Jack’s Winning Words 9/3/14
“The older I get, the more deeply I believe, but the fewer beliefs I have.”  (John Shelby Spong)  Have you come to the conclusion that you have too much stuff, and you need to get rid of some of it?  “Stuff” can include opinions, too.  I like the Bible quote, “When I was a child, I thought, reasoned and acted like a child, but when I became an adult I put away childish things.”  Theologically, I tend to agree with Spong.    ;-)  Jack

FROM MICHIZONA RAY:  This is true, it seems: The more you know, the more you know you don't know. For myself, everything I think is truly a working theory. Sometimes I think the amount of "passion" I assign to a "theory" is actually my defense against the probability that I might have to amend it! The word "fact" is a word that is difficult for me to even use...yet, I am sure there are some. ====JACK:  You've given me something to ponder today..."Is you is, or is you ain't?"  Is anything?  Philosophers have never really come up with the answer that all philosophers agree on.

FROM HONEST JOHN:  As I have become older, my focus has narrowed on to "Jesus Christ and him crucified (and resurrected)".    It all comes together there for me.====JACK:  Just curious...How do you relate this to those who are non-Christians (not by choice)?====JOHN:  Same as I would to a Christian...I need something from within my own sphere of understanding to allow me to relate to God.

FROM TARMART REV:  Yes sir . . . I would agree!====JACK:  How would you express (briefly) your core belief?====REV:  "We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose" (Romans 8:28 Amplified Bible) . . . "So then, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you may do, do all for the honor and glory of God" (I Corinthians 10:31 Amplified Bible). I Corinthians 10:31 was the first verse I memorized in the Bible when it was fashionable to participate in a Sunday evening Scripture verse recitation back in the 1950's . . . I would have been in third or fourth grade at the time.

FROM SHARIN' SHARON:  There is something good to look forward to in aging it seems with your WW today. I also get daily reflections from the Henri Nouwen Society and also Richard Rohr. Today Richard Rohr reflected on "non-dual consciousness is about receiving and being present to the moment and to the now exactly as it is, without judgment, without analysis, without critique, without your ego deciding whether you like it or whether you don't...you are not dividing the field of the moment (and eliminating anything that threatens your ego), but holding it all together." I don't know at what point of life, one can get to this point, but do believe if I haven't gotten to it yet at 80 or 90 and am in the nursing home somewhere, it will still be a great opportunity in life if I can "get to that point" and not always be busy about eliminating things in this world that threaten my ego but hold everything together. Maybe your WW today are in the same ballpark as Rohr's. Thanks.====JACK:  A famous theologian was asked to explain his belief about God.  He responded, "Jesus loves me, this I know."  I like what someone else has said.  "Jesus knows me, this I love.====SHARON:  My favorite greeting card of all time--so far anyway--has on the cover "Both in life and in death we belong to God" Romans 14:8 and inside "With deepest sympathy and prayers that God will comfort you." That's basically all I want for myself and for everyone else.

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  i have always been a "cut to the chase" thinker.====JACK:  I know that you care about many issues.  Is there a basic belief that directs your caring?

FROM SBP IN FLORIDA:  "The older I get, the more deeply I believe...." Yes!!...."but the fewer beliefs that I have." I'm not certain about that thought. Personally, at this age, I have fewer challenges to my beliefs. However, with local, national, international news some newer beliefs are being generated..... Not that I act upon them.====JACK:  So many "people" are trying to direct our opinions that I tend to think (while watching and reading), "in what way is my thinking trying to be manipulated?"  Maybe I shouldn't be so cynical.  The political TV ads are a real turn-off  But political directed newscasts are the same.  Not to mention the pill-pusher commercials.

FROM CWR IN MICHIGAN:  Welcome to the club.