Jack’s Winning Words 7/31/13
“There is no time like the pleasant.” (From: My Mother Tried To Tell Me) This quote was in a book I once gave to my mother. Wouldn’t this be a great world if there were more pleasantness—on the roads—at work—in stores—at home? Have you heard of Pleasantville, NY? In Michigan we have Paradise and Hell. I’ve been to both places. Mother tried to tell me that when you’re nice to people they’ll be nice to you. ;-) Jack
FROM JEAN-JACQUES ROUSSEAU: What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: Just this past summer, I was listening to a priest preach and he said we need to "give respect to people in order to get respect." I like that too. Whatever--kindness, being nice, pleasant, giving respect, the ability to do all these things seems to arise from a heart which knows God loves him/her and loves the world and is active in it. That's pretty cheeky for a town to call itself Hell--I bet there are a lot of nice people in it and I bet there are some ornery people in Paradise. I respect their freedom to call their towns Paradise and Hell and live pleasant lives there.====JACK: There's a town in New Zealand called, Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu. I wonder if it's a pleasant place?
FROM HONEST JOHN: I think that Hell in Michigan has a much better PR group than Paradise. I have often been told to go to Hell but not once to go to Paradise,====JACK: In my youth I was told that Hell was a swear word, but it was OK to substitute, Heck.
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: Nobody wants to go first these days. Guess I'll have to do it. Have a nice day!====JACK: Jesus said that the first shall be last. Go to the end of the line!.
FROM TARMART REV: Another good post today, Jack . . . "reaping back what we sow first"!
FROM PEPPERMINT MARY: your mother was correct!====JACK: I added a post script to the book's title: .....But I Wouldn't Listen.
FROM MICHIZONA RAY: Thanks for the pleasant thoughts.====JACK: I know someone who lives in Carefree, Arizona. How's that for the name of a city?
FROM KF IN MICHIGAN: I spent a week in Paradise (cabin) and Hell is where we used to go to pick corn!====JACK: I sent a post card to my mother from Hell to prove that I had been there.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: How right your mother was. BTW we have another 103 year old man who is active and plays clarinet in a community orchestra. Isn't that amazing. He just got a stationary bicycle for his birthday ====JACK: When are you getting your 3-wheeler?
FROM BLAZING OAKS: I've been to Carefree, AZ and to Hell in MI...they get lots of tourists who want to send a card from "hell"! But never to the L0000000000000000NG titled city you described in the blog1 (What the?????!) Anyway have a pleasant day, because there IS no time like the PLEASANT! Thanks for that reminder!====JACK: There's a city in Colorado called, Loveland. Some people, on their honeymoon, go there and send postcards with the city's postmark.
FROM ANONYMOUS: The quality of mercy/pleasantness is not strained.....it blesseth him ....that gives and him that takes....An adaptation of Portia"s speech came to mind as descriptive of the effect of pleasantness. Good feelings all around...warm memories....an impetus towards expressing God"s love for all, caring, and personal comfort with self......
FROM CH ON CAPE COD: A bunch of our members and summer visitors are all from the Lutheran church in Pleasantville,NY. (I think they were also one of the first churches to get solar panels)====JACK: I always remember it as the home of The Reader's Digest. Dave Barry and Tina Turner are from there, too. Do they ever visit your church?
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Jack’s Winning Words 7/30/13
“I stand in awe of my body.” (Thoreau) I wonder what Thoreau would think of today’s body fixation? He was eating healthy and exercising before being told that it was good for him. I smiled when I read that N. Hawthorne described his friend, Thoreau, as being “ugly as sin.” Hmmm! I wonder.---What’s the difference between beauty and ugly? What’s the difference between the writings of Thoreau and People magazine? ;-) Jack
FROM MICHIZONA RAY: I think the difference between beauty and ugly is grace; and the difference in the writings of these third is grace as well. At least with regard to beauty, it's both joyful and pleasurable to experience. But, what is it that makes one care enough to read about those who pretend to be something they are not, while the truly interesting people are those who work diligently at the honest and true sojourn of the authentic?====JACK: The truly beautiful people are not narcissistic.
FROM TARMART REV: Is it, "all in the eyes of the beholder?"====JACK: All judgment is done with the eyes and the mind of the beholder.
FROM CS IN RICE LAKE: Personally I believe that Thoreau was looking at the beauty of how his body was made and how best he could take care of it. People magazine looks at the I, me, my syndrome – artificial beauty, how to change what God has given you and promoting what they perceive as perfection…never seeing the inner beauty.====JACK: I don't think you'd find Thoreau's name on the subscriber list of People magazine.
FROM BM IN MICHIGAN: The difference is in the audience. More people want to read People. ====JACK: I'd be surprised to learn that G-d took a poll before he issued the Ten Commandments.
FROM RI IN BOSTON: More than likely Thoreau was thinking more about the make-up of his entire body, not just its outer appearance. Each of us is certainly an awesome processing operation that supplies and maintains the various body systems keeping us alive. Some of our body's functions are mundane, others rapturous. Ugly or not, I stand with Thoreau...in awe of my body.====JACK: I wonder if Hawthorne was kidding when he referred to his friend as being "as ugly as sin." BTW, what makes sin ugly? When Jesus is referred to as Beautiful Savior, what does beautiful mean?====RI: About your question what makes sin ugly, I was asking myself the same question this morning when I read your WW. "Ugly as" seems more appropriate coupled with "Oompah."
FROM HAWKEYE GEORGE: I believe that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder (don't remember who wrote that).====JACK: I seen the origin traced to Plato, John Lyly, Shakespeare, and Ben Franklin. Take your pick! It's one of those proverbs which causes you to say, "That's right!"
FROM BLAZING OAKS: One of the most memorable books i ever read was "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made" by Dr. Brand.(Philip Yancy helped him write it.) It absolutely put you in awe as to the miraculous make-up of our human bodies. This makes me want to re-read it a third time to refresh my memory of all the things that fascinated, while reading it! You know, I don't recall seeing a picture of Thoreau, but he could write. I doubt he would be impressed with People magazine! Wasn't he a leading Transcendentalist? It seems to me he was good friends with Louisa Mae Alcott and her father, and they put him in that category. I too am in awe of my body, no longer beautiful, but wholesome!! :-) And still functioning well!====JACK: What do you mean, "No longer beautiful?" What is beauty, after all? It's said that Thoreau's nose was rather large. So what? It's also said that he was a Transcendentalist. So what? Most people don't even know what the word means...and couldn't care less. He was an idealist. We could use more people like him in this world, don't you think?
FROM AW IN ILLINOIS: Hi Jack...came across a new phrase for the human body: "earth suit" ====JACK: I've never heard that expression.
“I stand in awe of my body.” (Thoreau) I wonder what Thoreau would think of today’s body fixation? He was eating healthy and exercising before being told that it was good for him. I smiled when I read that N. Hawthorne described his friend, Thoreau, as being “ugly as sin.” Hmmm! I wonder.---What’s the difference between beauty and ugly? What’s the difference between the writings of Thoreau and People magazine? ;-) Jack
FROM MICHIZONA RAY: I think the difference between beauty and ugly is grace; and the difference in the writings of these third is grace as well. At least with regard to beauty, it's both joyful and pleasurable to experience. But, what is it that makes one care enough to read about those who pretend to be something they are not, while the truly interesting people are those who work diligently at the honest and true sojourn of the authentic?====JACK: The truly beautiful people are not narcissistic.
FROM TARMART REV: Is it, "all in the eyes of the beholder?"====JACK: All judgment is done with the eyes and the mind of the beholder.
FROM CS IN RICE LAKE: Personally I believe that Thoreau was looking at the beauty of how his body was made and how best he could take care of it. People magazine looks at the I, me, my syndrome – artificial beauty, how to change what God has given you and promoting what they perceive as perfection…never seeing the inner beauty.====JACK: I don't think you'd find Thoreau's name on the subscriber list of People magazine.
FROM BM IN MICHIGAN: The difference is in the audience. More people want to read People. ====JACK: I'd be surprised to learn that G-d took a poll before he issued the Ten Commandments.
FROM RI IN BOSTON: More than likely Thoreau was thinking more about the make-up of his entire body, not just its outer appearance. Each of us is certainly an awesome processing operation that supplies and maintains the various body systems keeping us alive. Some of our body's functions are mundane, others rapturous. Ugly or not, I stand with Thoreau...in awe of my body.====JACK: I wonder if Hawthorne was kidding when he referred to his friend as being "as ugly as sin." BTW, what makes sin ugly? When Jesus is referred to as Beautiful Savior, what does beautiful mean?====RI: About your question what makes sin ugly, I was asking myself the same question this morning when I read your WW. "Ugly as" seems more appropriate coupled with "Oompah."
FROM HAWKEYE GEORGE: I believe that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder (don't remember who wrote that).====JACK: I seen the origin traced to Plato, John Lyly, Shakespeare, and Ben Franklin. Take your pick! It's one of those proverbs which causes you to say, "That's right!"
FROM BLAZING OAKS: One of the most memorable books i ever read was "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made" by Dr. Brand.(Philip Yancy helped him write it.) It absolutely put you in awe as to the miraculous make-up of our human bodies. This makes me want to re-read it a third time to refresh my memory of all the things that fascinated, while reading it! You know, I don't recall seeing a picture of Thoreau, but he could write. I doubt he would be impressed with People magazine! Wasn't he a leading Transcendentalist? It seems to me he was good friends with Louisa Mae Alcott and her father, and they put him in that category. I too am in awe of my body, no longer beautiful, but wholesome!! :-) And still functioning well!====JACK: What do you mean, "No longer beautiful?" What is beauty, after all? It's said that Thoreau's nose was rather large. So what? It's also said that he was a Transcendentalist. So what? Most people don't even know what the word means...and couldn't care less. He was an idealist. We could use more people like him in this world, don't you think?
FROM AW IN ILLINOIS: Hi Jack...came across a new phrase for the human body: "earth suit" ====JACK: I've never heard that expression.
Monday, July 29, 2013
Jack’s Winning Words 7/29/13
“Lord, I shall be very busy this day. I may forget thee, but do not thou forget me.” (Sir Jacob Astley) I read a list of 10 Reasons Not To Exercise. “I’m too busy” was #1. In fact, it’s probably #1 on many other lists. Jim Croce sang, “There never seems to be enough time.” There’s a saying that We make time for the things we want to do. Astley’s prayer is a good one for those days when the schedule seems just too full. ;-) Jack
FROM MICHIZONA RAY: So true about the saying for making time for what we want to do. Jesus said it differently, "Seek your treasure and you shall find your heart there also". I think we are right to seek forgiveness for our upcoming distractions before we even start the day...but I get distracted even from doing this!====JACK: The thing about GRACE, is that it doesn't make sense. Sometimes GOD is like that, too.
FROM TARMART REV: Taking time to say, thank you to you for you this day!====JACK: Do you know this song?
Father, we thank Thee for the night, And for the pleasant morning light;
For rest and food and loving care, And all that makes the world so fair.
Help us to do the things we should, To be to others kind and good;
In all we do, in work or play, To love Thee better day by day.
====REV: Grew up in a church that didn't sing enough of those good old hymns...but what you and I have in common is that we both have enough of those classic hymns treasured within the continue to bless us even today...there is nothing like carrying a song in one's heart to bless and reflect upon.====JACK: I grew up in a church where I learned those songs.
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: My life has been so good lately, it is a bit hard to forget Him…but I understand the sentiment.====JACK: Does that mean...When things go bad, it's easy to forget Him? I don't think that it went that way for Job. But, to each his own. One size does not fill all, as far as a religious experience is concerned. I applaud you for remembering "the Source" in the good times.====JON: Not at all, I think for many when things go bad they turn to God for an explanation, but when things are good sometimes they tend to think it comes from their own power. It is, sometimes, hard to remember knowledge is a collaboration and the collected wisdom of the ages are ours reference.
FROM DS IN SAN DIEGO: Jack, you hit it on the head with this one. I loved all Croce songs, but this one is one of the best and says it well. As I get older I find that I think of God more often as I recall so many things for which I need forgiveness. ====JACK: We are the product of our life experiences. It was also that way with Croce. He died "too" young...but when is the right age for dying?
FROM BLAZING OAKS: For the most part we do make time for things we REALLY want to do. I doubt that busy people are often bored: Read a good quote on that, "I'm bored" is a useless thing to say. You live in a great, big, vast world, that you've seen none percent of !" (Louis C.K. from Louie) One of my granddaughters is currently using her summer break at ASU to teach 13 hours a day, in S.Korea.(same lesson, twelve times to elementary children) and soaking up some culture from there. What life lessons are to be had in traveling!====JACK: Travel has certainly changed since our growing up days. I remember driving to Chicago on 2 lane highways, being careful not to pass on curves...I remember seeing the first streamlined trains, the Rocket and the Zephyr pull into the depot...I remember the first DC 3 land at the Moline Airport..====OAKS: I can remember my 83 yr. old grandfather marveling over a man on the moon...His first car was a Model T Ford (They came only in Black). He was one of the first residents of his town to have a car, and he was asked not to drive it to church, as it scared the horses that other church members used for travel HA!
“Lord, I shall be very busy this day. I may forget thee, but do not thou forget me.” (Sir Jacob Astley) I read a list of 10 Reasons Not To Exercise. “I’m too busy” was #1. In fact, it’s probably #1 on many other lists. Jim Croce sang, “There never seems to be enough time.” There’s a saying that We make time for the things we want to do. Astley’s prayer is a good one for those days when the schedule seems just too full. ;-) Jack
FROM MICHIZONA RAY: So true about the saying for making time for what we want to do. Jesus said it differently, "Seek your treasure and you shall find your heart there also". I think we are right to seek forgiveness for our upcoming distractions before we even start the day...but I get distracted even from doing this!====JACK: The thing about GRACE, is that it doesn't make sense. Sometimes GOD is like that, too.
FROM TARMART REV: Taking time to say, thank you to you for you this day!====JACK: Do you know this song?
Father, we thank Thee for the night, And for the pleasant morning light;
For rest and food and loving care, And all that makes the world so fair.
Help us to do the things we should, To be to others kind and good;
In all we do, in work or play, To love Thee better day by day.
====REV: Grew up in a church that didn't sing enough of those good old hymns...but what you and I have in common is that we both have enough of those classic hymns treasured within the continue to bless us even today...there is nothing like carrying a song in one's heart to bless and reflect upon.====JACK: I grew up in a church where I learned those songs.
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: My life has been so good lately, it is a bit hard to forget Him…but I understand the sentiment.====JACK: Does that mean...When things go bad, it's easy to forget Him? I don't think that it went that way for Job. But, to each his own. One size does not fill all, as far as a religious experience is concerned. I applaud you for remembering "the Source" in the good times.====JON: Not at all, I think for many when things go bad they turn to God for an explanation, but when things are good sometimes they tend to think it comes from their own power. It is, sometimes, hard to remember knowledge is a collaboration and the collected wisdom of the ages are ours reference.
FROM DS IN SAN DIEGO: Jack, you hit it on the head with this one. I loved all Croce songs, but this one is one of the best and says it well. As I get older I find that I think of God more often as I recall so many things for which I need forgiveness. ====JACK: We are the product of our life experiences. It was also that way with Croce. He died "too" young...but when is the right age for dying?
FROM BLAZING OAKS: For the most part we do make time for things we REALLY want to do. I doubt that busy people are often bored: Read a good quote on that, "I'm bored" is a useless thing to say. You live in a great, big, vast world, that you've seen none percent of !" (Louis C.K. from Louie) One of my granddaughters is currently using her summer break at ASU to teach 13 hours a day, in S.Korea.(same lesson, twelve times to elementary children) and soaking up some culture from there. What life lessons are to be had in traveling!====JACK: Travel has certainly changed since our growing up days. I remember driving to Chicago on 2 lane highways, being careful not to pass on curves...I remember seeing the first streamlined trains, the Rocket and the Zephyr pull into the depot...I remember the first DC 3 land at the Moline Airport..====OAKS: I can remember my 83 yr. old grandfather marveling over a man on the moon...His first car was a Model T Ford (They came only in Black). He was one of the first residents of his town to have a car, and he was asked not to drive it to church, as it scared the horses that other church members used for travel HA!
Friday, July 26, 2013
Jack’s Winning Words 7/26/13
“In all honesty, everyone is struggling. Some are better at hiding it than others.” (Will Smith) Harry Golden’s essay, “The Show Must Go On,” tells of a man who was late for work one day and was reprimanded by his boss. Later in the day, the man quietly said, “My daughter died last night.” Everyone handles grief and disappointment in a personal way. Everyone has their struggles. Try to be understanding today! ;-) Jack
FROM PEPPERMINT MARY: i thin i'll wear my moccasins today to remind about "walking a mile" in someone else's.====JACK: Be sure to put a pebble in there.====MARY: oh and, thanks for today's song of the day from "godspell". can't stop singing it. great tune and a fun one for " lyric variations".
FROM MICHIZONA RAY: I used to say to my clients who thought their suffering was due to circumstances that a better financial position would cure, the wealthy suffer too. They just have the wherewithal to disguise it and distract themselves by things that money can buy. In the end, they too end up in the cemetery right next to the fool (from Solomon in Ecclesiastes -- with some paraphrasing). There is no escape from this life on earth; but for the Life not on earth!====JACK: One of my favorite Jesus stories is about the rich man and Lazarus...Luke 16.
FROM TARMART REV: I'm reminded today of the old KJV of Philippians 2:12, about working out our salvation in fear and trembling. The Message Bible states it this way, "Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure." When I read a thought challenging statement or story like today, it always reminds me I have more to learn or remember while I'm working out my own salvation, and yes with fear and trembling at times.====JACK: Working out our salvation is easier when we remember that it is only by "grace."
FROM RI IN BOSTON: These WW remind me of the two masks that symbolize drama...one with bright eyes and wide smile, the other with teary eyes and melancholy lips. Some persons integrate the two masks, exposing the happy face but feeling the sad one. Wasn't there a song years ago about "laughing on the outside, crying on the inside"?====JACK: One line from that song goes: "I cry, my eyes are dry The tears are in my heart." I think I'll go to YouTube and hear Dinah Shore sing it.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Excellent advice for living each day.====JACK: The Swedes have a hymn that's a favorite of mine....Day By Day.
Day by day, your mercies, Lord, attend me, bringing comfort to my anxious soul.
Day by day, the blessings, Lord, you send me draw me nearer to my heav’nly goal.
Love divine, beyond all mortal measure, brings to naught the burdens of my quest;
Savior, lead me to the home I treasure, where at last I’ll find eternal rest.
Day by day, I know you will provide me strength to serve and wisdom to obey;
I will seek your loving will to guide me o’er the paths I struggle day by day.
I will fear no evil of the morrow, I will trust in your enduring grace.
Savior, help me bear life’s pain and sorrow till in glory I behold your face.
Oh, what joy to know that you are near me when my burdens grow too great to bear;
oh, what joy to know that you will hear me when I come, O Lord, to you in prayer.
Day by day, no matter what betide me, you will hold me ever in your hand.
Savior, with your presence here to guide me, I will reach at last the promised land.
FROM KF IN MICHIGAN: Great subject for a sermon!====JACK: I find ideas for sermons every day everywhere. Jimmy Durante used to say: "I got a million of 'em."
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Reminds me of a quote by astronaut wife Barbara Cernan: "If you think going to the moon is hard, try staying at home!" The recent book about the astronaut's wives highlights their struggles, and the comfort they gave each other. Yes, everyone does struggle at times, so as one pastor always puts in his bulletin, "be kinder than necessary to everyone you meet today, for everyone is fighting some kind of battle."====JACK: A pastor that I know would begin every worship service by asking, "Is there anyone or anything we should be praying about today?" As the people spoke he would jot down notes and refer to them during the Prayer of Day. When I substituted for him, I followed that example. On those occasions Prayer Time seemed more real!
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: LAL.====JACK: YW.
FROM CWR IN MICHIGAN: Thanks
FROM ANONYMOUS: Today's WW (sermonette) created a feeling of poignancy. People "put on a happy face" to pass on a pleasant demeanor while dealing with difficulties of their own (unspoken). Thank heaven for sensitive caring persons of this sort....and there are many, many of them.
FROM BS IN ENGLAND: I agree 100%.
“In all honesty, everyone is struggling. Some are better at hiding it than others.” (Will Smith) Harry Golden’s essay, “The Show Must Go On,” tells of a man who was late for work one day and was reprimanded by his boss. Later in the day, the man quietly said, “My daughter died last night.” Everyone handles grief and disappointment in a personal way. Everyone has their struggles. Try to be understanding today! ;-) Jack
FROM PEPPERMINT MARY: i thin i'll wear my moccasins today to remind about "walking a mile" in someone else's.====JACK: Be sure to put a pebble in there.====MARY: oh and, thanks for today's song of the day from "godspell". can't stop singing it. great tune and a fun one for " lyric variations".
FROM MICHIZONA RAY: I used to say to my clients who thought their suffering was due to circumstances that a better financial position would cure, the wealthy suffer too. They just have the wherewithal to disguise it and distract themselves by things that money can buy. In the end, they too end up in the cemetery right next to the fool (from Solomon in Ecclesiastes -- with some paraphrasing). There is no escape from this life on earth; but for the Life not on earth!====JACK: One of my favorite Jesus stories is about the rich man and Lazarus...Luke 16.
FROM TARMART REV: I'm reminded today of the old KJV of Philippians 2:12, about working out our salvation in fear and trembling. The Message Bible states it this way, "Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure." When I read a thought challenging statement or story like today, it always reminds me I have more to learn or remember while I'm working out my own salvation, and yes with fear and trembling at times.====JACK: Working out our salvation is easier when we remember that it is only by "grace."
FROM RI IN BOSTON: These WW remind me of the two masks that symbolize drama...one with bright eyes and wide smile, the other with teary eyes and melancholy lips. Some persons integrate the two masks, exposing the happy face but feeling the sad one. Wasn't there a song years ago about "laughing on the outside, crying on the inside"?====JACK: One line from that song goes: "I cry, my eyes are dry The tears are in my heart." I think I'll go to YouTube and hear Dinah Shore sing it.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Excellent advice for living each day.====JACK: The Swedes have a hymn that's a favorite of mine....Day By Day.
Day by day, your mercies, Lord, attend me, bringing comfort to my anxious soul.
Day by day, the blessings, Lord, you send me draw me nearer to my heav’nly goal.
Love divine, beyond all mortal measure, brings to naught the burdens of my quest;
Savior, lead me to the home I treasure, where at last I’ll find eternal rest.
Day by day, I know you will provide me strength to serve and wisdom to obey;
I will seek your loving will to guide me o’er the paths I struggle day by day.
I will fear no evil of the morrow, I will trust in your enduring grace.
Savior, help me bear life’s pain and sorrow till in glory I behold your face.
Oh, what joy to know that you are near me when my burdens grow too great to bear;
oh, what joy to know that you will hear me when I come, O Lord, to you in prayer.
Day by day, no matter what betide me, you will hold me ever in your hand.
Savior, with your presence here to guide me, I will reach at last the promised land.
FROM KF IN MICHIGAN: Great subject for a sermon!====JACK: I find ideas for sermons every day everywhere. Jimmy Durante used to say: "I got a million of 'em."
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Reminds me of a quote by astronaut wife Barbara Cernan: "If you think going to the moon is hard, try staying at home!" The recent book about the astronaut's wives highlights their struggles, and the comfort they gave each other. Yes, everyone does struggle at times, so as one pastor always puts in his bulletin, "be kinder than necessary to everyone you meet today, for everyone is fighting some kind of battle."====JACK: A pastor that I know would begin every worship service by asking, "Is there anyone or anything we should be praying about today?" As the people spoke he would jot down notes and refer to them during the Prayer of Day. When I substituted for him, I followed that example. On those occasions Prayer Time seemed more real!
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: LAL.====JACK: YW.
FROM CWR IN MICHIGAN: Thanks
FROM ANONYMOUS: Today's WW (sermonette) created a feeling of poignancy. People "put on a happy face" to pass on a pleasant demeanor while dealing with difficulties of their own (unspoken). Thank heaven for sensitive caring persons of this sort....and there are many, many of them.
FROM BS IN ENGLAND: I agree 100%.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Jack’s Winning Words 7/25/13
“Don’t do something permanently stupid just because you are temporarily upset.” (Unknown) A friend of mine will write a hot letter to someone who has upset him, and then he tosses it into the waste basket. Not a bad idea! How do you keep from doing something stupid when you’re upset? I choose to let some time pass. To change the subject, but not to change the subject, I like the song, “Something Stupid.” ;-) Jack
FROM TRIHARDER: Great advice!====JACK: Buy low! Sell high!
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: i use the 24-hr rule. it gives me a chance to cool down, think about it, probably not do it.====JACK: Some people seem to think that the "5 second rule" for dropped food also applies to the cool-down period when upset.
FROM ANONYMOUS: Amen Jack! Did you know that when you get angry your IQ actually drops as blood is diverted from your brain to your body for a fight / flight action? Thank You :-)====JACK: I wonder what the record is for the lowest IQ? Some people seem to want to break it.
FROM ME IN NEWPORT BEACH: Good advice. By definition when angry one almost always says something inappropriate and regrettable. I had two good teachers for that proposition, each in a different way. I might add that, while I try, I do not always practice what I preach. Sometimes taking yourself out of the situation, however seemingly awkward at the time, also helps. I used to walk out in the middle of an intense deposition when I found myself getting upset. I would ask to excuse myself and explain that I needed a restroom break.====JACK: Even preachers don't always practice what they preach. Somewhat similar (but maybe not) is the saying, "A lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client." The bathroom break is a good suggestion.
FROM HONEST JOHN: A walk around the block has often given me a chance to cool down. ====JACK: I suppose there were certain situations that required two, or more, trips around the block.
FROM DOCTOR PAUL: I talk to Jack! LOL====JACK: You didn't have to add LOL. You could have used VBD.====PAUL: .AAYF
FROM BLAZING OAKS: THESE ARE SUCH GOOD WORDS! I THINK OF PEOPLE WHO COMMIT SUICIDE OVER A ROMANTIC BREAK-UP, OR ''"TO SHOW YOU!" IF ONLY (THERE ARE THOSE TWO WORDS AGAIN!) THEY COULD STOP AND TAKE THE LONG LOOK, AND KNOW THINGS ARE NOT GOING TO STAY DARK AND DEPRESSING, GET HELP TO DEAL WITH WHATEVER...MOST AGREE THAT GIVING THE SITUATION SOME TIME, HELPS A LOT. WHO WAS IT SAID, "DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF...P.S. IT'S ALL SMALL STUFF!" IN THE BIG PICTURE THAT PROVES TO BE PRETTY TRUE.====JACK: The problem with the depressed is that the can't (or choose not to) see the big picture. It is so frustrating to try to reason with the unreasonable....but we should not give up trying.====OAKS: THAT IS SO TRUE... THEY ARE MIRED TOO DEEP TO HAVE A GLIMMER OF A POSITIVE OUTCOME OR FUTURE. WE'VE DEALT WITH THAT TOO. PROFOUND DEPRESSION IS A TERRIBLE QUAGMIRE!!
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: I have surprised myself at my age but I find lying down and praying and then taking a nap does wonders, especially when the cat always seems alert to what I am doing and comes to nap with me. It's really surprising how that can get me on balance again.====JACK: Do you suppose that when cats take cat naps, they're doing it to cool down? Seriously, taking a "prayer break" seems like a good idea.
FROM RJP IN NAPLES: Another good one. I have learned over the years the the written word is too easily misinterpreted sooooo when I am upset I will write the letter and put it in the draft file for at least one day. It is amazing the changes for the better that come from that. Of course the only exception is the letters to you. They come straight from the heart, soul, foot in mouth, etc. Remember the old song....." You only hurt the ones you love, the one you should not hurt at all." All toooooo true.====JACK: The other day, Mary was reading and enjoying letters that had been sent to her by her father many years ago. Other letters, not so nice, can last equally as long. And, yes, I remember that song. In fact, I'm listening to the Mills Brothers singing it on YouTube right now.
FROM TARMART REV: The good 'ol "count to 10" before you speak works good for me, and the older I am now, the slower I am to get to ten . . . that's even better!!====JACK: Even better is the Lawrence Welk method...a one and a two and a three and a four etc.====REV: Good line w/ bubbles to boot!
FROM MICHIZONA RAY: What is it that makes the "upset" only a temporary response? It certainly isn't Time; but what happens during the Time. What do you suppose it is -- reason? reflection? something else? ====JACK: For those who know something about steam engines (as you probably do)... When the pressure in the boiler becomes too great, there's a pop-off valve that opens and relieves that pressure before something "bad" happens. Some people have better pop-off valves than others.
FROM NE IN MICHIGAN: Boy oh boy, can I relate to this one!====JACK: Sometimes it's surprising to find out that there's a gang of people in the same boat...And sometimes it's not.
FROM BBC IN ILLINOIS: I agree with you about letting time pass and, love this quote. Thanks! ====JACK: I came across a site: 10 Tips to Control Your Temper. Without listing them, one suggested "talking it through" after things have cooled down.
FROM JT IN MICHIGAN: I compose a letter on the computer, wait three days, reread (and sometimes change it) then either send or delete.====JACK: The DELETE key is a wonderful invention. So is the SEND key....except when you push it when you meant to push DELETE. Oops!
“Don’t do something permanently stupid just because you are temporarily upset.” (Unknown) A friend of mine will write a hot letter to someone who has upset him, and then he tosses it into the waste basket. Not a bad idea! How do you keep from doing something stupid when you’re upset? I choose to let some time pass. To change the subject, but not to change the subject, I like the song, “Something Stupid.” ;-) Jack
FROM TRIHARDER: Great advice!====JACK: Buy low! Sell high!
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: i use the 24-hr rule. it gives me a chance to cool down, think about it, probably not do it.====JACK: Some people seem to think that the "5 second rule" for dropped food also applies to the cool-down period when upset.
FROM ANONYMOUS: Amen Jack! Did you know that when you get angry your IQ actually drops as blood is diverted from your brain to your body for a fight / flight action? Thank You :-)====JACK: I wonder what the record is for the lowest IQ? Some people seem to want to break it.
FROM ME IN NEWPORT BEACH: Good advice. By definition when angry one almost always says something inappropriate and regrettable. I had two good teachers for that proposition, each in a different way. I might add that, while I try, I do not always practice what I preach. Sometimes taking yourself out of the situation, however seemingly awkward at the time, also helps. I used to walk out in the middle of an intense deposition when I found myself getting upset. I would ask to excuse myself and explain that I needed a restroom break.====JACK: Even preachers don't always practice what they preach. Somewhat similar (but maybe not) is the saying, "A lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client." The bathroom break is a good suggestion.
FROM HONEST JOHN: A walk around the block has often given me a chance to cool down. ====JACK: I suppose there were certain situations that required two, or more, trips around the block.
FROM DOCTOR PAUL: I talk to Jack! LOL====JACK: You didn't have to add LOL. You could have used VBD.====PAUL: .AAYF
FROM BLAZING OAKS: THESE ARE SUCH GOOD WORDS! I THINK OF PEOPLE WHO COMMIT SUICIDE OVER A ROMANTIC BREAK-UP, OR ''"TO SHOW YOU!" IF ONLY (THERE ARE THOSE TWO WORDS AGAIN!) THEY COULD STOP AND TAKE THE LONG LOOK, AND KNOW THINGS ARE NOT GOING TO STAY DARK AND DEPRESSING, GET HELP TO DEAL WITH WHATEVER...MOST AGREE THAT GIVING THE SITUATION SOME TIME, HELPS A LOT. WHO WAS IT SAID, "DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF...P.S. IT'S ALL SMALL STUFF!" IN THE BIG PICTURE THAT PROVES TO BE PRETTY TRUE.====JACK: The problem with the depressed is that the can't (or choose not to) see the big picture. It is so frustrating to try to reason with the unreasonable....but we should not give up trying.====OAKS: THAT IS SO TRUE... THEY ARE MIRED TOO DEEP TO HAVE A GLIMMER OF A POSITIVE OUTCOME OR FUTURE. WE'VE DEALT WITH THAT TOO. PROFOUND DEPRESSION IS A TERRIBLE QUAGMIRE!!
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: I have surprised myself at my age but I find lying down and praying and then taking a nap does wonders, especially when the cat always seems alert to what I am doing and comes to nap with me. It's really surprising how that can get me on balance again.====JACK: Do you suppose that when cats take cat naps, they're doing it to cool down? Seriously, taking a "prayer break" seems like a good idea.
FROM RJP IN NAPLES: Another good one. I have learned over the years the the written word is too easily misinterpreted sooooo when I am upset I will write the letter and put it in the draft file for at least one day. It is amazing the changes for the better that come from that. Of course the only exception is the letters to you. They come straight from the heart, soul, foot in mouth, etc. Remember the old song....." You only hurt the ones you love, the one you should not hurt at all." All toooooo true.====JACK: The other day, Mary was reading and enjoying letters that had been sent to her by her father many years ago. Other letters, not so nice, can last equally as long. And, yes, I remember that song. In fact, I'm listening to the Mills Brothers singing it on YouTube right now.
FROM TARMART REV: The good 'ol "count to 10" before you speak works good for me, and the older I am now, the slower I am to get to ten . . . that's even better!!====JACK: Even better is the Lawrence Welk method...a one and a two and a three and a four etc.====REV: Good line w/ bubbles to boot!
FROM MICHIZONA RAY: What is it that makes the "upset" only a temporary response? It certainly isn't Time; but what happens during the Time. What do you suppose it is -- reason? reflection? something else? ====JACK: For those who know something about steam engines (as you probably do)... When the pressure in the boiler becomes too great, there's a pop-off valve that opens and relieves that pressure before something "bad" happens. Some people have better pop-off valves than others.
FROM NE IN MICHIGAN: Boy oh boy, can I relate to this one!====JACK: Sometimes it's surprising to find out that there's a gang of people in the same boat...And sometimes it's not.
FROM BBC IN ILLINOIS: I agree with you about letting time pass and, love this quote. Thanks! ====JACK: I came across a site: 10 Tips to Control Your Temper. Without listing them, one suggested "talking it through" after things have cooled down.
FROM JT IN MICHIGAN: I compose a letter on the computer, wait three days, reread (and sometimes change it) then either send or delete.====JACK: The DELETE key is a wonderful invention. So is the SEND key....except when you push it when you meant to push DELETE. Oops!
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Jack’s Winning Words 7/24/13
“To be 70 years young is sometimes more cheerful and hopeful than to be 40 years old.” (Oliver Wendell Holmes) How would you act if you were told to “act your age?” Think about that today. Recently I read that, “Age is just a number, and jail is just a room.” Our mind tells us how old we are. To our mind, this world is a grand and glorious place, or it can be a confining jail. Where would you rather live? ;-) Jack
FROM LP IN PLYMOUTH: I often feel I should have it more together at 35. But things still feel chaotic. Like I'm still learning and trying to "grow up"====JACK: In my mind, you are one of those who has always been "wise beyond their years." However, with wisdom comes responsibility, and you have been (and will be) able to handle that.
FROM MICHIZONA RAY: It's a two-edged sword for sure. The gifts that accompany aging provide opportunities for wisdom through reflection. While youth seems to provide the optimistic vision for a future of opportunities that know little restriction. (In the eternal realm, as there is no time, we have the blessing of both.) Although I can see the disadvantages of youth and maturity, I can also see the advantages as well. It's a fair trade-off all-in-all. One without the other seems so pointless..====JACK: Philosophical thinking gives us an interesting way to use the thinking process. It may not change things, but it can possibly help alter life's direction...for the better. I hope so.====RAY: Your comment is true enough; and I hope philosophy catches on. Effective philosophy (the love of wisdom) helps one develop an understanding of oneself and the underlying fantasies one might otherwise hold as true. Nonetheless, living out one's life will eventually test every idea for accuracy and adjustment. I wish Socrates, and others like him, were more prevelent and still around to promote thoughtful inquiries. Instead, as a general population, we seem to simply "vote" our opinion through texts and emails...with little thoughtfulness for the poorly developed conclusions we voice. We seem to have come to "think" things are true because we "feel" they are. This isn't philosophy, it's a tragedy!====JACK: Every generation has its "Socrates," even though (s)he's not always recognized. One of my favorite quotes is this: "Though man a thinking being is defined, Few use the grand prerogative of mind. How few think justly of the thinking few! How many never think, who think they do!" (Jane Taylor)
FROM TRIHARDER: A close friend just lost his father to cancer. (Funeral is today). But, they reflected before dad passed: It was a good run. Nothing left undone, nothing left unsaid. True love in both directions. A cheerful, happy man, even as he was dying. Compare that to a miserable 40 year old with no worthwhile relationships.====JACK: John Greenleaf Whittier wrote: “Of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these, 'It might have been.” Your and friend and his father "took care of business" as the end drew near. In that sense, they did not have to regret what might have been.
FROM DRERIC: I turn 41 years young on Monday, but I don't feel like it. Except for my knees. They feel like they're 65 sometimes ====JACK: Sometimes pain can be a pain, but the optimistic person says, "Wow, look at all the things that are working perfectly in this body of mine...and I have many other blessings, too. That's one way (among several) of resolving discomfort. Eating birthday cake is another.
FROM TARMART REV: Free as an uncaged bird, of course! Occasionally my wife and I will stay a little later at a wedding reception of some of our town folk when everyone has eaten and had their fill of beer or liquor as the case may be . . . and now it is time for the dance! I'm humored to watch some of us 50-60 year old guys thinking they are 25-30 once again, making their moves out on the dance floor and courting the younger women. The Bible reminds us about old men "dreaming dreams" . . . in a much different context, I know.====JACK: The only time when you can really turn back the hands of the clock is when Daylight Savings Time ends in the fall. I "smile" at the TV ads which show old men dreaming dreams.
FROM RJP IN NAPLES: Good one Jack. When my Dad was dying in the hospital I bought him a small "Goofy" doll to mount on his lamp because he always kidded me that I was Goofy. He looked at me and smiled and said " Will you ever grow up?" I smiled back and replied, " I hope not"====JACK: Well, you have lived up to the hope that you expressed to your father. Our faith gives us the strength to smile through our tears.
FROM GUSTIE MARLYS: I am at my 60th class reunion in Warren. Last night we were all 17 again!!! ====JACK: See, it's all in your mind!
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: You can be young at heart at any age.====JACK: "Fairy tales can come true. It can happen to you." Congratulations for allowing yourself to be among the very young at heart.
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: From somewhere in my past...this approximation of a quote.." A mind is it's own place and in itself can make a heaven of hell or a hell of heaven." Our choice. Classic philosophy was not a large component of my educational background...and presently there seems to be little time for musing or perusing. Instantaneous decision making, responses, etc..WW does a great job of generating thinking beyond brief responses...even if it is only in our own mind. ====JACK: I'm impressed that you recall the words from Paradise Lost, by John Milton. I once went to school with someone named John Milton.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: DEFINITELY IN A GRAND AND GLORIOUS PLACE! NO-BRAINER. OW HOLMES ALSO SAID, "TOO MANY PEOPLE DIE WITH THEIR MUSIC STILL IN THEM." THAT IS SADLY TRUE, I THINK, EITHER DUE TO LACK OF OPPORTUNITY OR TIMIDITY. LOVED THE TRUMAN STORY IN YOUR BLOG! LOL! HERE'S TO BEING 80+, CHEERFUL AND HOPEFUL!!====JACK: Have you ever heard (or sung) the song, "This world is not my home, I'm just-a passin' through. My treasures are laid up, just beyond the blue"?
“To be 70 years young is sometimes more cheerful and hopeful than to be 40 years old.” (Oliver Wendell Holmes) How would you act if you were told to “act your age?” Think about that today. Recently I read that, “Age is just a number, and jail is just a room.” Our mind tells us how old we are. To our mind, this world is a grand and glorious place, or it can be a confining jail. Where would you rather live? ;-) Jack
FROM LP IN PLYMOUTH: I often feel I should have it more together at 35. But things still feel chaotic. Like I'm still learning and trying to "grow up"====JACK: In my mind, you are one of those who has always been "wise beyond their years." However, with wisdom comes responsibility, and you have been (and will be) able to handle that.
FROM MICHIZONA RAY: It's a two-edged sword for sure. The gifts that accompany aging provide opportunities for wisdom through reflection. While youth seems to provide the optimistic vision for a future of opportunities that know little restriction. (In the eternal realm, as there is no time, we have the blessing of both.) Although I can see the disadvantages of youth and maturity, I can also see the advantages as well. It's a fair trade-off all-in-all. One without the other seems so pointless..====JACK: Philosophical thinking gives us an interesting way to use the thinking process. It may not change things, but it can possibly help alter life's direction...for the better. I hope so.====RAY: Your comment is true enough; and I hope philosophy catches on. Effective philosophy (the love of wisdom) helps one develop an understanding of oneself and the underlying fantasies one might otherwise hold as true. Nonetheless, living out one's life will eventually test every idea for accuracy and adjustment. I wish Socrates, and others like him, were more prevelent and still around to promote thoughtful inquiries. Instead, as a general population, we seem to simply "vote" our opinion through texts and emails...with little thoughtfulness for the poorly developed conclusions we voice. We seem to have come to "think" things are true because we "feel" they are. This isn't philosophy, it's a tragedy!====JACK: Every generation has its "Socrates," even though (s)he's not always recognized. One of my favorite quotes is this: "Though man a thinking being is defined, Few use the grand prerogative of mind. How few think justly of the thinking few! How many never think, who think they do!" (Jane Taylor)
FROM TRIHARDER: A close friend just lost his father to cancer. (Funeral is today). But, they reflected before dad passed: It was a good run. Nothing left undone, nothing left unsaid. True love in both directions. A cheerful, happy man, even as he was dying. Compare that to a miserable 40 year old with no worthwhile relationships.====JACK: John Greenleaf Whittier wrote: “Of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these, 'It might have been.” Your and friend and his father "took care of business" as the end drew near. In that sense, they did not have to regret what might have been.
FROM DRERIC: I turn 41 years young on Monday, but I don't feel like it. Except for my knees. They feel like they're 65 sometimes ====JACK: Sometimes pain can be a pain, but the optimistic person says, "Wow, look at all the things that are working perfectly in this body of mine...and I have many other blessings, too. That's one way (among several) of resolving discomfort. Eating birthday cake is another.
FROM TARMART REV: Free as an uncaged bird, of course! Occasionally my wife and I will stay a little later at a wedding reception of some of our town folk when everyone has eaten and had their fill of beer or liquor as the case may be . . . and now it is time for the dance! I'm humored to watch some of us 50-60 year old guys thinking they are 25-30 once again, making their moves out on the dance floor and courting the younger women. The Bible reminds us about old men "dreaming dreams" . . . in a much different context, I know.====JACK: The only time when you can really turn back the hands of the clock is when Daylight Savings Time ends in the fall. I "smile" at the TV ads which show old men dreaming dreams.
FROM RJP IN NAPLES: Good one Jack. When my Dad was dying in the hospital I bought him a small "Goofy" doll to mount on his lamp because he always kidded me that I was Goofy. He looked at me and smiled and said " Will you ever grow up?" I smiled back and replied, " I hope not"====JACK: Well, you have lived up to the hope that you expressed to your father. Our faith gives us the strength to smile through our tears.
FROM GUSTIE MARLYS: I am at my 60th class reunion in Warren. Last night we were all 17 again!!! ====JACK: See, it's all in your mind!
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: You can be young at heart at any age.====JACK: "Fairy tales can come true. It can happen to you." Congratulations for allowing yourself to be among the very young at heart.
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: From somewhere in my past...this approximation of a quote.." A mind is it's own place and in itself can make a heaven of hell or a hell of heaven." Our choice. Classic philosophy was not a large component of my educational background...and presently there seems to be little time for musing or perusing. Instantaneous decision making, responses, etc..WW does a great job of generating thinking beyond brief responses...even if it is only in our own mind. ====JACK: I'm impressed that you recall the words from Paradise Lost, by John Milton. I once went to school with someone named John Milton.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: DEFINITELY IN A GRAND AND GLORIOUS PLACE! NO-BRAINER. OW HOLMES ALSO SAID, "TOO MANY PEOPLE DIE WITH THEIR MUSIC STILL IN THEM." THAT IS SADLY TRUE, I THINK, EITHER DUE TO LACK OF OPPORTUNITY OR TIMIDITY. LOVED THE TRUMAN STORY IN YOUR BLOG! LOL! HERE'S TO BEING 80+, CHEERFUL AND HOPEFUL!!====JACK: Have you ever heard (or sung) the song, "This world is not my home, I'm just-a passin' through. My treasures are laid up, just beyond the blue"?
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Jack’s Winning Words 7/23/13
“It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble; it’s what you do know that just ain’t so.” (Mark Twain) I’ve read that Steve Jobs had an aversion to “Power Point” presentations. He preferred listening to people who didn’t have to show what they knew. Mark Twain had an aversion to politicians and preachers who didn’t practice what they preached. A children’s song goes, “Be careful little mouths what you say.” ;-) Jack
FROM TAR-MART REV: I remember a statement I don't remember who is quoted as saying it...but, it went something like this..."As long as we keep from speaking, people will think we know more than we actually do...speak up and it is no longer a secret that we don't know as much as others think we do!" ====JACK: One of the reasons I don't like call-in shows is that people on both sides of the microphone think that they have all of the answers. It's refreshing when someone says, "I don't know."
FROM MICHIZONA RAY: ...for tomorrow you may to eat them.====JACK: I think the first part of your quote is..."Keep your words soft and sweet." But, you probably knew that.
FROM RI IN BOSTON: Those WW are absolutely right. With all the electronic media venting commentary these days there's too much information that "just ain't so."====JACK: When my bother-in-law and I would hear someone "spouting off," we'd say quietly OOMPAH! It was a reference to this story. President Harry Truman used to tell about a campaign stop on an Indian reservation. After each promise of what he’d do for Native Americans if elected, the crowd shouted “Oompah! Oompah!” The louder this chorus grew, the more inspired Truman’s speech became. As he left, the President had to cross a corral which had been filled with horses. “Careful,” his escort told him. “Don’t step in the oompah.”
FROM BBC IN ILLINOIS: But doesn’t the rest of the song go…the Father up above, is looking down with love so be careful…I like that – not that you’re going to get punished for mis-speaking but that you’d respond to God out of the love given first to you…====JACK: If you want to sing the whole song...
O be careful little eyes what you see O be careful little eyes what you see
There's a Father up above And He's looking down in love So, be careful little eyes what you see
O be careful little ears what you hear O be careful little ears what you hear
There's a Father up above And He's looking down in love So, be careful little ears what you hear
O be careful little hands what you do O be careful little hands what you do
There's a Father up above And He's looking down in love So, be careful little hands what you do
O be careful little feet where you go O be careful little feet where you go
There's a Father up above And He's looking down in love So, be careful little feet where you go
O be careful little mouth what you say O be careful little mouth what you say
There's a Father up above And He's looking down in love So, be careful little mouth what you say
FROM BLAZING OAKS: HA! I REMEMBER TWAIN'S QUOTE, "NO MAN'S LIFE, LIBERTY OR PROPERTY IS SAFE WHILE THE LEGISLATURE IS IN SESSION!" POLITICIANS WERE A PRIME TARGET FOR HIS CYNICAL HUMOR...I THINK WE ALL HAVE AN AVERSION TO THOSE WHO DO NOT PRACTICE WHAT THEY PREACH, AND WE ARE OUR OWN WORST CRITICS, IF WE FAIL TO DO SO!!====JACK: So, what else is new? The criticism of politicians goes on year after year. Lincoln got his share. I remember when the Roosevelt dime was first minted. Some who disliked FDR would ask you to smell the coin and then say, "Doesn't it stink?"
“It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble; it’s what you do know that just ain’t so.” (Mark Twain) I’ve read that Steve Jobs had an aversion to “Power Point” presentations. He preferred listening to people who didn’t have to show what they knew. Mark Twain had an aversion to politicians and preachers who didn’t practice what they preached. A children’s song goes, “Be careful little mouths what you say.” ;-) Jack
FROM TAR-MART REV: I remember a statement I don't remember who is quoted as saying it...but, it went something like this..."As long as we keep from speaking, people will think we know more than we actually do...speak up and it is no longer a secret that we don't know as much as others think we do!" ====JACK: One of the reasons I don't like call-in shows is that people on both sides of the microphone think that they have all of the answers. It's refreshing when someone says, "I don't know."
FROM MICHIZONA RAY: ...for tomorrow you may to eat them.====JACK: I think the first part of your quote is..."Keep your words soft and sweet." But, you probably knew that.
FROM RI IN BOSTON: Those WW are absolutely right. With all the electronic media venting commentary these days there's too much information that "just ain't so."====JACK: When my bother-in-law and I would hear someone "spouting off," we'd say quietly OOMPAH! It was a reference to this story. President Harry Truman used to tell about a campaign stop on an Indian reservation. After each promise of what he’d do for Native Americans if elected, the crowd shouted “Oompah! Oompah!” The louder this chorus grew, the more inspired Truman’s speech became. As he left, the President had to cross a corral which had been filled with horses. “Careful,” his escort told him. “Don’t step in the oompah.”
FROM BBC IN ILLINOIS: But doesn’t the rest of the song go…the Father up above, is looking down with love so be careful…I like that – not that you’re going to get punished for mis-speaking but that you’d respond to God out of the love given first to you…====JACK: If you want to sing the whole song...
O be careful little eyes what you see O be careful little eyes what you see
There's a Father up above And He's looking down in love So, be careful little eyes what you see
O be careful little ears what you hear O be careful little ears what you hear
There's a Father up above And He's looking down in love So, be careful little ears what you hear
O be careful little hands what you do O be careful little hands what you do
There's a Father up above And He's looking down in love So, be careful little hands what you do
O be careful little feet where you go O be careful little feet where you go
There's a Father up above And He's looking down in love So, be careful little feet where you go
O be careful little mouth what you say O be careful little mouth what you say
There's a Father up above And He's looking down in love So, be careful little mouth what you say
FROM BLAZING OAKS: HA! I REMEMBER TWAIN'S QUOTE, "NO MAN'S LIFE, LIBERTY OR PROPERTY IS SAFE WHILE THE LEGISLATURE IS IN SESSION!" POLITICIANS WERE A PRIME TARGET FOR HIS CYNICAL HUMOR...I THINK WE ALL HAVE AN AVERSION TO THOSE WHO DO NOT PRACTICE WHAT THEY PREACH, AND WE ARE OUR OWN WORST CRITICS, IF WE FAIL TO DO SO!!====JACK: So, what else is new? The criticism of politicians goes on year after year. Lincoln got his share. I remember when the Roosevelt dime was first minted. Some who disliked FDR would ask you to smell the coin and then say, "Doesn't it stink?"
Monday, July 22, 2013
Jack’s Winning Words 7/22/13
“People come into your life to teach you valuable lessons. Time helps you understand why.” (Rubyanne) MLK Jr was inspired by Gandhi, who was inspired by Naoroji (I haven’t heard of him, either). We all have people who come and go in our life, but there are some who’ve really made a difference. Several come to my mind. So, I’m glad that the quote says, “people.” Who has come into your life…and stayed? ;-) Jack
FROM RI IN BOSTON: People from all walks of life have one way or another entered my life, some only briefly, and contributed to my understanding and personal attitude about the things that matter to me. I know there are some who I can't remember by name, but they were there and they left their mark on my path in life.====JACK: I'm currently reading a book (One Man's Meat by E.B. White) that was assigned reading in Freshman English. I wish I knew then what I know now, and I would have done better in that class. The professor was better than I knew, and she is still teaching me today. I recall her asking, "What's the rest of that book's title?" Only a few knew. I've never forgotten. ====RI: I look back too, and know I could have done much better in some classes. I suppose I was learning then about all the things worth learning more about, all the years of my life. I can see that I'm coming up short.====JACK: Sometimes we learn without realizing that we are learning. I like the words of RLS: "The world is so full of a number of things...I'm sure we should all be as happy as kings."
FROM BLAZING OAKS: I ALWAYS UNDERSTOOD THAT GHANDI WAS IN INSPIRED BY HENRY DAVID THOREAU'S IDEA OF PASSIVE RESISTANCE, AND THEN BACK ACROSS THE POND, MLK JR. WAS INSPIRED BY GHANDI...HAVE YOU EVER ENCOUNTERED THAT EXPLANATION? FOR SURE MANY PEOPLE HAVE COME INTO MY LIFE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND HINDSIGHT AND THE PASSAGE OF YEARS HIGHLIGHTS HOW MUCH! MY LATE HUSBAND COMES TO MIND. HOPEFULLY, WE HAVE BEEN THAT INSPIRING PERSON TO SOME OTHERS...I'M SURE YOU HAVE BEEN, AND ARE!!====JACK: I would have expected that Gandhi would be inspired, first of all, by someone from the land where he grew up. Naoroji was very famous in India, espousing the same things interested Gandhi. I believe that Thoreau's influence came later in his life. It's interesting to read about Naoroji, someone new to me.
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: A sundry and diverse number of people have come into my life to teach me to trust God and many of them were unlikely candidates and despite the fact that we don't keep in touch so much, in some way I found that I grew to trust them and I believe in my heart that they have stayed and I would still be trusting them if we got together again tomorrow.====JACK: Many expressions of "thanks" these day are by e-mail. Recently we've been re-reading letters from the past. To see the actual handwriting is irreplaceable. It's almost as though time has rolled back.
“People come into your life to teach you valuable lessons. Time helps you understand why.” (Rubyanne) MLK Jr was inspired by Gandhi, who was inspired by Naoroji (I haven’t heard of him, either). We all have people who come and go in our life, but there are some who’ve really made a difference. Several come to my mind. So, I’m glad that the quote says, “people.” Who has come into your life…and stayed? ;-) Jack
FROM RI IN BOSTON: People from all walks of life have one way or another entered my life, some only briefly, and contributed to my understanding and personal attitude about the things that matter to me. I know there are some who I can't remember by name, but they were there and they left their mark on my path in life.====JACK: I'm currently reading a book (One Man's Meat by E.B. White) that was assigned reading in Freshman English. I wish I knew then what I know now, and I would have done better in that class. The professor was better than I knew, and she is still teaching me today. I recall her asking, "What's the rest of that book's title?" Only a few knew. I've never forgotten. ====RI: I look back too, and know I could have done much better in some classes. I suppose I was learning then about all the things worth learning more about, all the years of my life. I can see that I'm coming up short.====JACK: Sometimes we learn without realizing that we are learning. I like the words of RLS: "The world is so full of a number of things...I'm sure we should all be as happy as kings."
FROM BLAZING OAKS: I ALWAYS UNDERSTOOD THAT GHANDI WAS IN INSPIRED BY HENRY DAVID THOREAU'S IDEA OF PASSIVE RESISTANCE, AND THEN BACK ACROSS THE POND, MLK JR. WAS INSPIRED BY GHANDI...HAVE YOU EVER ENCOUNTERED THAT EXPLANATION? FOR SURE MANY PEOPLE HAVE COME INTO MY LIFE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND HINDSIGHT AND THE PASSAGE OF YEARS HIGHLIGHTS HOW MUCH! MY LATE HUSBAND COMES TO MIND. HOPEFULLY, WE HAVE BEEN THAT INSPIRING PERSON TO SOME OTHERS...I'M SURE YOU HAVE BEEN, AND ARE!!====JACK: I would have expected that Gandhi would be inspired, first of all, by someone from the land where he grew up. Naoroji was very famous in India, espousing the same things interested Gandhi. I believe that Thoreau's influence came later in his life. It's interesting to read about Naoroji, someone new to me.
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: A sundry and diverse number of people have come into my life to teach me to trust God and many of them were unlikely candidates and despite the fact that we don't keep in touch so much, in some way I found that I grew to trust them and I believe in my heart that they have stayed and I would still be trusting them if we got together again tomorrow.====JACK: Many expressions of "thanks" these day are by e-mail. Recently we've been re-reading letters from the past. To see the actual handwriting is irreplaceable. It's almost as though time has rolled back.
Friday, July 19, 2013
Jack’s Winning Words 7/19/13
“If only we could get a little older a little later and a little wiser a little younger.” (Dick Gregory) In 1968 Dick Gregory ran for President against Richard Nixon. If only he had been elected…what difference would that have made? Think about some situations in your life? I wonder if it’s true that “If only” signifies a regret for the past. I’d rather see it as a reflection on opportunities that have come our way. ;-) Jack
FROM TRIHARDER: "Youth is wasted on the young." "I wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then." Bob Seger====JACK: I like both quotes, especially the one from our neighbor Bob. I believe that you are in the midst of a 300-mile ride to benefit the "Make-a-Wish Foundation." You're as young as your body allows you to be. Pedal on!
FROM RI IN BOSTON: It seems that "only" is the crucial word. Consider "If we could..." compared to "If only we could...", the first implies potential, however the second implies some limitation. Isn't "only" the pivotal word, suggesting an opportunity missed, and apparent regret?====JACK: Olney, England, is the town where John Newton lived when he composed the hymn, Amazing Grace. It's also the site of the Pancake Race which has been held annually since 1445.====RI: If only I'd known about Olney before I wrote you this morning!====JACK: The women of Olney have a "timed course" race with the women of Liberal, Kansas each year on Shrove Tuesday. I'll bet you didn't know that. You probably don't know what a pancake race is, either.
FROM TAR-MART REV: "I’d rather see it as a reflection on opportunities that have come our way..." We've all had a "smorgasbord" experience with them...It's too easy to over-fill our plates to where we can't fully enjoy our meal...best to select on or two healthy portions this time and when in the area again, stop in and try a new one to see how it tastes.====JACK: How old were you when you began to be conscious of eating-healthy, rather than just eating? Food for thought!====REV: 65 and 50 lbs. ago.====JACK: Does the Target popcorn come with salt and butter?====REV: Just light salt my popcorn...ver good and popped every 15-20 minutes.====JACK: If you're serious about healthy living, you're going to have to forgo even that light salt. I watch my diet, but a little bit of salt in the oatmeal makes it taste just right.
FROM JT IN MICHIGAN: This one goes in my "Favorite Quotations." I do think "if only" signifies regret. I spent a lot of time convincing my husband that we do the best we can with the information we have at the time. Second-guessing oneself is useless.====JACK: Another comparable expression is: "What if...." Life doesn't have "do overs...," at least, not in the same way.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: I heard Gregory on Imus in the Morning today. Everyone has a right to his or her own opinion. Some elections are won and some are lost. The real problem, in my opinion, is the decline of the family in our country.====JACK: Fill in the blank in this sentence...."If only ( ), we wouldn't have the decline of the family in our country.
FROM KC IN MICHIGAN: I just love your winning words.====JACK: ....and I love sending them out, especially when I get responses from people like you
FROM MADONNA: I love the Winning Words and read it daily at work.====JACK: I'm glad to know that Madonna reads Winning Words. Often times at work people need words of encouragement. Feel free to share them with others.
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: Dick Gregory would have made a great president. He would at least have seen the humor in the Washington debacle.====JACK: Two of my favorites who didn't become presidennt were Adlai Stevenson and Hubert Humphrey.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: "IF ONLY.." CAN MEAN BEING RUEFUL ABOUT PAST DECISIONS THAT CAN'T BE RECTIFIED, OR A WISH FOR FOR THINGS TO CHANGE, LIKE, "IF ONLY" MY GRANDKIDS LIVED CLOSER, OR I HAD MORE MONEY TO GIVE TO HELP WORTHY CAUSES, ETC. ETC. I AGREE WITH YOU THAT ADLAI S. AND HUBERT H. WOULD HAVE MADE EXCELLENT PRESIDENTS! IF ONLY THEY COULD HAVE BEEN ELECTED....:-) ====JACK: Have you read Kipling's poem, IF?===OAKS: Many times....and sent it often to graduates in days gone by.
FROM ANONYMOUS: "If only..." and "What if...." stimulated very interesting conversation this evening with family members. Thanks, again.`
“If only we could get a little older a little later and a little wiser a little younger.” (Dick Gregory) In 1968 Dick Gregory ran for President against Richard Nixon. If only he had been elected…what difference would that have made? Think about some situations in your life? I wonder if it’s true that “If only” signifies a regret for the past. I’d rather see it as a reflection on opportunities that have come our way. ;-) Jack
FROM TRIHARDER: "Youth is wasted on the young." "I wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then." Bob Seger====JACK: I like both quotes, especially the one from our neighbor Bob. I believe that you are in the midst of a 300-mile ride to benefit the "Make-a-Wish Foundation." You're as young as your body allows you to be. Pedal on!
FROM RI IN BOSTON: It seems that "only" is the crucial word. Consider "If we could..." compared to "If only we could...", the first implies potential, however the second implies some limitation. Isn't "only" the pivotal word, suggesting an opportunity missed, and apparent regret?====JACK: Olney, England, is the town where John Newton lived when he composed the hymn, Amazing Grace. It's also the site of the Pancake Race which has been held annually since 1445.====RI: If only I'd known about Olney before I wrote you this morning!====JACK: The women of Olney have a "timed course" race with the women of Liberal, Kansas each year on Shrove Tuesday. I'll bet you didn't know that. You probably don't know what a pancake race is, either.
FROM TAR-MART REV: "I’d rather see it as a reflection on opportunities that have come our way..." We've all had a "smorgasbord" experience with them...It's too easy to over-fill our plates to where we can't fully enjoy our meal...best to select on or two healthy portions this time and when in the area again, stop in and try a new one to see how it tastes.====JACK: How old were you when you began to be conscious of eating-healthy, rather than just eating? Food for thought!====REV: 65 and 50 lbs. ago.====JACK: Does the Target popcorn come with salt and butter?====REV: Just light salt my popcorn...ver good and popped every 15-20 minutes.====JACK: If you're serious about healthy living, you're going to have to forgo even that light salt. I watch my diet, but a little bit of salt in the oatmeal makes it taste just right.
FROM JT IN MICHIGAN: This one goes in my "Favorite Quotations." I do think "if only" signifies regret. I spent a lot of time convincing my husband that we do the best we can with the information we have at the time. Second-guessing oneself is useless.====JACK: Another comparable expression is: "What if...." Life doesn't have "do overs...," at least, not in the same way.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: I heard Gregory on Imus in the Morning today. Everyone has a right to his or her own opinion. Some elections are won and some are lost. The real problem, in my opinion, is the decline of the family in our country.====JACK: Fill in the blank in this sentence...."If only ( ), we wouldn't have the decline of the family in our country.
FROM KC IN MICHIGAN: I just love your winning words.====JACK: ....and I love sending them out, especially when I get responses from people like you
FROM MADONNA: I love the Winning Words and read it daily at work.====JACK: I'm glad to know that Madonna reads Winning Words. Often times at work people need words of encouragement. Feel free to share them with others.
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: Dick Gregory would have made a great president. He would at least have seen the humor in the Washington debacle.====JACK: Two of my favorites who didn't become presidennt were Adlai Stevenson and Hubert Humphrey.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: "IF ONLY.." CAN MEAN BEING RUEFUL ABOUT PAST DECISIONS THAT CAN'T BE RECTIFIED, OR A WISH FOR FOR THINGS TO CHANGE, LIKE, "IF ONLY" MY GRANDKIDS LIVED CLOSER, OR I HAD MORE MONEY TO GIVE TO HELP WORTHY CAUSES, ETC. ETC. I AGREE WITH YOU THAT ADLAI S. AND HUBERT H. WOULD HAVE MADE EXCELLENT PRESIDENTS! IF ONLY THEY COULD HAVE BEEN ELECTED....:-) ====JACK: Have you read Kipling's poem, IF?===OAKS: Many times....and sent it often to graduates in days gone by.
FROM ANONYMOUS: "If only..." and "What if...." stimulated very interesting conversation this evening with family members. Thanks, again.`
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Jack’s Winning Words 7/18/13
“As long as the world is spinning, we’re gonna be dizzy and we’re gonna make mistakes.” (Mel Brooks) I remember being on a carnival ride when someone started yelling, “Stop, stop, I have to get off.” There was a famous musical, “Stop the World, I Want to Get off.” In spite of our wish, the world keeps spinning. Events that make us “dizzy” continue to happen. After it’s over, some will say, “That was fun!” ;-) Jack
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: These WW are no mistake for me this day--perfect for something that has been happening in our neck of the woods here. But right when the devil seemed to have won, something funny happened yesterday, the scale tipped and a bunch of people's perspective got bigger and I think by tomorrow we'll all be saying "That was fun!" We have no other shepherd but the Lord. Thanks a million.
====JACK: "All the way, my shepherd leads me." Take me to your leader!.
FROM TAR-MART REV: I remembered the song , "Dizzy" from your post: "Dizzy, I'm so dizzy my head is spinning, Like a whirlpool it never ends . . . " Over a woman , of course.====JACK: Dizzy Dean was a great baseball pitcher. Perhaps you could add Dizzy to your name to indicate that you are a great reverend. ====REV: I can hear the greeting now, "Hi, Pastor Dizzy Duck!"
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: Does the world north of the equator spin clockwise and counter-clockwise south of the equator? How come people don't fall of when they cross it?====JACK: I don't know, and I don't care.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Yes, and as the days go by, I find that I don't have to push myself or rush to enjoy each day.====JACK: I don't think that I'd stand in line again to ride the roller coaster. Been there; done that.
“As long as the world is spinning, we’re gonna be dizzy and we’re gonna make mistakes.” (Mel Brooks) I remember being on a carnival ride when someone started yelling, “Stop, stop, I have to get off.” There was a famous musical, “Stop the World, I Want to Get off.” In spite of our wish, the world keeps spinning. Events that make us “dizzy” continue to happen. After it’s over, some will say, “That was fun!” ;-) Jack
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: These WW are no mistake for me this day--perfect for something that has been happening in our neck of the woods here. But right when the devil seemed to have won, something funny happened yesterday, the scale tipped and a bunch of people's perspective got bigger and I think by tomorrow we'll all be saying "That was fun!" We have no other shepherd but the Lord. Thanks a million.
====JACK: "All the way, my shepherd leads me." Take me to your leader!.
FROM TAR-MART REV: I remembered the song , "Dizzy" from your post: "Dizzy, I'm so dizzy my head is spinning, Like a whirlpool it never ends . . . " Over a woman , of course.====JACK: Dizzy Dean was a great baseball pitcher. Perhaps you could add Dizzy to your name to indicate that you are a great reverend. ====REV: I can hear the greeting now, "Hi, Pastor Dizzy Duck!"
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: Does the world north of the equator spin clockwise and counter-clockwise south of the equator? How come people don't fall of when they cross it?====JACK: I don't know, and I don't care.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Yes, and as the days go by, I find that I don't have to push myself or rush to enjoy each day.====JACK: I don't think that I'd stand in line again to ride the roller coaster. Been there; done that.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Jack’s Winning Words 7/17/13
“For every minute the future is becoming the past.” (Thor Hyerdahl) T.H., the Norwegian explorer, is famous for having sailed across the Pacific on his homemade raft, the Kon Tiki. A PBS video of the voyage is called “Across the Sea of Time.” Hyderdahl said that while he was on his raft there was no sense of time. Perhaps you’ve had those experiences in life when time seemed to vanish. What is time, after all? ;-) Jack
FROM MICHIZONA RAY: A "refreshing pause" of the eternal?====JACK: No alarm clocks in heaven. In fact, no clocks or calendars at all.
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: "Tomorrow's just your future yesterday" --Craig Ferguson from his self written Late Late Show theme song.====JACK: Many songs have been written with "time" as the theme. How man can you think of? "Time In a Bottle" is one of my favorites.====JON: "Time" in a Bottle is good too. Tome in a Bottle must be the long version or the audio book...LOL.====JACK: Ooops. I had to go back and correct the typo. Thanks for being the poof-reader.====JON: "Both Ends" by Jon Hanson is my favorite time perspective song.
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: I remember the initial time when time seemed friendly to me, it was when there was a particular event that reflected back on another particular event and suddenly my own time-line and the time-lines of my parents and daughter seemed to coalesce into very meaningful and spiritual relationships that God calls us towards. It seemed like the heavens had been opened to me and I was just dumbstruck at the wisdom and beauty of His Timing in all of our lives.====JACK: I wonder where the phrase, "Timing is everything," came from? A comedian? A real estate agent? A baseball hitter? ====SHARON: Found this in Wikipedia..under Time. "The created world is but a small parenthesis in eternity."Sir Thomas Brown Can it be that our "time" is a system that evolved out of necessity and learning during this "blip" in eternity?====JACK: "What is man that You take thought of him?" (Psalm 8:4)
FROM RI IN BOSTON: Hyerdahl's voyage was a challenging experiment and I admire his determination. What loneliness to endure out in the ocean! In late 1960 I returned home from Europe on a military troop ship, a trip that took six days, and it was dreadful. Just the sight of another diminutive ship way off in the distance was exciting. Each morning coming up on deck there was no evidence that we'd gone any distance...just more water. I can empathize with Noah who had to suffer it for 40 days, and all the while it was raining. We should be grateful for day and night, intervals by which we can realize time's passage and specifically document our personal activities.====JACK: My mother-in-law was a very active person, giving many piano lessons, directing several choirs each week, besides being a wife and the mother if six children. Later in life, in a nursing home, she ruminated, "I feel like I'm wasting my time."
FROM WALMART REV: Sitting in our Target store now again in the afternoon, enjoying the many folk again I have not seen for a time, I've noticed there is no clock in sight...wanting the shoppers to get caught up in shopping and not watching the time...they tell me it is the same at the casinos. At church it is seen by the preaching pastor or guest minister very readily on the back wall above the parishioners.====JACK: I knew of a minister who kept an alarm clock in the pulpit. Each Sunday he would set it for 15 minutes when he stepped up to preach. When the alarm sounded, he would stop preaching, even if it were in mid-sentence. I was there once when it happened.====REV: There was this man in one if our churches in Wichita, KS noted for setting his watch alarm to go off at a selected time once the sermon started...I was invited to speak one Sunday evening when I heard it go before I was finished.====JACK: A minister friend came to me with a problem. The biggest contributor in the church was also the head usher. When he thought that my friend had preached too long, he would begin flicking the lights. "What would you do about this?" ====REV: I've had to make a few calls like this over my lifetime, fortunately not too many...most generally they were not well received at that time, but took care of the problem...some at the expense of losing a family (one was the "high contributor" as well). Looking back, I would do the same today. Tough calls in the ministry.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Well., I have just returned from a great trip with my children and grandchildren to West Palm Beach, Key West, Orlando, and Washington, D.C. Time seemed to fly by. It doesn't seem possible that 60 years have passed since I worked for Senator Paul Douglas on Capitol Hill. My granddaughter lives about four blocks from where I lived then. Her apartment building has a roof where a party was held. It was amazing to see the city and the many, many buildings that have been built since then. ====JACK: When people complain about today's politicians, it makes me long for the days when solons like Paul Douglas were on both sides of the aisle in Congress.
FROM BBC IN ILLINOIS: Did you see the new/remake of Kon Tiki this year? It was at the independent theater. Oddly, I rented the old black & white from the library in January and watched while taking the Christmas tree down. The original footage is marvelous but I thought they did a good job in the remake interspersing original footage with the scripted actors.====JACK: It's interesting that you would watch Kon Tiki while un-decorating. A lot of people would watch Miracle on 34th Street. I think I might watch Christmas Vacation.====BBC: It takes hours…and hours…thankless work and I never have anyone else do it so I find something to watch that I like…The local library has a slew of old films that are so fun to re-watch.====JACK: No Christmas Vacation?
FROM BLAZING OAKS: KON TIKI IS ONE OF THE MOST MEMORABLE BOOKS I EVER READ! I SHARED IT WITH MY 8TH GRADE LIT. CLASSES, AND SHOWED THE DOCUMENTARY OF IT. WHAT AN EXPERIENCE THEY HAD! THESE DAYS TIME SEEMS TO FLY BY, EVEN ON ORDINARY DAYS. I'M AMAZED AT HOW FAST THE HOURS ZIP ALONG! BUT THE BLOG IS RIGHT...IN CHURCH THE CLOCK AT THE BACK OF THE SANCTUARY IS A REMINDER TO THE PREACHER TO "BRING IT ON HOME" IN 20 OR 25 MINUTES!! ====JACK: I time the sermon with a piece of Jolly Rancher hard candy. When the candy is gone the sermon is usually over.
FROM RJP IN NAPLES: Today as I visit my brother time stands still as we simply review the past, because there is no future for him on earth. He has already received the blessing and now we pray for his peace.====JACK: There's an old hymn, written by William F. Lloyd...
1 OUR times are in Thy hand,
Father, we wish them there;
Our life, our soul, our all, we leave
Entirely to Thy care.
2 Our times are in Thy hand,
Whatever they may be,
Pleasing or painful, dark or bright,
As best may seem to Thee.
3 Our times are in Thy hand;
Why should we doubt or fear?
A Father's hand will never cause
His child a needless tear.
4 Our times are in Thy hand;
Jesus once crucified,
Now leads His own with tender care,
Our Shepherd, Guard and Guide.
5 Our times are in Thy hand;
Christ is our Advocate;
No creature power from love divine
Our souls can separate.
6 Our times are in Thy hand,
We'd always trust in Thee,
Till we have left this weary land,
And all Thy glory see.
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: time is reality. there is day. there is night. there are seasons. all part of god's intelligent design.====JACK: What if it's all a dream? Is there any "time" when we are dreaming? Maybe we're in The Twilight Zone. Thoughts like these come to me because of my philosophy studies. BTW, Are those real people in the reality shows on TV? ====LIZ: yeah, i ponder that same stuff, but what makes the most sense? it is pretty egocentric to think that you and/or i are dreaming. so, the answer is...intelligent design. call that god, whatever. if a big bang occured, there was intelligent design behind it. unless one believes in santa & the easter bunny...as for the kardashians, it's only tv, but it sure has messed up their lives in an epic way.
“For every minute the future is becoming the past.” (Thor Hyerdahl) T.H., the Norwegian explorer, is famous for having sailed across the Pacific on his homemade raft, the Kon Tiki. A PBS video of the voyage is called “Across the Sea of Time.” Hyderdahl said that while he was on his raft there was no sense of time. Perhaps you’ve had those experiences in life when time seemed to vanish. What is time, after all? ;-) Jack
FROM MICHIZONA RAY: A "refreshing pause" of the eternal?====JACK: No alarm clocks in heaven. In fact, no clocks or calendars at all.
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: "Tomorrow's just your future yesterday" --Craig Ferguson from his self written Late Late Show theme song.====JACK: Many songs have been written with "time" as the theme. How man can you think of? "Time In a Bottle" is one of my favorites.====JON: "Time" in a Bottle is good too. Tome in a Bottle must be the long version or the audio book...LOL.====JACK: Ooops. I had to go back and correct the typo. Thanks for being the poof-reader.====JON: "Both Ends" by Jon Hanson is my favorite time perspective song.
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: I remember the initial time when time seemed friendly to me, it was when there was a particular event that reflected back on another particular event and suddenly my own time-line and the time-lines of my parents and daughter seemed to coalesce into very meaningful and spiritual relationships that God calls us towards. It seemed like the heavens had been opened to me and I was just dumbstruck at the wisdom and beauty of His Timing in all of our lives.====JACK: I wonder where the phrase, "Timing is everything," came from? A comedian? A real estate agent? A baseball hitter? ====SHARON: Found this in Wikipedia..under Time. "The created world is but a small parenthesis in eternity."Sir Thomas Brown Can it be that our "time" is a system that evolved out of necessity and learning during this "blip" in eternity?====JACK: "What is man that You take thought of him?" (Psalm 8:4)
FROM RI IN BOSTON: Hyerdahl's voyage was a challenging experiment and I admire his determination. What loneliness to endure out in the ocean! In late 1960 I returned home from Europe on a military troop ship, a trip that took six days, and it was dreadful. Just the sight of another diminutive ship way off in the distance was exciting. Each morning coming up on deck there was no evidence that we'd gone any distance...just more water. I can empathize with Noah who had to suffer it for 40 days, and all the while it was raining. We should be grateful for day and night, intervals by which we can realize time's passage and specifically document our personal activities.====JACK: My mother-in-law was a very active person, giving many piano lessons, directing several choirs each week, besides being a wife and the mother if six children. Later in life, in a nursing home, she ruminated, "I feel like I'm wasting my time."
FROM WALMART REV: Sitting in our Target store now again in the afternoon, enjoying the many folk again I have not seen for a time, I've noticed there is no clock in sight...wanting the shoppers to get caught up in shopping and not watching the time...they tell me it is the same at the casinos. At church it is seen by the preaching pastor or guest minister very readily on the back wall above the parishioners.====JACK: I knew of a minister who kept an alarm clock in the pulpit. Each Sunday he would set it for 15 minutes when he stepped up to preach. When the alarm sounded, he would stop preaching, even if it were in mid-sentence. I was there once when it happened.====REV: There was this man in one if our churches in Wichita, KS noted for setting his watch alarm to go off at a selected time once the sermon started...I was invited to speak one Sunday evening when I heard it go before I was finished.====JACK: A minister friend came to me with a problem. The biggest contributor in the church was also the head usher. When he thought that my friend had preached too long, he would begin flicking the lights. "What would you do about this?" ====REV: I've had to make a few calls like this over my lifetime, fortunately not too many...most generally they were not well received at that time, but took care of the problem...some at the expense of losing a family (one was the "high contributor" as well). Looking back, I would do the same today. Tough calls in the ministry.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Well., I have just returned from a great trip with my children and grandchildren to West Palm Beach, Key West, Orlando, and Washington, D.C. Time seemed to fly by. It doesn't seem possible that 60 years have passed since I worked for Senator Paul Douglas on Capitol Hill. My granddaughter lives about four blocks from where I lived then. Her apartment building has a roof where a party was held. It was amazing to see the city and the many, many buildings that have been built since then. ====JACK: When people complain about today's politicians, it makes me long for the days when solons like Paul Douglas were on both sides of the aisle in Congress.
FROM BBC IN ILLINOIS: Did you see the new/remake of Kon Tiki this year? It was at the independent theater. Oddly, I rented the old black & white from the library in January and watched while taking the Christmas tree down. The original footage is marvelous but I thought they did a good job in the remake interspersing original footage with the scripted actors.====JACK: It's interesting that you would watch Kon Tiki while un-decorating. A lot of people would watch Miracle on 34th Street. I think I might watch Christmas Vacation.====BBC: It takes hours…and hours…thankless work and I never have anyone else do it so I find something to watch that I like…The local library has a slew of old films that are so fun to re-watch.====JACK: No Christmas Vacation?
FROM BLAZING OAKS: KON TIKI IS ONE OF THE MOST MEMORABLE BOOKS I EVER READ! I SHARED IT WITH MY 8TH GRADE LIT. CLASSES, AND SHOWED THE DOCUMENTARY OF IT. WHAT AN EXPERIENCE THEY HAD! THESE DAYS TIME SEEMS TO FLY BY, EVEN ON ORDINARY DAYS. I'M AMAZED AT HOW FAST THE HOURS ZIP ALONG! BUT THE BLOG IS RIGHT...IN CHURCH THE CLOCK AT THE BACK OF THE SANCTUARY IS A REMINDER TO THE PREACHER TO "BRING IT ON HOME" IN 20 OR 25 MINUTES!! ====JACK: I time the sermon with a piece of Jolly Rancher hard candy. When the candy is gone the sermon is usually over.
FROM RJP IN NAPLES: Today as I visit my brother time stands still as we simply review the past, because there is no future for him on earth. He has already received the blessing and now we pray for his peace.====JACK: There's an old hymn, written by William F. Lloyd...
1 OUR times are in Thy hand,
Father, we wish them there;
Our life, our soul, our all, we leave
Entirely to Thy care.
2 Our times are in Thy hand,
Whatever they may be,
Pleasing or painful, dark or bright,
As best may seem to Thee.
3 Our times are in Thy hand;
Why should we doubt or fear?
A Father's hand will never cause
His child a needless tear.
4 Our times are in Thy hand;
Jesus once crucified,
Now leads His own with tender care,
Our Shepherd, Guard and Guide.
5 Our times are in Thy hand;
Christ is our Advocate;
No creature power from love divine
Our souls can separate.
6 Our times are in Thy hand,
We'd always trust in Thee,
Till we have left this weary land,
And all Thy glory see.
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: time is reality. there is day. there is night. there are seasons. all part of god's intelligent design.====JACK: What if it's all a dream? Is there any "time" when we are dreaming? Maybe we're in The Twilight Zone. Thoughts like these come to me because of my philosophy studies. BTW, Are those real people in the reality shows on TV? ====LIZ: yeah, i ponder that same stuff, but what makes the most sense? it is pretty egocentric to think that you and/or i are dreaming. so, the answer is...intelligent design. call that god, whatever. if a big bang occured, there was intelligent design behind it. unless one believes in santa & the easter bunny...as for the kardashians, it's only tv, but it sure has messed up their lives in an epic way.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Jack’s Winning Words 7/16/13
“Frankness is always telling the truth, but not always all the truth.” (Madame de Sevigne) These words come from a letter a mother wrote to her daughter in 17th Century France. Read them again. Sometimes what is not told is more relevant than what is said. Do you think it is morally correct to tell the truth, but not the whole truth? Are there occasions when it is best not to reveal “everything?” Ask someone about that. ;-) Jack
FROM RI IN BOSTON: I think whatever you tell, it should be the truth, but you don't have to always tell "the whole truth"...all the details. There are occasions when it's best not to reveal everything, when it would offend someone needlessly if they heard all of it.====JACK: If it's OK not to tell the WHOLE truth, is it also OK to tell a "white lie" in the best interest of the hearer?====RI: According to "Miss Lillian", President Jimmy Carter's mother, it's OK to tell a "white lie". When a news reporter came to her house to interview her, he asked if it's OK to tell a white lie, and she said "yes". Then she added, " Remember when you arrived and I said, 'Nice to see you'?" That's a pretty good example.====JACK: Miss Lillian...a Baptist with a sense of humor.
FROM WALMART REV: Let's see here, Jack . . . "Honey! Do think I'm fat?" . . . "Yes, and ugly too!" . . . I think there are times when it is best not to reveal “everything”, especially those comments that are purely relative to one's opinion. Not for compromising the truth either.====JACK: What do you do when a church member says, "Tell me the truth, pastor!"====REV: Hopefully, I'm found pausing and reflecting on what that entails, asking for a word of wisdom or knowledge from our Creator and then proceed by faith that I'm speaking truth to the inquirer. There are some questions I cannot answer until I have more information...and I let that be known. Sometimes I bat well at the plate and sometimes I have stuck my foot square in my mouth. ====JACK: The pause that refreshes... It really helps when those difficult questions are raised. Many politicians are adept at deflecting questions.
FROM MICHIZONA RAY: It seems that Wisdom is a part of Truth, and Temperance demonstrates Wisdom gained. Still, who can say that (s)he knows the Truth. I think I can only claim knowing only some of it. The Truth includes all things --- I only know some things. I am Honest to say I know only parts of Truth. ====JACK: It's one thing to talk about "truth" in theory. It's another matter to come face to face with it in a personal situation.====RAY: I would agree...but, Truth is no theory. For those who might think it is, would be those who would only theorize about it. For those who might be awake, everything is a personal situation -- and therein lays some of the elements of Truth.
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Thinking back to some of my more underappreciated humor; I used to say, "Let's be Frank and Ernest." You be earnest and I'll be frank.... I don't like your idea. Double entendre humor is always difficult. I think in situations where you can gracefully spare someone's feelings and the statement or disclosure adds nothing to the task at hand, perhaps omission is the better choice. It is one thing to say, what a lovely shirt, adding does it come in your size? However ill fitting is probably too frank. ====JACK: ...but is it morally correct?====JON: I think you have to apply wisdom. Probably making the best judgment call you can make, absolutists would argue black and white, age and experience for me indicates it's not always easy to make that call. In other words, I don't know....====JACK: I can't recall that society ever took a vote on what is moral and what is immoral. If so, I didn't get a ballot.
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: Some of the people tell the truth all of the time and all of the people tell the truth some of the time, but not all of the people tell the truth all of the time.====JACK: Do you tell people what they want to hear or what they need to hear?====PFC: People need to hear what they want to hear====JACK: Sometimes
FROM BLAZING OAKS: I THINK WITHOUT A DOUBT MADAME DE SEVIGNE HAS THE RIGHT IDEA. DISCRETION COMES INTO PLAY IN MOST PERSONAL SITUATIONS. AND WHO HASN'T TOLD A LITTLE WHITE LIE WHEN IT SEEMS THE BETTER PART OF WISDOM?! EMPATHY PLAYS A PART IN ALL THIS. GOOD WW TODAY!! BY THE WAY, THERE ARE MANY BAPTISTS WITH A SENSE OF HUMOR...:-)====JACK: Was John the Baptist a Baptist? I've read that Eddie Murphy is a Baptist. So, I guess that there are Baptist comedians.
“Frankness is always telling the truth, but not always all the truth.” (Madame de Sevigne) These words come from a letter a mother wrote to her daughter in 17th Century France. Read them again. Sometimes what is not told is more relevant than what is said. Do you think it is morally correct to tell the truth, but not the whole truth? Are there occasions when it is best not to reveal “everything?” Ask someone about that. ;-) Jack
FROM RI IN BOSTON: I think whatever you tell, it should be the truth, but you don't have to always tell "the whole truth"...all the details. There are occasions when it's best not to reveal everything, when it would offend someone needlessly if they heard all of it.====JACK: If it's OK not to tell the WHOLE truth, is it also OK to tell a "white lie" in the best interest of the hearer?====RI: According to "Miss Lillian", President Jimmy Carter's mother, it's OK to tell a "white lie". When a news reporter came to her house to interview her, he asked if it's OK to tell a white lie, and she said "yes". Then she added, " Remember when you arrived and I said, 'Nice to see you'?" That's a pretty good example.====JACK: Miss Lillian...a Baptist with a sense of humor.
FROM WALMART REV: Let's see here, Jack . . . "Honey! Do think I'm fat?" . . . "Yes, and ugly too!" . . . I think there are times when it is best not to reveal “everything”, especially those comments that are purely relative to one's opinion. Not for compromising the truth either.====JACK: What do you do when a church member says, "Tell me the truth, pastor!"====REV: Hopefully, I'm found pausing and reflecting on what that entails, asking for a word of wisdom or knowledge from our Creator and then proceed by faith that I'm speaking truth to the inquirer. There are some questions I cannot answer until I have more information...and I let that be known. Sometimes I bat well at the plate and sometimes I have stuck my foot square in my mouth. ====JACK: The pause that refreshes... It really helps when those difficult questions are raised. Many politicians are adept at deflecting questions.
FROM MICHIZONA RAY: It seems that Wisdom is a part of Truth, and Temperance demonstrates Wisdom gained. Still, who can say that (s)he knows the Truth. I think I can only claim knowing only some of it. The Truth includes all things --- I only know some things. I am Honest to say I know only parts of Truth. ====JACK: It's one thing to talk about "truth" in theory. It's another matter to come face to face with it in a personal situation.====RAY: I would agree...but, Truth is no theory. For those who might think it is, would be those who would only theorize about it. For those who might be awake, everything is a personal situation -- and therein lays some of the elements of Truth.
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Thinking back to some of my more underappreciated humor; I used to say, "Let's be Frank and Ernest." You be earnest and I'll be frank.... I don't like your idea. Double entendre humor is always difficult. I think in situations where you can gracefully spare someone's feelings and the statement or disclosure adds nothing to the task at hand, perhaps omission is the better choice. It is one thing to say, what a lovely shirt, adding does it come in your size? However ill fitting is probably too frank. ====JACK: ...but is it morally correct?====JON: I think you have to apply wisdom. Probably making the best judgment call you can make, absolutists would argue black and white, age and experience for me indicates it's not always easy to make that call. In other words, I don't know....====JACK: I can't recall that society ever took a vote on what is moral and what is immoral. If so, I didn't get a ballot.
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: Some of the people tell the truth all of the time and all of the people tell the truth some of the time, but not all of the people tell the truth all of the time.====JACK: Do you tell people what they want to hear or what they need to hear?====PFC: People need to hear what they want to hear====JACK: Sometimes
FROM BLAZING OAKS: I THINK WITHOUT A DOUBT MADAME DE SEVIGNE HAS THE RIGHT IDEA. DISCRETION COMES INTO PLAY IN MOST PERSONAL SITUATIONS. AND WHO HASN'T TOLD A LITTLE WHITE LIE WHEN IT SEEMS THE BETTER PART OF WISDOM?! EMPATHY PLAYS A PART IN ALL THIS. GOOD WW TODAY!! BY THE WAY, THERE ARE MANY BAPTISTS WITH A SENSE OF HUMOR...:-)====JACK: Was John the Baptist a Baptist? I've read that Eddie Murphy is a Baptist. So, I guess that there are Baptist comedians.
Monday, July 15, 2013
Jack’s Winning Words 7/15/13
“The most incredible thing about miracles is that they happen.” (G.K. Chesterton) Most of us can identify with “Doubting” Thomas, wanting proof before we believe in a miracle (something that seems to go against the laws of nature). A miracle can also be an ordinary event that shows the presence of God, an indicator that He is in our life. They happen all the time, and we often take them for granted. Watch for one today! ;-) Jack
FROM JUST JUDY: Most of us believe: seeing is believing, but Wayne Dyer says, "I will see it when I believe it." Just thinking about this can turn your thinking, and your world, on edge in a very powerful way. ====JACK: Which came first? the chicken or the egg? Which comes first? the belief of the miracle?
FROM WALMART REV: He always keeps us standing still and scratching our heads about the time we think we have Him figured out!====JACK: Christians believe that Jesus is the key to helping people figure out the unfigurable.
FROM THE UBIQUITOUS ANON: Each nanosecond there is an explosion of miracles (beyond number) erupting from the miracle(s) of God's creation.====JACK: I learned about chain reaction in chemistry. Now I see that it also applies to miracles.
FROM HONEST JOHN: "Doubting Thomas" is a terrible misnomer that has been placed on the head o a great Eastern Saint....by the narrow minded Western church.====JACK: A friend of mine belongs to a group of Saint Thomas Christians in the Detroit area. It traces its heritage to the oldest Christian group in India, supposed to have been started by the disciple, Thomas. Even thought "doubting" is a misnomer, it helps identify the disciple who first doubted, but then came to believe...like some people I've known.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: INCREDIBLE INDEED!! MIRACLES DO HAPPEN, AS SOMEONE POINTED OUT IN YOUR BLOG, "BELIEVING IS SEEING"....READ A CLEVER QUOTE BY MOLLY IRVINS (ST. JOSEPH, MO NEWS) "BEING SLIGHTLY PARANOID IS LIKE BEING SLIGHTLY PREGNANT---IT TENDS TO GET WORSE." HOPEFULLY, WE ARE TOO SKEPTICAL OR PARANOID THAT WE FAIL TO "SEE" MIRACLES!!====JACK: I womder why Molly wrote "worse" instead of "better?"
“The most incredible thing about miracles is that they happen.” (G.K. Chesterton) Most of us can identify with “Doubting” Thomas, wanting proof before we believe in a miracle (something that seems to go against the laws of nature). A miracle can also be an ordinary event that shows the presence of God, an indicator that He is in our life. They happen all the time, and we often take them for granted. Watch for one today! ;-) Jack
FROM JUST JUDY: Most of us believe: seeing is believing, but Wayne Dyer says, "I will see it when I believe it." Just thinking about this can turn your thinking, and your world, on edge in a very powerful way. ====JACK: Which came first? the chicken or the egg? Which comes first? the belief of the miracle?
FROM WALMART REV: He always keeps us standing still and scratching our heads about the time we think we have Him figured out!====JACK: Christians believe that Jesus is the key to helping people figure out the unfigurable.
FROM THE UBIQUITOUS ANON: Each nanosecond there is an explosion of miracles (beyond number) erupting from the miracle(s) of God's creation.====JACK: I learned about chain reaction in chemistry. Now I see that it also applies to miracles.
FROM HONEST JOHN: "Doubting Thomas" is a terrible misnomer that has been placed on the head o a great Eastern Saint....by the narrow minded Western church.====JACK: A friend of mine belongs to a group of Saint Thomas Christians in the Detroit area. It traces its heritage to the oldest Christian group in India, supposed to have been started by the disciple, Thomas. Even thought "doubting" is a misnomer, it helps identify the disciple who first doubted, but then came to believe...like some people I've known.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: INCREDIBLE INDEED!! MIRACLES DO HAPPEN, AS SOMEONE POINTED OUT IN YOUR BLOG, "BELIEVING IS SEEING"....READ A CLEVER QUOTE BY MOLLY IRVINS (ST. JOSEPH, MO NEWS) "BEING SLIGHTLY PARANOID IS LIKE BEING SLIGHTLY PREGNANT---IT TENDS TO GET WORSE." HOPEFULLY, WE ARE TOO SKEPTICAL OR PARANOID THAT WE FAIL TO "SEE" MIRACLES!!====JACK: I womder why Molly wrote "worse" instead of "better?"
Friday, July 12, 2013
Jack’s Winning Words 7/12/13
“There are two disappointments in life. One is not getting what you want. The other is getting it.” (Oscar Wilde) Disappointments? We all have them. A job loss, a broken relationship, a health issue… I like the advice in this old song, “When my chin is on the ground, I pick myself up, dust myself off, and start all over again.” Life is a series of learning experiences, and there comes a time when we just have to move on. ;-) Jack
FROM WALMART REV: So true, Jack...still learning!!====JACK: You're never to old to learn something new. One of these days I'm going to learn to text.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: One day at a time is the best way to enjoy each day, don't you think? ====JACK: That's what I preach. The hard part is sometimes (not always) practicing what I preach.
FROM JE IN MICHIGAN: I hope I have told you how much these inspirations mean to me. They really make me think. My husband had/has pancreatitis and was in the hospital all week; they released him late yesterday. He’s doing OK. They still have to do more tests. He is receiving good care. BUT…. This makes me also think of the Frank Sinatra song, “That’s life, that’s what all the people say, flying high in April, knocked down in May ….. I pick myself up and get back in the ring….. that’s life.”====JACK: I like the advice that Jesus gave in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:34): "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." One day at a time. And remember, God knows, understands and cares.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: I'M AFRAID I'M A LOT HAPPIER GETTING WHAT I WANT, THAN NOT GETTING!~! THO IF I GAVE IT CAREFUL THOUGHT I COULD PROBABLY THINK OF TIMES I WAS DISAPPOINTED AFTER I GOT WHAT I THOUGHT WAS MY HEART'S DESIRE/. NOTHING COMES TO MIND AT THE MOMENT....BUT OF COURSE WE ALL DO HAVE DISAPPOINTMENTS FOR ONE REASON OR ANOTHER!====JACK: On Thanksgiving Day we give thanks for all that we have. I think that there should also be a day when we give thanks for the the things we don't have.
“There are two disappointments in life. One is not getting what you want. The other is getting it.” (Oscar Wilde) Disappointments? We all have them. A job loss, a broken relationship, a health issue… I like the advice in this old song, “When my chin is on the ground, I pick myself up, dust myself off, and start all over again.” Life is a series of learning experiences, and there comes a time when we just have to move on. ;-) Jack
FROM WALMART REV: So true, Jack...still learning!!====JACK: You're never to old to learn something new. One of these days I'm going to learn to text.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: One day at a time is the best way to enjoy each day, don't you think? ====JACK: That's what I preach. The hard part is sometimes (not always) practicing what I preach.
FROM JE IN MICHIGAN: I hope I have told you how much these inspirations mean to me. They really make me think. My husband had/has pancreatitis and was in the hospital all week; they released him late yesterday. He’s doing OK. They still have to do more tests. He is receiving good care. BUT…. This makes me also think of the Frank Sinatra song, “That’s life, that’s what all the people say, flying high in April, knocked down in May ….. I pick myself up and get back in the ring….. that’s life.”====JACK: I like the advice that Jesus gave in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:34): "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." One day at a time. And remember, God knows, understands and cares.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: I'M AFRAID I'M A LOT HAPPIER GETTING WHAT I WANT, THAN NOT GETTING!~! THO IF I GAVE IT CAREFUL THOUGHT I COULD PROBABLY THINK OF TIMES I WAS DISAPPOINTED AFTER I GOT WHAT I THOUGHT WAS MY HEART'S DESIRE/. NOTHING COMES TO MIND AT THE MOMENT....BUT OF COURSE WE ALL DO HAVE DISAPPOINTMENTS FOR ONE REASON OR ANOTHER!====JACK: On Thanksgiving Day we give thanks for all that we have. I think that there should also be a day when we give thanks for the the things we don't have.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Jack’s Winning Words 7/11/13
“It is not the oath that makes us believe the man, but the man that makes us believe the oath.” (Aeschylus) I wonder if “A” was referring to the kind of oath taken in a court setting? I have several friends who are attorneys and judges. They agree that “raising the right hand” is meaningless, unless the person is to be believed. I’ve always liked the story of Diogenes who went around with a lamp looking for an honest man. ;-) Jack
FROM TRIHARDER: I instruct clients not to say, "to tell you the truth", or "to be honest with you" because that implies that everything else wasn't the truth; wasn't honest" I know they're figures of speech, but it sometimes puts some doubt in the mind of the listener. Or it could give the opponent an opportunity to pounce on the statement,"Sir, I assumed you have been honest with me the entire time."====JACK: Words can be tricky, especially in a courtroom when they can be dissected and taken out of context. I like the old quote: "Keep your words soft and sweet, because someday you might have to eat them."
FROM WALMART REV: "Diogenes going around with a lamp looking for an honest man" -- A good mental picture and meditative thought for the day, for sure!!====JACK: I suppose the security people at Walmart are the opposite of Diogenes...looking for the dishonest man. Do you ever talk to the security people? Do you ever see a shoplifter being nabbed? Your day must have some exciting moments. ====REV: Know them personally and watch on occasion as they run by me catching a person as they are exiting Wal-Mart. I'm amazed at times of the shoplifters...they had just waved at me as they headed for the door...I had just smiled and waved back, wishing them a good day?!====JACK: I've never seen a shoplifter caught. I've seen the security cameras, but never the people operating them.
FROM MICHIZONA RAY: I once heard it said that integrity is "being one's word". One's word is one's oath. It certainly fits with the creation story! In my world, the whole ceremony in the courts is a testament to how little confidence there is to people being honest or truthful. It is much like the law; it is necessary to have for criminals, not for honest (wo)men.====JACK: Ah, there's the rub. Who are the criminals, and who are the honest people?
FROM RI IN BOSTON: Doesn't the taking of an oath relate back many many years, when essentially everyone admitted believing in a God, and the supreme power that God wielded? During those times lying under oath was considered an act of calling down the wrath of God upon oneself. Today, in a world of confessed non-believers, what is the sense of requiring an oath, when so many have no belief in God and no expectation of punishment, leaving them at liberty to lie as much as they wish?====JACK: I venture to say that more people are afraid of being charged with perjury tha are afraid of the wrath of God. Ooops! Yesterday, I said that we should accent the positive, and here I am accenting negativity. (or reality).
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: some people still may be deterred by perjury.====JACK: Some of my attorney friends have mentioned that. They've also said that prosecutors don't always follow up on that.
FROM CWR NOW IN MICHIGAN: I think generally that looking for a completely honest man is a useless search. We are motivated in one way or another by greed or by self preservation or self defense. Selflessness is not only rare , it's generally egocentrally compromised and that 's the Biblical definition of "Fallen Man". For instance, "Yes, I shot him But......". Amen====JACK: So you believe that "all are conceived and born in sin."
FROM BLAZING OAKS: TOO TRUE! AND IF A MAN OF INTEGRITY IS TO BE BELIEVED, AN OATH IS UNNECESSARY ! BILL'S MOTHER USED TO SAY, "ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH. ONCE YOU ARE CAUGHT IN A LIE, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE A LIAR TO THAT PERSON(S)." SOMETHING TO PONDER! SOMEONE ELSE SAID, "IF YOU ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH, YOU NEVER HAVE TO REMEMBER WHAT YOU SAID....====JACK: There's an exception. With God, once there has been confession and forgiveness, the sin (the lie...or whatever) is forgotten. It's as though it never happened. At least, that's my opinion concerning the grace of God.
FROM CJL IN OHIO: I remember that Roger Boraas had a dog named Diogenes. Was interested in everything====JACK: It's not surprising that a philosopher would name his dog, Diogenes, instead of Spot.
“It is not the oath that makes us believe the man, but the man that makes us believe the oath.” (Aeschylus) I wonder if “A” was referring to the kind of oath taken in a court setting? I have several friends who are attorneys and judges. They agree that “raising the right hand” is meaningless, unless the person is to be believed. I’ve always liked the story of Diogenes who went around with a lamp looking for an honest man. ;-) Jack
FROM TRIHARDER: I instruct clients not to say, "to tell you the truth", or "to be honest with you" because that implies that everything else wasn't the truth; wasn't honest" I know they're figures of speech, but it sometimes puts some doubt in the mind of the listener. Or it could give the opponent an opportunity to pounce on the statement,"Sir, I assumed you have been honest with me the entire time."====JACK: Words can be tricky, especially in a courtroom when they can be dissected and taken out of context. I like the old quote: "Keep your words soft and sweet, because someday you might have to eat them."
FROM WALMART REV: "Diogenes going around with a lamp looking for an honest man" -- A good mental picture and meditative thought for the day, for sure!!====JACK: I suppose the security people at Walmart are the opposite of Diogenes...looking for the dishonest man. Do you ever talk to the security people? Do you ever see a shoplifter being nabbed? Your day must have some exciting moments. ====REV: Know them personally and watch on occasion as they run by me catching a person as they are exiting Wal-Mart. I'm amazed at times of the shoplifters...they had just waved at me as they headed for the door...I had just smiled and waved back, wishing them a good day?!====JACK: I've never seen a shoplifter caught. I've seen the security cameras, but never the people operating them.
FROM MICHIZONA RAY: I once heard it said that integrity is "being one's word". One's word is one's oath. It certainly fits with the creation story! In my world, the whole ceremony in the courts is a testament to how little confidence there is to people being honest or truthful. It is much like the law; it is necessary to have for criminals, not for honest (wo)men.====JACK: Ah, there's the rub. Who are the criminals, and who are the honest people?
FROM RI IN BOSTON: Doesn't the taking of an oath relate back many many years, when essentially everyone admitted believing in a God, and the supreme power that God wielded? During those times lying under oath was considered an act of calling down the wrath of God upon oneself. Today, in a world of confessed non-believers, what is the sense of requiring an oath, when so many have no belief in God and no expectation of punishment, leaving them at liberty to lie as much as they wish?====JACK: I venture to say that more people are afraid of being charged with perjury tha are afraid of the wrath of God. Ooops! Yesterday, I said that we should accent the positive, and here I am accenting negativity. (or reality).
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: some people still may be deterred by perjury.====JACK: Some of my attorney friends have mentioned that. They've also said that prosecutors don't always follow up on that.
FROM CWR NOW IN MICHIGAN: I think generally that looking for a completely honest man is a useless search. We are motivated in one way or another by greed or by self preservation or self defense. Selflessness is not only rare , it's generally egocentrally compromised and that 's the Biblical definition of "Fallen Man". For instance, "Yes, I shot him But......". Amen====JACK: So you believe that "all are conceived and born in sin."
FROM BLAZING OAKS: TOO TRUE! AND IF A MAN OF INTEGRITY IS TO BE BELIEVED, AN OATH IS UNNECESSARY ! BILL'S MOTHER USED TO SAY, "ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH. ONCE YOU ARE CAUGHT IN A LIE, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE A LIAR TO THAT PERSON(S)." SOMETHING TO PONDER! SOMEONE ELSE SAID, "IF YOU ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH, YOU NEVER HAVE TO REMEMBER WHAT YOU SAID....====JACK: There's an exception. With God, once there has been confession and forgiveness, the sin (the lie...or whatever) is forgotten. It's as though it never happened. At least, that's my opinion concerning the grace of God.
FROM CJL IN OHIO: I remember that Roger Boraas had a dog named Diogenes. Was interested in everything====JACK: It's not surprising that a philosopher would name his dog, Diogenes, instead of Spot.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Jack’s Winning Words 7/10/13
“If you can’t be nice, be quiet.” (Unknown) Thumper said something like this is “Bambi.” Perhaps your mom gave you similar advice. In my lifetime I’ve seen “News” replaced by negative political commentary. My lifetime has also seen the invention of the channel changer. I’m not denying a need to point out things that are wrong, but I happen to think that we should “accent the positive and eliminate the negative.” ;-) Jack
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: news should attempt neutrality. that would be a positive.====JACK: I'm currently re-reading a book from my freshman English class. It reminds me of the "news" scene today. "One man's meat is another man's poison," by E.B. White. There's a verse in the Bible that seems to speak about neutrality. "So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth." (Revelation 3:16)
FROM WALMART REV: Sounds good to me . . . ‘cause I want to always "latch on to the affirmative and not mess with Mister In-Between!"====JACK: That was a good song. I'll bet that you can sing it right now!
FROM SL IN HOUSTON: As Tony and I sit quietly this morning and share your thoughts we again appreciate your gentle words and thoughts. You give us something to ponder each day. How long does each one take you to think of and create? Your quiet, gentle words inspire me each day, thank you! ====JACK: Creating something is a strange experience. There are ideas that suddenly pop into my mind, and then there are times (like today) when I'm waiting for inspiration regarding Friday's Winning Words.
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: My mother-in-law is also always saying "good news doesn't get reported, only the bad news." Personally, I take comfort in that reality in scripture that God, I think through Christ Jesus, wrote everything we need on each of our hearts, everyone's heart, and that the problem isn't that there is bad news or that there is good news but actually the way we see bad news and good news. We tend to want to box it up in a nice tidy little package, something that we can get our limited minds around and think we understand instead of just letting God act freely throughout this history of the world He is constantly creating. On my good days I am real good with the concept that there is redemption even through suffering, on my bad days I struggle with that along with trying to understand this great mystery and to be able to trust throughout it. I do believe the public discourse--the politics, the art, the music, the media are somehow carrying us through this period of time in the U.S.A. and helping us to face things and also at the same time yearn for peace and relationship with God.====JACK: There's a saying that seems to have originated many years ago in the Mideast..."This too shall pass." It have served to calm many people in difficult situations, knowing that tough times eventually pass.====SHARON: I know some Africans who immigrated from Liberia. In fact, I am Godmother to one of their children. The home is, in fact, very important to this family and their extended family are people they can really count on. I count myself and my husband blessed that they also consider us family. Don't exactly understand very much what happened in their country but it became very dangerous, divided and crazy so people had to flee for their lives. Now some of them have gone back because they love so much their home country and didn't feel that much at home here in our country. Except for the kids who feel they have more opportunities here. We all want to be family together however we can do that.
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: The "news" has become almost entirely op/ed. Surprisingly, pro-lifers are at a record high, & most Hispanic voters favor border control before reform. The "news" indicates otherwise... agenda?====JACK: I watch fewer and fewer news programs. Too many ads.
FROM RJP IN NAPLES: "And latch on to the affirmative, don't mess with Mr. in between. to illustrate that last remark. Jonah's in the whale and Noah's in the Ark." I used to sing this song as a kid. I loved the positive message.====JACK: I think that successful "sales" people have to have a positive outlook.
FROM PH IN MINNESOTA: amen to that! sadly, we humans seem to thrive on the negative. we slow down to see a car crash, we are fascinated by mayhem which is dished up nightly on TV programming, , etc. part of our perverse human nature...====JACK: Curiosity, perhaps? On the other hand, blood and guts movies seem to be box office hits.
FROM MICHIZONA RAY: I am reminded of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8: "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven...". It seems to cover a multiple variety of seasons for sure --some not so nice, maybe even "negative". But, I think even the not-so-nice seasons are for "good". If not, the not-so-nice are likely to be just plain "negative". It is certainly a difficult call to make! Justice is certainly "not mine". Mary and I are currently in Glacier National Park. Standing at the foot of a mountain looking up at the majesty and beauty surrounding little old me, keeps my position in relationship to the Creator of all this in its proper place. I'll leave it in the hands of Him who made all this! ====JACK: Ecclesiastes is one of my favorite Bible books, and Glacier is one of my favorite National Parks, and Mary is one of my favorite persons.
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: My wife gives me this advice often, and sometimes I take it. Jack, I think "Positive News" channels have been tried but failed to attract an audience. Though Success Magazine (third iteration) started in 1902 by Dr. Orison Marden is still out there. Maybe with all the new delivery channels, and outlets, a Positive Channel could work. Oprah? OWN? I haven't turned on the boob tube for about a week, and-- I am feeling better...====JACK: I'm not saying...ONLY positive news. I'm saying less emphasis on negative thinking. Negativity tends to create more negativing. I wonder how Orison got his name. I'll have to look it up sometime. I'm familiar with Success Magazine.
FROM BBC IN ILLINOIS: I like the song too; now have to look and see who made it popular. ====JACK: I think Johnny Mercer wrote it...and also wrote The Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe. His is an interesting story. Google it.
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: Problem with that, Jack, is that positive news for one is negative new for another. We can't change that. difference of opinion s why The United States exists in the first place! ====JACK: No problem for me. I hold the "clicker."
FROM BLAZING OAKS: OH YES, "IF YOU CAN'T SAY ANYTHING NICE, DON'T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL!" I GREW UP WITH THAT ADMONITION. OUR WORLD HAS BECOME SO SMALL THAT WE HEAR THE NEWS IMMEDIATELY FROM THE FARTHEST ENDS OFTHE WORLD, AND OF COURSE THE CATASTROPHIC HAPPENINGS MORE OFTEN MAKE THE NEWS. YEARS AGO WE DIDN'T HEAR OF HAPPENINGS IN THE WORLD SOMETIMES UNTIL MUCH LATER, AND OUR REACTIONS WERE MORE MUTED.MUCH OF THE EARTH IS IN TURMOIL, IT SEEMS, ON A DAILY BASIS, AND WE ARE AWARE OF THIS LIKE NEVER BEFORE. STILL, WE CAN BE "NICE" IN OUR LITTLE CORNER, AND SPREAD POSITIVE VIBES TO THOSE WITH WHOM WE COME IN CONTACT....YOU KNOW THAT SONG! "BRIGHTEN THE CORNER....."====JACK: "Instant news" rends to get people all worked up. In the olden days, by the time people heard of events, they were old news. There's a saying: "Old news is no news." Brighten the Corner is an "old" song, too, going back to the days before planes, trains and automobiles. I still like it.
FROM CWR NOW IN MICHIGAN: " ". ====JACK: If I would expect this kind of response from anyone, I'd expect it from you.
“If you can’t be nice, be quiet.” (Unknown) Thumper said something like this is “Bambi.” Perhaps your mom gave you similar advice. In my lifetime I’ve seen “News” replaced by negative political commentary. My lifetime has also seen the invention of the channel changer. I’m not denying a need to point out things that are wrong, but I happen to think that we should “accent the positive and eliminate the negative.” ;-) Jack
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: news should attempt neutrality. that would be a positive.====JACK: I'm currently re-reading a book from my freshman English class. It reminds me of the "news" scene today. "One man's meat is another man's poison," by E.B. White. There's a verse in the Bible that seems to speak about neutrality. "So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth." (Revelation 3:16)
FROM WALMART REV: Sounds good to me . . . ‘cause I want to always "latch on to the affirmative and not mess with Mister In-Between!"====JACK: That was a good song. I'll bet that you can sing it right now!
FROM SL IN HOUSTON: As Tony and I sit quietly this morning and share your thoughts we again appreciate your gentle words and thoughts. You give us something to ponder each day. How long does each one take you to think of and create? Your quiet, gentle words inspire me each day, thank you! ====JACK: Creating something is a strange experience. There are ideas that suddenly pop into my mind, and then there are times (like today) when I'm waiting for inspiration regarding Friday's Winning Words.
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: My mother-in-law is also always saying "good news doesn't get reported, only the bad news." Personally, I take comfort in that reality in scripture that God, I think through Christ Jesus, wrote everything we need on each of our hearts, everyone's heart, and that the problem isn't that there is bad news or that there is good news but actually the way we see bad news and good news. We tend to want to box it up in a nice tidy little package, something that we can get our limited minds around and think we understand instead of just letting God act freely throughout this history of the world He is constantly creating. On my good days I am real good with the concept that there is redemption even through suffering, on my bad days I struggle with that along with trying to understand this great mystery and to be able to trust throughout it. I do believe the public discourse--the politics, the art, the music, the media are somehow carrying us through this period of time in the U.S.A. and helping us to face things and also at the same time yearn for peace and relationship with God.====JACK: There's a saying that seems to have originated many years ago in the Mideast..."This too shall pass." It have served to calm many people in difficult situations, knowing that tough times eventually pass.====SHARON: I know some Africans who immigrated from Liberia. In fact, I am Godmother to one of their children. The home is, in fact, very important to this family and their extended family are people they can really count on. I count myself and my husband blessed that they also consider us family. Don't exactly understand very much what happened in their country but it became very dangerous, divided and crazy so people had to flee for their lives. Now some of them have gone back because they love so much their home country and didn't feel that much at home here in our country. Except for the kids who feel they have more opportunities here. We all want to be family together however we can do that.
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: The "news" has become almost entirely op/ed. Surprisingly, pro-lifers are at a record high, & most Hispanic voters favor border control before reform. The "news" indicates otherwise... agenda?====JACK: I watch fewer and fewer news programs. Too many ads.
FROM RJP IN NAPLES: "And latch on to the affirmative, don't mess with Mr. in between. to illustrate that last remark. Jonah's in the whale and Noah's in the Ark." I used to sing this song as a kid. I loved the positive message.====JACK: I think that successful "sales" people have to have a positive outlook.
FROM PH IN MINNESOTA: amen to that! sadly, we humans seem to thrive on the negative. we slow down to see a car crash, we are fascinated by mayhem which is dished up nightly on TV programming, , etc. part of our perverse human nature...====JACK: Curiosity, perhaps? On the other hand, blood and guts movies seem to be box office hits.
FROM MICHIZONA RAY: I am reminded of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8: "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven...". It seems to cover a multiple variety of seasons for sure --some not so nice, maybe even "negative". But, I think even the not-so-nice seasons are for "good". If not, the not-so-nice are likely to be just plain "negative". It is certainly a difficult call to make! Justice is certainly "not mine". Mary and I are currently in Glacier National Park. Standing at the foot of a mountain looking up at the majesty and beauty surrounding little old me, keeps my position in relationship to the Creator of all this in its proper place. I'll leave it in the hands of Him who made all this! ====JACK: Ecclesiastes is one of my favorite Bible books, and Glacier is one of my favorite National Parks, and Mary is one of my favorite persons.
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: My wife gives me this advice often, and sometimes I take it. Jack, I think "Positive News" channels have been tried but failed to attract an audience. Though Success Magazine (third iteration) started in 1902 by Dr. Orison Marden is still out there. Maybe with all the new delivery channels, and outlets, a Positive Channel could work. Oprah? OWN? I haven't turned on the boob tube for about a week, and-- I am feeling better...====JACK: I'm not saying...ONLY positive news. I'm saying less emphasis on negative thinking. Negativity tends to create more negativing. I wonder how Orison got his name. I'll have to look it up sometime. I'm familiar with Success Magazine.
FROM BBC IN ILLINOIS: I like the song too; now have to look and see who made it popular. ====JACK: I think Johnny Mercer wrote it...and also wrote The Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe. His is an interesting story. Google it.
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: Problem with that, Jack, is that positive news for one is negative new for another. We can't change that. difference of opinion s why The United States exists in the first place! ====JACK: No problem for me. I hold the "clicker."
FROM BLAZING OAKS: OH YES, "IF YOU CAN'T SAY ANYTHING NICE, DON'T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL!" I GREW UP WITH THAT ADMONITION. OUR WORLD HAS BECOME SO SMALL THAT WE HEAR THE NEWS IMMEDIATELY FROM THE FARTHEST ENDS OFTHE WORLD, AND OF COURSE THE CATASTROPHIC HAPPENINGS MORE OFTEN MAKE THE NEWS. YEARS AGO WE DIDN'T HEAR OF HAPPENINGS IN THE WORLD SOMETIMES UNTIL MUCH LATER, AND OUR REACTIONS WERE MORE MUTED.MUCH OF THE EARTH IS IN TURMOIL, IT SEEMS, ON A DAILY BASIS, AND WE ARE AWARE OF THIS LIKE NEVER BEFORE. STILL, WE CAN BE "NICE" IN OUR LITTLE CORNER, AND SPREAD POSITIVE VIBES TO THOSE WITH WHOM WE COME IN CONTACT....YOU KNOW THAT SONG! "BRIGHTEN THE CORNER....."====JACK: "Instant news" rends to get people all worked up. In the olden days, by the time people heard of events, they were old news. There's a saying: "Old news is no news." Brighten the Corner is an "old" song, too, going back to the days before planes, trains and automobiles. I still like it.
FROM CWR NOW IN MICHIGAN: " ". ====JACK: If I would expect this kind of response from anyone, I'd expect it from you.
Tuesday, July 09, 2013
Jack’s Winning Words 7/9/13
“The ruin of a nation begins in the homes of its people.” (African Proverb) I like that part in “The Wizard of Oz” when Dorothy says, “There’s no place like home.” It’s from the song, “Home, Sweet Home,” a favorite of Lincoln, who had the experience of living both in a log cabin and in the White House. Edgar Guest wrote, “It takes a heap o’ livin’ in a house t’ make it home.” We all have remembrances of home, don’t we? ;-) Jack
FROM HONEST JOHN: I lived in the EM house for 25 years. And my present house for 30 years...They both are "home" to me.====JACK: I grew up as a Moliner, but I've lived half of my life in the place where I now reside. Do you recall this hymn?
I’m but a stranger here,
Heaven is my home;
Earth is a desert drear,
Heaven is my home;
Danger and sorrow stand
Round me on every hand;
Heaven is my fatherland,
Heaven is my home.
FROM RJP IN NAPLES: Whenever we went on a trip and were returning my Mom would always be singing " Highways are happy ways when they lead the way to home, highways bring happy days for the lonesome hearts that roam etc"====JACK: I remember that song...and I remember your mom, too. In my mind, I can picture her singing that song.
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: This is an interesting proverb. At first I was thinking that there must be something wrong in the homes of the nation's people that then goes out and is the ruin of the nation. But, recalling that early Christianity basically started out--if I understand correctly--in the homes of the Christians and the nation around--Rome I guess--was falling to ruin, well it's just an interesting thing to think about the relationship between what is going on in our homes and what is going on in our country. Thanks for these WW arriving again into our homes to provoke us into thinking.====JACK: I see the words as a simple message...In Africa and in America, homes are very important!
FROM WALMART REV: One of the values lost (I believe) in today's busyness and single parented homes with mom’s often working long hours trying to make ends meet. Many of the larger churches can help with programs and ministries to assist...we have a single mom's support group, benevolence support for our various outreach opportunities and summer camp programs, full-fledged kid's and teenager ministries, giving single moms and dads an opportunity to experience their own worship time in the sanctuary if they so choose, etc. I couldn't provide as such in the smaller churches I pastored.====JACK: Life is change. It is also adapting to change. But, God does not change, and he is with us always. As the hymn, Abide With Me, says: "O Thou, who changeth not, abide with me."
FROM CL IN MICHIGAN: This is so true!====JACK: I'll put a more positive "spin" on the quote. "The strength of a nation begins in its homes."
FROM PH IN MINNESOTA: and almost all of my memories of home are warm and positive for which i will be forever thankful..====JACK: Count your many blessings, name them one by one. Home is one!
FROM BBC IN ILLINOIS: Like your trivia; I had no idea Dorothy’s song had a Lincoln connection. How cool is that? Thanks for sharing.====JACK: I read that during the Civil War, commanders would not allow their troops to sing, Home Sweet Home. Too many soldiers would desert and head for home.
FROM DONNA THE BADGER: As much as I love Michigan, it will always be Wisconsin.====JACK: My wife is one of those "Wisconsin" girls, too. There's no place like Wisconsin.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: The stability of the home certainly impacts the stability of the nation, and ours appears to be disintigrating, or is it just my "old" eyes? I am grateful for a close-knit and strong family, but it seems much more rare in these times. I have a favorite poem framed in a family collage of pictures, hoping for reunion in our "heavenly home": ARE ALL THE CHILDREN IN?
I think of times as the night draws nigh
Of an old house on the Hill----
Of a yard all wide and blossom-starred
where the children played at will.
And when the night at last comes down
Hushing the merry din
Mother would look around and ask ---
"Are all the Children in?"
'Tis many and many a year since then
And the old house on the hill
No longer echoes with childish feet
And the yard is still, so still ---
But I see it all as the shadows creep,
and though many the years have been
since then, I can hear my mother ask,
"Are all the children in?"
I wonder if when the shadows fall
On the last short earthly day,
When we say goodbye to the world outside
All tired with our childish play ---
When we step out into that other land
Where mother so long has been ---
Will we hear her ask, just as of old,
"Are All The Children In?"
Every Christian Parent's concern....
====JACK: When my sister and I were adults and past 60, my mother would still refer to us as "the kids."
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: You forgot "Home is where the heart is." ====JACK: One of life's tragedies is when people forget things. I sometimes read of senior citizens who go out for a walk and can't find their way back home. Thanks for reminding me of that quote.
FROM CJL IN OHIO: We all remember what we have experienced and what you have pointed out to us.
Keep it up.
“The ruin of a nation begins in the homes of its people.” (African Proverb) I like that part in “The Wizard of Oz” when Dorothy says, “There’s no place like home.” It’s from the song, “Home, Sweet Home,” a favorite of Lincoln, who had the experience of living both in a log cabin and in the White House. Edgar Guest wrote, “It takes a heap o’ livin’ in a house t’ make it home.” We all have remembrances of home, don’t we? ;-) Jack
FROM HONEST JOHN: I lived in the EM house for 25 years. And my present house for 30 years...They both are "home" to me.====JACK: I grew up as a Moliner, but I've lived half of my life in the place where I now reside. Do you recall this hymn?
I’m but a stranger here,
Heaven is my home;
Earth is a desert drear,
Heaven is my home;
Danger and sorrow stand
Round me on every hand;
Heaven is my fatherland,
Heaven is my home.
FROM RJP IN NAPLES: Whenever we went on a trip and were returning my Mom would always be singing " Highways are happy ways when they lead the way to home, highways bring happy days for the lonesome hearts that roam etc"====JACK: I remember that song...and I remember your mom, too. In my mind, I can picture her singing that song.
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: This is an interesting proverb. At first I was thinking that there must be something wrong in the homes of the nation's people that then goes out and is the ruin of the nation. But, recalling that early Christianity basically started out--if I understand correctly--in the homes of the Christians and the nation around--Rome I guess--was falling to ruin, well it's just an interesting thing to think about the relationship between what is going on in our homes and what is going on in our country. Thanks for these WW arriving again into our homes to provoke us into thinking.====JACK: I see the words as a simple message...In Africa and in America, homes are very important!
FROM WALMART REV: One of the values lost (I believe) in today's busyness and single parented homes with mom’s often working long hours trying to make ends meet. Many of the larger churches can help with programs and ministries to assist...we have a single mom's support group, benevolence support for our various outreach opportunities and summer camp programs, full-fledged kid's and teenager ministries, giving single moms and dads an opportunity to experience their own worship time in the sanctuary if they so choose, etc. I couldn't provide as such in the smaller churches I pastored.====JACK: Life is change. It is also adapting to change. But, God does not change, and he is with us always. As the hymn, Abide With Me, says: "O Thou, who changeth not, abide with me."
FROM CL IN MICHIGAN: This is so true!====JACK: I'll put a more positive "spin" on the quote. "The strength of a nation begins in its homes."
FROM PH IN MINNESOTA: and almost all of my memories of home are warm and positive for which i will be forever thankful..====JACK: Count your many blessings, name them one by one. Home is one!
FROM BBC IN ILLINOIS: Like your trivia; I had no idea Dorothy’s song had a Lincoln connection. How cool is that? Thanks for sharing.====JACK: I read that during the Civil War, commanders would not allow their troops to sing, Home Sweet Home. Too many soldiers would desert and head for home.
FROM DONNA THE BADGER: As much as I love Michigan, it will always be Wisconsin.====JACK: My wife is one of those "Wisconsin" girls, too. There's no place like Wisconsin.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: The stability of the home certainly impacts the stability of the nation, and ours appears to be disintigrating, or is it just my "old" eyes? I am grateful for a close-knit and strong family, but it seems much more rare in these times. I have a favorite poem framed in a family collage of pictures, hoping for reunion in our "heavenly home": ARE ALL THE CHILDREN IN?
I think of times as the night draws nigh
Of an old house on the Hill----
Of a yard all wide and blossom-starred
where the children played at will.
And when the night at last comes down
Hushing the merry din
Mother would look around and ask ---
"Are all the Children in?"
'Tis many and many a year since then
And the old house on the hill
No longer echoes with childish feet
And the yard is still, so still ---
But I see it all as the shadows creep,
and though many the years have been
since then, I can hear my mother ask,
"Are all the children in?"
I wonder if when the shadows fall
On the last short earthly day,
When we say goodbye to the world outside
All tired with our childish play ---
When we step out into that other land
Where mother so long has been ---
Will we hear her ask, just as of old,
"Are All The Children In?"
Every Christian Parent's concern....
====JACK: When my sister and I were adults and past 60, my mother would still refer to us as "the kids."
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: You forgot "Home is where the heart is." ====JACK: One of life's tragedies is when people forget things. I sometimes read of senior citizens who go out for a walk and can't find their way back home. Thanks for reminding me of that quote.
FROM CJL IN OHIO: We all remember what we have experienced and what you have pointed out to us.
Keep it up.
Monday, July 08, 2013
Jack’s Winning Words 7/8/13
“All endings are also beginnings. We just don’t know it at the time.” (Mitch Albom) In college I learned the word, eschatology, the study of the end of life. “What happens when we die?” Who knows? I happen to believe in an (indescribable) afterlife. In the words of St. Paul, “The human mind has not conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” Or, as Iris DeMent sings, “I’ll just let the mystery be.” ;-) Jack
I'LL JUST LET THE MYSTERY BE (By Iris DeMent)
Everybody's wonderin' what and where they all came from.
Everybody's worryin' 'bout where they're gonna go when the whole thing's done.
But no one knows for certain and so it's all the same to me.
I think I'll just let the mystery be.
Some say once you're gone you're gone forever, and some say you're gonna come back.
Some say you rest in the arms of the Saviour if in sinful ways you lack.
Some say that they're comin' back in a garden, bunch of carrots and little sweet peas.
I think I'll just let the mystery be.
Everybody's wonderin' what and where they all came from.
Everybody's worryin' 'bout where they're gonna go when the whole thing's done.
But no one knows for certain and so it's all the same to me.
I think I'll just let the mystery be.
Some say they're goin' to a place called Glory and I ain't saying it ain't a fact.
But I've heard that I'm on the road to purgatory and I don't like the sound of that.
Well, I believe in love and I live my life accordingly.
But I choose to let the mystery be.
Everybody's wonderin' what and where they all came from.
Everybody's worryin' 'bout where they're gonna go when the whole thing's done.
But no one knows for certain and so it's all the same to me.
I think I'll just let the mystery be.
I think I'll just let the mystery be.
FROM WALMART REV: Yes sir! I too believe in something very "unspeakable and full of glory!" Thanks,Jack! Enjoy the blessings that have been reserved for you to enjoy this very day!!====JACK: "Full of glory" sounds like preacher talk. What does it mean?====REV: ...on the street, high on Jesus! We sang a song in church for many previous years with the chorus going something like this: "It is joy unspeakable and full of glory...and the half has not been told!" "The glory of the Lord is my strength!"====JACK: How about "being in the presence of God?" Of course, then you're going to have to explain what you mean by, God.
FROM MT IN PENNSYLVANIA: Iris is a wonderful singer/songwriter! I first heard her on 'Prairie Home Companion' some 15 or 20 years ago.====JACK: It was a great day when I discovered the story of her life and her singing.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Iris DeMent is a new name to me...The song rings true, what can we do, but "Let the mystery be", since we cannot fathom what God has prepared for those who love Him....and the Plethora of books on glimpses of the After-life from near-death experiences, vary widely. However, they all seem to point to Unconditional Love being the overwhelming impression, so let's continue to LOVE ONE ANOTHER!!====JACK: Iris grew up in a fundamentalist religious environment and was told that she would not go to heaven. Some people like to "play" God. In a way Iris's song mirrors her life's story. I've posted it on the blog.
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: LAL====JACK: Iris Dement LAL
FROM MICHIZONA RAY: The first step taken after the end of one's use of a body is as much a mystery as the last step taken before the beginning of one's use of a body. It just might be a mystery of a similar type. But, like all mysteries, it's just a hypothesis. Mysteries are mysteries indeed. ====JACK: Man's great sin is wanting to be God and to know and control everything.
FROM PEPPERMINT MARY: i was listening to "sound opinions" on npr saturday. apparently "black Sabbath" has just released their long-awaited 15th(?) album. the title song is "is this the end of the beginning or the beginning of the end". i'm not a sabbath fan, but the song was not-so-bad. thanks for introducing iris dement to more listeners. she is a modern day prophet, in my opinion. .====JACK: "Let the Mystery Be" could find a place in my hymnal.
“All endings are also beginnings. We just don’t know it at the time.” (Mitch Albom) In college I learned the word, eschatology, the study of the end of life. “What happens when we die?” Who knows? I happen to believe in an (indescribable) afterlife. In the words of St. Paul, “The human mind has not conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” Or, as Iris DeMent sings, “I’ll just let the mystery be.” ;-) Jack
I'LL JUST LET THE MYSTERY BE (By Iris DeMent)
Everybody's wonderin' what and where they all came from.
Everybody's worryin' 'bout where they're gonna go when the whole thing's done.
But no one knows for certain and so it's all the same to me.
I think I'll just let the mystery be.
Some say once you're gone you're gone forever, and some say you're gonna come back.
Some say you rest in the arms of the Saviour if in sinful ways you lack.
Some say that they're comin' back in a garden, bunch of carrots and little sweet peas.
I think I'll just let the mystery be.
Everybody's wonderin' what and where they all came from.
Everybody's worryin' 'bout where they're gonna go when the whole thing's done.
But no one knows for certain and so it's all the same to me.
I think I'll just let the mystery be.
Some say they're goin' to a place called Glory and I ain't saying it ain't a fact.
But I've heard that I'm on the road to purgatory and I don't like the sound of that.
Well, I believe in love and I live my life accordingly.
But I choose to let the mystery be.
Everybody's wonderin' what and where they all came from.
Everybody's worryin' 'bout where they're gonna go when the whole thing's done.
But no one knows for certain and so it's all the same to me.
I think I'll just let the mystery be.
I think I'll just let the mystery be.
FROM WALMART REV: Yes sir! I too believe in something very "unspeakable and full of glory!" Thanks,Jack! Enjoy the blessings that have been reserved for you to enjoy this very day!!====JACK: "Full of glory" sounds like preacher talk. What does it mean?====REV: ...on the street, high on Jesus! We sang a song in church for many previous years with the chorus going something like this: "It is joy unspeakable and full of glory...and the half has not been told!" "The glory of the Lord is my strength!"====JACK: How about "being in the presence of God?" Of course, then you're going to have to explain what you mean by, God.
FROM MT IN PENNSYLVANIA: Iris is a wonderful singer/songwriter! I first heard her on 'Prairie Home Companion' some 15 or 20 years ago.====JACK: It was a great day when I discovered the story of her life and her singing.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Iris DeMent is a new name to me...The song rings true, what can we do, but "Let the mystery be", since we cannot fathom what God has prepared for those who love Him....and the Plethora of books on glimpses of the After-life from near-death experiences, vary widely. However, they all seem to point to Unconditional Love being the overwhelming impression, so let's continue to LOVE ONE ANOTHER!!====JACK: Iris grew up in a fundamentalist religious environment and was told that she would not go to heaven. Some people like to "play" God. In a way Iris's song mirrors her life's story. I've posted it on the blog.
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: LAL====JACK: Iris Dement LAL
FROM MICHIZONA RAY: The first step taken after the end of one's use of a body is as much a mystery as the last step taken before the beginning of one's use of a body. It just might be a mystery of a similar type. But, like all mysteries, it's just a hypothesis. Mysteries are mysteries indeed. ====JACK: Man's great sin is wanting to be God and to know and control everything.
FROM PEPPERMINT MARY: i was listening to "sound opinions" on npr saturday. apparently "black Sabbath" has just released their long-awaited 15th(?) album. the title song is "is this the end of the beginning or the beginning of the end". i'm not a sabbath fan, but the song was not-so-bad. thanks for introducing iris dement to more listeners. she is a modern day prophet, in my opinion. .====JACK: "Let the Mystery Be" could find a place in my hymnal.
Friday, July 05, 2013
Jack's Winning Words 7/5/13"The lowest ebb is the turn of the tide."
Jack’s Winning Words 7/5/13
“The lowest ebb is the turn of the tide.” (Longfellow) Some friends of mine live on a cliff in Nova Scotia that overlooks the Bay of Fundy which has the highest tides in the world, 53’. Every 6 hours, high tide, low tide. Longfellow says that the events of life ebb and flow, like the tide. What seems like defeat can turn out to be victory. Maybe you’ve experienced that. Be patient, things have a way of balancing out. ;-) Jack
FROM TRIHARDER: I was just talking about the Bay of Fundy less than 12 hours ago. Spectacular place.====JACK: If I had a bucket list, the "Bay" would be on it. And, if I were younger, I'd go rafting with the tide.====TH: It's not that far away that you couldn't make it -- not like Everest Base Camp, for instance. Or even Denali. Particularly if you have friends there. It's just up the cost from Maine. ====JACK: A WB friend went to Everest, but didn't make it to the top, although he had some interesting experiences to relate. Maybe it would be for me, if I believed in reincarnation.====TH: I think that many who have died on that journey do, in fact, believe in reincarnation.====JACK: I don't know about "in fact."
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: Actually the WW that spoke to me and are most appreciated this morning are "Be patient, things have a way of balancing out." I seem to be at a divided point with someone and they seem to be putting all or at least a lot of their eggs in one basket whereas I think a couple of evenly balanced baskets would be more effective and more sustainable. Wonder if that is why the tides turn.====JACK: One of my favorite sayings...."It'll work out."
FROM RI IN BOSTON: Over my lifetime I've suffered enough defeats and enjoyed ample victories, and as you said, the victories and defeats probably have balanced out. Something I feel good about is that the victories frequently still hearten me by coming back to mind, whereas the defeats essentially have been forgotten.====JACK: What defeats? Many people don't recall that Lincoln had many defeats before he won the presidency.
FROM WALMART REV: I will always remember this old saying and have used it on numerous occasions: "Cheer up, things could be worse! I did and they were!!" Hope your Fourth went well. I certainly enjoyed mine in a parade in Spicer Minnesota... "Pastor Paul's Chaplaincy Services".====JACK: Does PPCS have a website and 800 number? Were you dressed in an Uncle Sam outfit?====REV: Just a small hometown pastor doing his small hometown thing...someone questioned if that red shirt was really red, knowing they always see me in black. Had fun!!
FROM PASTY PAT: Now I have to add Nova Scotia to my travel list --- would love to see that. ====JACK: And, there's even more (if you look it up). It reminds me of the last verse of the Gospel of John.
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: as blondie sings, "the tide is high, but i'm holding on..."====JACK: Fundy's tide is so huge and so fast, that people surf it...and it is dangerous.
FROM CH ON CAPE COD: Hope you had a happy 4th and have a terrific 5th!====JACK: hOW BIG ARE THE TIDES ON THE cAPE?====CH: Cape Cod Bay (north side) around 10 feet (but 12 feet on a full moon); Buzzards Bay and Nantucket Sound (south side) about 4 feet.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Interesting facts! I visited Nova Scotia and the Bay of Fundy years ago. Didn't remember these facts, however! I remember the crossing on the Ferry was very rough that day.... ====JACK: Maybe it was rough because you were going against the tide. In life, it does seem rough when you're going against the tide (in certain situations).
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Interesting facts! I visited Nova Scotia and the Bay of Fundy years ago, with Jan and Hal (and Bill) Didn't remember these facts, however! I remember the crossing on the Ferry was very rough that day.====JACK: Do know the hymn, "Blest be the tide that binds our hearts in Christian love?" Or is it, tie?
FROM CJL IN OHIO: Good observation. I've seen the Bay of Fundy at both high & low. It was quite remarkable anad slightly strange, to walk on the beach and look up at the formations. Most remarkable were the "flower pots" that we both looked up to and, later, down on.====JACK: I wonder if that's a "heaven" analogy.? .Now, we are looking up; later, we will be looking down...and saying, "Now I see."
“The lowest ebb is the turn of the tide.” (Longfellow) Some friends of mine live on a cliff in Nova Scotia that overlooks the Bay of Fundy which has the highest tides in the world, 53’. Every 6 hours, high tide, low tide. Longfellow says that the events of life ebb and flow, like the tide. What seems like defeat can turn out to be victory. Maybe you’ve experienced that. Be patient, things have a way of balancing out. ;-) Jack
FROM TRIHARDER: I was just talking about the Bay of Fundy less than 12 hours ago. Spectacular place.====JACK: If I had a bucket list, the "Bay" would be on it. And, if I were younger, I'd go rafting with the tide.====TH: It's not that far away that you couldn't make it -- not like Everest Base Camp, for instance. Or even Denali. Particularly if you have friends there. It's just up the cost from Maine. ====JACK: A WB friend went to Everest, but didn't make it to the top, although he had some interesting experiences to relate. Maybe it would be for me, if I believed in reincarnation.====TH: I think that many who have died on that journey do, in fact, believe in reincarnation.====JACK: I don't know about "in fact."
FROM SHARIN' SHARON: Actually the WW that spoke to me and are most appreciated this morning are "Be patient, things have a way of balancing out." I seem to be at a divided point with someone and they seem to be putting all or at least a lot of their eggs in one basket whereas I think a couple of evenly balanced baskets would be more effective and more sustainable. Wonder if that is why the tides turn.====JACK: One of my favorite sayings...."It'll work out."
FROM RI IN BOSTON: Over my lifetime I've suffered enough defeats and enjoyed ample victories, and as you said, the victories and defeats probably have balanced out. Something I feel good about is that the victories frequently still hearten me by coming back to mind, whereas the defeats essentially have been forgotten.====JACK: What defeats? Many people don't recall that Lincoln had many defeats before he won the presidency.
FROM WALMART REV: I will always remember this old saying and have used it on numerous occasions: "Cheer up, things could be worse! I did and they were!!" Hope your Fourth went well. I certainly enjoyed mine in a parade in Spicer Minnesota... "Pastor Paul's Chaplaincy Services".====JACK: Does PPCS have a website and 800 number? Were you dressed in an Uncle Sam outfit?====REV: Just a small hometown pastor doing his small hometown thing...someone questioned if that red shirt was really red, knowing they always see me in black. Had fun!!
FROM PASTY PAT: Now I have to add Nova Scotia to my travel list --- would love to see that. ====JACK: And, there's even more (if you look it up). It reminds me of the last verse of the Gospel of John.
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: as blondie sings, "the tide is high, but i'm holding on..."====JACK: Fundy's tide is so huge and so fast, that people surf it...and it is dangerous.
FROM CH ON CAPE COD: Hope you had a happy 4th and have a terrific 5th!====JACK: hOW BIG ARE THE TIDES ON THE cAPE?====CH: Cape Cod Bay (north side) around 10 feet (but 12 feet on a full moon); Buzzards Bay and Nantucket Sound (south side) about 4 feet.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Interesting facts! I visited Nova Scotia and the Bay of Fundy years ago. Didn't remember these facts, however! I remember the crossing on the Ferry was very rough that day.... ====JACK: Maybe it was rough because you were going against the tide. In life, it does seem rough when you're going against the tide (in certain situations).
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Interesting facts! I visited Nova Scotia and the Bay of Fundy years ago, with Jan and Hal (and Bill) Didn't remember these facts, however! I remember the crossing on the Ferry was very rough that day.====JACK: Do know the hymn, "Blest be the tide that binds our hearts in Christian love?" Or is it, tie?
FROM CJL IN OHIO: Good observation. I've seen the Bay of Fundy at both high & low. It was quite remarkable anad slightly strange, to walk on the beach and look up at the formations. Most remarkable were the "flower pots" that we both looked up to and, later, down on.====JACK: I wonder if that's a "heaven" analogy.? .Now, we are looking up; later, we will be looking down...and saying, "Now I see."
Wednesday, July 03, 2013
Jack’s Winning Words 7/3/13“Keep ‘em flying!”
Jack’s Winning Words 7/3/13
“Keep ‘em flying!” (American Air Force slogan) D’ja know that the original star-spangled banner was 30’ by 42’, large enough to be seen from far away? Francis Scott Key saw it during the bombing of Ft. McHenry and was inspired to write a song about it. Before Detroit’s J.L. Hudson building was demolished, our family went downtown and saw the world’s largest flag (104’ by 235’) displayed on the building’s side. ;-) Jack
FROM WALMART REV: Living outside of Detroit those nine years, I heard often the phrase,,,"Before _________ our family went downtown Detroit and saw _________ !" There were always many found memories "before". Do you hear as much said about Downtown Detroit today, Jack, outside of the sports attractions? Curious!? ====JACK: I have no problem with going to downtown. My children and grandchildren go down there regularly. The River Walk along the river between Detroit and Windsor is spectacular. The fireworks on the river are outstanding. As in some urban areas, there are places that you probably want to avoid, but it's like that in many metropolitan cities.====REV: Our son, Joseph, living and working in Ann Arbor loves downtown Detroit and would love to have an apartment there...the Eastern Market is a huge draw for him. Thanks for the update====JACK: Most "outsiders" don't realize that Detroit is a metro-area, which includes places like Ann Arbor, West Bloomfield, Birmingham-Bloomfield Hills and the Pointes.====REV: So true...kind of like Kansas City...there's KC, Kansas and KC Missouri and smaller cities all around both Kansas Cities. I had a gentleman describing where his relatives lived, explaining it was just outside of Kansas City...after further conversation he mention it was Arkansas City, Kansas (2-3 hours south by the Oklahoma border). To some, Kansas City is the only "reference" city in Kansas.
FROM JM IN MICHIGAN: Do you have any idea what has happened to the huge Hudson's USA flag? It would be interesting to know if it is in use somewhere. I had always assumed that the original stars and stripes was used as a battle flag which would have made it rather small. The flag over Fort McHenry must have taken a lot of time to make since sewing was still done by hand in those days of the War of 1812, as we call it. Sometimes we need to realize that the best things are not called up instantly in this age of instant-cy!====JACK: I understand that the flag went to the Smithsonian Institution in 1976.
FROM RI IN BOSTON: It's a majestic sight to observe the stars and stripes against the open sky, unfurled and undulating in a steady breeze. Makes one proud. Anyone who has been out of the country for an extended length of time, knows the feeling of pride to chance upon the American flag at one of our government's facilities abroad. Likewise, coming back into New York harbor on a troop ship years ago, we experienced a surge of cheers and tears.====JACK: Bigger, while impressive, is not necessarily better. As with many symbols, it's what they stand for that counts. Artistically, I like Japan's rising sun flag. During WW 2, We saw it as a sign of "the enemy." I like the hymn line, "Change and decay in all around I see. O thou, who changest not, abide with me.".====RI: Yes, Japan's flag is a strong image. I wonder how many outside of Japan realize it is the sun symbolized there. I also like the hymn line, "Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies;"...the recognition of God's benevolence.====JACK: The hymn, Abide With Me, was written by Henry Lyte as he was dying of tuberculosis. In fact, he died soon after the words were written. "I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless; Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if Thou abide with me."
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: Did they hang it vertically or horizontally? Or upside down? ====JACK: Since no photographers were at the sight, we have to rely on artist's renderings which generally show the flag waving horizontally. Maybe FSK described to someone what he saw..
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Flags abound today! My family is gathering for a long weekend of golf, swimming and EATING! How blessed we still are to be living in the USA, and yes, the flag does inspire pride. Long may it wave over the home of the free and the brave!!====JACK: Don't forget the sparklers, and remember, the unlighted end goes in your hand. Run around waving them, like you did when you were a kid.
“Keep ‘em flying!” (American Air Force slogan) D’ja know that the original star-spangled banner was 30’ by 42’, large enough to be seen from far away? Francis Scott Key saw it during the bombing of Ft. McHenry and was inspired to write a song about it. Before Detroit’s J.L. Hudson building was demolished, our family went downtown and saw the world’s largest flag (104’ by 235’) displayed on the building’s side. ;-) Jack
FROM WALMART REV: Living outside of Detroit those nine years, I heard often the phrase,,,"Before _________ our family went downtown Detroit and saw _________ !" There were always many found memories "before". Do you hear as much said about Downtown Detroit today, Jack, outside of the sports attractions? Curious!? ====JACK: I have no problem with going to downtown. My children and grandchildren go down there regularly. The River Walk along the river between Detroit and Windsor is spectacular. The fireworks on the river are outstanding. As in some urban areas, there are places that you probably want to avoid, but it's like that in many metropolitan cities.====REV: Our son, Joseph, living and working in Ann Arbor loves downtown Detroit and would love to have an apartment there...the Eastern Market is a huge draw for him. Thanks for the update====JACK: Most "outsiders" don't realize that Detroit is a metro-area, which includes places like Ann Arbor, West Bloomfield, Birmingham-Bloomfield Hills and the Pointes.====REV: So true...kind of like Kansas City...there's KC, Kansas and KC Missouri and smaller cities all around both Kansas Cities. I had a gentleman describing where his relatives lived, explaining it was just outside of Kansas City...after further conversation he mention it was Arkansas City, Kansas (2-3 hours south by the Oklahoma border). To some, Kansas City is the only "reference" city in Kansas.
FROM JM IN MICHIGAN: Do you have any idea what has happened to the huge Hudson's USA flag? It would be interesting to know if it is in use somewhere. I had always assumed that the original stars and stripes was used as a battle flag which would have made it rather small. The flag over Fort McHenry must have taken a lot of time to make since sewing was still done by hand in those days of the War of 1812, as we call it. Sometimes we need to realize that the best things are not called up instantly in this age of instant-cy!====JACK: I understand that the flag went to the Smithsonian Institution in 1976.
FROM RI IN BOSTON: It's a majestic sight to observe the stars and stripes against the open sky, unfurled and undulating in a steady breeze. Makes one proud. Anyone who has been out of the country for an extended length of time, knows the feeling of pride to chance upon the American flag at one of our government's facilities abroad. Likewise, coming back into New York harbor on a troop ship years ago, we experienced a surge of cheers and tears.====JACK: Bigger, while impressive, is not necessarily better. As with many symbols, it's what they stand for that counts. Artistically, I like Japan's rising sun flag. During WW 2, We saw it as a sign of "the enemy." I like the hymn line, "Change and decay in all around I see. O thou, who changest not, abide with me.".====RI: Yes, Japan's flag is a strong image. I wonder how many outside of Japan realize it is the sun symbolized there. I also like the hymn line, "Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies;"...the recognition of God's benevolence.====JACK: The hymn, Abide With Me, was written by Henry Lyte as he was dying of tuberculosis. In fact, he died soon after the words were written. "I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless; Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if Thou abide with me."
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: Did they hang it vertically or horizontally? Or upside down? ====JACK: Since no photographers were at the sight, we have to rely on artist's renderings which generally show the flag waving horizontally. Maybe FSK described to someone what he saw..
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Flags abound today! My family is gathering for a long weekend of golf, swimming and EATING! How blessed we still are to be living in the USA, and yes, the flag does inspire pride. Long may it wave over the home of the free and the brave!!====JACK: Don't forget the sparklers, and remember, the unlighted end goes in your hand. Run around waving them, like you did when you were a kid.
Tuesday, July 02, 2013
Jack's Winning Words 7/2/13 “No one can drive you crazy unless you give them the keys.”
Jack’s Winning Words 7/2/13
“No
one can drive you crazy unless you give them the keys." (Sent by Nan) A new car option is “keyless operation.” No key needed for entry or starting! Robot driving is also being tested. Now, if only there were an invention to keep someone from driving us crazy! Romans 12:21 is a favorite of mine. “Don’t allow yourself to be overpowered by evil. Take the offensive—overpower evil with good.” You hold the key! -;) Jack
FROM TRIHARDER: I'll have to look through my key drawer to see whose keys I have.====JACK: If you have keys belonging to others, that means......
FROM WALMART REV: Another good word for our day, Jack...no need to let anyone drive me crazy...I'm close enough to walk!!====JACK: My intern pastor once wrote a book..."The Cross Is the Key." He gave me an autographed copy. I can't find it. I've lost the key!
FROM PL IN MICHIGAN: I really like this one Jack! It's like the saying..."xxxxxx really pushes my buttons!" We tend forget that those are our buttons.====JACK: In 1956, Dodge introduced a car that had push buttons instead of a gear shift lever. You're right in style your pushing buttons...if it were 1956.
FROM BBC IN ILLINOIS: Love the phrase…..====JACK: Hang on to those keys!
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: Thanks, Dad, for the keys to the car. Well put.====JACK: I never had to ask for the keys, since the first car I ever drove was my own...a Model A for $100. I even taught myself to drive.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Cleverly put! We need to hide our keys! :-) I'm glad i have a key pad to get into the car without a key....i can lock the keys in the car and still access the car; it's saved my bacon a few times! What drives me crazy is to call a service number, and press number after number trying to talk to SOMEONE!! Frustrating!====JACK: The Optimist Club (to which I belong) has a creed which begins, "Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disiturb your peace of mind..." This can include automated answering devices.
FROM TRIHARDER: I'll have to look through my key drawer to see whose keys I have.====JACK: If you have keys belonging to others, that means......
FROM WALMART REV: Another good word for our day, Jack...no need to let anyone drive me crazy...I'm close enough to walk!!====JACK: My intern pastor once wrote a book..."The Cross Is the Key." He gave me an autographed copy. I can't find it. I've lost the key!
FROM PL IN MICHIGAN: I really like this one Jack! It's like the saying..."xxxxxx really pushes my buttons!" We tend forget that those are our buttons.====JACK: In 1956, Dodge introduced a car that had push buttons instead of a gear shift lever. You're right in style your pushing buttons...if it were 1956.
FROM BBC IN ILLINOIS: Love the phrase…..====JACK: Hang on to those keys!
FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: Thanks, Dad, for the keys to the car. Well put.====JACK: I never had to ask for the keys, since the first car I ever drove was my own...a Model A for $100. I even taught myself to drive.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Cleverly put! We need to hide our keys! :-) I'm glad i have a key pad to get into the car without a key....i can lock the keys in the car and still access the car; it's saved my bacon a few times! What drives me crazy is to call a service number, and press number after number trying to talk to SOMEONE!! Frustrating!====JACK: The Optimist Club (to which I belong) has a creed which begins, "Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disiturb your peace of mind..." This can include automated answering devices.
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