Jack’s Winning Words 7/31/17
“Your presence is a present to the world.  You’re unique and one of a kind.  Your life can be what you want it to be.  Take the days just one at a time.”  (Collin McCarty)  These lines are from a book I received this week.  They’re a reminder that each of us is a special creation.  Dr Seuss said, “There’s no one alive who’s Youer than You.”  So…that means that each of us is important in some way in this world.  It remains for each of us to find our niche.    ;-)  Jack

FROM THE DEACON:  You... are blessed to be a blessing to all those who see your light shining!
Psalms 89:15 "Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord."  Wishing you a spectacular day in His light,====JACK:  You probably recognize today's quote.  It applies to you, as well.  "If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another."  (1 John 1:7)  Do you know the hymn, Stepping In the Light?  The chorus goes like this: "How beautiful to walk in the steps of the Savior,  Stepping in the light, stepping in the light,  How beautiful to walk in the steps of the Savior,Led in paths of light."

FROM TAMPA SHIRL:  We r all still here for a reason and we certainly have to appreciate each day we have.====JACK:  One of my favorite poems is The Clock of Life.   "The clock of life is wound but once  And no one has the power   To tell just when the hands will stop,  At late or early hour.  
Now is the only time you own;  Live, love, work, and with a will;   Place no faith in tomorrow, for  The clock may then be still."

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  We are all precious in His sight.  I loved the Dr. Seuss reference because he had such a loving grasp of humankind.  If we could just see ourselves as God sees us and Dr. Seuss imagined us as humans.  Imagine how this world would be!====JACK:  Isn't it an amazing thought...There is no one Youer and You!...only ONE Outhouse Judy in the whole, wide world!

FROM QUILTING CAROL:  I’m so happy you are a presence in my world – what an awesome present!====JACK:  Do you remember the hymn, "Blest Be the Tie."  It reminds me of the bond between our families.  You probably can sing it!
Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.
Before our Father’s throne,
We pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,
Our comforts, and our cares.
We share our mutual woes,
Our mutual burdens bear;
And often for each other flows
The sympathizing tear.
When we asunder part,
It gives us inward pain;
But we shall still be joined in heart,
And hope to meet again.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Love Dr. Suess; He found his niche! :-)  Yes, even identical twins are each unique !  And we each found our way as pastor's wives, teachers, and mothers of 4 unique kids! We had a lot in common! :-) We each make a difference in our little corner of the world. Thankful to still be "of service'  in some way!====JACK:  Yes, twins have a special bond, but Seuss got it right, "There's no one YOUER than YOU, Marilyn!

FROM SHALOM JAN:  I love that you often quote Dr. Seuss since he's one of my favorites.  I have done two sermon series for the Pentecost season(s) on texts from Acts and Seuss's "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" to encourage congregations to be the church wherever they are during the week.  Blessings on your day!====JACK:  I like the Brother Lawrence book, "The Practice of the Presence of God," in which he describes God being present in the monastery kitchen, among the dirty pots and pans.  God is omnipresent in our lives, isn't he?