Jack's Winning Words: August 2016

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Jack’s Winning Words 8/31/15
“I have perceived that man with courage and will-power can overcome anything.” (Scharnhorst) Determination? Persistence? Tenacity? Guts? The Finns have a word for it: SISU! Sisu is even in the Bible. “I can do all things…through Christ who strengthens me.” Paul wrote this while facing difficult situations in his life. God will give me the strength to get through the tough times. I’ll be able to cope, because Christ gives me SISU.” ;-) Jack

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: learned a new thing... SISU. i have it! (thanks for teaching me new stuff.) ====JACK: Every day there stuff that we can learn...if we keep our eyes, ears and mind open. As Robert Louis Stevenson wrote: "The world is so full of a number of things, I ’m sure we should all be as happy as kings.”

FROM HAWKEYE GEORGE: Romans 5: 2-3.====JACK: It's a hard lesson...that suffering is good for us. It sort of reminds me of Mother Theresa's words: “I know God won't give me anything I can't handle. I just wish he didn't trust me so much.”

FROM BS IN ENGLAND: Thank you for today's WW, I am feeling rather low. Angela lost the one to one funding as it has been determined that she is not a threat to herself or others as she no longer stands, walks or talks. Therefore she does not receive individual care by the same person.
With God's help I will get through these tough times.====JACK: We pray: " Yea, though I walk through the valley///thou art with me."

FROM JB IN OLV: Amen! Praise the Lord who is gracious in All things!====JACK: Do Methodists ever shout out, "Praise the Lord!" during the pastor's sermon?====JB: No, unfortunately we are a very quiet bunch,,,except me,,,much to my family's chagrin I do yell AMEN on occasion:) ====JACK: I remember the first time that I preached in a church in Detroit. At first, the AMENs from congregation distracted me, but then it became an encouragement.

FROM MV AT ML: I repeat this verse every night and during trying times.====JACK: If we think that today's world is a "trying time," in the early days of our country, Founding Father Thomas Paine wrote: "These are the times that try men's souls." ...and St. Paul has it even worse.

FROM DMF IN MINNESOTA: Margie gets a lot of her ski equipment from this store: finnSISU. ====JACK: "No guts, No glory!" That saying is traced to Maj Gen F.C. Blesse who wrote a book for fighter pilots with that title

FROM COPPER COUNTRY BOB: Had community prayer this a.m. The opening hymn was stand up for Jesus.... stand in his strength alone the arm of flesh will fail you, stand in his strength alone.
In view of yesterday’s NBC article that we can never eliminate lone wolf terrorists we have the choice of mentally living in terror or living in His strength. I choose the later!====JACK: Many times we stew and fret as if there is no God.

FROM BLAZING OAKS: Always good to learn a new word, and SISU is new to me today! Just read the book by Courtney Westlake, "A DIFFERENT BEAUTIFUL". She wrote of her experiences (so far) in discovering God's inner beauty, after her daughter was born with the rare skin condition called Ichthyosis, which has no cure, and requires rigorous and constant care. What an amazing story and faith, in that family! Courage, tenacity, wisdom, and celebrating God's beauty in unexpected places! A lesson for all of us! They live in the Springfield area.====JACK: You probably have people in your own circle of acquaintances who aren't Finns, but have plenty of Sisu.

FROM HAWEYE GEORGE: Jack, you just make today's CBS. Thanx.====JACK: If your Champions Bible Study (CBS) group would serve food, you could call it, Breakfast of Champions. Do you know whose slogan that is (without looking it up)?

FROM STARRY KNIGHT: This is the best message for me in a while! They're all usually really good, but this Is the best :) Going through major bologna in the music business :) If you even wan to call it that *** Horrible====JACK: Here's one of my favorite stories about Pres Harry Truman.

OOMPAH! Truman liked to tell of campaigning on an Indian Reservation. After each promise of what he’d do for Indians if elected, the crowd shouted, “Oompah! Oompah!” The louder the chorus grew, the more inspired Truman’s speech became. As he left, the president has to cross a corral which had been filled with horses. “Careful,” his Indian escort told him. “Don’t step in the oompah.” There's a lot of OOMPAH in the music business. Watch your step and stay true to your values.

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Jack’s Winning Words 8/30/16
“I used to use the word diversity all the time. Now, I’ve learned to use the word inclusiveness.” (Oprah) I live in a community which is very diverse…over 60 different languages spoken in the homes of our high school families. Oprah reminds us that it’s possible to be diverse without being inclusive. “Inclusive” is an action word, to reach out and welcome in. We are not really a community, a church, a neighborhood without being inclusive. ;-) Jack

FROM KB IN HL: Love this pat====JACK: Yes, it give a different slant to the current situation.

FROM COPPER COUNTRY BOB: Thanks, Jack for your words of the past week.====JACK: I try to make them relevant and thought provoking.

FROM IKE AT THE MIC: Great message! That's why I keep encouraging that community events that the Optimist club promotes should INCLUDE,all the local service organizations not exclude Rotary,West Bloomfield Chamber, Parks & Recreation, Kiwanis etc.====JACK: Some people pride themselves for living in an "ex-clusive" neighborhood. Not me!

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: I like this. Diversity underscores differences, inclusiveness calls for working together.====JACK: I think of Robert Frost's great poem, Mending Wall, written in 1914. That's the kind of wall I like.====JON: Agreed. I'll look that one up. I have several Robert Frost books.====JACK:
Something there is that doesn't love a wall,
That sends the frozen-ground-swell under it,
And spills the upper boulders in the sun;
And makes gaps even two can pass abreast.
The work of hunters is another thing:
I have come after them and made repair
Where they have left not one stone on a stone,
But they would have the rabbit out of hiding,
To please the yelping dogs. The gaps I mean,
No one has seen them made or heard them made,
But at spring mending-time we find them there.
I let my neighbour know beyond the hill;
And on a day we meet to walk the line
And set the wall between us once again.
We keep the wall between us as we go.
To each the boulders that have fallen to each.
And some are loaves and some so nearly balls
We have to use a spell to make them balance:
"Stay where you are until our backs are turned!"
We wear our fingers rough with handling them.
Oh, just another kind of out-door game,
One on a side. It comes to little more:
There where it is we do not need the wall:
He is all pine and I am apple orchard.
My apple trees will never get across
And eat the cones under his pines, I tell him.
He only says, "Good fences make good neighbours."
Spring is the mischief in me, and I wonder
If I could put a notion in his head:
"Why do they make good neighbours? Isn't it
Where there are cows? But here there are no cows.
Before I built a wall I'd ask to know
What I was walling in or walling out,
And to whom I was like to give offence.
Something there is that doesn't love a wall,
That wants it down." I could say "Elves" to him,
But it's not elves exactly, and I'd rather
He said it for himself. I see him there
Bringing a stone grasped firmly by the top
In each hand, like an old-stone savage armed.
He moves in darkness as it seems to me,
Not of woods only and the shade of trees.
He will not go behind his father's saying,
And he likes having thought of it so well
He says again, "Good fences make good neighbours."

FROM TARMART REV: ...another "winning word" for added value to ponder this new day and put into action as we greet another fellowman!!====JACK: My feeling is that God does not want heaven to be ex-clusive. Each person decides what kind of neighborhood they want to live in. ====REV: That's and interesting thought...looks like I may need some good walking shoes or wings!!

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: do you think will we ever quit labeling human beings by color? ====JACK: I'm afraid that we will always label people. I would like to think that we will become a little kinder toward each other,,,otherwise I might give up the business I'm in.====LIZ: we are mostly plenty kind. problem is there is too much info, too fast. gets blown out of proportion, tweeted about, exploited...people with agendas.====JACK: There's always room for a little more kindness. imo

FROM MP IN WB: Very nice. Would you mind if I sent this to our friends at United We Walk? ====JACK: It seems to fit.====MP: I just did a 30 second promo over at CCTV. In my original script I had the word diverse. I changed it to inclusive. Your point is so well made.====JACK: Isn't it interesting how things seem to work out?

FROM BLAZING OAKS: What an important distinction! Good thought for today Most of us are in situations with opportunities to be inclusive, if we can see them, and have the will to act on it! God be our guide!!====JACK: One of the habits I picked up while being a pastor is to scan the crowd to see if someone is "alone" and to try and get them included.

FROM DAZ IN DENVER: Right on!====JACK: Too many climbers want to be exclusive.

FROM CS IN RO: Yes, very good!!!!====JACK: Some children were watching an artist painting a landscape. One of them said, "Mister, can you put me in the picture?"

FROM HAWKEYE GEORGE: Right-on!====JACK: The trick is always to practice what we preach.====GEORGE: Sort of like being without guile.====JACK: It's been a long time since I've seen the word guile used in other than a biblical context.

FROM INDY GENIE: Good one. :)====JACK: The number of responses seems to prove it.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Wouldn't it be a wonderful world if we all lived with inclusiveness?====JACK: It's not everyone's cuppa tea.

Monday, August 29, 2016

Jack’s Winning Words 8/29/16
“A pretty face will get old, a nice body will change, but a good person will always be a good person.” (Unknown) “She’s gone ancient on me,” said a man, describing a woman he hadn’t seen in a while. Daisy Duke has grown “ancient,” according to a recent picture. I look in the mirror… the same thing. That’s life! I like what football coach Mark Dantonio told a reporter: “I am what I am.” Don’t let that mirror define you…or anyone else in your life. ;-) Jack

FROM TARMART REV: ...those mirrors at their best present only a passing reflection...====JACK: "We see in a mirror darkly...."

FROM DM IN LIV: So funny! I had this conversation with myself as I was getting ready for work today. What I see in the mirror is merely my vessel. The real me is who I am on the inside. Thank you!!!====JACK: I, too, look back at the yearbooks (we used to call them, annuals) and think... those were the days. And think...If I knew then what I know now. But, life doesn't work that way. Let's give thanks for the river of life which keeps rolling on. While I don't believe in predestination, I do believe in a God who guides.====DM: Amen! I also believe in our God who guides and who walks with us each and every day. How blessed we are.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: I sure don't feel like I look in the mirror! I feel like I looked in my high school year book!====JACK: Sometimes it seems as though someone has come into the house and substituted a carnival mirror for the one we usually look into.

FROM WATERFORD JAN: Popeye also said "I yam what I yam!"====JACK: A-gah-gah-gah-gah-gah-gah! ― (Popeye's Laugh)

FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Just enjoy each day and be grateful of all of your blessings, especially when you see other people who have big problems.====JACK: I have a hard time being grateful because others have it worse. Sometimes it makes me feel guilty.

FROM CHESTER THE GOOD: He plagiarized Popeye!====JACK: I thought Popeye was saying, "I am a sweet potato." "I am a yam."

FROM BLAZING OAKS: All of us "Golden Oldies" who feel 16 "inside", have experienced the changes in face and body, but with age comes acceptance, and perseverance to continue to "run the race to gain the prize". Enjoy your old age; It's a privilege not given to everyone!! But of course, with the Advancing years we bear the losses, as well. A comment by Voltaire seems apt: "Sometimes life is a shipwreck, but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats!" It comes with practice....:-) ====JACK: As I walk down and up the stairs to do my Winning Words each day, I give thanks that I can take them like life...one step at a time.

FROM SBP IN FLORIDA: Over the years I have noted that I like the image better when it yields a smile. I also enjoy and feel better when there's a smile on the faces around me. God's presence and my inner peace are the under lying source for me, but, there are smiles to cover up inner hurts/sadness. I know that there songs dealing with smiles. Just thought of this. "My heart ? when I behold a rainbow in the sky."====JACK: I'm reminded of the song, Smile. Charlie Chaplin wrote the music and used it as theme for his movie, Modern Times. I like the lyrics, too.
Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking.
When there are clouds in the sky
you'll get by.
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through
For you.
Light up your face with gladness,
Hide every trace of sadness.
Although a tear may be ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying.
You'll find that life is still worthwhile-
If you just smile.
====SBP: leaps up .....An attribute of aging I've come to be aware of is the likelihood of recalling later what doesn't come to mind now.

FROM RS IN TEXAS: As Ray Charles once said - I can't see what you look like but I can tell what kind of person you are by how you treat me and others. Or as MLK said, judge people by the content of their character instead of what they look like.====JACK: Unless sight is taken away from us, we will see and we will respond. How we respond depends on what is in the memory bank.

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL: Rollie Martinson says in college he would look in the mirror and say, "Stud!" now he looks and says, "Prune!"====JACK: Do remember Prune Face from the Dick Tracy comic strip?

FROM IKE AT THE MIC: On that theme the famous writer Agatha Christie was married to an archaeologist & was once asked how did she feel about being married to an archaeologist .
Agatha responded,"It feels wonderful because the older I get,the more interesting my husband thinks I've become."====JACK: True love never grows old.

FROM DB IN MICHIGAN: That is so true! Yesterday I had dinner with a man who was my boyfriend thirty years ago. After dinner we laughed as we compared body shapes and hair color(s). As we laughed, I saw the glimmer in his eyes of a twenty year-old man. For a moment I thought, this must be what God sees, an entire lifetime all at once. It was pretty special!!====JACK: The eyes have it.

Friday, August 26, 2016

Jack’s Winning Words 8/26/16
“I’m a little pencil in the hand of God who’s sending a love letter to the world.” (Mother Teresa) I read a comment this week which said that Mother Teresa wasn’t perfect (even though called a saint). Hey! Hasn’t it been said that no one’s perfect? I like what she said about being a little pencil in God’s hand.” Someone wrote, “We’re writing each day a letter to men. Take care that your writing be true; for the only Gospel some men read is the Gospel according to you.” ;-) Jack

FROM RJP IN NAPLES: " You can lead a horse to water, but a pencil must be led." Stan Laurel" Certainly not a saint, but a brilliant artist. I think Mother Teresa had a sense of humor. BTW Teresa was my mother's middle name and although a terrific lady no saint.====JACK: Saint? It depends on the definition you use. In New Testament language, a "saint" is a follower of the teachings of Jesus.

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL: author Sam Harris (very anti-religious) also says that as long as Mother Teresa opposed any form of birth control, contraception, family planning, or abortion (in India, no less), she really was not a friend of the poor. btw, my son Mat and his family are currently spending two weeks in India.====JACK: In a college speech class we were asked to give a talk about a particular holiday. I chose Washington's Birthday and entertained the class by telling all of the bad things I could dig up about George. The class thought it was good, but the prof lectured me on the appropriateness of what I said. "Anyone can find the flaws in a individual if you look for them. It is more helpful and appropriate to lift up the good things about people."====SP: i do agree for the most part. accentuate the positive and downplay the negatives. i just think it odd and likely not good policy to oppose safe methods of birth control in a nation as over populated at India. but yes, she obviously did some marvelous work among some of the poorest and sickest people on the planet.====JACK: At least she was consistent in following her Church's teachings. ====SP: i will give her that much...

FROM AP IN MICHIGAN: I'm wondering why you italicized the word 'men' in your blog today . . . was it get my attention?====JACK: Well, it did, didn't it? I wanted to call attention to the fact that I'm aware "gender words." The poem I was referring to was written during a time when it was simply accepted that use of "men" was understood to mean "people."

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Of course she wasn't perfect! It's always a mystery to me why people have to point out the obvious. She at least talked the talk and walked the walk. I like the imagine of being a pencil for God!====JACK: During "the walk," we all stumble once in a while.

FROM TARMART REV: Perfect Saints!? . . . on their own, I have not found one outside of Christ, but with God's help we read of them throughout the Bible and even having a few right next door!! ====JACK: We often equate the word "saint" with someone who does nothing wrong, when, in fact, the word simply describes someone who seeks to follow the teachings of Jesus.

FROM BLAZING OAKS: I visited her ministry house to unwanted babies in Calcutta, (after her death); so MANY babies, and 3 nuns circulating among head-to-foot cribs, who were trying to hold each baby for a few minutes between feedings, and care for them! It is astonishing what she organized. Imagine having the compassion to pick up dirty, smelly, dying people off of the streets and holding them in your arms to comfort them while dying. She was not afraid to ask anyone for anything for the poor, once she became well known; very bold in that way, and not often refused, either. But a saint, a follower of Christ, YES, she definitely was!! One of her sayings on the wall of ministry house was :"Every time you smile at someone, it is an act of Love; A gift to that person. A Beautiful thing." Can't we all do at least that?!====JACK: I'm sure you've sung...I Sing a Song of the Saints of God. I like the last stanza.
They lived not only in ages past; there are hundreds of thousands still.
The world is bright with the joyous saints who love to do Jesus' will.
You can meet them in school, on the street, in the store,
in church, by the sea, in the house next door;
They are saints of God, whether rich or poor, and I mean to be one too.
====OAKS: OH YES..I love that song! My Jr. Choir sang it on several occasions, some taking verses as solos. It's a goody!

FROM AW IN ILLINOIS: Actually, a dull broken little pencil. God keeps trying to sharpen me...but He/She isn't having much luck.====JACK: Nobody's calling you, dull.

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Jack’s Winning Words 8/25/16
“After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.” (Aldous Huxley) I was asked recently, “What’s your favorite music?” I answered that “I’m eclectic!”… classical, country, hymns, dance, jazz and some rap. When writing, I like to listen to “Mozart for the Mind.” Someone wrote, “God had a good idea when he thought up music.” Oh, and I like to listen to the “Sousalarm,” a Sousa march played on the radio at 7:15 each morning. ;-) Jack

FROM TARMART REV: You didn't ask, but "four-part harmony, Southern Gospel" every day and all through the week!! 0;-====JACK: I first learned to appreciate 4-part Gospel music when the Old Fashioned Revival Hour quartet sang, "This World Is Not My Home."====REV: Remember them as well singing on the program.====JACK: Another one was, "Just a Little Talk With Jesus."

FROM CK IN MICHIGAN: Ok, that sounded like some kind of alternative band. Jam on Jack!😀 off to Milwaukee,enjoy friend.====JACK: When you get to Milwaukee, you might hear Frankie Yankovic's alternative band play this polka song (you can Google it).
In heaven there is no beer. That's why we drink it here.
And when we're all gone from here Our friends will be drinking all the beer.
I forgot to add polka to my list of favorite music.

FROM BB IN ILLINOIS: Now I have to listen to your favorites.====JACK: I like "Send in the Clowns." I first heard it when our pianist played it as I walked down the aisle to begin the Sunday Church Service.

FROM SBP IN FLORIDA: Well, I like the song, "Send in the Clowns", but I wonder how I would have received it If I just knew the title. When I was at MHS, there was an early morning radio program of classical music, The 400 Hour, To which I listened every day. I was the only fan in my family, Now, my favorite is SIRIUSXMPOP.CLASSICAL....I love "Music of the Night "as well as "Bring in the Clowns."====JACK: I, too, listened to The 400 Hour of classical music from Chicago. It was sponsored by the Chicago Northwestern Railroad which had a fast passenger train which traveled between Chicago and the Twin Cities. It was named The 400, because the distance between the cities was 400 miles.====SBP: A Chopin Nocturne was played now and then. I was always saddened by it. To me , it sounded like a woman weeping. She was painfully sad. I haven’t heard it since. And, though it was bittersweet, I liked it.

FROM BLAZING OAKS: MUSIC! Whatever would we do without it?! I, too, love so many different kinds! Classical, Barbershop, Broadway tunes, Sacred, Big Band era, folk, some country,...not a fan of rap or jazz, but do want to see HAMILTON in rap!~! The magic of music can soothe the soul!====JACK: I liked "The Music Man" where Prof Harold Hill was able to teach kids how to appreciate and play music...."The Think System!"

FROM PEPPERMINT MARY: Don't have to convince me of that♡====JACK: You were fortunate to have been born into it. Yours is one of the most musical families that I have ever known.

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Jack’s Winning Words 8/24/16
“I always had to keep improving my skills in order to remain competitive and keep winning.” (Edwin Moses) Gold medal winner Moses last appeared in the Olympics in 1984. In his career he won 122 consecutive races, setting a world record 4 times. He’s been a leading advocate for drug-testing athletes and for social change in the world. But, more important than that, he’s the nephew of two WWs readers. If you don’t know Edwin, Google does. ;-) Jack

FROM TARMART REV: As we have discussed previously, the world and ourselves have always been in a system of change, from creation on and from our first breath on . . . interesting thought to ponder for those of us having a view eternal life-- will change continue or eventually become fulfilled?====JACK: Does the AG have a plan for the continuing education of its pastors? Our pastor is at one of those events this week. One speaker is Nadia Bolz-Weber. You can Google her. ====REV: We do . . . statewide and national . . . ongoing occurrences for many years . . . being out of the saddle so to speak since West Bloomfield days, I busy myself here at home and use an app called oneplace.com for keeping fresh on Bible studies through excellent teachers as Erwin Lutzer of Moody Bible Church in Chicago and at the present, Pastor Mike Fabarez out of California and covering the Book of Romans. There are a number of others on there that catch my attention from time to time, usually on the topics they are covering. As far as motivational speakers to philosophical views and applications towards ministry, I leave that to the senior pastor and younger ministers who are filling the leadership roles in these regards . . . not too many questions thrown my way as to my point of view nowadays.====JACK: You are an old poop! I'll bet you don't even have a tattoo.

FROM EDUCATOR PAUL: I loved that guy!!!!====JACK: He went to Morehouse College which, at that time, didn't have track. He had to use a high school track in the area...but he practiced. My friends say that he is "absolutely" a nice person.

FROM LGAM IN MICHIGAN: Cool!====JACK: People I know were on the same plane from Rio with Ryan Lochte and had their picture taken with him. Not so cool for that gold-medal winner.

FROM TAMPA SHIRL: That is an inspiring story. I really enjoyed the Olympics this year and especially enjoyed seeing the whole world coming together at an exciting competition. The young people are amazing. It was fun to see Rio again,too. Les and I were there in 1990 on Copacabana and the highlight was going up to Christ the Redeemer.====JACK: Not much was said about the statue, but sometimes just the showing of it spoke louder than words.

FROM BLAZING OAKS: Olympic athletes inspire awe in the rest of us! Just imagine competing in all those races, and setting 4 world records!! Edwin Moses is a hero worthy of emulation! ====JACK: ...and, on top of that, being a nice person, as well.

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Jack’s Winning Words 8/23/16
“We can’t decide what we are handed, but we can decide how we handle it.” (Marissa Penrod) I was at a meeting last week where Marissa related being told that her 5-yr-old son had a form of muscular dystrophy. After the shock of being handed that news, she determined to do something about it, and Team Joseph came into being. Every day people are given life-changing news. Can you relate? What we do after that…we each have to answer for ourselves. ;-) Jack

FROM IKE AT THE MIC: I too am impressed with her & plan to have her on my radio show.
She epitomizes the yiddish word "chutzpah".I wish our leaders in Washington had that talent. ====JACK: Chutzpah is one of those words that's hard to define, but you know it when you see and hear it.

FROM MT IN PENNSYLVANIA: What a simple, yet powerful, bit of guidance! Thank you. :-) ====JACK: When the mother was told the news in her doctor's office, he said that he could get her an appointment with a specialist in 5 to 8 weeks. "I'm not leaving this office until I have one tomorrow...and she just sat there. When the doctor saw that she was not going to move, he got her an appointment for the next day. She has approached "finding a cure" with the same determination.

FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Just to take one day at a time and try to make each day better for everyone. ====JACK: Whoever thought up the seven virtues made a good choice to include, "patience."

FROM BLAZING OAKS: I can relate to life-changing news, as when my husband was diagnosed with an inoperable brain cancer, and our son Mark was removed from the liver transplant list, as it was too late, after the wait, to do any good. So thankful at those times to have strong faith, and faithful family and friends, which allowed us to "handle" it in a meaningful and loving way, and keep both at home, surrounded by caring family. We CAN choose how to handle it. Guideposts magazine in July has the story of former outstanding gymnist Bryan Anderson who had both legs and his left hand blown off in Iraq, and knew he could roll over and die, or "move on". He chose to move on, and it is astounding what he is able to do, and his upbeat message and attitude inspires family, friends, and other amputees in a big way. We decide...====JACK: I'm sure that there have been people who have looked at you and wondered, "How does she do it?" I've often quoted from the poem, "The Gospel According to You." ..."the only Gospel some folks read is the Gospel according to you." You are a witness to the people around you and to the readers of Winning Words, also. Thank you!

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: God bless her and her son.====JACK: Not even a sparrow falls to the ground but that God is aware. God knows and care about Joseph and his mom.

Monday, August 22, 2016

Jack’s Winning Words 8/22/16
“Progress, not perfection, is what we should be asking of ourselves.” (Julia Cameron) This saying is from, The Artist’s Way, a book of 365 daily thoughts. Comedian Ben Rosenfeld says that reading it gives him momentum for the day. I think that most of us could use that! I don’t usually like to use two quotes from the same source on a day, but I can’t seem to resist this one. “Pray to catch the bus, then run as fast as you can.” That and the 1st are mind joggers. ;-) Jack

FROM CS IN MICHIGAN: I read that years ago and I'm sure it's in my library somewhere. ====JACK: The "artist with in me" caused me to order the book. I also ordered "Yuge," Gary Trudeau's cartoon book about you know who.

FROM RI IN BOSTON: The advice “Pray to catch the bus, then run as fast as you can.” brings to mind similar advice that President Reagan is reported to have said..."Trust, but verify."====JACK: Another one is...Measure twice; cut once.

FROM TARMART REV: Indeed, but timely, ending with a little humor!!====JACK: In the days of yore, there was a comedian named, Ed Wynn. He was called, "The Perfect Fool." 1 Corinthians 4:10 says that we are to be "fools for Christ." What do you suppose that means?

FROM BLAZING OAKS: AHA! Yes, putting "feet" on our prayers! I like Charles Dicken's advice when he said, "Reflect on your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some," We are all a "work in progress" until the day we die! Thanks for these WW today!====JACK: Have you ever heard of the Rule of St Benedict, "ora et labora?" or "all work and no pray, makes Jack a dull boy?"====OAKS: Bridge and golf, family games and family swims, movies, plays, musicals,pleasure reading,.. ah yes, I guess I'm not TOO dull! :-)====JACK: Did you get it? All work and no PRAY!====OAKS: NO, I obviously "read" the familiar quote...so "ora et labora" is "work and pray "! Well, I do my share of both...maybe I can pray on the golf course tomorrow! I'm usually very thankful to have the opportunity to get out for nine holes!!

FROM SBP IN FLORIDA: "Progress, not perfection,"... Now that suits me just fine, since I have trouble enough with "progress" in the futile attempt at perfection. The "Pray to catch the bus...reminds me of the school days when I was taking care of my grandsons.====JACK: No school buses that I can remember in our day. We had to "hoof it." Do you remember that expression? ====SBP: You bet! Back and forth to JD, up and down 17th Street! Certainly less necessity for going to the gym, in those days!====JACK: ...or paying for water in a bottle.

Friday, August 19, 2016

Jack’s Winning Words 8/19/16
“Some glad morning, when this life is o’er, I’ll fly away.” (Albert Brumley) Today is National Aviation Day, celebrating the birthday of Orville Wright. Before the airplane, the Bible spoke of flying to heaven (like the angels). Believers, on their last day, would fly away to be with God. Albert Brumley wrote a song about that…”I’ll Fly Away.” Listen to Alabama sing it… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grV3zPU7kdc ;-) Jack

FROM PASTY PAT IN PALESTINE: I love that one. Thanks for WW --- it's a much needed anchor to sanity right now!====JACK: Remember....some glad day you're going to fly away to be with God, eternally!

FROM TARMART: It will be a "foot-stomping-good-day" for sure!!====JACK: I'm glad to know that there will some AGs there to help us with the language of heaven and to teach us how to dance on those streets of gold.

FROM PEPPERMINT MARY: another simple song! my friend ron and i used to sing this song together before his flight. it was one of his favorites and became one of mine. he had a beautiful voice. when i hear it and sing it i think of my angel ron. thanks for the song of the day and perhaps the "hello" from ron.====JACK: I've read that there's singing in heaven. There's a song from a collection called, "Geezer Music," that you may, or may not, heard of.
We meet, and the angels sing.
The angels sing the sweetest song I ever heard.
You speak, and the angels sing.
Or am I breathing music into every word?
Suddenly, the setting is strange.
I can see water and Moonlight beaming.
Silver waves that break on some undiscovered shore
Suddenly, I see it all change.
Long winter nights with the candles gleaming.
Through it all your face that I adore.
You smile, and the angels sing.
And though it's just a gentle murmur at the start.
We kiss, and the angels sing.
And leave their music ringing in my heart!

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Allan Jackson made a CD if hymns his grandma and mom wanted him to sing. That song is on it. "SOME GLAD MORNING WHEN THIS LIFE IS OVER, I'll fly away. We had never heard it before but it's a favorite now.====JACK: There's a internet site called, "Songs for Geezers." I wonder if it can be found there?

FROM BLAZING OAKS: That was the hymn Mark had sung at his Memorial Service. We all sang it. One of his favorites.====JACK: I've picked some out, but they're subject to change as the birthdays come and go. How about you?

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Jack’s Winning Words 8/18/16
“As rough and tough as the world is, don’t forget to see the beauty in simple things.” (Unknown) Our family once visited a Shaker community in Ohio. The Shakers are a religious group known for plain clothing, plain buildings, plain furniture, plain food, plain everything, even plain songs, including a favorite of mine: Simple Gifts (Lord of the Dance). This world idolizes the biggest, the greatest! The Shakers found beauty in the simple things. ;-) Jack

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL: good words for today... once again! if only the world would believe this word of wisdom. how easily we get caught up in the race for more "stuff"====JACK: As we age, the operative word is, Simplify...get rid of stuff. Off the subject (but, not)...there's a German soccer player named, Christian Stuff. As a follow up, our Christianity has accumulated a lot of stuff through the centuries, since Jesus simply said, "Love God and love your neighbor as you love yourself." ====SP: yesterday i took 3 of our grandkids to the History Museum in St. Paul and afterward, because it was right across the street, i took them to see the St. Paul Cathedral. inside i picked up a colorful brochure telling all about Indulgences and Purgatory. i was rather shocked. i thought the RCC had progressed further than that! but NO, it was all right them spelled out in great detail. the bottom line was you are a condemned sinner and only but penance and good works can you ever hope to escape the fires of hell. or at the least, purgatory. what a perversion of the Gospel. and i also noted that the ELCA in convention is now seeking even closer relations with the RCC. i am a very progressive and liberal person for the most part but do we really want to espouse doctrines that we know are contrary to the scriptures. time to read Galatians once again... blessings, plh yes, the church has added a lot of baggage i fear...====JACK: Be careful not to fall into the trap of seeing one church as representing all churches. If that be the case, then the "religious right" would be representative of your church and mine. In the large picture, the ELCA has done a remarkable and progressive thing in cooperation with "modern" Catholicism

FROM PASTY PAT IN PALESTINE: Thank you for this well-timed reminder! (posted from Palestine)====JACK: I remember your first journey to the Holy Lands. In retrospect, look now to where it has led you...and how far you have journeyed.

FROM PEPPERMINT MARY: Sweet and simple. We sang the simple gifts song at one of our pageants this year.====JACK: Isn't it interesting that a 150-yr-old simple song has been so often used by folk singers, symphony orchestras, church choirs, and by a school like yours. It's used at weddings, funerals and even at presidential inaugurations. Who woulda thought.....====MARY: it is usually the simplest of things that endure.

FROM BLAZING OAKS: One of my dear friends, who was a bridesmaid in my wedding so long ago (Tyke Fisher Flinn, M.H.S.) is a docent at the Shaker Village in New Hampshire, and I've been there 3X...They died out, because they didn't marry(!) but certainly lived their faith in community. And the craftmanship of my music box, and stacked oval boxes made by them is superb! It's a constant tug between the world's standards, and Christ's teaching. Daily decisions, all our life long! ====JACK: Do you remember the song, "Birds do it, bees do it, even educated fleas do it?' If the Shakers had done it, they might still be around today.

FROM SBP IN FLORIDA: "the beauty in simple things." The poem "Flower in a/the Crannied Wall" comes to my mind. So much beauty and mystery in everything! "Take time to smell the roses." My friend in South Haven sent me pressed leaves in the Fall. So much to savor and contemplate. ====JACK: The Parable of the mustard seed comes to mind. On another tangent, today, just for the fun of it, I YouTubed Little Jimmy Dickens singing, "Sleepin' At the Foot of the Bed."

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Jack’s Winning Words 8/17/16
“The hardest thing is to take less when you can get more.” (Kin Hubbard) Employees at an all-you-can-eat pizza place called him, “The 6 Pan Man.” He’d slide an entire pizza on his plate, eat it, and do it again, 6 times. A 99-yr-old woman was asked for the secret of a long life. She replied, “Moderation in all things.” Her description of “all things” included Girl Scout cookies. I know that my wants and needs can use a daily re-examination. How about yours? ;-) Jack

FROM HONEST JOHN: "The Golden Mean"....Aristotle. Had a good friend who was a Jesuit Priest and had a Ph.D. From Harvard in philosophy....He thought the Golden Mean was the key to physical life. BTW. He and I played tennis doubles and whipped everyone at the Harvard Summer program that I attended. I also saw him just hammer an Anthropologist in a debate. The Anthropologist suggested that the debate be conducted within the context of one great philosophy. He challenged my friend to name the Philosopher. Tony said "Thomas Aquinas" and the debate was virtually over at that point! Loved it.====JACK: "The Golden Mean" is a good excuse for me to be the "fence-sitter" that you have sometimes accused me of being.

FROM TARMART REV: Often with mine as well, almost an every-morning-event, properly trying to discern my daily priorities in food intake! 0;-/====JACK: Does your doctor limit your popcorn intake? Do you eat it without butter and salt?

FROM BLAZING OAKS: I'VE HAD A QUOTE FROM BILL ON MY FRIDGE FOR MANY YEARS:"WANT WHAT YOU HAVE, AND YOU'LL ALWAYS HAVE WHAT YOU WANT". I DON'T KNOW IF IT WAS ORIGINAL WITH HIM, BUT HE QUOTED IT TO ME AND OUR KIDS REGULARLY. IT HELPED ME FORGO GETTING TOO MATERIALISTIC, AS LIKE MOST PEOPLE, I APPRECIATED NICE THINGS!! MY TWINNER JAN WAS GOOD ABOUT THAT, TOO, HER FAVORITE SAYING, WHEN WE WERE AT AN ART SHOW, FLEA MARKET, BEAUTIFUL DEP'T. STORE, ETC, WAS "WE CAN ENJOY IT, WITHOUT HAVING TO BUY IT, OR HAVE IT." JUST ADMIRE AND ENJOY IT, AND GO ON...HA! SHE WAS MUCH BETTER AT THAT THAN I WAS! IN MY OLD AGE, I LIVE MUCH MORE SIMPLY; AT LEAST IN MY OWN OPINION! :-) MY DAUGHTER IS HER FATHER INCARNATE, AND OFTEN FEELS I COULD 'PARE DOWN" A BIT MORE! BUT WE'RE THE BEST OF FRIENDS!!
====JACK: As I watch the Olympics, I think about how each contestant wants the gold, but as Paul wrote, "only one gets the prize." But, in retrospect...to have been able to compete is also a prize. BTW, I just watched the shotput in the decathlon. I seem to remember that Bill was a shotputer on Augie's track team. Lots of good stuff in today's response.

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL: the difference between my needs and my greeds is HUGE! ====JACK: How about the wealth of some of those televangelists?

FROM SBP IN FLORIDA: Gluttony and greed are among the seven deadly sins. Each seems to me can be driven by an emotional/psychology need as well as a character flaw. The closer we are to feeling God's hand in ours helps satiate our longings. Jesus Calling helps to keep us apprised of God's help.====JACK: Contests to see who can eat the most hot dogs turn me off. BTW, the World Record is held by Joey Chestnut...eating 66 hot dogs and buns in 12 minutes.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: You had me until you got to the Girl Scout cookies.====JACK: False advertizing. Thin Mints don't make you thin!

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Jack’s Winning Words 8/16/16
“Don’t confuse the two, your life and your work.” (Ann Quindlen) I know of a doctor (and a busy one, too) who makes house calls. In fact, I’ve read that more and more doctors are doing this. The doctor I know is able to manage his schedule so that there is still time for family and for flying lessons. The secret is time management, whatever the occupation might be. Vince Lombardi prioritized his life this way: “God, Family and the Green Bay Packers.” ;-) Jack

FROM SBP IN FLORIDA: Well, actually I think my future begins from this moment to the next. At first, I didn't think that "jazzing" up the quote you shared was a good idea. But I remember the exuberance that Dr. Schuler exuded on the mornings when he began his service with it. I find myself working on a very amateurish version 0f the quote and it isn't so bad. I'm thinking how our spirit by thought , prayer ,music' etc. is fed much like food feeds our body.====JACK: Have you read the book "The Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell? The future happens in the blink of an eye.====SBP: I read "The Tipping Point". Another way of perceiving life's experiences. I've ordered "Blink". God creates such interesting minds.

FROM CZB IN NEW HAMPSHIRE: Interesting because I heard her speak at a women's conference and she talked about how difficult life work balance was. She said she finally had to accept that she couldn't maintain friendships- that she could only manage family and work. At a time when I had young children, as she did, and a demanding job I was relieved to hear it. I think it is very difficult for people with demanding jobs to achieve a good balance. Likely Mrs. Lombardi often wanted more from the Mr. My kids told me early on that social media presents a person as they'd like to be (beautiful and happy) not necessarily how they are.====JACK: Even the best of people can have trouble with "balance"...as Simone Biles did with her routine on the Olympics balance beam. Life's balance is something that we have to practice and work at every day.

FROM TARMART REV: Challenging and forever on a caring mind for God, Family and Church-work in my case!!====JACK: For pastors, the priority might be: God, family, the church. Some of the clergy I know equate God with the church. Consequently, the family comes after God and work!

====REV: True for many . . . sometimes the church work becomes an excuse to step aside from family obligations as well.

FROM CC IN MICHIGAN: As a huge life long Packer fan, I love the Vince quote.====JACK: You know that your pastor in Green Bay is a Packer Fan when the start of the Sunday Worship Service is adjusted so that there enough time to get to the Packer game, or to see it on TV.

FROM BLAZING OAKS: That's a challenge to pastors, as well...so many demands on your time, and only so many hours in the day! I have Lombardi's book, When Pride Still Mattered. What a guy! I remember one of his famous quotes was "Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we might attain Excellence!" (That was the thought, maybe not perfectly quoted!) He had so many good ones! Yes, time management is crucial if we are to "have time" for all our interests and responsibilities! Most of us need to do better than we do! Anne Q. also had many good thoughts!! ====JACK: In reality, pastors are just like other working "stiffs." Brother Lawrence saw his work in the monastery kitchen (scrubbing pans) as the same as offering prayers in the chapel or preaching in a pulpit. When it comes to prioritizing life, it's the same for each of us.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Literally in the way to the hospital for my 2nd knee replacement. Priorities will be a little different for awhile but God comes first. Amen!!!====JACK: Do they let you bring your I-Phone into the operating room? At least, you can take God in there with you.

FROM RS IN TEXAS: Unless it was Sunday - then it was God, the Packers and then family. ====JACK: Are there any Cheeseheads in Texas?====RS: Yes - there are Cheeseheads everywhere. We are in Victoria, British Columbia on vacation and saw a guy with a Packer T-shirt and cap.====JACK: I have a sweatshirt which reads: "Real men don't wear cheese." I make a point not to wear it when I visit in Wisconsin.

Monday, August 15, 2016

Jack’s Winning Words 8/15/15
“My future starts when I wake up every morning.” (Miles Davis) Miles was one of the great jazz musicians of our time, known for his innovative style…doing things that hadn’t been done before. If he were living, I’d like to hear him “jazz up” and improvise on some of our church songs, like… “This is the day, this the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” That came to mind as I read today’s quote. Let’s rejoice! This is God’s day! ;-) Jack

FROM TARMART REV: ...being glad in it here in west-central Minnesota, I am!!====JACK: A pastor that I knew would begin his radio program with this enthusiastic greeting: "Up. up and away; this is God's day. Are you going God's way?"====REV: The pastor I served in Ohio used for his radio program, "Maranatha! Even so, come quickly!! However, still waiting!!====JACK: That sounds like a long race at the Olympics.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: What a wonderful but true statement! Each day is an erased slate to be filled with new thoughts, actions and ideas! Happy New Day!====JACK: A new day to sing the song..."This is the day the Lord has made!"

FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Yes, every day is a new adventure. We have just returned from lobstering in the keys, enjoying Key West and all of the changes there through the years, and discovering all new things at Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach. What a beautiful country in which we live.====JACK: I know some one who has visited each of the 50 states at least twice. Come to think of it, I've been to almost all...and never to Alaska or Hawaii.

FROM SBP IN FLORIDA: Well, actually I think my future begins from this moment to the next. At first, I didn't think that "jazzing" up the quote you shared was a good idea. But I remember the exuberance that Dr. Schuler exuded on the mornings when he began his service with it. I find myself working on a very amateurish version 0f the quote and it isn"t so bad. I'm thinking how our spirit by thought , prayer ,music' etc. is fed much like food feeds our body.====JACK: Have you read the book, "Blink", by Malcolm Gadwell? The future happens in the blink of an eye.

Friday, August 12, 2016

Jack’s Winning Words 8/12/16
“Wisdom is the quality that keeps you from getting into situations where you need it.” (Doug Larson) The Bible books, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs have been classified as Wisdom Literature, teaching…Folk, Political and Theological wisdom. But, what is wisdom? R.B.Y. Scott describes it as having intelligence, shrewdness, good sense, sound judgment and moral understanding. I’ve learned at the feet of some people like that. ;-) Jack

FROM TRIHARDER: Wisdom is a gift you bestow on others.====JACK: In most cases attorneys get paid for it, but there is such a things as, Pro Bono, isn't there?

FROM HUNGRY HOWIE: I like this one, I for one, could certainly use more wisdom.====JACK: God appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, "Ask anything that I should do for you." Solomon asked for Wisdom! If God appeared to you in such a dream, what would you ask for?====HH: It’s hard to argue with Solomon, If I had a second choice it would be for patience and understanding (that’s three I guess).====JACK: The Bible has a way of putting some thought-provoking situations before us.

FROM BLAZING OAKS: Some people can be 'smart' but not wise. I think we gain wisdom through life's experiences...the ability to use our assets with sagacity or good judgment. I like this tongue-in-cheek quote! I also liked the little rhyme in SBP's blog yesterday, No, Slow, grow, and Go! :-)
====JACK: When I was a kid in Moline, if somebody tried to be a wise-guy, we say, "What are you, wise or otherwise? If you don't shut up you'll be lengthwise."

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Walking away when you would rather stay: the ability to walking away before you say things you will regret: being able to use what you've learned and what you have experienced to solve issues: and the ability to know you don't know it all. That's what I believe is wisdom.====JACK: We once had a neighbor family with the last name of Wisdom.

FROM AW IN ILLINOIS: So does being timid or lazy or old age.

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Jack’s Winning Words 8/11/16
“Where there is doubt, don’t!” (Ben Franklin) Have you ever had misgivings about doing a certain thing…but did it anyway, and it turned out to be a disaster? You (and I) should have followed Ben’s advice. I have a little book of Franklin’s sayings taken from his Poor Richard’s Almanack. It’s hard to believe that he was a school dropout at age 10. But, somehow, by private study, he learned foreign languages and philosophy and science…and common sense. ;-) Jack

FROM IKE AT THE MIC: On that theme: Ikeism #223:"Don't ever let your education get in the way of your intelligence" #123:"You fail in life in one of two ways,you do without thinking or you think without doing" #157:"You will never accomplish anything,if you are concerned about every possible obstacle that might occur"====JACK: Are you Ben, reincarnated?

FROM TARMART REV: Now you know why "Jack's Winning Words" is such a hit for us followers of common sense, Jack!!====JACK: Just yesterday, someone told me that some Winning Words really hit home...which means that some are just words. It's like some sermons I've preached, too.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: It's amazing to read and learn about people's lack of formal education but how they taught themselves how to read and write and cipher. One can do much with hard work, persevance and hope.====JACK: Forbes Magazine reports that 1/3 of millennials regret going to college. Maybe it's the frustration in not getting to job they wanted...or the debt incurred. There never was a day when I regretted my college education.

FROM BLAZING OAKS: He certainly had a bright mind, and a curious one, tho from what I've read in his wonderful biography by Walter Isaacson, it would be no picnic being his wife! Or his mother!! Imagine being the 10th son in the family! I think we've all had an experience where we did something overruling our better judgment, and can identify with Ben's admonition!====JACK: I can remember more than once when my parents said, "Don't" and I did it anyway. Hey.....Isn't how Adam and Eve responded to the Father in the garden?

FROM SBP IN FLORIDA: It's been years since I've actually thought about Poor Richard's Almanack. Google! Here I come! At any rate, your quote today resonates in many ways with some adages and a Schulerism I have taped on my desk.
When the idea is not right; God says "NO!"
When the time is not right; God says, "SLOW!"
When you re not right: God says, "GROW!"
When everything is right; God says, "GO!
====JACK: I haven't seen that one before....It's good. BTW, "GO" always seems to remind me of Monopoly. "Collect $200!"

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL: not sure i follow this one, Jack. is Ben saying don't doubt or don't do the project. i think it and your comment could be taken either way. just wondering... ====JACK: I take it to mean....when there's a question as to whether an action is right or wrong, don't do it. I think that Ben's adages are simply common sense...what first comes to mind, with no hidden meaning. But, that's only my observation. You can make it mean whatever you want it to mean.

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Jack’s Winning Words 8/10/16
“Life is a tragedy when seen close-up, but a comedy in the long-shot.” (Charlie Chaplin) Charlie lived this quote. The late 1930s were a tragedy for him. He was called a communist and was investigated by the FBI. Some of his films were booed because a “peace” theme. With the passage of time, that changed, and he was acclaimed as the motion picture genius that he was. Let that be a lesson. The close-ups of our life can look different with the long-shot. ;-) Jack

FROM TARMART REV: I'll bet yours and mine will surely be, even with the enjoyable laughs over humored ministerial incidences we have already encountered over the years!!====JACK: Through the years, change happens, but some basic things remain the same.

FROM HONEST JOHN: I think most of us have a time through which one must scramble and dig in and fight; however, a lot of us can look back on a lot of great times.====JACK: With the benefit of Chaplin's long-shot, I can look back of some things that seemed terrible at the time, but turned out to be really funny....like the time a tavern owner wanted to join the church. When I asked the bishop what I should do, he urged me to convince the man to turn his bar into a place that would sell milk shakes, instead of beer.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Life does has its tragic and sometimes hilarious moments. As I recall, he moved out of the country. He was quite a character.====JACK: In the eyes of some, CC went from hero to villain, back to hero again. I wonder how the long-shot will show today's world?

FROM BLAZING OAKS: A sense of humor is certainly necessary in a positive outlook on life! How I wish some of these young people who take their lives over a failed romance, or a lost opportunity or a moment of tragedy, could "look ahead" and see that life evens out, and they can be happy again. One of our bright young men took his life, sure that he had failed to qualify for his dream of the Air Force Academy, and becoming a pilot. two days later his acceptance came in the mail. His family of course was inconsolable! Who wouldn't be?! In hindsight, everyone has 20/20 vision!====JACK: It's easier for the old to understand the past (if they can recall their youth) than for the youth to understand the future (where they've never been...and which seems far, far away).

Tuesday, August 09, 2016

Jack’s Winning Words 8/9/16
“Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.” (Unvirtuous Abbey) Son David introduced me to Unvirtuous Abbey, a group of tweeting monks who think that there’s too much formal religious stuff on Twitter. It could use some snarkiness. So, U.A. came into being. Can’t we also bring prayers to Jesus about the things that bug us? Years ago I came across a book of such (unusual) prayers… “Are You Running With Me, Jesus?” ;-) Jack

FROM BLAZING OAKS: Unvirtuous Abbey sounds like a great twitter! Both Hal and Jan, Bill and I, loved that book, Are...Jesus! I imagine It got passed on to the seminary students, who claimed books in Bill's library when he retired. Leslie Brandt's paraphrasing of the Psalms, and Gospels are also great in that genre, and The Cotton Patch version of the Gospels, and Paul's letters by Clarence Jordan, are still a delightful read; Earthy and humorous! So many good books, so little time, as the saying goes! I feel all sincere prayers, even about those things which bug us are acceptable in His sight!! Stay flexible, Jack, it's an endearing quality!!====JACK: Just because something (a book, a person, etc) is old, does not mean that it's out of date.

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL: that little book was rather ground breaking when i was in college. Malcolm Boyd was its author as i recall.====JACK: That book helped shape the way I look at prayer...conversation with God. "Just a little talk with Jesus"....as the song goes.

FROM TARMART REV: Christ certainly enjoys a little humor anyway, He brought me into life's existence!!====JACK: I wonder if Jesus laughed on the day you were born?

FROM PEPPERMINT MARY: Amen! And of late my prayers have often been filled with requests for patience and understanding♡====JACK: Have you ever taught the children this little song?
Whisper a prayer in the morning, Whisper a prayer at noon;
Whisper a prayer in the ev’ning, To keep your heart in tune.

God answers prayer in the morning, God answers prayer at noon;
God answers prayer in the ev’ning, To keep your heart in tune.

Jesus may come in the morning, Jesus may come at noon;
Jesus may come in the ev’ning, So keep your heart in tune.

FROM RS IN TEXAS: Something tells me that however we try to communicate with God that He will get it. The key for me is remembering to take everything to Him and put it in His hands.====JACK: A very astute observation!

FROM JB AT LSTC: I always pray about the things that bug me! Help me, Jesus!====JACK: Have you ever been to Bughouse Square in Chicago? Speakers there are often talking about things that bug them. They're God's children, too.

Monday, August 08, 2016

Jack’s Winning Words 8/8/16
“The thing about chameleoning your way though life is that it gets to where nothing is real.” (John Green) The chameleon is an interesting animal in that it is able to camouflage itself by becoming the color of whatever is next to it. “Niceaholics” is a word to describe people who try to please everybody (to be like them) and wind up pleasing nobody. I admit it. I try to be an accommodator. I should read the book, “251 Ways To Say It And Mean It.” ;-) Jack

FROM TARMART REV: ... me too, Jack . . . it just seems to come natural!!====JACK: I guess that it's our attempt to put ourselves in the other's place...to see where they're coming from.

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: i'll give ya lessons... i never change my colors!====JACK: I wouldn't call it "changing my colors;" I'd say that it's "adapting to my surroundings," being sensitive to the situation.

FROM BLAZING OAKS: If you're constantly changing who you are, you'll run out of new things to become; A sense of self usually takes years to really "gel", but eventually you learn to be your own person, and you're not going to please everyone! Teddy Roosevelt was right when he said, "Comparison is the thief of Joy"! We are "fearfully and wonderfully made.====JACK: I'm talking here about being sympathetic and empathetic. We can do that without changing our self.====OAKS OH, in that case, I'm all for being both!! I interpreted what you said to mean you changed to accommodate everyone's taste to be liked and accepted....:-( sorry!====JACK: Communication is simply restating a message, so that the point is clear. I think that you're a chameleon in that sense of the word.

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL: i used to be indecisive but now i am not so sure...====JACK: What do you think about Trump?====SP: here is my answer: Google Narcissistic Personality Disorder and you will find 5 items that describe Trump to a tee! i could never vote for him. he is just to thin-skinned and unstable and unaware of how the world really works. my vote will go to Hillary. ====JACK: That doesn't sound indecisive.

FROM ME VISITING IN NORTHERN WISCONSIN: Saw Everett Lange at a Peterson family Reunion in Lac du Flambeau yesterday and he asked how many people read your blog?====JACK: Over 500 get Winning Words. How many read the blog follow up? It's hard to tell. Do you? Regardless, Winning Words is stimulating (and fun) for me.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: There was a saying like "She is so sweet she gave me diabetes".....or something like that. We all know people who could sweeten our tea with a squish of their finger. As I age, speaking my mind becomes easier and not so sweet sometimes. Not sure if that's good or bad. ====JACK: You don't want to turn into a crabby old Maxine.

Friday, August 05, 2016

Jack’s Winning Words 8/5/16
“I love you with all my butt. I would say, heart, but my butt is larger.” (LOLZombie.com) Did you ever play this game with a baby? “How much does mommy love you?” Stretch your arms out wide and say, “Sooooo much.” Soon the child will be doing the same thing. We learn to love from a loving parent. In the Bible we read, “We love, because he (God) first loved us.” Google: YouTube The Love of God –Bianne Cipriano (Especially, Verse 2) ;-) Jack

FROM TARMART REV: An interesting truth I learned of only in recent years . . . in my circle of Biblical training, we were taught or I only picked up on, "man being made up of spirit, soul and body", meaning his heart (spirit), mind (soul) and body (body, of course) . . . but in the Hebrew language and Jewish understanding, the heart of man had more to do with man's mind and his process of thinking things through . . . in regards to man's heart, such as our emphasis at Valentine's Day was more so related to his bowels or lower extremities. "I love you with all my bowels?!?!" Never too to to learn!!====JACK: I don't think that "I love you with all my bowels" would be a big seller for Valentine's Day.

FROM MUSICIAN NANCY: I love this hymn. Never heard it before. Such beautiful lyrics. ====JACK: It might be a good choir anthem, with a soloist doing the "Could we with ink the ocean fill" verse. It's said that those words were found scribbled on the wall of a room occupied by a mentally disturbed person.

FROM HUNGRY HOWIE: I read a book once called “A Small Treatise on the Great Virtues: The Uses of Philosophy in Everyday Life” in it the author said that love is the greatest virtue of all. ====JACK: I seem to recall that you mentioned that this was a book that helped shape your life's moral direction. I remember getting it from the library and being impressed.

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL: good thoughts for today, Jack. thanks.====JACK: Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me soooooo much!

FROM DAIRYLAND DONNA: Love this. Today is my Mom's birthday and she is doing pretty good and Sunday is our grandson's first birthday. Love is all around me. Have a great weekend Jack! ====JACK: Your response reminds me of the Mary Tyler Moore theme song.

The Mary Tyler Moore Show (Opening) on Vimeo

Who can turn the world on with her smile?

Who can take a nothing day, and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile?

Well it's you girl, and you should know it

With each glance and every little movement you show it

Love is all around, no need to waste it You can have a town, why don't you take it

You're gonna make it after all You're gonna make it after all

Thursday, August 04, 2016

Jack’s Winning Words 8/4/16
“History is bunk.” (Henry Ford) What Henry was saying in his famous quote is that history is tradition, and most people don’t want tradition; they want to live in the present. Away with the old; in with the new. That’s why “new and improved” cars are produced. But, history isn’t always bunk. I really learned to appreciate my country when I took a history course, American Ideals. Basic ideals and values are what continue to make ours a great nation. ;-) Jack

FROM TARMART REV: We certainly can learn greatly from our past, choosing that which benefited our lives and continue to invest in its value once again, and stray from that which caused us to veer off course, looking at that has a valuable lesson to appreciate more the value that was momentarily displaced. The regained reward of righteousness is worth our repentance and restoration.====JACK: It was like that in Bible times, too. As Joshua said, "Choose this day whom you will serve."

FROM CZB IN NEW HAMPSHIRE: Sometimes history gives me comfort knowing we've gotten thru this mess before. (Like right now) Maybe it is not the end of the world after all ;)====JACK: Each 4 years, there is the "political angst." Dire predictions if "my favorite" loses...and we seem to be able to recover...until another election rears its head.

FROM HONEST JOHN: Are we a great nation? I don't think such an animal exists. Nor do I accept the idea that we are motivated by any set of ideals. Do either of the candidates for President represent these ideals? What candidate ever has?====JACK: That which makes a nation (or an individual) great is not that it is free from imperfection. Greatness is found in a basic moral code that is set as a standard. For me, the 10 Commandments and the parables of Jesus are that standard. As the old preacher prayed, "O Lord, forgive me for my falling shorts!"====JOHN: I agree with that and still stand by my original statement. We are not a little imperfect but a lot imperfect. The classes on American Ideals have disappeared in large measure from curricular since they were from the realm of myth.====JACK: Imperfection versus perfection? A miss is as good as a mile. Thanks be to God for his grace.====JOHN: So the imperfection of Ike is no better than the imperfection of Hitler!====JACK: With God, I don’t that there is a gradation of sin. But, with us, YES! ====JOHN: To God one confesses "sin" and not "sins".

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Henry said that? It just goes to prove some people don't know everything. He may have known cars and assembly lines but he didn't know how much history affects tomorrow. History is so important to the way we live or lives today and everyday. We've gotten away from some of America's core values to be politically correct but there is always hope we won't repeat some of the problems we had in our past. There is always hope.====JACK: I don't think that he was commenting so much about history as he was commenting on how people are generally focused more on the present and the future than they are on the past. It usually the old people who look back. He did have a sense of the value of remembering the past, given Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford museum.

FROM EDUCATOR PAUL: Henry Ford was a genius in terms of production and mechanics. His moral character was not to be envied by anyone ( not saying you do). He was a confirmed racist and an non-apologetic anti-semite who practiced his beliefs... Openly. When I hear quotes or stories about HF, I hear my father whispering in my ear what HF did in terms of who he associated with, sponsored, and discriminated against. I can't forget those talks.====JACK: As it is with many quotes, you have to consider when and under what circumstances they were made. That goes for the Bible, too. Not to excuse, HF, but he was talking pre-WW2 when bigotry was rampant and more accepted than it is today. The voices condemning such talk were fewer and more guarded. Thanks to God for a father like yours who recognized bigotry and spoke to you about it.

FROM HUNGRY HOWIE: So the more accurate quote is Those who don't learn from the lessons and mistakes of history are doomed to repeat those mistakes. Actually when I asked Google who said this the response was Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it." The quote is most likely due to George Santayana, and in its original form it read, 'Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.' The phrasing itself certainly is catchy. Sometimes we never remember that the past has much to teach.====JACK: Giving Henry the benefit of the doubt, he was a "car guy" in the business of getting people to buy his product. You don't sell old models (history), you focus on the now and the future. It's the same for today's car manufacturers.

FROM BLAZING OAKS: No matter what he meant, History is NOT bunk! Although it is amazing to me how ignorant of our history many people are, if you are to judge by the "Man of the street" interviews of passersby by Jay Leno, and other Talk show hosts! Our history, for the most part, is something to be proud of, with a desire to "carry on" the ideals and principles that made us a great nation. It does seem we lack the sterling leaders of yore, which does not bode well for future history. However, Hope does spring eternal in the human breast!! We lead our little "virtuous" lives to affect our small corner of the world...====JACK: History is usually written by people who were not there. They tend to shape it as their mind sees it. So it may, or may not be bunk.

FROM RJP IN NAPLES: Was it Franklin who said "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it." I know he said," History keeps a dear school, but a fool will learn in no other"
Sadly far too many in our country fail to learn from history. It is interesting that 230 years ago 55 brave founding fathers struggled to write our constitution, but they did it in 116 days with many of the same issues we face today: Race ( slavery), imports, taxation, monetary problems ( debt) and more which we still have not learned to resolve. The cycle of life!!!!====JACK: I've often quoted my first Winning Words..."Virtue is learned at mother's knee; vice is learned at other joints."

FROM DAZ IN COLORADO: Time is like a river. You cannot touch the water twice, because the flow that has passed will never pass again. Enjoy every moment of life.

FROM HAWKEYE GEORGE: i agree completely.

FROM GUSTIE MARLYS: Amen to that. Love History and Tradition!====JACK: You and the Fiddler on the Roof...TRADITION!

FROM SBP IN FLORIDA: Two basic platforms provide a sense of security for me. One is the Ten Commandments and the other is the Constitution. Sometimes a board creaks in each, but my sense of spiritual, social, legalistic, and political propriety is underlined by the Constitution...one nation under God".====JACK: The board creaks when it comes to a definition of "God," that suits all.

FROM WRITER OWEN: I have heard a noted Civil War historian, retired Virginia Tech professor James I. (Bud) Robertson, say this: "History is the best teacher." Hope you're doing well. I liked your quote from your 90-year-old mother: "Now I can eat bacon" (or something close to that). ====JACK: What good is the teacher, if the pupils just want to goof around? My mom decided to turn in her driver's license when she reached 95.

Wednesday, August 03, 2016

Jack’s Winning Words 8/3/16
“The young man knows the rules, but the old man knows the exceptions.” (Oliver Wendell Holmes) If you found the Fountain of Youth, would you drink from it? Growing old doesn’t have to be that bad…lots of memories…no career worries….9:30 bedtime is OK…looks aren’t everything. My mom, in her 90s said, “Now I can eat all the bacon I want.” Yes, there’s always a downside, but life seems to go better when you look for the sunnyside. Try it today! ;-) Jack

FROM IKE AT THE MIC: How about calling in my radio show titled "BRIGHT SIDE OF AGING" on that theme, the show is aired daily from 11AM-11:30AM on WCXI 1160AM,on the internet plus on Fridays is also simulcast on WNZK 690AM? I start the show with "Age is a matter of the mind,if you don't mind,it doesn't matter" You are welcome anytime.====JACK: I read this quip: "How young can you be before they say, 'He died of old age'?"

FROM BB IN ILLINOIS: Oooooo nice one. Nope, I don’t want to go back – you? I have a sticker on the back of my ipad that reads “wisdom keeps you from getting into situations where you need it”. Did that come from you? With age there are a few less quandaries. Then I heard another quote (cannot recall attribution) recently that went something like, when I find that I am right about something, I am now actually kind of amazed. I would concur with that one too. In earlier years being right was more important and the self-perception of being right; in hindsight it is easier to see how many times one was incorrect and to make assertions less forcefully. One of our political candidates hasn’t gotten that message yet. Not sure about the 9:30 bedtime (of course one can always tape the good games and tv shows) but I’m a big fan of the afternoon nap!====JACK: I plan to use that "wisdom" quote in the near future. It's a good one. Bedtime is 10:30. I'm not old enough for the 9:30 one.

FROM DAZ IN COLORADO: The sunny side You bet====JACK: Eggs, sunny side up are too runny for me.

FROM RI IN BOSTON: You're right, growing old isn't bad, it's just disappointing. It denies all the exciting possibilities that would be in store for us. Thanks for reminding us that our latter years do relieve us..."no career worries, 9:30 bedtime is OK, looks aren't everything." Those concerns seemed so overwhelming when we were young.====JACK: I sometimes go into a room with most (if not all) people younger than I. I think to myself. "I know what it's like to be your age, because I've been there. But, you don't know what it's like to be my age. I have a point of understanding that isn't yours."

FROM SBP IN FLORIDA: Isn't there a song, "Keep the/your sunnyside up..."? And as I am well down on my Bell Curve of life, it's a lot more comfortable being on the sunnyside even with the tribulations. Only one thing, I want my egg "over easy.====JACK: Ask, and you will receive.

There's one thing to think of when you're blue, There are others around much worse off than you!
If a load of troubles should arrive, Laugh and say, "It's great to be alive!";

And keep your sunny side up, up, Hide the side that gets blue.
If you have nine sons in a row, Baseball teams make money, you know!

Keep your funny side up, up, Let your laughter come through, do!
Stand up on your legs, Be like two fried eggs, Keep your sunny side up!

Life can be a pleasure or a pain, Good or bad, successful or in vain;
Happiness is just a point of view, If you have it here's the thing to do;

Keep your sunny side up, up, Drown a frown with a smile.
If you think it's raining for you, Just remember, others are blue.

Always look for the bright side, Start the day on the right side;
You'll find life worthwhile, Learn to wear a smile, Keep your sunny side up!

FROM AMC IN WATERFORD: Smart Mom. I eat bacon every Sunday before I go to Mass. ====JACK: I admire the vegans for their passion. I try not to think about the pig while I enjoy the bacon. Maybe that's a sin to confess.

FROM HUNGRY HOWIE: My Mother said, I feel and think like a young women But when I look in the mirror I see an old lady. So I said what are you going to do and she replied, stop looking in the mirror (true Story)====JACK: I can't recall that people were so obsessed with looks in the old days. Oops! I forgot about Narcissus.

FROM HS IN ILLINOIS: Jack, I passed this message on to Lois, who is now 87 and LOVES bacon. ====JACK: I grew up in Moline, Illinois, in the midst of "hog country," so we ate lots of pork products. As a child, I remember when unwrapped food waste was picked up by the garbage trucks and hauled off as food for the pigs. We used to call the trucks, "the salad wagons." They really did smell.

FROM BLAZING OAKS: IT SEEMS EVER AGE HAS IT PERKS AND ITS DRAWBACKS.
..EVERY AGE CAN BE SATISFYING, PROVIDING YOU REALLY LIVE WITHIN IT! OLD AGE DOES HAVE ITS COMPENSATIONS, SO LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE AND ENJOY WHAT YOU CAN!====JACK: Perspective is one of God's great inventions, whether it be as a part of art, or a part of seeing the bigger picture of life.

Tuesday, August 02, 2016

Jack’s Winning Words 8/2/16
“I don’t need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod; my shadow does that much better.” (Plutarch) Did you ever memorize, “I have a little shadow?” A line reads, “He is very, very like me from the heels up to the head.” Think of the friends that you and I have. In many ways they are like us. “Lord, when all my work is done, grant me at least one old friend,” sang Willie Nelson. Thank God, when you’re able to live the song. ;-) Jack

FROM HONEST JOHN: "What a Friend We Have in Jesus". When push comes to shove, he is the One who is always there for you====JACK: I like these lines which describe such a friend...Can we find a friend so faithful?...He knows our every weakness...In his arms he'll take and shield you.

FROM TRIHARDER: Politically, there seem to be many shadows. People follow one line, chew it, swallow it, digest it. Almost no dissent from the party line. Shame.====JACK: Party or Principle? Sometimes the situation comes to the point where there is no other choice...principle!

FROM JANFOR: A couple years ago, Lydia (our youngest) dressed as Peter Pan’s shadow. Her best friend dressed as Peter Pan. It was one of my favorite Halloween costumes the kids ever wore. ====JACK: That was a clever idea. I would have given them a package of Oreos to share.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: We all learned many poems and songs in our car when we were little. "My shadow" was one of them....."Oh how I live to up in the air up in the air so high, oh I think it's the most wonderful thing any child could try." I might have some of the words wrong but we used to say that over and over as we were swinging. The jump rope rhymes were numerous and we lived to jump for hours and hours. If no one was around, I would tie it to the garage handle and jump myself. Our friends are still with us in memory if nothing else. I still have two old friends; one I have known since birth and one from about 4. They are life long friends and I have many more from church. I love my friends and am deeply grateful for them. Thank you God!====JACK: While the I Phone is a great invention, some of the great childhood experiences have been pushed aside, because of it.

Monday, August 01, 2016

Jack’s Winning Words 8/1/16
“The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.” (Michael Altshuler) Will you be edgy riding in your first autonomous automobile? Most of us want to have control. In this life things will happen beyond our control. We’ve got to live with it. But there’s one thing we can control, and that’s our use of time. If we could see the balance left of our time, like our checkbook balance, I think we’d be more careful how we spend it. I know I would. ;-) Jack