Jack’s Winning Words 8/3/15
“I’ve come to believe that each of us has a calling that’s as unique as a fingerprint.”  (Oprah) Do you see what you do as a “calling?  MLK Jr encouraged some garbage collectors to see their work as a calling.  Last week a man approached me in a bookstore and asked,  “Would you mind if I prayed for you?”  After a brief conversation, I said, “Sure!”  Afterward I wondered about that encounter?  Who was that person?  Was this meant to be?    ;-)  Jack

FROM TARMART REV:  Had to have been an "Assemblies of God" fellow-- don't you think, Jack?! ==== JACK:  I don't think he was a Lutheran.  He was just a nice young man.  Could he have been Jesus in disguise?

FROM CZB IN NEW HAMPSHIRE:  I feel a lot of pressure to find “my calling”.  I feel like I’ve had a wonderful life and given a lot of service along the way, but that God has given each of us, me included, so much, shouldn’t we (I) do more?====JACK:  I see you in the words of the poem, "Be the best of whatever you are!"  Let me recount some memories...your enthusiasm...a birthday song singer at Farrell's...a friend to some high schoolers who needed one...and a friend to me...a loving daughter to your parents...a caring wife and mother...sharing a sandwich with a homeless person...being aware of the world around you.  But, lest you think I've missed your point...What are some things that you might be interested in doing NOW?

ROM GOOD DEBT JON:  You made me think.  "Calling is a great word, as if 'it' calls after you, even haunts you, beckoning you on to the greater things life has in store for you.  When we ignore it, it trickles through our soul slowly eroding a tiny canyon of regret into which our true self is lost." ====JACK:  You've had several callings in your life, haven't you.  Author, entrepreneur, song-writer, fund raiser, etc.  Who knows what is next?  I saw your "think item" on Facebook, but can't get it to show up here.

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  you are so blessed.  last week a man approached me for a handout!====JACK:  My grandson speaks to my conscience.  When we leave the Tigers' ballpark, he usually stops to put some money in the cup held by the man in a wheelchair.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  It's surprising that Oprah was  just figuring that idea out.  At one time she was a Christian so she would know we were all unique....every hair numbered.====JACK:  You will note that she is saying more than "We are all unique."  She says that each of us has a calling.  I think that is what makes the quote a Winning Word.==JUDY:  By unique I should have said unique calling.  What is yours, beside being called as a pastor?====JACK:  My calling?  ...to try and be the best that I can be in whatever circumstance life hands me.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  I  think that the Holy Spirit works uniquely in each one, even identical twins, working with us to develop our own ministry or calling. We all have our own way of doing things, and particular strengths and gifts.  I'd imagine it takes a certain amount of chutzpah to approach a stranger, and ask to pray for him...unusual!====JACK:  I coulda, shoulda invited that stranger to sit down and talk.  But the opportunity has passed.  There are too many "what ifs" in this life.  We need to be more alert.

FROM SBP IN FLORIDA:  When I think back over my life, I don't see my future/life as a "calling", but rather as a "nudging" into the unthinkable, the doubtful, the possible, and from that point to "nudging" toward my life's decisions. And as I got/get older, I realize/d that the "nudging" was part of God's plan for me. Thank you. Lord!====JACK:  I like that word, nudge.  Could it be an example of onomatopoeia?  There's a hymn..."God calling yet; shall I not hear?  Earth’s pleasures shall I still hold dear?  Shall life’s swift passing years all fly,  And still my soul in slumber lie?"  How would it sound if "calling" were replaced with "nudging?"  In a sense, nudging can be calling...like another hymn, "Softly and tenderly, Jesus is calling."