Jack’s Winning Words 1/31/13
“All you take with you is that which you’ve given away.”  (Inscription under Peter Bailey’s picture)  Peppermint Mary noticed these words while watching the classic film, “It’s A Wonderful Life.”  Recently my daughters saw that movie and got to meet ZuZu afterward.  George Bailey must have taken after his father, because he was always trying to help people.  The world is a better place, because of people like George.    ;-)  Jack

 FROM TARMART REV:  Had the privilege of being a bearer of good tidings again this Christmas season...two separate sources contributed, one $650.00 and the other, $2000.00...unfortunately to some extend, because of the busyness of the church activities in the two weeks before Christmas, I didn't come across the $2000.00 Christmas card until Christmas Day when I finally took time to open our cards and reflect upon them...I had thought the gentleman in Minneapolis perhaps didn't send his card this year...I was looking for it, but had not seen it come through and surprisingly found he had doubled the amount this year...so--- started late, but half way through now distributing his gifts to surprised, but very appreciative folk this Christmas season...... . . here was the distribution for the $650.00.
Good afternoon to my special friends of the Barney Family . . . Please find below a report indicating the gifts of money distributed to some very surprised and grateful folk this Christmas season. Thank you once again for allowing me the privilege of being the bearer of good tidings to some less fortunate people and families this Christmas season. HPMc
$150 Single mother fighting eating disorder, in clinic and needing housing for a week...placed in motel for a week...(Sara)
$50 Mother/Daughter Christmas meal while visiting invalid father in Olivia Nursing Home (Denise)
$50 Recent needy widow...first Christmas without husband (Rita)
$50 Special needs' gentleman living in downtown (Frieda's Cafe)
$100 Single mother of two grade school girls...father not paying child support as he should (Armanda)
$50 Single mother walking through a broken relationship at Christmastime (Leah)
$50 Down and outer with gas money (Keith)
$50 Widow with two boys at home (Lucina)
$50 Homeless man sleeping in his car needing money to help pay for motel for a month. (Brian)
$50 Man walking the streets...gave him money for a Christmas meal. (Mike)
====JACK:  It's a wonderful life, isn't it, when you are able to give help to people in need?

 FROM MICHIZONA RAY:  This is so true. It seems that the seeds of righteousness bear fruits that return in multiples, and when given away, foster a fuller, richer inner vineyard. ...Just that much more to give away! So I suppose maybe you do take it with you!====JACK:  I've commented before about the saying  attached to my computer..."Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the apples in a seed."

FROM PEPPERMINT MARY:  i feel a little bit wise and honored.  happy new year to you all! ====JACK:  It just proves that I read and appreciate your responses.  HNY backatcha.

 FROM MW IN ILLINOIS:  This is one of my favorite movies, always watch at least once during the
season.====JACK:  You're not the only one who likes it.  It's considered to be one the 100 best movies ever made.

 FROM RS IN TEXAS:  You are so right, Jack.  Being from Michigan you probably have seen this, but just in case............http://www.youtube.com/v/0Ejh_hb15Fc?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0...====JACK:  No, I had not see that TV clip, but I do know of Olivet, Michigan, and I was moved by the action of their football team...and the tear on the cheek of one of their players.

 FROM TRIHARDER:  "And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make." Lennon/McCartney (from Abbey Road)

 FROM BM IN MICHIGAN:  Thanks for giving me something to think about almost every day.

 FROM GOOD DEBT JON:  Sadder than leaving it all are folks that allow their possessions to "own" them while they are here.  Happy New Year to all.  We are preparing for the best year ever, I hope I can live up to the opportunities in front of me.

 FROM HAWKEYE GEORGE:  Just about my favorite movie - we usually watch it every year.

 FROM BLAZING OAKS:  WISE WORDS AND HOW ASTUTE OF PEPPERMINT MARY TO NOTICE THAT!  IT IS  OUR TURN TO FEED THE HOMELESS TONIGHT, ON NEW YEAR'S EVE, (AND VERY COLD!)  WE'RE PREPARING FOR  OVER A HUNDRED. HOT CHILI, CHILI-DOGS, FRUIT, DRINKS CHIPS, AND DESSERT; AFTER  WHICH  I'LL JOIN FRIENDS AT FIRST NIGHT IN SPRINGFIELD TO RING IN A NEW YEAR, AND ANOTHER CHANCE TO "MAKE A DIFFERENCE"!  WE  ARE SO BLESSED!!

 FROM SHARIN' SHARON:  "Life of the Beloved" by Henri Nouwen, page 124 "You and I would dance for joy were we to know truly that we, little people, are chosen, blessed, and broken to become the bread that will multiply itself in the giving. You and I would no longer fear death, but live toward it as the culmination of our desire to make all of ourselves a gift for others. The fact that we are so far from that state of mind and heart shows only that we are mere beginners in the spiritual life and have not yet fully claimed the full truth of our call. But let us be thankful for every little glimpse of the truth that we can recognize and trust that there is always more to see--always."

 FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  Neither Gary or I have ever seen the movie but I hear it's good.  The inscription is wonderful though and we all know it's true.  Have a blessed New Year.  We are spending it with our little granddaughters and tomorrow will be another big family day!  That's the best way to start off the new year!  ====JACK: You've never seen that movie?  There's even an angel in it.