J Jack’s Winning Words 1/29/21 “Actually, I do have doubts, all of the time.  Every thinking person does.”  (Edgar Allan Poe – The Raven)  Doubt is often seen as the opposite of faith, particularly in the area of religion.  Moses doubted; so did Job and “Doubting” Thomas.  Theologian Paul Tillich claimed that doubt is one element of faith.  A  little boy described faith as “believing something that ain’t so.”  I believe that nagging doubts only enhance our belief.  As a man once said to Jesus, “I believe.  Help  my unbelief.”  ;-)  Jack FROM BLAZING OAKS:  As doubts are resolved, faith increases; but there are always some unresolved doubts, which calls for faith! We'll never know fully ntil we cross over; then we are promised to "know as we are known". I can live with that!===JACK:  Oftentimes we don't know the whole story. FROM JU:  Decreasing  the level of doubt depends on the level of increasing truth.===JACK:  "What is truth?" is the subject of many philosophical discussions.  We've just lived through four years of people calling each other, LIARS.  We need to get back on the track of tewlling each other the truth.

 

Jack’s Winning Words 1/28/21 “Listening is being able to be changed by the other person.”  (Alan Alda)  I was surprised to learn that it was Epictetus who observed that we have two ears and only one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.  Missionary Howard Olson translated, from Swahili, the hymn, “Listen!  God is calling…offering comfort and joy!”  In this world, plagued by fear and apprehension, I hear God saying, “Fear not, I am with you always.”  Listen!  Can you hear Him?  ;-) Jack FROM DAZ IN CO:  Good one! Too much nastiness now..===JACK:  Few of them seem to know how to compromise for the good of the people.  I'm sure that that were copmpromizes when you were in "the business" and at home, too.   FROM ER IN SCO:  It never ceases to surprise me how timely your messages appear in my life. God and I just had a talk about my past sins today. I cried as I layed my heart out anew, and through you (and your WW) God seems to have spoken to say that he knows my heart and forgives. Thank you, Jack Freed, for contining to quietly bring me peace and closer to God in your gentle, unobtrusive way.===JACK:  Today, the first call I received was from God, using the voice of a friend.  It was EErie.  God moves in mysterious ways.  It certainly makes life more meaning ful.  FROM BLASING OAKS:  I am anxious about  further violence by the Trump coalition of discontented groups now in touch with one another. These are surely troubled times  where cool heads and respect and compassion are in short supply. Just have to keep praying for our gov't. and our country!!  Epictetus had it right; listen and learn!===JACK:  I wonder if this was how the Civil War started...something small turning into something BIG?  Or, like putting off going to the doctor until it's too late.===OAKS   I was just reading in the book "Don't know much about History"  that the 11 states thAT seceded from the union due to increasing control by the Northern states.. I was surprised to learn that the majority  in the South did not own slaves, but supported those whose liveliihood depended on slave labor, but the NOrth controlled prices of crops, cotton manufacturing, trade, etc, and they feared submission to the North was taking away their way of life in the South.  MANY little things,  it seems!===JACK  As you know, the so-called facts of history depend on who has written the history. FROM TRI HARDER:  There are mediation techniques where one party acknowledges another party's argument to demonstrate he/she understands it before arguing against it.===JACK:  I'm glad to know that the practice of law has a place for mediation.  I wish that there something like that for Congress.  FROM WILLMAR REV:  I am “all ears” now to hear the good words shared throughout the day...I’ve already been blessed here at this early morning hour! 0;-)===JACK:  I learned in seminary the "omni" words that describe God.  One of those was "omnipresent."  He is always with us.  I had an omnipresent" experience this morning.  The other omni words are omniscient and omnipotent.===JACK:  Those descriptions have been part of a welcomed vocabulary describing the deity of our Creator for many years...they always bless me when thinking of God’s noted attributes! 0;-) FROM NORM'S BLOG:     New post on NormsMilfordBlog   Listening is just step two… by Norm Werner Pastor Freed used this quote from Alan Alda today - “Listening is being able to be changed by the other person.”  (Alan Alda)  Hearing is probably step one, but it does not carry with it the acknowledgement that you have recognized anything other than that some sounds are being made. When one moves from hearing to listening, the change is both a recognition of the speaker and a focus upon understanding what is being said. Just saying ,”I hear you”, does not mean that you are really listening to what the other person is saying. The listening that Alda was probably referring to goes well beyond just politely waiting for your turn to speak. Too many people spend that polite time focused more upon what they want to say next, rather than really listening to what the speaker is saying and evaluating their position or arguments. Alda used the words “being able to be changed” in his quote. I would prefer “being open to be changed”. It is important to keep an open mind, to be willing to re-evaluate your position and current opinions on something, based upon new information. Many times such an encounter will not require a major change in your position, but taking the opportunity to listen to different points of view and opinions will give you a better understanding of those who hold different points of view. That will perhaps allow you to better prepare yourself for those encounters. Assuming that you have moved through steps one and two, you now are faced with step three – evaluating what to do with, or about, this new information. In some cases, the information may be so ridiculous that your reaction may have to be to stifle a laugh; however, remember that this new point of view was just put forward by someone who may deeply believe what they just said. Excusing yourself and beating a hasty retreat may be the best course of action in that case. Let’s assume that what you just listened to is, in fact , a valid alternative point of view to your own, based either upon different information than you had on which to base your position or a different interpretation of the same information. That’s when you must be open to change. You must be willing to look at the situation from that other person’s point of view and make a decision on whether to stand firm in your belief or change towards the other person’s belief. That forces you to examine what it was that caused you to form your opinion. Was it really based upon facts or did preconceived notions and prejudices creep into your decisions and opinions? We hear often about systemic racism these days in the news, That refers to policies and behaviors within government and business entities that are based upon and driven by prejudice. In fact, those prejudices all start within the individuals that make up that entity. Systemic problems are codified within the entities but they start within us all. Being open to change forces us to face our internal systemic issues like racism, sexism, homophobia and others. Once you have listened with an open mind, and faced down the systemic issues within yourself, you must decide how and where to add this new knowledge into what is called your wisdom. If you decide that you do need to change, some old thoughts and opinions will have to be swept away. Some fears will need to be buried. Some actions and activities may have to be abandoned. You will have a new point of view and the world will look different to you. That’s a good thing, You have grown by being open to change.  I think you will like the new view that you see because you will be more consciously aware of and more comfortable with your vantage point. You listened, you learned and you changed. Good for you! Good for us all. This free site is ad-supported. Learn more ​ Norm Werner | January 28, 2021 at 10:35 pm | Categories: Uncategorized | URL: https://wp.me/p2oLbV-2db Comment    See all comments   Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from NormsMilfordBlog. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://normsmilfordblog.com/2021/01/28/listening-is-just-step-two/

 

Jack’s Winning Words 1/26/21

“Do the best you can until you know better.  Then, when you know better, do better.”  (Maya Angelou)  Many years befor online shopping, people would order items from a thick Sears Catalog.  Oftentimes you’d have a choice of quality…good, better or best, with best being the most expensive.  Most of the time we’d have to settle for the good.  Maya says that when it comes to life decisions, do your best!  Most of us could show a lot of improvement by just doing better.  ;-)  Jack

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Maya Angelou is a favorite of mine. I've read all of her books, and used to teach "I know why the Caged Bird Sings" to my 8th grade literature class. Many of them continued to read her 'subsequent books in H.S,  I didn't remember the Sears and Ward's catalogues having different quality offerings. Interesting. We sometimes ordered through them or J.C. Penny catalogue. You're right, most of us could do BETTER!===JACK:  Farm families used the old catalogs for toilet paper in their privies, avoiding the shinny pages which did not work very ell...===OAKS:  I experienced that in person, when visiting our relative's farms as  young girl! :-)

FROMBB IN  CHGO:  I forgot about good, better or best but you’ve just brought it to mind.  Loved thumbing through that phone-book sized catalog.  Now, the only place I see the good, better and best is the online FTD floral where the bouquets are ordinary or larger in each category.  Calling a florist about this I was told that FTD charges a bunch to them and so the customer is better (smile) off by calling a local outlet and getting more for the dollar with the personal interaction.  I like that and now always order with a phone call.  Old School!===JACK:  Wouldn't it be interesting to have a catalog, rating churches as good, better and best?  I remember reading about a newspaper having a reporter who anonymously visited churches and rated them much like a food critic and theater critic.  OUCH!===BB:   You’re right, “ouch”!   Like the movies and concerts….I think people look for different things in a church or worship service.  What makes someone feel inspired…redeemed…whole…is different though I suppose there are certain through lines that appeal to most.  There was so much I liked about LakeView Lutheran over the years but over time they were definitely “modernizing” and had rewritten even the creed and Lord’s prayer.  They moved seating in the round – so the people can see the church/people.  I guess I am really showing my age.  When I walked into the old Catholic cathedral 2 blocks from my house (for an 11:30 service which Connor thought was a good time to go) I felt in part like I was in a museum – the architecture, stained glass, paintings and vaulted ceilings but after that vision was absorbed, was taken with the form of liturgy and thought, there is a reason the service has been crafted in a certain way and that the prayers (which are not often very spontaneous unless I get up there) are well thought out addressing the church body, the community and the mission of justice.  Lakeview definitely had the mission and works hard with the homeless shelter and now the new plans and building that I believe Tim is working on currently.  Some how for me, at this stage of life, I like the familiar, the quiet and the kneelers.  We said our prayers on our knees as young children.  As long as I can still get there…it makes me feel a strong sense of reverence and calm.  I still joke with my children that I live “in the snowglobe of God’s love”.  This snowy day I feel it more than ever😊

B

 

Wouldn't it be interesting to have a catalog, rating churches as good, better and best?  I remember reading about a newspaper having a reporter who anonymously visited churches and rated them much like a food critic and theater critic.  OUCH!  

 

 

 

I forgot about good, better or best but you’ve just brought it to mind.  Loved thumbing through that phone-book sized catalog.  Now, the only place I see the good, better and best is the online FTD floral where the bouquets are ordinary or larger in each category.  Calling a florist about this I was told that FTD charges a bunch to them and so the customer is better (smile) off by calling a local outlet and getting more for the dollar with the personal interaction.  I like that and now always order with a phone call.  Old School!

 

Jack’s Winning Words 1/26/21 “Do the best you can until you know better.  Then, when you know better, do better.”  (Maya Angelou)  Many years befor online shopping, people would order items from a thick Sears Catalog.  Oftentimes you’d have a choice of quality…good, better or best, with best being the most expensive.  Most of the time we’d have to settle for the good.  Maya says that when it comes to life decisions, do your best!  Most of us could show a lot of improvement by just doing better.  ;-)  Jack  www.jackswinningwords.blogspot.com to see my blog

FROM RS IN SA:  Awesome words-  dear Jack.  Thank you.===JACK:  I don't know about the word...Awesome.  I'd be satisfied with...He was good, but he could have done better;' howser, that might have been the best he could do.

FROM SF IN BSFL:  You know how much I admire her grace and wisdom!! Hopefully, as we age, we do better. I think I have. How about you?❤️===JACK:  I think that I'm doing some of my best work now.  We foolishly choose an age for when we are at our prime.

FROM WILLMAR REV:  “A step in the right direction has always proved itself as a step in the right direction.”  I know, sounds like a Yogi Berra word of wizzdumb!?!?  Have a blessed day,,Jack! 0;-)===JACK:  I've always liked Yogi-isms.  I think he wrote a book, "I never said what they said I said."

FROM EDUCATOR PAUL:  Thanks, Jack... I really respect this message.  If only we could live our lives like this every day. What a great goal.  When I was a principal, I had one private goal that I tried my best to achieve every day. Make one thing better today than yesterday. When I achieved that goal I had a great deal of satisfaction.  Make one thing better than yesterday...sounds like I need to revisit that concept.===JACK:  To be proud of accomplishments is not boasting.  A good epitaph might be..."He did what he was capable of doing.  Now, may he rest in peace."

FROM SALON SUZY:  Working on it!===JACK:  I know you are, and I'm proud of you.

 

 

Jack’s Winning Words 1/25/21 “Reclaiming the belly laugh can cure a world of woes.”  (Jamie Sams)  I see this world in need of a good belly laugh, one that makes our belly shake like a bowl of jelly. Can you tell me something that causes me to have that kind of reaction?  I’ve read that Jimmy Carter once quipped that people were beginning to like him.  “Some of them are beginning to use all of their fingers when they wave at me.”  Self-deprecating humor often produces belly laughs.  ;-)  Jack. FROM WILLMAR REV:  Our local gambling casino put a smile on my face . . . they will come out now to your car and take your money, saving you the chance of encountering the virus!! 0;-)===JACK:  That brought more than a smile, and almost a belly laugh. FROM MD IN BSFL:  "There are two theories to arguing with a woman. Neither works."  AND   "There are three kinds of men.The ones that learn by reading. The few who learn by observation.    The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves."===JACK: That second caused what I wanted today...a good laugh. FROM M & L IN WB:   Jack, I should get on the computer more often.  You have great stories and words of wisdom.  I can just see Jimmy  saying that!  We visited Plains Georgia over Christmas and greatly enjoyed seeing his birthplace.  He is one of my favorite modern Presidents.  ===JACK:  We  once stopped in Plains and bought a bag of peanuts and also a plastic peanut with a magnet on the back.  But, no Billy Beer.  FROM DM IN LIV:  LOL – This made me laugh out loud.  Thank you!!===JACK:  Mission accomplished. FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  did you ever notice that Trump never laughs!   he will smirk and occasionally crack a smile or a frown but i have never seen him laugh.   a sign of mental illness?===JACK:  I had thought that you were going to forget Donald after he left the White House.  Speaking of his sense of humor, do you think he cracks a smile when he looks at Jim Carrey's artwork?  FROM BLAZING OAKS:  I got a laugh from this:"I got gas today for $1.39; Unfortunately, it was at Taco Bell!" :-)  A belly laugh can indeed lighten our woes! and brighten any day. I love to laugh!! Thanks!  y 91 yr old BFF fell last week and broke her left arm humorous bone. (not funny!) I've been taking care of her night and day until her dau-in-law arrived today from O to take over for awhile. I needed that laugh!!===JACK:  That Taco Bell joke was a good one.  Tacos go to the belly in more ways than one.  Our taco joint in St. Joseph is called Taco John's...6 for ten bucks...that's gas for $1.66.  Congrats for looking out for a friend.  The world needs more people such as you.

 Jack’s Winning Words 1/22/21

“We are the world  We are the children  We are the ones who make a brighter day.”  (Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie)  January 22 originally was set aside to celebrate the children in our lives, but has come to signify all that is good about being alive.  The good far outweighs the bad.  Focus on the bad – You see the bad.  Look for the good – You see the good.  There are good things and good people out there.  Perhaps you can make a list of them today.  What will you put down?  ;-)  Jack

FROM WILLMAR REV:  Knowing my good friend, Jack of course!! 0;-) Blessing!!!! 0;-)===JACK:I never thought that circumstances would put me within an hour of a place called, Willmar, Minnesota...home of one of the most unusual ministers I've ever met. 

FROM LBP:  I get my second vaccine shot on Sunday. 👍===JACK:  There are perks when you work for a health care provider.  But, I guess that you are an "essential" part of the operation.

FROM ER IN SKO:  So true! I know many, many people who live depressed lives because they only focus on the bad. So terribly sad and unfortunate. A bad habit that ruins the silver linings of life ===JACK:  One of the advantages of my job as a pastor wasw to be able to preach "good news" each week, day/month, year.  It also helps to belong to an organization like the Optimist Club.  

FROM ME IN NEWPORT BEACH:  Wendy’s Baconaiter and Wienerschnitzel’s Big Pastrami===JACK:  Lucky you.  I'm gluten intolerant, so that stuff is off limits fopr me.....but I cand have Bar-B-Q Ribs and steak and oatmeal.

 Jack’s Winning Words 1/21/21

 “If you keep picking at the scab it will bleed and never heal.  If you keep dragging the pain of the past up, it will never heal.”  (Leon Brown)  Brown is a Presbyterian pastor, born a “crack baby” and a hi school dropout.  Someone invited him to church, and it changed his life.  He sees society today…looking like an ugly scab..  Pick away at it, and it will not heal.  With time, new skin will grow, stronger than before.  Let the healing begin!    ;-)  Jack

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  very timely, Jack!  thanks.===JACK:  I'm afraid that it won't be long before people on both sides start picking away.===SP:   i will miss him like a boil or leprosy or pneumonia or jock itch:):):)===JACK:  You'll have to find some other cause to champion.  

FROM DEACON RVB:  Love your words of wisdom...American history has many great sayings and lessons.  During my morning read, I came across an old quote below that addresses how to treat scabs as a memory. I believe your cure actually started with the compassion of your doctor (like Biden).  Life lessons come from memories...“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it”  - George Santayana  Let us remember, without senseless retaliation (picking at the scab), otherwise we lose focus on the greater goals ahead of us!===JACK:  The ministry of Jesus focused on LOVE.  "Love, God, love your neighbor, love yourself...even, love your enemy.  Now...what does it mean to love?  To me, picking at the scab isn't an act of love (someone will probably point out an exception, or two, or more).

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  OUCH! Good words for today, as we pray for healing of our nation!  It will take time, and for some die-hards it may never happen!! (see Face Book comments!) However let's have Hope for the future, and do what we can to mend hard feelings, in our little corner of the world!!  I was humbled by a comment from a friend (obviously biased!), "You are always kind, even when you criticize!"  But I did hope there was some truth to her observation;  I think kindness is the first prerequisite of a Christian!! Let's let the new skin grow strong!! ===JACK:  Some people have been sop involved in sending anti-Trump messages, they can't seem to let it go.  Just be thankful that he's not in 4 more years.  "Don't keep picking at the scab!" as mother used to say. 

  

Jack’s Winning Words 1/20/21

“Ask not what your country can do for you.  Ask what you can do for your country.”  (JFK)  For me, Kennedy’s quote could be used during every Presidential Inauguration speech.  Looking back, I see  the years during WW 2, as America’s most patriotic time.  Somewhere along the way we’ve become more of me, myself, and I.  There are still patriots, but I’m looking for a sense of unity, for a challenge that JFK put before America

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  I agree. It's a perpetual challenge!  Can it really be 60 yrs. ago?  I'm praying hard for Bidden and Harris as they take over largely dysfunctional gov't. and divided country. Although in today's paper, historians say Lincoln's dilemma was worse. I'm not sure, when you throw in the terrible Covid Pandemic with all else Biden has to deal with.  It will take awhile for all of Trump's "fake news and proclamations" to be put to rest!!===JACK:  Each person's dilemma is the worst, because it's happening to them.  It's not easy to be in your shoes, or mine, or Biden's..

FOM THE SHARK: I use his quote all the time and I practice it as well. ===JACK: I'd be interested in how you compare both of "your" countries, Iraq and the USA===SHARK:  I don’t care about my old country as much as I used to Jack, I only feel sorry for the suffering of it population whenever I hear other Chaldeans discuss the old land. I did however cry today when I was listening to President Biden or when Amazing Grace was sung.===JACK:  It's a great song with an even better history behind it.

FROM DAZ IN CO:  Those were the good old days. But we are optimists and the Optimist Creed still is a good life. guide.===JACK:  I was listening today for some memorable phrasing.  Although there were some good and meaningful thoughts, nothing jumped out like..."Ask not etc..."  

FROM TRIHARDER:  I was 9 years old in 4th grade class (Mrs. Owen's homeroom at Fitzgerald Elementary School in Detroit) watching on tv as Robert Frost struggled reading his poem in the bright sunlight. Then Kennedy spoke his magic words at noon.===JACK:  I wonder if the words were Kennedy's or a speech writer's.  Regardless, it's a gift for a POTUS, or an attorney or a peacher to have a silver tongue. 

FROM SAUSAGE DAN:  Perfect quote and observations,  as usual.  Yes, 60-I did the math.===JACK:  How much math did you do at Bluejay High School?

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  where did those six decades go?  and how did they fly by so rapidly?===JACK:  Will they still be talking about Trump six decades from now?....probably not in the same way.  

FROM MD IN BSFL:   I like your message. We can unite and move forward restoring patriotism. Need help from politicians, media and acedemia who seemingly try to divide us and sometimes try to make us feel bad about our country and ourselves.===JACK:  In today's inauguration ceremony, I seemed to hear a call for unity...after, all we call ourselves the UNITED States of America.===MD:  I'm with you. Do you think that the name calling will stop. Civility required.===JACK:  Does the leopard change his spots?===MD:  One can only hope. All Americans deserve better.===JACK:  I belong to an organization called, The Optimist Club.  Check out...The Optimist Creed.

FROM DAIRYLAND DONNA:  👍God bless America and the new administration who is starting his day by going to church ❤===JACK:  That's the first of many positive changes that can show someone new is steering the ship of state.

FROM QUILTING CAROL;:  Yes, it would be nice if we could get back to some unity and common sense again.  I agree that we have become an I, ME, MY world and to heck with everyone else.  However, this does not apply to all people as our media likes to ‘group’ All Republicans or All Democrats or All Whites or All Blacks or whatever race.  There are some of us people who can still think for ourselves and aren’t happy being grouped all the time.  I have always liked JFK’s quote as it applies to not just our country but other people.  We can think about someone else besides ourselves.  Yes, it is hard to believe 60 years have passed. He was the President.===JACK:  Common Sense idoesn't seem as common as it was in the Good Old Days.  Speaking of grouping in a positive way, congregations like yours seem to have done a pretty goold job of making it work.

FROM HUIMBUG:  Amen. We need to come together as a nation around the messages of JFK and MLK!===JACK:  I think that we will be surprised.  Leaders seem to arise to meet the occasion.