Jack’s Winning Words 10/5/16
“Between the saying and the doing, many a pair of shoes are worn out.”  (Iris Murdoch)  I came across these words that describe how I react to today’s politicians…” I pay ZERO attention to what you say, but your actions have my undivided attention?”  That applies to not only Trump and Clinton, but “if the shoe fits...”  Chores around the house, volunteer organizations, in the workplace…You name it.  Jesus said, “By their fruits you shall know them.”    ;-)  Jack

FROM CS IN MICHIGAN:  Good quote this morning.====JACK:  Like I said..."If the shoe fits."  I've found that with my Sunday preaching.  The words can be more meaningful to some than to others.

FROM CH ON CAPE COD:  OK- see the point, but  what about poets, prophets and visionaries?
What about the pastor who comes into a hospital room to visit someone equipped with words and prayers, and not the tools of medicine, x-rays, treatment plans or pain relievers… “God’s word shall never return empty…”  but that doesn’t mean we see the fruit immediately…God spoke words of promise to Abraham… it took a VERY LONG time til those promises were fulfilled- in the meantime the promise was repeated every generation!  Good topic!====JACK:  I've found that a pastor's hospital visit can be good medicine for the patient, family members and even the hospital staff.  Life is full of mysteries.  While I certainly appreciate the stories of Jesus, I am constantly amazed by the presence of the Spirit of God.  At our church in West Bloomfield, a set of stained glass windows are dedicated to listing the Fruits of the Spirit from Galatians.  They are often referred to when pastors preach.  They are also a visual reminder.

FROIM RR AT ST JAMES:   “The whole Problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts.”  - Bertrand Russell (1872-1970   I thought that you might like this Jack!====JACK:  I do like it it.  I also like curmudgeons.  They have a way of telling it like it is, without being concerned about what the reaction might be.  Do you know any people like that, besides Bertrand?

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Margaret Thatcher:(New York Magazine) "In politics, if you want anything said, ask a man. If you want anything done, ask a woman".  Seemed appropriate for today's musings! Loved the quote describing how you feel about today's politicians: Will share with my Adult S.S. class in case "the shoe fits"...:-)====JACK:  It would be interesting to have a discussion with your group on "values," to gauge how they have adjusted to today's world.  "Are values subject to change?"====OAKS:  They love to discuss, and yes, many of our values have adjusted from youth to old age. Like Tony Campolo says in his book "Who Switched the Price Tags?", telling of a scheme he and a H.S. friend had to switch the price tags in the local Five and Dime store, to see the surprise of customers who found bobby pins cost $5.00 and a radio was $.25...He says some dastardly "somebody" has rearranged the price tags in our lives, and we spend a lot of time on activities that don't matter, and a lot of money on things that don't last.  We have to recognize that our materialistic culture has switched our value price tags, and adjust our priorities to get the price tags back in place!  Interesting concept!  But our values to respect the dignity of each life, be kind, understanding and patient in stress, remain intact. Honesty and Integrity are still valued my most.====JACK:  The basic values remain the same.  It's the interpretation that often changes with the evolution of society.  No everyone agrees with Situational Ethics, but it's an example of what is accepted or not accepted as times change.