Jack’s Winning Words 11/27/20

“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.”  (Jimmy Johnson – Football Coach)  The odds of a college football player making it to the pros are about: 2 %   It’s not about being a star.  It’s about having that little “extra” that sets you apart from the others.  In fact, every “headhunter” is looking for an employee who produces more than expected.  ;-)  Jack   

FROM EDUCATOR PAUL:  When coaches are asked, “Who would you like on your team? The player with talent or the journeyman who has a strong work ethic and will always give you 100%.  The answer always surprises me. Coaches say they will always choose the player with that extra talent.  It was explained to me that a great coach salivates over the challenge of taking that player with talent and coaching them to superstar status regardless what that player initially shows in terms of personality, work ethic, etc.===JACK:      Along the same linbe, I've heard that it works well to put on a resume: "I was raised on a farm."  There's a farm work ethic that translates well into the marketplace.

FROM SK IN SJ:  Whew! I’m glad to be retired   Ha! Although a person does feel good if you give a little extra to projects and baking and whatever. ===JACK:  That "little extra" works in almost everything...even in quilting and cooking.

FROM WEB:  I  hope you had a second slice of pie yesterday!  This lockdown is starting to push me into a different dimension, one without restaurants and where my English Bulldog is not only my best friend now he’s my only friend. I should have bought stock in Zoom and sold Turkeys short. ===JACK:  It was just the two of us in Minnesota.  We cancelled 5 guests to be safe.  T he virus will eventually be controlled...but then we move on to other problems.  "If it isn't one thing, it's another," was Gilda Radner's famous line.  I miss her.

 Jack’s Winning Words 11/25/20

“I can’t cook a Thanksgiving dinner.  All I can make is cold cereal or maybe toast.”   (Charlie Brown)  the “virus” has forced cancelations of family gatherings.  However, we still have much to be thankful for,
even if it’s only ,cold cereal and toast.  Life may not be perfect, but let’s be thankful for what we have.

FROM H ONEST JOHN:   I am thankful for you and your ministry.===\JACK:  I can say the same about you.  But I appreciate, most of all, your search for truth.===HJ:  Truth is an elusive little dude but I cannot give up the idea that it is there....just out of my grasp.    However, I have to keep looking.   Love the words of John 14.....”I am the Truth.”===JACK:  I have a problem with "No one comes to the Father but thru me."  I can't see those as words of Jesus...maybe the words of an anonymous scribe.    

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  are you thankful communism is keeping you “safe”?===JACK:  I've lived long enuf to no longer be afraid of the ism boogeymen...communism, socialism, Marxism, et al.  My mantra is to help those in need whenever and wherever I can.  "Love God with heart, soul and mind...and love my neighbor as I love myself."===LIZ: you have lived long enuf to see what happens, too...====JACK:  They're often used as buzz words, designed to scare people.===LIZ:  actions speak louder than words... and when trump is declared winner, the riots will break out again.  i am tired of living.===JACK:  Life is good.  I think that Donald has seen the handwriting on the wall, and the message is one that he did not want to see.  Are you ftrump will win, tho... 👍🏻===JACK:  Rats!  I had a way of making you rich for the rest of your life...but they're no longer posting odds for Trump winning the election.  I guess Las Vegas considers it over.

amiliar with the biblical story describing the handwriting on the wall?  It5's a good one.===LIZ:  

FROM SF IN FL:  Our kids were supposed to travel here for TG, but made the decision to stay home and stay safe. I felt a little sad, but mostly relieved. We will see them on Zoom, safely. I miss them, but want us all to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.  I did connect with Beth a couple of times on text. With Covid, we were not able to get together, but next season, hopefully with a vaccine, we surely will.  Wishing you and Joan and your family a healthy and happy Thanksgiving! ❤️===JACK:  "Better safe than sorry" is a wise old saying.

FROM GOOD DEBT JON:  My dinner goes on as planned. God, turkey, family, and gratitude for what I have. ===JACK:  Just Join and I at the table this year.  We may soom a larger family gathering.

FROM SK IN SJ:  Jack, I’m glad the cooking is not up to you! Ha!! I hope you both have a wonderful Thanksgiving! ===JACK:  There are so many things that we take for granted...the meals are just one item that are beyond my doing.  God is great; God is good.  So is my wife

FROM FRIEND ROBERT:   Very timely...Yesterday a friend at church who prepares community dinners asked that I make a dessert along with my monetary donation. All I could think was I’ve never baked a cake or made a pie. 🤔🙄===JACK:  If someone's needed to offer a prayer...I can do that.

FROM JJ IN SJ:  I’m thankful for Jack’s Winning Words. . . A lovely way to start the day with something to ponder. ===JACK:  We are thankful for a good and thoughtful neighbor right down the street.  The world is better because of people like you.

FROM OPTY ART:  Happy Thanksgiving, Jack, to you and family!! I had some cold cereal this morning.===JACK:  If I were in WB it would be cold cereal for me, too....but I'm in Minnesota and wife Joan cooks hot buckwheat for me, with sliced bananas and maple Syrup.  I'm being spoiled.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  I'm thankful to be home from the hospital after 8 days!! Have a pacemaker now, and had an ablation of lower heart chamber to bring my heart into rhythm. Touch and go for awhile, but better now. My family is here taking care of me. Blessings!! ===JACK:  I figured that something was going on since you've been quiet for a few day.  Many people are thankful for YOU these days.

 Jack’s Winning Words  11/24/20

 “There’s another life that I might have had, but I am having this one.”  (Kazuo Ishiguro)  I think it’s fun to look back and consider the “what ifs.”  Maybe it’s fun, because life has turned out so well for me…because I did not 2^nd guess.  I made a choice and stayed with it.  There’s a spiritual side of me that sees God in the choices I’ve made.  How has it been for you?  Have you a Godly presence in life’s direction?  Has it been luck, good or bad?  Would you like another chance?  ;-)  Jack

FROM SHARIN' SHARON:  Just googled Kazuo Ishiguro and read a bit of his life and the kind of fiction he writes.  An interesting quote from him which you have chosen, an interesting reflection of your own as to your own life turning out so well, because you did not 2nd guess.  I suppose people looking at my life from a certain perspective would conclude life has not turned out very well for me--just guessing at this from the amount of adversity in my life--and they would surmise that I have been 2nd guessing at every twist and turn--but from my own perspective, I feel like God has continuously and with the constant attention to the needs of Jesus shepherding His Church been pulling me forward to a more unifying and faithful place in His Kingdom here on earth and also in heaven.===JACK:  I've found it best not to overthink.  Jesus simply says that the greatest commandment is love the Lord your God with your heart, soul an mind, and to love your neighbor as you love yourself.  In my opinion....you are doing this!  Keep on doing it and leave the rest in the hands of God.  He has a way of working out the rest of the stuff.  We can only do so much on our own.  Relax and enjoy Thanksgiving.

FROM DR J:  I’m with you... wouldn’t change any big decisions... life is good and God is great🙏❤️  ===JACK:  Sometimes we try to make and its choices too complicated.  God loves us and wants us to love others.  Enjoy! 

FROM WILLMAR REV:  Had this chorus in mind this morning before reading your post...in part, it starts out with this—“I just keep trusting the Lord as I walk along, I just keep trusting the Lord and He gives a song. Though storm clouds darken the sky o’er the heavenly trail, I just keep trusting the Lord, He will never fail!” 0;-)===JACK:  Your response reminds me of another song:  I have a song that Jesus gave me.  It was sent from heaven above.  There never was a sweeter melody, 'tis a melody of love."  Do you happen to know that song?

FROM SK IN SJ:  Hi Jack!  I still struggle about my first marriage not working out! I thought I gave it my all. I did have 4 beautiful children and that’s priceless. But in reality, I’ve learned a few things about myself too over the years! I guess, why question it? I loved and lost the battle. But many things to be thankful for. ?? Who knows!===JACK:  I'd eliminate the sentence: "I loved and lost the battle" and substitute: "I loved and gave it all I had.  In the end, there are many things to be thankful for."  Perhaps your trials have made you the fine woman that you are today. ===SK:   Thank you! I do believe things happen for a reason . I gained a family, an understanding that all people do not think alike, now I accept more and do have more patience. I am thankful for all the goodness in my life. ESP. Good friends ===JACK: At times it can be a HARD prayer, but it's a good prayer: "Thy will be done on Earth as it is in heaven."  There's a Table Prayer that begins: "God is great, God is good."  Yes, He is great, and  He is good.  

FROM RS IN TEXAS:  I've always said that while there are a lot of choices/decisions that I made that I would like to have made differently, I also know that every decision we make puts us on a certain path.  If any decisions I made hurt someone, I would ask for forgiveness.  But in the end, I have had a blessed life with a wonderful family and more blessings than I probably deserve, so no, I would not want to go back and change anything.  I will live ....and die....with the decisions I have made, and will pray that I make good decisions for whatever time I have left on this earth.===JACK (IN MINNESOTA):  What a frustration it would be be if we were given the opportunity for "do-overs"  in life.  We'd never be able to move on.  God's grace allows us to be forgiven for our mistakes in judgment.  "All have sinned and fallen short."  Accept forgiveness....and move on. 

FROM BB IN CHGO:  Ishiguro is a favorite author.  Thanks for sharing his quote.  Do you have a favorite novel he wrote?  Remains of the day?  Yes, as time passes it is interesting to look upon the past and think about “what it”?  for the most part I’m happy about the choices I made. ===JACK:  I must admit that I was more attracted b y the thought of the quote than familiarity   Macular degeneration limits my reading these days.  David has arranged for my computer have larger print available.  Regarding your choices....at least one has made it possible for you and I to know each other...and that was for the good, IMO.===BB:  8 short hours of audio should you be interested?  I loved the story.  Believe it was written before he earned the Nobel prize in literature.  I’ve not seen the film as I think the slow pace of the book given the subject ( a dutiful, devoted butler working in the English countryside) need time and pace that comes with reading his carefully chosen words.  Perhaps you will enjoy with your sweetheart.  It speaks of a culture and devotion that is passing over time…perhaps a romance of sorts?  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOf86f_LIiY&list=PLtHslbztEEEeqEh11akkau4BofwfcYzxd&index=4  ===JACK:  You are amazing.

FROM MD IN BSF:  Life's so mysterious. We were not involved in the decision of being born or cannot decide to live forever. In between we are on our own and the joy and fulfillment of our lives is impacted by the decisions that we make as free willed children of God. One can only hope to be blessed with good parents, good health and maybe good neighbors, teachers and religious leaders.===JACK: Yes, life is mysterious, but when I include God within the mystery, it becomes increasingly clear that there is a God who cares for me, and while He does not control me as a robot, He is there when there are choices I have to make, and there for me during the tough times, too.===MD:    No doubt. Are the choices that we had to make any different from those who were disadvantaged.?===JACK:   I look for God is all of the events.....When I do that I see a certain kind of good in all of them.  Sometimes I need a magnifying glass.

 

 

 

 Jack’s Winning Words 11/23/20

“Whatever is rightly done, however humble, is noble.”  (Henry Royce)  I’d like to own a Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost (or at least drive one).  “At 60 mph the loudest noise it makes is from the electric clock.”  Engineers at Rolls and Royce were always striving for perfection in their manufacturing.  “Take the best that exists and make it better.”  What if we did that with our lives?  …to take our God-given body and mind and make them better.  It can happen if we will it to happen.  ;-)  Jack

FROM HONEST  JOHN:      Prof. Holcomb taught that to us in the Augie debate program....”Strive for Excellence.”    A good motto.   My partner, Dick Smith, got to be about as good as one can get.    We had a great time together....traveling around the country, challenging the best minds of our era, developing cases, being awed by new things we found.   It was one of the great experiences of my life.      Btw....our Thrivent agent drove a Rolls Royce.    He was really good at his work.    Peace and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.===JACK:  In my preaching, I don't think that my words were perfect, but I always tried to give the congregation something to think about and to take home with them.  Did you ever know of a pastor who drove a Rolls?  A pastor that I knew had a member who was a Cadillac dealer.  Ever year he'd get "a deal" on a new trade-in...so he was always tooling around in his Caddys! 

FRO0M ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:   do you recall a movie many years ago called The Yellow Rolls Royce?.  can't even recall the plot line right now. something of a travelog perhaps.   maybe you could google it sometime. ===JACK:  All I remember is the Yellow  Submari8ne...and I don't think that's supposed to be a travelog.    I might have an interest in Googling the Yellow Rolls. 

FROM RS IN TEXAS:  Driving the Ghost sounds like fun - especially if it were a long road trip.  As far as owning one, even if someone gave me one, I'm not sure if I could afford the insurance on it. If you want to drive one, I'm not sure what it would cost to rent on in MI or MN, but it's "as low as" $700 per day here in Dallas.===JACK:  It might be fun for just a day....to say that you DID it.  As for me, I now rely on a chauffer named, Joan. 

FROM NORM'S BLOG:  I would add to Royce’s quote that things done right are also comforting, reassuring and satisfying. At the end of the day, if one can look back and know that what they did was right, they will be at peace with themselves. They will not have regrets or second thoughts about the events of the day. They will not have to try to remember any lies or deceptions from the day for future reference. ===JACK:  You drive a small KIA, don't you?  Have you ever benn in a Rolls Royce?  If so, how do they compare?

 

 Jack’s Winning Words 11/19/20

“Be open to learn, to relearn and to unlearn.”  (Unknown)  When I went to seminary to become a pastor, I soon discovered that I had a lot to learn (8 yrs).  I also found out that there was even more to unlearn…and then to relearn.  Sunday School was a great experience, but there’s more to the Bible than Daniel in the lion’s den and Noah and his ark.  What I did learn as a child was to care about people…all people.  And I did learn that when trouble comes my way, God is always there to help me.  ;-)  Jack

FROM SK IN SJ:  Oh to remember the exciting stories of the Bible. Now as we go through life   It all makes more sense. But the bottom line is: Trust in the Lord. I have lots of stories where the lord guided me. So happy he is there for us and for anyone who asks for help. God bless you!===JACK:  The Bible stories that excited us as children have a deeper "adult" meaning.  One of the values of "higher" education is to be able to make the transition.  

 JJack’s Winning Words 11/20/20

“We are not what other people say we are.  We are who we know ourselves to be.  That’s OK.”  (Transgender Slogan)  We honor transgender individuals on November 20, and remember the murder of Rita Hester in 1998.  Societal change has allowed me to meet and to have as friends that are LGBTQ.  I’ve learned from them and had my life enriched by them. We’re all different in our own way, and each of us knows ourselves as we are, not as others say we are.  That’s OK!  Today is TDOR!  ;-)  Jack 

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  some groups are eliminating the “t” bc of their radical agenda, such as transitioning children.===JACK:  Yes, sometimes the pendulum can swing tooo far.  But I thought, seriously, that Libertarians didn't care about pendulum swings.===LIZ:  not when they occur naturally... we’re all about freedom, you know!===JACK:  We are all different, and I'm satisfied with myself and my particular difference.

FROM ST PAUL MIN ST PAUL:  yesterday a fellow on TV described his gender as "non-binary".  any idea what that means?  just curious.===JACK:  It's my understanding that bi-nary sex means to be identified as neither male nor female.  Nature sometimes mixes things up, hence the word, Queer.  That word, in the past, has been used as a pejorative, when, if fact, it described some of nature's oddities.  I learned sometime today.  Hallelujah! 

FROM SF IN FL:  Have you watched ‘Transparent’ on Amazon Prime with Jeffrey Tambor and Judith Light? We thought it was wonderful ===JACK:  OK...It's on our "to watch" list.  Do you have banyone who is a close friend and a transgender?. 

FROM GOOD DEBT JON:   Good morning sir:  Speaking of truth, what’s your quick take on the the threats and intimidation from Wayne State’s Ned Staebler of the GOP Canvassers in Wayne County, MI?  Video on link below.  Followed by a mob of other videos from “activists” threatening their children, posting their names, phone numbers, and addresses online and where the kids go to school? Kids call this Doxx’ing apparently, they pass on publicly personal information for the fringe of the movement to do nefarious things. Like organized crime.  I know this is a few Marxists that have taken over DNC.  I feel sorry for all the honest Democrats that are being misled.  I still long for an accurate count, in GA they illegally made a deal to not verify any signatures on mail-in and absentee ballots.  I fear the Marxists want to take this to a bigger crises so they can say Trump “stole” the election. WI moved last night to change recount rules to limit RNC reviews?  Aside from being unconstitutional, it begs the question? Why do they not want the Republicans to see the ballots and match a signature?  The problem CNN and the legacy media has now is there are 1,000’s of independent sources for news.   The link below is just one of the thousands.   I can say the DNC is giving the best gift to the population: we are reading and learning the constitution and the amendments.  I predict the media Iron Curtain falls.   What do you think?  Is a fair count important?  Do you want to know who really won?===JACK:   It's OVER!  180 M to 170 M.  What is happe3ning now is trying to use the outdated Electoral College to come up with a different outcome.  I foresee a legislative fight to change the Constitution in this regard.  That's why there is an amendment process.  It took a long time to change the wording so that women could vote..===JON:  I care about freedom.  Trump will be gone in 2024; it's far bigger than Orange Man Bad.===JACK:  I did not intend to disagree.  I know Wayne County, and it produced probably the fairest of fair elections.  My take...We in America were on the verge of a dictatorship.  Somehow, "reason" prevailed.  I choose not to try and overturn "the will of the people."  It opens a can of worms.  I RESPECT you and your thoughts.  You are brighter thyan I am.  

FROM BB IN CHGO:  Thanks for your warm words.  I’m going to send along a link/newsletter that you might find interesting.  I have to log certain hours in law, professionalism and diversity to maintain my license to practice law.  I met Ellie during one of these sessions and, when I heard her deep voice initially thought “why do they have this speaker when there are so many others out there” and…”there are so few of these people, why does it matter”  her stories were warm and chilling.  She told of a bus driver who stopped a full bus on a bridge to talk to (and rescue) an LGBT teen who was ready to jump/commit suicide.  She had so many exercises where we grouped ourselves in categories as to how others see us rather than who we perceive ourselves to be.  In any case, her newsletter is long but informative and positive and I thought you would enjoy her words.  Jack, you are an inspiration to me.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  What a hero.===JACK:  Thanks for your thoughtful and "realistic" replies.  What I try to do is write about "real life," and you give answers that connect "Biblical thought" with life as we see it.==BB: Ellie Krug's story in this newsletter is about the man who was raised in foster care and has now adopted five sibling children from 5 separate families.

 

 

 

 Jack’s Winning Words 11/18/20

“We all live in a tent…con-tent or discon-tent.”  (From Pr Neff’s bulletin)  Bob Neff was a Methodist preacher in Minnesota about 30 years ago.  He’d also been a school superintendent and a sheep farmer…and he had a sense of humor.  Life was good tor him in these various occupations, so you might say that he lived in the con-tent.  It’s a sad situation when life isn’t what we wish it to be.  If you know of someone in the discon-tent, a call today might be appreciated.  ;-)  Jack 

FROM MATTHEW 14:27:  This is very helpful.  😊  Thank you. 

FROM GOOD DEBT JON:  :  Veritas vos Liberabit  ===JACK:  The truth shall set you free...indeed, depending on who is defining and teaching...What is the truth?

FROM INDY GENIE:   Ain't it the truth?     Sounds like you learned 2 of the “great lessons” in Sunday school.===JACK:  Sunday School was almost as good as seminary....ibn some ways, better.

FROM NORM'S BLOG:  That quote is probably based upon the words of Alvin Toffler. Alvin Toffler (October 4, 1928 – June 27, 2016) was an American writer, futurist, and businessperson known for his works discussing modern technologies, including the digital revolution and the communication revolution, with emphasis on their effects on cultures worldwide. He wrote the 1970 book Future Shock. Toffler is credited with saying: “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.”===JACK:  Thinking back on that book...In many ways the future is now.

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  good one, Jack.  here is another one you might want to use.    A Zoom Th anksgiving is better than an ICU Christmas! . take care...===JACK:  I'll bet that this will be the first Thanksgiving that you and Margaret are spending alone...or are you?===SP:  correcto mungo!   no family at all.  since Margaret has the bug,  the kids want no part of us:):):)  can't blame them one bit.  so we are ordering dinner for two from the local HyVee store.  should be fun to see what they cook up for us.===JACK:  A giant bag of HY-VEE popcorn might go well as dessert.  

FRROM SK IN SJ:  Glad to say , I live in con tent. It’s easier to just let go of problems and make the best of it. And have a little of fun along the way. Miss you guys ! Hope you are staying well! I’m good so far! 😊❤===JACK:  It was a little chilly in the house today, so I warmed up under a Sharon blanket.CON_TENT!️

FROM LBP:  My con-tent is in a field with a windstorm that is my job screaming about. Just hoping the stakes hold right now. Hope weather is calmer near you===jACK:  My computer link goes thru WB.  Your last windstorm shut it down until one of the girls went over and restarted it.

 

 Jack’s Winning Words 11/17/20

“What if I told you that the left wing and the right wing belong to the same bird?”  (Unknown)  I’ve read that Ben Franklin wanted the turkey named as the official bird of America.  Can you imagine the President standing at a podium with a turkey pictured on the front?  The eagle does present a strong, dignified figure.  I wonder how right wing and left wing have come to represent opposite political views?  Right now I want to see both wings as part of the American eagle.  ;-)  Jack

FROM INDY GENIE:  I like this quote and I’d like to see all of us birds fly together. There’s just one sky, right?☮===JACK:  I still see birds quarreling at the feeder.  Some birds never seem to be satisfied.️

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  Without both wings...you can’t fly!  Our country needs to soar! ===JACK:  We need to soar, butr we won't until we can compromise and wor together.  The only time I saw it was during WW 2.===JUDY:  Do you think that will happen in the near future?===JACK:  Nope!  ...and I wouldn't want it at the expense of WW 3.===JUDY:  Or a Civil War.===JACK:  One of those was enough...and don't forget the issue that started it.  (It' still with us, too.)

FROM BB IN CHGO:  This is just beautiful.  I wish it was front and center of every newspaper headline in the country!===JACK:  At least the words made it to Winning Words.

FROM SK IN SJ:  I agree! Enough battling! Work together to help the American people. A leader takes care of his flock!===JACK:  I am proud to have tr4ied to "tend my flock" without trying to get them to follow a particular political party.  There are good people on both sides.  There were pastors in Germany who spoke out against the abusiveness of Hitler's power.  There are times to speak up and times to shut up.  A good leader knows the difference..   

FROM MD IN BSF:  It's really something. Not just disagreement but also hate, vitriol, abusive language and physical abuse and thats just the politicians. How did we get to this point? Cable news? Colleges? Lack of DC decency? The solution to me is impossible. Like Daniel and King Ebenezer. Keep praying.===JACK:  I was fearful that we were headed toward a dictatorship.  I know that there were people Does not matter who wins if we can be honest and respectful to each other. Platforms not personalities should prevail. I always thought that God cared about everything because everything is to His will.===JACK:  OK, Blame it on God!  He can take it.  Seriously, God chose to limit Himself in the creation of mankind by giving us free-will...a huge responsibility on us.  As a pastor, I*'ve always tried to get "my people" to try and get their will to match God's will.  Are election results something that God cares about? ===MD::  I learned a lot from you and continue to learn. Thanks for the message. ===JACK:  Ours has been a long and fruitful relationship.  I believe that God sent you and your family into my lifew for a reason.

FROM DAIRYLAND DONNA:  .  Wonderful dream. So far apart. How will this ever get fixed? Feel we need to start over.===JACK:  Life hands us certain puzzles that we have to figure out for ourselves.  It happens "politicly", but6 also on a personal level. 

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  yes! this concept is at the very heart of libertarian thought.===JACK:  It's a good thought, whatever the political persuasion.

FROM HY YO SILVER:  Wonderful  Funny  Timely===JACK:  You know the political scene first-hand.  Sometimes it's hard to learn to ride a bike, and sometimes it's hard to get politicians to work "across the aisle," but it can be done when you want it to be done.

 

  

 “I think that everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it’s not the answer.”  (Jim Carrey) I just read that to comfortably retire you need a base savings of one million dollars. Carrey is worth $180 million, so he should know what he’s talking about on this subject.  Many years ago I was at a restaurant when a stranger came up and said, “Excuse me, are you Gordie Howe?” It was fun to be seen as a someone famous, until I realized being interrupted at every meal wouldn’t be very enjoyable.  I’m satisfied to be who I am, even if I’m not a millionaire or a hockey star.  Are you satisfied with who you are?

FROM STARRY KNIGHT:  I like this! I like who i am also :)===JACK:  Basically, you're a Merrill girl at heart.  The ride toward stardom was fun, wasn't it?

FROM MARMAR:  I am happy with my life with no desire to be rich or famous.===JACK:  You fit the image of a country girl with country values.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  I am. Yes, you are right; you pay a price for fame, along with the millions you earn.  I was once asked to do an autograph for the woman who played the mother in Happy Days, which my jr..high kids used to say I looked like, and I never believed them.! This was in Chicago, and I told her I could sign the name, but I was not her. She had me sign her program anyway!  It was fun for a moment...I have this quote from Jim Carrey in my quote book from years back, and I think it is very true!===JACK:  My granddaughter once dressed up as Jane Goodall for a school project.  A few years laster we actually met  Jane and told her about the experience.  She will always remember Jane's response: "Was it fun being me?"

FROM QUILTING CAROL:  I am happy with who I am.  I may not be famous or rich to the outside world but know I am famous to my family and rewarded richly by having them in my life.  To me that is all that counts.  Financial security is nice but to have gobs of money isn’t necessary.===JACK:  There was something about you that caught the eye of Robert.  Who cares what it was.  Life has turned out well.  Some questions still might remain, but (always) God is good.

 Jack’s Winning Words 11/13/20

“I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know who holds the future.”  (Unknown) Here are some song lyrics by Kurt Kaiser that have helped me when I wonder about the future.
“Why not try to do this when you wake up at night  Troubles race into your mind and sleep becomes a fight  Try this simple method and you soon will gain control  Sleep will quickly come again and calm come o'er your soul.
Thank you Lord for hearing me  Thank you Lord for knowing who I am  Thank you Lord for seeing me
It's so easy to get lost these days  In the shuffle and the noise.”

FROM JE AT WLCCSD:  Thank you so much for today’s WW and the daily WW. It is unsettling not knowing what the future holds. Faith, and WW, keeps me going. I hope you are staying safe. As Thanksgiving approaches, know I am thankful for YOU and WW and having had the opportunity to witness your faithfulness to friends, family and community.  Have a beautiful day.===JACK:    I know that you've got a lot on your plate...and not just for Thanksgiving Day.  Best wishes and God's blessing be with you.

FROM ER IN NFL:  It's very interesting to me that you chose this quote. I had found it, and wrote it down, to place by my work computer. See attached.  I appreciate your solution to middle of the night insomnia. I can't wait to give it a try. I will say that I have chatted with God many times just prior to falling asleep to try to calm mind.===JACK:  I am a private person and tend to share "myself" with peopl who can benefit from what I have experienced. 

 Jack’s Winning Words 11/12/20

“Don’t tell me what you believe in; I’ll observe how you behave and make my own determination.”  (Alex Trebek)  My view of TV’s Jeopardy’s host have changed through the years.  I’ve always admired his intellect, but at times have considered him to be a pedant.  His bout with cancer has shown me a human Alex.  Raised as a Catholic, he was taught to pray.  He says that it’s hard being positive all of the time, but he believes that “a Higher Power” hears our prayers.  “Rest in Peace, Alex!”

FROM GOOD DEBT JON:  Alex will be missed. A real gentleman.  My wife and I when schedule allowed always tuned in===JACK:  A "real" gentleman is hard to find these days.

FROM ME IN NEWPORT BEACH:  thank you for teaching me a new word today. Pedant. I never knew what it meant. While it is early, I am sending you my first holiday greeting.===JACK:  Pedant has been part of my vocabulary ever since I began walking to work with one when I was just out of high school.  "He" knew all of the answers and wasn't shy about telling me so. 

FROM PM:  I had to look up what the word pedant meant!  I’ve often tried to find a word to describe someone just like this and you introduced it to me. Thanks!  I hope you are well and healthy. Thanks for continuing to send these. :)===JACK:  I am doing well (for my age) and look forward to discovering new quotes and writing about them.  I also like the back and forth with the blog

FROM BB IN CHGO:  Nice; thank you for the tribute.  He will be missed by many.===JACK:  I'd just as soon that they try not to replicate the program...something similar, but not the same.  It's like a congregation trying to fit the "new" pastor into the "old" pastor's image.  It doesn't work...most of the time..

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  I truly admired him, and loved the show. A friend who was a contestant said he did sometimes flub a pronunciation, etc. and they had to do "retakes" to make it right, but you'd never guess that watching the smooth running of the show, as aired! He was so fluent in French, too, I guess because his mother spoke French in Canada. But he had class, and it was courageous of him to share his cancer experience with his viewers! I also appreciated how loving and positive he was in comments about his wife, always!  He will be very hard to replace on Jeopardy. I hope the show does continue!!===JACK:  I was hoping for some comment on his quote and my explanation of it.  It seems as tho people just wanted to give tribute.  That'S OK.

FROM CHIEF FITZ:  Thanks Jack, I learned a new word today because of Winning Words.  And RIP Alex.===JACK:  It's always a good day when we learn something new.

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  could you put that in the form of a question?:):):)===JACK:  Is "A Higher Power the same as God?"

FROM DAZ IN CO:  Alex was certainly the king of hosts for quiz shows or any type of tv show. I admired the way he could handle any situation with dignity.

 Jack’s Winning Words 11/11/20

“We must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”  (JFK)  One of the great things being done for veterans are the Honor Flights, allowing “old soldiers” to experience the various memorials in our nation’s Capital that honor those who have served, suffered and died fighting to protect our freedoms.  A high tribute to veterans is to live today as proud Americans.  Enough rancour…More appreciation for what we have.  ;-) Jack

FROM RS IN TEXAS:    The older you get, the more you learn (hopefully).===JACK:  Not necessarily.  You often get more set in your ways.   ...but not me.

FROM NORM'S BLOG:  Today is Veterans Day in America. I wondered this morning what percentage of the U. S. population actually have served in the military, whether in combat or peacetime. Google that and you will get many different answers from various sources (depending upon the date of the information) that average out at about 7% of the population. Less than 1 % of the current American population is currently on active duty somewhere in the world.  I’ve posted here before that I served in the Army in both the Middle East (Iran) and Viet Nam. In normal (non-COVID) years, I march in the Memorial Day Parade. That parade, like all other big events was cancelled this year. The Memorial Day parade organizers arrange groups by the wars in which they fought. The lead group, which has diminished greatly over the last few year is the WWII group, followed by the Korean War Group. Our Viet Nam War group is the third group and usually the largest group. The various Middle Eastern and Gulf Wars groups follow us with a small group for the Invasion of Granada in between. The Memorial Day Parade is Milford’s biggest parade, both in terms of the length and number of participants in the parade and the number of people who turn out to see the parade. People literally line the parade route from the VFW Hall on W. Commerce Rd all the way through the downtown to Central Park. The crowd of several thousand is usually several people deep. It is heartwarming to hear the constant applause of the crowd and the shouts of “thank you for your service”. We in the Viet Nam contingent did not get that type of welcome when we returned home back then.===JACK:  As a child I have faint memories of seeing old Civil War veterans, Spanish-American War vets and WW 1 vets in parades.  How about that?

FROM HONEST JOHN:  My brother in law went on one for Korean War veterans....loved it....also got a trip back there....had served there for three years===JACK:  "Hats off" to your brother and others like him.  I know of a Nam-Vet who had intense anger because of the way America treated him because of his service in that war.  It did not dissapate until after he took and Honor Flight to the  V-N Memorial.  General Sherman once gave his famous "War id Hell!" speech on the grounds of the Michigan Military Academy at Orchard Lake.

FROM GOOD DEBT JON:  Timely

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Those Honor flights are SO appreciated by all veterans I know who have taken them! What a great idea!~! I wish Bill had lived to experience one, but we did visit Arlington, and the memorials at one time together. The Korean one was not done, at that time..===JACK:  Arlington is an experience all by itself...as is any military cemetery..

 JJack’s Winning Words 11/10/20

“Does anyone know where the love of God goes when the waves turn the minutes into hours?”  (Gordon Lightfoot, from The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald song)  Are you one who wonders where God has gone when there are tragedies?  45 years ago the Edmund Fitzgerald sank with all hands lost during a Lake Superior storm.  The Bible has stories of similar tragedies.  “Why, God?  Why?”  The tendency to blame God for being absent during life storms is nothing new. What helps you maintain faith in God during the hard times?  ;-)  Jack

FROM CCS:  My favorite ballad of all time.===JACK:  From all to choose from...that's saying a lot.  Now, I'm curious about the word, ballad.===CCS:  Ballad — “A poem or song narrating a story in short stanzas”  I like this Ballad I think because it happened here in our home on one of our Lakes - also when you stand in the shore of Lake Superior you can “feel” this song and the story.  Maybe it happened at a vulnerable time in my life as well...===JACK:  Thanks for being "My Google."  .

FROM BLAZZING OAKS:  I ponder that, when reading of the horrible human trafficking stories, which our AB Women have worked to help for the past several years....where is God amid such brutal happenings??!  I have to make peace with the fact that God endowed us with free will, and many choose to do evil things!  We cannot know the mind of God or why some things seem the antithesis of a loving God. We CAN be the voice of love and the hands and feet of compassion where we can make a difference!===JACK:  With "free will" comes a mind to help us decide what to do.  YOU can't do everything, but you can do some thing...and I'd say that you're certainly doing things that are worthwhile.  "Hats off!  Hats off! to Marilyn."

FROM KRISD:  Great words!  I hear a lot of people questioning God's presence during illness and death.  Having terminal cancer has been a spiritual journey... especially when those who pray for a miracle that doesn't come.  Why did God not answer the prayer.  I believe that it's possible that answering that prayer may interfere with His path to our salvation.  I want to tell you that you have been a big spiritual Inspiration in my life.  I appreciate all of the time and effort you put into me during my crazy teen years.  You are truly a blessing to my family.===JACK:  How great to hear from you!  In fact, YOU made my day.  Yes, I've prayed for miracles, too...and it seems as tho God has not heard.  I've also prayed more often, "Thy will be done ON EARTH as it is in heaven.  Ultimately I'm going to choose God's plan over my plan.  Continue to be in touch!

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  i have done a lot of reading on the sinking of the "Fitz".  it's still something of a mystery as to what actually happened.  at least 2 if not 3 credible theories. ===JACK:  I suppose that we'll never know the whole story...but the "bottom line" is that the winds of November can be fierce...just as the winds of life can be fierce, too.  The Bible has  several stories about how God never leaves us, no matter the winds nor the waves.

FROM NORM'S BLOG:  The Gordon Lightfoot song paid homage to the tragic sinking of the freighter Edmund Fitzgerald in Lake Superior during a storm, but the sentiment of God somehow abandoning us in our times of need is the focus of that line. The real question, in my mind, is who abandoned whom in those times? Does God in fact let us down and leave us hanging out to suffer; or, did we wander away from our faith in God during those times?  It is so much easier to put your trust in faith in God during good times or times when there is no emergency or threat. It feels good to thank God for our good fortune; for being there with us or maybe just protecting us from making a mistake. But what if that mistake happened or we suffered an injury or maybe a loss. Why do we immediately think that God must have abandoned us?  God never promised us a life without setbacks. Indeed, He even said that our lives will be full of event or tests of our faith in Him. He also promised to be there without and not to test us beyond our abilities – “More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5)

FROM JACK:  I usually don't print a FULL sermon (AG or other) in Winning Words., but this one from my friend, WILLMAR REV is too good to keep just for me.  "SCREAMING AT GOD"  

FROM WILLMAR REV:  Made me think of a funeral and message I recently officiated for a young man of 31 years of age, well liked and was killed in an automobile roll over. I'll share a small portion with you, as it is titled, "Screams of Faith!"

If any of us has EVER SCREAMED AT GOD, OR if we have ever FELT LIKE SCREAMING BUT DID NOT QUITE DARE, this is the message for us. What we need to know is this: Sometimes it is OKAY TO “SCREAM AT GOD.” We can even TAKE GOD’S WORD, as found in our Bibles, FOR IT! The longest book in the Bible is a collection of model prayers-- the book of PSALMS. When we listen to these model prayers, we hear many different things. As we would expect in a “prayer book”, WE HEAR some ENTHUSIASTIC PRAYERS OF PRAISE and THANKSGIVING. BUT that is not all we hear, as we ALSO hear PROTESTS, GROANS and yes, EVEN SCREAMS. Some of us have the idea that we must be very careful, very polite, very flattering when we talk to God; but in the Bible we find people who protest to God, who cry out to Him, who definitely “scream” at Him.

Take PSALM 44, FOR EXAMPLE. It begins by saying, “O God, we have heard it with our own ears—our ancestors have told us of all You did in their day, in days long ago” (Psalm 44:1 NLT) SOUNDS OKAY SO FAR. This person has faith; he believes the stories about the great things God did in the past. BUT here is the problem: LATELY THINGS HAVE TAKEN A TURN FOR THE WORSE. God has allowed His people to be crushed by a foreign army, for no apparent reason. “All this happened,” cries the Psalmist, “We have not violated your covenant” (Psalm 44:17 NLT). The PEOPLE HAVE NOT LEFT GOD, BUT HE SEEMS TO HAVE LEFT THEM. PSALM 44 ENDS WITH THESE DESPERATE and startling WORDS: “Wake up, O Lord! Why do you sleep? Get up! Do not reject us forever. Why do you look the other way? Why do you ignore our suffering and oppression? We collapse in the dust, lying face down in the dirt. Rise up! Help us! Ransom us because of Your unfailing love” (Psalm 44:23 26 NLT).

You might say, HOW CAN ANYONE TALK TO GOD LIKE THAT? It sounds almost like a “shout of unbelief”. It certainly is NOT THE NICE, PIOUS PRAYER of a well-dressed churchgoer who calmly folds his hands, smiles happily at God, and proceeds to count his blessings. But IT IS STILL A “PRAYER OF FAITH”. The Psalmist clearly has faith that God is real. HE WOULD NOT BE SCREAMING AND COMPLAINING TO GOD, IF HE DID NOT BELIEVE THERE WAS A GOD TO SCREAM AT. THE VERY FACT that the writer of this Psalm DIRECTS HIS SCREAMS AT GOD MEANS THAT HE BELIEVES IN HIM. And he does not just believe that God exists. HE also BELIEVES THAT GOD IS A GOD WHO ACTS. 

Sometimes it is okay to scream at God. If we think that God's people should never scream, then take a closer look at the model prayers recorded in the Bible and listen to the Son of God Himself. PROBABLY “THE BEST-KNOWN SCREAM” in the book of Psalms is found at the beginning of PSALM 22: “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help?” GOD’S WORD SAYS THAT WHEN JESUS HUNG ON THE CROSS, enduring all the horror of this sin-shattered world, HE “CALLED OUT WITH A LOUD VOICE, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Matthew 27:46 NLT). 

The BIBLE RESONATES WITH SCREAMS AND ANGUISHED QUESTIONS LIKE THAT AWFUL CRY OF JESUS; BUT ALSO REMEMBER that GOD'S GREAT PLAN IS LIKE “EMBROIDERY”  I END OUR TIME IN God’s Word of assurance this afternoon WITH THE WORD OF THE LORD: “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve . . . to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” (Isaiah 61:3). Amen. 0;-) 

FROM LBP:  What else have we got in hard times, but faith? That song makes me think of my dad. It’s been ages since I’ve heard Gordon Lightfoot, but his sound is so distinctive to me. Dad plays it loudly and sings along.===JACK:  Yes, there are lots of would-be-Lightfoots out there (God luv 'em), but only one Gordon.

FROM ER IN NFL:  "Hope" is the thing with feathers-That perches in the soul-And sings the tune without the words-And never stops- at all-    You are "Hope" for many, many people. I would dare go so far as to say everyone you have touched in person and through your Winning Words. I would also wager that you are a symbol of hope and comfort to your terminally ill friends. Hope for an after life, and the comfort of a higher being to lead and care for them there.===JACK:  "It is not me; it is Christ who lives in me."  I can't remember the source of these words, but I apply them to myself.

  Jack’s Winning Words 11/9/20

“Let the healing begin.” (Joe Cocker song)  I’m impressed with how some of our popular song lyrics relate to the world in which we live.  If there’s a time for America to take a breather, it’s now.  We need to begin to work together to ease hate…to join in fighting the Virus.   Healing begins with our legislators, but the real work is ours.  Maybe, instead of a Red or Blue yard sign, someone designs one saying, Let the healing begin!  ;-)  Jack

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  If there was such a yard sign, I'd display it!  I hope the disappointed Trumpers will also make an effort; Tho some still maintain he will be the winner, after all the "fraud' is investigated....(Here in Springfield, anyway...). We are so deeply divided at this point, it is going to take time and patience to repair.  I never thought I'd see our nation in such straits!! But there are always hopeful signs, so we do what we can to mediate and love!!===JACK:  Divisions happen in families - even among churches.;  As a pastor I've tried to be a healer, knowing that some splits are beyond repair.  I may have given up mon the Lutherans getting together, but I have not given up on keeping the USA the united states.

FROM THE SHARK:  The one million dollar question is:  How do we work on healing and undoing racism at the same time?===JACK:  How about your "home" country?  How long have they been trying solve social/religious problems there?  I don't think that either of us will see the end of racism in our lifetime4.  But, that doesn't mean that we should stop trying.  In the USA it's less now than it was when I was growing up.

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  tonite (TUESDAY) on PBS   8 p.m. the Rise of the Nazis:  how Germany went from a democracy in 1930 to a dictatorship 3 years later.  should be interesting viewing.  and perhaps timely as well.===JACK:  I guess that part of "healing" is to learn why some people believe as they do...and how one action can lead to a predictable reaction.

FROM MD IN BSFL:  I already see a softer tone from the New York Times. Actually  like reading it now. I enjoy spirited debate but no name calling. I will complain when Biden does something that I do not like but will not call him racist, socialist  etc. Kierkegaard said "Once you label me you negate me"===JACK:  Where did you hear about Soren K?  I thought that only philosophers and preachers studied him.===MD:   I think from my Jesuit education at U of D. Mandatory four classes in religion for graduation. Probably more recently from Victor Davis Hanson or Trey Gowdy.===JACK:  Ah, those Jesuits are good teachers!

FROM CZB:  How about a purple flag campaign that means let’s unite!? A UNITED states. ===JACK:  That probably only would create a 3rd group. 

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:   ain’t happening... civil war is on the horizon when trump wins again. ===JACK:  I remember what my mother said when I was a little kid...."That is never going to heal if youy keep picking at the scab>"  

FROM LBP:  The parenting advice I’ve heard a lot in the last decade is to dislike the action or behavior, not the person. The communication class I just took at work talked about watching the stories we tell ourselves and being aware of when we make someone the villain or hero. Then, when we have our own narrative in check, we look to be aware of the other person's story and potential characterizations so we can find a common starting point.===JACK:  ...and the healing begins!

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  i fully agree but it is hard to agree when the President has no idea what that word means.   still, we must all do what we can===JACK:  I can see that there's lots of healing to be done in your mind.  The wounds are deep and painful.

FROM WILLMAR REV:  We’ve got to hear, “Hear Comes the Judge” by Pigman Markham and his verdict first...my memory is still in tact enough to remember the Bush, Gore and the media challenge! 0;-)===JACK:  Are you holding your breath?  I'm not.

FROM RS:  The profuse bleeding must be stopped before any healing can begin. What a mess. ===JACK:  I like it, because I know where you stand.  No wishy-washy. 

 

 Jack’s Winning Words 11/6/2020

“When all else is lost, the future still remains.”  (Christian Nestell Bovee)  There are many things on my mind with regard to the future – personally and with world in general.  When I was a teen someone taught me this phase – “I do not know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future.”  I offer it to you for use when you are concerned about what’s happening in our country and you wonder about the things going on in your life.  ;-)  Jack

FROM MD IN BS:  First cup of coffee and a fresh danish. Would I trade for a different election result? No.===JACK:  ,,,and reading the morning Free Press.

FROM EDUCATOR PAUL:  From Subject Received Size Paul LIPSON Georgia and More 8:26 AM 2 MB===JACK:  Some of  those political cartoonists as able to "nail" it.  This one did.

FROM IN LIKE...: Thanks Jack, this is a very good message.===JACK:  When you live long enough you see that some things mean more than others, and some...less.

FROM WILLMAR REV:  One of my favorite songs throughout the years as well, written by Ira Stanphill (1950)--

I don't know about tomorrow

I just live from day to day.
I don't borrow from it's sunshine
For it's skies may turn to grey.

I don't worry o'er the future
For I know what Jesus said.
And today I'll walk beside Him
For He knows what is ahead.

Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand.
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand.
I don't know about tomorrow
It may bring me poverty.
But the one who feeds the sparrow
Is the one who stands by me.
And the path that is my portion
May be through the flame or flood.
But His presence goes before me
And I'm covered with His blood.

Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand.
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand.
And I know who holds my hand.

===JACK:  God has blessed you with multiple ways to get His message across.  Maybe that means you have to work harder than the rest of us,===REV:  Just an old gentleman like you, Jack, with the experience and blessing of being raised in church and Sunday School, and too His calling to keep that which we've experienced and learned, sharing it with others. Nice to have a pastoral friend of encouraged as Jack Freed too! 0;-) ===JACK:  Jesus gave out talents and would have the laborers use them as they were able.

FROM YOGI CA:  Thank you - love it!===JACK:  sometimes we have trouble putting things in perspective, and that keeps us from seeing the picture as it should be.

FROM SK IN SJ:   Thank you for those words of wisdom. We all don’t know what’s next for us, but we must trust the lord to lead the way. I feel in transition. Always praying for my next adventure. ===JACK:  I feel comforted to pray: "The will be done on earth (in my life) as it is in Heaven." ===SK:  But sometimes don’t you ust want to know more , like for me, what’s next?? I’m ready for a new adventure! So what is it?? ===JACK:  Personally, I'm enjoying life so much now...What could be better?  Heaven?  There's a song, "One day at a time, sweet Jesus, that's all I'm asking of you.

FROM ER IN NF:  Are you shouting at me? Lol. Great message!! Enjoy your day with David and family.  Walk another hill!  ===JACK:  Ofentimes Winning Words serves as a mirror to my readers....and to me, too.

FROM BB IN CHGO:  I’ve always liked that phrase; thanks for bringing it back to mind.  “He’s got the whole world…in His hands” – those early childhood songs still remain.===JACK:  Maybe  I'm entering my 2nd childhood.