Jack’s Winning Words 4/30/21

“You’ll never reach your destination if you stop to throw stones at every dog that barks at you.”  (Winston Churchill)  There’s lots of “barking” going on these days.  It sort of reminds me of the carnival pitchmen (barkers) who’d try to get our attention.  A friend of mine would say, “Jack, remember to make the main thing the main thing.”  In other words, “Keep your focus on the main event, not the sideshow.  I try to keep that in mind as I watch the news and read the ads.  Churchill was a great leader, because he was able to focus.  It makes for a more peaceful life, too.  ;-)  Jack 

FROM A POLICE OFFICER:  Love it===JACK:  Do you remember the saying, "Sticks and stones...etc?"  We appreciate the job you are doing.

FROM THE SHARK:  I 2nd the motion.

 ack’s Winning Words 4/29/21 

“If the rich could hire the poor to die for them, the poor would make a very nice living.”  Yiddish Proverb)  I could do a whole year of Yiddish proverbs.  They are funny, true and poignant…all at once.  When Jesus said, “The poor will always be with you,” He was saying that there will be a continuing need for the “haves” to be concerned for the “have nots.”  It’s not what God had in mind, but it’s economic reality  Even the racism of today can, in large part, have poverty attached to it.  It’s my feeling that God wanted people to share with each other, willingly, as there was need.  Have you ever known poverty?  ;-) Jack

FROM HUNGRY HOWIE:  When two Jews go into a room they come out with three opinions  The only thing you can get two Jews to agree on is how much a third should give to charity===JACK:  If I repeat that story, am I a racist?===H.H.:  There is a fine line between sarcasm, irony and easy banter. If you put this out there would be  blowback for sure.  The two I sent plays into stereotypes yours does not it plays into class relations ===JACK:  Is "classism" just "racism dressed in different clothing?===H.H.:  Yes it is. good point

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  oh, no, not you, too... it’s all raaaacism.  sorry, lebron, you are not addressing the real issue, which is gang violence, baby mamas, absent fathers (many dead or incarcerated), zero education.  we all have to live within the confines of society to succeed. it is not a race thing.===JACK:  We had this conversation at breakfast today.  America is a divided nation.  We tend to think that it's political, but peel to back (like a banana.  It comes down to racism.  It was like that when I was growing up; it may not be as severe as today, but it's still racism.===LIZ:  sorry, you live in the past. most people today are not racist, but they are sick of giving passes to people who continue to push the limits of civilized behavior... demanding, threatening, and rioting do not accomplish anything, except maybe to grow racism.  when the community starts building itself up instead of blaming others, there will be progress.===JACK:  What color are the people who push the limits of civilized behavior?  ...and (I just deleted the rest of my response considering it to be more divisive than constructive)===LIZ:  .i think you know what i mean... why do we have to tiptoe around discussing the obvious POOR CHOICES that much of the black community makes for themselves... and call it “racism” if anyone dares to talk about it?  herein lies the problem.  i would like to hear your response. we are thinking adults... and should be able to discuss this subject as such.  do you think biden’s banning menthol cigarettes is racist? i do.===JACK:  You're "pushing it" with the menthol thing.  Ciggies cause cancer...whatever flavor, and they cost money.  It's a health issue.  With regard to choices...what we choose to do today and in our tomorrows is what's important.  Yesterday was simply a learning experience.===LIZ:  not i... bought sig sauer 365 w/stimulus $. never dreamed i’d own a gun, tho my grandfather was a sharpshooter/collector. the defunding of police, support of riots last summer changed my mind. now i go to the range for sport. i’m pretty good. grandpa would be proud.  you have lived thru so much history... how can you not see where this is leading? i recall my german legal immigrant grandfather’s saying his german brother thought the nazis would do great things for germany. we know how that turned out.===JACK:  I do not try to change your Libertarian views, but personally I'm please that there are speed limits, that there are laws to protect me from contaminated food and water etc, etc.  Laws, generally, are for my protection.

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  good one, Jack.  i just forwarded it to 7 friends and family members.===JACK:  Another one...."When you have coins in your pocket, you are smart, you are handsome, and you can sing well." ===SP:  Haha, thanks!     here is one more:  we should always try to walk a mile in someone else's shoes.    that way,  we will be a mile away and we will also have their shoes!😀===JACK:  Don't get me started.

FROM THE FISH IN NOVA SCOTIA:  I once saw a small collection of rabbinical stories and enjoyed them. My favorite (the only one I remember) was that a grandmother was standing on the dock with her grandson. A big wave came and swept him away. She pleaded with God for his safe return. Another wave swept over and deposited him dripping but healthy next to her. She looked him over, looked up at God, and said "He did have a hat!"===JACK:  The funniest jokes are the ones we tell on ourselves.  My Jewish friends tell "proverbs" that are especially funny to those who have experienced the situation.  

FROM WILLMAR REV:  God sure gave us a nice gift of His sharing with us.   

It’s been interesting driving the two-hours to Minneapolis in recent times seeing all the “help wanted” signs posted in the variety of work places along the way...seemingly the unemployment and pandemic supply of dollars is finding it more profitable in staying home. I could suppose too that business’s are booming so well that they can’t keep up with the demand and are in need of hiring more labor?!?! 0;-)===JACK:  Some job offers are limiting because of skill needed....others because wage does not pay for living expenses.  BTW, did you cash your stimulus check?  I did...although I didn't need to.  For others, it was a life saver.===REV:  Put in savings, but blessed a single mother of three with several hundred $$$ who’s husband is incarcerated for 20 years on rape and drug charges. She described a beautiful marriage until he became hooked on drugs that had not previously been apart of their marriage.  I feel tremendously blessed in recent years with house and cars paid, social security being received, along with a partial but very adequate salary from the church and community chaplain incomes. It’s now an opportunity to be a blessing in benevolent ways that I wasn’t able to be in those earlier years. As you and I say often, “To God be the glory!” 0;-)===JACK:  Let's sing it out loud...."Count your blessings, name them one by one.

FROM MD IN BSF:  My family was poor in my childhood.   Helping hands qto poverty were handled by the church and local community. The federal  or state governments do not do a good job of spending our money to help or  elevate these poor people. Obstacles in our life were fuel for achievement.===JACK:  There are different kinds of poverty.  Financial is one.  Poverty of a loving and caring family.  It was not easy during the Great Depression.  We were forced to move from our home and live for a time with some neighbors.  Depressing!  But we had a caring family.  Poverty in one sense, but not in another.  I cashed my (uneeded) stimulus check.  I shoulda done what a friend did...tuurn it over to the local Food Bank.===MD:  Perfect. The stimulus money goes from you (taxes)  to the government back to you (stimulus)  to charity. More efficient  and effective if the bureaucratic  thievery could be eliminated. You saw the depression devil and saw a way to a self determined successful life and career. Why do certain political factions of our society choose to keep the slaves on the  government dependent plantation? Is it money or power or both?===JACK:  During the Great Depression (in my formative years) I became an FDR Democrat, because they seemed to care for the poor.  

 

Jack’s Winning Words 4/28/21

“All you need is the plan, the roadmap, and the courage to press on to your destination.”  (Earl Niightengale)  There was a time when my favorite Christmas gift was a road atlas.  I’d study it and plan imaginary trips.  At that time I did not have a plan for my life-trip.  A call, offering a college scholarship changed that, and my plan now was to become a pastor.  My focus never changed…even when I learned that it would take 8 years of college and seminary…and that the scholarship was $100.  I’m wondering how your life-plan is working out?  ;-)  Jack

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  mine has worked out well and partly because it also included a fellow named Jack Freed.   i may seen you the first chapter of a book i am helping to write about how i sensed my "call" to Christian ministry.===JACK:  I'm honored to be part of someone's life story.  Usually it means that that person has been a part of mine. ===SP:   I can’t wait to tell you when it’s completed?! I say that often when asked, How’s your day going?” I’ll tell how it went tomorrow. It’s not over yet today! 0;-)

   FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  it didn’t work out at all..===JACK:  Yogi Berra once said, "It ain't over til it's over.".  Hang in there.===LIZ:  you know it... i am an eternal optimist!===JACK:  After reading "The Optimist Creed" let me know if you're still on optimist, eternal or other.===LIZ:  eternal, that’s me... tho i have to work hard to rein in my criticism of others.===JACK:  The Greek teacher/philosopher, Socrates,  advised: "Know thyself!"  Congratulations.

 FROM SF IN FL:  My life plan, thank God, has been very gratifying. Some blips and surprises here and there, but all leading to good. No complaints here. My life got a rocky start with a ‘crazy’ family, but I suppose it made me the resilient person that I am today. Have you heard the expression, “Man plans and God laughs”? It’s really more effective in Yiddish.) God has a plan. ===JACK:  What is the Yiddish saying?  BTW, I had blips, too, but in retrospect they made me what I am today...for better or worse.===SF:  In Yiddish, let me see...Menchen truchs und Got lachs. The ‘ch’ is that sound in the back of your throat!! Lol!

FROM ME IN NEWPORT BEACH:  The draft planned most of my decisions in 20’s and it worked out just fine.  After that it all pretty much just happened and I certainly have no regrets.===JACK:  I was drafted, too, at the end of WW 2, but my previous bout with polio changed that, and I was classified 4F.===ME:  I never thought about there being a draft during WWII.  Also I always presumed that my father volunteered for service, but maybe not?===JACK:  In the beginning there were many volunteers.."It was a cause."===ME:  While I was very young and was born close to the euphoria of WW2’s end, I do not remember hearing much resentment.  I also realize Hitler and the 3rd Reich was a very coalescing flashpoint.  Did you and other younger men feel conflicted about the Draft back then?===JACK:  It was nothing like the Viet Nam draft.  Leaders were trusted, and WW 2 was a war for a cause.  The vdraft was not a problem, as I recall.

  

 FROM CR:  Sprinkle in a hefty dose of flexibility, perseverance, and faith to navigate the detours and curveballs that life inevitably gives us.===JACK:  Written one who knows the subject.  

GROM COOPER COUNTRY PASTOR:  My plan was to become a labor negotiator for the migrant Mexican workers on Dad's sugar beet farm.  Took Spanish in college. Got poor grades because I'm not a literalist.  Prof. advised me not to continue.   Followed Grandma's prayers and enrolled in seminary.  Bob  Now I have 5 years of Greek and two of Hebrew !!!!!!!   God's plan has been a boatload of such surprises and it has been much better than mine.   Alleluia ===JACK:  Grandmas (and profs) usually know best.  I see "the hand of God" in your life choice...and I'll bet you're still in the corner of the migrants.

FROM RS IN TEXAS:  A few detours along the way.....but very happy with and thankful for my current destination.  Still like taking trips, though.   Yellowstone this Summer, then the Reunion and Northern California to see redwoods and sequoias end of September.  Always a sjoy to see as much of God's creation as possible.===JACK:  I'll bet you'll be using GPS instead of a Road Atlas on those trips.===RS: GPS and Google Maps.  I still like "seeing" the roads in relationship to each other and a picture in my head of what direction we are going and where turns are....like the paper map.....just on the screen.  As Gloria says....totally left brained.===JACK  I can generally "sense" with my mind the correct turn to make (but not always).  Joan has OnStar.  That works well if she listens to the "voice."

FROM PM:  Oh my goodness, this made me laugh! That $100 itself didn't get you far but the idea of a scholarship sure did! That's great!!===JACK:   I am where I am today because of "that phone call," more so than the scholarship.  The call got me THINKING.  What can I do with my life?

 

 

 

Jack’s Winning words 4/27/21

“I’m going home.  I’m going home”  (Karen Garner)  Karen, a 73-yr-old with dementia, gave this response to the officer who handcuffed her and took her to jail for shoplifting.  It is not unusual for people with memory loss issues to forget to pay for things.  We still have a long way to go before we understand people and “situations.”  It takes a special talent to be able “to put yourself in the other person’s situation.” And, it’s not just the police officer.  It’s all of us.  Many of today’s “issues” can be simply traced to not “understanding.”  It’s poignant that this dementia incident happened in a city called, Loveland.  ;-/  Jack

FROM WILLMAR REV:  "It’s poignant that this dementia incident happened in a city called, Loveland." 0;-)  A question I have been pondering for a while- "Does God still 'harden' the hearts of those in national leadership roles as he did Pharoah's?!"  It sure seems like that of some of those and their decisions coming out of Washington in recent times?! 0:-/===JACK:  There are some very caring people out there in the world, and, as pastors, we've met many of them.  There are also caring people in leadership roles, too.  Publicity generally goes to the situations that are unusual.  I think that there are many more people treating "dementia" with care and concern than "uncaring" people...and I DON'T think that it is God who is causing "hardness of heart."

JACK:  Yahoo News reports that video (and enhanced audio) show Loveland police watching and laughing at the arrest of dementia patient.  Disgusting!

FROM ME IN NEWPORT BEACH:  Good lesson for all of us.  Especially in our age/time zone.===JACK:  I'll never be younger than I am right now.   Time marches on.

 

 

Jack’s Winning Words 4/26/21

“Want what you have, and you’ll always have what you want.”  (On the Oaks’ refrigerator)  Who can argue with this thought?  We might call it, a truism…something obviously true.  Just for fun, I looked up synonyms for, a truism…and came up with…saw, chestnut, shibboleth and  trope…which caused me to do some more looking up.  Sydney J Harris wrote a book, “Things I Learned While Looking Up Other Things.”  While researching, Truism, I learned the meaning of words I thought I knew the meaning of.  Previously, I’d thought “bromide” referred to something advertised during the evening news.  ;-) Jack

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Oh my, that looks familiar. I've lived with that a long time, and it has helped my "wont to spend", tho I'll never be as frugal as my husband was! He knew what was really important!  I'll bet that book by Sydney Harris is good! Bill had his books, and loved his writing!! I just have one, and it's very old now!  thanks for sharing our truism!===JACK:  A magnet with those words on it...attributed to Bill Oaks would be a nice Christmas gift for your family members would make a nice Christmas gift...maybe even an heirloom.

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  like Alka Seltzer??===JACK:  "Pop, Pop, Fizz, Fizz, Oh, what a relied it is,,,NOT!"...I never liked the salty taste of Speedy. ===SP:  i have never had an Alka Seltzer in my life.   i just never get an upset stomach for some reason.  nor any heart burn.===JACK:  No heart burn?  Even when you decided that Margaret was the one for you?

 

Jack’s Winning Words 4/23/21

“You speak an infinite deal of no-thing.”  (William Shakespeare, from The Merchant of Venice) Today, April 23, is “Talk like Shakespeare Day,” so go ahead and change “you” to either “thou” or “thee” when you communicate today.  Or just add “eth” to your verbs. When thou doest so, it doesn’t matter if thou speaketh of no-thing, since Shakespeare’s style can maketh thee appear wise.  I thought that it would be easy to pick out my favorite Shakespeare quote, but there are many, such as “With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come”  I could go on, but I might be accused of speaking “an infinite deal of no-thing.” Whether you speak like Shakespeare or not, contribute quality instead of quantity to the conversations you’re part of.  ;-)  Jack

FROM MK IN WL:  Jimmy Stewart goes into the the local library where he finds Hepburn reading his book he wrote. The librarian in that scene speaks ‘Shakespeare’ it’s a really cute scene!  Love that movie with all the humorous wit. ===JACK:  When I was of "school-age" I wish that I would not have turned up my nose at Shakespeare.

FROM WILLMAR REV:  I was wondering “wherest thou was going with this,” this morning?! Enjoyed the read!! 0;-)===JACK:  Before a movement to translate the Bible into modern language, there was "Bible-type-talk," like the King James  Version (1610, I think).

 Jack’s Winning Words 4/22/21

"There is a great need, and growing support, for the introduction of new values in our society—where bigger is not necessarily better—where slower can be faster—and where less can be more." (Gaylord Nelson, First Earth Day 1970)  After the recent rollback of “climate-change rules,”  the world is waiting to see what will happen when an attempt is made to re-instate interest in Earth Day goals.  Concern for Earth improvement  was controversial when introduced 51 years ago (and still is).  Some still “don’t get it,” that ours is a fragile planet.  I once sat in the front row as Peter, Paul and Mary sang:: “Where have all the flowers gone,” with the haunting question, “When will they ever learn?”  A billion people, worldwide, now support Earth Day.  Are you one in a billion?  ;-)  Jack

FROM BS IN ENGLAND:  Absolutely!===JACK:  What are some of the ways in which you are helping to preserve the planet?

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  the planet, like the human body, is designed to heal and refresh. don’t be duped by charletons who reap financial reward from the new regulations, eg stock market. there’s a reason the big-name politicians are all wealthy. whatever happened w/those goofy mercury-containing lightbulbs obama mandated?  we would be wise to give up sucking down water from plastic bottles if we are serious about wanting to make a difference.===JACK:  We place a large red recycling bin at the end of our driveway each week.  I still think that I could be doing more.  My son and his family are very much into composting.

FROM JU IN NC:  Man is beginning to polute outer space.  Earth is not enough? Let's all do a little (trash walk).===JACK:  Trash Walk?  I like it.  Last weekend our Optimist Club members walked several miles of a local highway picking up trash.  Even with the vastness of outer space we are polluting it with orbiting objects that have outlived their usefulness.

FROM NORM'S BLOG:  As I thought about Earth Day and how it has been marginalized over time, it came to my mind that, as a nation, we have lost sight of the concept of “The Common Good”. In fact, some politicians have demonized the common good by positioning things that are for the common good as socialism. Their political philosophies are more in tune with anarchy than with anything that is for “the common good”.===JACK:  It's a shame that "the Common Good" is so rare, and yet we have a hard time selling it.

FROM RS IN TEXAS:  Yep -  One in a billion.   It's a shame so many people either don't care or don't want to hear the truth about climate change and how we contribute to it.  It's like faith....you can't see a lot of what's happening...or don't believe that rising sea levels, stronger storms, et al are all a result of climate change.... but that doesn't mean you shouldn't believe the experts.  Unfortunately, for many companies this quarter's profits are more important that saving the planet.  Glad we have a prez who is making it a major priority.===JACK:  We need a reincarnation of Peter, Paul and Mary to remind us...or a reprint of Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring."

FROM WILLMAR REV:  It is as confusing to me as man's attempt to control the current pandemic with well over a year's effort!?!? It reminds too of those "prophetical teachers" in my circle of influence on God's timetable for the world's preparation, destruction and the second coming of Christ. They do well with their followers until the teachers are placed on a platform with their charts side by side. An interesting mix of emotional responses, to say the least.  "Even though, come quickly, Lord Jesus, Maranatha!" 0;-)===JACK:  Do you think that Jesus and His followers cared about saving the planet, ecologically...not knowing Earth as we do?

FROM J & S:  We love earth day!===JACK:  Two in a billion!

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Like you, I recycle paper, tin, glass and plastic...It is some help, I'm sure, but not huge! One reads about the truckloads of trash and plastic that is dumped into our Oceans, and Seas, and it is horrifying!  Hard to imagine what life will be like on Earth a few generations from now! Or in Space, for that matter!!===JACK:  Too much "strife-news" these days.  How can anyone be AGAINST a clean Earth?

 Jack’s Winning Words 4/21/21

“Today is Longest Word Day which challenges us to use a long word in an ordinary sentence.  The longest word that I know of is: supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.  Yes, it’s a “wonderful” day today.”  (From Mary Poppins)  One of the longest unhyphenated words in the Bible is “lovingkindnesses,” (Ps 25:6)    It’s a 14-letter word describing a 5-letter one, grace, God’s love for us…given, although not deserved.  Love is usually thought of as: quid pro quo.  1 John 4:19 explains it:  “We love, because He first loved us.”  God’s love is supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!   ;-)  Jack

FROM SF IN FL:  Good morning!  One of my favorite words is ‘grace’. The women that I look up to as role models have grace...RBG, Michelle Obama, Jill Biden, certain friends, etc. I suppose some males too, of course!! Like you!!!!!!!😉  ===JACK:  for me, it's hard to accept something that I think is undeserved.  That's "grace"...theologically, or just in day to day conversation.  Do you remember the song, "It's hard to be humble?"

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  That is a delightful long word! And so is the Biblical one!  I tried to think of the longest word in the dictionary, but can't bring it up right now! Used to know that!!  Simply put, "God is Good...All the time!" ===JACK:  Theologically, I can accept that God is ultimately good...but I can also understand (because of circumstances) that there are those who think otherwise.

FROM SB:  Thank you for your winning words. As a child, one of the longest words I learned was antidisestablishmentarianism.===JACK:  I remember that word, too, but I can't recall the context.  I guess that's why God invented Google.

 Jack’s Winning Words 4/20/21

“Always ask yourself what will happen if I say nothing.”  (Kamand Kojouri)  Each of us has probably found ourself in a situation where…(“I should have kept my mouth shut -.or -Why didn’t I sapeak up when I had the opportunity?)  One of my favorite Bible passages is Ecclesiastes 3…”There’s a time for everything.  There’s a time to speak up…and a time to shut up.”  One of my WW 2 heroes is Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German pastor who spoke out against Hitler and lost his life because of it.  When something is right or wrong, it’s our responsibility to “speak up” or to be complicit.  Bonhoeffer is worth emulating.  ;-)  Jack

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Bonhoeffer is one of my heroes, as well! I think I remember correctly that his camp was liberated ONE WEEK after he was hanged! Such a loss!!  The wisdom about WHEN to speak up improves with age, I think!  But for JUSTICE, you must speak out, NOW; And if able, act on your belief as well.  At least keep up-to-date and well-read on current situations, even tho that is not pleasant reading in most cases!!===JACK:  Greta Thunberg is one of my present day heroes.  Age isn't a factor when heroism is concerned.  Anne Frank is another.

FROM MAILMAN MIKE:  Another excellent Winning Words.  I'm trying to get in the habit of getting online everyday so I can read them. ===JACK:  Good habits and bad....to know the difference is a challenge. 

FROM TRIHARDER:  During arguments in court, sometimes the judge takes one party's position and argues against the other. When that happens in my favor, I've learned to say "your honor, I can't express it as well as you did. I have nothing to add." ===JACK:  It's been interesting to listen to the judge in the Chauvin trial...trial by jury and trial on the street. ===TH:  I've been appalled by the commentary. '''[[JACK:  Which commentary...bench?  TV?  street?===TH:  TV --MSNBC, CNN -- it's as if the Defendant doesn't deserve a trial.===JACK:  Fairness does not mean "trial outside of the courtroom.  I thought that civilization came with certain rules.

 FROM WILLMAR REV:  I've always paused to reflect on Christ's classic model of such, He would speak out at times and remain silent at other times; but it was known where he stood on the matter at hand. 0;-)===JACK:  Jesus was perfect!  Can we be expected to be perfect as he was perfect.===REV:  “When out of this world!” 0;-)

 

FROM NORM'S BLOG:  One of my favorite Bible passages is Ecclesiastes 3…”There’s a time for everything.  There’s a time to speak up…and a time to shut up.”  (Ed -Actually the Bible verse says a time to speak and a time to remain silent.)

I have a sign on my front lawn that is a quote from Martin Luther King Jr. – “Our lives begin to end the day that we become silent about things that matter.”===JACK:  That has influenced me, too.

 

 

 Jack’s Winning Words 4/19/21

“Impossible is potential.  Impossible is temporary.  Impossible is nothing.”  (Muhammad Ali)  I remember when someone asked a seminary professor if God could create something so heavy that Jesus couldn’t lift it.  I can’t remember the answer, but I think that the discussion moved to “mixed metaphors.”  During a discussion, Jesus once told his listeners…” With man, some things are impossible.  But, with God, all things are possible.”  (Mixed Metaphors, again)  Ali was no dummy.  He knew the meaning of, impossible.  He knew that too often we’re inclined to “give up” too soon.  “With God, all things are possible.”  What do you think this means?  ;-)  Jack

FROM HOMELESS:  I love this one because it really makes you stop and think, read and re-read, and think some more.===JACK:  If so, today's Winning Words have been a success. ===HL:  It has. I even used it to send to my regional offices. I will forward you the email. It's cute.

FROM SHARIN' SHARON:  Reflecting on your WW.  Really the quote is impressive.  Especially the "Impossible is nothing" which as I am pondering could stand for nothing is achievable or more optimistically impossible is so unrealistic that it actually means nothing, in God's Eyes and therefore in our eyes too.  I am on the list too for Father Jeff's Flocknotes which are daily prayers, some composed by saints and other spiritual writers, some composed by him.  ===JACK:   Ali sometimes seemed to speak in riddles.  I wonder where he got his "smarts?"

FROM WILLMAR REV:  If I remember correctly you are not an avid follower of Facebook, but I awakened early one morning last week with the word ‘evoke’ coming to mind and put together a paragraph or two for my weekly “Sunday Sermon Takeaway” using  it. Your post made me think of it again about the ‘possibilities’ with God’s help.  Sunday Sermon Takeaway—ONE’S FAITH PLACED SINCERELY IN GOD ‘EVOKES’ (brings forth · prompts · encourages · sparks · stimulates · stirs up · awakens · arouses · energizes · raises · reproduces · encapsulates · captures · expresses · obtains) POWERFUL RESPONSES FROM WITHIN AND FOR OUR WELL-BEING!  0;-)  “We pondered Your love-in-action, God, waiting in your temple: Your name, God, evokes a train of Hallelujahs wherever It is spoken, near and far; your arms are heaped with goodness-in-action” (Psalm 48:9-10 The Message Bible).===JACK:  I may not always understand how Facebook works, but I do read your stuff.===REV:  Since not being in the church pulpit hardly at all any more, it’s  my “sermon prep discipline” and sharing in smaller scale to that of earlier days gone by. 0;-) ===JACK:  I liked the video of you preaching the funeral sermon.

FROM NORM'S BLOG:  ink that what Muhammad Ali was referencing was more along the lines of the headline for this post – that impossible is a state of mind and not an absolute. Impossible just means that you don’t see how it can be done, yet. ===JACK:  Good insight....Thanks.

FROM JUDEE:  Jack, What this means is that God does not give you what you cannot handle. My mom died last Sunday. She was unique, kind, quirky, and a complete giver to everyone she encountered. I will miss her everyday moving forward; but I will  move forward because that is what she would have wanted. My heart aches, but I have 60 years of memories to carry with me. You’ve traveled this road Jack, you lost Mary, but now you have a new life between Michigan and Minnesota. I lost my dad, uncle and dog, in August, and now my mom. I’m retiring June 30. I need to reinvent myself. I have to move on and start the next phase of my life. Part of me wants to crawl under a rock; another part of me wants to quit right now and move, another part wants to tie things up neatly, gracefully leave, and then sleep for a week or two. I have a new puppy to help me through. I’m so tired of the pretenses at work. Thanks for listening. I will do what is right because that is what my mom would have wanted. Take good care,===JACK:  I remember when you were first for the job that you  aree leaving.  I did not know you at that time and wondered who you were and what made you qualified for the job.  Now, I know.  You have become my friend, my personal friend...and mutual lover of dark chocolate.  I'm said for the losses that have recently come into your life, but I'm also confident that you will rebound.  God will continue to walk with you down life's road.  There's a spiritual that I like... I want Jesus to walk with me.  I want Jesus to walk with me.  1 I want Jesus to walk with me.  All along my pilgrim journey, I want Jesus to walk with me.  In my trials, Lord, walk with me.  In my trials, Lord, walk with me.  When my hearty is almost breaking, Lor, I want Jesus to walk with me.  When I'm in trouble, Lord, walk with me.  When I'm in trouble, Lord, walk with me.  When my head is bowed in sorrow, Lord I want Jesus to walk with me.  (You can YouTube the singing of it)  ===J:  I really want Jesus to walk with me; especially over the next 8 weeks – then forever. I also love the poem Footprints in the Sand. I may need Jesus to carry me.  Thank you for your friendship and for your prayers. Take care

 

 

Jack’s Winning Words 4/16/21

“You can’t be sad when daisy is around.  She won’t let you.”  (Maryam Faresh)  Botanists from around the world have agreed that there about 400,000 different kinds of flowers.  Do you have a favorite?  People in England and Scotland seem to prefer the daisy….white petals surrounding a bright yellow center.  It’s a “happy” flower, often used at weddings.  “Daisy” brings a smile to my face…like Daisy Duke and Daisy Mae Yokum   Do you have a Daisy in your life who brings a smile to your face?  ;-)  Jack

FROM JOEAN:  Every Spring I search and search to spot my first robin. Finally yesterday there he was sitting in my tree when I opened up bedroom shades. That little bird brought a huge smile to my smile to my face. For me that robin is symbol that the long cold winter is over.===JACK:  I saw my first robin (in fact, two of them) yesterday also.  Spring is sprung.

FROM MK IN WL:  The movie "Please don't eat the daisy's" brings a smile to my face!  The daisy is one of my favorites & tulips. Chuck & I had tulips at our wedding. ===JACK:  I've read that Daisy is the favorite name for a female dog.  I've never heard of a dog named, Tulip

FROM KZB IN THE ROCKIES:  My dog “Daisy”, now 14 1/2 (vet said she would only live to 8 due to epilepsy) 😍 She’s the sweetest goofiest doggo ever.===JACK:  Docs have a hard time predicting the lifespan of a human, let alone a dog.  Long live Daisy!

FROM THE FISH IN NOVA SCOTIA:  when the male pheasant who lives in our woods stands next to the empty ground-level bird feeding station and watches my bathroom window attempting to put the whammy on me and get me to put on some shoes and bring some food out===JACK:  Now, that brought a smile to my face.  Why are some people called, "birdbrains?"

FROM LBP:  My magnolia had a scale infestation last year. So glad to see it was strong enough to make some buds at the end of the season. The arborist says I did a good job scrubbing that pest off. Hoping for a better year for my pretty tree :) ===JACK:  I thought that "mags" wanted warm weather.  Mom's fav is the daisy. I tend to be partial to a zinnia. But, I enjoy seeing all types. The daffodils are blooming but some of the other new bulbs I planted last fall have not opened yet. Curious to see what they will look like. 

FROM 2ND CHANCE:  Forget-me-nots.   Jack-in-the-pulpit 🙂===JACK:  Have you ever seen a Jack in the pulpit?  Too late, now!===2C:  I've seen a Jack-in-the-pulpit, but never THE Jack in the pulpit.  😃===JACK:  As Archie and Edith used to sing...."Those were the days, my friend.  I though that they'd never end."

FROM WILLMAR REV:  Love the variety of them and their colors in the Springtime. ===JACK:  One lady told me that she hated going to the Easter service.  Why?  Because she could stand the smell of Easter lilies.

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  wasn't Donald Duck's girl friend or wife Daisy Duck? ===JACK:  You're probably right.  At that time I was concentrating of Daisy Mae Yokum.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  I love the combination of white daisies with roses, esp pink ones  They are festive and highlight other flowers' colors when mixed with them!  They Last quite a long time in a bouquet, too.===JACK:  Did they ever send flowers home with the pastor when they weren't picked up after the Sunday service?  We had a BIG collection of flower vases.

 Jack’s Winning Words 4/15/21

“Don’t tax you.  Don’t tax me.  Tax that guy behind the tree.”  (Russell B Long (Louisiana Senator)  Long made this comment in 1973, after hearing many complaints about Income Taxes.  “Tax the other guy!”  Even in Jesus’ day tax collectors were named among the chief of sinners.  I wonder if Jesus ever filled out a 1040?  But, he did say, “Give to Caesar (the government) the things that are due.  The truth of the matter is that we can’t have an organized society without having it paid for.  I may appear strange, but I don’t want the “guy behind the tree” paying my share.  ;-)  Jack

FROM JU IN NC:  When I was younger, I appreciated being able To pay taxes.  I knew my Mother was getting more for social security than she had paid in.   ===JACK:  It's that way for many of us.  We get more than we pay in.

FROM MY TAX ADVISOR:  Taxes are the price we pay for a civilized society  Everyone is entitled to pay the minimum amount of tax allowable under the law.   Supreme Court quotes that I remember.  Too lazy to look up exact quotes and their authors.===JACK:  Who said: "There is no Free Lunch?"

FROM DAZ IN COLORADO:  But unfortunately that's what has been promised  (tax only the super rich) which we of course we don't  believe. ===JACK:  Taxing only the super-rich leaves you and me out of the picture.  Thanks for introducing me to the "Long quote!"

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  especially if the guy behind the tree is up to no good and using Dark Money to bribe politicians...===JACK:  Jesus said: "Render to Caesor what is Caesar's."  I wonder if Jesus ever paid taxes.===SP:  i suspect he did not as he had no steady income and owned no property.   i would imagine Joseph and Mary did.  ===JACK:  It's hard to translate our time into his time.  It was a different world.===SP:  i think we can hardly imagine just HOW different.   this is one reason why i have always liked history.   just what was it like to have been alive at that time in history?? ===JACK:  There's a hymn that asks: "If we met Jesus on Earth today, would we know that it was He, the man of Galilee?"===SP:    were you raised in the old Augustana Synod?  you seem to know a lot of hymns from both church school and weekly worship.  i wonder if our kids today remember any of those old hymns that we seem to cherish.  and camp songs don't count because i don't think they have any real "staying power"===JACK:  I was Augustana before I was Lutheran...and, yes, I'm part of a lost generation of Lutherans that is able to connect theology with Gospel music..   

    

FROM PM:   Yes!! I agree. And I worry it’s unhealthy for the person that’s in the position of others paying all of their share. I think everyone needs skin in the game to feel whole and to be a part of it. Few people truly enjoy the feeling of being a weight on others shoulders. But I think it’s so common in some areas that it’s just accepted. And I think I’m our efforts to “help” we’ve created a sort of disaster.  I don’t mean to be political- it’s not my style, I just worry about those that aren’t able to feel self pride and satisfaction. I desire for all to feel a deep healthy, happy. ❤️ Keep them coming! I enjoy your emails so much. Sometimes I race you to see who’s up the earliest. You send some of these out at a time that others might consider the middle of the night. ;)===JACK:  Politics...that which often divides Americans rather than bringing them together.===PM:  Sadly, it's true.

FROM DR J:  I’m with you! Public goods are the cornerstones of a democracy and they don’t come free. I think taxes are a part of what Kennedy was talking about and he said “ask what you can do for your country”. We contribute our knowledge, skills, and yes - our tax dollars, to make and keep it great.===JACK: I've never seen the Kennedy quote used in the way you suggest.  I like it!

FROM WILLMAR REV:  I'm with you, Jack; however, The Twelve didn't seem to mind the coin found in the fish's mouth?! 0;-)===JACK:  Money has corrupted more than a few of "God's servants." ===REV:  Yes sit! Just talked to a recent widow formerly of our church who was befriended over a website of sorts on the internet and let the gentleman have (she said) $500,000 of her lifesavings and suddenly has disappeared. I’m sure he shared his faith and godly practice with her before asking for the $$$$$$!  ===JACK:  I hate to hear of stories like this.  Is that why God created a Hell?===REV:  How a person could feel good about himself after doing something like this is beyond me. 0:-/

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  I've traveled and spent time in many different countries, and I've always come back to USA happy to pay my share of taxes. We are truly blessed to live in this country!  A lot is wrong with is, but an awfully lot is right, too. Freedoms (esp. women) that many countries do not guarantee!!  I always vote in large and small elections, and I used to be an active volunteer in many services It's part of the ;price to live Here.===JACK:  I like it, too, that you have taken advantage of the "opportunity" to protest when you think that people aren't being treated fairly.

 

 Jack’s Winning Words 4/14/21

“A problem isn’t a problem until it actually happens.”  (Julie A Ross & Judy Corcoran)  Perhaps you’ve heard of the word masochism, which is allowing something painful because that “something” has a strange way of giving pleasure.  There are people I know who seem to “enjoy” jumping from the frying pan into the fire.  Is that a form of masochism?  I remember hearing of someone who kept hitting his head with a hammer.  “Why are you doing that?” he was asked.  “Because it feels so good when I stop,” was the reply.  The lesson? Don’t generate pain for yourself by creating trouble before it exists.  ;-)  Jack  

FROM WILLMAR REV:  ...I’m reminded this morning of watching the “Three Stooges” comedy acts and asking myself why this was supposed to be humorous?! 0:-)===JACK:  A wasted childhood....not being entertained by The Stooges!

FROM JR IN ANDOVER:  Always thought of the „hammer“ story as German.  Maybe my dad told it to me.===JACK:  There's a whole new world out there....jokes told in "another" language.

FROM HO,ELESS IN FL:  Such a valuable lesson, and one that I have to remind myself nearly daily to adhere to. Somehow, over the last few years, I have become a worry wart. I am unhappy with myself for allowing it to come to fruition. It's a horrible habit that I am working on breaking. "Don't borrow trouble", my grandmother used to say. Do you ever borrow trouble, Jack?===JACK:  I write "Winning Words" each day, but I need to pay more attention to what I'm writing.  I think that life is a combination of positive/negative thinking.  I try to "practice" what "I preach."

 

 

Jack’s Winning Words 4/13/21 “By desiring little a poor man makes himself rich.”  (Democritus)  Democritus is (one of :the BC Greeks) known as the “laughing philosopher” because of his emphasis on the value of cheerfulness.  In his day (as it still is today) one of the basic ways to be happy is to want fewer things.  Think about it….all those ads on TV….designed to cause us to want more.  In the movie, The Jerk, all that Navin needed to make him happy was an ashtray - and a paddle game - and a lamp.  “That’s all I need - and a remote control.”  I think Democritus would have liked watching  The Jerk.  It’s called, The funniest movie ever made. FROM THE SHARK:  All I want is a set of golf clubs :)===JACK:  Do the lessons come first...or the clubs?  Did you ever play golf in Iraq? FROM JU IN NC:   Loved the words that won today. I have discovered on many occasions that when I do less in one area that I may find great increases in another.===JACK:  Life is strange, and if you take the time to sit back and think about some of the really weird things that happen unexpectedly. FROM AA IN FLORIDA:  SORRY JACK,  LANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES HAS TOPPED THE LIST FOR YEARS.  CLOSELY FOLLOWED BY YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN.  AND SOME OF MY OTHER FAVORITES, HAROLD AND MAUD, TAKE THE MONEY AND RUN AND BEST SPORT COMEDY SLAP SHOT.===JACK:  Sorry, AA!  Steve Martin has passed by your generation.  The movies you listed are funny, but you have to have "a certain brain" to truly enjoy The Jerk...."I'm picking out a thermos for you!"  Singing that song while in the bathtub....Hilarious!  Ask Teri to explain it to you. FROM BLAZING OAKS:  I think as we age, we lose the desire to accumulate "more" stuff, and do simplify your life...Of course I always had Bill's sign on the fridge,  "Want what you have, and you'll always have what you want"...which curbed our buying! As Irma Bombeck observed in her last book;, "I wish I had invited friends in, more often, in spite of  a shabby sofa or stains on the carpet!"  I'm sure she was exaggerating a bit, but our homes are usually never show places and perfect, and we have to settle for comfortable and lived in, but fellowship is so important!! We need to remember that!! ===JACK:  Google "Steve Martin singing "I'm picking out a thermos for you" and see if it doesn't crack you up.  Ask your children to explain it to you.

 

Jack’s Winning Words 4/12/21

“Once we choose hope, everything else is possible.”  (Christopher Reeve)  Because of his Superman role and his own paralysis, Reeve became the symbol of hope for thousands of people who believed that they “would be able to walk again.”  I learned a hymn long ago in  Sunday School:  "Only believe,  Only believe;  All things are possible.  Only believe."  That  "hope" has served me well through the years… "All things are possible!"   Miracles are promised for those who do not give up hope.  What is it that you’re hoping for?  ;-)  Jack

FROM HONEST JOHN:  Con Trued said a person can not live without hope===JACK:  We've all had our mentors.  Constantine was one of yours.  I admired him too.

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  a more peaceful and united America...===JACK:  That's a HOPE in really big letters.

FROM JOEANN:  Now Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You.—Psalm 39:7. I love this verse. My hope is that we all can find a way to get peace from our burdens.===JACK:  My mind kicked into gear, and I figured out who's writing about HOPE while facing day to day burdens.  "Our hope is in the Lord!"

FROM WILLMAR REV:  ". . . waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ!" (Titus 2:13 ESV). I've sung of it for more years that I can remember-- There is coming a day, When no heart aches shall come, No more clouds in the sky, No more tears to dim the eye, All is peace forever more, On that happy golden shore,  What a day, glorious day that will be. [Refrain]: What a day that will be, When my Jesus I shall see, And I look upon His face, The One who saved me by His grace; When He takes me by the hand, And leads me through the Promised Land, What a day, glorious day that will be. There’ll be no sorrow there,  No more burdens to bear, No more sickness, no pain, No more parting over there; And forever I will be, With the One who died for me, What a day, glorious day that will be. [Refrain] (What A Day That Will Be, Jim HilL===JACK:  Many hymns of HOPE have sustained us in our growing up years.

 

 Jack’s Winning Words 4/9/21

“Starting over again is like dancing with the devil.”  (Demi Lovato)  “Dancing With the Devil” is Lovato’s story about successfully facing drug addiction.  “It can be done, but there are dangers.  You’re never really free from the demon.”  Any kind of “starting over” has its problems.  Whether it be a new job, or a  new relationship…It’ll never happen unless (you) take the first step.  There’s a song that I’ve found to be helpful in advising others…”One Day at a Time, Sweet Jesus…that’s all I’m asking of you.”  In dancing with the devil?  One step at a time, sweet Jesus.  ;-)  Jack

FROM ST PAUL ST PAUL:  i read a whole article about this woman.   she is or was really messed up in a lot of ways.  i hope she has not gotten her life back to some degree of normalcy.===JACK:  We are each (dancing with) our own demons  ===SP:   is yours a blond or a brunet or a red head?     or maybe even purple or green or orange these days? 😀===JACK:  Have you ever seen a pastor with wildly coloredb hair...trying to identify with a "younger" crowd? 

FROM HOMELESS IN FL:  Thanks for the reminder!! Lots of slates wiped clean and new beginnings now. I do feel like I am starting at square one in so many aspects of my life. Is there a point that there may be too many? I find I keep having to "ground" myself. Exercise, the beach, friends and family, are my current grounding points. The tethers that keep me from spinning about crazily. Thank you, God, for each of them!===JACK:  Starting over doesn't necessarily mean "relearning everything."

 

 Jack’s Winning Words 4/8/21

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.”  (George Bernard Shaw)  My favorite episode of The Twilight Zone is called, “Kick the Can.”  A group of people living at an “Old Folks’ Home” decides that they could recover their childhood by playing “Kick the Can.”  One night they “sneaked” outside and did indeed become children again.  One grouchy old man refused to play along, thinking that the group had become insane.  In the end, he was the only one who remained old.  Never turn down an invitation to play, “Kick the Can.”  ;-)  Jack

FROM BB IN CHGO:  , I’ve seen and loved that episode of Twilight.  Probably watched it at your urging.  Thanks.===JACK:  I'm still interested in playing Kick the Can.  What "childhood" game did you like?

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Our family are the prime game players of all time, I think! WE constantly play cards and other games when we are together!! Children at heart? I hope so! My mom always played games with us in the evening, so we grew up loving to play a variety of games. Now our kids do the same! :-) ===JACK:  My mom and dad played cards, but it didn't rub off on my sister and me.  "Playing cards" was counted among "sins," like close dancing and going to movies on a Sunday afternoon.

FROM DAZ IN COLORADO:  Good advice. We've had a year of no playing. Let's get outside 0r inside and play. ===JACK:  It must be kind of hard to play "kick the can" indoors.  

FROM PASTY PAT:  Omigosh! Every evening til the streetlights came on, on my block in Ahmeek! 😊===JACK:  Did they have streetlights in Ahmeek?  How about a traffic signal?  And a DQ?===PP:  Surely you jest! 😀 Actually Ahmeek did have streetlights but the closest traffic signal was a blinking yellow light as you entered Calumet 5 miles away.===JACK:  I've been thru Ahmeek, but I must have missed it.  Maybe I'll try again sometime and look for the blinking light. ===PP:  I didn’t explain it well. The blinking light is in Calumet. Ahmeek is practically a ghost town now with all the businesses closed, etc. My Mom is likely “rolling over in her grave” at the condition of the home I grew up in.===JACK:  Sometimes the sod does its job well by hiding certain things from our eyes.

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  that’s a great zone, isn’t it?===JACK:  We're never too old for fun and games...are we?

FROM JU IN NC:  GREEEEEAT!!!!!!!===JACK:  What other childhood games do you remember?  ...like running with your eyes closed from the barn to the house (and almost making it.)

FROM HOMELESS IN FL:  Oh boy. That advice could get me into T-R-O-U-B-L-E !===JACK:  Some of those things we did as kids would get us into all kinds of trouble as adults.

FROM JACK:      The object of the game (Kick the Can) is to put all the players in “jail”, capturing them by identifying them in their hiding spots. Once a player is “jailed” the only way to be freed is for another player to beat the “IT” person to the can and kick it.