Jack’s Winning Words 7/2/18
“It’s OK to live a life others do not understand.”  (Sent by MarO)  In conversation recently someone looked at me and said, “You are different.”  I took that as a compliment.  The world is trying its best to make everyone like everybody else.  Clothing…politics…TV watching…food choices.  I like what Popeye used to say, “I yam what I yam.”  If I like a rainbow society, so what?  I have some friends who are Libertarians , but I tend to draw some lines.    ;-)  Jack

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  it is a compliment... congrats! i am that libertarian!===JACK:  I knew that you'd be the first to respond.  You may be that libertarian, but I'm sure that even you "draw lines" once in a while...like spelling libertarian with a lower-case l.===LIX:  i do draw lines... at illegal immigration. and i am not a big “L,” i am an independent. i bet you may even have republican friends!===JACK:  My friendships are not based on politics or other supercilious criteria.

FROM JB IN OLV:  It is a compliment...===JACK:  I have man acquaintances and a few friends.  "Nothing but heaven itself is better than a friend who is really a friend."  (Plautus)===JB:  I have learned the trees that reach for the sun are often alone in their effort.  Many wish to bask in the shade of the people they respect - few are brave enough to walk a long side them.===JACK:  As the song goes..."All things bright and beautiful (including trees)...the Lord God made them all!"

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  Aren’t we all different?  Made by God with a special reason for being here!  I like the Popeye reference because “I yam what I yam” is quite a because sentence and sentiment!
I may not agree with some people about different things but I am not going to scream and yell and protest their ideas.  We are called to love everyone but we don’t have to agree to everything they do or say.  The fact you have Friends who are different from you is a blessing.     Thank you for your friendship!===JACK:  A  song that I learned in Sunday School comes to mind..."Friendship with Jesus!  Fellowship divine!  Oh, what blessed, sweet communion!  Jesus is a Friend of mine."

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  How many of us do really understand anyone else?!  Or listen completely when someone speaks?  We don't know others' paths or pains...it's a life-long process to become a compassionate and caring human being. You can care for (and about) yourself, and care for others, but learn  not to care too much about what others think or say.  If we've found our purpose, we need to live and love in our own way! Shalom!!===JACK:  As for others' words...sometimes it's hard to know which to throw in the waste basket and which to save foer further thought.  With a true friend, you don't have to worry too much about that.  It's difficult for a pastor and family to "choose" friends among church members without having some others feeling "left out."===OAKS:  We had long pastorates, so always developed some really close friends in our churches.  I suppose some might feel left out, but others are probably more comfortable just having a ===JACK:  "cordial" relationship with THE PASTOR! :-)===JACK:  c'est la vie

FROM BB IN CHGU:  Always thought provoking ideas.  Have you seen the Fred Rogers documentary yet, “Won’t you Be My Neighbor”  We absolutely loved it and the narration by his wife reminded me of M…and N and certain women of depth and kindness that seem to be vanishing.  The simplicity of his message and the tenacity with which he strove to bring acceptance and nurturing to children and families just warmed my heart.===JACK:  There's a lot on misunderstanding in this world of ours...sometimes because we don't sit down and talk together...and sometimes because we DO!  I like the word, symbiotic...its sound and its meaning.