Jack’s Winning Words 9/30/20

“I keep my ideals, because in spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart.”  (Anne Frank) I want to go to our local Holocaust Memorial to see a tree grown from a cutting of the actual tree that inspired Anne during her “hiding out” days.  How could she believe that there is some good in all people?  Maybe it takes hardship in life to realize the worthwhile.  Cynicism doesn’t seem to work.  Maybe Anne was closer to the Jesus-way than are many of us.
:-) Jack 

FROM SK IN SJ:    I  believe there is good in people, but sometimes you have to look hard and wait. I felt bad for Anne. And in the end, she was caught. It had to have been a rough 2 years hiding out. We toured her house in Amsterdam! Plain and small quarters for them. Her faith kept her going.===JACK: Philosophically I can agree with Anne, but in reality I personally don't have a powerful enuf magnifier to see it in some people.  Mea Culpa===SK:  Are you serious? Are there really bad people you dealt with that you can’t see good in them? I guess being a Pastor, you have run across a lot of people. All we can do is pray that they turn around! 😊===JACK:  Oh, yes.  I could tell you some stories.  I need to read again the words..."Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.  Wretch is a word that sounds like what it describes.

FROM ST PAUL:  good one, Jack!  ===JCK:  If Jews had saints, she'd be one.

FROM TAMPA SHIRL:  Even to this day I still cannot visit a Holocaust museum!===JACK:  Since we have many Jewish people in our area, our museum is very complete and many school children visit there.  I agree.  It is not an easy place to visit.

FROM SF:  Anne’s wisdom was so ahead of her years. Last night’s debate was a freak show. So frightened. ===JACK:  I can't wait to see "that tree" at our museum.  I want to stand there and ponder what the tree meant to Anne.  She's one of the great stories (among many) that came out of WW 2 and the Holocaust.  "Out of the bad can come good" is one of my mantras.  In my later years I have ceased wanting to see freak shows...so I went to bed and woke up refreshed.===SF:  Good for you. I had a rough night.===JACK:  I scheduled a Victor Frankl quote on that subject for next week.

FROM NORM'S BLOG:  The antithesis of Anne Frank’s view of people is to be pessimistic which is defined in in this quote from Fernando Pessoa - "To be a pessimist is to see everything tragically, an attitude that's both excessive and uncomfortable.” Pessimists seldom see the good in people. ===JACK:  One of the reasons why I belong to the Optimist Club in my community is that it focuses on seeing the good and helping to make this world a better place.  Google "The Optimist Creed" and see what I'm getting at.

FROM HONEST JOHN:  I think the authentic teaching of the scriptures emphasizes what we call original sin and the need to repent and be led into a new and better way.    The emphasis upon human goodness came from a shallow 19th century Liberalism.    Repentance and Forgivemess AND new life are lost in that teaching.    

 FROM HONEST JOHN:    Did you see the confrontation last night.   Trump just seems to be the embodiment of chaos.   It follows him everywhere.    Holcomb would have banned him from the debate room!===JACK:  I knew ahead of time that there would be no debate...and that to watch the spectacle would only disturb my peace of mind...so I went to bed.  "The debates" are no debate.  You and I both know that.  Can an amoral person ever repent and ask for forgiveness?  

FROM GUSTIE:  Is there a Holocaust Museum in Detroit and if so—where?===JACK:  Our museum is in Farmington Hills, five miles from my home.  It's one of the major ones to the United States. ===G:  I have been to the one in Washington DC—New York City—and Israel.  All very moving—especially the one in Israel. 

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  A visit to the Holocaust Museum in Washington DC, has stayed with me all these years later. A survivor of it talked to us, about how  they came to do almost anything for a crust of bread. She was elderly, but well dressed and attractive, and actually married the man who liberated her! (she weighed 87 lbs!) Anne Frank is a tragic figure, who inspired us all!!===JACK:  What impresses me most is how could come out of her ordeal and believe that there is good in "all" people, even the Nazis, if you look for it.  Amazing!===OAKS:  Yes; That is what is so humbling and admirable!! ===JACK:  To be inspired by someone of a non-Christian faith only reinforces my idea that God is bigger than our human-made "faith-divisions".===OAKS:  I definitely feel that way. I've known very devout people from many faiths! A Loving God for all people, is my vision.  Have you read THE SIN OF CERTAINTY by Ennes? I have it ordered, on the recommendation of a good friend who is a profound thinker.===JACK:  I've come a long way from when I was growing up...and become less dogmatic (I like that word).

FROM MS:  I think the answer to your question comes from the fact that all of us on Earth have a spark of the Lord in our soul. Sometimes some more than others need to wipe the dust or dirt off our soul so it can once again shine.  All the best Jack and G-d bless you!===JACK:  I think you're on to what Anne was getting at...the spark of G-d that is in each one of us.

FROM DAIRYLAND DONNA:  Used to be easy to believe this. Not so much any longer ;o( ===JACK:  Maybe we've learned to be more discerning.  As my formal education progressed, I learned that part of education is to ask questions.

 Jack’s Winning Words 9/29/20

“We will be known by the tracks we leave.” (Dakota Tribal Saying)  US Supreme Court justices come and go.  It’s a part of life…and death, but some are not forgotten.  Ruth Bader Ginsburg is one of them.  She’ll be remembered for her legal work both before and while serving as a justice.  How do you replace the irreplaceable?  She was more than a lace collar.  Micah 6:8 describes her:  She acted justly, she loved mercy, and she walked humbly with her God.  ;-) Jack   

FROM VW MARY:  RBG...Not fragile like a flower...Fragile like a bomb.===JACK: When my children were teens, there was an expression to describe something they really liked.  It was, "BOMB!"  IMO, Ruth Bader Ginsburg is/was BOMB!

FROM SF STILL IN WB:  RBG was an unforgettable force. Our lives would not be the same without her wisdom and compassion. May she Rest In Peace.===JACK:  I like the fact that she is Jewish.  Traditional Jewish wisdom is a benefit to our court system. 

FROM RS IN TEXAS:  Yes...a trail blazer like few others.   It saddens me that some people posted on Facebook that she is going to hell as a terrible person because she "killed 60 million unborn babies" and was Jewish and not Christian (along with every other "non-believer".)===JACK:  How unfair!  Who are we to judge who goes to Hell?  I think that the words that should come out of the mouth of each of us, including Ruth, her critics, you...and me, too: "God be merciful to me, a sinner."===RS:   Agreed.  While I believe Jesus died to save me from my sins, I also believe that there are many ways to God.  I really have a hard time believing that God would condemn 5+ billion people to eternal damnation for not being Christian.  In the end, "Thy will be done."===JACK:  We have enuf on our plate without trying to judge the world.

FROM EDUCATOR PAUL:  I hope to learn some day that there was a benevolent purpose as to why she was taken from us at this point in time.===JACK:  Oh, I'm, confident it will come...and there will be other answers, too.  We are but children at the knee of a wise Father who will show the use of puzzles in helping our minds to grow.  G-d is shorthand for complete knowledge, far beyond our own. ===PAUL:  As it is said in Hamilton... “ Wouldn’t it be Nice...”===JACK:  That sounds as tho you think it won't happen.  I'm always careful about putting limitations upon G-d.

FROM HY YO SILVER:  Beautiful.===JACK:  What is beauty?  How would Ruth place in a beauty contest?

FROM SF STILL IN WB:  Indeed===JACK: We’ve spent far too much times pointing out differences between religions…and too little seeking and embracing wisdom from each.

FROM SB IN MI:  That’s one of my favorite Bible verses.===JACK:  It has a lot of "meat" to it.

FROM SHALOM JAN:  Thank you, Jack, for giving RBG the recognition she genuinely deserves.

===JACK:  I think that she would be embarrassed by the many good words spoken about her.

 

 

 Jack’s Winning Words 9/28/20

Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”  (Van Gogh)  Coil springs, smaller than a grain of salt, using wire 1/3 the size of a human hair are made for heart repair by a Michigan company.  I recently had surgery done using small robotic instruments.  Vincent knew it, and so do we…Great thing happen when there is co-operation: in art, in a heart, in a family, in a country.  Have you seen examples of this in your experiences?  :-)  Jack   

FROM JM IN FH:     he winning words that reference to your surgery are perfect for all aspects of life! Thank you as always for sharing your insights.  Try to behave yourself, only to quicken your recovery, LOL! 😃===JACK:  I haven't heard "Behave yourself!" since I was a little kid.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Hard to imagine such tiny intricate pieces being manufactured and used to save heart patients!! Amazing! One would have to be alert and adept to hand that to a surgeon, and him, to insert it properly! whoops! Oh no! (Ha!)  I just read of a small boy who had a lemonade stand to earn money to buy diapers for needy mothers, (He actually bought thousands of diapers),  which has now become  a national charity successfully doing that; He still contributes!  Inspiring!===JACK:  Every community seems to have an inspiring story.  Maybe we've lost track of the fact that God is still alive and working.

FROM WILLMAR REV:  A pacemaker the size of a "silver bullet" placed in a blood vessel of mine in my groin area and it makes it way to and is dropped off in the right heart chamber, enabling a consistent heart rate for 11 years . . . only one stitch required. How about that?!?!===JACK:  Would you consider that to be one of "God's" miracles?  Is God responsible for medical breakthroughs? ===REV:  A gift of wisdom for sure given to mankind and definitely a medical breakthrough! 

FROM LS IN WB:  Today, Yom Kippur,  all our small sins brought together to be tossed into the river.  Together,  they are a large part of us - forgiveness of self is one of our greatest gift to ourselves. Thank you for your winning words.  I ponder what you share and embrace the joy of receiving the opportunity each morning- thank you. I am glad your surgery was successful.  Best wishes for your comfort in healing.===JACK:  Yom Kippur is one of my favorite Jewish holidays.  As with Christians, I suppose that many don't fully appreciate the meaning of what has been passed on from generation to generation. 

 Jack’s Winning Words 9/25/20

“Freedom is not enough.”  (LBJ)  When I think back to what freedom meant during WW II and what absence of freedom meant in dictator-led Nazi Germany, I’m dismayed by those who refuse to wear masks.  We all want freedom, but freedom to not wear a mask is not the kind of freedom fought for on the beaches of Normandy and Iwo Jima.  One is selfish; the other is self-giving.  If you look at Norman Rockwell’s 4 Freedoms Poster you’ll see a view of what real freedom is about.  ;-) Jack

FROM SHALOM JAN:  Sign outside of a church:  Thou shalt not COVID thy neighbor's life.  Wear thy mask!  ('nuff said)===JACK:  That's one of the most clever uses of "COVID" that I've seen.

FROM OTHOUSE JUDY:  Freedom is not wearing a mask if you can’t.  Grandson Noah has asthma and wearing a mask brought on an attack.  He does not wear one.  My friend Jane has claustrophobia and can not wear a mask.  It’s not necessary to wear a mask if you are outside an nearly 20 feet from a person.  All of us have been reprimanded for these things!===JACK: There are obvious exceptions.  "Normal" people would accept words, "I'm sorry, Noah has asthma."  The point to be made here is directed toward those who loudly proclaim "FREEDOM" as a reason for not wearing a mask.  

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  SO TRUE,DEAR JACK! hOME FROM CA, AND WEARING MY MASK, AS I DID EVERYWHERE ON OUR TRIP!!===JACK:  Wearing a mask says, "I care about others."  

FROM TRACIE:  I hope your doing well. As usual, I look forward to your winning words, and missing them on Saturday and Sunday!  Would you mind if I share your thoughts on today's winning words?  I think your spot on.===JACK:  Yes, please feel to share Winning Words.  This world need all of the positive messages that are available.   I feel STRONGLY about trivializing freedom fought for. 

FROM TAMPA SHIRL:  I love that poster!===JACK:  And so do a lot of people.

FROM THE SHARK:  Amen, my friend

FROM RS IN TEXAS:  Couldn't agree more.  Being selfish and using "freedom" as an excuse is truly saddening.  As our pastor said..."I think we all know what each of our favorite charity is.....ourselves."  

===JACK:  There are some selfless people.  I know some, and I'm sure that you do, too.===RS:  Yes, actually know quite a few. Unfortunately it doesn’t take many to impact a lot of people. ===JACK:  It starts with one.

FROM SF STILL IN WB:  Well said. I have seen Rockwell’s four posters and they are stunning. ===JACK:  Norman Rockwell is not considered by some to be a "true" artist.  I like his stuff better than some works I've 

seen at the DIA.

FROM EL IN TOMMYHAWK:  I try to minimize  commenting on social media, However, I wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your submissions.  Recently, I had a mild argument with a Bus driver who insisted on not wearing a mask.  The following day, in your comments, you discussed freedom and pointed out .  Freedom does not permit you to do what you want but allows you to do what is right.  I wish I would have had this gem 24 hours earlier.  In any case I look forward to your work.  I try to never miss it.===JACK:  Sometimes it's said that "The past comes back to haunt us."  In your case, the past has come back to revive lots of good memories of times spent with you. Thanks for doing your part in making the world a safer and better place.

FROM WILLMAR REV:  The depravity found in all mankind is always interesting fodder for discussion . . . not wanting someone else telling us what to do . . . God gave us 10 Commandants to follow along with the blessing for following them . . . can't say I have found one person, including myself, who can raise their hand and go to the head of the class indicating they have followed each of them . . . “O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?”  

An interesting season we find ourselves in, especially in an election year where politics has found its way to the forefront of COVID-19 . . . a "finger" now is found being pointed every way possible! 0;-)===JACK:  There's always the temptation to say, "There are people worse than I am."  The truth that we are all guilty in the face of God's perfection is not always easy to stomach.

FROM PROUD MARY:  Love the selfish-self giving references. I’m going to use it. I’ve been using the words respect and protect when asking people to please wear a mask. Why some are so afraid of and resistant to doing the right thing just because asked is perplexing. Obviously... I wear the mask! ===JACK:  I wonder if the non-mask wearers would give up their seat if they were on one of the Titanic lifeboats.  Probably NOT!

FROM LBP:  Yeah .... I don’t hear the word freedom used in the Rockwell way much lately. Thanks for reminding me how it can be used for the simple necessities.===JACK:  The "Rockwell" days were a simpler time...but on closer examination, they had their problems, too.

FROM LS IN WB:  Good morning.  I am reacting to the your words “  dismayed “ and “ Freedom” . 

I teach at Roeper.  We all wear masks, students and teachers.  The comments below are not all my views. I wanted to share to perhaps present you with the opportunity to not feel dismayed but perhaps inquisitive and thoughtful of another way of thinking.  I have dear friends who will not wear a mask.  They feel it is detrimental to their health and well being.  They are the same people that will not vaccinate, eat organic, use holistic medicine unless absolutely necessary to use antibiotics et al and are careful who they believe and trust.  They are socially isolated and are careful not to go in crowded places, respectful of their elders and follow the laws.  They believe the virus is dangerous to the health and well being of all but do not trust all sources of news and government reporting and interpretations by media or the internet. They love their children and have moved and left jobs to do what they believe is highest and honoring of their beliefs without imposing them on their neighbor.  They work hard, pay taxes and are good citizens of this country they love.   They honor and respect our service men and women.  They do not see color, religion ..... they see men and women, good and bad.  They believe in god and uphold the Ten Commandments.They are generous with those less fortunate then themselves.  This is what they believe Freedom is. This is what they believe was fought for. I am not dismayed,  I am concerned for some of their decisions.  I  try to read and understand their thinking and decisions for themselves.  I do know they are good people.   I do know they love and want to be the best they are able.  They ask questions,  I ask questions. We have conversations.  We disagree and we respect each other with a deep love and trust to share without judgement.  

This exchange of beliefs and ability to think, love, seek understanding, value and be valued,  speak, move, worship, write, read, protect and ( perhaps I could think of more but I have to get to the children at Roeper for a wonderful day ahead )choose IS freedom,  that is possible because of those who fought in the WW II.  We live in a complicated world.  We live in a simple world.  Break it down, it is all for the good - I believe. .===JACK:  We live in a world with other people.  The world is ours together and safety is an issue for all, not just me.  There are laws designed to protect all of us.  If we choose to live apart from the norm, we must live with the consequences.  If living without vaccination is our desire, the safety of the "greater good' can override that.  That's the way the world works.....

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  the greatest political hoax ever perpetrated... scamdemic.===JACK:  I guess that you are in the minority with your view.  It doesn't mean that you are wrong, but that you are an outlier. ===JACK:  i am the “no longer silent” majority... and time is proving us right. i look forward to the day when you admit i am correct.  pro tip: if you can only determine whether people are sick by swabbing them, they aren’t very sick.===JACK:  I'm not out to prove anyone wrong or right.  I'm simply here to have e-mail conversation of current topics and to do it in a positive.  Sometimes I'm succeessful, and sometimes I'm not.  I don't have all of the answers, but I do enjoy hearing (seeing) what people think.

 Jack’s Winning Words 9/24/20

“There are people who have money, and there are people who are rich.”  (Coco Chanel)  A homograph is a word, spelled the same, with more than one meaning. For example: bat, fair, lie, minute.  “Rich” is another, found in Coco’s quote, meaning: A person who has high value.    In my hometown the Butterworths were the rich family.  If I would overspend on something, I was told, “Who do you think you are, Mr. Butterworth? What kind of “rich” people do you know?  :-) Jack     

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:   There are a lot of people we know who are “rich” but don’t have a lot of money.  We do have friends who are wealthy but don’t act like it or show it off.===JACK:  The best people, rich or poor, who are humble.  Jesus praised humility.

FROM FREEDSTER:  Oh that’s right, I do remember you saying that sometimes when I was growing up. “Who do you think you are, the Butterworths?!”  I had forgotten about that.  I like it, and I’m going to borrow that line now when appropriate!  And be prepared to explain the story behind it to my friends when they look puzzled :)===JACK:  You can puzzle alot of your friends with some stories you've heard from me in the past

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Kathy Butterworth was not the least bit arrogant or "ritzy"; She was just a "'normal" kid around us in High School. (She didn't go to public school, so just joined us for social things...!) Yes most of us who are old, have learned that money can't buy happiness; it's relationships which are "rich". Bill was Chaplain to the Senate in IL, and there were  quite a few unhappy wealthy senators, in their personal life, just as there are amid those iess financially blessed...===JACK:  Kathy was one kind of 'rich" person in your group.  Were there "rich" people of the other kind in your group, too?

FROM DR J:  My dad used to say to us “who do you think you are, Mr. Edison”…when we would leave the lights on after leaving a room.===JACK:  We all have our favorite "home" sayings that we remember.  Isn't remembering fun?

FROM AUDIOLOGIST:  People who are rich, have full lives and many friends. I am grateful for your friendship===JACK:  My ears hear you.  Thanks for what you do.

FROM LBP:  And then there is the rich taste of a decadent chocolate dessert. Mmmmm...  ===JACK: Strange, but I've never associated you with "decadent."

 Jack’s Winning Words 9/23/20

“I’m not who I was yesterday.”  (Alice in Wonderland)  I’ve read that our body cells are continuing to die and be replaced, so that we are never who we were yesterday (a complete change in 7 years!).  There’s a button you can wear: PBPGINFWMY.  It stands for: Pease Be Patient God Is Not Finished With Me Yet.  Every day is an opportunity to improve the self that we were yesterday.  I don’t know about you, but I’m glad to have a chance at improvement.  ;-)  Jack  

FROM JR IN ANDOVER:  Little confused by the last sentence.===JACK:  Yes, it is confusing if I neglect to include the word, "glad", before sending.

FROM TRIHARDER:  I think I've always been a good person.  But I sometimes shudder in shame of the things I've said to people just to get a laugh. Not out of malice, but malicious, nonetheless. ===JACK:  Mea Culpa! I confess to the same sin

FROM NORM'S BLOG:  While it is interesting to think that you’ll have completely new body cells in seven years, it is even more fascinating  to explore the thought that you have a choice of who you will be today; that you do not have to be who you were yesterday. Who will you be today? Most of us probably don’t take the time each morning when we wake up to reflect upon who wed were yesterday and to think about who we want to be today – but we should. If recalling the events of the past (yesterday and beyond) show us a person who was not as understanding, tolerant or forgiving and kind as we would like to be, then we have the ability to change that today and become the person we want to be. Who will you be today?

===JACK:  There's always the chance that we will choose to be worse today than yesterday.  Choice is a two-edged sword.  But, I choose to use the "edge" marked, positive.

FROM HONEST JOHN:  And, yet, there is continuity....not all cells are changed in one day.....and there is our identity....our whoweareness......sometimes called our spiritual self===JACK:  Aha!  That "spirit" thing always seems to get in the way (but we're the better for it.  God is Great!  God is good!

FROM TAMPA SHIRL:   Enjoy each day!===JACK:  Even the "@#$%^&*" ones?

FROM LS IN WB:  Yes,  I most certainly am not who I was yesterday.   I believe  PBPGINFWMY.  I am grateful.  I believe in the power of acquiring knowledge, using it to help myself, my community, and the world around me as a blessing.  My lived experience is a precious lesson.  Each experience and path chosen, an intended lesson.  So, WHY do human beings call those who change their positions on issues in politics( and beyond) liars when they find a new way of looking at a problem or decide to support or  govern in a different  way from how they promised.  Those who bravely lead should be “allowed” to change their positions, speak honestly and be proud of their learning.  They  should be asked why so we can have a conversation form which we would all learn..  Perhaps they  they have grown from learning, processing known information in a new way and being patient and honoring of God’s work? ===JACK:  I've always liked what Illinois Senator Everett Dirksen (R) said when criticized for changing his vote on a certain issue:  "The only people who don't change their mind are in the cemetery or in a mental institution."

 

 Jack’s Winning Words 9/22/20

“Circumstances are beyond human control, but our conduct is in our own power.”  (Disraeli)  The Virus came unexpectedly, and we found ourselves having to adjust.  To mask or not?  To social distance or to herd?  Who knows what tomorrow will bring on the day after The Election?  Nov 4 is on the calendar.  Red or Blue, that day will come, and we’ll have to adjust. How we conduct ourselves will shape our America of the future.  Do you know if Disraeli had advice for that?

FROM SHARIN' SHARON:   Actually, I am still on the computer here and did google Disraeli and enjoyed reading all of his commonsense thinking.  He evidently was a conservative thinker.  One quote struck me "Seeing much, suffering much, and studying much are the three pillars of learning."  In my constant studying of the Christian faith, recently stumbled on underline Controversies of the Christian Faith underline by St. Robert Cardinal Bellarmine, S.J. and translated from Latin by Kenneth Baker, S.J.  A book all about stuff that was actually happening during Martin Luther's lifetime and being written about.  There are extensive chapter about all the Popes and what use they were and so forth and so on.  As much as Barb and I are concerned about the future of the United States of America and it having a viable government, perhaps it is constructive to get a handle on the Church and find out why It is still viable after all It has gone through?  There is a lot of reading in this thick tome but I am hopeful for some understanding.  Best wishes and love to you.===JACK:  What an insightful response! to put the Disraeli quote into the context of the Church dealing with controversy.  Thanks!

FROM LBP:  Well, not sure what his advice  would be, but reading the entry on him in the Encyclopedia Britannica is a good reminder that two party political nastiness has been around for centuries. Yay?===JACK:  I certainly think that being "amoral" is the solution we need.===LBP:  Really hoping there is a typo there. Did you mean “   I certainly think that being "amoral" is NOT the solution we need.”?===JACK:  Obviously you are correct.  We've had enough of amoral leadership.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  Wouldn't it be nice to have a living America back?  All together as one nation...that’s what I’m praying for.===JACK:  It starts with one family at a time, and you've passed it on your family members, who will then pass it on to others.  That's how the Gospel is passed on, too.

 Jack’’s Winning Words 9/21/20

“I often think in music.  I live my daydreams in music.”  (Einstein)  September is designated as Classical Music Month.  Sometimes I write Winning Words while listening to, Music for the Mind…or, Bach for Breakfast.  Youtube can play them, if you need inspiration and relaxation.  Norman Ross (WMAQ-400 Hour) introduced me to classical (and semi) music.  As I recall, his theme song was “Sleeping Beauty Waltz.”  Is there music that encourages you to think and daydream?  ;-)  Jack

FROM LBP:  Thinking music is new age piano. My Pandora channel  is seeded with George Winston and I’ve come to know of some new favs that way.===JACK:  I remember when Winston came on the scene and his recordings were popular.  As I sit here and  respond to you, I'm listening to Mozart.  What a genius.  His music stimulates my brain cells.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  Music is a huge part of our lives.  We do a lot of singing together.  Joshua sings a lot of solos in his church and all of us, even the youngest have been in choir.  It’s how Gary and I met...him 9, me 11.===JACK:  Strange, but I vividly recall in my "visual mind" you and Gary walking with the choir into church as worship was beginning.  BTW, it would be fun to hear Joshua sing: "Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho."

FROM NRC INVI:  Yes, different tunes can influence my moods.  For instance, a rousing JPS march is good when I have a big job to do.  I remember Norman Ross…I wonder if that also is what influences my favorite choices on the radio today.  Thanks for the good memories.  Hope you’re feeling more peppy today.       Nancy Ruth      Gotta go rinse my shape tra la la la  all your troubles go bubblin’ down the drain.===JACK:  I believe that "The Old Fashioned Revival Hour" and Mrs T as a song leaders had much to do with our love of church music.

FROM SF:  Playing ‘Bach with Breakfast‘ now. Thanks!===JACK:  Isn't it great!  Was music ever used during study time in your school?

FROM DR J:  Smooth jazz  and new age... also like classical!===JACK:  Smooth Jazz...another style that I like alot. 

FROM BS IN ENGLAND:  I love to listen to Gabreil's Oboe from the Mission.  My sister walked down the isle to this when she married Don, 10 years ago, and the last occasion  that dear Angela enjoyed!===JACK:  Who said, "Music calms the soul."  I'll have to look it up.

 Jack’s Winning Words 9/17/20

"There’s not enough time…and other lies we tell ourselves!”  (Book by Jill Farmer)  It’s also a lie to say, “There IS enough time.”  I’m intrigued by the picture of an hour glass with the top half painted black.  It contains grains of sand representing the length of one’s life…Mine!  Or it could be Yours! Recently I received the death notice of a friend..  Not long ago he and I were talking about how good life was.  Time is a precious gift!  Do you ever wonder how much sand is left? ;-)  Jack   

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:    I have a beautiful large antique hour glass.  It intrigues our youngest grandson, Ethan.        Minutes pass, then hours, then days faster and faster.  I will be 70...thinking of myself as 70 is a little intense but I’m ok with it.      Realistic, the grains for me pass quickly through the hourglass.  I am thankful for each and every grain, knowing they will stop one day only to bring me to and even more outstanding beautiful eternity.===JACK:  Even with regard to Heaven...The Bible says that  "Eye has not seen, nor the mind imagined what God has prepared for those who love him."

 Jack’s Winning Words 9/16/20

“Sleep, riches and health, to be truly enjoyed, must be interrupted.”  (Johann P F Richter)  I was upstairs working on a sermon.  From the corner of my eye I saw my daughter smiling at me thru the railing.  She’d crawled up the stairs looking for her “daddy.”  The sermon could wait.  Some things are more important than going to the gym, making money, or getting extra zzzs.  The good life often depends on making the right choices at the right time…Right?  :-)   Jack 

FROM EDUCATOR PAUL:  Memories of the times we didn’t do that haunts us! But, we must remember the times we did and now look at the results. Did that command leadership meeting really take priority over my kid’s music performance? Did the school concert really have a higher priority than my kid!s play?  In our daily lives as parents we have to make some very tough choices. Someone once wrote that as a parent making those kind of decisions should be compared to a baseball player’s batting average. 3 out of 10 makes you an all star! Just some reflections from a very thought provoking WW, ===JACK:  There's no sense in beating up on ourselves over what we "coulda" done.  I think I did a pretty good job doing my job as pastor/parent.  Yes, each could have been better, but at the expense of the other.  ""C'est la vie!"===FROM EP:  You’re right, but that’s not how parent’s function. I don’t mean that we have obsess over those incidents, but we do have to acknowledge that parents have to make difficult decisions and be aware that those decisions have.   consequences.===JACK:  I don't know that my parents obsessed...but I do belied that they cared (loose reins!)  

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  Perfectly correct!===JACK:  I always liked to see your comment written on school papers.  I wish that it had appeared more often.

FROM BB IN CHGO: Now I am trying to guess which daughter?  Hmmmm, begins with a B like me?===JACK:  You had a 50-50 chance of getting it right...and you nailed it.

FROM JK IN MI:  Yes!  Thank You Jack.  Bless You===JACK:  Long time, no C...and long time, no Jerry.  I hope that you are doing well.

FROM KZB:  RIGHT!!!!  It’s why I retired early. I took a less intense job when Dylan was young and he said to me, Mommy I am so glad you are “here” more now. (He meant present). Out of the mouths of babes.===JACK:  ...and I don' think my sermons suffered because of that time-out.  I think that you and I were better parents because of the "time-outs."===KZB:  Couldn’t agree more. 

FROM DR J:  I can almost see it. Jeanne or Beth?===JACK:  Let's see how perceptive you are.  Which one?===DJ:  Sounds like Jeanne to me!  Beth would be too kind to interrupt ;-)===JACK:  I should have used the modifier, "shyly smiling."  Now, you should get it right.===DJ:  yes… then Beth!  If she slammed open the office door and came bouncing in… Jeanne!

FROM ST PAUL:  profound...===JACK:  I don't know about, profound...but it has always stuck with me as a good parenting choice made by me.

FROM DM IN LIV:  Amen to that!  Thank you! 😊===JACK:  Sometimes I like my own writing.

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  right!===JACK:  Do you have a..."I got it right! story.===LIZ:  i pretty much have always lived that way. my dad and mom always had time for me. 🌷===JACK:  What have you copied from your parents to apply to your daughter?

FROM OPTY ART:  I hope you and Joan are holding up reasonably well.  Today's winning words really caught my attention.  They seem especially fitting during this time of pandemic, fires, flood and political unrest.  Thanks and be well!!===JACK:  2020 has been a memorable year.  Even with a large downside, there's an up side, too.  "Promise yourself to be so strong that you let (almost) nothing disturb your peace of mind.

  

Jack’s Winning Words 9/15/20
“If we don’t heal our ‘hood, who will?”  (Nelly, the rapper) Grandson John began his business career with the Detroit Land Bank which seeks to improve ‘hoods by razing abandoned houses and selling the vacant lots to neighbors for $100 to use as garden plots, play areas, etc.  The idea has had mixed results, but “healing” is being tried.  I was amazed as I drove thru an area that had been rehabbed.  It’s still easy to point out blight, but what signs of healing have you seen in your America?  :-)  Jack

FROM WILLMAR REV:  ... in looking more steadfastly at ‘Thy kingdom come and Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven’, gives me a healthier perspective in that the best is yet to come! Traveling down through this wide gate of destruction can find one very discouraged and despondent, but helping folk discover the narrower gate spoken of by Christ, one sees healing and restoration on many fronts!” (Matthew 7:13) 0;-)===JACK:  The world is our 'hood, right?===REV:  It truly is, Jack, but those “hoodies” choosing to travel through that wide gate and down that wide path to destruction sure are troubling and depressing for this old pastoral gentleman. 0;-===JACK:  So, your job and mine is to change the highway situation to a more positive one!  Good Luck!===REV:  Trying to “bloom” where I’m planted, thinking if I can model, share and introduce Christ and His assurances to those hanging out by that wide gate, maybe He and they and maybe even me will make a difference in a few of those hoodies where they will step into the narrower way instead?! 0;-)

FROM EDUCATOR PAUL:  Yeah!!!!! I got it!!!

FROM ST PAUL:  another good one, Jack.  thanks. ===JACK:  What's your view of the 'hood, these days? ===SP:  hard to say because my "hood" is peaceful,  well kept,  nice folks, lots of trust and neighborliness.   the hood most often depicted in the media is very different than mine and yours, sad to say.===JACK:  I wonder we'd react if our 'hood were faced with the same conditions in poorer 'hoods?  Would we flee (as many have done), or work to bring about change.  It's such a tough struggle to do what our conscience tells us what is the right thing to do. ===SP:  I agree with you. and the White Flight to the burbs over the decades has hurt these neighborhoods all the more.   do you recall when Pontiac had mandated busing in the late 1960s?   there was a mass migration once that law went into effect. ===JACK:  Yes, I began to start my New Mission Congregation at that time.  Good News/Bad News...we lost some prospects over the fear that school-age children would be bused to "force" equal opportunity education.  It didn't happen.  But "school of choice" did happen where children out of the neighborhood could enroll in neighborhood schools, if there was room available.===SP:  i recall that those in the Pontiac system that could move out,  did so.  others put their kids in private or Catholic schools. and what was left were some, like retirees, who did not want to pay higher taxes for any reason so 9 millages failed in a row if my memory serves. so the entire school  system suffered a lot! ===JACK:  "Senior" communities (not all) are notorious for voting down school millages.  "We don't want integrations, because it will lower property values."  And..."New schools and school improvements will raise our taxes, and we want lower taxes."  People often vote with their feet. 

 FROM RS IN TEXAS:  Haven’t seen it first hand, but a man in Atlanta took a neighborhood called Eastlake, where you were more likely to die before 18 than graduate high school and totally transformed it. If you haven’t heard of it you might want to Google it. It’s an inspiring story. ===JACK:  Is it really true that..."Birds of a feather...."

FROM SHALOM JAN:  Good morning, Jack, I have another recommendation for your grandson, John.  "Tiny houses".  There is already an organization in Detroit that has placed tiny houses (largest is 600 sq. ft.) on an abandoned piece of property.  A congregation in Plymouth sponsored the build of one house, and helped construct it.  They are amazing and they are built into "neighborhoods".  Tiny houses have been built for special groups, such as veterans, but the article in The Christian Century sometime in the past year, indicated that the project they wrote about had a mixture of singles and couples of all sorts of backgrounds.  I'd like to see our synod get involved in Detroit church neighborhoods in some way, encouraging congregations to use their "endowment" funds for such projects rather than for "keeping our church doors open" for a handful of congregants, though the ELCA doesn't have any of those kinds of congregations in Detroit itself, but there are some in the 'burbs.  Thank you for re-establishing me in your blog of WWs. ===JACK:  I think that the Tiny House project in Detroit has been spearheaded by a Methodist Pastor who was an Albion College classmate of my daughter.  She always seemed to have the "social justice" agenda in her life.  All of the abandoned houses in Detroit that have been razed were part of thriving neighborhoods.  Yes, what happened is part of a long story.  What's to keep the Ting House Project from suffering the same fate?===JAN:  Answer:  the same thing that keeps any neighborhood from suffering that fate.  It's called neighborliness.  There are some thriving neighborhoods in Detroit because the people who live there watch out for one another.  They care about one another.  Same thing here in Pontiac where I live.  There are also rundown neighborhoods where people pay rent for houses and apartments owned by "I don't give a hang" landlords.  No one holds the landlords to account.  Healthy neighborhoods are where residents will help a neighbor get what they need, whether it's food, justice, or heat.  Healthy cities have bureaus that do the same.  It works only as we work, together, and hold governments accountable, as well.  Yes, that seems idealistic, yet there are more places where those ideals are lived out than there are where they are not, thank God!===JACK:  I know first-hand that the Land Bank has been a good thing...not perfect, but "baby steps" toward a long-term solution.

FROM NRC IN NV:  I love my ‘hood. ===JACK:  Good neighbors make for good 'hoods.  Neighborliness tends to create good neighbors. 

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  People are stronger in their love of God, love of people, love of freedom and love of their neighbors.  At least, in certain areas.  The only coverage from media in negative and destruction.  I tend to watch and read groups of people who are positive. ===JACK:  Am I right in surmising that farm folk are more neighborly than "city slickers?"===OJ:  I’m not sure of that fact because I lived in the city most of my life and I always had great caring neighbors.===JACK: My wife's brother lives in a rural area where neighbors get together for coffee each Tuesday mid-morning in one-another's kitchen.  Does that sound like fun?===OJ:  Absolutely.  We’re going to have barn potlucks and dances.  We were all set for Spring but you know that story.===JACK:  Why does square dance caller yell, "Do Si Do?"

FROM SK IN SJ:  It’s good to hear of people helping each other. Treat others like you would want to be treated. Love and hugs to you and Joan. Ps: I got my hair Cut and colored yesterday. No silver for me yet! Ha!===JACK:  It's good to hear that your community is working to integrate Somalian refugees.  While probably not all are "on board," neighborliness is being tried.  BTW< how long before Goldilocks joined the "silver-haired" crowd? 

FROM TAMPA SHIRL:  We have a lot of tall buildings ===JACK:  Are the tall buildings condos or offices?  I was of the opinion that you lived in a typical Florida neighborhood with one-story no basement houses, painted white.===SHIRL:  The tall buildings r all downtown! Our neighborhood is typical with split levels one story and two story houses!

FROM NORM'S BLOG:  I have a tendency, as I suspect many do (care), while watching the nightly news casts, reading the paper or seeing things posted on-line to say things like “Somebody ought to do something about that”, or maybe “Somebody ought to fix that.” Those a cop-outs. The somebody who needs to do something is I. How can I look at a story in the news about systemic racism and not examine my own contribution to that problem- my fears or preconceived notions that lead me to jump to racist conclusions upon encountering a black person or to pull back for no good reason when encountering a member of the LBGTQ community. I am the somebody who needs to do something and that something starts with me.===JACK:  As the old song goes..."Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me."

FROM BB IN CHGO:  Proud to hear that John has a career start that sounds personally rewarding as well as financially rewarding.===JACK:  It was a good career start and helped him to see the value of non-profits.  It elicits questions from those reading his resume.  "What's a land bank?"  

 

 Jack’s Winning Words 9/14/20

“May every sunrise bring you hope.  May every sunset bring you peace.”  (Native American blessing)  Native Americans have much to teach us about “The Great Spirit.”  Perhaps it’s because most of their living was done in the out-of-doors, where they were dependent on “the whims of nature.” They saw God in sunrise and sunset, in weather, in pandemic.  I haven’t heard much God-talk about our current events.  I don’t know about you, but I need some words of hope and peace.  ;-)  Jack.

FROM SK IN SJ:  We all need to keep God first and know he will help us day by day. Courage and a good fight! You just keep going and we’ll pray for continued strength to get through this pandemic. I spend a lot more time sewing and reaching out to Friends and Family. Love your winning words! 😊❤️===JACK:  The pandemic may be bad, but there is good that has come out of it.  It's that way with life.  Some often comes out of bad...when you look for it.  At least, it works that way for me.===SK:  We have to keep looking for the Silver lining in things. I am. 😜===JACK:  Good can also come when one begins to silver among the "gold" in a head of hair.

FROM WILLMAR REV:  The leaves are starting to drop around here in Minnesota?! 0;-) ===JACK:  It happens every year, doesn't it?  It was a great day when God thought of inventing seasons.

FROM HY YO SILVER:  Beautiful!===JACK:  Depending on how you look at it...2000 has been a beautiful year.  Hy and Esther became a married couple.

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  we are at war... not a ground war, and there is not a clear-cut enemy, as w/old-fashioned wars.  at a juncture where we truly need god, the democrats are concentrating on removing god from the pledge of allegiance, and making sure no one goes to church. what priorities! communist regimes also ban religion, as we know... ===JACK:  It seems as tho you've left your Libertarianism and bought into the "fake" pre=election Propaganda.  I believe that "under God' was put into "the Pledge" in the 1950s as a political (not religious) move.  Libertarians and many other people  of faith thought that the insertion was not necessary.  IMO, the removal would not make the USA the came as Communist Russia...and since when does "going to church make one a Christian" and saying "under God" make a nation Godly?   

FROM TAMPA SHIRL:  I think think that our president stresses the need and help of God everyday! Don’t you?===JACK:  NO!

FROM GUSTIE:  Me too.  Black lives Matter got as close as a mile away from me.  They invaded the home of a friend of Kajsa, my granddaughter.  That is close to home.  They went out to Hugo-one suburb away and the suburb my grandson Kirk lives in-and they tried to trash the home of the police union pres.  The Black Lives Matter guy that was so very violent is running for Representative to the state of Minnesota House.  They told the people they needed to get out of their house because it should not belong to them.  They should give it to these black folks.  And I should support these rioters and looters??  Sorry, but I can’t do it.  They are Antifa and I will not lift one finger to help them.===JACK:  I think that you speak more harshly than you are.  You are more than ready to help people in need, as I am.  There is a difference between "looters" and "peaceful protesters."  My sister's grandson is a social worker who lives right in the area of the Mpls protest.  He was there to bring calm to his neighborhood.  He saw many "outsiders" there stirring up the crowd and encouraging the looting.  There's a difference between needy people and greedy people. ===G:   He was lucky he was not killed.  These people love killing anyone white. ===JACK:  He was there in the place where he lived.  He knew the agitators.  He was able to identify the white supremacists and the "locals".  He was a calming force.  He did feel danger at times, but thanks be to God for people such as him who care to get involved.  Most of us just sit on the sidelines and watch TV.

  

FROM DLM:  Amen to "words of hope and peace"===JACK:  I seem to remember the Native American peace greeting...a hand held up showing no weapons.  

 Jack’s Winning Words 9/11/20

“The trouble with thee is often me.”  (Pastor Bob’s bulletin)  During my ministry I always included a Sentence Sermon in the Sunday bulletin, a short, positive message for worshippers to take home with them.  I note that Preacher Bob did something similar…like today’s quote.  Bob reminds us that when we find fault with someone, there’s the chance that the fault can be with both of us, or with me, alone.  Let today be one of self-examination…and self-improvement.  ;-)  Jack

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  How very true!  Emotions come to play quite a bit between people and miscommunications.  I’m my own worst enemy.===JACK:  In the olden days our Catholic friends would go to Confession and begin by saying to the priest (who was supposed to be acting on behalf of God):  "Father, I have sinned."  Young children would sometimes make up sins; adults didn't have to do that.

FROM WILLMAR REV:  Fermenting, hopefully the best I can?!?! 0;-)===JACK:  What do you know about "fermenting?"  I thought that AGers were non-alcoholic.  Do they ever host AA groups?

FROM GOOD DEBT JON:  As your Michigan buddy Wayne Dyer is oft credited with saying, “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”===JACK:  Wayne was good (I liked watching his videos), but he wasn't perfect.  None of us is. 

FROM DLM:  Good for you on the sentence sermons in the bulletins.  And, your creativity continues to inspire, stimulate, and bring insight.  Peace to you this afternoon and evening and...and...===JACK:  I thought that if the sermon happened to be a dud, the worshipers could at least take home a "sentence" that was worthwhile.