been around almost as long as you........ but not quite dating back to Moses ====JACK: The quote is attributed to several people...even to Ogden Nash (probably not true).
FROM INDY GENIE: Burl Ives was one of the Lillstrom kids favorites. Our dad bought a Burl Ives LP for us and we memorized every word of it! Good music...good man (Burl and our dad)....great memory :) ====JACK: I never met Burl, but I knew your dad, and I liked him very much. He was a good man.
“As you go through life, make this your goal. Watch the donut, not the hole.” (Burl Ives) A friend has reminded me that today is National Donut Day. Do you have a favorite? Krispy Kremes? Mmmmm. Donut Day was established in 1938, by the Salvation Army to honor the women who served donuts to the soldiers in WW 1. No KKs in those days. Back to today’s quote…You can probably sing that song. ;-) Jack
FROM RI IN BOSTON: When I was a school kid there was nothing like coming home from school and finding a plate of freshly made donuts. On a day when mom had a little extra time, she would mix up the dough, press out the "o's", drop them into the oil, then shake them in a bag of sugar and stack them on a plate. With a glass of milk, there was nothing comparable. (Recently in one of your WW you commented that often we don't cherish what we have until it's gone...certainly true about moms.)====JACK: Not related to donuts....but I used to reach up on top of the refrigerator and surreptitiously take a cookie from the cookie jar. One time...SNAP!...my father has placed a mousetrap in the jar. Everyone had a laugh when they heard the "thief" being caught.
FROM HONEST JOHN: French Crullers====JACK: I agree. Those are good. However, I hard time turning my nose up at any donut.====JOHN: "Yield not to Temptation" ====JACK: I yielded and went to Tim Horton's for a dozen.====JOHN: We went to Greenfield Village and had tea and scones at the Cotswald Cottage Tea Garden....so I guess I yielded as well....yielding is such sweet sorrow....
FROM WALMART REV: Must respectfully center my thoughts on the "hole" and 55 pounds off my body...I remember the day that 3-4 KK's and a cold glass of milk would "make my day!'====JACK: Do they sell donut holes at Walmart? The probably come free, if you buy the donut.
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: I've been feeling over-worked and over-stressed. Burl Ives/your WW are the perfect WW to read this morning!!!!! Thanks again for the spiritual uplift!!!!!====JACK: There's nothing like a hot cup of coffee, a fresh donut and Burl Ives to relieve the stress.
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: the qc's only krispy kreme closed a couple of years ago. :(====JACK: My first donut of the day was a KK. You may not have Krispy Kremes, but you have Whitey's.
FROM PH IN MINNESOTA: but i love donut holes!!====JACK: That because you're a hole-y man.
FROM CS IN WISCONSIN: Now that your mention the Salvation Army Donut Hole Day, I can remember as a child getting the little cardboard donut on a string – if you made a donation. That was a lot of years ago and a memory I’d forgotten.====JACK: The Salvation Army has done many good things with the contributions received.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: I guess the original Krispy Kreme is here in Tampa on Kennedy Blvd. The children used to sell boxes of them as fundraisers for school and teams. Knowing what is important in life is very important.====JACK: It's said that you learn something new every day, of you pay attention. Now I know Krispy Kreme originated. Some say that Dairy Queen originated in Moline.====MORE FROM SHIRL: You are really jogging my memory. When I lived on Riverside Drive at International Drive in New York,Burl Ives and his family lived right next door, and one of my friends was a baby sitter for his children. We liked his music, too. Juillard Music School was across the street, and one of our friends lived in the tower with her harp. Harping back to the old days,even though we were graduate students from all over the world, the women lived in one wing and the men in another. We only shared the cafeteria and the lobby and the auditorium. What a difference 50 years make. With DDay being yesterday, I wonder what the GIs would think of the country they saved 69 years ago today.====What about the WW 1 vets who made the world "safe for democracy?"
FROM DMF ON THE WAY TO MINNESOTA: You should have put a link to the song in your WW. ====JACK: Burl Ives - The Doughnut Song - 1951.wmv - YouTube
FROM ME IN NEWPORT BEACH: I remember reading essentially the same saying on the end of a donut carton that my Dad used to purchase, do not remember the brand. "As you travel on through life Brother, whatever be your goal, keep you eye upon the donut and not upon the hole."====JACK: The years have passed, but as I remember him, your dad was one who had his eye on the "donut."====ME: Literally and figuratively.
FROM LISA IN ARIZONA: Thank you for the link to the Burl Ives song; I'll have that stuck in my head for a few days now! I always think of him and the good ol' Christmas cartoon specials! My favorite donuts are crullers. The Koci's used to always bring donuts into entice us high schoolers into their Sunday School class. With their class, they didn't need the extra enticement, but, they definitely got me hooked on crullers! Those were my grandpa's favorites, too.====JACK: I remember certain SS teachers, too, and not just for the treats.
FROM RJP IN NAPLES: The proper way to say it is As you go through life brother, let one thing be your goal, keep you eye upon the donut and not upon the hole.......I have been telling my kids that for over 40 years as a way of saying.... Focus on what is important, not the frivolous. Burl Ives was not the first to use this phrase as it has been around almost as long as you........ but not quite dating back to Moses ====JACK: The quote is attributed to several people...even to Ogden Nash (probably not true).
FROM INDY GENIE: Burl Ives was one of the Lillstrom kids favorites. Our dad bought a Burl Ives LP for us and we memorized every word of it! Good music...good man (Burl and our dad)....great memory :) ====JACK: I never met Burl, but I knew your dad, and I liked him very much. He was a good man.
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