Jack’s Winning Words 10/30/15
“Can we BOO more people?  This is great!”  (Enzo Montante)  I’m not into “booing,” even if it’s a botched play in a football game.  A woman in our community tells of a new kind of “booing.”  On Halloween, you sneak up to a neighbor’s porch, ring the bell, and leave a bag of treats (labeled, BOO!), with a note encouraging them to BOO other people.  The woman’s 8-yr-old son thinks it’s fun to “boo” people in this way.   Tradition is hard to change!  

FROM CZB IN NEW HAMPSHIRE:  We changed it up this year and "boo-zed" our neighbors!   Otherwise I'm with you - not into booing. Felt bad for the Michigan kicker when he botched that kick to lose the game. Apparently some people were pretty mean about it. But others set up a Facebook page supporting him.  Happy Halloween!====JACK:  Some of the boo-ers I've seen appear to have been overly energized with boo-ze.

FROM TARMART REV:  Great feeling to be "booed" occasionally . . . the other day I drove up to one of the pumps at my favorite gas stations in town . . . a young man was just finishing up refilling his gas tank . . . we visited momentarily as I've known him for the past twenty years or so when his was a small child, walked with him and his mother through the difficult divorce of his parents and have watched him grow into the fine young man he is today. I reminded him how proud I was of him and his mom as both have recovered well and gone on with their lives. Out he came from inside the station as I was entering, nodding once again as we passed each other. I reached for my billfold to pay and the attendant informed me my gas was paid by the young man (over $30 at that)! Blessed, I was and am!!;-)  JACK:  Something similar happened to us when our family was small, and pennies were important.  We were in a local restaurant enjoying a "meal out."  When it came time to pay the bill, the server said that it had already been taken care of.  Some church members at a nearby table gave a wave.  We need to BOO more people in that way.  ====REV:  ...we do, in deed, as well...my time is coming when a few folk, including myself, will gather $2,000 to $3,000 during the Christmas season with me breaking it down into $50, $100 and a few $200 cash gift cards to pass out anonymously at Walmart or Target while I'm sitting there. Always an enjoyable experience, especially with folks I'm not yet acquainted with nor them with me.====JACK:  God has given you an interesting ministry.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  What a neat idea! I'm told in my new home I'll have lots of "trick or treaters", so that will be fun, but think I'll tryl that BOO! idea on my ailing neighbors, with some soup, etc. today !  Thanks to WW!====JACK:  I'm glad that you like the idea.  A Baptist minister's wife would not want to BOO-ze her neighbors...as some people do.  What outfit will you be wearing when the kids knock at your door?  Zombies seem to be in fashion this year.====OAKS: I have a "Witch and Famous" glittery T I wear with my witches hat, skirt and cape....but I no longer paint my face green or do the  warts....and my marvelous witches' cackle was scaring the kids, so have modified that, too. :-) Can't beat fun!====JACK:  A real live witch...was it a treat or a trick?  At least the kids (and the accompanying parents) would go away with a story to tell.

FROM KF IN MICHIGAN:  Our neighborhood used to really be into "boo-ing" ; the first time we did it one of my neighbors was afraid someone was trying to poison her children, so she threw all the treats away; another time when Rose was "boo-ing a friend, after she rang the doorbell the dad came out yelling and chased her down the driveway (obviously it was a new tradition to him - they were from London). It has been fun over the years. Now the only children on our street are 10-month-old twins.====JACK:  Our house is set far back from the street.  Only a few little ones come to the door with parents.  The "savvy" older ones would rather go to the houses that are closer together.  More bang for the buck.

FROM CHESTER THE GOOD:  We used to leave a bag of "Boo" on the front porch and set it afire. Then ring the doorbell and watch the resident stamp it out. Haw, Haw, Haw.====JACK:  Your name should be changed to Chester the Bad.

ROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  When we first moved into this neighborhood, we were "Boo...ed".  We had never heard of such a thing.  But the kids loved it!
  I never boo anyone even when I'm watching the Red Wings or any team come to think of it.  I figure loosing is bad enough, they don't need to hear it from the crowd too.

 ROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  When we first moved into this neighborhood, we were "Boo...ed".  We had never heard of such a thing.  But the kids loved it!    I never boo anyone even when I'm watching the Red Wings or any team come to think of it.  I figure loosing is bad enough, they don't need to hear it from the crowd too.

Jack’s Winning Words 10/29/15
“A word or a smile is often enough to put fresh life in a despondent soul.”  (St Therese of Lisieux)  Many have found comfort in the words of Jesus, “Come to me, all who have heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”  I’ve read that every person has at least one “inner secret” that would break your heart.  I don’t know about “every person,” but many have burdens.  Who knows?  Perhaps your smile and your kind word can ease someone’s load today.    ;-)  Jack

FROM RI IN BOSTON:  I think there are a lot of people out among the public who simply are lonely.  They would just like to have someone notice them and show it.  A smile goes a long way, as an unspoken greeting to them, and a "hello" is a bonus.  I've had such an experience when taking a bus in the city, and it was apparent when we parted that the person got a boost from the opportunity to chat.  Who knows how much it affected the rest of that person's day.====JACK:  My sister-in-law was waited on by a bank teller who did not smile and seemed rude.  My s-i-l said to her, "Are you having a bad day, or are you always this way?"  I don't know what the response was.  Did this qualify as "a word or a smile"?

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  There is nothing like getting a smile back when you give one away! ====JACK:  It can be the case that someone is so engrossed  with their problem(s) that they see a smile as something negative.  "What's there to smile about?"  Smile anyway!

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Totally agree with St. Therese! Almost everyone responds to a kindly smile, and maybe How Are You ?  I do this on the street, in the grocery store, shopping, in restaurants &certainly in church.  I just read a little poem on ' Smiles" at our Senior Event this month:  "Smiling is infectious, you can catch it like the flu; when someone smiled at me today, I started smiling too!  I passed around the corner, and someone saw me grin, when HE smiled, I realized I'd passed it on to him!  I thought about that smile, then I realized its worth. A single smile just like mine could travel round the Earth!  So if you feel a smile begin, Don't leave it undetected...Let's start an epidemic, quick, and get the World infected!!====JACK:  Marianne LaFrance, an experimental psychologist at Yale University has published a new book Lip Service: Smiles in Life, Death, Trust, Lies, Work, Memory, Sex, and Politics.  It explores the nuances and effects of an expression we use often, but rarely think about...why we smile and why we do it.

Jack’s Winning Words 10/28/15
“I would trade all of my technology for an afternoon with Socrates.”  (Steve Jobs)  I’ve read some reviews of the new Steve Jobs movie.  “A genius jerk, smart and sleek…No one saw the world as he did.”  Some are enamored with his inventions, but what interests me is his desire to spend some time with Socrates.  That caused me to wonder.  Who would I choose?  Maybe it would be my dad…or, maybe Socrates..  Who would be your pick and why?    ;-)  Jack

FROM HAPPY TRAILS IN NOVA SCOTIA:  an afternoon with you would be a candidate. ====JACK:  The pleasure would be mine.  While we have had good conversations in the past....I think of what Marco Polo told amazed listeners as he recounted what he had experienced during his travels: "And, you haven't heard the half of it."  We haven't heard the half of it from each other, have we?

FROM HONEST JOHN:  Anselm....I would visit him at Canterbury and listen to his "take" on Henry I and the Papacy.....====JACK:  I'm sure that he'd be interested to hear from you, "your take" on the Papacy today and during the intervening years since his death.

FROM EDUCATOR PAUL:  Steve Allen had a show once called " Meeting of the Minds."  I absolutely loved it!!! He would be the facilitator of a group of people sitting around the table discussing various issues of the day. Imagine, Socrates, Jesus, Mohammad, Malcom X, Martin Luther King Jr.,  Ghandi discussing the Middle East!!!====JACK:  I remember that show.  Steve Allen was such a brilliant person.  The best comedians are those who know more than how to tell jokes.  They understand how life can be "funny"...like leading us to imagine your round table group discussing the Middle East.====PAUL:  Yup!! Why can't we do that show again!!!  Can you imagine a high school or a college class having this as a project!  Just think about what everyone could learn!====JACK:  Something similar is being done by one of our high school teachers.  I plan to have a Winning Words about it next week.

FROM RS IN TEXAS:  Other than Jesus, probably MLK or Ghandi.  Would love to know how they stayed so devoted to what was right in the face of the persecution they faced.====JACK:  I can't imagine having a one on one with Jesus.  I would be dumbfounded, unable to speak...until he might miraculously put me at ease.====RS:  Yes, I believe He would have that ability to let us know what unconditional love and comfort is all about.====JACK:  The disciples didn't seem to have a problem speaking with him, even to the point of expressing displeasure (in the boat, in a storm).  "Why are you sleeping?  Don't you care if we die?"====RS:  Maybe it was because even though they believed he was the Messiah, the fact that He acted so human made even them forget who they were speaking with in their time of despair.  Human weakness is indeed amazing - but that's why we need the Grace of God.

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  FDR would be one.  Lincoln would be another ...Churchill ...Columbus ...Jesus...====JACK:  Eleanor might be better than FDR and Galileo better than Columbus...but who am I to make a list for you?

FROM RI IN BOSTON:  Sorry to sound so authoritative but if Steve Jobs really said that, I think he was disingenuous.  For someone as tech minded as he was, delivering some fresh, new product every few months, driven to the extreme, and demanding of those beneath him, I don't picture Jobs rapt in conversation with Socrates, unless he was there to upstage him.====JACK: It seems that you might want to work in an afternoon with Steve.====RI:  Yeah, I could use some tech help, and plenty of other help too.

FROM THE MAYOR: Jesus!====JACK:  On Easter, Mary had such an opportunity...as is described in the song.  "I come to the garden alone While the dew is still on the roses And the voice I hear falling on my ear The Son of God discloses.  He speaks, and the sound of His voice, Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,  And the melody that He gave to me Within my heart is ringing.  I’d stay in the garden with Him Though the night around me be falling, But He bids me go; through the voice of woe His voice to me is calling.  And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own; And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known."

FROM CPA BOB:  This is a difficult question to answer, as you would expect.  (Not necessarily in preference order.) Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Moses, Abraham Lincoln, Confucius and so  many others.====JACK:  Probably "the most down to earth" among them would be Lincoln.  I think  I'd feel the most comfortable with him.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  My first thought was Jesus.  But I thought a little more and I think I would love to spend time with Abraham Lincoln or else one if my 1400's ancestors.====JACK:  If you were to talk with Jesus, it might go like this old song says..."My God and I go in the field together;  We walk and talk as good friends should and do;  We clasp our hands, our voices ring with laughter;  My God and I walk through the meadow's hue.  We clasp our hands, our voices ring with laughter;  My God and I walk through the meadow's hue."====JUDY:  That's the song I sang to Kimberly and Andy as I rocked them to sleep.====JACK:  It makes more sense than "Rock-a-bye-baby."

FROM CHESTER THE GOOD:  Probably Leonardo de Vinci. He was the Steve Jobs of his day. imagine... thinking of the helicopter back then!====JACK:  He also invented the anemometer.

FROM SHARIN' SHARON:  Actually, I would love a conversation with Jesus and ask Him to explain if there is really any totally dividing difference between Real Presence and Transubstantiation and also what was the reason and benefit to be had from cursing the fig tree. So far I haven't heard a contemporary person or read any contemporary commentary on these two questions that makes me believe people know the answers but probably Jesus Himself does and His answers will prevail; I keep on living with these questions.====JACK:  I'm not Jesus, but I'd be surprised if he cared much about our theological interpretations of Communion.  I see the fig tree incident as an object lesson, much like the parables.

FROM TARMART REV:  All humor and religiosity set aside, I would like to be like Christ (I'll set aside the miracles for this). I admired his ability to teach truths that stuck, how to answer his critiques and how well he used his silence and eye contact to get his points across. Masterful teacher, He was while on earth.====JACK:  An omnipotent God could daily provide all kinds of extra-ordinary miracles to "prove" his power, but a stronger kind of faith is based on the life and teachings of Christ.  Many of his miracles were of the "helping" kind.

FROM ME IN NEWPORT BEACH:  Both parents.  To thank them for all the things they did for me and for all the sacrifices they made for me.====JACK:  One of the joys of my ministry was to have known them and to have worked with them.
 

Jack’s Winning Words 10/27/15
“Macho does not prove mucho.”  (Quoted by Larry Bielat)  These words are in Bielat’s book, Winning Words of Champions.  Just last week I saw an NFL player strut around pounding his chest like Tarzan, simply for making a play that he’s paid to make.  I’m old-fashioned, and I think that when we’re given a job, we do it.  My home pastor never asked for a raise.  “If the people think I deserve it, I’ll get it.”   He was no pretend-Tarzan…just a role-model    ;-)  Jack

FROM QUILTING CAROL:  Oh!  Finally someone who thinks like me about these highly over paid NFL players!====JACK:  Even worse are those who receive their pay and don't do the job.  The Bible says in Proverbs:  "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:  Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest."

FROM TARMART REV:  Most generally found the same to be true . . . if I have to tell a person my feeling of worthiness, it really is not that worthy of mentioning to them any way.====JACK:  Some people are critical of unions, seeing them as way or protecting lazy workers.  History says that they were formed to protect workers from employers who saw them as tools, not human beings.  As with much of life, there has to be a middle ground.

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  there is waaay too much macho in sports today.  and maybe too much testosterone too...====JACK:  I've seen some "macho" pastors, too.  Mucho macho doesn't impress God, either.====SP:  you mean our Gov. Jesse Ventura didn't impress God??   heavens to betsy!!====JACK:  The Bible indicates that there's place in heaven for wrestlers.  Genesis, says that Jacob wrestled with an angel.  Jacob asks the angel his name, and while he doesn't receive an answer, it could have been Jesse, a Biblical name.====SP:  but maybe not Jesse "the body":):)====JACK:  I wonder how we will recognize Jesse...even how we will recognize one another?  "For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven."  (2 Corinthians 5)

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  A neat turn of phrase!  Your home pastor was outstanding....and so were his daughters! Pat was one of my bridesmaids.  My husband on the other hand had been running his  construction co. dealing with union bargaining etc. So he was pretty aggressive about his salary....but he earned every penny, as most pastors do, with 16 hr days almost 24/7!  But we don't go into ministry full time with the thought of getting rich financially. Our pay comes in satisfaction and love....I agree with your assessments of many of our athletes and celebrities!====JACK:  You can't beat "satisfaction."  I've never regretted my vocation.  I guess that there's a place for each of us in God's factory.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  So appropriate!  We watch sports and it gets quite annoying to watch these millionaire players strut around after making a play.  It's expected of them: like you say, it's their job.  It's very humbling to hear/read about a regular guy who saves someone life and they themselves are humbled by the praise.====JACK:  I've read that there are an average of 11 minutes of play/action in a NFL football game.

FROM ME IN NEWPORT BEACH:  Nice.  Agreed.====JACK:  I don't care if attorneys bill by the minute.  It can be a whole lot more expensive to represent yourself.====ME:  It can be but there are far too much representations where emotion rules and neither the client nor the attorney considers the business ramifications.

Jack’s Winning Words 10/26/15
“Never confuse a defeat with a final defeat.”  (F. Scott Fitzgerald)  This isn’t going to be about an exciting end to a football game, nor about Yogi’s famous “It ain’t over” quote.  It’s about how we handle the disappointments in life.  We’ve all had our “What if..” situations.  I’ve lived long enough to see that some bad things turn out to be good things…given enough time.  The “end” for a caterpillar magically becomes the beautiful “beginning” for a butterfly.    ;-)  Jack

FROM RJP IN NAPLES:  Good morning........Today's WW remind me of one of my favorite poems by Robert Frost " The Road Not Taken"    final stanza says "and that has made all the difference" ====JACK:  That's one of my favorite poems, too...along with "Mending Wall."  Do you remember Frost reciting poetry at the Kennedy inauguration?  Or, was that before you were born?====RJP:  I remember it well. Mending Wall indeed. Where are the great poets of today??? Maybe I just don't hear them. Are our children imbued with the same love of the verse today that we were fortunate enough to receive? Based on what I see from my grandchildren and those of friends, they are not. Sad I think.====JACK:  For my age, I had pretty good educational opportunities, but my grandchildren are far better educated  than I am.  I could never "cut it" sitting beside them in their classes.  But that's not expected of me.  BTW, knowing the poem, Mending Wall, is not as important as knowing the meaning of the poem.  In today's world, many walls are being constructed...or are being touted as a solution to problems.

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  Like====JACK:  Just as an aside....Facebook "Like" seems to mean that you agree.  In Face to Face conversation, I would follow up by asking, "Why?"

FROM DR JUDY:  Assuming there is no request otherwise, I expect this will be a Quote in a future newsletter.  Thank you!====JACK:  As you may recognize, Winning Words is not meant to be an "end" statement, but an opening for further thought.  The Blog allows that to happen.  Notice some of that today.

FROM TARMART REV:  ...flying into a brand new week with anticipation it is going to be a delightful one, if only for me alone!!====JACK:  As long as you have a friend and an omnipresent God, you are never flying solo.

FROM HAWKEYE GEORGE:  Good thought, Jack.====JACK:  In life's choice as whether to be an optimist, a pessimist, or a realist, I choose optimism, believing that the current circumstance is not necessarily the final one.====GEORGE:  I'm usually an optimist, but there are situations where I've learned to be skeptical.====JACK:  C.S. Lewis wrote a book for you, "Apostle to the Skeptics."

FROM ATTY GT:  According to your message this morning--one door has closed but another should open. I'll be looking and working for that open door.  I can't remember where I heard this--perhaps it was one of your sermons--you know the verse about the lilies of the field? Someone once said that even though the birds are fed by God, God does not toss the food into their nests--the birds have to seek and work for their food. I often remind myself of this.====JACK:  Both of those ideas (door and nest) are a part of my philosophy and have been part of my preaching, too.  I'm sure that they have come up in our conversations, too.  Another belief of mine is, "I'll work out."

FROM QUILTING CAROL:  These are two sayings that came to me when I was facing my uterine cancer surgery a year ago… They were very helpful in those days leading up to surgery and during recovery.  Sometimes the best things that happen in our lives put us directly on the path to the best things that will ever happen to us.  lessonslearnedinlife.com====JACK:  This hymn, by William Lloyd, has been of great help when people are in a difficult life situation...
Our times are in Thy hand;  O God, we wish them there;
Our lives, our souls, our all, we leave  Entirely to Thy care.
Our times are in Thy hand:  Whatever they may be;
Pleasing or painful, dark or bright,  As best may seem to Thee.
Our times are in Thy hand;  Why should we doubt or fear?
A father’s hand will never cause  His child a needless tear.
Our times are in Thy hand;  Jesus, the Crucified,
Whose hand our many sins have pierced,  Is now our guard and guide.
Our times are in Thy hand;  We’ll always trust to Thee,
Till we possess the promised crown,  And all Thy glory see.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  I'm certainly glad this isn't your "final" defeat.  We suffer little "defeats" everyday and yet they make us better each day.====JACK:  Our "works" lead to final defeat.  We only "gain" the final victory by the grace of God.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:    So true...J.K.Rowling (HARRY POTTER series) put it this way: "It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all!"  You should learn something from the things that didn't work well....:-) ====JACK:  Thomas Edison failed most of the time when he tried to invent something.  His response was, "I haven't failed.  I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."

Jack’s Winning Words 10/23/15
“Isn’t it wonderful!  Inside every little beam of light, a rainbow is sleeping.”  (Ashleigh Brilliant)  There is so much that is “hidden” in this world of ours.  To limit our knowledge by saying, “seeing is believing,” is short-sighted.  I’ve read that there are as many creatures on our body as there are people in the world.  Herbert Brokering’s hymn says: “Earth and all stars (weather, vegetation, technology) sing to the Lord a new song.”  Have you sung it?    ;-)  Jack

FROM GUSTIE MARLYS:  I Love that hymn.  I used it all the time when I did Bible School music!  It is great to get people to sing out!====JACK:  I've read a critique of the lyrics, saying that the choice of words is flawed.  That may be so....but I still like the hymn, and most people that I've talked to like to sing it.  The "message" is the point that I was trying to make.====GM:  I suppose the words are flawed in the same way ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS is flawed.  Not PC! ====JACK:  If a certain song offends you, then don't sing it....or sing it and just appreciate the tune.

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  sometimes you have to believe to see.  it may not happen immediately,  but generally it will happen...====JACK:  Sometimes Christians use those words (believing is seeing) to explain the concept of faith.====ST PAUL:  I also liked Niebuhr's "taking a leap of faith"...   I think that was Niebuhr...  M L King said that faith is like climbing a ladder when you are not sure where the next wrung is.

FROM TARMART REV:  ...it usually surfaces during an internal conflict and soothes my troubled heart verbally while driving further down the road!!====JACK:  What is "it"?====REV:  "The new song I'm to sing to the Lord!" Just realized why 'it' would be confusing.

FROM KF IN MICHIGAN:  Of course!====JACK:  Which phrasing do you like best?  "Loud rustling dry leaves, Loud cheering people, or Loud blowing snowstorms?"====KF:  Loud rustling dry leaves.====JACK:  I didn't think that it would be "Loud cheering Spartans."

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  As you know, I absolutely (love) Ashleigh!  He lights up the world with his little insights into life.  It's too bad his workplace burned and he lost some much of his work. ====JACK:  Maybe he tried too hard to light up the world.

FROM WATERFORD JAN:  A favorite hymn of my consolidated congregation—is there any other hymn with the word “engine” in it?  Regarding a fire destroying original cartoons—that is likely the work of Richard Guidon who moved to the  Traverse City area many years ago where a fire destroyed much of his work.  I have 27 of Ashleigh Brilliant’s cartoons which I cut out and glued on cardboard.  Unfortunately, they are not dated.  I intended to include one of them in this message, but all 27 are so unique that I’m having difficulty deciding which one to send.  OK—How about this one:  “I hate to say Goodbye, so I won’t.”====JACK:  Almost everyone of his sayings is a favorite of mine, depending on the situation.  "Not even a great leader can get very far without great people to lead."  That's a good one to put on the church's bulletin board,,,PROMINENTLY!====JAN:  You always have the right words at the right time!

FROM DB:  I really like this winning words!  I have something to share with you: I am taking a biology class this semester (in preparation for Pharmacy School). I have learned some amazing things about cells. What goes on in them is almost beyond imagination. They are like their own individual universes. Despite the riggers, I see God's incredible handiwork. I can't understand scientists who say, 'there is no God, creation created itself'.  The things that I have seen could only come from supreme intelligence: like things called "motor proteins" that literally "walk" across microtubules and carry vesicles (sacs of whatever). They walk like a person! You can view this online. It will blow your mind!====JACK:  Sometimes, when we don't see something, we think that it doesn't exist.  That goes for the things of this world...and the next.

Jack’s Winning words 10/22/15
“There’s no app to replace your lap.  Read to a child.”  (Literacy Unlimited)  I recall the days when I read “Curious George” books to my grandchildren.  What fun!!  I’ve given away that collection of books, but I still remember the enjoyment they brought.  When I was a child, my aunt made a scrapbook for me, using pictures cut from magazines and newspapers.  I’ve been searching, but can’t find it.  Thankfully, my mind allows me to “see” some of the pages.  ;-)  Jack  

FROM SS IN MICHIGAN:  Thank you for reminding me I have a similar scrapbook...What happy memories.====JACK:  I'm going to continue the search for my scrapbook.  It has a green cover with ragged edges.

FROM DR J:  We love Curious George… still play the Jack Johnson soundtrack from time to time====JACK:  That George!  He was always getting into trouble because of his curiosity.  He exasperated the man in the yellow hat.

FROM HONEST JOHN:  I love children's lit.    I think my all time favorite would have to be "Lafcadio, the Lin who shot back".    That was by Shel Silverstein.....very creative and enjoyable.    I also love the old fairy tales.    We used to play Snow White with our son when he was a little guy.    Mary Lou was Snow White.   Todd was Prince Charming.    I was the Wicked Witch....virtual type casting!====JACK:  Your Children's Messages during the worship service were effective, because you were able to have the children (figuratively) in your lap.  Even some of the adults were in your lap, too.

FROM TARMART REV:  Remembering those stories this morning my mother would read to us before bedtime from our Child Craft stories selection bought when sold door to door by World Book in the early '50's.  All the earlier childhood stories we grew up on.====JACK:  These words of Jesus are thought-provoking..."Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

A MOM HAS FORWARDED TODAY'S WINNING WORDS TO HER DAUGHTER:  "I know you do this, but it seems very timely, so am passing it on."=====JACK:  Moms never seem to forget that they are moms.

FROM HY YO SILVER:  Great line.====JACK:  Laps seem to be comfortable places for children...better than a chair.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  It's such a blessing to have one or All of my younger grandkids sitting in my lap reading them a story.  But they prefer me to tell them stories.  Josh, 16 and 6'2", doesn't sit in my lap anymore, always wanted a story about a deer, a train and him.====JACK:  "Children may outgrow your lap, but they'll never outgrow your heart."

FROM DAIRYLAND DONNA:  I am already reading to my Grandson who is 10 weeks old tomorrow. I love it! Such wonderful memories of reading to our son who still loves to read. ====JACK:  My first Winning Words quote was this one.  "Virtue is learned at mother's knee.  Vice is learned at other joints."  In the case of your grandson, "Reading is learned in grandma's lap."  ====DONNA:  He also loves my singing. Old MacDonald is a favorite.====JACK:  For variety, you might try singing, "On Wisconsin," and see how he responds.

FROM SBP IN FLORIDA:  A coincidence! Here in my "office" is a very large box stuffed full with children's books. I'm sending them to Stacy to share with her grandchildren. Some are autographed. We always read to the girls even had a poetry night at dinner once a week. Everybody read and still do. We've run out of shelf room so many times.====JACK:  The father of a friend had him memorize some "classic" and repeat it at the supper table.  It was amazing how he could remember what he had learned as a child.  "Poetry-time" sounds like a good idea.  BTW, when I try to clean off the bookshelves by packing away unused books, invariably, the book I want is packed away.  It's time to try again.  I should remember what Einstein said:  "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

Jack’s Winning Words 10/21/15
“Cathedrals and Temples were the skyscrapers of their day.”  (Stephy Chung – CNN)  The world’s tallest building (2,717’) is in Dubai, and it’s about 1000’ taller than the new World Trade Center in NYC.  When it comes to places of worship, bigger isn’t always better.  I remember being impressed by the Little Brown Church in the Vale and also by the Crystal Cathedral.  Do you have a favorite?  If so, it’s probably because it impacted your life in some way.    ;-)  Jack

FROM HONEST JOHN:  I liked the Romanesque cathedrals in Germany...and the little church in Stockholm...in the amusement park....of course, great memories of the churches I grew up in and the ones I served.====JACK:  Church?  In one sense, it's a place where the people of God gather.  In the more perfect sense, it is the people of God.  Both are right, in their own use.  I see today's quote as a commentary on the influence of the Church, past and present.

FROM MP:  The "White Dove of the Desert" Mission Church just south of Tucson.====JACK:  Wow!  Since I have not seen this church, my mind envisioned a small modern white adobe building.
I was surprised to see a European-style building dating to the 18th century.  It was interesting to read about the mission work in that area of Arizona.  What a beautiful name for that church!====MP:  Yes, (we've visited) a number of times.  We almost stop in when we go past it.  Inside is smaller than it perhaps appears.  We often thought we would renew our marriage vows there one day.====JACK:  Renewing wedding vows at the White Dove Church sounds like a good idea.  I'd suggest adding it to your "To Do List" and putting it near the top!

FROM MY LAWYER:  El Duomo in Milan.  This took 40 years to build!  Zoom in on the detail of the sculptures. ====JACK:  I've read that the construction of that church began in 1386 and was completed 600 later.  It's the 5th largest church in the world.

FROM RI IN BOSTON:  The chapel at Ronchamp, France.====JACK:  I didn't expect something as "modern," but I like it.  Speaking of modern, I like how St. Peter's Lutheran Church has been incorporated into NYC's CitiCorp skyscraper....the Church meeting the people where they are.

FROM HAPPY TRAILS IN NOVA SCOTIA:  One of the most striking memories I have of a religious edifice is from our family’s 1984 visit to Germany, where we traced Bach’s and Luther’s life journeys, which were in more or less the same narrow geographical strip but in opposite directions. We visited Marburg, but the most memorable church for me was the cathedral in Leipzig, touching the old door handle Herr Bach must have used to enter that edifice.  On a very different schedule, we visited two old churches in New Mexico. One of them was constructed by Indians (brought from some distance away) under the “guidance” of the Padres, according to the plaque on the building. We know that guidance was more or less enslavement and often led to their deaths. Another, in a more rural area, was constructed with love by the parishioners. The two places had a very different feel. I don’t remember the names of either.====JACK:  That was a touching story about Bach...and about the Indians, too.  I've read that the organs of Bach's time don't exist anymore, so it's impossible to touch the keys that he touched.  However, there are people who have gone to Jerusalem and been thrilled to "walk where Jesus walked."  In my case, I'm content just to listen to Bach's music and to read the Sermon on the Mount and the Parables.====HT:  don’t know about that story the organs of that time don’t exist anymore—I had a recording by E. Power Biggs of the Toccata and Fugue in D minor, played on something like 14 different European organs, and as I recall some of them were very old.====JACK:  What I've read is that Bach's organ does not exist.... until someone discovers it in a church attic.

FROM TARMART REV:  In many of our rural towns it is not unusual to see a Catholic or Lutheran church steeple high above all other buildings while passing through. Meaning for me, it is!! ====JACK:  Wouldn't it be nice to have a "Prayer Chapel" set aside in the local Walmart or Target?"  On second thought, maybe there is.  It doesn't look like a typical chapel.  It's just a table in the coffee shop where a guy sits (and waits) eating popcorn.====REV:  Shared in a few prayers there, in deed!!====JACK:  I wonder if your ministry outside of the church doors hasn't been more rewarding than what has gone on inside...not that the inside work has not been rewarding in its own way.

FROM JAYHAWKER DON:  "Beauty" is defined by impact for me.  In 1952 I visited Marienkirche in East Berlin with 5 German students.  (Another story explains five German companions.)  This 'scared' American in EastBerlin arrived 45 minutes before the service and had to stand in the aisle about 2/3 way back.  Church was full.  Bishop Dibelius was preacher, but I understood such numbers were not all that unusual.  Standing there in silence, organ had not been replaced, I tried not to be too obvious as an  American in East Berlin.  Finally, a brass choir played from the balcony, leading "Sonne der Gerechtigkeit" (ELW 657 - "Rise, O Son of Righteousness").  My first preview of Judgement Day?   Just recalled my license plate is CQK 657 -- Chautauqua County Kansas "Rise, Son of Righteousness" ====JACK:  When we "go to church," we don't go to the building, we go to the experience....at least, that's how I interpret it.  BTW, did you choose that plate number on purpose?  My sister's license plate is PLS 10Q, because she always reminded her children to say, "Please and Thank you."

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  shepherd of the valley Lutheran church!====JACK:  In retrospect, I've found it to be the people, rather than the building.====ST PAUL:  absolutely!  the body of Christ is not made of brick and mortar.  btw, have you read how ignominiously the ministry of Robert Schuler ended.  about 40 million in debt and the church now sold to the Catholics who have renamed it.  kind of a sad story all around.  wonder where all those folks are now who we are part of that fellowship.  or was it mostly weekly guests and visitors and people just sight seeing?  pardon my cynicism.====JACK:  The Crystal Cathedral, even under a different name is still a church, because the people of God gather there.  The demise of the Schuller ministry was in part because of demographics.  The generation that supported him increasingly died off.  When I visited there years ago there was a thriving congregation, besides the Sunday visitors.  In today's political arena success is often dependent upon numbers.  The Church sometimes measures success/failure in the same way.  I would not be surprised to learn that God measures in a different way.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  There is a small chapel in the Hartwick Pines in Grayling, MI., that I absolutely love.  There was another too, in the Smokey Mountain Park.  It is a church that is still being used today but it's very very old.  When we were there inside it, someone started singing Amazing Grace.  We all sang with him and it was Amazing!====JACK:  I believe that God was there in the singing of Amazing Grace.  Omnipresent is one of the theological terms that is used to describe God.  The other two O words are Omnipotent and Omniscient.

FROM KF IN MICHIGAN:  My top picks (after HSLC of course):  Westminster Abbey  Chapel by the Sea (Captiva Island, FL)  St. Paul's - Dearborn====JACK:  I can imagine that each one of thes places has an attraction for you that goes beyond the looks of the building, except (maybe) Westminster Abbey.

FROM CHESTER THE GOOD:  While stationed in China, I made several trips to the hills to visit a Buddhist temple. It was the most serene place I've ever visited. Absolutely amazing. No, I didn't convert, but I did pray there.====JACK:  Since God is everywhere, we can contact him in prayer anywhere.

FROM MARMAR:  Bethany Lutheran Church in Irma WI.  What a beautiful little church that was.  Fond memories.====JACK:  Yesterday, I came across a 1996 Calendar of Country Churches which featured the Irma church on the cover.

FROM SBP IN FLORIDA:  The Crystal Cathedral and surroundings have always engendered a sense of awe for me. And, you are right, the demographics were changing! St. Anne in Calumet, MI remains (as a childhood memory) the most intimidating....dark and cold inside and out.
In my mind I hear " Wherever two or more are gathered my name...". And I feel that when my neighbors and I on the walkway for evening chats. We are in the most beautiful of cathedrals. ====JACK:  A church camp located in the woods has been called the Cathedral in the Pines.  I wonder what the U.P. of Michigan looked like before the logging industry removed the ancient pines that covered the land.  Even without a building, one could stand beneath those magnificent trees and feel the presence of God.







 

Jack’s Winning Words  10/20/15
“Some people should use a glue stick instead of Chapstick.”  (Pinterest)  Pinterest is a sharing website that encourages users to “pin” ideas on a pinboard.  The ideas are meant to inspire readers to go and do things…like using a glue stick instead of Chapstick.  I smiled at that one.  Do you have other inspirations for the board?  I got this one from the Book of Proverbs.  “He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.”    ;-)  Jack

FROM CS:  Hahaha!  Perfect.====JACK:  From the Bible...Proverbs 10:19 "When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent."

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  good morning, Jack. sometime I will tell you about someone I know who was working in industry with some brand new super glues and he literally stuck his fingers together.  they had to find a special solvent to get him "unstuck".====JACK:  'tis better to be fingers than lips.

FROM TARMART REV:  "Speak less, listen more and keep them guessing as to how smart you really are! The truth might disappoint you both!!"====JACK:  Those who make a living by using the mouth need to especially careful when using words.

FROM CHESTER THE GOOD:  Kings who live in glass houses shouldn't stow thrones.====JACK:  You might want to pin that on a Pinterest pinboard.  I've read that scientists have been able to inscribe the entire Bible on the head of a pin.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  HA! SO TRUE! Another "Pinterism" is "One way of looking at speech is to say that it is a constant stratagem to cover nakedness."  Harold Pinter ( The Wall St. Journal) Ponder that!====JACK:  I thought that it might have been possible that Harold Pinter founded Pinterest.  Nope!  BTW, I had a snappy response, but I'm not into snappiness today.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  Just got a chance to read this today.  I laughed because I was holding a glue stick my granddaughter was using.  I love Pinterest.  I use it for ideas for my various crafts.   I will respond with a saying my dad used a lot....he was in the Navy as a baker and a machine gunner..."Loose lips sink ships!"====JACK:  I remember that Navy slogan.  Those were dangerous days with German u-boats cruising off the eastern seacoast.  Do you remember MASH's Hot Lips?

FROM PEPPERMINT MARY:  i love this quote.  at school we use the "sticky sticky glue sticks".  the kids love them for the immediate gratification of adhesive.  we also use the "pools of glue" method with the glue bottles...an exercise in patience.  i am sure that if i would present this quote at school the children would immediately get it, since we practice being ready to listen.  such uncluttered brains.  i think i'll try it!====JACK:  Your "sticky sticky" comment reminded me of the song your mother sang to us when we announced that we were moving to a suburb of Detroit.  BTW, did you know that, at that time your dad was considering a job offer to a suburb near to where we were moving?

Little boxes on the hillside,

Little boxes made of ticky tacky,
Little boxes on the hillside,
Little boxes all the same.
There's a green one and a pink one
And a blue one and a yellow one,
And they're all made out of ticky tacky
And they all look just the same.

And the people in the houses
All went to the university,
Where they were put in boxes
And they came out all the same,
And there's doctors and lawyers,
And business executives,
And they're all made out of ticky tacky
And they all look just the same.

And they all play on the golf course
And drink their martinis dry,
And they all have pretty children
And the children go to school,
And the children go to summer camp
And then to the university,
Where they are put in boxes
And they come out all the same.

And the boys go into business
And marry and raise a family
In boxes made of ticky tacky
And they all look just the same.
There's a green one and a pink one
And a blue one and a yellow one,
And they're all made out of ticky tacky
And they all look just the same.

Jack’s Winning Words 10/19/15
“Life is about using the whole box of crayons.”  (RuPaul)  One of the fads of our time is the adult coloring book, with a box of many colored pencils.  Publishers say that the books promote anti-stress.  Did you know that there are also summer camps for adults…and pre-schools for adults, including glitter-paste sticks, playtime and naps?  Childhood memories tend to stay with us.  As I’ve written before, one of my Twilight Zone favorites is, “Kick the Can.”    ;-)  Jack

FROM WJM:  Love this! Thanks for your ministry.====JACK:  Playtime or naptime?  Which is the best?  BTW, I'm waiting for someone to comment on RuPaul.

FROM TARMART REV:  I just read it or heard the other day .  . . Someone said life can become so colored and another responded that the nice thing about that is we get to select the colors with which draw from.====JACK:  I always liked it when the crayons were new.  Now that I'm older, I see that there is still some use in the ones that have been discarded.====REV:  . . . especially while waiting at the doctors' offices for a check up, blood work or the yearly physicals.====JACK:  Every age is an age.  As the writer of Ecclesiastes says:  "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:  a time to be born and a time to die.  He has made everything beautiful in its time.  I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live."

FROM EDUCATOR PAUL:  I loved "Kick the Can!"  The people closest to me say that it's time I started growing up!====JACK:  Does that mean you taking the training wheels off of your bike?

FROM A GROWN UP CHILD:  I love my adult coloring book, and my tin filled with colored pencils! They don’t have that good “crayon smell,” but they still have fun names written on them;  like PARROT GREEN, GRASS GREEN or PEACOCK BLUE etc.  The difference between coloring when I was young, and coloring now though, is that when I was young it was pure fun, but as an adult I feel like I’m wasting time. That it’s not a good use of my time. (Takes a little bit of the fun out of it.)====JACK:  In "Kick the Can," those who didn't participate regretted it in the end.  There are also those who say that pursuing the arts (painting. music, dance, writing, etc) is a waste of time.  Think how "poor" this world would be without art museums, symphonies, operas, ballets and libraries?  3 cheers for adult coloring books,  adult pre-school and adult summer camp.

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  what happens in that particular episode?====JACK:  Google it (Twilight Zone Kick the Can) and see for yourself.  It’s well worth watching.  Be sure to do it.  It will be better than my description.

FROM DR J:  My students still like to "color". There truly is something "magic" about Magic Markers!====JACK:  My first crayons were made by the Prang Company.  I liked them better than Crayola, because they were harder (not as oily).  As I remember, the box had a picture of Old Faithful on it.  No Magic Markers in those days.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Who is RuPaul, and how on Earth do you connect to Twilight Zone? Love the imagery of this quote; Make your life as colorful as you can. As I age I've opted for brighter colors, and more "bling"! Love the Fall Foliage these days! I love to color with great g.daughter, Avery who is five. She really is into markers, metallic crayons, paints, etc. Fun!  Don't have time for "adult" coloring so far!====JACK:  RuPaul is a famous actor, drag queen and singer.  I'm surprised that you haven't heard of him.  He teamed with Elton John in the song, "Don't Go Breaking My Heart."  If you can "Google," you can get Twilight Zone episodes.  Do you make it a point to stay inside the lines when you color?

FROM TAMPA SHIRL:  To each his own.  But it seems that there are a lot more interesting things to do in life. Maybe it has something to do with five children 18 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Plus a  love of travel.====JACK:  It sounds as though you've found the secret of the T Z's "Kick the Can."  It is possible to be young again, when you know what young again means.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  Most of my crafts in my craft rooms are just kids stuff but very expensive....card making, stamping, scrapbook  making (cutting and pasting) but they are fun and keep me busy.  I "use the whole box!"  I love when the grandkids come over and they "help" me be a kid again!!!====JACK:  What do they think about Grandma's outhouse collection?====JUDY:  They love the outhouse bathroom.  And they all think I'm a little nuts.  Josh's youth group wanted me to come to their meeting for my birthday!

FROM DAZ IN COLORADO:  I've recently found colors I didn't know existed.====JACK:  Crayola has let children name some of their new colors.  One is Macaroni and Cheese Yellow.

Jack’s Winning Words 10/16/15
“If today is your birthday, you have likeability, you are understanding and value human contact--although, you can be moody.”  (Birth-day Meanings)  Horoscopes?  Are you into those readings?  It’s said that 7 of 10 Americans check their horoscope daily.  Famous people born on this day include Oscar Wilde, Noah Webster and Flea (some of you will have to look him up).  “Happy Birthday” is the most recognized song in the English language.    ;-)  Jack

FROM DR J:   Speaking of moody… do you remember the Moody Blues band?====JACK:  I like this MB quote:  "Bursting forth with the power of ten billion butterfly sneezes."

FROM RI IN BOSTON:  I have all those characteristics you noted, but today is not my birthday.  Someone must have messed up when it came to the date of my natal arrival.====JACK:  Did you have to look up Flea?====RI:  Yes.  Don't make me work like that!====JACK:  Did you listen to any of his music?

FROM TARMART REV:  By chance is it your birthday, Jack?! If so, happiest celebration to you...if not, happiest celebration for this day to you!!====JACK:  Why do you suppose we make such a big thing about birthdays?  My baptismal date is November 27.  How come I had to look that up...and not my birthday?  BTW, today is not my birthday.====REV:  Because great-great grandmother made such a big deal out of it, we've kept it up with the help of Hallmark?!

FROM HY YO SILVER:  When is YOUR birthday?====JACK:  It was Sept 6.  You missed it!====HY:  You and Sander Levin.

FROM HAWKEYE GEORGE:  I'm taking this to a good friend's b'day party today.====JACK:  I'll bet that you sing the Birthday Song, too.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  I used to amuse myself n my teens by reading about my birthday, day or my "personality".  I found each day could apply to me!  I haven't read it since.  My birthday is October 8!====JACK:  Your Horoscope says that you are considerate and caring...that you make a good friend...you have a tendency to be your own boss...AND you are a social butterfly.

FROM LH IN MICHIGAN: Thought you might like this quotation for 10/16, the birthday of Oscar Wilde:  "Who, being loved, is poor?"

FROM LH IN MICHIGAN: Thought you might like this quotation for 10/16, the birthday of Oscar Wilde:  "Who, being loved, is poor?"====JACK:  I thought I knew the meaning, but you have caused me to look up the word, poor.  Among the "expected" synonyms are these two that I like...  "Necessitous and behind-the eight-ball."

FROM TAMPA SHIRL:  I understand that the song Happy Birthday could not be sung in restaurants for years, so there were several variations to avoid paying a fee.  Now things have changed.  Have you heard it, too?====JACK:  There used to be a Farrell's Ice Cream store in our community that especially catered to children's parties.  A girl from our church applied to them for a job.  They asked her for her qualifications.  She responded, "I can sing Happy Birthday!"  She got the job.

Jack’s Winning Words 10/15/15
“The nice thing about memories is that even if we forget some…We can always make new ones.”  (Ziggy)  Last week I heard a talk about geriatric psychiatry.  One of the topics considered was Alzheimer’s Disease.  That presentation caused me to look up more about Dr A, who first diagnosed the ailment.  I read that his parents taught him that “the strong look after the weak.” And…he dedicated his life to that.  Is there a basic ethic you were taught as a child?    ;-)

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  tell the truth.====JACK:  I learned the same lesson, but life taught me that there are sometimes gray areas.  However, I still think that children should be taught to tell the truth.====LIZ:  not sure about "grey areas." what are some?====JACK:  When the whole truth would destroy the self-worth of a struggling individual….. ====LIZ:  that is a social issue, not an honesty one.====JACK:  Sometimes the "whole" truth can do more harm than good to a "fragile" person.  

FROM CB IN MICHIGAN:  Hi Jack,  I will share something I learned from my father that stays with me.  I was raised in Grand Rapids and he worked in an office building downtown.  A man who was blind sold the Grand Rapids Press in the lobby of his building.  He was dressed rather shabbily and looked disheveled, not clean, etc. to me as a child.  When I was about 10 years old, I said something to my dad along the lines of, why can't he do more than sell newspapers just because he's blind?
What my dad said to me is something I have never forgotten and have repeated it to my children.  He said, "That man is doing honest work.  All honest work deserves respect.  Someone selling pencils on the street corner deserves respect. People deserve our respect for the hard, honest work they do."====JACK:  One of the stories in today's Detroit Free Press tells of a search for young people to enter a carpenter-apprentice program.  An earlier story told of a high school program to teach children how to become fire fighters, so that when they graduate they are on their way to a new job.
Because of a variety of issues, some have to "make the best of it."  Sympathy is a good lesson.  The great divide between the rich and the poor today indicates that there are other lessons to be taught.

FROM TARMART REV:  ...to 'love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’====JACK:  That's the same lesson Jesus taught when a lawyer asked him, "What shall I do to gain eternal life."====REV:  My folks pointed it out to me many years ago as a good directive for me to follow...disappointed a few neighbors I'm sure along the way as I too have disappointed myself in this regard.====JACK:  You might take comfort in what the Bible says:  "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God."  ....which reminds me of the old deacon who fervently prayed..."O Lord, forgive us our falling shorts!"

FROM MY LAWYER:  Isn't that a corollary from the Golden Rule?====JACK:  The Golden Rule presumes that people will treat you well, if you will treat them well.  In "the strong looking after the weak," there is no presumption that you will get anything in return.  Personally, I think that society is benefited more by those who practice the second lesson.  But, the Golden Rule is a good one, just the same.====ML:  I'm not sure of the "presumption" in your first sentence. Doing unto others as you would like to be treated is righteous conduct; but I'm not sure if that conduct presumes anything in return. Just a thought....====JACK:  The presumption is that if you do good to others, they will do good to you.  Maybe the Rule could read, Do unto others as you hope they will do unto you.  I guess that I was presuming too much.

FROM HUNGRY HOWIE:  We taught our children to do the right thing even if no one is looking.====JACK:  As a child, I was also taught the song: "He's got his eye on you.  He's got his eye on you.  My Lord sittin' in the kingdom, he's got his eye on you."

FROM THE MAYOR:   My parents taught me not to give in to fear.  My father allowed me to debate any issue with him as long as I remained logical....sure came handy with my council job!  I will lead my last mtg next Mon.  I am term limited.====JACK:  When FDR was first inaugurated during the Great Depression, he tried to reassure a "fearful" populace..."We have nothing to fear but fear itself."  Sometimes the monsters that we fear are like Godzilla, imaginary.  But, the, there are others that turn out to be real.  The trick is, to know the difference.  Your father was a wise man.

FROM GOOD DEBT JON:  I like this pastor, “the strong look after the weak.” This should be a basic staple in everyone’s “ethics portfolio.”   While making new memories is  critical, I greatly value and still take direction from memories of friends and loved ones that have  long passed.  In the song A Fathers Eyes, I wrote, “Maybe Dad love is only memories, and if it is I know you’re still here with me.”   I am working on a crowdfunding project right now, that in a way deals with persevering and making memories for a 4 year old girl, Lily, whose dad was killed in Afghanistan.  I know what it’s like to trade your Dad for a neatly tri-folded  flag.  “We are the sum of our memories.” If you get a moment look at http://OperationLily.com and pass it on if you like the project.   All the best. ====JACK:  I've seen your crowd-funding project on Facebook, so I know of your concern for someone in need.  I commend you for that, but I know that such a concern is nothing new for you.  The truth is...as you have put into song...that that kind of concern was passed on to you by your father.  In this computer age, the sad thing is that we get so many requests by mail and by e-mail that we tend to become immune to needs, unless they're personal.  I know people afflicted by Parkinson's, ALS, Diabetes, Eye Diseases, etc, so I tend to give to those causes and ignore other worthy causes, knowing I can't solve all the world's problems.  So many needs...too few resources.  As a pastor, much of my job was trying to interpret needs in such a way that people would respond to them...the strong being motivated to help the weak.

FROM MSU JS:  Yes, I was taught to treat all others with respect and kindness.  Now, if I could just gain some...patience!!====JACK:  Maybe you need more patience, but you certainly don't lack enthusiasm.  "We are who we are," as my father-in-law used to say.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Love the "Forgive us  our falling shorts!" on your blog. HA! Nice to start the day with a chuckle!  My mother's mantra was "It doesn't cost anything to be kind", and she urged us to be nice to everyone, even if they would never be our bosom buddies....My father occasionally said, "Even the worst of us can serve as a bad example!" :-) Which of course was not our goal in life! (But don't judge...) My beloved maternal grandfather, a staunch Methodist, often quoted his favorite Bible verse, "Be not weary in well-doing, for in due season you will reap, if you faint not."  It seems that most kids do have a desire to be helpful, and feel good when they are needed!====JACK:  It would be interesting to ask your children what "ethic" they learned from their parents.  In fact, why don't you ask them....and report back?

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  we were in Germany a couple of years ago and we drove passed the university where Alzheimer's  taught and did his research.  it was the same university where x-ray was discovered and I think also how we learned to do blood plasma extraction.  all  quite interesting. (not totally sure of this last item).====JACK:  Sometimes we take for granted the long hours, blind alleys and tedious work that has gone into many benefits that we take for granted today.  We stand on the shoulders of giants...even in the business of theology.

FROM CHESTER THE GOOD:  Nothing special. My folks taught by example.====JACK:  As Edgar Guest wrote in his poem, "I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day."

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  My parents told us the Golden Rule...Do unto others as you would have done unto you!====JACK:  Without prompting, ask your grandchildren to explain the Golden Rule.


   

Jack’s Winning Words 10/14/15
"There comes a time when you have to choose between turning the page and closing the book.”  (Goodwill Librarian)  The first of the “r’s” might be the most important.  Reading can help us…to see the world with new eyes…to understand different points of view…to think and to imagine and to appreciate the meaning of words.  Besides that…reading can teach us that there’s a time to close a book and a time to move to the next page.  Is it that time?    ;-)  Jack

FROM EDUCATOR PAUL:   Just finished the book DEAN AND ME by Jerry Lewis. So interesting!!!!  Talk about turning the page or closing the book....JL went through his own most personal crisis.  A really fast and good read!====JACK:  Talk about turning the page...What is Jerry's legacy?  His comedy, or his fund-raising for Muscular Dystrophy?  When the book is closed, I think that "values" wins out.  

FROM ANON:  You don't know how close to home to are this morning with this quote.  Thank you!!!====JACK:  It's eerie how God seems to work through my fingers when I'm at the computer keyboard.  I'm going to pause now..........and pray for God to watch over you in these days of decision.

FROM SHARIN' SHARON:  Being an avid reader and especially of the Bible, have decided that "the old is always there", "the present is always there" and "the possibility of the new is always there". Even secular reading and fiction, the work of the imagination, seems to me can carry that sort of reality. The older I get, the more experiences I have, the more reading and rereading I do, feel like am more and more living into a "Biblical sense of time" and not so much a "linear sense of time" as the clock and calendar would have me do. What I don't understand at one point or can't absorb at one time, maybe later it all will become pertinent and meaningful to me. That's why I own so many books and am even more thankful for the public library which is a public storage place of books so always have opportunity to read and reread them. God certainly knew what He was doing, for His peoples' own good, when He decided Moses should write on the tablets for posterity.====JACK:  I like the way that the Gospel of John ends...."Now, there are many other things that Jesus did.  If they were all written down one by one, I suppose that the whole world could not hold the books that would be written."  I like this verse from this song which describes The Love of God."
Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,  Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade,  To write the love of God above,
Would drain the ocean dry.  Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky."

FROM TRIHARDER:  Oh, so true.====JACK:  We are each reading our own book, but a book is a book, and there comes a time to start a new one.====TH:  And prevent/ignore sequels to the old one.====JACK:  What kind of a library would have just one book?

FROM TARMART REV:  ...this is where the last "r" comes into account-- "I'm adding it up to see!! ====JACK:  "Rite" to me when you have life figured out.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  Sometimes getting to the last page is so painful; especially if the book is a "hard to put down" book!  I read a series by Jan Karon about a pastor and his life.  I dreaded the moment each book ended.  In life, there were plenty of times I wanted to turn the page before I even got to the main point but sometimes God has other plans.  He's always ready to start another "chapter".====JACK:  God is the Great Librarian picking out books for different times in life.  But when it comes right down to it...there's only one Good Book!====JUDY:  Absolutely!  The Bible is so full of awesome readings and teachings, mysteries and murders, grace and forgiveness and on and on.  It's the best reading around!

FROM TAMPA SHIRL:  Every day is a new page in life.  I have just finished reading I am Malala and 13 Hours. Now I am into something lighter like Sue Grafton and Alexander McCall Smith.
What are you reading lately?====JACK:  Right now I'm reading about Detroit in its glory days.  The book is "Once In a Great City," by David Maraniss.  It's interesting to be living here as a new book is being written about a new Detroit as it comes to life.  Like with all good books, I can't wait to see what's on the next page.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  there's nothing better than reading a good book; I love to read all types and subjects, (except perhaps Westerns....) I am reading a very interesting Biography of Hillary Clinton right now, very well researched and gives so many good details of her abilities and brains.  Reading of her childhood gives insight into why she might be the way she is today. It is always interesting to read a good biography, and gain personal insights into  people. I was never fond of Harry Truman until I read his excellent biography a couple of years ago...====JACK:  Reading has certainly influenced me.  There's a friend who says that I should buy a Nook.  I wonder if reading would still be the same without turning the pages?

 
   

Jack’s Winning Words 10/13/15
“It’s hard to fight an enemy who has outposts in your head.”  (Sally Kempton)  One of the great comic strips of the past is Walt Kelly’s POGO, especially the line when Pogo says to Porkypine: “We have met the enemy, and he is us.”  Those words were on the first Earth Day poster.  Whether it be the environment, politics or a personal “situation,” blame can often be traced back to decisions we have made.  Better life-choices can lead to a better life.    ;-)  Jack

FROM HONEST JOHN:  I am reading a new book "The Religion of Democracy".   By Amy Kittelstrom.   (Swede?).   It is about your people.....j. Adams, Emerson, W. James, etc.   I think you would enjoy it.    I recommend it.   I tend more toward Niebuhr, Lincoln, etc. but good to read different points of view.====JACK:  Speaking about reading books....You read me like a book.  I do like Emerson, James and Adams.  I also like to associate from time to time with Niebuhr, Lincoln and Siefken.

FROM TARMART REV:  "Better life-choices can lead to a better life." My hearty "Amen" to that!! ====JACK:  Sometimes the "devil" on one shoulder has a more alluring voice than the "angel" on the other shoulder.

FROM LBP IN PLYMOUTH:  Self forgiveness is a good weapon against some of those internal enemies. I find it even quells the devil on the shoulder a bit too.====JACK:  When the internal enemies mount an assault, turn to  1 John 1:9:  "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

FROM RI IN BOSTON:  According to the Roman statesman, Appius Claudius, "Each man is the architect of his own fate."====JACK:  William  Henley wrote something similar in his poem, Invictus:  "I am the master of my fate.  I am the captain of my soul."  Alas!  Where does that leave "poor God"?

FROM CHESTER THE GOOD:  I cited that line to you some months ago as my favorite "strip" line of all time. It still is, although and old Peanuts strip runs a close second. Charlie is sitting at his school desk showing a graded paper "A" to the kid behind him. The sheet is loaded with compliments about the teacher. Charlie is saying, "Sooner or later you learn what sells."====JACK:  Guinness says that the Bible holds the World Record for the most books ever sold.  What do you suppose makes it sell?  The black cover?  

Jack’s Winning Words 10/12/15
“I never made a mistake in grammar but one in my life, and as soon as I done it I seen it.”  (Carl Sandburg)  I saw a church sign, “God Doesn’t Make Misteaks!”  There’s a Bible verse…”All have sinned and fallen short of God’s standard.”  We all make mistakes.  It’s like the hand…When we point at the failings of others, 3 fingers are pointing back at us.  One of God’s gifts to us is GRACE, undeserved love.  Try to be more understanding…today!    ;-)  Jack

FROM TARMART REV:  I will put that to the test today . . . more understanding . . . I'm sure I will come upon that need . . . hope they are the same with me!?====JACK:  Here's the real test....
"Vocatus Atque Non Vocatus, Deus Aderit ."  Carl Jung had this posted at the entrance to his house.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  I once read a sentence with a lot of letters missing!  You were to try to read it to see if the missing letters affected the sentence.  I read it easily.  Also being a church secretary, I once had Jesus descending into Heaven!  You think it would be easy to proof-read but the eye reads what should be there and not the error.====JACK:  Ushers will eat latecomers.

FROM TAMPA SHIRL:  We are not here to judge other people, to help them if they need help though.====JACK:  What would you think of Trump as President?

FROM BB IN ILLINOIS:  I like them all Jack; a compilation.  As I continue reading love wins there’s a lot about God not making mistakes, even when we make them, we are not the mistakes, we just need to own our poor choices.====JACK:  God's "mistakes" are probably due to our impatience.  Some want to see the last chapter of the book, without reading the pages that go before.

Jack’s Winning Words 10/9/15
“I pray that you put your slippers way under the bed tonight, so that when you wake up you have to get on your knees to reach them.  And while you’re down there, say thank you.”  Denzel Washington)  Denzel encouraged the graduates of Dillard Univ to “put God first in their life.”  He once considered becoming a preacher, but chose an acting career instead.  His values show up in what he says and does.  Isn’t that how it should be for each of us?    ;-)  Jack

FROM TAMPA SHIRL:  Yes, of course, and it used to be and maybe still is.====JACK:  Sometimes "old fashioned" is still in fashion.

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  Like Denzel a lot.====JACK:  I like it that he gave the graduation speech at Dillard.  That New Orleans school has a long history of being dedicated to providing "higher education" to African-Americans.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  ABSOLUTELY! IT WASN'T UNTIL WE WERE ORDAINED INTO PROFESSIONAL MINISTRY THAT WE REALLY UNDERSTOOD HOW EFFECTIVE LAYMEN CAN BE; AS BILL'S BROTHER ONCE SAID TEASINGLY, "YOU GET PAID FOR BEING GOOD; I HAVE TO BE GOOD FOR NOTHING!" ONE CAN HAVE A MINISTRY WHILE PRACTICING ANY VOCATION! DENZEL IS INSPIRING IN  THIS WAY.  THANKS FOR GOOD WW TODAY !====JACK:  I noticed the "we" in "we were ordained."  I liked it!  You are certainly fulfilling what God has called you to do.

FROM PEPPERMINT MARY:  so wow...we had a special visit last night by a man really down on his luck.  he went down on his knees as he told his story.  we spoke to him and tried to guide him.  when he left, i cried and wondered how some people build greatness through adversity and some can't.  mark responded simply..."it's luck".  we are lucky people.  god bless him and us all. ====JACK:  Do you mean that Jesus actually showed up at your door?  Lucky you!====MARY:  he did teach us a lesson and gave me the song of the day..."we're all just seeds in god's" hands.
you gave me a song of the day last week as well. i haven't met god on a street corner smoking his last cigarette but joan osborne met god on a bus once.  she wrote a song about it..."what if god was one of us".  it's one of my favs.====JACK:  "That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."  God became one of us in the form of Jesus.  The baby Jesus, the 12-yr-old Jesus, the teacher Jesus, the Jesus on the cross, the dead Jesus, the risen Jesus...all are God in disguise.

FROM DR JUDY:  Pretty cool to think that Denzel got to play the role in The Preachers Wife. Must have been a neat experience.====JACK:  The part came naturally...His mom was a preacher's wife.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  He's one of my favorite actors.  There is something special about his acting:  perhaps it's because he is so calm and belivable.  As for getting down on my knees, it's not going to happen until I get up to Heaven and become wholly healed.====JACK:  In a seminary class we once had a discussion about the proper position for prayer.  I remember the professor saying, "God doesn't care if you're standing on your head when you're offering your prayers?"  Have you tried doing that?

FROM THE WISFORNIA GIRL:  Nice*** I put Him First*****====JACK:  The First commandment..."You shall have no other gods before me."  You probably remember that from your confirmation classes.

Jack’s Winning Words 10/8/15
“All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.”  (Ralph Waldo Emerson)  Emerson was a transcendentalist, part of a group who believed that you can find God in every living thing.  “I believe that Christ is within us…a still, small voice.”  Some have said that Emerson was a prophet of modern American religion.  A pastor who I knew and admired said, “You don’t have to park your brain with your car when you go to church.”    ;-)  Jack

FROM TAMPA SHIRL:  I like that.====JACK:  Did you ever feel as though you had to park your brain?

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  E.Stanley Jones once said, "Christ gives us enough evidence to merit the Faith Walk, but not enough to take away the adventure." ( He once stayed in our home for 3 days while holding Evangelical meetings in Dixon area...)  Christ said that the "kingdom of God" or the "Holy Spirit" is within us, which is a hard concept for many, and certainly for Jews who worship a high  and mighty, perfect God,  whose name they didn't (don't) even say aloud!   RWE was a stalwart of faith in his day!====JACK:  E.S.J's book, Abundant Living, was given to me by my Sunday School teacher at age 16 when I was confined to the hospital because of polio.  It was my first try at daily devotional reading.  I wish that I still had it.  It is one of the many that I've loaned out and never gotten back.  I consider those books to be like the seeds in "the Sower" parable.

Jack’s Winning Words 10/7/15
“Life is like a camera…focus on what’s important, capture the good times, develop from the negatives, and if things don’t work out, take another shot.”  (Unknown)  The I-Phone has changed the camera industry.  Selfies, selfies…even the Pope is in selfies.  What’s good about “instant” pictures is, “If you don’t like what you see, click again.”  Instant change is hard when it comes to your life, but change is still possible when you don’t like what you see.    ;-)  Jack

FROM DAIRYLAND DONNA:  This is so perfect for what is coming up for me in the next few days. I will keep it with me. Thanks Jack!====JACK:  "Smile..1,2,3 (click)" is still the same, Kodak or I-Phone.  Photos help improve the memory, as time passes.

FROM HAWKEYE GEORGE:  This is a very good one! Thanx====JACK:  Accent-u-ate the positive and elimi-i-nate the negative...and things will have a way of working out.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Good analogy; I'll use if for my "thought for today" message  to S.S. class members on Sunday!  All my kids and "grands" and even the "great-grands" take lots of selfies and pictures of everything. We'll certainly have a pictorial history of family and events in years to come, and that's true of our national history as well. A picture is still worth a thousand words, in many cases. Very relevant WW to life today!! Thanks!====JACK:  Times change.  In my first congregation I had a member who owned a photo shop.  His fingernails were always brown, because he hand-developed all the rolls of film that were dropped off.  The stain came from the chemicals that he used.  I don't need a picture to remember what he looked like.  My mind does it for me.

FROM CK IN CALGARY:  What is the title of that song Jack? I'm in Calgary (Alberta) all day today.====JACK: The song, by The Fray is YOU FOUND ME.  You can get it on YouTube.

FROM TARMART REV:  ...have deleted several first takes myself!!====JACK:  If it were only as easy to delete some mis-judgments.

FROM WISFORNIA:  This is so awesome!!! I love it! :) gonna repost====JACK:  You probably know all about "taking another shot."

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  Loved this one!  I take so many photos that the family automatically poses for everything.  Kimberly said Joshua grew up thinking Grandma had a camera imbedded in her face.  I also spend time deleting the bad photos.  I guess I'm one of a few who use a camera, not my IPhone.  Just think, God deleted our sins just like that!  Snap!====JACK:  Have you ever clicked "delete" and then regretted it?  I've opened the "deleted" file more than once on my computer.  Some people would appreciate a file like that in life.

Jack’s Winning Words 10/6/15
“I found God at the corner of First and Armistad…smoking his last cigarette.”  (The Fray)  What if you saw this song in a church hymnal?  It does have a religious message.  “God, where were you when we needed you?”  There’s frustration when good things don’t seem to happen to good people.  But, God is always there for us, seen or unseen, at First and Armistad, or wherever you and I might be.  As an aside, some see the song’s “God” as a metaphor for society.   ;-)  Jack

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  you are into the fray these days!====JACK:  Two references makes me "into"?  I'm into good quotes, especially the one I used today...which shows that God can meet people anytime, anywhere, in any disguise.  I also try to connect with a variety of age groups.

FROM TAMPA SHIRL:  Thy will be done.====JACK:  ...on earth, as it is in heaven.

FROM INDY GENIE:  I like that line...it's a little bit sassy and a good reminder:)====JACK:  Is it possible that God might act "sassy" at times...in order to get his message across?

FROM CHESTER THE GOOD:  Friend of mine once said, "If God wanted me to smoke, he'd have put a chimney in my head."====JACK:  Phil Harris used to sing..."Smoke, smoke, smoke that cigarette  Puff, puff, puff and if you smoke yourself to death  Tell St. Peter at the Golden Gate
That you hate to make him wait  But you just gotta have another cigarette."

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  What an interesting concept...Can't imagine God as a smoker, even to attract the hoy polloi of us, but who knows ?! Our restrictions are certainly not  God's. Just read Philip Yancy's book, "What Good Is God?" where he likens the 12 step program for alcoholics and .addicts to "church" for them...more meaningful than "regular" church to most of them. We can all learn new things and ways to bring God to life for those who seek or need.====JACK:  If you have a hard time picturing God as a smoker, read Philippians 2.  How about God "lowering" himself to become human?  Having said that…I, too, have trouble picturing Jesus smoking a cigarette…Or, how about the recent discovery of "The Gospel of Jesus' Wife?"  Can you picture that?

Jack’s Winning Words 10/5/15
“Sometimes we need someone to be there.  Not to fix anything or do anything in particular, but just to let us feel that we are cared for and supported.”  (Picture of Charlie and Snoopy) I must confess…I’ve never watched an episode of one of TV’s most popular sitcoms, Friends.  However I do like the message of the theme song: “I’ll be there for you.”  Carole King put it this way…“Just call out my name…I’ll be there…You’ve got a friend.”     “Here, Snoopy!”    ;-)  Jack

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  good words, Jack.  thanks.   going back to bed now...  forgot to mention:   what is the first thing God speaks out against in the Bible?    loneliness.  "it is not good that Adam should be alone."   we all need someone...====JACK:  The sermon I heard yesterday was on the importance of partnership...using that same text.

FROM TARMART REV: I did watch several re-runs years ago of Cheers! I felt the same about their theme-- "Where everybody knows your name!!====JACK:  That's probably the closest you've ever been to a bar.  Maybe that's another spot where you can "sit" wait to engage in some conversation.  Would the AG go along with that?====REV:  Stand by them quite often, either visiting with uncomfortable parishioners, folk within our community who are welcoming that I would stop by and say hello to them or the bar staff in wishing them a blessed day! Finding no problems here because of my outreach and friendships through chaplaincy work . . . however, I could name a few pastors in years past that might frown upon that. Remember, I spent ten years working in the bowling alleys while in high school and Bible college which most likely adds to my familiarity and comfortableness standing there.====JACK:  I've heard of some churches who have a bar ministry.  I know of one pastor who was ordained to "begin a church" using a bar as the place of worship...similar (but not the same) as you using a synagogue for the same thing.====REV:  I've read the same . . . some socializing by having a beer or two before the service begins . . . quite a stretch for an old Pentecostalist like me. Not the location, but in the indulgence . . . too many of my friends are alcoholic and too many 5th steps have been personally heard to want to partake, myself.====JACK:  You could have a root beer with your popcorn.

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  Like.====JACK:   It's good to have a friend, even if it's a dog.  Maybe a dog like Snoopy is just what be need at certain like.  No judgments...just there.====LIZ:  i miss having a dog. have cat & cockatiel, tho.

FROM GUSTIE MARLYS:  I have never watched Friends either.  But I love to watch Snoopy and Charlie Brown!====JACK:  A Charlie Brown Christmas never grows stale for me, although I've watched it every year since it was first shown.  This year will be the 50th Anniversary.  Can it be that long?

FROM TAMPA SHIRL:  I have never seen that show either.  But as we age we have to keep making new friends which can be interesting.  Most turn out to be younger, of course.  I have lost all of my walking partners and now walk with the daughter-and her dog Uggs- one of my best friends. ====JACK:  When I walk into a room nowadays, it's not unusual that I'm the oldest one there.  I do enjoy my friends, whatever their age might be.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  Friends love us for who we are, not for who we aren't.  I  deeply thankful for my dear friends.====JACK:  "Friendship, friendship, just a perfect blendship!"

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  We certainly do, and when your beloved spouse is gone, you turn to best friends and family, which if you're lucky, fills that need. Trips, plays, concerts, games, meals,are all enjoyed much more with "someone" to share with! As Delilalh, radio host and mother of 12 (8 adopted) has said, "I feel the incredible sense of connection that comes when people share their lives with one another. To me, it's God using us to spread his love." Amen to that...====JACK:  "It is not good that man (or woman) shall be alone," says the Lord.

Jack’s Winning Words 10/2/15
“Don’t think there are no crocodiles because the water is calm.”  (Malayan Proverb)  The crocodile first appeared on earth 55 million years ago.  A TV show, produced in England, was called, “Swimming With Crocodiles.”  That’s not for me.  But today’s proverb is not about the crocodile; it’s about being wary of unseen dangers.  That’s why we get flu shots; that’s why we’re on the alert for scams.  Have you been swimming among any crocodiles lately?    ;-)  Jack

FROM TARMART REV:  I'm curious how many were swimming with them 55 million years ago?! Did anyone wear alligator boots or carry alligator purses back then?====JACK:  Evidently that was before Adam and Eve, so there was no need for shoes or purses.

FROM HAWKEYE GEORGE:  The water was calm in OR before that man shot all those people at the college.====JACK:    Good analogy.  Supposedly, he asked each one (before he pulled the trigger), "Are you a Christian?"  In such a situation, is truth required?====GEORGE:  It depends on the situation.  If asked that in Japan in WW II, I would say yes. In Columbine I would say yes. In a holdup I might not.====JACK:  In Oregon?  I don't know that a "truthful" answer is required when face to face with a deranged killer with a gun.

FROM RI IN BOSTON:  That's a great proverb.  In recent months I have felt like I'm up to my armpits in alligators.  I'm "paddling" as fast as I can but don't seem to be evading them.====JACK:  I've read that sometimes splashing in the water attracts them.  Maybe the solution is to stay calm until they swim away and the danger passes.====RI:  Yeah...in my case maybe I should just let things go for a while.  Things may resolve themselves.

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  no thanks!   I like staying on dry land...   we did have a near miss with a croc some  years ago in the Florida Everglades.  too long a story to tell here but it was a bit scary. we were in a place where apparently we should not have been!   somebody was looking out for us.====JACK:  Someone recently wrote and told me about a snake that swallowed a crocodile.  So, watch out for the snakes, too!

FROM RS IN TEXAS:  Sometimes I think life is like swimming with crocodiles - you never know when one will decide to introduce themselves.  The Boy Scout motto is good - Be Prepared.  Prayer is usually pretty good too.........Yea though I swim with the crocodiles I shall fear no evil for Thou art with me.............. ====JACK:  Have you seen the Message Bible?  It sounds as though you've been reading it.

FROM TAMPA SHIRL:  Hopefully not. The  crocodile hunter was a favorite of my grandchildren until he met his sad demise.====JACK:  That was sad.  He was stung by a stingray.  I read that his final words wer, "I'm dying."

Jack’s Winning words 10/1/15
“Instead of putting others in their place, try putting yourself in their place.”  (Amish Proverb)  The Amish are known for simple living, plain dress and the avoidance of modern technology…and they’re also known for plain speaking as expressed in Pennsylvania Dutch proverbs.  “Trouble is easier to get into than out of…Kissing wears out.  Cooking don’t…Every family tree has a little sap…Good character like good soup is usually homemade.”    ;-)    Jack

FROM SBP IN FLORIDA:  Variations on the theme include "Never judge a man until you have walked two moons/miles in his moccasins." Today's WW prompted me to "google" the word "adages". Amazing how much of our conversations include an adage of one source or other. ====JACK:  One of my favorites in the Bible is the Book of Adages.  (30:18,19)

FROM TAMPA SHIRL:  Everybody these days seems to be decluttering-another word for simplifying life.====JACK:  Your word, decluttering, causes me to look to my right and see a desk that has too much clutter.  Did you know that there's a 12-step program called, Clutterers Anonymous?

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  I love the last one about good character (and soup)being homemade...so many children do not get that kind of nurturing at home these days. Another adage I was raised with, "keep your words sweet; you may have to eat them!"  and "It doesn't cost anything to smile and be kind"...my mother's quotes, not original, but .Good to remember!! Empathy for others is really priceless!====JACK:   I read an article a couple of years ago that said, "Empathy Is Overrated," that putting yourself too much in the other's place can mess up your own life.  I guess it's true...All things in moderation.====OAKS:  I would guess most of us are to self-centered to go overboard with empathy  and mess our own lives up...at least that is my take, as I  look around....I don't think our problem is too much empathy!

FROM CHUCKIE CHEESE:  Love that song. Interesting to hear about the inspiration behind it. ====JACK:  I think I'll use The Fray again sometime soon.