Jack’s Winning Words 1/31/19
“My face is my passport.” (Vladimir Horowitz) Certain people have unforgettable faces, and Vladimir is one of those people…and his hands, too! Try YouTubing him playing the piano. I’ve read that i.d. screeners at the airport will soon be using “face-imaging” to improve security. Maybe our face will take the place of passwords or code-questions to gain access to the computer or to the ATM. I’m no luddite when it comes to making the world a safer place. ;-) Jack
YouTube Mix - Horowitz Live in Vienna (1987).avi
FROM FISH IN NOVA SCOTIA: Oscar Wilde visited Halifax, NS at his prime. He was asked by a customs official if he had anything to declare, and replied "only my genius." We have stayed at the B&B he stayed at. At the time of his visit, it was owned by Anna L (forget the rest of the name) of "Anna and the King of Siam." She left a big estate to the arts in Halifax.===JACK: Yes, Oscar could be identified by his wit. Jesus said of false prophets..."By their fruits you shall know them." A song says: "They'll know we are Christians by our love."
FROM EDUCATOR PAUL: Yup!!! And thanks for making me look up “ luddite.” 😄😄😄===JACK: Every generation seems to have its luddites.
FROM SHALOM JAN: Good morning! Thanks, Jack, for including Horowitz playing Schumann -- nice birthday present for me today! I find it so amazing how many ways a piece of music can be interpreted by various performers. It speaks of the imagination of God in creating us "the same" yet "different". Blessings on your day! Stay home, stay warm, keep on keeping on.===JACK: I thought I might be able to pull up Vladimir playing the birthday song for you, but all I could get was him playing music for FDR's birthday. You can YouTube it, if you are interested. Enjoy your day!
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: My problem is that I like a simple life!===JACK: As you look back, and as you look at the present, it's been a wonderful life, hasn't it: I'm glad that I was a part of it.
FROM FRIEND MIKE: Thanks for the lesson Jack, I had to look up Luddite . ?===JACK: I just came across your Smokey Stover retirement picture...It brought back some good memories.
FROM HM AT METRO: I was shocked this Monday at the gate. Flying to Amsterdam with Delta a camera (and there was a display showing what the camera sees) at the gate looked at my upper torso, zoomed in on my face, beeps, prints out a new (half size) ticket / seat assignment.===JACK: I'm for things that make flying safer.. Recently, when I opened my checked luggage, I found a note saying that the bag had been opened. I wonder if a dog had sensed something.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: The Horowitz tape was great; ;I had to listen to the another, then, him playing the Chopin opus 23 "Ocean" which was much more thunderous! Glad I'm not the only one who had to look up Luddite, named for the feeble-minded employee Ned Lud who smashed some frames of his employer. Bet he would be surprised that his name became a word in the dictionary!~! Our technology has advanced so rapidly, the changes make your head whirl! I just hope it doesn't surpass our wisdom to use it, and we destroy ourselves!! We live in an amazing time in the world!
===JACK: I wonder if the face-imaging machine would become confused by you and your twin sister? We have twins in our church that even their father can't tell one from the other.===OAKS: WOW! THAT is really identical! We had twin boys in our church that were that much alike when they were small; both were in my kid's choir. I think Jan and I looked enough different that the confusion was more about which name belonged to each of us....our family and friends always knew us apart. Teachers, not always...
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: I wonder if that works for identical twins???===JACK: I'm told that it does. There are subtle differences that human vision is not able to pick up.
FROM GUSTIE MARLYS: Jack—I had just come home from a MN Orchestra concert and I sat here and watched the WHOLE thing! Oh how marvelous! Thanks!===JACK: The story of his life is an interesting one, too. It's worth reading about.
FROM KANSAN DON: One of the greatest dignities of humankind is that each successive generation is invested in the welfare of each new generation.” --- Mr.Rogers I believe the documentary, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?" airs February 9 on Public TV. Greetings from here — Global Warming needs some renewal. Next few days in the 40s to 55s (better than the freezing or below on the last week.===JACK: Won't You Be My Neighbor was the first movie I saw since Inspector Gadget. Since then, I've seen First Man and a rerun of 2001 A Space Odyssey.
Thursday, January 31, 2019
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 1/30/19
“If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste adversity, prosperity would not be as welcome.” (Anne Bradstreet) I’ve heard that today is supposed to be one of the coldest days ever. But, Anne’s quote isn’t about the weather, it’s about handling adversity. I might not like the bad things that have happened in my life, but I appreciate the good things that have happened because of the bad. Bring on the cold! ;-) Jack
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: If not for zero degrees, who could appreciate 32?===JACK: Before we heard about a Polar Vortex, we just came in the house said, "Brrrr, it's cold out there today." I'm beginning sound like a fogey. Oh, that's right! I am an old fogey.
FROM PROUD MARY: My Mama always told me...” The soul would have no rainbow had the eye no tear”. She also coined a phrase for us as she was struggling in her life’s end...”if you don’t laugh...you cry”. She was a funny woman so we did much of both. She was a believer in “silver linings”.===JACK: She had more than her share of tears, but what I remember most is how she was a laughing friend to our family. Unforgettable!===PM: So many times she made me laugh til I cried.===JACK: Sometimes it was hard to determine when she was a mom and when she was one of the kids. Special, special person!
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Or maybe good things happen in spite of the bad...or as Ralph Waldo Emerson puts it, "What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered!" Who knew that the blessing of penicillin would come from mold?! Lots to ponder in this world, but assuredly rough times make the smooth more appreciated!!===JACK: I think that it was Mark Twain who said, "Every dog needs a certain amount of fleas."
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: i was thinking the same last night as the temperature dropped. and it makes for fewer bugs for the next season!===JACK: ...and fewer bugs means less food for bug-eating birds. God has a big job on his hands, trying to keep all creatures satisfied. I like the song (from the Episcopals, I think)...
All things bright and beautiful,
all creatures great and small,
all things wise and wonderful,
the lord god made them all.
Each little flower that opens,
each little bird that sings,
he made their glowing colours,
he made their little wings.
The purpleheaded mountain,
the river running by,
the sunset and the morning,
that brightens up the sky.
The cold wind in the winter,
the pleasant summer sun,
the ripe fruits in the garden,
he made them every one.
The tall trees in the greenwood,
the meadows where we play,
the rushes by the water,
we gather every day.
===LIZ: It all evens out.===JACK: "He's got the whole world in his hands..."
FROM GUSTIE MARLYS: I have been out this morning—it is -20 but it did not feel bad. I am going out this afternoon too. I grew up in this weather and while it is cold, it won’t keep me home! Ha!===JACK: What do you expect when it's winter? Cold and snow and wind. Deal with it!
FROM COPPER COUNTRY PASTOR: Hi, Jack. Our neighbor just phoned and advised us to stay inside. His description is: “IT’S COLDER OUTSIDE THAN A MOTHER IN LAWS HEART.” ===JACK: My mother-in-law's heart was very warm, so I'll have to go along with another expression...It's so cold out dere dat da milk cows are giving icicles...MORE How cold was it?
“If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste adversity, prosperity would not be as welcome.” (Anne Bradstreet) I’ve heard that today is supposed to be one of the coldest days ever. But, Anne’s quote isn’t about the weather, it’s about handling adversity. I might not like the bad things that have happened in my life, but I appreciate the good things that have happened because of the bad. Bring on the cold! ;-) Jack
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: If not for zero degrees, who could appreciate 32?===JACK: Before we heard about a Polar Vortex, we just came in the house said, "Brrrr, it's cold out there today." I'm beginning sound like a fogey. Oh, that's right! I am an old fogey.
FROM PROUD MARY: My Mama always told me...” The soul would have no rainbow had the eye no tear”. She also coined a phrase for us as she was struggling in her life’s end...”if you don’t laugh...you cry”. She was a funny woman so we did much of both. She was a believer in “silver linings”.===JACK: She had more than her share of tears, but what I remember most is how she was a laughing friend to our family. Unforgettable!===PM: So many times she made me laugh til I cried.===JACK: Sometimes it was hard to determine when she was a mom and when she was one of the kids. Special, special person!
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Or maybe good things happen in spite of the bad...or as Ralph Waldo Emerson puts it, "What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered!" Who knew that the blessing of penicillin would come from mold?! Lots to ponder in this world, but assuredly rough times make the smooth more appreciated!!===JACK: I think that it was Mark Twain who said, "Every dog needs a certain amount of fleas."
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: i was thinking the same last night as the temperature dropped. and it makes for fewer bugs for the next season!===JACK: ...and fewer bugs means less food for bug-eating birds. God has a big job on his hands, trying to keep all creatures satisfied. I like the song (from the Episcopals, I think)...
All things bright and beautiful,
all creatures great and small,
all things wise and wonderful,
the lord god made them all.
Each little flower that opens,
each little bird that sings,
he made their glowing colours,
he made their little wings.
The purpleheaded mountain,
the river running by,
the sunset and the morning,
that brightens up the sky.
The cold wind in the winter,
the pleasant summer sun,
the ripe fruits in the garden,
he made them every one.
The tall trees in the greenwood,
the meadows where we play,
the rushes by the water,
we gather every day.
===LIZ: It all evens out.===JACK: "He's got the whole world in his hands..."
FROM GUSTIE MARLYS: I have been out this morning—it is -20 but it did not feel bad. I am going out this afternoon too. I grew up in this weather and while it is cold, it won’t keep me home! Ha!===JACK: What do you expect when it's winter? Cold and snow and wind. Deal with it!
FROM COPPER COUNTRY PASTOR: Hi, Jack. Our neighbor just phoned and advised us to stay inside. His description is: “IT’S COLDER OUTSIDE THAN A MOTHER IN LAWS HEART.” ===JACK: My mother-in-law's heart was very warm, so I'll have to go along with another expression...It's so cold out dere dat da milk cows are giving icicles...MORE How cold was it?
It
was so cold that…
People
wore clothes in the sauna to keep warm.
In church, after the passing of the peace, people continued to hug one
another until the end of the service
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Enjoy each day! Even if it is cold! My cousin in Rockford says they are expecting 31 below tonight! Do you remember when we got the day off when we were about in 5th grade and it was 37 below-as I remember it!
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Enjoy each day! Even if it is cold! My cousin in Rockford says they are expecting 31 below tonight! Do you remember when we got the day off when we were about in 5th grade and it was 37 below-as I remember it!===JACK: As I remember it, we had very few "off days" and there were no school buses.FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Enjoy each day! Even if it is cold! My cousin in Rockford says they are expecting 31 below tonight! Do you remember when we got the day off when we were about in 5th grade and it was 37 below-as I remember it!
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 1/29/19
“There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.” (Gibran) The Bible says that “The Lord loves a cheerful giver.” It has also been translated, “The Lord loves the one who gives hilariously.” I’ve yet to see someone laugh in church as the offering plate goes by. A man once told me that he always makes his offering in CASH, because it makes him feel good, better than if it were a check. How do feel when you give to the church or some charity? ;-) Jack
FROM FISH IN NOVA SCOTIA: I seem to remember one occasion at Holy Spirit at which we were filing out of the church singing "On Our Way Rejoicing" when the pastor (was it you or maybe a supply pastor?) said "Stop! No wonder you are singing with such gusto! I forgot to call for the offering."===JACK: Not me! ...but I do remember once, when I was a student filling in at a country church...I was ready to give the benediction...an usher in the back of the church was frantically waving the offering plates..after some puzzlement, I caught on..."Before I pronounce the benediction, please be seated, and we will receive the offering."...as though that was the normal thing to do. Chuckles from the congregation.
FROM PROUD MARY: lucky, thankful, fortunate, and blessed.===JACK: True story! A friend of mine and his wife were in church with me. When the offering plate came by. By mistake he put in $20 instead of the $1 he had meant to give. He was a seminary student and had a limited income. The $20 meant food for the week. He and his wife thought about telling the pastor of their mistake and asking for the twenty back...but decided that "God will provide!" Later that week they received an unexpected inheritance. Yes, a true story!===MARY: i believe. one of my favorite songs is “love isn’t love until you give it away...and then it comes right back to you!” ===JACK: It's more fun to see love that is lived than to hear love when it's talked about.===PM: i so agree...one should always live with the intention of love✌🏼❤️🙂
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: In the 30s and 40s Father Culmans at sacred heart used to print the amount that each parishioner gave each week in a monthly bulletin! It helped establish lifelong giving! By the way, he also used to fly a plane which was very adventurous!===JACK: When I came to my first parish they also did "the publishing thing." The church council was nervous when I suggested ending that practice. I prevailed, and the offerings increased...substantially.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: It certainly is blessed to receive, when you have a real need, and God provides, (such as a ham brought to us when Bill was in seminary, and food was running very low for us and our 2 boys...we were pd. once a month, and this was shortly before payday!), BUT of course it's a much better feeling to be able to be theGiver and share with those in need. What a blessing to have enough to share!! One of our deacons once told me (with a smile) that he knew when I stepped
into the pulpit it was going to cost him money...I was always cheering on some "worthy project"! He was a generous supporter! Most of us wish we had more to give, with so many desperate pleas for help all around us, but we do what we can, and it is a JOY to do so!===JACK: Yes, having endured hard times makes appreciate more, the good times. But what can match the "hard times that Jesus endured...that we might experience the ultimate good time.I laughed at the guy who "had your number." I always enjoyed promoting good causes, causes that I believed in.
FROM BS IN ENGLAND: I do wish that I could give more, but as the saying goes, every little helps!===JACK: Do you remember how Jesus commended the widow for her gift? It was only two mites, but she gave all that she had. Sometimes we concentrate too much on the amount of a gift rather that on the spirit in which it is given.
“There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.” (Gibran) The Bible says that “The Lord loves a cheerful giver.” It has also been translated, “The Lord loves the one who gives hilariously.” I’ve yet to see someone laugh in church as the offering plate goes by. A man once told me that he always makes his offering in CASH, because it makes him feel good, better than if it were a check. How do feel when you give to the church or some charity? ;-) Jack
FROM FISH IN NOVA SCOTIA: I seem to remember one occasion at Holy Spirit at which we were filing out of the church singing "On Our Way Rejoicing" when the pastor (was it you or maybe a supply pastor?) said "Stop! No wonder you are singing with such gusto! I forgot to call for the offering."===JACK: Not me! ...but I do remember once, when I was a student filling in at a country church...I was ready to give the benediction...an usher in the back of the church was frantically waving the offering plates..after some puzzlement, I caught on..."Before I pronounce the benediction, please be seated, and we will receive the offering."...as though that was the normal thing to do. Chuckles from the congregation.
FROM PROUD MARY: lucky, thankful, fortunate, and blessed.===JACK: True story! A friend of mine and his wife were in church with me. When the offering plate came by. By mistake he put in $20 instead of the $1 he had meant to give. He was a seminary student and had a limited income. The $20 meant food for the week. He and his wife thought about telling the pastor of their mistake and asking for the twenty back...but decided that "God will provide!" Later that week they received an unexpected inheritance. Yes, a true story!===MARY: i believe. one of my favorite songs is “love isn’t love until you give it away...and then it comes right back to you!” ===JACK: It's more fun to see love that is lived than to hear love when it's talked about.===PM: i so agree...one should always live with the intention of love✌🏼❤️🙂
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: In the 30s and 40s Father Culmans at sacred heart used to print the amount that each parishioner gave each week in a monthly bulletin! It helped establish lifelong giving! By the way, he also used to fly a plane which was very adventurous!===JACK: When I came to my first parish they also did "the publishing thing." The church council was nervous when I suggested ending that practice. I prevailed, and the offerings increased...substantially.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: It certainly is blessed to receive, when you have a real need, and God provides, (such as a ham brought to us when Bill was in seminary, and food was running very low for us and our 2 boys...we were pd. once a month, and this was shortly before payday!), BUT of course it's a much better feeling to be able to be theGiver and share with those in need. What a blessing to have enough to share!! One of our deacons once told me (with a smile) that he knew when I stepped
into the pulpit it was going to cost him money...I was always cheering on some "worthy project"! He was a generous supporter! Most of us wish we had more to give, with so many desperate pleas for help all around us, but we do what we can, and it is a JOY to do so!===JACK: Yes, having endured hard times makes appreciate more, the good times. But what can match the "hard times that Jesus endured...that we might experience the ultimate good time.I laughed at the guy who "had your number." I always enjoyed promoting good causes, causes that I believed in.
FROM BS IN ENGLAND: I do wish that I could give more, but as the saying goes, every little helps!===JACK: Do you remember how Jesus commended the widow for her gift? It was only two mites, but she gave all that she had. Sometimes we concentrate too much on the amount of a gift rather that on the spirit in which it is given.
Monday, January 28, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 1/28/19
“I you’re happy, and you know it, you might be in Finland.” (Christian Century excerpt)
The United Nations recently declared Finland to be “the happiest of all the nations.” Is it their good economy?..their good social services?..their many heavy metal bands?..a general satisfaction with life?..or maybe it comes from sitting in the sauna. How do you read America’s happiness? I sense a lack of satisfaction. Perhaps we need more saunas…or is it something else? ;-) Jack
FROM LBP: "Happy" is probably not the one word I'd have chosen to summarize my Finn family members. However, they are a branch that left Finland prior to the first world war. Sisu is the word most commonly passed around for Finns. Maybe the happiness formula is 1 part social setting and 1 part sisu. Somehow I think you need both. ===JACK: Sisu is a good word to describe Finns, particularly of an older generation. Yes, it does seem strange to see Finns categorized as the happiest people. Times change.
FROM EDUCATOR PAUL: I would love to see a study titled: A study examining population perception of self happiness and satisfaction relative to a country’s diversity index. What do you think some of the findings would be! Is their a positive or negative correlation between a country’s diverse population and the general happiness of the people? Is their any relationship at all? Thanks for stimulating my thoughts, Jack!===JACK: Is anyone surprised...not...to see Americans named as the happiest people? What puts Finns at the top are ..Good economy...Good social services...Many heavy metal bands...General satisfaction with life...and Saunas! Ponder that!===PAUL: Yup... I did ponder that...===JACK: Two things seem to be missing in the USA...Good social services and a general satisfaction with life...and a third...saunas!
FROM DR J: Maybe it's the LOHIKEITTO...Creamy salmon soup is a common dish in Finland and other Nordic countries. It consists of salmon fillets, boiled potatoes and leeks. The soup is served hot, with some dill. There is a discussion about the ingredients of the dish, whether milk should be used as an ingredient===JACK: How about Sfeeha, Laban, Kafta or Kusa? Personally, I'd rather have bratwurst and kraut!===DJ: All delicious. My grandmother (Sitto) would bribe me to come over and visit with a fresh pot of Kusa… (stuffed squash)! It worked every time. yum!===JACK: Weren't you surprised to see that I mentioned those dishes?===DJ: yes… very … you’re a wise (and funny) one!
FROM IKE AT THE MIC: I feel Americans would be happier if we could convince our politicians to think & act as adults instead of thinking & acting in childhood bickering. Saunas are great for temporary joy,but not for an ongoing satisfying & happy life.===JACK: Often children know how to get along better with each other than adults do. Sometimes our legislators are referred to as, Solons. Solon was an Athenian statesman, lawmaker and poet. He is remembered particularly for his efforts to legislate against political, economic and moral decline in archaic Athens. His reforms failed in the short term, yet he is often credited with having laid the foundations for Athenian democracy. Ironic, isn't it?
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: wait, aren’t finns the crabbiest people on earth? i sorta recall 60 minutes’ show abt their being hateful to ouTsiders/heavy drinkers...===JACK: Recent travellers have told me how gracious the Finns were when they met them. I'll take that first-hand observation over a past 60 Minutes report. Generalization tend to be just that,,,generalizations!
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: My children and grandchildren and friends are happy and busy with day to day living. You do have to have a strong faith these days! My grandson in Tampa is preparing for confirmation in May!===JACK: There can be pockets of happiness in most countries, if you want to look for them. Confirmation is usually one of those happy occasions.
FROM DB IN WB: There is too much media which stresses people out: too much news information, texting, etc. ….people are tired (emotionally, mentally, physically).===JACK: Life is what you make it. There's an On/Off switch for the TV. Push OFF, and then go sit in the sauna.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Yes, more Pasties! The Finns brought them to us to eat when they went down into the mines.===JACK: Another Finn favorite of mine is Trenary Toast, either cinnamon or cardamom.
FROM BB IN CHGO: Thanks for the smile. I think Sweden is rated highly as well. Last week we saw the funniest excerpt about the Swiss and guns on Trevor Noah’s daily show. Apparently they have family shooting weekends where beer is served from kegs and children/parents/families go to the range together. The firearm death rate in Switzerland is low at 3/100,000 vs. USA 12/100,000. Sweden’s is 1/5 per 100,000. The bit was truly funny as they were quizzing children and teens about fears of school shooting or gang retaliation and they all looked either terribly confused or simply laughed and said, “we don’t have this problem” Of course the unanswered question is, “why” or “why not”?===JACK: "Guns kill people" or ."People kill people" We have an increasing problem with violence in America...and we won't be "happy" until that problem is faced and brought under control.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: With our government in such disarray, it's hard to be happy or hopeful! In our huge country, there is so much diversity and division, it's difficult to get along!! In a small country they don't have so many ethnic groups or factions. I remember How I was struck by the "one mindedness" of the people of Japan when I visited there for 3 weeks. They had very few "Aliens" and very few dissidents or different ideas. Interesting!===JACK: Here in America (unlike Japan) we have a problem with regimentation. In the "Land of the Free" no one's going to tell me what to do! Kick out the "different people!" Don't tell me I can't have any kind of gun I want! Get the guvermit off my back! As the old song goes..."It's blowin' in the wind!"
FROM DLaM: I'm happier when I don't avoid my "to do" list. A little Bible reading each day helps me too.===JACK: We once gave out Bibles to members of our congregation...free...in a modern translation...and divided in such a way that it could be completely read in one year.
FROM PROUD MARY: So that explains my happy nature. Although I don’t live there, my people are from there. I vote saunas for everyone!===JACK: You seem like a Finn to me. Have you ever experienced a sauna?===PM: I love running out of the sauna,down the hill,and jumping in the water ===JACK: BRRRRR!
FROM EF: Thank you, your messages help keep me on a spiritual path..easy to take sidesteps some days when upset===JACK: With over 500 daily readers, I generally know that some are stressed because of various circumstances. I purposely try to send "words" that, in some way can be a ray of hope in a world that can appear hopeless. Your smile and friendly words make the world a better and happier place.
“I you’re happy, and you know it, you might be in Finland.” (Christian Century excerpt)
The United Nations recently declared Finland to be “the happiest of all the nations.” Is it their good economy?..their good social services?..their many heavy metal bands?..a general satisfaction with life?..or maybe it comes from sitting in the sauna. How do you read America’s happiness? I sense a lack of satisfaction. Perhaps we need more saunas…or is it something else? ;-) Jack
FROM LBP: "Happy" is probably not the one word I'd have chosen to summarize my Finn family members. However, they are a branch that left Finland prior to the first world war. Sisu is the word most commonly passed around for Finns. Maybe the happiness formula is 1 part social setting and 1 part sisu. Somehow I think you need both. ===JACK: Sisu is a good word to describe Finns, particularly of an older generation. Yes, it does seem strange to see Finns categorized as the happiest people. Times change.
FROM EDUCATOR PAUL: I would love to see a study titled: A study examining population perception of self happiness and satisfaction relative to a country’s diversity index. What do you think some of the findings would be! Is their a positive or negative correlation between a country’s diverse population and the general happiness of the people? Is their any relationship at all? Thanks for stimulating my thoughts, Jack!===JACK: Is anyone surprised...not...to see Americans named as the happiest people? What puts Finns at the top are ..Good economy...Good social services...Many heavy metal bands...General satisfaction with life...and Saunas! Ponder that!===PAUL: Yup... I did ponder that...===JACK: Two things seem to be missing in the USA...Good social services and a general satisfaction with life...and a third...saunas!
FROM DR J: Maybe it's the LOHIKEITTO...Creamy salmon soup is a common dish in Finland and other Nordic countries. It consists of salmon fillets, boiled potatoes and leeks. The soup is served hot, with some dill. There is a discussion about the ingredients of the dish, whether milk should be used as an ingredient===JACK: How about Sfeeha, Laban, Kafta or Kusa? Personally, I'd rather have bratwurst and kraut!===DJ: All delicious. My grandmother (Sitto) would bribe me to come over and visit with a fresh pot of Kusa… (stuffed squash)! It worked every time. yum!===JACK: Weren't you surprised to see that I mentioned those dishes?===DJ: yes… very … you’re a wise (and funny) one!
FROM IKE AT THE MIC: I feel Americans would be happier if we could convince our politicians to think & act as adults instead of thinking & acting in childhood bickering. Saunas are great for temporary joy,but not for an ongoing satisfying & happy life.===JACK: Often children know how to get along better with each other than adults do. Sometimes our legislators are referred to as, Solons. Solon was an Athenian statesman, lawmaker and poet. He is remembered particularly for his efforts to legislate against political, economic and moral decline in archaic Athens. His reforms failed in the short term, yet he is often credited with having laid the foundations for Athenian democracy. Ironic, isn't it?
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: wait, aren’t finns the crabbiest people on earth? i sorta recall 60 minutes’ show abt their being hateful to ouTsiders/heavy drinkers...===JACK: Recent travellers have told me how gracious the Finns were when they met them. I'll take that first-hand observation over a past 60 Minutes report. Generalization tend to be just that,,,generalizations!
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: My children and grandchildren and friends are happy and busy with day to day living. You do have to have a strong faith these days! My grandson in Tampa is preparing for confirmation in May!===JACK: There can be pockets of happiness in most countries, if you want to look for them. Confirmation is usually one of those happy occasions.
FROM DB IN WB: There is too much media which stresses people out: too much news information, texting, etc. ….people are tired (emotionally, mentally, physically).===JACK: Life is what you make it. There's an On/Off switch for the TV. Push OFF, and then go sit in the sauna.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Yes, more Pasties! The Finns brought them to us to eat when they went down into the mines.===JACK: Another Finn favorite of mine is Trenary Toast, either cinnamon or cardamom.
FROM BB IN CHGO: Thanks for the smile. I think Sweden is rated highly as well. Last week we saw the funniest excerpt about the Swiss and guns on Trevor Noah’s daily show. Apparently they have family shooting weekends where beer is served from kegs and children/parents/families go to the range together. The firearm death rate in Switzerland is low at 3/100,000 vs. USA 12/100,000. Sweden’s is 1/5 per 100,000. The bit was truly funny as they were quizzing children and teens about fears of school shooting or gang retaliation and they all looked either terribly confused or simply laughed and said, “we don’t have this problem” Of course the unanswered question is, “why” or “why not”?===JACK: "Guns kill people" or ."People kill people" We have an increasing problem with violence in America...and we won't be "happy" until that problem is faced and brought under control.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: With our government in such disarray, it's hard to be happy or hopeful! In our huge country, there is so much diversity and division, it's difficult to get along!! In a small country they don't have so many ethnic groups or factions. I remember How I was struck by the "one mindedness" of the people of Japan when I visited there for 3 weeks. They had very few "Aliens" and very few dissidents or different ideas. Interesting!===JACK: Here in America (unlike Japan) we have a problem with regimentation. In the "Land of the Free" no one's going to tell me what to do! Kick out the "different people!" Don't tell me I can't have any kind of gun I want! Get the guvermit off my back! As the old song goes..."It's blowin' in the wind!"
FROM DLaM: I'm happier when I don't avoid my "to do" list. A little Bible reading each day helps me too.===JACK: We once gave out Bibles to members of our congregation...free...in a modern translation...and divided in such a way that it could be completely read in one year.
FROM PROUD MARY: So that explains my happy nature. Although I don’t live there, my people are from there. I vote saunas for everyone!===JACK: You seem like a Finn to me. Have you ever experienced a sauna?===PM: I love running out of the sauna,down the hill,and jumping in the water ===JACK: BRRRRR!
FROM EF: Thank you, your messages help keep me on a spiritual path..easy to take sidesteps some days when upset===JACK: With over 500 daily readers, I generally know that some are stressed because of various circumstances. I purposely try to send "words" that, in some way can be a ray of hope in a world that can appear hopeless. Your smile and friendly words make the world a better and happier place.
Friday, January 25, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 1/25/19
“The mission of artists is to make people appreciate being alive…The Beatles did.” (Kurt Vonnegut) What’s your favorite Beatles song? “I Want To Hold Your Hand” was their first American hit, released in January, 1964. It may not be your favorite, but I like it for the tune and for the humanness of it. Who doesn’t want to hold someone’s hand sometime? Kurt V is right. The Beatles, by their words and music, did help many people appreciate their humanness. ;-) Jack
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: so many great songs! paul is the most tuneful of the four, imho. but george wrote their best, perhaps, w/this...https://youtu.be/xUNqsfFUwhY===JACK: Two of my favorites are, Hey Jude and Yesterday.
FROM SF IN FLA: Always have loved the Beatles. I swooned at their concert at Olympia Stadium when I was 15! ‘Imagine’ is probably my favorite.===JACK: I'm trying to wrap my hear around seeing you as one of those screaming swooners. OOPS...Now, I've got it.===SF: Hahaha! There it is. Actually, I remember being totally overwhelmed. The screaming was like a siren! Always liked my quiet space the best!!===JACK: We could understand one another better if we were able to see one another a similar age,,,as teen-agers, for example.
FROM HUNGRY HOWIE: “Let it be”===JACK: Good songs are more than the tune...
When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
And when the broken hearted people living in the world agree
There will be an answer, let it be
For though they may be parted, there is still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
And when the night is cloudy there is still a light that shines on me
Shine until tomorrow, let it be
I wake up to the sound of music, Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, yeah, let it be
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, yeah, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
FROM STARRY KNIGHT: I like this! I'm going to remember this one!!! ===JACK: Audiences need to be aware that performers are human, too.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: I do not know very much about the Beatles! I guess I must have been busy with the family at that time!===JACK: You were probably into Elvis, the Ames Bothers and Spike Jones.===SHIRL: Elvis yes! I remember my teaching days in Long Beach when some of my 7th grade girls went to one of his concerts on a ship in the harbor! That was probably in 1955 or 56! ===JACK: Did you know that he was called, Elvis the pelvis? ,,,and why?
FROM PROUD MARY: I love Kurt Vonnegut. As far as fav Beatles songs...And I Love Her, In My Life, Let It Be, and Give Peace a Chance. Different songs for different times of development! ===JACK: It seemed, at first, that the focus was on their hair, rather than on their music. Time will bring them more honor.===MARY: True. My friends were gaga over my brother Joe. My parents were okay with his Beatles cut. So many parents weren’t as accepting.===JACK: He's pictured in my mind, now. Sad/Glad!
“The mission of artists is to make people appreciate being alive…The Beatles did.” (Kurt Vonnegut) What’s your favorite Beatles song? “I Want To Hold Your Hand” was their first American hit, released in January, 1964. It may not be your favorite, but I like it for the tune and for the humanness of it. Who doesn’t want to hold someone’s hand sometime? Kurt V is right. The Beatles, by their words and music, did help many people appreciate their humanness. ;-) Jack
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: so many great songs! paul is the most tuneful of the four, imho. but george wrote their best, perhaps, w/this...https://youtu.be/xUNqsfFUwhY===JACK: Two of my favorites are, Hey Jude and Yesterday.
FROM SF IN FLA: Always have loved the Beatles. I swooned at their concert at Olympia Stadium when I was 15! ‘Imagine’ is probably my favorite.===JACK: I'm trying to wrap my hear around seeing you as one of those screaming swooners. OOPS...Now, I've got it.===SF: Hahaha! There it is. Actually, I remember being totally overwhelmed. The screaming was like a siren! Always liked my quiet space the best!!===JACK: We could understand one another better if we were able to see one another a similar age,,,as teen-agers, for example.
FROM HUNGRY HOWIE: “Let it be”===JACK: Good songs are more than the tune...
When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
And when the broken hearted people living in the world agree
There will be an answer, let it be
For though they may be parted, there is still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
And when the night is cloudy there is still a light that shines on me
Shine until tomorrow, let it be
I wake up to the sound of music, Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, yeah, let it be
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, yeah, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
FROM STARRY KNIGHT: I like this! I'm going to remember this one!!! ===JACK: Audiences need to be aware that performers are human, too.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: I do not know very much about the Beatles! I guess I must have been busy with the family at that time!===JACK: You were probably into Elvis, the Ames Bothers and Spike Jones.===SHIRL: Elvis yes! I remember my teaching days in Long Beach when some of my 7th grade girls went to one of his concerts on a ship in the harbor! That was probably in 1955 or 56! ===JACK: Did you know that he was called, Elvis the pelvis? ,,,and why?
FROM PROUD MARY: I love Kurt Vonnegut. As far as fav Beatles songs...And I Love Her, In My Life, Let It Be, and Give Peace a Chance. Different songs for different times of development! ===JACK: It seemed, at first, that the focus was on their hair, rather than on their music. Time will bring them more honor.===MARY: True. My friends were gaga over my brother Joe. My parents were okay with his Beatles cut. So many parents weren’t as accepting.===JACK: He's pictured in my mind, now. Sad/Glad!
Thursday, January 24, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 1/24/19
“I can live two months on a good compliment.” (Mark Twain) Dirty Harry wasn’t asking for a compliment when he said, “Go ahead. Make my day!” But, by giving a compliment, you can make someone’s day today. Maybe, begin with your family. Some suggestions: You’re looking great...This world would be better with more people like you...You should be proud of yourself…I really appreciate you…You’ve got style! Now, attach words with a person. ;-) Jack
FROM LBP FROM UofM: Someone complimented my sweater in the hall the other day at work. No one I knew. Was just a pleasant note in passing. Was nice 👍 ===JACK: Did you read recently that the Finns are the happiest people in the world? Were you wearing a Finnish-made sweater? ===LBP: I've heard that! Nope, was just a sweater from Macy's. It was a cold day.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: If you can’t say something positive,don’t say anything at all! What was that song-accentuate the positive, ????? the negative? I just googled it. Eliminate the negative! What an amazing world in which we live!===JACK: ...and, thanks to Eastern Airlines and a caring family, you've had a chance to explore many parts of this world.
FROM EDUCATOR PAUL: Like if I met Trump I could say...“Wow..That cheeseburger your eating looks great!”===JACK: ... or, as I was taught as a child, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all!"
FROM THE SHARK: Amen!===JACK: I’ll add two more to that! You are one of my most knowledgeable friends.
FROM BB IN CHGO: Thanks for the interesting suggestions. Last year, I changed my “compliment” dialogue. Women (including me) often compliment one another’s clothing choices. Now, I make an effort to say “you look so pretty in that blue sweater” or “your hair looks so healthy” or something that compliments the person rather than their choice of clothing===JACK: As a general rule, I avoid talking about how someone looks. Once, at a pastors' conference, I saw someone go up to a female and ask when her baby was due. Yes...you can imagine the ending.
FROM DS IN SOCAL: If I did that to my wife...she might have a heart attack. (Kidding) ===JACK: All kidding aside, spouses could give a compliment to each other more than they do.Try it today and see what response you get!
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Compliments and hugs are both Spirit-lifters! Words of appreciation and encouragement are so needed in our chaotic and fast-moving world. A phone call or visit to a lonely person makes 2 people happy; It's usually a 'blessing both ways! Yes, I think we all agree with Mark
Twain. A compliment given or received is a day (or days) brightener.YOU do an excellent work, in sending out WW!! Hope you live at least 2 months on that compliment! :-)===JACK: Think of someone today who does good work "in the shadows," and e-mail (or call) them with a simple "thank you" for what they do. See what response you get.
FROM DR Jl WELL THEN…. let me say this… you’ve been a role model, mentor, and inspiration to me since 1980…. I consider you a very important part of my life. AND you’re very fun to horse around with… you bring me great JOY!===JACK: I'm changing Twain's quote to 3 months...and maybe more. You are a good friend!
FROM LK IN ILLINOIS: A good compliment means no bullshit ( unless it is laughter provoking).
The last time I was amused by a circus was 1966. When did reality tv translate into live persons trying to get a reaction? The only compliment is respect===JACK: Is there a compliment that you received...and still remember?
FROM ST PAUL IN MESA: I also like this one: Man lives more by affirmation than by bread. ===JACK: Yes, as the Bible says, "Man shall not live by bread alone."
“I can live two months on a good compliment.” (Mark Twain) Dirty Harry wasn’t asking for a compliment when he said, “Go ahead. Make my day!” But, by giving a compliment, you can make someone’s day today. Maybe, begin with your family. Some suggestions: You’re looking great...This world would be better with more people like you...You should be proud of yourself…I really appreciate you…You’ve got style! Now, attach words with a person. ;-) Jack
FROM LBP FROM UofM: Someone complimented my sweater in the hall the other day at work. No one I knew. Was just a pleasant note in passing. Was nice 👍 ===JACK: Did you read recently that the Finns are the happiest people in the world? Were you wearing a Finnish-made sweater? ===LBP: I've heard that! Nope, was just a sweater from Macy's. It was a cold day.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: If you can’t say something positive,don’t say anything at all! What was that song-accentuate the positive, ????? the negative? I just googled it. Eliminate the negative! What an amazing world in which we live!===JACK: ...and, thanks to Eastern Airlines and a caring family, you've had a chance to explore many parts of this world.
FROM EDUCATOR PAUL: Like if I met Trump I could say...“Wow..That cheeseburger your eating looks great!”===JACK: ... or, as I was taught as a child, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all!"
FROM THE SHARK: Amen!===JACK: I’ll add two more to that! You are one of my most knowledgeable friends.
FROM BB IN CHGO: Thanks for the interesting suggestions. Last year, I changed my “compliment” dialogue. Women (including me) often compliment one another’s clothing choices. Now, I make an effort to say “you look so pretty in that blue sweater” or “your hair looks so healthy” or something that compliments the person rather than their choice of clothing===JACK: As a general rule, I avoid talking about how someone looks. Once, at a pastors' conference, I saw someone go up to a female and ask when her baby was due. Yes...you can imagine the ending.
FROM DS IN SOCAL: If I did that to my wife...she might have a heart attack. (Kidding) ===JACK: All kidding aside, spouses could give a compliment to each other more than they do.Try it today and see what response you get!
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Compliments and hugs are both Spirit-lifters! Words of appreciation and encouragement are so needed in our chaotic and fast-moving world. A phone call or visit to a lonely person makes 2 people happy; It's usually a 'blessing both ways! Yes, I think we all agree with Mark
Twain. A compliment given or received is a day (or days) brightener.YOU do an excellent work, in sending out WW!! Hope you live at least 2 months on that compliment! :-)===JACK: Think of someone today who does good work "in the shadows," and e-mail (or call) them with a simple "thank you" for what they do. See what response you get.
FROM DR Jl WELL THEN…. let me say this… you’ve been a role model, mentor, and inspiration to me since 1980…. I consider you a very important part of my life. AND you’re very fun to horse around with… you bring me great JOY!===JACK: I'm changing Twain's quote to 3 months...and maybe more. You are a good friend!
FROM LK IN ILLINOIS: A good compliment means no bullshit ( unless it is laughter provoking).
The last time I was amused by a circus was 1966. When did reality tv translate into live persons trying to get a reaction? The only compliment is respect===JACK: Is there a compliment that you received...and still remember?
FROM ST PAUL IN MESA: I also like this one: Man lives more by affirmation than by bread. ===JACK: Yes, as the Bible says, "Man shall not live by bread alone."
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 1/23/19
“We have no right to ask when sorrow comes, ‘Why did this happen to me?’ unless we ask the same question for every moment of happiness that comes our way.” (Unknown) I saw a picture of a man banging his head on a table with the caption, “Why me?” There’s a book, When Bad Things Happen To Good People. I’d venture to say that more good things, rather than bad, happen to us in our lifetime. Count your blessings and see if that isn’t true. ;-) Jack
FROM LG IN COMMERCE: The book is available...By Rabbi Harold S. Kushner. Available from Amazon and Christianbook.com (800) Christian===JACK: I have a copy and have read it several times. It's a "helper!"
FROM DS IN SOCAL: Well put===JACK: When things are going well, we don't seem to need books to help explain the situation.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Enjoy each day and count your blessings every day!===JACK: There's an old Swedish hymn which is on YouTube...
1 Day by day Thy mercies, Lord, attend me,
O what comfort in this hope to rest!
All that Thou in love divine dost send me,
Draws me, Saviour, closer to Thy breast.
Thou dost love more tenderly than ever
Earthly father careth for his own:
Sorrow’s heavy burden Thou wilt never
Suffer me to carry all alone.
2 Thro’ life’s devious paths Thou e’er wilt guide me,
For each need wilt give me plenteous grace;
In temptation’s storms wilt safely hide me,
Till in glory I behold Thy face.
Thou hast promised for each day and hour
Grace to trust, and strength to do Thy will:
“As thy day is, so shall be thy power,”
This the gracious word Thou speakest still.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Excellent thought today! As Jack Benny used to say," I don't deserve
this arthritis,etc.etc. of my old age; but then I didn't deserve some of the great things in my life either!" (paraphrased, not exact words). Victor Hugo once said, "To love, or have loved is enough. Don't ask for anything more!" Some truth in that, too! As you said, most of us enjoy more blessings
than bad things in the span of life, at least here in America.===JACK: If 3rd-Worlders had computers and I were writing to them, my words would be different, because I try to tailor my messages to readers and to their situation, as I perceive it.===JACK: If my brain were up for sale, the sign might read: Slightly Used.
FROM JR IN ANDOVER: Listen to Kris Kristofferson‘s „Why me?“ sometime. I‘ll try to send it to you. ===JACK: I like it!
kris kristofferson - Why me Lord - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2u_rEcWW8M
Why me Lord, what have I ever done
To deserve even one
Of the pleasures I've known
Tell me Lord, what did I ever do
That was worth loving you
Or the kindness you've shown.
Lord help me Jesus, I've wasted it so
Help me Jesus I know what I am
Now that I know that I've need you so
Help me Jesus, my soul's in your hand.
Tell me Lord, if you think there's a way
I can try to repay
All I've taken from you
Maybe Lord, I can show someone else
What I've been through myself
On my way back to you.
Lord help me Jesus, I've wasted it so
Help me Jesus I know what I am
Now that I know that I've need you so
Help me Jesus, my soul's in your hand.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Very good question? Why not me?
FROM ST PAUL IN MESA: Kushner also says that the Why question is the wrong question to ask. the better question is HOW am I going to survive this loss and come out again on the other with some level of normalcy and joy in my life?===JACK: Who's going to be there to help us answer that question?
“We have no right to ask when sorrow comes, ‘Why did this happen to me?’ unless we ask the same question for every moment of happiness that comes our way.” (Unknown) I saw a picture of a man banging his head on a table with the caption, “Why me?” There’s a book, When Bad Things Happen To Good People. I’d venture to say that more good things, rather than bad, happen to us in our lifetime. Count your blessings and see if that isn’t true. ;-) Jack
FROM LG IN COMMERCE: The book is available...By Rabbi Harold S. Kushner. Available from Amazon and Christianbook.com (800) Christian===JACK: I have a copy and have read it several times. It's a "helper!"
FROM DS IN SOCAL: Well put===JACK: When things are going well, we don't seem to need books to help explain the situation.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Enjoy each day and count your blessings every day!===JACK: There's an old Swedish hymn which is on YouTube...
1 Day by day Thy mercies, Lord, attend me,
O what comfort in this hope to rest!
All that Thou in love divine dost send me,
Draws me, Saviour, closer to Thy breast.
Thou dost love more tenderly than ever
Earthly father careth for his own:
Sorrow’s heavy burden Thou wilt never
Suffer me to carry all alone.
2 Thro’ life’s devious paths Thou e’er wilt guide me,
For each need wilt give me plenteous grace;
In temptation’s storms wilt safely hide me,
Till in glory I behold Thy face.
Thou hast promised for each day and hour
Grace to trust, and strength to do Thy will:
“As thy day is, so shall be thy power,”
This the gracious word Thou speakest still.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Excellent thought today! As Jack Benny used to say," I don't deserve
this arthritis,etc.etc. of my old age; but then I didn't deserve some of the great things in my life either!" (paraphrased, not exact words). Victor Hugo once said, "To love, or have loved is enough. Don't ask for anything more!" Some truth in that, too! As you said, most of us enjoy more blessings
than bad things in the span of life, at least here in America.===JACK: If 3rd-Worlders had computers and I were writing to them, my words would be different, because I try to tailor my messages to readers and to their situation, as I perceive it.===JACK: If my brain were up for sale, the sign might read: Slightly Used.
FROM JR IN ANDOVER: Listen to Kris Kristofferson‘s „Why me?“ sometime. I‘ll try to send it to you. ===JACK: I like it!
kris kristofferson - Why me Lord - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2u_rEcWW8M
Why me Lord, what have I ever done
To deserve even one
Of the pleasures I've known
Tell me Lord, what did I ever do
That was worth loving you
Or the kindness you've shown.
Lord help me Jesus, I've wasted it so
Help me Jesus I know what I am
Now that I know that I've need you so
Help me Jesus, my soul's in your hand.
Tell me Lord, if you think there's a way
I can try to repay
All I've taken from you
Maybe Lord, I can show someone else
What I've been through myself
On my way back to you.
Lord help me Jesus, I've wasted it so
Help me Jesus I know what I am
Now that I know that I've need you so
Help me Jesus, my soul's in your hand.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Very good question? Why not me?
FROM ST PAUL IN MESA: Kushner also says that the Why question is the wrong question to ask. the better question is HOW am I going to survive this loss and come out again on the other with some level of normalcy and joy in my life?===JACK: Who's going to be there to help us answer that question?
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 1/22/19
“The brain is an apparatus with which we think we think.” (Ambrose Bierce) In the Bible, Paul describes the Church as being like the human body…each part having its own role, the eye is not the ear, the foot is not the head. Yes, the brain is important, but it needs body to do its work. We’re dependent on each other. Imagine a world with you as the only inhabitant. The first Twilight Zone episode was titled, “Where is everybody?” and tells the story of a man who finds himself alone in the world. Typical of “Zone” episodes, it causes you to think. ;-) Jack
FROM EDUCATOR PAUL: Good thought !!! Thanks===JACK: What an amazing part of the body...the brain!===PAUL: Believe me.... I know!
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: There are people who don’t know how to use their brain. I run across them sometimes. But I also enjoy a good conversation with someone who does. Sometimes I do not use my brain either...that’s why God made our foreheads flat! Twilight Zone was one of my favorites growing up. Many times I watched it alone because no one else liked it in the house. It always made me think and wonder!!!===JACK: I remember a school teacher say (when the class was stumped by a problem), "Use your brains!"
FROM BLAZING OAKS: HA! Ambrose Bierce wrote some stories to think about! Yes, we try our best to "think", tho as we age, we lose some of those precious brain cells, which cannot be replaced! Just had an excellent presentation on Alzheimer's Disease, in which the brain is seriously and fatally impaired. We need to be daily thankful for the ability to think!! A wondrous thing, the brain! ===JACK: I've quoted this before..."Though man a thinking being is defined, Few use the grand prerogative of mind. How few think justly of the thinking few! How many never think, who think they do!" (Jane Taylor)===OAKS: Good one! At one time I had that quote, but copied to share
with my S.S. class and bridge buddies now. In the study I read on the brain, no one used it to capacity...not even the geniuses of the world! So awesome!
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: I went to an OLLI class today and it is important to keep your brain up to date and challenged! My class was on Frank Lloyd Wright ===JACK: FLW was one of my favorite architects. I like the straight-line designs of his homes.
“The brain is an apparatus with which we think we think.” (Ambrose Bierce) In the Bible, Paul describes the Church as being like the human body…each part having its own role, the eye is not the ear, the foot is not the head. Yes, the brain is important, but it needs body to do its work. We’re dependent on each other. Imagine a world with you as the only inhabitant. The first Twilight Zone episode was titled, “Where is everybody?” and tells the story of a man who finds himself alone in the world. Typical of “Zone” episodes, it causes you to think. ;-) Jack
FROM EDUCATOR PAUL: Good thought !!! Thanks===JACK: What an amazing part of the body...the brain!===PAUL: Believe me.... I know!
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: There are people who don’t know how to use their brain. I run across them sometimes. But I also enjoy a good conversation with someone who does. Sometimes I do not use my brain either...that’s why God made our foreheads flat! Twilight Zone was one of my favorites growing up. Many times I watched it alone because no one else liked it in the house. It always made me think and wonder!!!===JACK: I remember a school teacher say (when the class was stumped by a problem), "Use your brains!"
FROM BLAZING OAKS: HA! Ambrose Bierce wrote some stories to think about! Yes, we try our best to "think", tho as we age, we lose some of those precious brain cells, which cannot be replaced! Just had an excellent presentation on Alzheimer's Disease, in which the brain is seriously and fatally impaired. We need to be daily thankful for the ability to think!! A wondrous thing, the brain! ===JACK: I've quoted this before..."Though man a thinking being is defined, Few use the grand prerogative of mind. How few think justly of the thinking few! How many never think, who think they do!" (Jane Taylor)===OAKS: Good one! At one time I had that quote, but copied to share
with my S.S. class and bridge buddies now. In the study I read on the brain, no one used it to capacity...not even the geniuses of the world! So awesome!
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: I went to an OLLI class today and it is important to keep your brain up to date and challenged! My class was on Frank Lloyd Wright ===JACK: FLW was one of my favorite architects. I like the straight-line designs of his homes.
Monday, January 21, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 1/21/19
“A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus, but a molder of conscience.” (MLK Jr)
While there is a real need for consensus among legislators today…at what price? Most of us have been in situations where “give a little, take a little” gets things done. When Martin Luther expressed his ideas for reforming the Church, he said, “Here I stand!” His namesake, MLK Jr, had the same firmness for civil rights for all. Sometimes, enough is enough. ;-) Jack
FROM EDUCATOR PAUL: “Sometimes enough is enough !” We need to hold that concept closer to our hearts!===JACK: A slogan by my computer reads: "Get tough...Get off your duff!" :Lots of talk and too little action. Mea culpa!
FROM HONEST JOHN: I know Nancy Pelosi is hated by the haters but I am thankful for her.... standing up to that villain in the White House...===JACK: Sometimes a good leader is best known by those who "hate" her/him.
FROM JE IN WLCSD: This is so intentional, thoughtful and hope-filled. Being a molder of conscience assumes we are moving toward an environment, atmosphere and world where there is truth and right and wrong. Being a molder of conscience means we have goodwill at our core. May today’s leaders consider Dr. King’s hope for our community and country.===JACK: Working for the good, i.e. building a world with a good conscience, is like constructing a good building...one brick at a time.
FROM PROUD MARY: Enough is enough! The “train ride to glory”has been a way too long coming...And sorry I’ve been gone so long. I read winning words first thing every morning. It’s my passage for the day. I’ve had a tough year of losses but I’m in for the wonderful challenges of 2019. ===JACK: Patsy Cline is famous for sing this song (YouTube it!)...
Life is like a mountain railroad
With an engineer that's brave
We must make the run successful
From the cradle to the grave
Watch the curves, the fills, and tunnels
Never falter, never fail
Keep your hand upon the throttle
And your eyes upon the rail
Blessed Savior, Thou will guide us
Till we reach that blissful shore
Where the angels wait to join us
In that great forevermore
Blessed Savior, Thou will guide us
Till we reach that blissful shore
Where the angels wait to join us
In that great forevermore
Regarding..."too long" and "a tough year", you're on a train with the right engineer!.
===MARY: Yes I am and it’s been proven many times throughout my blessed life. I am a lucky girl...still.===JACK: Next stop...Blissful Shore!
FROM ST PAUL IN MESA: more good words for today, Jack. thanks!===JACK: Is MLK Jr Day observed in Arizona?===PAUL: it is but AZ was one of the very last states to even recognize this day. i think govt. workers and postal workers have the day off but that is about it from what i gather. if i am wrong about this, i will let you know. people think differently "way out west":):):) i saw a bumper sticker last year that read: Arizona, its a dry hate! it was on a pick up truck and the driver looked like a real red neck. that kinds of sums it up for some out here. on the other hand, there are some very liberal folks too. the preacher yesterday took a jab at ICE and the way it has been handling the border situation. thankfully a lot of churches, and not just RCC, have been stepping up to the plate to help out.
FROM SHAKOM JAN: You are so correct to call MLK Jr. Martin Luther's "namesake". His father, MLK Sr., changed both their names from Michael to reflect the deep regard he had for M.L. after studying Luther's theology of Grace! God has blessed us with all three of these men and their faithful proclamation!===JACK: I once asked a confirmation class who was the founder of the Lutheran Church. They believed that it was Martin Luther King. MLK Jr and Martin Marty were contemporaries of mine.,,the three of us beginning our ministries at about the same time.
FROM DR J: I like this one a lot!===JACK: I will not send out a Winning Words unless I like it (,,,sometimes, a lot.)
FROM BLAZING OAKS: I have been really impressed with MLK Jr.'s writing...He could preach,
as well!. Bill often quoted him in a sermon: I remember one analogy of his: "Like a boil that must be lanced and opened in all its ugliness, to the natural medicines of air and light, Injustice must be exposed to the light of human conscience before it can be cured." What a "picturesque way of phrasing this truth! He could really frame a phrase!===JACK: I seem to remember that the two of you were "marchers." What was that like?===OAKS: I wrote up that experience last year for Church Wo United. The throng of onlookers were very hateful, and even threw stones, sticks, urine, etc. at marchers. MLK was hit in the forehead with a stone (which we didn't know until afterward) leaving a bloody gash, and bringing him to his knees;someone threw a knife at him, which hit a catholic priest marching behind him. MLK said afterward that the people f the South needed to come to Chicago, to really learn how to hate! He called that march "The Selma of the North"...Quite disheartening to see and hear the racial diatribes!
“A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus, but a molder of conscience.” (MLK Jr)
While there is a real need for consensus among legislators today…at what price? Most of us have been in situations where “give a little, take a little” gets things done. When Martin Luther expressed his ideas for reforming the Church, he said, “Here I stand!” His namesake, MLK Jr, had the same firmness for civil rights for all. Sometimes, enough is enough. ;-) Jack
FROM EDUCATOR PAUL: “Sometimes enough is enough !” We need to hold that concept closer to our hearts!===JACK: A slogan by my computer reads: "Get tough...Get off your duff!" :Lots of talk and too little action. Mea culpa!
FROM HONEST JOHN: I know Nancy Pelosi is hated by the haters but I am thankful for her.... standing up to that villain in the White House...===JACK: Sometimes a good leader is best known by those who "hate" her/him.
FROM JE IN WLCSD: This is so intentional, thoughtful and hope-filled. Being a molder of conscience assumes we are moving toward an environment, atmosphere and world where there is truth and right and wrong. Being a molder of conscience means we have goodwill at our core. May today’s leaders consider Dr. King’s hope for our community and country.===JACK: Working for the good, i.e. building a world with a good conscience, is like constructing a good building...one brick at a time.
FROM PROUD MARY: Enough is enough! The “train ride to glory”has been a way too long coming...And sorry I’ve been gone so long. I read winning words first thing every morning. It’s my passage for the day. I’ve had a tough year of losses but I’m in for the wonderful challenges of 2019. ===JACK: Patsy Cline is famous for sing this song (YouTube it!)...
Life is like a mountain railroad
With an engineer that's brave
We must make the run successful
From the cradle to the grave
Watch the curves, the fills, and tunnels
Never falter, never fail
Keep your hand upon the throttle
And your eyes upon the rail
Blessed Savior, Thou will guide us
Till we reach that blissful shore
Where the angels wait to join us
In that great forevermore
Blessed Savior, Thou will guide us
Till we reach that blissful shore
Where the angels wait to join us
In that great forevermore
Regarding..."too long" and "a tough year", you're on a train with the right engineer!.
===MARY: Yes I am and it’s been proven many times throughout my blessed life. I am a lucky girl...still.===JACK: Next stop...Blissful Shore!
FROM ST PAUL IN MESA: more good words for today, Jack. thanks!===JACK: Is MLK Jr Day observed in Arizona?===PAUL: it is but AZ was one of the very last states to even recognize this day. i think govt. workers and postal workers have the day off but that is about it from what i gather. if i am wrong about this, i will let you know. people think differently "way out west":):):) i saw a bumper sticker last year that read: Arizona, its a dry hate! it was on a pick up truck and the driver looked like a real red neck. that kinds of sums it up for some out here. on the other hand, there are some very liberal folks too. the preacher yesterday took a jab at ICE and the way it has been handling the border situation. thankfully a lot of churches, and not just RCC, have been stepping up to the plate to help out.
FROM SHAKOM JAN: You are so correct to call MLK Jr. Martin Luther's "namesake". His father, MLK Sr., changed both their names from Michael to reflect the deep regard he had for M.L. after studying Luther's theology of Grace! God has blessed us with all three of these men and their faithful proclamation!===JACK: I once asked a confirmation class who was the founder of the Lutheran Church. They believed that it was Martin Luther King. MLK Jr and Martin Marty were contemporaries of mine.,,the three of us beginning our ministries at about the same time.
FROM DR J: I like this one a lot!===JACK: I will not send out a Winning Words unless I like it (,,,sometimes, a lot.)
FROM BLAZING OAKS: I have been really impressed with MLK Jr.'s writing...He could preach,
as well!. Bill often quoted him in a sermon: I remember one analogy of his: "Like a boil that must be lanced and opened in all its ugliness, to the natural medicines of air and light, Injustice must be exposed to the light of human conscience before it can be cured." What a "picturesque way of phrasing this truth! He could really frame a phrase!===JACK: I seem to remember that the two of you were "marchers." What was that like?===OAKS: I wrote up that experience last year for Church Wo United. The throng of onlookers were very hateful, and even threw stones, sticks, urine, etc. at marchers. MLK was hit in the forehead with a stone (which we didn't know until afterward) leaving a bloody gash, and bringing him to his knees;someone threw a knife at him, which hit a catholic priest marching behind him. MLK said afterward that the people f the South needed to come to Chicago, to really learn how to hate! He called that march "The Selma of the North"...Quite disheartening to see and hear the racial diatribes!
Friday, January 18, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 1/18/10
“God enters by a private door into every individual.” (Emerson) I like the campfire song, ”He’s got His eye on you, He’s got His eye on you. My Lord, sittin’ in the Kingdom, He’s got His eye on you.” That’s a sobering (but also a comforting) thought…knowing that God is aware of “our situation,” and personally cares. “Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen” are the first words of a spiritual…followed by this assurance “Nobody knows but Jesus.” ;-) Jack
FROM EDUCATOR PAUL: I've always thought this line of thought was interesting. Not being sarcastic... really. To me it’s the premise of religion that “man” must have a “entity” that ...always has an eye on you....for a variety of purposes such as noticing when good and bad behavior occurs or that intervention occurs to help. Jean Piaget wrote about objective and subjective morality. I guess if an entity is needed for s person to do good deeds or be punished, that’s ok with me because the end behavior is what really matters.===JACK: It's a kind of anthropomorphism...giving human characteristics to help understand non-humans. God is sometimes shown as friendly or judging grandfather type. An eye (he sees); a pointing finger (he knows). Christians believe that Jesus is God, in human form, letting people know that he understands what it's like to be human and showing humans how to act in a Godly was. That's called, incarnation, God "in the flesh." I've probably written more than you want to read...and there's more... As a professor on mine once said,"You can't unscrew the inscrutable."
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: It’s scary to think God is watching every second. A lot of things we do we don’t want him to see....but he does see. What’s comforting is he loves all of us anyway! Even when he sees us talking smack, being very nasty to our loved ones, just being terrible to each other! And our thoughts, Boy that’s another thing! And he still died for us! Amazing Grace and Love!! ===JACK: "He sees you when you're sleeping. He knows when you're awake. He knows when you've been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake."
FROM HAWKEYE GEORGE: Out of over 7 BILLION people in the world, God knows each one intimately. (Mind blowing) ===JACK: ...even the non-Christians? Something for you to talk about at CBSF
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: How true that is.
“God enters by a private door into every individual.” (Emerson) I like the campfire song, ”He’s got His eye on you, He’s got His eye on you. My Lord, sittin’ in the Kingdom, He’s got His eye on you.” That’s a sobering (but also a comforting) thought…knowing that God is aware of “our situation,” and personally cares. “Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen” are the first words of a spiritual…followed by this assurance “Nobody knows but Jesus.” ;-) Jack
FROM EDUCATOR PAUL: I've always thought this line of thought was interesting. Not being sarcastic... really. To me it’s the premise of religion that “man” must have a “entity” that ...always has an eye on you....for a variety of purposes such as noticing when good and bad behavior occurs or that intervention occurs to help. Jean Piaget wrote about objective and subjective morality. I guess if an entity is needed for s person to do good deeds or be punished, that’s ok with me because the end behavior is what really matters.===JACK: It's a kind of anthropomorphism...giving human characteristics to help understand non-humans. God is sometimes shown as friendly or judging grandfather type. An eye (he sees); a pointing finger (he knows). Christians believe that Jesus is God, in human form, letting people know that he understands what it's like to be human and showing humans how to act in a Godly was. That's called, incarnation, God "in the flesh." I've probably written more than you want to read...and there's more... As a professor on mine once said,"You can't unscrew the inscrutable."
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: It’s scary to think God is watching every second. A lot of things we do we don’t want him to see....but he does see. What’s comforting is he loves all of us anyway! Even when he sees us talking smack, being very nasty to our loved ones, just being terrible to each other! And our thoughts, Boy that’s another thing! And he still died for us! Amazing Grace and Love!! ===JACK: "He sees you when you're sleeping. He knows when you're awake. He knows when you've been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake."
FROM HAWKEYE GEORGE: Out of over 7 BILLION people in the world, God knows each one intimately. (Mind blowing) ===JACK: ...even the non-Christians? Something for you to talk about at CBSF
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: How true that is.
Thursday, January 17, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 1/17/19
“He had myopia. The future lay before him, inevitable, but invisible.” (John Green) The news is out that our galaxy is scheduled to catastrophically collide with another galaxy…in 4 billion years. There’s a psychological truism, “Life goes better when we seek to control those things we can control, our conduct, our emotions, green-house gasses. The path of galaxies and potential collisions??? I sing with Doris Day, “Que sera, sera.” It’s all in God’s hands. ;-) Jack
FROM DR PHIL: Wow. This is one of your best quotes===JACK: Sometimes I see myself as the Holy Spirit's amanuensis...and sometimes, not!===PHIL: cum se cum sa ===JACK: Google says:
Neither good nor bad; so so; tolerable, passable, indifferent. The Bible says: " So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." (Rev 3:16)
FROM JF IN NOVA SCOTIA: I was half awake this morning with this thought (prompted by recent and I felt unfair negative letters to our editor on Nurse Practitioners (may be called Doctors' Assistants in US) The world needs a better person than me--but I am what it has, so I need to do the best I can.===JACK: I remember it being said of a person I knew..."He majored in minors." I like these words by James Truslow Adams..."There is so much good in the worst of us, and so much bad in the best of us, that it ill behooves any of us to find fault with the rest of us."
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Life is a bowl of cherries according to a song of old!===JACK: 1931 was when that song was released at the beginning of the Great Depression. Ironic, right?
“He had myopia. The future lay before him, inevitable, but invisible.” (John Green) The news is out that our galaxy is scheduled to catastrophically collide with another galaxy…in 4 billion years. There’s a psychological truism, “Life goes better when we seek to control those things we can control, our conduct, our emotions, green-house gasses. The path of galaxies and potential collisions??? I sing with Doris Day, “Que sera, sera.” It’s all in God’s hands. ;-) Jack
FROM DR PHIL: Wow. This is one of your best quotes===JACK: Sometimes I see myself as the Holy Spirit's amanuensis...and sometimes, not!===PHIL: cum se cum sa ===JACK: Google says:
Neither good nor bad; so so; tolerable, passable, indifferent. The Bible says: " So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." (Rev 3:16)
FROM JF IN NOVA SCOTIA: I was half awake this morning with this thought (prompted by recent and I felt unfair negative letters to our editor on Nurse Practitioners (may be called Doctors' Assistants in US) The world needs a better person than me--but I am what it has, so I need to do the best I can.===JACK: I remember it being said of a person I knew..."He majored in minors." I like these words by James Truslow Adams..."There is so much good in the worst of us, and so much bad in the best of us, that it ill behooves any of us to find fault with the rest of us."
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Life is a bowl of cherries according to a song of old!===JACK: 1931 was when that song was released at the beginning of the Great Depression. Ironic, right?
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 1/16/19
“What is permissible is not always honorable.” (Cicero) I wonder if Cicero’s mom ever said to him,. “Just because everybody jumps off of a cliff, does that mean you jump with them?” It’s important to learn good decision-making early in life. Knowing how to make good choices can dramatically affect our well-being…our friends, values, careers, work ethic. Sociologists refer to the herd mentality…”Everybody’s doing it!” More importantly: “What will you do?” ;-) Jack
FROM CH IN WB: Just wanted to say I really enjoy your winning words and let you know my dad always used that jumping off a cliff example. He was quite a strict father and I think I'm better for it. ===JACK: Blessed are those who have learned from others....How to make good choices. How do you learn to make good choices? Sometimes it's by making bad choices. "I'll never do that again!"
FROM BLAZING OAKS: As William Penn once said (and Bill quoted if on occasion) "Right is
right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it." I'm reading Michelle Obama's book " BECOMING" and she stresses how her mother always made them make their own decisions, trusting that they would do the honorable and right thing. Might not work in every family, but it did for her and her brother! Most of us know the right thing to do, and God does guide! Good to think about Cicero's quote!===JACK: Some people believe that we are born into a world as sinless beings. In a sense that is true, except that we are "conceived and born in sin (into a sinful words)." We already have two strikes against us, except for people (and situations) who happen to meet us along the way.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: We took the 3 little grandkids to their basketball practice. They had lessons one at a time do we were there 3 hours. Middle granddaughter Melanie kept asking us if she could go play in the hallway “because all of her friends were out there!” Well, we could hear the ruckus out there and knew it wasn’t the place for her. One of my questions to her was “If your friends jumped off a bridge would you?” And of course she said yes. So we (I) talked a little longer to set her in the correct path. She’s very intelligent and very loving so it’s very easy to correct her. But it’s funny how your quotes often hit right on spot.===JACK: Maybe you used the wrong illustration. To Melanie, jumping off of a bridge into water might sound like fun. Perhaps better... If all of your friends decided to throw their iPhones into the river, would you?===JUDY: You are correct! She would love jumping off a bridge!
FROM ST PAUL IN MESA: i am avoiding all cliffs today! thanks.===JACK: You'd make a bad leader for lemmings.===PAUL: i would just tell them to go on i will catch up with them later!
FROM SHALOM JAN: Long ago when WWJD was popular, I changed it to WWJHMD -- what would Jesus have me do? As you say, it's important to set values in place to live by, but also to ask what challenges the Lord might have for me to live outside of my comfort zone so that others may thrive.===JACK: Do you know why Cicero would never join "the crowd" in a wearing WWJD bracelet?
FROM DAZ IN CO: That is so applicable in our world today, but I guess if Cicero said it all those years ago, it was applicable then too. The more things change the more they are the same. ===JACK: Forgetting "politics," I'm distressed by the erosion of basic values in the world today... the acceptance of less than the best as being OK.===DAZ: We do our best and change things we can change and endure those we can’t.===JACK: ...and then let it go.
FROM GUSTIE MARLYS: AMEN to that!
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Yes life is all about making decisions each day! That is what makes it all so interesting!===JACK: Yes, interesting! but they can sometimes be distressing at the same time.
FROM OPT MV: I heard JFK’s mother Rose once said if it’s not illegal, it’s okay.===JACK: Even though prohibition has ended, there are some churches that still use grape juice for Communion.
FROM HONEST JOHN: "We have sinned against thee in thought, word, and deed...." Many things that I think, I believe, are probably not permissible in regard to the "thought" aspect of that confession......they certainly are not honorable....e.g. I despise the man sitting in the White House ===JACK: One of the "sins" is making judgment of others...but "word and deed" can be added to "thought" when it comes to the current White How. Now, I join of people who kneel and confess: "Forgive me, Lord, for I have sinned."
“What is permissible is not always honorable.” (Cicero) I wonder if Cicero’s mom ever said to him,. “Just because everybody jumps off of a cliff, does that mean you jump with them?” It’s important to learn good decision-making early in life. Knowing how to make good choices can dramatically affect our well-being…our friends, values, careers, work ethic. Sociologists refer to the herd mentality…”Everybody’s doing it!” More importantly: “What will you do?” ;-) Jack
FROM CH IN WB: Just wanted to say I really enjoy your winning words and let you know my dad always used that jumping off a cliff example. He was quite a strict father and I think I'm better for it. ===JACK: Blessed are those who have learned from others....How to make good choices. How do you learn to make good choices? Sometimes it's by making bad choices. "I'll never do that again!"
FROM BLAZING OAKS: As William Penn once said (and Bill quoted if on occasion) "Right is
right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it." I'm reading Michelle Obama's book " BECOMING" and she stresses how her mother always made them make their own decisions, trusting that they would do the honorable and right thing. Might not work in every family, but it did for her and her brother! Most of us know the right thing to do, and God does guide! Good to think about Cicero's quote!===JACK: Some people believe that we are born into a world as sinless beings. In a sense that is true, except that we are "conceived and born in sin (into a sinful words)." We already have two strikes against us, except for people (and situations) who happen to meet us along the way.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: We took the 3 little grandkids to their basketball practice. They had lessons one at a time do we were there 3 hours. Middle granddaughter Melanie kept asking us if she could go play in the hallway “because all of her friends were out there!” Well, we could hear the ruckus out there and knew it wasn’t the place for her. One of my questions to her was “If your friends jumped off a bridge would you?” And of course she said yes. So we (I) talked a little longer to set her in the correct path. She’s very intelligent and very loving so it’s very easy to correct her. But it’s funny how your quotes often hit right on spot.===JACK: Maybe you used the wrong illustration. To Melanie, jumping off of a bridge into water might sound like fun. Perhaps better... If all of your friends decided to throw their iPhones into the river, would you?===JUDY: You are correct! She would love jumping off a bridge!
FROM ST PAUL IN MESA: i am avoiding all cliffs today! thanks.===JACK: You'd make a bad leader for lemmings.===PAUL: i would just tell them to go on i will catch up with them later!
FROM SHALOM JAN: Long ago when WWJD was popular, I changed it to WWJHMD -- what would Jesus have me do? As you say, it's important to set values in place to live by, but also to ask what challenges the Lord might have for me to live outside of my comfort zone so that others may thrive.===JACK: Do you know why Cicero would never join "the crowd" in a wearing WWJD bracelet?
FROM DAZ IN CO: That is so applicable in our world today, but I guess if Cicero said it all those years ago, it was applicable then too. The more things change the more they are the same. ===JACK: Forgetting "politics," I'm distressed by the erosion of basic values in the world today... the acceptance of less than the best as being OK.===DAZ: We do our best and change things we can change and endure those we can’t.===JACK: ...and then let it go.
FROM GUSTIE MARLYS: AMEN to that!
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Yes life is all about making decisions each day! That is what makes it all so interesting!===JACK: Yes, interesting! but they can sometimes be distressing at the same time.
FROM OPT MV: I heard JFK’s mother Rose once said if it’s not illegal, it’s okay.===JACK: Even though prohibition has ended, there are some churches that still use grape juice for Communion.
FROM HONEST JOHN: "We have sinned against thee in thought, word, and deed...." Many things that I think, I believe, are probably not permissible in regard to the "thought" aspect of that confession......they certainly are not honorable....e.g. I despise the man sitting in the White House ===JACK: One of the "sins" is making judgment of others...but "word and deed" can be added to "thought" when it comes to the current White How. Now, I join of people who kneel and confess: "Forgive me, Lord, for I have sinned."
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 1/15/19
“Forever is composed of nows.” (Emily Dickinson) In my home there’s a grandfather clock that goes…tick tock, tick tock…each tick and tock representing the passing of time, a collection of nows, as Emily calls them. 31,536,000 seconds in a year… and only God can count the seconds in forever. ;-) Jack
FROM TAMPA SHIRL Time flies as we are living our lives!===JACK: Almost 74 years since we were classmates at MHS. Lots of water under the bridge....===SHIRL: WOWI! Where have all those years gone? We are all still here for a reason
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Ah, one of my top 5 poets. Helen Hayes played Emily in a one person play at the Fisher Theatre. It was absolutely awesome. I got a book of her poems when I was very young. Now is the time...it will be too late later. Our grandfather clock was destroyed in our Great Flood and never replaced. I do miss it. I bought it for Gary on our 10th anniversary out of grocery money I saved. I made payments until I had it paid off. Wow, that was 30 years ago. How time flies. Anyway, every minute is precious and should be lived to the fullest...just like Emily says! Have a special day today!===JACK: I wonder what poets "today's generation" will remember and quote,? Eminem. Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Ice Cube? Which one of those is your favorite? ===JUDY: Well, none of the above. While I do think they are all talented, I really don’t care for their poems.===JACK: You'd probably like The Beastie Boys, known as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
FROM SHALOM JAN: Ii love this idea, especially in times of trouble such as now with the federal government shut down. Luther said, "How soon 'not now' becomes never". Now is the time when strangers are helping strangers (in storms, in food pantries for those without paychecks, in local banks saying they'll defer mortgage payments) and now is the opportunity to be of service.. Thanks, Jack! ===JACK: There's an old saying..."This, too, will pass." That "thought" applies to situations and to people, too. God is forever.
FROM HONEST JOHN: God's realm is by definition outside of the space/time continuum.... therefore, "forever" does not translate to that situation.....leaves us helpless to explain the whole business of God "breaking into" our world....e.g. the Word became flesh and dwelt among us".....even Augustine couldn't peel through that one....if he couldn't, where does that leave me??? ===JACK: Wasn't it Luther who said that when he came to a portion of the Bible that he didn't understand, he'd just tip his hat and move on to something else? I do that with trying to understand space/time continuum.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: My class of '48, MHS, celebrated our 70th class reunion at a luncheon in MOline in September. Suppose it might be our last...unless some hale and hearty member plans
another one. We've met every 5 yrs. since graduation; used' to be a 3 day event! I too, have a grandfather clock that Bill made for my Christmas present one year. Beautiful and much cherished! The years seem to unroll faster and faster in our old age! I try to take advantage of every
"now", as long as health and strength hold out! Life is really precious! Good quote by Emily D. today. I would have LOVED to see that one woman show of her poetry!===JACK: As the events of life come upon us (especially the unexpected ones) we begin to appreciate the "nows" more and more.
“Forever is composed of nows.” (Emily Dickinson) In my home there’s a grandfather clock that goes…tick tock, tick tock…each tick and tock representing the passing of time, a collection of nows, as Emily calls them. 31,536,000 seconds in a year… and only God can count the seconds in forever. ;-) Jack
FROM TAMPA SHIRL Time flies as we are living our lives!===JACK: Almost 74 years since we were classmates at MHS. Lots of water under the bridge....===SHIRL: WOWI! Where have all those years gone? We are all still here for a reason
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Ah, one of my top 5 poets. Helen Hayes played Emily in a one person play at the Fisher Theatre. It was absolutely awesome. I got a book of her poems when I was very young. Now is the time...it will be too late later. Our grandfather clock was destroyed in our Great Flood and never replaced. I do miss it. I bought it for Gary on our 10th anniversary out of grocery money I saved. I made payments until I had it paid off. Wow, that was 30 years ago. How time flies. Anyway, every minute is precious and should be lived to the fullest...just like Emily says! Have a special day today!===JACK: I wonder what poets "today's generation" will remember and quote,? Eminem. Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Ice Cube? Which one of those is your favorite? ===JUDY: Well, none of the above. While I do think they are all talented, I really don’t care for their poems.===JACK: You'd probably like The Beastie Boys, known as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
FROM SHALOM JAN: Ii love this idea, especially in times of trouble such as now with the federal government shut down. Luther said, "How soon 'not now' becomes never". Now is the time when strangers are helping strangers (in storms, in food pantries for those without paychecks, in local banks saying they'll defer mortgage payments) and now is the opportunity to be of service.. Thanks, Jack! ===JACK: There's an old saying..."This, too, will pass." That "thought" applies to situations and to people, too. God is forever.
FROM HONEST JOHN: God's realm is by definition outside of the space/time continuum.... therefore, "forever" does not translate to that situation.....leaves us helpless to explain the whole business of God "breaking into" our world....e.g. the Word became flesh and dwelt among us".....even Augustine couldn't peel through that one....if he couldn't, where does that leave me??? ===JACK: Wasn't it Luther who said that when he came to a portion of the Bible that he didn't understand, he'd just tip his hat and move on to something else? I do that with trying to understand space/time continuum.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: My class of '48, MHS, celebrated our 70th class reunion at a luncheon in MOline in September. Suppose it might be our last...unless some hale and hearty member plans
another one. We've met every 5 yrs. since graduation; used' to be a 3 day event! I too, have a grandfather clock that Bill made for my Christmas present one year. Beautiful and much cherished! The years seem to unroll faster and faster in our old age! I try to take advantage of every
"now", as long as health and strength hold out! Life is really precious! Good quote by Emily D. today. I would have LOVED to see that one woman show of her poetry!===JACK: As the events of life come upon us (especially the unexpected ones) we begin to appreciate the "nows" more and more.
Monday, January 14, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 1/14/19
“If one sticks too rigidly to one’s principles, one would hardly see anybody.” (Agatha Christie) Agatha holds the record for the most copies sold of her books,,,over 2 billion…which means you’ve probably read one of them. A Christie book that intrigues me is called, The Lonely God. It’s about a god-like statue, tucked away on a museum shelf. Some lonely people seek help from this God who understands “loneliness.” What are you seeking from your God? ;-) Jack
FROM HAWKEYE GEORGE: Unearned Salvation. Just accept Him as Lord and Savior. ===JACK: You write that you are seeking "unearned" salvation, then follow it with "just accept." Not to disagree...why not say that what I am seeking salvation, and I am amazed that it the free gift of God...and not dependent on what I say or do. That's the basis of Luther's reformation message. "It is by grace that we are saved...not by our works." I'm not criticizing, but only pointing out the danger of making salvation dependent on what we say or do.
FROM SS IN MI: Good question, usually I am seeking peace.===JACK: There are different kinds of peace. Freedom from war; peace in a troubled mind or situation; peace from national strife. On Sunday, I heard someone say to another parishioner..."Pax vobiscum!" I don't know if that's still used in the Roman Catholic mass, but it's Latin, for "Peace be with you!"
FROM BS IN ENGLAND: I guess to walk along side me in all that I do and say!===JACK: Perhaps you've heard of this spiritual song...
I want Jesus to walk with me
I want Jesus to walk with me
All along my pilgrim journey
I want Jesus to walk with me
In my trial, Lord, walk with me
In my trials, Lord, walk with me
When the shades of life are falling
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me
In my sorrow, Lord walk with me
In my sorrows, Lord walk with me
When my heart is aching
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me
In my troubles, Lord walk with me
In my troubles, Lord walk with me
When my life becomes a burden,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me
FROM LBP: It’s taken me to my middle age to be ok boldly being “me.” The other day a friend was stressed out. I had been loving this new Christmas album I was listening to, so we had a spontaneous dance party in her office. We both laughed and got a little of that tension out. My kids think I’m odd but music makes me happy and sometimes you just need to tap or skip or jazz along ... even if it’s at Meijer ;)===JACK: I have a hard time imagining you as middle-aged...but I don't have trouble imagining spontaneously dancing in an office or anyplace else. I was in a church recently where dancers came down the aisle with candles to be placed on the Advent wreath. I don't think of you as being odd...just un-usual....in the best sense of the word.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Quite amazing that her books are still being bought and read! still think "Murder on the Orient Express" (1934!) is such a good one,and enjoyed the recent movie remake of it. "The Mirror Crack'd From Side to Side" in another intriguing one I remember (1964).
Involving a famous actress hosting a party in which a murder is committed. I enjoy reading in the mystery Genre, Not familiar with The Lonely God, but would guess it is fascinating read! right now I"m seeking the healing powers of God for my son who had a major heart attack, and watch care for my family! I know God watches over us! As Anne Lamott says, we only need two prayers: Help me, Help me, Help me, and Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! That about does it, doesn't it??
===JACK: As you pray and wait for healing, be assured that you are NOT alone. Family and friends pray and wait beside you...and be comforted by the Word(s) of God: "I will never leave you nor forsake you. "Our Father who art in heaven...Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven."
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Just to enjoy each day-especially since I am getting my stitches removed from my lip by the plastic surgeon!===JACK: I've heard of a surgeon who prays before any work that he does in the operating room.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: What I would need and what I would want are two different things. Our God has been very good to us but I could use strength, compassion and less anger.===JACK: I think that God can help with the strength and compassion. He might leave it to you with the anger control situation. Where there's a WILL, there's a way.
“If one sticks too rigidly to one’s principles, one would hardly see anybody.” (Agatha Christie) Agatha holds the record for the most copies sold of her books,,,over 2 billion…which means you’ve probably read one of them. A Christie book that intrigues me is called, The Lonely God. It’s about a god-like statue, tucked away on a museum shelf. Some lonely people seek help from this God who understands “loneliness.” What are you seeking from your God? ;-) Jack
FROM HAWKEYE GEORGE: Unearned Salvation. Just accept Him as Lord and Savior. ===JACK: You write that you are seeking "unearned" salvation, then follow it with "just accept." Not to disagree...why not say that what I am seeking salvation, and I am amazed that it the free gift of God...and not dependent on what I say or do. That's the basis of Luther's reformation message. "It is by grace that we are saved...not by our works." I'm not criticizing, but only pointing out the danger of making salvation dependent on what we say or do.
FROM SS IN MI: Good question, usually I am seeking peace.===JACK: There are different kinds of peace. Freedom from war; peace in a troubled mind or situation; peace from national strife. On Sunday, I heard someone say to another parishioner..."Pax vobiscum!" I don't know if that's still used in the Roman Catholic mass, but it's Latin, for "Peace be with you!"
FROM BS IN ENGLAND: I guess to walk along side me in all that I do and say!===JACK: Perhaps you've heard of this spiritual song...
I want Jesus to walk with me
I want Jesus to walk with me
All along my pilgrim journey
I want Jesus to walk with me
In my trial, Lord, walk with me
In my trials, Lord, walk with me
When the shades of life are falling
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me
In my sorrow, Lord walk with me
In my sorrows, Lord walk with me
When my heart is aching
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me
In my troubles, Lord walk with me
In my troubles, Lord walk with me
When my life becomes a burden,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me
FROM LBP: It’s taken me to my middle age to be ok boldly being “me.” The other day a friend was stressed out. I had been loving this new Christmas album I was listening to, so we had a spontaneous dance party in her office. We both laughed and got a little of that tension out. My kids think I’m odd but music makes me happy and sometimes you just need to tap or skip or jazz along ... even if it’s at Meijer ;)===JACK: I have a hard time imagining you as middle-aged...but I don't have trouble imagining spontaneously dancing in an office or anyplace else. I was in a church recently where dancers came down the aisle with candles to be placed on the Advent wreath. I don't think of you as being odd...just un-usual....in the best sense of the word.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Quite amazing that her books are still being bought and read! still think "Murder on the Orient Express" (1934!) is such a good one,and enjoyed the recent movie remake of it. "The Mirror Crack'd From Side to Side" in another intriguing one I remember (1964).
Involving a famous actress hosting a party in which a murder is committed. I enjoy reading in the mystery Genre, Not familiar with The Lonely God, but would guess it is fascinating read! right now I"m seeking the healing powers of God for my son who had a major heart attack, and watch care for my family! I know God watches over us! As Anne Lamott says, we only need two prayers: Help me, Help me, Help me, and Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! That about does it, doesn't it??
===JACK: As you pray and wait for healing, be assured that you are NOT alone. Family and friends pray and wait beside you...and be comforted by the Word(s) of God: "I will never leave you nor forsake you. "Our Father who art in heaven...Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven."
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Just to enjoy each day-especially since I am getting my stitches removed from my lip by the plastic surgeon!===JACK: I've heard of a surgeon who prays before any work that he does in the operating room.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: What I would need and what I would want are two different things. Our God has been very good to us but I could use strength, compassion and less anger.===JACK: I think that God can help with the strength and compassion. He might leave it to you with the anger control situation. Where there's a WILL, there's a way.
Friday, January 11, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 1/11/19
“Whoever gossips to you will gossip about you.” (Spanish Proverb) Martin Luther explained the commandment, “You shall not bear false witness,” by saying: “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. ... but defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest way,”or, in other words,..Don’t gossip!…Don’t be a blabbermouth! or a dirt-disher! but rather, deflect the negatives of the gossiper with positives about the gossipee. ;-) Jack
FROM HONEST JOHN: I love the term "gossippee"....it is a category that probably includes everyone who has ever lived!===JACK: I "like" the gossipers in the Music Man, Eulalie and her group of biddies.
“Whoever gossips to you will gossip about you.” (Spanish Proverb) Martin Luther explained the commandment, “You shall not bear false witness,” by saying: “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. ... but defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest way,”or, in other words,..Don’t gossip!…Don’t be a blabbermouth! or a dirt-disher! but rather, deflect the negatives of the gossiper with positives about the gossipee. ;-) Jack
FROM HONEST JOHN: I love the term "gossippee"....it is a category that probably includes everyone who has ever lived!===JACK: I "like" the gossipers in the Music Man, Eulalie and her group of biddies.
Music Man Pick-A-Little Ladies and Quartet - YouTube
Thursday, January 10, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 1/10/19
“I’d rather look ridiculous when everybody else does than plain and sensible all by myself.” (L.M. Montgomery--Anne of Green Gables) My father-in-law would often explain his actions by saying, “I am who I am.” That expression seems to have its origin from the Bible when God spoke to Moses out of the burning bush, referring to himself as, “I am.” “I Am” is God! I have a place in this world, because God has put me here for a reason. Ridiculous or sensible, I am who I am, because “I Am” has made a place for me. ;-) Jack
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: i am recklessly sensible at all costs.===JACK: Yes, it is possible to be reckless and sensible at the same time, just as it is possible to be cautious and foolish at the same time. Your choice is the better, IMO.
FROM SHALOM JAN: Also a saying of Popeye!===JACK: Popeye uses, “I yam what I yam” as a description of why he behaves in the manner in which he behaves. He’s saying that such behavior reflects his basic nature..
FROM ST PAUL IN MESA: a rather profound thought for today, Jack. thanks!===JACK: The profound thought is that...Wherever I am, I AM is with me.
FROM LBP: Try, “good morning” by Max Frost
Max Frost - Good Morning [Music Video] - YouTube
===JACK: I like it!
“I’d rather look ridiculous when everybody else does than plain and sensible all by myself.” (L.M. Montgomery--Anne of Green Gables) My father-in-law would often explain his actions by saying, “I am who I am.” That expression seems to have its origin from the Bible when God spoke to Moses out of the burning bush, referring to himself as, “I am.” “I Am” is God! I have a place in this world, because God has put me here for a reason. Ridiculous or sensible, I am who I am, because “I Am” has made a place for me. ;-) Jack
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: i am recklessly sensible at all costs.===JACK: Yes, it is possible to be reckless and sensible at the same time, just as it is possible to be cautious and foolish at the same time. Your choice is the better, IMO.
FROM SHALOM JAN: Also a saying of Popeye!===JACK: Popeye uses, “I yam what I yam” as a description of why he behaves in the manner in which he behaves. He’s saying that such behavior reflects his basic nature..
FROM ST PAUL IN MESA: a rather profound thought for today, Jack. thanks!===JACK: The profound thought is that...Wherever I am, I AM is with me.
FROM LBP: Try, “good morning” by Max Frost
Max Frost - Good Morning [Music Video] - YouTube
===JACK: I like it!
Wednesday, January 09, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 1/9/19
“Pobody’s nerfect!” (Eleanor Shellstrop--The Good Place TV Show) Many people believe that Heaven is where the good go after they die. Biblically speaking, Eleanor’s right, “There’s none righteous.” (Ps 53). So, going to Heaven isn’t of our own doing. It is by the grace of God, thru faith. If I were a seminary prof, I’d have my students watch The Good Place on Netflix; then write 100 times: “Pobody’s nerfect!” followed by “We are saved by Grace alone, not by works.” ;-) Jack
FROM JT IN SJ: I really liked this winning word ===JACK: Hou yave a bunny fone
.FROM HONEST JOHN: And that grace is a transforming grace...Rom. 13:2===JACK: "Change and decay all around, I see. O Thou who changest not, abide with me."
“Pobody’s nerfect!” (Eleanor Shellstrop--The Good Place TV Show) Many people believe that Heaven is where the good go after they die. Biblically speaking, Eleanor’s right, “There’s none righteous.” (Ps 53). So, going to Heaven isn’t of our own doing. It is by the grace of God, thru faith. If I were a seminary prof, I’d have my students watch The Good Place on Netflix; then write 100 times: “Pobody’s nerfect!” followed by “We are saved by Grace alone, not by works.” ;-) Jack
FROM JT IN SJ: I really liked this winning word ===JACK: Hou yave a bunny fone
.FROM HONEST JOHN: And that grace is a transforming grace...Rom. 13:2===JACK: "Change and decay all around, I see. O Thou who changest not, abide with me."
Monday, January 07, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 1/7/19
“Old rockin’ chair’s got me, my cane by my side. I ain’t goin’ nowhere, just sittin’ here grabbin’ at the flies.” (Hoagy Carmichael) Great Christmas cards this year! Beautiful pictures and messages…one even included “rocking chair exercises.” Yes, you don’t have to invest in a Boflex or NordicTrack. President JFK eased his back pain by a daily rocking chair routine. I’ve been told that another good exercise is to get down on your knees to pray. The hard part comes when you try to get up after the prayer. ;-) Jack
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: We love to rock. We both have Lazy Boy Rocker/Recliners. A hospice worker who helped with my mom told us they considered the rocker/recliners death chairs. Most elderly persons who died at home were in them. I would say they passed away comfortably. My mom lived in one for about 9 months. She loved her chair. As for kneeling, haven’t done that in years....but I would if I could! There’s something about kneeling and praying that is special. But God hears them whether you’re kneeling or not! Thank you God!===JACK: My Methodist pastor friend has a license plate that reads...GOD ROX.
FROM VK IN MI: Love all ur messages. Start the day with them. Ur message of today is perfect for “seniors “. Hope all is going well with you ===JACK: Back pain is a pain at whatever age. JFK was in his mid-40s when he used rocking chair therapy.
“Old rockin’ chair’s got me, my cane by my side. I ain’t goin’ nowhere, just sittin’ here grabbin’ at the flies.” (Hoagy Carmichael) Great Christmas cards this year! Beautiful pictures and messages…one even included “rocking chair exercises.” Yes, you don’t have to invest in a Boflex or NordicTrack. President JFK eased his back pain by a daily rocking chair routine. I’ve been told that another good exercise is to get down on your knees to pray. The hard part comes when you try to get up after the prayer. ;-) Jack
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: We love to rock. We both have Lazy Boy Rocker/Recliners. A hospice worker who helped with my mom told us they considered the rocker/recliners death chairs. Most elderly persons who died at home were in them. I would say they passed away comfortably. My mom lived in one for about 9 months. She loved her chair. As for kneeling, haven’t done that in years....but I would if I could! There’s something about kneeling and praying that is special. But God hears them whether you’re kneeling or not! Thank you God!===JACK: My Methodist pastor friend has a license plate that reads...GOD ROX.
FROM VK IN MI: Love all ur messages. Start the day with them. Ur message of today is perfect for “seniors “. Hope all is going well with you ===JACK: Back pain is a pain at whatever age. JFK was in his mid-40s when he used rocking chair therapy.
Friday, January 04, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 1/4/19
“Good friends, good books and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.” (Mark Twain)
What’s your idea of the ideal life? Did Mark forget to include good health, plenty of money and a warm climate? Or, maybe he thought that friends, books and a calm mind counted more! Try this out on some friends today. “What’s your idea of the ideal life?” Any surprises? ;-) Jack
FROM HONEST JOHN: To know that you are loved...all else falls in place if that is true... ===JACK: Mark Twain was married to his wife, Olivia. for 34 years, until she died. How long have you been married?===JOHN: We have been married for over 45 years...I made it to 34 before I got married...I have been lucky to have been loved for all my life...by someone(s). Of course, the Love of God is the ultimate for life
FROM QUILTING CAROL: I truthfully don’t believe there is an ideal life as our lives are so complicated these days. Maybe in bygone eras people could sit on their porches and visit with neighbors or one another; find time to play games in the evening. I think we need to learn to make time for our spouse, our children, grandchildren, extended family and friends. To find time to listen to one another, share thoughts and dreams…when do you hear of people talking about their dreams anymore? We all run around in our little circles of life trying to stay ahead of ‘something’. I’d love to sit and read good books, do handwork or visit with a family member or friend, but find myself trying to stick to a schedule to stay ahead of what might pop up that needs doing. Wishing you your ideal day!===JACK: OK, you've listed some frustrating negatives...Now, look back over the past year and name the blessed times that you've spent with husband, children, grandchildren, friends and even strangers. Knowing you...there have been those times. You always seem to make time for those you love. Ideal doesn't necessarily mean, perfect!===QC: Yes, there are the positives – quilt retreats with friends, camp with two youngest grandsons in the summer, trip around Lake Superior with Bob this fall, helping our oldest granddaughter make a quilt for her other grandpa as a surprise, spending weekends with our kids, family holiday dinners, the joys of hearing our youngest granddaughter talk about her first teaching position…and some of the bad things that happen with it, hearing the joy in our oldest granddaughter’s voice telling me she got a new job in Duluth and would be moving soon. I guess I shouldn’t forget the wonderful times, but I guess that I wish there would be more of them! You mean I can’t have a perfect life???? HA! Thanks for straightening me out once again!
===JACK: When your cup overfloweth, maybe it’s time to say, “That’s enough!” But. That doesn’t seem to be your nature, nor mine.
FROM PASTY PAT: New Year's blessings, Pastor Freed --- and thank you for another year of WW. It's one of my "touchstones" when I'm wandering about the world. 2018's travels included a Habitat Build in Portugal, a mission trip to Uganda, and of course the olive harvest in Palestine. Re Mark Twain, I guess I'd substitute "doing some good" or something similar for "a quiet conscience". I'd hate to think I just took up space and used up oxygen and resources while I was here. But I'm having every-other- Sat. coffee with friends today and will ask the question.😊===JACK: I seem to remember when you made your first trip to Palestine...and what a satisfying adventure it was! A lot of water has gone under the bridge since that time. You have no sleepy conscience, that's for sure!
===PAT: Yes --- no one has been more surprised than I at the ensuing chapters.===JACK: Amazing things start to happen when God gets involved with your life.
FROM JT IN SJ: Loved your ww for today Any surprises??? You tell me!!! A very very good surprise!😍===JACK: Last evening daughter J was backing out of the driveway and noticed a lady on the ground two houses down. She drove over to see what was wrong. The woman had slipped on the ice, fallen and couldn't get up. After checking to see if everything was OK, J helped her to her feet, gave her a hug and drove off.===JT: NI CE. A Good Samaritan!!===JACK: Yes, the Good Sam in 21st century garb!
FROM BLAZING OAKS: I agree that good health and enough money to live comfortably are
essential to enjoying life. Good books, love of family and friends and work to do to make a slight difference in your little corner of the world also are so needed. We all have made our peace
perhaps in not expecting life to be Perfect...but I'd have to say mine is blessed in many ways!!! So thankful. Happy New Year, Jack, to life "as it is"!!===JACK: Being able to "move on" is essential, too.
“Good friends, good books and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.” (Mark Twain)
What’s your idea of the ideal life? Did Mark forget to include good health, plenty of money and a warm climate? Or, maybe he thought that friends, books and a calm mind counted more! Try this out on some friends today. “What’s your idea of the ideal life?” Any surprises? ;-) Jack
FROM HONEST JOHN: To know that you are loved...all else falls in place if that is true... ===JACK: Mark Twain was married to his wife, Olivia. for 34 years, until she died. How long have you been married?===JOHN: We have been married for over 45 years...I made it to 34 before I got married...I have been lucky to have been loved for all my life...by someone(s). Of course, the Love of God is the ultimate for life
FROM QUILTING CAROL: I truthfully don’t believe there is an ideal life as our lives are so complicated these days. Maybe in bygone eras people could sit on their porches and visit with neighbors or one another; find time to play games in the evening. I think we need to learn to make time for our spouse, our children, grandchildren, extended family and friends. To find time to listen to one another, share thoughts and dreams…when do you hear of people talking about their dreams anymore? We all run around in our little circles of life trying to stay ahead of ‘something’. I’d love to sit and read good books, do handwork or visit with a family member or friend, but find myself trying to stick to a schedule to stay ahead of what might pop up that needs doing. Wishing you your ideal day!===JACK: OK, you've listed some frustrating negatives...Now, look back over the past year and name the blessed times that you've spent with husband, children, grandchildren, friends and even strangers. Knowing you...there have been those times. You always seem to make time for those you love. Ideal doesn't necessarily mean, perfect!===QC: Yes, there are the positives – quilt retreats with friends, camp with two youngest grandsons in the summer, trip around Lake Superior with Bob this fall, helping our oldest granddaughter make a quilt for her other grandpa as a surprise, spending weekends with our kids, family holiday dinners, the joys of hearing our youngest granddaughter talk about her first teaching position…and some of the bad things that happen with it, hearing the joy in our oldest granddaughter’s voice telling me she got a new job in Duluth and would be moving soon. I guess I shouldn’t forget the wonderful times, but I guess that I wish there would be more of them! You mean I can’t have a perfect life???? HA! Thanks for straightening me out once again!
===JACK: When your cup overfloweth, maybe it’s time to say, “That’s enough!” But. That doesn’t seem to be your nature, nor mine.
FROM PASTY PAT: New Year's blessings, Pastor Freed --- and thank you for another year of WW. It's one of my "touchstones" when I'm wandering about the world. 2018's travels included a Habitat Build in Portugal, a mission trip to Uganda, and of course the olive harvest in Palestine. Re Mark Twain, I guess I'd substitute "doing some good" or something similar for "a quiet conscience". I'd hate to think I just took up space and used up oxygen and resources while I was here. But I'm having every-other- Sat. coffee with friends today and will ask the question.😊===JACK: I seem to remember when you made your first trip to Palestine...and what a satisfying adventure it was! A lot of water has gone under the bridge since that time. You have no sleepy conscience, that's for sure!
===PAT: Yes --- no one has been more surprised than I at the ensuing chapters.===JACK: Amazing things start to happen when God gets involved with your life.
FROM JT IN SJ: Loved your ww for today Any surprises??? You tell me!!! A very very good surprise!😍===JACK: Last evening daughter J was backing out of the driveway and noticed a lady on the ground two houses down. She drove over to see what was wrong. The woman had slipped on the ice, fallen and couldn't get up. After checking to see if everything was OK, J helped her to her feet, gave her a hug and drove off.===JT: NI CE. A Good Samaritan!!===JACK: Yes, the Good Sam in 21st century garb!
FROM BLAZING OAKS: I agree that good health and enough money to live comfortably are
essential to enjoying life. Good books, love of family and friends and work to do to make a slight difference in your little corner of the world also are so needed. We all have made our peace
perhaps in not expecting life to be Perfect...but I'd have to say mine is blessed in many ways!!! So thankful. Happy New Year, Jack, to life "as it is"!!===JACK: Being able to "move on" is essential, too.
Thursday, January 03, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 1/3/19
“I haven’t got the slightest idea how to change people, but I still keep a long list of prospective candidates just in case I should figure it out.” (David Sedaris) I first heard of Sedaris on NPR. Funny man! He had trouble getting thru various colleges; yet, he was asked to be Princeton’s commencement speaker.. Today’s WWs show the edge of his humor. You might know some “smart” people who don’t necessarily have a fancy degree after their name. ;-) Jack
FROM PRAW: thanks for each of your messages...you are smart and you do have a few degrees after your name.Blessings to you.===JACK: You have the same letters after your name.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Imagine that...a list of people to change! I love it and I have a long list too! Funny!!!===JUDY: Some think that people who has a fascination for privies are funny, too!
FROM DAZ IN CO: There are some smart people and then there are also some educated people with fancy degrees after their names.===JACK: I'm glad for the experience of working in a factory where I met some very smart people who learned a lot at the College of Hard Knox.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: The quirky Sedaris has also written some books; He can get his points
across with humor. As we get older, I think changing ourselves is about all we can handle! :-) ===JACK: Yes, self change is not easy!
“I haven’t got the slightest idea how to change people, but I still keep a long list of prospective candidates just in case I should figure it out.” (David Sedaris) I first heard of Sedaris on NPR. Funny man! He had trouble getting thru various colleges; yet, he was asked to be Princeton’s commencement speaker.. Today’s WWs show the edge of his humor. You might know some “smart” people who don’t necessarily have a fancy degree after their name. ;-) Jack
FROM PRAW: thanks for each of your messages...you are smart and you do have a few degrees after your name.Blessings to you.===JACK: You have the same letters after your name.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Imagine that...a list of people to change! I love it and I have a long list too! Funny!!!===JUDY: Some think that people who has a fascination for privies are funny, too!
FROM DAZ IN CO: There are some smart people and then there are also some educated people with fancy degrees after their names.===JACK: I'm glad for the experience of working in a factory where I met some very smart people who learned a lot at the College of Hard Knox.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: The quirky Sedaris has also written some books; He can get his points
across with humor. As we get older, I think changing ourselves is about all we can handle! :-) ===JACK: Yes, self change is not easy!
Wednesday, January 02, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 1/2/19
“New Year’s Resolutions; why we fail in Detroit.” (Patch Newsletter) San Francisco comes out 1st in a “success rate” of keeping “resolutions.” Detroit is 178. Various factors account for this. Kinds of food available is one. Debt affects diet; so does unemployment, smoking and heavy drinking. No matter the city, resolutions can be kept with a desire for a new life-style. “I will exercise daily and eat healthy for 45 days!” Adding a time-line leads to a pattern. ;-) Jack
“New Year’s Resolutions; why we fail in Detroit.” (Patch Newsletter) San Francisco comes out 1st in a “success rate” of keeping “resolutions.” Detroit is 178. Various factors account for this. Kinds of food available is one. Debt affects diet; so does unemployment, smoking and heavy drinking. No matter the city, resolutions can be kept with a desire for a new life-style. “I will exercise daily and eat healthy for 45 days!” Adding a time-line leads to a pattern. ;-) Jack
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