Jack’s Winning Words 11/24/17
“The aim of education is the knowledge, not of facts, but of values.”  (William Ralph Inge)  Someone from Mr. Sparky, an electrical contractor, spoke to me about the need for a couple of electricians, or apprentices.  There are jobs out there.  It surprised me that the first qualification mentioned was honesty, not knowledge of electricity.  Where did you learn your value system?  Integrity?  Courage?  Discipline?  Faith?  Would you like to work for Mr. Sparky?    ;-)  Jack

FROM TARMART REV:  "Would certainly be an electrifying experience, I'm sure!!"====JACK: When you preach, the bulletin should read: "Sermon by Rev. Sparky!"

FROM RVB:  In hiring many people over the years, no matter the discipline, these are the hardest traits to measure. At the entry level of any skill trade, these values are a tell tale of future performance once hired.====JACK:  It's somewhat like the calling of a pastor.  Call Committees do not always ask the right questions, or read between the lines.  However, when praying for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, before taking a vote, God can share in the blame/praise of the outcome.

FROM RJP IN NAPLES:  I always hired salesman on the basis of integrity not verbal skills. And that's what I used to preach when I did my sale seminars. The customers can see through a sharp talking individual that they feel comfort when they feel the integrity of the individual.====JACK:  I respect the response from you...one of the premier salesmen that I've ever met....except, when he chooses a place to take a client for lunch.

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  hope  you had a good Thanksgiving, Jack.  must be quite different without Mary.  i suspect that day will come to all of us sooner or later.   we are having the three kids here today with their families (total of 18 including my Bro)  for Turkey at noon.====JACK:  You are right!  The day was different,  especially remembering Mary, and how it used to be.  But, that's why God gave us memory...to be able to recall and enjoy those recollections.  ...and, you are right, again.  It will come to all, sooner or later.  Time marches on.  But the prayers of thanks continue to be offered to the one who never changes.====PAUL:  and one huge AMEN to that!

FROM SUNSHINE:  I have always told my students that what it means to be a member of a profession is to do what you believe to be right . . . regardless of the consequences.====JACK:  The client is always right...UNLESS you are called upon to do something illegal or against your sense of what's right or wrong.  Sometimes the "fee" gets in the way, but that's what choice is all about. ====SUNSHINE:  To clarify, when I said "do what you believe is right . . . regardless of the consequences" I was referring to your "Wining Words" of today, i. e. VALUES.  The client isn't always right, but the client is the client. Thus, a way should be sought to develop a design that is based on the client's needs as well as hopes and dreams. In my experience the client's contributions  lead to a better design. Certainly that was the case at Grayslake.  Now to watch the HOKIES. ====JACK: Did you know that the Hokies were originally called, the Gobblers?  It's appropriate, then, to have them play during this Thanksgivingtime. 

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  Boy I’d say education failed miserably.  Is it the teachers or the parents?!!  Aren’t the parents the first teachers?====JACK:  ...and sometimes, when parents have failed miserably, there has been a teacher who has done the job.  So...the source of our value system can come from a variety of places.  The church helped shape them for me.  So did caring relatives, some teachers...and my parents...and even my sister.====JUDY:  There are a lot of reasons children are taught or learn morals.  God knows there are little of them being taught and many of them being taught wrongly.     Us kids were taught by our parents, grandparents, Sunday school teachers and even siblings.  I’m thankful for their hard work and persistence!====JACK:  There are so many more teachers "out there" today...social media, to name just one.

FROM DR J IN OHIO:  amen!====JACK:  As a teacher and a teacher of teachers, you have had a major part in helping to determine life directions.  ...and don't forget the "mom" in you that has influenced your daughter.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Yes, that is prime: Honesty, Integrity...when Bill worked with the Judicial system,(As the pastor of a church he initiated a Fund of Renewal for this purpose)) trying to help ex-con's training and work, it was easier to place a murderer than a thief! NO business or profession wanted to deal with someone who had stolen or embezzled money! We once had a Walgreen's manager of our local store call and ask if Sarah (in H.S.) was interested in working summers there, because he felt her pastor father would have instilled honesty in her, and he had had trouble with teen age help being dishonest!  I think a prime aim of education should also be to teach kids to THINK for themselves!   So many just parrot back learned information...!====JACK:  Basically it's still the same.  When it comes to teaching morals. home schooling works best.