”Whose faith story are you helping to shape?” (Seen on a plaque) It’s said that the average person “meets” upwards of 10,000 people in a lifetime. Sociologist Stephen Whitehead suggests that in this globalized society it could be tens of thousands…family, friends, co-workers. Your place/job in society may skew the numbers, but “how many” is really not that important. Even if it’s only one, that’s important. Who is “one” who has helped to shape your life? ;-) Jack
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: my parents. ♥️===JACK: I expect a similar response today from many of my friends.
FROM WALMART REV: I must admit its a dear friend from Nazareth of some 2,000 years ago and His many friends along life's pathway. I met one such pastoral friend of His named "Jack" back in 1984 and have been friends ever since shaping each other's life. 0;-)===JACK: I still recall the time I first met you as you walked into my office to introduce yourself and tell of your desire to begin AG work in the area. Only God would know that our friendship would continue for over 30 years.
FROM QUILTING CAROL: My mom was the biggest faith and life shaper I had, but she also had truly amazing Christian women friends who were my Sunday school and vacation Bible school teachers who also shaped my life. As I grew older they became my friends as well. There have been two pastors who have also shaped my faith life – you and Hollis Bishop (pastor I worked for before leaving IL). You two continue to guide me in thinking about how my faith life can be consistent but also grow and change – to be open to new ideas and how to welcome people who might be different than me. I have been truly blest. Now I wonder who I might have helped on their faith journey…am I living up to my task.===JACK: I seem to remember having met your mother. Am I right? In my history of starting new churches, your husband, Bob, was the kind of person I was looking for,. In my opinion, he was a difference maker. I'm sure that was characteristic of his as he came into people's lives. Of course, you were that kind of person, too...just in a different way. Two of my great friends!===CAROL: ===CAROL: I’m sure you met my mom as she was a big part of our lives and always involved. Yes, Bob can be a difference maker. He is a hard worker wherever you put him, but he’s always ‘challenging’ a person of faith. He likes to push buttons and make people think. Know we have cherished our friendship with you and Mary.===JACK: Do you recall your first date with Bob?===CAROL: Our first date was to a football game. The following weekend we went to homecoming our senior year – 1960. That’s a lot of water over the dam.
FROM JDR IN SOCAL: Here's something to consider: " Steve Jobs Died a billionaire at age 56. This is his final essay: "I reached the pinnacle of success in the business world. In some others' eyes, my life is the epitome of success. However, aside from work, I have little joy. In the end, my wealth is only a fact of life that I am accustomed to. At this moment, lying on my bed and recalling my life, I realize that all the recognition and wealth that I took so much pride in have paled and become meaningless in the face of my death. You can employ someone to drive the car for you, make money for you but you cannot have someone bear your sickness for you. Material things lost can be found or replaced. But there is one thing that can never be found when it's lost - Life. Whichever stage in life you are in right now, with time, you will face the day when the curtain comes down.
Treasure love for your family, love for your spouse, love for your friends. Treat yourself well and cherish others. As we grow older, and hopefully wiser, we realize that a $300 or a $30 watch both tell the same time. You will realize that your true inner happiness does not come from the material things of this world. Whether you fly first class or economy, if the plane goes down - you go down with it. Therefore, I hope you realize, when you have mates, buddies and old friends, brothers and sisters, who you chat with, laugh with, talk with, have sing songs with, talk about north-south-east-west or heaven and earth, that is true happiness! Don't educate your children to be rich. Educate them to be happy. So when they grow up they will know the value of things and not the price. Eat your food as your medicine, otherwise you have to eat medicine as your food. The One who loves you will never leave you for another because, even if there are 100 reasons to give up, he or she will find a reason to hold on. There is a big difference between a human being and being human. Only a few really understand it. You are loved when you are born. You will be loved when you die. In between, you have to manage! The six best doctors in the world are sunlight, rest, exercise, diet, self-confidence and friends . Maintain them in all stages and enjoy a healthy life."===JACK: It seems as though Steve Jobs was more than the Mouse, the i-Pod, the i-Pad, and the i-Phone. In fact there's more to each of us than meets the eye.===JDR: just have to reply to today's "winning words"....my beautiful mother, Margy...hugs,===JACK: My mother was a Margie, too--and a major influence on my life.
FROM RS IN TEXAS: There are many who have helped shaped my life for the better - including you. On another note, if you enjoy kids, music and a good message, you will enjoy this - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6d6Yo3DwVI Hope your day is fabulous.===JACK: I know of a businessman who keeps a file of letters of appreciation that he has received. On the "down days" he goes to that file to be uplifted.
FROM SHALOM JAN: You are, Jack!===JACK: As a child, did you ever sing this song?
Two little eyes that blink, blink, blink, Two little eyes that see;
Head and shoulders; knees and toes; And many more things make me.
Tra la la la la la, Two little eyes that see,
Two little eyes that blink, blink, blink, And many more things make me.
It gives one pause to realize that "eyes" are looking at us as examples.
FROM DS IN SOCAL: Actually, I think YOU were amongst the many that helped shape my life. I miss those good old days.===JACK: The church and the YMCA (and the people I met at those places) helped shape my life. A major remembrance of the good old days.
FROM GUSTIE MARLYS: I hope I helped shape the faith of my choir kids and also the confirmation kids I had. Now—who knows?? ===JACK: When I wonder about things, like the things you say you "hope" for, this country/Gospel song supports my thinking...
When we see Jesus coming in glory When he comes down from his home in the sky
Then we shall meet him in that bright mansion We'll understand it all by and by
Farther along we'll know all about it Farther along we'll understand why
Cheer up my brother live in the sunshine We'll understand it all by and by
FROM DS IN SOCAL: Actually, I think YOU were amongst the many that helped shape my life. I miss those good old days.===JACK: The church and the YMCA (and the people I met at those places) helped shape my life. A major remembrance of the good old days.
FROM GUSTIE MARLYS: I hope I helped shape the faith of my choir kids and also the confirmation kids I had. Now—who knows?? ===JACK: When I wonder about things, like the things you say you "hope" for, this country/Gospel song supports my thinking...
When we see Jesus coming in glory When he comes down from his home in the sky
Then we shall meet him in that bright mansion We'll understand it all by and by
Farther along we'll know all about it Farther along we'll understand why
Cheer up my brother live in the sunshine We'll understand it all by and by
FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL: i suspect hundreds if not more...===JACK: As a pastor, I saw teaching Confirmation classes as an "immense" responsibility.
FROM DAZ IN CO: YOU!😀===JACK: We've shared a wide variety of experiences, haven't we? That's what friends are for.
FROM STARRY KNIGHT: FAye ❤❤❤❤ #1===JACK: That seems reasonable!
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