Jack’s Winning Words 9/30/19
“Good men must not obey the laws too well.”  (Emerson)  Some high school kids were waving signs.  I jumped to a conclusion…“What are they protesting?” They were simply selling mums for a football game.  Have you ever been part of a group waving signs?  What do you think about protesters?  Some famous law-breakers you might know are: Thoreau, Gandhi, Bonhoeffer, M.L. King and Jesus.  In Jesus’ case, the penalty for protesting was crucifixion.   ;-)  Jack

FROM EDUCATOR PAUL:  Profound...What is your opinion regarding violent protesting? ===JACK:  I think that the Thoreau protest was against President Polk. That's worth reading about and comparing to the current situation.  Gandhi is also worth a reread, showing how a "meekness" response discombobulates those with "strength."  I guess the example that most people would relate to are the Martin Luther King Jr marches.  Most violent people wish for a violent response, and when they don't get one, they can't understand.  That's the "Jesus message."  Having said this, there are such things as violent responses called, wars.===PAUL:  Another worthy discussion!===JACK:  When it comes to what's right and what's wrong (ethically and religiously), the discussion is unending.

FROM WALMART REV:  An interesting Scripture to ponder this morning-- "For the law of the Spirit of life has set you^[a] free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:2 English Standard Version). Good Morning, Jack!! 0;-)===JACK:  The LAW OF THE BIBLE and  The LAW OF THE LAND are not necessarily the same thing.  So, what does it mean when a President places  his hand on a Bible and swears to uphold the laws of the land?===REV:  It seems the Bible and Constitution of the United States nowadays has many of its "sworn upholders" in a questionable state of relevancy...enough for a constant debate being portrayed with interesting theatrics on the home front and even before the world to see played out!? 0;-)===JACK:  It disturbs me that some Evangelicals are choosing politics over the teachings of Jesus.  But, that's just my observation. ===REV:  Don’t be too hard on those Evangelical Lutherans in this regard...slim pickings on both side of the aisles nowadays, spouting out their platforms for media coverage...I feel like a pawn out on the front lines pastoring love, grace and forgiveness. Even though, come quickly Lord Jesus!! 0;-) ===JACK:  I'm referring to the Evangelical Right (although there are some Lutherans who need to learn to practice what Jesus preached).  Justifying anti-Jesus behavior by saying that "the other side" does it, too, is not a justification.

FROM HUNGRY HOWIE:  1. I protested the Vietnam war  2. How do you feel?===JACK:  I was a "protester" from afar, so I don't put myself in the same category as you and the others.  It was unfortunate that the protest was seen as being against the soldiers in Viet Nam instead of being against only those who were directing the war.  The Kent State shootings became a wake-up call.  THERE IS A COST TO PROTESTING.  It is one thing to be an idealist.  It's another thing to be willing to pay the cost of being an idealist.  Did you think that you might have to pay that cost? ===HH:  I never thought that I would be shot at by our own soldiers  I never thought that I could be killed. I never factored that into my decision to protest  I did consider that i could be arrested and was willing to take that risk  Many lost there lives fighting for labor equity ( hunger strike massacre in 1931) civil rights and as you noted Vietnam. When a country uses violence against its own people it seems that the officials are not able or unwilling to separate the treasonous rebels from the legitimate protesters  What would you have done about the weathermen ( in the 60’s) advocating violent protests or the Black panthers advocating violence. Is there a difference between them and the right wing racists operating now. What is the proper response?.===JACK:  "Ah, there's the rub," as written by Shakespeare in "Hamlet."  There's the difficulty...to know what's right and what's wrong, and to be willing to choose the right.  There's a risk in choosing to stand up for what you think is right.

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  the law against thinking you’re a prophet?==JACK:  "The authorities" believed that Jesus was a false prophet, and so he was treated as one.  Sometimes the one who loses to "the law" turns out to be the winner.  To stand up for what you think is right means that you choose to pay the consequences.  I see you as that kind of person.===LIZ:  i am learning more abt bible, hit and miss. i do not read it, at this point, but i would do ok on jeopardy.  now that i know it is the same story from different viewpoints. my mom, an episcopalian, said it is not to be taken literally... it’s interesting, at any rate.  i am, thanks. you, too, i suspect... 👍🏻===JACK:  IMO, you have learned an important lesson...the Bible is not always meant to be read  literally.  Beyond that, who do you choose as your interpreter?  Who do you trust to give you scholarly advice?  I am comfortable in who I have chosen, knowing that I may be wrong, but I've chosen, using the best knowledge at hand.  I hope that it happens that way for you, too.===LIZ:  i just read what crosses my path... tho i get our daily bread via email, and a notre dame alumni group daily gospel blog thing.  jesus seems like a humorless crab===JACK:  Give me an example of Jesus as a humorless crab."

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  Margaret and our daughters and granddaughters have all made placards and marched in demonstrations in the last few years.   anti-Trump,   pro women's rights,  anti- poverty, etc.===JACK:  There are protest for and protests against.  "Your girls" seem to be doing both.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Bill and I marched with Dr.King for "Fair and more Open Housing,

in the Chicago area, and certainly saw the ugly side of those on the  sidelines who didn't agree with us! My daughter has marched 2X in the Women's March in Chicago. She said it was empowering to see such a mass of women taking some positive action to get  their voices heard and hopefully it has had an impact. It was dangerous to be marching and protesting with Dr.King, and some did pay with their lives, but it got laws changed eventually which has made a difference in countless lives. Still a long way to go!!===JACK:  Bonhoeffer wrote The COST of Discipleship.  He might have written, The COST of Protesting.  For him, it was a cell and hanging.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  We waved signs for car washes, signs to cheer our teams on and signs to stop abortion.  People are still dying for Jesus...all around the world there are people who are persecuted because they follow Him. ===JACK:  There are risks involved in being a protester.  Sometimes protesters of the protesters can have a violent response.

FROM BB IN CHGO:  What’s your opinion on Greta Thunberg and the student climate awareness activists.  I love her sense of passion and commitment.  It stands in stark contrast with our elected officials.===JACK:  I don't know enough about Greta now to form an opinion.  But, I do believe that she and student protester have a right and duty to speak out (protest) about the dangers of global warming.  It's their world, too!  "Free Speech" is part of our American heritage.

FROM PROUD MARY:  i believe that protesting is our right. i have been involved in many a protest and march. (i know this surprises you!) it's interesting to meet others with the same passion for a cause. i have, thankfully, never been involved in a protest gone bad. we shall overcome.===JACK: Protests in America are as old as the Revolution.  One that I was involved in was a protest against turning the local theater into a porno movie place.  Finally it was torn down, and a Rite-Aid drug store replaced it. 

Jack’s Winning Words 9/27/19
“Just as we outgrow a pair of trousers, we outgrow acquaintances, libraries, principles, etc, at times, before they’re worn out…and worst of all, before we have new ones.”  (Georg Lichtenberg)  Yes, I’ve outgrown some old clothes…and what else?  St Paul wrote:  “When I was a child I thought, reasoned and acted like a child, but when I became an adult I put away childish things.”  The old served me well….but as I’ve grown I’ve made new friends, read new books and broadened my theology.  Growing means change…hopefully for the better.   ;-)  Jack

FROM HONEST JOHN:  Let me say a good thing about social media....it helps you stay in touch with old friends....I was just home to East Moline....stayed in the new Hyatt Place ...where the IH factory used to be.   Impressive.    Could look out on my old hometown.....where my Grandpa was one of the first citizens....and my Dad was mayor.....kind of neat.   I have stayed in touch....really renewed acquaintance with some friends there thru Facebook.....saw a tennis practice while I was there ...took a tour of Augustana.....with Kai Swanson, Richard Swanson’s son....terrific young man.     Loved it.   Saw new Hanson Hall of Science.    Bob Hanson was our neighbor when he grew up.    His parents played bridge with my folks.    A great time.   Peace===JACK:  Congratulations to you as one who  has not outgrown one of the places where he grew up.  EAST Moline  was looked down upon by some, but you saw it as home"!   "Home is where the heart is!" ===JOHN:  East Moline is a bit dumpy.    I loved it.    My Grandpa had a small factory there....The EM Sash and Door Works.    My Dad owned the Feed Mill....held patents on his own feeds and milled Them there.   My mother was a teacher there and later on the School Board.   (First woman) And later on the State School Board.    Lots of roots there.   Cheered for the Panthers and played Football and tennis.    I had good teachers.    My sister still lives there as do my nephew and niece.I get home about once a year and feel a strong nostalgia each time.   I still bleed a bit of Orange And Black! ===JACK:  Did your sister choose EM on purpose...to carry on a heritage?  If so, good for her! 

FROM LBP:   The hardest part of moving was leaving my community behind. As much as my heart has ached, my bandwidth is only able to take in the new local community and can’t hold on to all the old connections ===JACK:  Here's a thought...You moved from community to community as you were also moving from one age to another.  When you were on "the farm" you lived among friends.  Now that you're a part-timer in your new "digs" you have, in a sense, part-time friends. As time goes by, experience shows that the new will become just another page in the memory book.===LBP:  I like that analogy of the memory book. I wonder if some of my emotion is not wanting to forget. ===JACK:  My sister and I love sharing memories from our past.  Is it the same with you and your sister?

FROM TAMPA SHIRL:  Some of the old things are treasures though!===JACK:  Are you implying that you and I are treasures?

FROM ME IN NEWPORT BEACH:  And you have done very well at, and by, that.===JACK:  I've become more and more of a positive thinker, looking good outcomes in bad situations.

FROM KF IN WB:  agree..........  always be growing!===JACK:  I like expanding....I've always had a circle of friends.  But my circle can always expand to include someone new..

Jack's Winning Words 9/26/19 “Do not worry about being worried.  Difficult, but not impossible.”  (Johnny Appleseed)  It’s Johnny Appleseed Day today!  Johnny is known for establishing apple orchards in the mid-west.  He went around in ragged clothes, barefoot and wearing a tin hat, planting apple seeds.  He was also a missionary for his church.  My community was once known for its many apple orchards.  I wonder if Johnny passed through here?  Let’s all eat an apple today to honor him!   ;-)  Jack FROM SHALOM JAN:  I preceded Johnny Appleseed Day by a few hours by having one of my favorite meals last evening: apples, sweet potatoes, and pork chops.  Yum!  Since my favorite apple, Gala, was produced long after Johnny's time on earth, maybe that doesn't count toward honoring him, though, in my book, he's a Person of Note in North American history.  :-) ===JACK:  I used to call Delicious my favorite, but now that I've become older, I like those that are tart.  Is MacIntosh one of those?===JAN:  I think Macs are some of the oldest and favorites for all purposes.  They say that when you bake an apple pie you should mix tart, like Granny Smith, with sweet, like Golden Delicious, for the best flavor.===JACK:  Did you ever go on a blind date and say: "He may have been the apple of his mother's eye, but he wasn't apeeling to me."===JAN:  Ewwww!  No!  Puns aren't punny! FROM JLF:  I ate my apple!===JACK:  What kind was it?  No matter...you celebrated the day. FROM KF:  I’m an “apple a day “ person. I believe it keeps the doctor away!===JACK:  It seems to be working.  You're another year older. FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  i like Max Lacado's phrase.  " we know how many seeds are in an apple but only God knows how many apples are in a seed"..===JACK:  I've used that saying, too.  Only I quoted Schuller.  I wonder if it's in the Bible? FROM HAWKEYE GEORGE:  Excellent! FROM SHARIN' SHARON:  Wouldn't it be interesting if your apple traced its heritage back to one of Johnny's seeds. FROM WALMART REV:  ... it just may keep the doctor away!?!?  Good Morning, Jack!! 0;-) ===JACK:  Are those old adages really true?===REV:Not sure: but they sure made an impact on our memory?! 0;-) FROM TAMPA SHIRL:  When our children were little we saw a wonderful movie about Johnny Appleseed at the Moline public library! Wasn’t that a great library?===JACK:  Do remember whose name was over the front door of the library building? FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  There are still apple trees out there he planted!  Amazing! ===JACK:  It would be even more amazing if one of Johnny's ancestor trees was growing on your farm.

Jack’s Winning Words 9/25/19
“Fix the problem, not the blame.”  (Unknown)  It’s a game where nobody wins and everybody loses…the Blame Game.  The more you play, the more you lose…like going to the casino.  Comedian Flip Wilson found a way to win with his catch phrase: “The devil made me do it.”  Who can argue with that?  You’ve probably heard the Blame Game during a football game.  “If the refs hadn’t missed the call…”  Have you heard this song? “Blame it on the media!”   ;-)  Jack

FROM LBP:  It’s hard to take responsibility when things go wrong. And blame has that negative connotation — bad consequence, bad person. You don’t blame someone for success. But I can attribute success to someone’s actions.  What if instead of the blame game we play the attribution game? Then accept the responsibility need not always be a bad thing. And while we are at it, we can remember to judge the action not the person. I attribute that tidbit to the latest parenting literature. :) ===JACK:  When I was a youngster a German immigrant family with three children joined our church.  As time passed, the children grew and became "successful"...a grocer, a nurse and a doctor.  One Sunday the father stood up in church and said that he "blamed" church for what his children had become.  Some people were puzzled by that use of "blame," but I never forgot that father giving thanks for how the church helped his family.

FROM WALMART REV:  Seems like there's plenty to throw around in Washington nowadays! I've read somewhere, "A house divided will fall!" and "All the king's horses and all the king's men couldn't put Humpty together again!?" Enjoy you day, Jack! Great hearing from you each morning ===JACK:  I long for an America where bi-partisonship was more than just a word.  "My way is the only way!" really disturbs me.  Just think that might work in your marriage, or any marriage.

FROM GOOD DEBT JON:  Baseball, apple pie, and ‘blame-today.’  For the less fortunate this is the ever deeper and wider loop of futility they choose (it is a choice).  I lived in the loop for many years. Perspective saved my life. “Without the emotional shock absorber of perspective, we feel only pain—and pain that persists is suffering.” David J. Lieberman, PhD.  Perhaps all roads out of Reality City lead to Despair and suffering.  And the easiest thing to do is blame, it offers immediate (albeit week and temporary ) relief.  I’m the way I am because of ____________ and ___________.   Of course if you escape the blame cycle you need to have compassion, not everyone is ready for the solid food of reality.  Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional. ===JACK:  I heard of a man was given a spinal anesthetic to numb he is lower body for surgery.  By mistake his upper body was "put to sleep" and the operation continued on the lower body.  He could feel, but not communicate his pain.  Some people are unable to express their pain to others in words that can be understood.

FROM GOPHER LYNN:  I like this one.===JACK:  Sometimes you have to live it to understand it.: 

Jack’s Winning Words 9/24/19 “Let us be thankful to the mirror for revealing to us our appearance only.”  (Samuel Butler)  Oooh! That’s scary…a mirror that shows our thoughts and feelings.  Usually I try to mask them in front of others.  The song goes, “Laughing on the outside and crying on the inside.”  God made us in such a way that we don’t have to let everyone know everything.  Maybe that’s what close friends are for.  A friend is someone who knows all about you and still likes you.  ;-)  Jack FROM TAMPA SHIRL:  I have been blessed with many good friends through all these years! ===JACK:  Sometimes good friends can be mirrors. FROM NORM'S BLOG:  Can you imagine how we all might look if the mirror reflected what is in our minds and hearts? Would that be an ugly image, filled with fears, anxieties, distrust, hate, bigotry and other things that we try not to let the world see? Perhaps, it would be the image of a loving, caring, intelligent and inquisitive person who is too timid to act upon or show those feelings. In all likelihood, it might look a bit like the cartoon characterizations of people with a devil on one shoulder and an angel; on the other. There seems to be a little of both in most people, with most able to keep the devil at bay, in public at least. That is sometimes called “being politically correct”.===JACK:  Maybe we should keep a carnival mirror around the house so that we can maintain our sense of humor. FROM BLAZING OAKS:  AMEN to that! If you have a handful of really close and trusted "confidants" during a lifetime, you are blessed!  Mirror, mirror on the wall, keep our secrets, one and all!  I'm an extrovert on the outside, but a private person on the inside!===JACK:  I never knew that there were two Mars...just as there are two Jacks. FROM SUM:  This is you! Strength, peace and joy!===JACK:  We each have our mirrors, don't we?  That's causes me to think...Does my mirror show the real me? FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  It’s the old devil on one shoulder and angel on the other.  That’s what would sho up on my mirror!  Perhaps they would be battling!===JACK:  With the devil on one shoulder and the angel on the other, the battle takes place in the head.  That's where many battles between right and wrong take place. FROM BB IN CHGO:  Thanks for the great thoughts for reflection again today. Wow!===JACK:  Is the mirror a friend or enemy for the Playboy Bunny? FROM LBP:  Sometimes a good friend can be the non-physical mirror, especially when your self perception gets skewed===JACK:  When people publicly or privately say nice things about us, it lifts our spirits...at least it does for me?  Does it help you? FROM GOOD DEBT JON:  Samuel Butler (4 December 1835 – 18 June 1902) oddly many of my favorite writers spanned the 19th and 20th Century (Marden 1851 to 1925-70 books). Very much love this WW.  A mirror that showed our heart, fears, prejudices, motives, and even our love; perhaps would be too revealing. It has been said, “If you squeeze an orange you will get orange juice.” What do we get when we are squeezed?  The theory can only be whatever is inside comes out.  I love my complicated design, often I can tamp down my initial (too rash response) and gain a little perspective before speaking or wisely not comment at all.  Have a great day sir.===JACK:  You have been a great mirror for me.  Thanks for your encouragement and constructive comments.  I'm especially thankful for the unexpected book.  It gave personal validation for my daily blog. ===JON:    Excellent illustration, sir!  BTW, The joy (of the unexpected book) was mine. Turns out a bit of givin' is good for my old soul. Kindest regards

Jack’s Winning Words 9/23/19
“The aim of education is the knowledge, not of facts, but of values.”  (William Inge)  I used to think that it would be good for schools to have a course in “Basic Values.”  Now, I’m not so sure.  Whose values?  What teacher?  In reality, values are already being taught by the teacher’s appearance, choice of words, causes supported.  I guess that if you want a system of values for your child, it begins in the home.  My life was guided by that.  How about you?   ;-)  Jack 

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  values are more often caught, rather than taught===JACK:  We didn't always appreciate the "values lectures" at the time.  Retrospect is a good memory jogger.

FROM SF IN WB:  ‘Values Clarification’ programs were a big push in the schools in the 70’s. It became controversial and was eventually tanked. It was some good stuff, but really belonged at home. The modeling, reinforcement, making good choices, taking responsibility for one’s actions... that was all of our jobs. Parents, teachers, clergy...all adults in a kid’s life.===JACK:  I think that there has been an increase in diversity since the 70s.  ...and diversity in family values, too.  One size does not fit all any longer.  One thing that does annoy me is the tendency for some parents to try and design the curriculum.  That's the job of the school administrators. ===SF:  Ideal is when everyone can work together! But yes, we are all different, from different backgrounds and experiences. And our parents, good or bad, have had a marked impact on each of us.===JACK:  I suppose that the teacher can "see" the influence of the home environment on the students.  Sadly, not much can be done about it...except that I do remember "my favorite" teacher.

FROM HONEST JOHN:  Amen===JACK:  Between facts and values...I'll choose values every time.

FROM WALMART REV:  Wouldn't mind having teachers today stating the facts and values of healthy families making a difference in the life a child-- most-likely would be offensive to too many who find it indifferent and unfair to those leaving without such. 0;-/===JACK:  I believe that in the family and in the church...values are taught.  When the church (religious institution) is left out of the equation, a value system is less than it might be.

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  values are learned at home.===JACK:  It certainly worked for you.

FROM EDUCATOR PAUL:  Pretty complicated..Republicans had family values as the foundation of their party? What happened?===JACK:  I don't see either party interested in promoting a value system.  ...and that's a real problem.  Lying, backbiting, hyperbole, "gotcha" moments seem to be  uppermost in the minds of most politicians.

FROM FM IN RACINE:  , I have been giving a lot of thought to all the evidences of the lack of commitment to work – I was out with a couple last Thursday night for dinner – we stopped at Red Lobster and the parking lot was filled.  We didn’t think much about it – we are all kinda handicapped, and every space close to the entrance was filled, but we made our way in  slowly, with a good hostess holding the doors open for us..  What we discovered once in, was that there were many tables vacant, but a large group waiting to be seated.  The problem – no waiters.  They are unable to employ enough waiters to use available seating – later, about 45 minutes, we were seated, and a neat young man came.  There were a couple of questions about the menu, and he said, “I’m sorry but this is my fourth day here and I am still learning.”  Racine, where we live has had, historically , high unemployment, but wherever you go here there are signs seeking workers.   We spoke to each other, about how important our training as youth, by our parents was in reference to work, and the importance not only to ‘make a living’, but how important value it is in terms of a sense of accomplishment and self.  We commented as we left our table how well the young lad served us, and we thanked him, wished him well, and for me, I left a tip of over 20%.  I know in my life that sometimes work got in the way of relationships – but I’m so thankful that the home in which I was raised taught by word and example the value of work.===JACK:  This story seems to fit well with the theme of today's Winning Words.  Thanks

FROM GINNIE:  Great message for today and always!===JACK:  I try to make what I write be consistent with the title: Winning Words.

FROM RS IN TEXAS:  Unfortunately, the "values" taught (often by circumstance and example) are not those most of us would put in the class.  I can see respect for others, the value of giving vs. taking, tolerance and the willingness to look at things from someone else's point of view as part of the curriculum.  By no means all encompassing, but perhaps an offset to negative things that may be coming out of the home environment.  Needs to start at an early age, too.===JACK:  Is that how it worked for you?  BTW, were there any kinds of value-instruction when you were in the military?  Did you ever have any contact with a chaplain?===RS:  I was fortunate- my home values were good - plus discipline in schools. In the military chaplains were mostly around the wounded and dying. I did not have any contact with one in the 3+ years I was in.===JACK:  There's no place like home.  There's no place like home.

FROM DB IN WB:  I totally agree. My upbringing had much to do with family values, church, decency. It seems that many of my peers seemed to have exchanged their early value system for something of a façade of being “cool”. The behavior reflects rancor, indifference, and being too “busy” to enjoy simple pleasures.  I am middle-aged and recently finished some college courses. I was very disappointed at the approach that the teachers reflected/impressed upon their students. One teacher told the students last fall, “If you want pot legalized, you had better go out and vote. If you’re not registered, get registered.” I looked at her with horror===JACK:  Values need to be interpreted for each generation.  I probably would not teach confirmation classes the same way I did when I was "in the business."  I'd still be teaching values, but in a different way.

FROM GUSTIE MARLYS:  Some parents decide to home school their children in order to control the curriculum.  I wonder if some do the same thing when it comes to Sunday School or the teaching of values.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  For some reason, when I tried to access your blog, I got the notice, "Sorry this blog does not exist". (twice!) ?!  You are right, when you think about this, core values need to be taught or "caught" at home. Unfortunately, many, many homes are far from teaching decent value, so hopefully teachers, pastors, or mentors pick up the slack!!  I know many kids who come to our church have learned their manners and social graces there, rather than in their dysfunctional home life.===JACK:  If you can't access the blog, try putting the blog address into Google.  BTW, my whole point is that values (for better or worse) are more experienced than taught.

FROM JR IN ANDOVER:  I actually taught a class in values at Orion Middle School for a short time.  It was not easy.  Would perhaps be even harder today. Schools/teachers can’t teach everything.
===JACK:  I'm glad that your parents allowed me to have a part in teaching values...but, of course, they were the main teachers.  You were fortunate because of that.  I still think that you could have been a good pastor.

FROM THE BUGMAN:  The values came little things we did in the class that stressed the value of life in our labs.  There had to be a very strong reason for killing (and no other viable option) to conduct such a lab.
You are very correct about your appearance and behavior in the classroom and the causes you support being a very strong lesson for your students. Also your respect and value your students. Jerry Seinfeld was asked in an interview why he always dressed up for his public appearances. He said it was out of respect for his audience. If someone is important to you, you want to look nice for them. I went to work everyday wearing a coat and tie -I felt like Mr. Rogers sometimes as I hung up my sport coat and put on a clean lab coat - but the students, parents and other staff knew I respected  my position. I worry some about the image of the teaching profession presented by many teachers looking like their job interrupted their golf game or a day at the beach.===JACK:  Times change, and so do customs and dress-style.  Most pastors today do not dress as I dressed in "my" day.  I can accept that...because I remember that I did not dress as my predecessors dressed.  ..and my sermons were shorter, too.

FROM BB IN CHGO:  Another good quote from you - I agree that a course on Values is important.  Some churches have a whole diatribe against moral relativisim, and “situation ethics”.  I think students should at least know what those things mean and have some historical understanding of the values our founders bore in mind when writing the Declaration of Independence and Constitution.  While now values are often left to teachers (or not taught at all), an awareness that people can choose to act based on a different set of values or structures or…can prioritize how they spend their time, energy and money based on something other than whimsey (isn’t that an old word), is important.   How could you play baseball, or any sport if there weren’t agreed upon rules? ===JACK:  Even churches from the same denomination can't agree on values.  Even parents in the same household can have disagreements on values.  My most success in teaching values came when I taught confirmation classes...and then I wasn't always successful, but I tried.  All pastors don't enjoy confirmation teaching.  Somehow, some way, I think that Mary and I were successful giving a value system to our children.  At least, it appears that way now.  I'm proud of each of them and how they have shared this same value system with their children.  

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  All of our morals and values were given to us kids by our parents and  grandparents and our Sunday school and church.  I didn’t need anyone else’s.===JACK:  I'm glad I also learned to discern.  Along with the good, there was bad in the world.  In fgact, there always is, and we also need to know the difference.

Jack’s Winning Words 9/20/19
“No one’s happy all the time…and that’s OK.”  (Burger King crown) BK is observing mental health month with ads saying it’s OK to be “blue” once in a while.  They’re serving “unhappy” meals in blue boxes.  Their king logo has a tear in his eye.  Kids are offered blue crowns.  Maybe it’s a poke at McDonald’s Happy Meals, but it’s true!  Happiness can come and go.  Who’d ever think that with an order of a Whopper and fries, you’d get advice about mental health?   ;-)  Jack

FROM GOOD DEBT JON:  I agree with them. The thought of eating at Burger King makes me a bit blue.===JACK:  I wonder how it came to be that colors are used to describe feelings?  Feeling blue?  Seeing red?  Blacksick (jealous)?  Any others? ===JON:  Your cleverness often makes me “green” with envy, sir.===JACK:  I'm trying to recall the saying that uses chartreuse.

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  i ♥️ bk for this!  and whopper jr, hold the pickles, heavy on the mayo, is still the best fast burger in america.===JACK:  Before "chains", I grew up with "Otto's butter-fried burgers".  Otto's was a teen-magnet.===LIZ:  YUM! culver’s is butter fried. best crinkle fries, and their walleye during lent sells out daily. the cod is fab, too, all year.===JACK:  On my current diet, beef, potatoes, milk (ice cream) and more are all no, nos. ..and I've yet to develop a taste for fish.  I'm hungry!

FROM WALMART REV:  Sometimes a good drink of Dr Pepper at 10, 2, and 4 brings out the betterment in a person's day?!?! Good Morning once again, Jack!! 0;-)===JACK:  I'm ready to head to the kitchen for a drink.....Make mine Starbucks Sumatra, black with no sugar.  I wonder how the day will unfold.  God is good!

FROM BB IN CHGO:  I absolutely love this and think BK serves vegetarian burgers now so I’m going to head over next week.  Thanks for the tip.===JACK:  The King's ad has worked.  I agree.  It's good that burger joints are beginning to realize that health-conscious people also eat.  I've eaten vegan with my granddaughter...and I've begun to like it.===BB:  Great that you are so open-minded.  I think vegan (Angelique) and veg are lifestyle choices as well. It’s great to feel that people have a choice, even at fast-food locations.===JACK:  "When  in Rome, do as the Romans do," is not a quote from the Bible, but it does express a biblical truth to be kind to your neighbor.  The quote is attributed to St. Ambrose.  Someone else gave this advice: "When in Rome, do as the Pope does."===BB:  Yes and…if a Roman invites you out (or a Thai) let them order in the restaurant where their national cuisine is available and enjoy what ever is brought to your plate.===Jack:  There might be a question when it comes to Thai.

FROM NORM'S BLOG:  You must have seen that crown in May of this year, when Mental Health Month was celebrated in the United States. We see mental health advice or tips in many places, mostly in cheery little messages that are trying to chase the blues away. It is more realistic to say, as Burger King did, that we all have ups and downs and that it is OK to be down a little, so long as you don’t allow yourself to spiral all the way down into depression. In fact, poking a little fun at being down can often help relieve some of the tension that comes with being down.  Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu had this bit of philosophical advice – “If you are depressed you are living in the past.  If you are anxious you are living in the future.  If you are at peace you are living in the present.===JACK:  I try to look for the positives of situations most of the time.

Jack’s Winning Words 9/19.10

“I must uphold my ideals. For perhaps the time will come when I shall be able to carry

them out.”  (Anne Frank)  Do you know a 15-yr-old?  Anne wrote her diary when she was

about that age.  While she didn’t directly name her ideals, I’m taking a guess.  “To be truthful;

to be forgiving; to be tolerant of differences; to trust; to be dependable; to keep promises.”

These ideals fit any age.  May we uphold them and carry them out in tribute to Anne.   ;-)  Jack

FROM JT IN SJ:  WOW.  Poignant!  What a tribute to Anne!  Thanks for your winning words! ===JACK:  Anne....an ideal 15-yr-old.  A cutting from the tree that inspired her grows as a tree on the property of the Holocaust Museum...about 5 miles from where I live.

FROM GOOD DEBT JON:  Yes, once you get on to this you’ll find, encouragement is “free to give” and the good news is, it improves the giver.  It takes so little to be kind and when we can make it a part of our being blessings expand.   ===JACK:  It's nice to be able to say the right things...and to do the right things.  It's even nicer to be the right person..."Doin' what comes naturally," as Irving Berlin wrote. 

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  For a life cut tragically short, Anne Frank has made her mark in the world! We certainly need those reminders in today's world, under the Trump administration, (and

probably under any President's administration if we knew the whole story at the time of history happening!) The ideals you list are certainly worth trying to follow. And if we do, we can sleep easy at night! :-)===JACK: Some of these ideals we follow naturally.  Some, we have to work at.  I won't ask you to differentiate.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  God had a wonderful use for this child.  She had wisdom beyond her age and she was a great example of those lost to the insanity.  May we always use her as a tremendous example of humanity.===JACK:  It would be hard to keep her out of heaven, wouldn't it?

Jack’s Winning Words 9/18/19
“Even the great get greater by doing more of it.”  (Colleen Wainwright)  The word encore is from the French, meaning, “More More!”  The audience keeps clapping, yelling, stamping their feet.  The Stones heard it in NYC in 1972.  It’s said that Elvis never gave encores.  After he left the stage a voice would say, “Elvis has left the building.”  He wanted to leave them wanting more.   Thinking back on my ministry I never heard, “More More” as I left the pulpit.  ;-)  Jack

FROM VW MARY:  But your congregations kept coming back week after week, didn’t they?  Same thing!===JACK:  I did hear an "AMEN" once and my train of thought went off the track.

FROM MFL:  I consider your ww’s to be a modern day pulpit, I and many others look forward to them every day.  Therefore, you get encores.👏🏻===JACK::  I've still got to figure out how  to pass the offering plate.===M:  Ha!  Love that idea.

FROM PROUD MARY:  Garrison would say...”Lutherans are too polite to do that.”😉===JACK:  One member would usually say, as he passed by me at the door after  the sermon, "Good job, Boss!"  

FROM DAZ IN CO:  You never ever heard any one yell hallelujah or amen either  Lutherans just don’t do that. ===JACK:  I heard both when I preached at churches in the "hood."  At first, it threw me, but the shouts began to stir me up.

FROM PASTY PAT:  More, more!👍😀===JACK:  Sometimes Finns show approval with a brief, firm handshake and a deep bow.  Right?

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  I went from Methodist to Baptist, when my husband entered seminary, and the Baptists do occasionally agree with an oral "amen" (Depending on the church, and

congregation)  which takes some getting used to!  When Bill preached in the Black churches, he really got going, with the "Amen! Preach it pastor!! Oh Yes! Yes, Yes, Brother" etc. encouraging him as he spoke! Quite a lively service, always!  We loved it.  As my twin and her Lutheran pastor
husband agreed, "Lutherans do not do this".... much more formal. (But just as sincere!)  I'm sure your congregants would have called for "more, more" IF Lutherans did such things! :-)===JACK:  I was aware (somehow) whether or not the sermon "hit home" or not.  But, sometimes the ones I thought were clinkers were meaningful to some people.  I guess that there's room for God in the pulpit, too.

FROM GO BLUE LYNN:  Another good one - made me laugh!! ===JACK:  I sometimes put wry humor in my sermons.  My brother-in-law once tried to start off his sermons each week with a joke.  That didn't last long.

FROM GUSTIE MARLYS:  That is because clapping in church is frowned upon!  Ha!===JACK:  They clap in our church after anthems, but to me, it's not a battle worth fighting. ===M:  They clapped for us on Sunday too.  But sometimes, it is not appropriate when they clap.  I remember years ago when I had taught my kids (Cherubs) the song “He Never Said a Mumbling Word”. They sang it during Lent one Sunday (They sang with emotions and motions) and at the end they “bowed their heads and died”.  It was deadly quiet as we walked out of the service.  They asked me if they had not done a good job because no one clapped.  I told them they were perfect.  If they had been clapped for they would not have told their story right.  There definitely is a time and place.   ===JACK:  You can be proud!  You taught the cherubs more than just music.

FROM BB IN CHGO:  Well, I wasn’t a member of your congregation….people looking forward to your Winning Words each day is a way of saying we want more?===JACK: It's strange, but I feel the same kind of pressure to "produce" something worthwhile as I did when I sat down to "produce" a sermon.  And, I feel good when it's done and has been posted...and even better when I get the responses.

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  just so you didn't hear, "less. less!":):):) ===JACK:  I was never accused of preaching long sermons.

.I

Jack’s Winning Words 9/17/19
“The time to stop talking is when the other person nods his head affirmatively but says nothing.”. (Henry Haskins)  I hope you enjoy good conversation.  I do.  I’m also aware of signs that it’s time move on…twiddling thumbs, a yawn, the wandering eye.  But, if there’s give and take, a body leaning in, eye contact, questions asked…those are positives.  Watch for cues today.  BTW, another sign of boredom…when someone asks for directions to the rest room.   ;-)  Jack

FROM SF IN MI:    Cell phones have interrupted so many good conversations. They have changed our social culture and not for the better.===JACK:  I hadn't thought of that....but you are SO right!
...and the grade school kids who are so addicted will soon be adults.  Oh, my!

FROM MY LAWYER:  All attributes of a good trial lawyer!!!===JACK:  Do they teach you in l;aw school to "watch the jurors?"

FROM INDY GENIE:  You made me laugh out loud with “directions to the bathroom”.....I’ll watch for signs today:)===JACK:  One Sunday, when I was preaching, I got the idea that it was time to  end, when I saw a woman give her husband a hard poke in the ribs.

Jack’s Winning Words 9/16/19
“Success is not the key to happiness.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you are doing you will be successful.”  (Albert Schweitzer)  You may know that a piano has 88 keys.  In researching Keys to Happiness I came across several articles – “15 Keys,14, 12, 10, 7,  4, 11,  8, 7…adding up to 88 Keys to Happiness…Some were repeats, but I liked… “Having friends, being resilient, managing time, being positive, music, having a pet.”  More?   ;-)  Jack

FROM SF IN MI:   Having grandkids!  Acts of kindness!  Quiet moments!  Wine...lol!===JACK:  Do you remeber Barbra singing, "People who like people are the luckiest people in the world"?  My family, my friends (like you), those I work with, waitresses, clerks...people in general make me happy!===SF:  Me Too!

FROM EDUCATOR PAUL:  So Important!===JACK:  If you're happy and you know it...How do you show it?

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Family is a big key to me! Kids, grand and Great-grandkids, nieces ,

nephews, cousins, brother, etc  So many good times and much loving support!  The rest of your list is also key, except I  no longer have a pet. (or a husband, sadly!)  I did love my job of school teacher, and being a pastor's wife, and measure that success by the satisfaction it has brought to me! I've had a lot  more positives than negatives, when I ponder life's scales...===JACK:  Congratulations!  You're a SUCCESS!

FROM TAMPA SHIRL:  Enjoying each day and thanking God for all of his gifts to us===JACK:  Are you still involved in lifelong learning...and riding your bike...and going places with your grandchildren?  Life is good.

Jack’s Winning Words 9/13/19 “Enjoy when you can, and endure when you must.”  (Goethe)  Since Goethe was a philosopher, I was going to begin by telling a philosophy joke, but since only I would understand it…I’ll go straight to Wolfgang (Goethe’s 1st name for non-philosophers).  In my file of potential WW’s I have many of Wolf’s words.  He’s called the Shakespeare of philosophy, because of his many words.  Today you must endure what I enjoy…the study of thinking (i.e. philosophy).   ;-)  Jack FROM DR JL:     Hilarious!! Well done. And now, of course, I want to know the philosophy joke. 😂😂  ===JACK:  A renowned philosopher was held in high regard by his driver, who listened in awe as his boss lectured and answered difficult questions about the nature of things and the meaning of life. Then, one day, the driver approached the philosopher and asked if he was willing to switch roles for just one evening. The philosopher agreed, and, for a while, the driver handled himself remarkably well.  However, when the time came for questions, someone at the back of the room asked him, "Is the epistemological meta-narrative that you seem to espouse compatible with a teleological account of the universe?"  "That's an extremely simple question," he replied. "So simple, in fact, that even my driver could answer it."===JL:  I love that joke!!! FROM HUNGRY HOWIE:  Very funny===JACK:  I had fun doing it. FROM NORM'S BLOG:  what about all of the times between the joys and the not so enjoyable things, which must be endured, i.e. your normal day-to-day life? The philosophy embodied by the British saying, “Keep Calm and Carry On” seems most applicable to those times and actually serves the highs and lows of life very well, too. For a Christian that British saying might be translated into Pray and Persist.===JACK:  In the Christian Liturgy there are two major festivals, Christmas and Easter.  The Sundays between them (between Christmas and Easter and between Easter and Advent) are referred to as "Ordinary time."  While that time is "ordinary," the messages are often extra-ordinary.   Ordinary doesn't have to be boring.

Jack’s Winning Words 9/12/19
“When you confront a problem, you begin to solve it.”  (Rudy Giuliani)  A pastor friend of mine told me of a problem…When the head usher thought that the sermon had gone on too long he’d flick the lights on and off.  The problem? The usher was the church’s biggest giver.  What would you do?  For me, I’d begin heading for the Amen.  The Bible (Lk 21:25,26)  says that “There will be signs that the end is coming.”  Do you see any flickering lights?   ;-)  Jack

FROM GOOD DEBT JON:  I think you know how I feel about long sermons.  For me as long as the message is connecting it’s not too long.  Did I ever send you my 2010 song: “Why Can’t Sermons Be Like Country Songs?”   It’s about a guest evangelist that “bored” a hole in many of the flock.  Once the sale is made stop selling.  As in the story of Samson, thousand of sales are killed daily with the jaw-bone of an ass.  As to lights flickering: “I have an odd blend of 37 years in a SBC church and 50 years of self-study a little Zen and Eastern Philosophy and can hold two thoughts side by side and compare and decide.  I don’t fear for my salvation or concern myself with being immediately dispatched to hell from considering alternative views.  I love the Dali Lama’s statement, “Kindness is my religion.”  So if the end is near I know where I going and am not afraid to go.  My mission now is to be Kind by Design, that is the working title of my next book or multimedia project.  In another song I wrote, “Knowing where you are going takes the sting out of growing old.”  I wish for everyone what I have found: peace and joy. ===JACK:  I once called on some prospective members for the church...and as I began to "give my pitch," the lady said, "You can save your breath, we've already decided that we want to join the church.  After that, it was a relaxed evening.  As with you, Eastern philosophies and religions have been an interest of mine.  I once heard the Dalai Lama speak at the Univ of Michigan.  If the Dalai said that kindness was his religion, what do you think that Jesus would say?

FROM RS IN TEXAS:  Someone once said a sermon had a good beginning, a good end, and not too much in between. 😊===JACK:  My home pastor used to be known as "20 Minute Tillberg," because his sermons were always 20 minutes long.  That was short in those days.  Today's homilies are now a lot shorter.

FROM GO BLUE IN OHIO:  This one made me smile 😃 ===JACK:  Rudy makes me frown :-(

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  sooo... you can be bought? are you sure you are not catholic? 😂  btw, i cannot imagine your sermons being too lengthy. you always seem to choose the exact right amount of words. have you seen fr mike schmitts’ videos? he repents for a verbose speech he gave recently on the eucharist. i saw it, and thought it was dull and very unlike him. check him out on youtube if you are not familiar w/him, under “ascension presents.” his perspectives are pleasantly unique, as are yours...===JACK:   ...as for being "bought...In my years of ministry I've only suggested to two people that they might be better off leaving my congregation and going elsewhere...they took my advice and were much happier...and both (at the time) were our biggest givers...and it left a significant hole in our budget...and the church survived!

Jack’s Winning Words 9/11/19
“The six W’s…Work Will Win When Wishing Won’t!”  (Todd Blackledge)  “Peter Piper picked a peck of…”  I like alliteration.  The six W’s quote is alliteration, too...saying that work requires work.  There’s a sign by my computer:  “Get tough…Get off your duff!”  Pasted next to that one is the Nike slogan…”Just do it!”  When there’s “work” staring you in the face, when you just can’t seem to get going…is there something that gives you motivation?   ;-)  Jack

FROM JUMAR:  Now that I’m working for my brother, I’m going to let him know about your quote of… “Get tough....get off your duff”.  My brother exemplifies your quote. I don’t believe I have seen a hard-working person throughout my career. He faces any challenge in front of him, and just plows through it. It sounds like you were the same way, and still are!  I look forward to your winning words every morning. Thanks for making each day a better one for myself, and many, many people! ===JACK: I think that it was George Washington Carver who had a sign above the door of his lab...God's Little Workshop.  I wonder if that work in a feed store?  A trip to your workplace is on my Bucket List.

FROM TAMPA SHIRL:  What a special day this is! 18 years ago I was going to daily Mass and Nancy called me on the way home and told me about the first plane! It is still hard to believe the evil! ===JACK:  On that infamous morning I heard the news while riding on a freeway in Detroit.  I can also "Remember Pearl Harbor", the news of JFK's assassination and the day when Malcolm X was shot.===SHIRL:  I can't remember Malcolm X.===JACK:It was on a Sunday, 2/21/1965.  My car radio announced that X had been shot to death by a rival Muslim group. ===SHIRL:  Work is not what it used to be! Now I just have a list every day of what to do! Life is a lot easier since I have a maid once a month! Enjoy each day!===JACK:  I, too, have cleaning help, but I wish for the days when I could do it myself...and I also need a to-do list.

FROM GOOD DEBT JON:  Nice. I was think of the acronym (STP short term pain) which needs a promise so probably add LTG (long term gain).  STP/LTG. I was thinking in terms of saving money but could work for many initially unappealing tasks. Finance, diet, and exercise for example. STP/LTG. ===JACK:  STP reminds me of a fuel additive, but I like your acronym better.  This causes me to wonder...Is cleverness inborn?  I've never seen it offered as a class.===JON:  I'm not sure cleverness is inborn. Though, sometimes my attempts at cleverness are stillborn. ===JACK:  My "clever" ideas just pop into my head.  To work at being clever is not so easy.  To bounce ideas off of other people seems to be a stimulus.

FROM HUNGRY HOWIE:  Proper prior planning prevents poor performance.......Hows that for alliteration?===JACK:  I can't improve on that.

FROM LBP:  A colleague has this similar quote on his door “the dictionary is the only place where success comes before work”

https://www.google.com/amp/s/quoteinvestigator.com/2014/10/20/dict/amp/

Personally, when I need a boost I fall to the pomodoro method and set a timer. Alas my timer is digital and doesn’t look like a tomato, but it serves the purpose
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique     ===JACK:  I have another sign by my computer...a finger pointing at me with the words, "Hey You. Get Busy!"===LBP:  I don't know if I'd want to sit by your computer. It keeps yelling at you.===JACK:  If the sign gets too annoying I just cover it with a Post-It note..

FROM LS IN WB:  God helps those who help themselves.===JACK:  Some people think that those words are from the Bible.  They're not!

FROM MARILYN OAKS:  I,too,, like alliteration and this one is a good one! As I age, it is easier to let a day slip by with reading, etc, as opportunity allows!  Maybe we've earned that! I t hink of a song round I used to have my choirs warm up on: "Only One Life, and it will soon be past;  Only what is done for Jesus Christ will last! so give your life, to 'Him who loves you best; Your reward will be eternal peace and rest." It kind was a reminder of what we are to be about!  Today I have a bridge luncheon, bell choir rehearsal, Bible Study and Choir practice,  so some days do keep me on the go! ===JACK:  I like the Seven Dwarfs song...Whistle While you Work."  It can be distracting to do that from the pulpit.===OAKS:  HA! I suspect that would be true! :-)===JACK:  I've sometimes interrupted a sermon to have everybody sing a hymn or sung.  While preaching about worry I played a recording of "Don't worry, be happy."    This week I saw a tee-shirt with a picture of a donut on it - and the words..."Donut worry, Be happy!"

FROM ADE:  My wife===JACK:  Wife...another W!

Jack’s Winning Words 9/10/19
“Trans people are sacred!”  (Billboard in Detroit)  The word sacred refers to things related to God, including things created by God.  Perhaps this thought might be a new way of looking at racism, and the LGBTQ issue…to see all people as God’s creation, to see all people as sacred.  St Paul wrote that there’s a creation beyond our knowing.  I like the children’s hymn: ”All things bright and beautiful…the Lord God made them all.”  Let’s not try to limit the sacred.   ;-)  Jack

From JT of SJ:  Very meaningful to me. Thank you for the kind and generous words My lovely daughter is transgender and very kind, generous and courageous. I’m so proud of her.===JACK:  Everyone has a story.  Thanks for sharing a portion of yours.

FROM DR J IN OH:  I like how you think and your open mindedness... you’ve helped me recognize over the years that religion can be free of hypocrisy if we truly follow the word of God. Love has no boundaries ... ===JACK:  Religion, for better or worse, is what we believe about God.  And what we believe about God is usually the result of what we've have been told about God.  If you have the opportunity to choose, choose your teachers well.

FROM DANIDEE:  Thank You

FROM JH ON THE DETROIT RIVER:  Amen

FROM JUIDYR:  Thank you for your winning words today...to hold ALL of God's creation as sacred.===JACK:  Just imagine....people in every part of the world...with their many differences, the Lord God made them all,  Amazing!

FROM GF IN WB:  Beautiful===JACK:  Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

FROM DR JLIP:  Wow, Jack!! ❤️💜💙🧡💛💚🌈  I know who you are and I’m not really surprised, but it can be surprising to hear a gentleman of your generation, and a minister, be so accepting and generous. I guess the sad thing really is that I would be surprised to even imagine this truth. Not of you personally, but of people of your generation and people of faith.  I hope all of your readers are able to hear your words and your message on this winning words post.   THANK YOU!!===JACK:  It's good to know that we're on the same page, and that we're reading the same book.

FROM DM IN LIV:  What a beautiful reminder.  Thank you.===JACK:  It's too bad that we have to be reminded of this.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Every Christian should say "AMEN" to that; We are all loved with and UNCONDITIONAL Love by God!  hanks for calling it to our attentions, Jack. We are one in the Spirit!!===JACK:  I'm surprised at the number of positive responses to today's Winning Words on the subject of God's love for all people, regardless.===OAKS:  I'm glad that was so...it's encouraging!

FROM ETR:  Thank you for sending this. I love, love, love his last line, "Let's not try to limit the sacred." Such a powerful statement.

..

Jack’s Winning Words 9/9/19 “It’s hard to feel blessed when you don’t feel your best…”  (Get Well card)  When it comes to “easier said than done”, I think of Job (in the Bible).  He’d lost his wealth, his children and his health.  His friends urged him to curse God and simply die.  But he responded, “Tho he slay me, yet will I trust him!”  Have there been times when your faith has been tested?  …when you’ve questioned God?  Oh, to have the faith of Job!  It worked out for him.  It can for you!   ;-)  Jack FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  how did that work out for job?===JACK:  The Job story relates a challenge to God by Satan.  Satan says, "Job is faithful because he has been blessed in many ways.  Will he continue to be faithful if these blessings are taken away?"  The blessings are taken away, and Job remains faithful.  In the end, the blessings are restored twofold.  If you want to be "picky", the children taken away can't really be restored...but the real point of the story is that "real faith" is not because of blessings, but because of a real trust in God, no matter what. FROM LUCEEBETH:  The words for today got to me! I found out after 10 months off my immunotheraphy drug (for cancer) that a new metastatic lesion is found at the dome of my liver.  And also that I have iron deposits in liver and spleen.  Ablation will be done Oct 14 for the lesion.  I will meet my oncologist next week to address iron problem and post ablation treatment.  I still feel blessed having woken up this morning!   :-)===JACK:  This is something I did  not want to read this morning!  And yet, I'm encouraged to see how well it fits with the Job story.  I am even more inspired by you and your life.  I am adding you to my daily  Prayer List... "Our Father...Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." FROM DS IN SOCAL:  I must remember this. FROM BLAZING OAKS:  So true, but I always go by the Mantra, "There is always, always,  ALWAYS something to be thankful for." Even in the worst of times....I look for that! ===JACK:  ,,,like the man who cried because he had no shoes...until he saw a man who had no feet.

Jack’s Winning Words 9/6/19
“Share a smile with a stranger!”  (Lapel button)  A group of caregivers were asked to share some positive thoughts about living with someone who has dementia.  What could be positive about that?  A husband responded:  “I love my wife’s smile!”  He went on to create a smiley-face lapel button and the words of today’s quote on it.  Recently, he gave one to a lady in a grocery store, and her face instantly broke into a smile.  “Share a smile” with someone today!   ;-)  Jack

Jack’s Winning Words 9/5/19
“Deja Poo! (adj) The feeling of having heard this crap before.”  (Sent by Kathy)  If you’re like me, there are certain e-mails that you delete even before reading.  Deja Poo!  I’m humble enough to believe that some of my stuff is treated in the same way.  Social media has its pros and cons…especially when it comes to “hot button” issues.  As a blogger of Winning Words, I need to remind myself to make the “deja’s” positive and helpful.  At times a hit…or a miss.  ;-)  Jack

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  i am waiting for your winning words☺===JACK:  It's only 4:50 am.  Hold your horses for ten more minutes.

FROM HUNGRY HOWIE:  This one’s a hit Jack. Very funny.===JACK:  Some people need to have their "funny bone" adjusted.  We can't always be focused on the serious stuff.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  Never heard that term before but I like it!  I never have deleted your email before reading it but I haven’t responded for various reasons.  Mostly don’t read it until very late at night.  Be well!===JACK:  During card games, a man that I knew would say, when he got bad cards, "Poo, poo on you, Josephine."  I sometimes use that expression when things don't go my way.

FROM JLF:  That is funny. Kathy who?===JACK:  Your cousin-in-law (I think).

FROM HONEST JOHN:  I really enjoy Winning Words!===JACK:  Writing Winning Words is an extension of writing sermons.  I always try/tried to keep my readers/listeners in mind.

FROM LS IN MI:  I hope Kathy’s loosing words were not directed at your winning words.

I appreciate your words each morning.  Each morning I begin my day thinking about your winning words - sometimes throughout the day, sometimes for just  a moment.  I choose to read what you write,  I choose how to process it and I choose my own path in life with all its consequences appreciated.  Kathy’s words are her choice and it is my choice and yours as to how you hold them.  

I am grateful for your work, thank you for sharing your winning words.===JACK:  Sometimes my message is in what is not said, or written.

FROM VW MS:  Deja Poo.... I like it!===JACK:  I wonder if Milne's Winnie likes it, too?

FROM GOOD DEBT JON:  There is also vu-deja, none of this looks familiar...===JACK:  That's an interesting "turn of a phrase."

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Deja Poo is a fun one! I think we all delete before reading certain emails, but never  WW! Keep up the good work & friendly banter. It gives us a lift, no matter what time of day we access it! :-)===JACK:  Everybody doesn't have a sense of humor.  I happened to be born into a family where there was joking around.  My sister and I tend to laugh at the same things.  In fact, I keep a list of funny things that were said when we were growing up.  "Blacksick" comes to mind today.

FROM GDJ IN WI:  I do and always have appreciated your positive approach to life. I'll always remember driving to your church to have coffee with you so I could vent, seek guidance and benefit from your wisdom.   Peace===JACK:  I remember riding with you in the old Detroit neighborhood where you grew up and hearing what it was like "back when."  If you were in town, we could easily go out for coffee and relive some of the memories.

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  i read every blog of yours...===JACK:  I count that as a compliment, because I know that you are "choosy" in how you use your time.