Jack’s Winning Words 7/30/21

“At the end of the day, I’d rather be excluded for who I include, than be included  for who I exclude.”  (Eston Williams)  Sometimes pastors have to make decisions that are not approved by everybody.  Rev Williams was a longtime Methodist minister in a small Texas with a sizeable LGBT community.  He made a pastoral decision to perform a same-sex wedding.  Today’s quote is what he said when criticized for his pastoral act.  When Martin Luther was criticized for his church-reformation ideas, he said, “Here I stand.  I can do no other.”  Have you ever faced a  decision of conscience?  ;-)  Jack

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  we episcopalians have gay, divorced bishops... but we divorced folks still can't get married in a regular ceremony in the main sanctuary. a tad hypocritical, no?===JACK:  Have you checked with a priest lately about this?  I'm sure that it's being done in some places. 

FROM GRANDMA SANDI:  That’s a quote I love.===JACK:  Maybe you can include it in your next book on "values."

FROM WILLMAR REV:  More often than not nowadays! 0;-/===JACK:  It will be at the A of G doorstep sooner or later.  I'm sure that the quote (out of context) could be used by you in some situation.

FROM SHALOAN JAN:  Yes!  And, I was excluded for whom I excluded, who was a toxic presence in the congregation.  :-(  Pastoral decisions are often not popular; that's why they are pastoral and not popular in the first place!===JACK:  Did you shake hands and say, SHALOM" to them on your parting?===SJ:  Those who thought I was "wrong" were not hand-shakers.  I did sit next to them at the funeral of a member who was the mother of a pastor-friend of mine.  I purposely walked into the pew and sat next to one of the lie-shouters at the meeting you attended at my request.  Thank you, again, for being there in 2011.===JACK:  Is the "Shalom" greeting ever given to people you disagree with?

FROM NORM'S BLOG:  Are you included in groups with labels like bigots, racists, homophobes, or misogamists?  Perhaps you better identify with groups who identify with terms like caring, inclusive, justice  or equality. It is ironic that many of the members of those first groups also claim to be in a group that they call the “moral majority”. They make some claim (indefensible as is may be) to a moral high ground for their exclusionary position. In fact, their position is neither moral nor a majority. It doesn’t take long, once one starts excluding whole classes or groups of people, that you find yourself in the minority. ===JACK:  We usually choose who it is that we associate with.  Sometimes our views and actions choose for us.

 

 Jack’s Winning Words 7/29/21

“There are many kinds of selfishness in this world, but the most selfish is hoarding time, because none of us know how much we have, and it is an affront to God to assume there will be more.”  (Mitch Albom)  Jim Croce’s “Time In A Bottle” is one of my all-time favorite songs.  What would it be like to spend minutes and days just with people you love, doing just the things you like to do.  That’s not reality.  So, we’re left to make the best use of an unknown amount of time that’s ours.  If you were to bottle 24 hours of time, how would the labels read?  ;-)  Jack 

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  your WWs are getting longer and more profound, Jack.===JACK:  I don't know that anyone ever said that about my Sunday sermons.

FROM BB IN CHGO:  I’m so glad that you’ve been given more time than most and that you were fortunate/blessed to find someone to share your time with after Mary’s passing.  My mom really never did; 35 years of happy marriage and now…40+ on her own.  It’s not only the hours/time we have but how they are spent and with whom they’re shared, no?  Sometimes a few minutes or hours in certain company can feel like a lifetime!===JACK:  Time passes...and then there is no more.  Each of us spends the time that is ours, likee shoppers in a store...and finally the purse is empty.  I've enjoyed my purchases (for the most part).  How about you?===BB:  Yes, I have too.  I feel like more adventures are in store, but if they are not, I’m pleased to have enjoyed a full and abundantly blessed life.===JACK:  How was the Bunny Reunion?"

FROM JO-AN IN ST-JO:  This was such an easy question for me to answer. The label would read “Please read this book to me.” When a young child hands you their favorite book, climbs up in your lap, and puts their thumb in their mouth the magic begins. I always feel so honored they chose me to give life back to words they have heard many times before. They trust me to smile and frown and to laugh and even wipe away a tear because I’m a big person who never really grew up. That’s the greatest compliment a young child can give to us big people. So yes I would read story after story to child after child. And I lived happily ever after.===JACK:  I can tell that you were a teacher and one loved by the kids.  Some of my best times in church was when I sat on the altar steps and talked with the children.  If there were no children on a particular Sunday, I asked those felt like children to come forward.  I'll bet you'd be in that group.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Time with ALL the family!! :-)===JACK:  You have one of the largest families that I know of.  How many?

FROM SALON SUZY:  :We both love time in a bottle too….===JACK:  I miss Jim Croce.  David helps me get acquainted with new singers who have not yet been discovered.

FROM HOMELESS:  I love this one! Very poetic thoughts and a thought provoking ending question. I will have to ponder than more when I have a free mind moment.===JACK:  If you're wondering about your life and the time that you have.....watch the sand in an hourglass.

 

  

 

 

Jack’s Winning Words 7/28/21

“You are in control of your life.  Don’t ever forget that.  You are what you are because of the conscious and subconscious choices you have made.”  (Barbara Hall)  I believe only part of this quote.  Unforeseen events (family-work-health-etc) have a way of disrupting “the best laid plans.”  We have some control as to how we react.  You can probably give examples from your life.  I’ve noticed that life seems to go better for those who make good decisions.  It’s my belief that God has a plan for us…ultimately…and it’s for the good.  BTW, how do you think “free-will” fits into this equation?  ;-)  Jack

FROM SHARIN' SHARON:  Glad and thankful for my home here, safe inside from any of the possible irate people out there who might wish to do me harm just for my way of thinking.  In my opinion, we are living in a very polarized and intolerant and lacking in heartfelt mercy world now and sometimes I am lacking understanding of the issues too—unfortunately.===JACK:  I've quoted this before, but in case you've never read it..."Though man a thinking being is defined, few use the prerogative of mind.  How few think justly of the thinking few!  How many never think, who think they do!"  (Jane Taylor===SS:  This is a very convoluted quote, Pastor Freed.  I can put myself everywhere in it, but is a humbling quote.  I wonder if such is why Luther, I’ve read, said “sin boldly” because any of us realizing our precarious creatureliness and tendencies to self-deception really have only boldness finally to take any action at all, taking the setbacks and hard knocks of life as best we can and trying to have a positive attitude to it all.===JACK:  There's a copy of Rodin's "Thinker" at the entrance to the Detroit Institute of Arts.  Do you know what he's thinkimg about?

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  god gave us free will.===JACK:  ...and you've made good use of it!  God loves you!===LIZ:  you, and god, made my day! 😇===JACK:  At least God wasn't teamed with Clint Eastwood

FROM MAD SCIENTIST:  I was watching a tv show the other day and one woman says superiorly “I made good choices” and the other responds “you had good choices” driving home that different scenarios can provide different options.   Of course at that point of the drama both had just made some pretty lousy choices but they were too caught up to see that.==JACK:  I guess my brain wasn't driving in that gear...The choices that we have before us aren't necessarily the same.  I guess we have to be walking in other moccasins before we criticize the choices other people make. 

FROM-JO-ANN IN ST-JO:  I wake up each morning excited to see what God has planned for me today. I know He wants me to love, serve, and forgive others so I always hope “my plans” are headed in the right direction. I also believe God has a plan for all of us and it is full of wonderful surprises! Yes, there are struggles but He stands ready to show us away out. Good Morning Jack and have a good day.===JACK:  George Beverly Shea used to sing this song: 

Early in the morning, while the world is still

Before the daylight streaks the sky, I would know His will.
I commune with Christ my Saviour and listen carefully
To gain the strength I need today while praying quietly
(Chorus)
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 BLAZING OAKS:  My husband used to say, "you have your choice of a good or bad choice; once you choose the bad one, you usually have your choice of two bad ones....". I think he was pretty accurate!  Most of us tend to choose the better  option, if we are trying to live our faith. I realize some folks really don't have a good choice, but one might still be better than the other?! Life can be pretty tough for disadvantaged people!!===JACK:  Bill had the choice of a twin...or did Hal have first choice?

 

 Jack’s Winning Words 7/27/21

“When life puts you in a tough situation, don’t cry, ’Why me?’ say, ‘Try me!’”  (Dwayne Johnson)  Johnson is an actor and former professional wrestler known as “The Rock”. His quote reminds me of “Tough Times Never last – Tough People Do”; a book written by Robert Schuller.  The premise is true: We’ll usually overcome difficult situations if we don’t give up.  I’ve gained strength from the hymn, “Be not dismayed, whate’er betide; God will take care of you.”.  The Rock’s words can be helpful when times are tough. And remember, God is the original “Rock” ;-)  Jack

FROM ME IN NEWPORT BEACH:  He certainly has done well for himself and, from what little I know, seems to be a pretty decent guy.===JACK:  Before TV, I saw a few pro wrestlers in person.  One was Gorgeous George.  That's one sport that I would not like to participate in.===ME:  Nor I.  However, my Father in law, a non sport guy, who came from a Jewish urban background, loved it.===JACK:  The voters in Minnesota even elected a pro wrestler (Jesse - the Body- Ventura) as their Governor.===ME:  Which I remember well, including his unique voice.

 Jack’s Winning Words  7/26/21

 “That every story comes from an eyewitness—I think that’s something that as human beings, we never stop needing.”  (Catherine Burns)  “The Moth” is a group of people dedicated to the art of storytelling.  Their NPR podcast is very popular.  The pastor of my church typically does not read the Gospel for the day.  He tells it as a story, and it’s very effective.  It’s almost as he were observing what was going on with the raising of Lazarus from the dead.  Jesus used parables (stories) as a very effective way of teaching.  If you want to teach instead of preach, tell a story. Have you learned from any storytellers?”
;-)  Jack

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  Jack,   this is a HUGE pet peeve of mine.   soooo many sermons today lack good stories and illustrations!    and if you have to explain the story,  it's not a good one.   Jesus was the consummate storyteller.  and we should be too.  i have about 100 manilla folders in my office just full of good stories that i have collected over the years.   maybe they could be the genesis of another book:):):) ===JACK:  I, too, have those manila folders...and they have some "great" stories.  I also have a copy of each sermon I've preached (going back to the 1st).  I'm not into writing a book, so my stuff will probably wind up in a dumpster.

FROM WILLMAR REV:  A Sunday School grad here that grew up spiritually with them the first 50 years of my life . . . Sunday School lessons, Camp Meetings with Evangelists and Teachers, Revival Meetings . . . plenty of stories and illustrations! 0;-)===JACK:  My "growing up" pastor always had a story or two in this sermons.  I also heard stories about the origin of certain hymns. 

FROM NORM'S BLOG:  The stories over the weekend of various Olympic athletes who have had to withdraw from the competition because of testing positive for the COVID virus. Imagine how disappointing it must be for someone who has trained for 5 years for their opportunity (the extra year because of the delay of the games in 2020), only to be denied the chance to even compete at the last minute.===JACK:  Not only the Olympians...but each of us has a story that "tells" why we are whatr we are today.  

FROM PEE WEE:  Love this. Because I’m a visual person, those stories impact me and remain in my memory the longest. They used to hold “The Moth” monthly at a place in downtown Detroit, and I attended once with friends. The presenters were very good at storytelling.===JACK:  It's interesting to know that The Moth has been in Detroit.  It might be fun to have the WB Optimists sponsor a Moth Contest for kids.  I'll bet that there would be some great stories.===PW:  It may still be going, not sure. That would be a great contest for kids, I would guess that it might best be suited for high school. Would LOVE to hear the stories!===JACK:  I know of one way to make it happen.

 

FROM JO-AN IN ST JO:  My Dad told his children story after story about his experiences during WW2. Jack —-I still believe he could have won that war all by himself. ha ha===JACK:  You've reminded me that people often use the term, War Stories, to tell of strange/funny/informational events of the past, whether they happened in a war, or not.  You probably have some War Stories to tell thinking back to your teacher-days. 

 

Jack’s Winning Words 7/23/21

“Sweat dries, blood clots and bones heal.  Suck it up, princess, this is softball.”  (Unknown)  Anyone who’s played competitive sports knows about injuries.  Some can be serious (for sure), but most tend to heal on their own.  I’ve also noticed that a stop at the DQ after the game helps alleviate the pain.  Sometimes when we grow frustrated with the hurts of life, a trip to the ice cream shop with a friend might help?  BTW, today is Vanilla Ice Cream Day.  My favorite brand  is Whitey’s.  ;-)  Jack

FROM WILLMAR REV:  "I scream! You scream! We all scream for ice cream! 0;-) ===JACK:  What is your favorite flavor?===REV:  Chocolate Chip ice cream gets my vote.===JACK:  Have you tried Cow Pie Ice Cream?  It looks like a cow pie, too.  (chocolate ice cream with peanut butter chunks and possibly chocolate chunks)  . ...

FROM NORM'S BLOG:   The bravado world of sports always seems to glorify the thought of sucking it up, shaking it off and getting back in the game. Recent medical and scientific evidence has shown that trying to shake off a concussion is the wrong thing for athletes to do. Most sports have adopted concussion protocols to deals with the seriousness of “getting your bell rung.”  We tend to adopt sports phrases and advice when trying to cope with life, telling others to suck it up or shake it off and get back in the game. But for those suffering from mental illnesses or depression there is no way to shake it off, there are no BandAids for the hurts that take place in the mind.===JACK:  There is still room for "suck it up" min sports and in life.  Most of the "hurts" are minor ones.  But there are times....  I remember once when the church softball team was playing a game....our catcher caught a ball the wrong way and it dislocated his finger.  It was gruesome.  No one said, "Suck it up."  They said, "Go to the Emergency Room at St Joseph Hospital.  The nuns were surprised to see someone come in with  a shirt that said, "Holy Spirit."

FROM DS IN SD:  Ha, Jack. You know how to bring back memories. You should have taken us kids to Whiteys after each game....yum yum.===JACK:  If life provided do-overs, I'd take the team to Whitey's, especially after we won the championship.  Those were fun days.===DS:  We didn't realize then exactly how much fun it was.....and care-free.   Wouldn't we love to have those days back? I know I would, along with all my friends and family I have lost.  Stay well my friend. ===JACK:  My wife is putting together a book--Remembering Jack.  Maybe she can include a mention of those Moline days. ===DS:    I certainly think she should include the Moline days.  At least for me, those were some of my most favorite memories.  I happened to have had great teachers, like yourself. ===JACK:  I'll put the bug in her ear right now.

 

FROM SALON SUZY:   Love soft serve ice cream, DQ===JACK:  The father of one of my Winning Words "people" was one of the founders of Dairy Queen.  We had it before it became famous. 

FROM RS IN TEXAS:  One of grand daughters is into softball big time.  Had to share that quote with her.===JACK:  Both daughter (Beth & Jeanne) played on the high school softball team.  Jeanne was on her college team and also continued playing until a few years ago.  It's a great game.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  I'm. With you on that! Peppermint! Yum!! :-)! ===JACK: Here's a review of Whitey's peppermint ice cream...."This is a really terrific local ice cream parlor. In the winter, they serve peppermint ice cream with real chunks of peppermint. It is simply the best. Only downside of our stop here was that there is very limited seating. But it tells you something about the quality of the product when an ice cream place is packed and standing room only during the winter!"

FROM ALBION STAR:  I also remember going to Richardson’s in Keego Harbor for ice cream!   Appreciate the softball quote! Thankfully other than sliding and scraping my knee no real injuries.   In the movie “A league of their own” another famous quote is “there’s no crying in baseball!”  Said by Tom Hanks‘ character when he managed the women’s baseball team.===JACK:  The Hanks' quote is one of my favorites.  I liked the whole movie....but what I liked most was, seeing you play throughout your career.  Richardson Dairy was a great ice cream shop.  Didn't they have the figure of a cow outside?

FROM MAD SCIENTIST:  Well a crisis is another story I suppose. But everyone seems to need something. Got to untie from the busy culture.===JACK:  JFK, I think, said that crisis, in Chinese, is made of two characters.  One means, opportunity, and I've forgotten the other one.

FROM ME IN NEWPORT BEACH:  Like this one.  Old school.===JACK:  Yep  It applies to more than just softball.  Each job has its "suck-it-up" times. ===ME: As does the aging process itself with ever increasing numbers of suck up times.

FROM ROOTHY:  I love this one!!   Thank you - dear Jack. ===JACK:  It's not only on the softball field where there're are fractures, spilled blood...and sweat. ===R:  Amen.   We are so blessed to have God beside us to kiss owies.  ===JACK:  "Owies?"  I haven't heard that in a while...but that doesn't mean that they don't happen and don't hurt.

 Jack’s Winning Words 7/22/21

“When people tell me I can’t do something, I have a visceral reflex to say Yes, I can!  (Angela Duckworth)  Recently someone wrote to me, saying that it’s impossible to hum while holding your nose.  (I can now imagine that you’re holding your nose and trying to hum)  That’s called, “the power of suggestion,” I think.  One of the challenging things I struggle with is bringing “distanced people” closer together.  Do have some ideas?  Racially?  Politically?  Religiously?  Economically?  When have you said “Yes, I can”, yet found it challenging?  ;-)  Jack

FROM GUSTIE:  I tried it—you can’t hum while holding your nose!  Ha!===JACK:  You can learn important stuff by reading Winning Words.===G:  I know.  That is why I read it every day!  Ha!===JACK:  Sometimes I teach myself.

FROM BB IN CHGO:  Listened to an interesting NPR story around election time where they discussed how to talk around the Thanksgiving table with a politically divided family.  All I recall is advice to ask a lot of questions.  Ask not only about issues but rather about what they like about the person.  What makes them feel confidence in the person; how the person inspires them or will make the world a better place and then follow up with questions about how they see the world when it is that better place?===JACK:  I had a conversation about this with someone this morning.  Arguing usually doesn't accomplish must.  Just state what you believe.  If the other person continues to try and convince...simply say, "Maybe you didn't hear me.  This is what I said.  Then, repeat your statement.  Etc..  I like the idea of saying something nice about the other person.  Roberta Flack used to sing...Killing  (them) softly with (kindness).

FROM WILLMAR REV:  "When have you said 'Yes, I can', yet found it challenging?"  More often than I would like to admit! 0;-)===JACK:  Yes, there are times when we accept challenges bigger than we can accomplish.  That's when we pray,  "God help me!"

FROM THE "UN-MAD" SCIENTIST:   Ugh. Too often I say “yes I can” then find I have no time to do all those things “I can” do. So leaning to say, nope  ===JACK:  Oftentimes it depends on who asks for help...and what the crisis is. ===MS:  Huh. That’s kind of cool. I like learning the meaning behind the separate characters in Chinese.===JACK:  Maybe you can study Chinese in your spare time.===MS:  It wouldn’t. And I have no skill in Finnish, unless I’m a guest on a kids show reciting my letters and numbers.===JACK:  Is grandma rolling over? ===MS:  Nope.  She deliberately didn’t teach my mom Finnish. Mom was to be raised as an American and to speak English. It was just a silly game for Grandma to teach me little bits and phrases when I was a kid.===JACK:  How fortunate you were to have grown up with grandparents. 

 

Lately I’m thinking Spanish is likely most useful

FROM SR RENEE:   I'd say: FOOD is Eucharist and Communing in any language .===JACK:  Isn't the bread and wine simply bread and wine without the faith of the believer and the presence of the Holy Spirit?   . 

 Jack’s Winning Words 7/21/21

“The size of your audience doesn’t matter.  What’s important is that your audience is listening.”  (Randy Pausch)  I remember a time when a funeral director asked me to conduct a woman’s funeral.  I prepared the service; wrote a sermon.  Music was playing when I entered the funeral home.  But, there were no mourners.…just the undertaker and me.  I conducted the service anyway.  In retrospect, God was there.  He was my audience.  In Sunday School we used to sing: Be careful little mouth what you say, for the Father up above is looking down in love, so be careful little mouth what you say.”  How about letting that thought go with you today!  ;-)  Jack 

FROM SALON SUZY:  Conviction! Thanks for this insite today===JACK:  Chit chat at the salon can be more than chit chat...sometimes.===SS:  Not just at the salon…. Every where…===JACK:  Without naming names, what's some surprising chit-chat that has come to your ears?  

FROM THE "MAD" SCIENTIST.:  I have the challenge of multi tasking. Definitely important to think about presence in the audience and whether they are actually listening===JACK:  A sermon involves multi-tasking...seeing faces in the audience and "couching" words to fit different situations.===MS:  Ha! Yes, as the speaker I guess one is multi tasking. I meant I have trouble not multitasking when I’m listening.  I try doing things like taking notes or doodling or folding laundry, which use up just enough brain power to keep my mind from wandering off. ===JACK:  I sometimes wonder what it might have been like to have had you as my pastor.  You would have been a good one - IMO. 

FROM BB IN CHGO:  I remember that childhood song; glad the words still stick with me today.===JACK:  ...And, think the the things your children will remember  from what you tried to teach them in their formative years.  "So be caredul all you moms, what you teach!"

FROM WILLMAR REV:  Been there a time or two myself. 0;-) ===JACK:  As I was preaching, I remember seeing a wife poke her husband in the ribs to wake him up.  I could hardly keep from laughing.

FROM EDUCATOR PAUL:  I’m haunted by a few things that have come through my “little mouth” at times during my life. No matter what anyone says or how much time  passes, there is sincere regret.===JACK:  Be sure that your brain and your mouth are working together.

 

Jack’s Winning Words 7/20/21 “Never forget yesterday, but always live for today…because you never know what tomorrow can bring, or what it can take away.”  (Tiny Buddha)  Tiny Buddha is not a miniature statue, but someone’s “blog name.”  I like it.  I have a really good book…Your God Is Too Small (meaning that most of us don’t trust God enough).  Jesus once said, “Oh, ye of little faith!”  Yesterday, today or tomorrow?  They’re in the hands of God…but sometimes we think that it all depends on us.  ;-)  Jack FROM RS IN TEXAS:  Saw what I thought was a good quote yesterday....."Yesterday is history.  Tomorrow is a mystery.  Today is a gift of God and that is why we call it the present."  Perhaps a small reminder of all the gifts we get every day from God.===JACK:  Thanks for "gifting" this to me.  A good one!

 

Jack’s Winning Words 7/19/21 “The main thing is to care.  Care very hard, even it is only a game you are playing.”  (Billie Jean King)  Abour 50 years ago King was the top women’s tennis player, winning 39 grand slam titles…but she’s probably best known for beating Bobby Riggs who bragged that he could beat any woman tennis player.  In “The Battle of the Sexes” King won, because she “cared” more.  Generally, in life, battles are won by those who care more, who have focus.  You might have learned that lesson when you first heard Aesop’s fable about The Tortoise and the Hare.  ;-)  Jack FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  good one,  Jack.   put another way,  it means paying close attention to the details.   care and caring ===JACK:  Be sure to dot the t's and cross the i's (like Carl Reiner in "The Jerk."===SP:  that seems to be one of your most favorite movies.   Steve Martin can be a real hoot at times on screen. ===JACK:  He's a wild and crazy guy!   FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Certainly holds true for me! Enjoying beautiful Lake Tahoe right now!!==JACK:  Is the lake now a puddle, because of the western drought? FROM J, THE VIKING:  Isn’t it wonderful to trust the Lord and then when you love a special person caring is so easy?===JACK:  Sailors sometimes tattoo their fingers to read: HOLD FAST.  You might tattoo your to read TRUS TGOD. FROM GOOD DEBT JON:  One of my mentors Pete Fortunato teaches this for real estate and business: CLAP - Care, Learn, take Action, and Persist.  Caring is the key.===JACK:  Acrostics are a great learning device.  I remember this one...FAITH  Forsaking All I Take Him.      FROM HOMELESS:  The importance of caring...Cartoon shows two polar bears arguing while playing hockey.  One says to the other: : Sir, I will treat you as a gentleman, not because you are one, but because I am one."===JACK:  I would not call hockey, A Gentleman's Game.  So, two polar bears were playing chess...  FROM COPPER COUNTRY REV:  Amen!    To care is to love ===JACK:   Have you seen a recent example of huolehtiva? ===CCR:  Had to look up that Finnish word.  But yes,  Faith Luth.' has a $200K repair job to the roof.    The youth group started a "drop off your empty pop can to help pay for the roof."   Wow!   As of last week the pastor reported that total returns thus far has now reached  $10,000!  That is correct.... 10 thousand dollars.   That's  CARING.===JACK:  That's SISU!

 

Jack’s Winning Words 7/16/21

“Doesn’t matter what a person’s name is as long as he behaves himself.”  (L.M. Montgomery)  When I was in grade school, teachers graded pupils (E-Excellent; VG-Very good, G-Good and P-poor).  They were not happy parents when I came home with P in Deportment (behavior).  We all have our personality quirks, and mine happens to be that I enjoy being mischievous.  So…what does it mean to behave yourself?  That could be a interesting topic for a family discussion.  What is deportment, in God’s mind?   

FROM BS IN ENGLAND:  Deportment in England means posture, gait!  Who says that we speak the same language?===JACK:  I recall a 2nd definition here: How you present yourself.  Language can be fun. 

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:   i used to get docked for talking too much in class.   imagine that?:):):) ===JACK:  What did "dock" mean?  I seem to recall that if a worker underperformed, his pay would be "docked."  Hey....that might improve clergy performance.===SP:  i think its slang for being judged for, yes,  underperformance or breaking some minor rule or regulation.===JACK:   To dock:  To penalize by taking away privileges. 

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  you? mischievous? i simply do not believe it! 😂===JACK:  Your father was there to see it.  We were in the same class through 3rd grade...then, later in Junior High.  

FROM WILLMAR REV:  "The devil made me do it?!?!" 0;-)===JACK:  My sister recently told me that she prayed to God that I wouldn't become a gangster.  So, evidently, God had a part in protecting me from Sam Scratch. 

FROM HOMELESS:  Huh, I never would have assigned the attribute of behavior to deportment. Now that's a new way of looking at things.===JACK:  Behavior or deportment?  The3 key word is POOR!===H:  You truly are not cut from the same "cloth" as most people of God, but that's why God picked you to live and deliver his word. You push boundaries, challenge people to look at things from a different perspective and pave the way to acceptance.===JACK:  Thanks for the compliment.

FROM MY LAWYER:  You've more than made up for your deficiencies!!!  I'll give you an "E"!!!===JACK:  Thanks, but then was then and now is now.  I keep wondering what it was that I did to deserve such a grade.  I just know that I was mischievous as a boy.

FROM BB IN CHGO:  The word, “behave”.

I was a misbehaver too and that word was often used by itself with a lot of emphasis:  “Behave!!!”  I had the same marking system at my Lutheran school in the 60’s as you did though my family (as you know) was “Missouri Synod”.In any case, I got positive marks for “listens well and pays attention”  I received poor for talking out of turn/speaking in class.  No surprise there😊===JACK:  "Behave" is in the eye of the beholder (grader).  When I was teaching confirmation I appreciated cleverness...but not "acting up."  I remember two specific instances when mothers had to come and sit by their child to keep them under control.   

 

 

Jack’s Winning Words 7/15/21

“The game of life is the game of boomerangs.  Our thoughts, deeds and words return to us sooner or later…with astounding accuracy.”  (Florence Shinn)  The boomerang began as a weapon used by Australian aborigines as early as 50,000 years ago.  It’s a curved stick that, when thrown properly, can go 30 yards and return to the thrower.  In Shinn’s quote, she compares our deeds and words as “rangs” which have a way of coming back at us…for good or bad.  Has it ever happened to you…words that spoken have returned to haunt you?  ;-)  Jack

FROM NORM'S BLOG:  When I read (your) quote I thought immediately of the 1961 song by Charlie Drake, “My Boomerang Won’t Comeback.” When looking up who sang the song, in almost every mention of it in the search results, it was labeled as a racist song. I never thought if it that way, but maybe that is one of my boomerangs returning to cause me compunction.  We see this boomerang effect quite often as we watch politicians or other “public figures” squirm and backpedal on TV as they are confronted by their past statements or actions. Some have developed compunction about those events and statements, but many still defend them. I recall the miraculous “conversion” of George Wallace from avid racist during his days as Governor of Alabama to the inclusive, anti-racist candidate for President. He could not duck fast enough to avoid those boomerangs.===JACK:  What goes around, comes around....The story of life...the description of the boomerang.  THERE IS A GOD!

FROM RS IN TEXAS:  Especially these days...someone is always listening....and posting on social media.===JACK:  I see your stuff on Facebook.  I generally just scroll that site and respond occasionally.  While I have a Twitter account, I never use it.  I guess I don't have worry about being blocked.  I hope to see you at the Merrill reunion.

 

Jack’s Winning Words 7/14/21 “The beginning of compunction is the beginning of a new life.”  (George Eliot)  It wasn’t until “English Lit Class” that I learned that “George” was the pen name for Mary Ann Evans, a woman ahead of her (Victorian) times.  Today I needed the dictionary to learn that compunction is the feeling of guilt after doing something bad, or that feeling that stops you from doing something wrong…a guilty conscience, in other words.  George saw awareness (our conscience) as the doorway to a fuller life, helping to deliver a fresh start. Are you enjoying the freedom of a new way of looking at life?  ;-)  Jack FROM HONEST jOHN:  Grace makes it possible.....we don't have o live perfectly....we can do our best....which, of course, is never enough===JACK:  What a tough job we preachers would have if we couldn't talk about grace.  Thank you! Martin Luther.  (and God, too) FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  i think there are way too many people today who have no feelings of compunction whatsoever... ===JACK:  At least, you have that feeling...sometimes, and so do I. FROM HY YO SILVER:  Good morning, Jack. I woke up this morning without Winning.How is this possible?  Isn’t it “a win” to wake up at all?  Yes. But I prefer your Winning Words.===JACK:  Itg should be coming soon===HY:  Oops.  There it is!.  FROM MUSICAL DOG-WALKER:  Thank you for your Winning Words every day.  T and I start our mornings out reading and chatting about them.  We've had lots of interesting conversations as a result. ===JACK:  Thanks for letting me know that WWs is doing its job.  I wish that I could be there to join in on the conversation.

 

Jack’s Winning Words 7/13/21

“Life is not waiting for the storm to pass but learning to dance in the rain.” (Vivian Green))  I smiled when Elizabeth sent me today’s quote with the picture of an elephant dancing in the rain.  Gene Kelly’s dance in “Singing in the Rain” is one of my favorite movie segments.  It shows how one’s attitude can turn a “bad” day into a “happy” day.  When the bad days get you down, I suggest a visit to YouTube to watch Gene Kelly dance in the rain….or Google a picture of that dancing elephant.  ;-)  Jack

FROM BB IN CHGO:  Thanks for the uplifting thoughts on a gloomy day in Chicago===JACK:  The time to worry (or laugh) is when you see dancin g  elephants.

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  If an elephant can do it, we can, too.===JACK:  Evidently you haven't seen me dance.

FRO LH IN FH:  Oh, my golly, Jack.  Today’s issue brought back memories. For 3 years in college in Pittsburgh my mother was Gene Kelly’s dance partner. They danced in all the big band contests together every week and split the $10 prize for the winning pair. $5 went a long way toward helping my mother stay in college during the Depression. Hollywood discovered them and offered them a contract to come as a pair. Mom had her heart set on graduating from college - the first female in her family to do so (a math major at that!) - and asked the agent to rewrite a contract just for Gene Kelly and off he went.  Had she not turned it down, my 3 sisters and I wouldn’t have existed, at least not as the “Hess Girls”. 😊“Thanks for the memories”, as Bob Hope used to say.===JACK:  You continue to amaze me with what has gone on in your life...and what there was before you!  To be a dance partner of Gene Kelly blows my mind.  Did you inherit that talent?

 

Jack’s Winning Words 7/12/21

“It ain’t over til it’s over.”  (Yogi Berra)  There are many quotes reminding us NOT to give up, not to throw in the towel, not to wave the white flag. The Bible says,: “With God, all things are possible.”   Yes, there are things that distress us, when it looks as though bad is going to defeat good.  I’ve had my moments of doubt.  Maybe you do, too.   Veteran MLB umpire, Doug Harvey was called, “God,” by the players, because his calls were always right.  Don’t be dismayed.  In the end, the “call” is up to God.  ;-)  Jack

 

Jack’s Winning Words 7/9/21

“To not have any hope is where things start to get really bleak.  Things are possible.  The impossible can be possible.”  (Sarah Paulson)  In Sunday School we’d sing…”Only believe; only believe.  All things are possible.  Only believe.”  Upon becoming an adult, I’ve learned that some things are impossible (like the NYT Sunday Crossword Puzzle).  Seriously, we’ve all probably faced “impossible” life situations: medical, relationship, addiction.  Sunday Schools songs may not cure the impossible, but they can lead us to trust God and to pray resolutely: “Thy will de done…on earth!”  ;-)  Jack 

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  I repeat Eleanor Roosevelt:" Hope is the most important word in the English language."  Agreed!  Hope just seems to be within us, even in the seemingly hopeless times, doesn't i t?  I HOPE I weather this long car trip, starting tomorrow to Yellowstone Park, Mt. Rushmore, and on to Lake Tahoe, CA in stable health!!! A prayer wouldn't wouldn't hurt, if you have time, dear friend! :-)  These were excellent winning words, today!!===JACK:  I always have time to offer a prayer....and God doesn't seem to get tired of listening to me. 

 

Jack’s Winning Words 7/8/21

“Adapt or perish…now as ever, is nature’s inexorable imperative.”  (H.G. Wells)  If you know Wells, you know of his interest in science fiction. particularly when it comes to predicting the future….but, as is often the case, you need a dictionary nearby as you read his work (inexorable imperative, for example – “things needing immediate attention come at us relentlessly”).  It happened during the pandemic.  Churches learned a new word: Zoom!  Online shopping (virtually) replaced malls. Wells’ solution (adapt or perish) was put into practice.  Can you think of other examples of the value of adaptation?  ;-)  Jack

 Jack’s Winning Words  1/23/19

“We have no right to ask when sorrow comes, ‘Why did this happen to me?’ unless we ask the same question for every moment of happiness that comes our way.”  (Unknown)  I saw a picture of a man banging his head on a table with the caption, “Why me?”  There’s a book, When Bad Things Happen To Good People.  I’d venture to say that more good things, rather than bad, happen to us in our lifetime.  Count your blessings and see if that isn’t true.   ;-)  Jack

FROM FIZI RITZ:  So true Jack but ……(don’t we hate buts)….it’s like when you get an cold or an ear infection…You didn’t realize how good you had it when your nose wasn’t running or your ear wasn’t plugged up and aching, when your body was functioning smoothly you kind of forget to be thankful.   As Father Solanus Casey said “Thank God ahead of time.”===JACK:  Your response reminds me of the guy who was aske, "Why do you keep hitting your head with a hammer?"  He responded, "...because it feels so good when I stop."

FROM GOOD DEBT JON:  The shame of the unexamined life is we spend 7x more dwelling on the bad stuff than the blessings.  We are 7x more concerned with loss than possible gain.  Research has confirmed this ratio time and time again.   Spend a few minutes every morning counting blessings (in writing, in a journal).  Presently, my cup runneth over (it probably always has).  I know folks pumping themselves full of acid and bile from Fox or CNN etc about things they have no control of.   Why carry that weight?   One friend, in particular, I talk to most every day is so negative, I try to jump on a positive topic quickly before he engages me with negative drivel.  When your life is full of blessings and you know where you are going, you don’t wish to get spattered with negativity.  ===JACK:  I laughed when you compared the number of your blessings to the number of pork shop bones at a Baptist picnic.  I thought that I would get more responses after using it in a Winning Words.  I guess that you and I are the ones with weirdness in our sense of humor.  I have pork chop bones blessings, too.

FROM DS IN SD:  Jack, that struck a note with me this very morning.  Little problems come up for all of us from time to time, but I try to remind myself of two things:         1.  There are a LOT of other people with really big problems that need help.        2.  I have been (undeservingly) blessed in so many ways.

Some times I feel so foolish when I pray for things that most people would be more than happy to deal with.  Thanks for the reminder.===JACK:  I was thinking about you during SD golf tournament.  What a course!  Have you ever golfed there? 

 

 

 

Jack’s Winning Words 7/5/21

“I’m going to do my best and do my part to cultivate a culture that’s accepting, that’s compassionate.”  (Carl Nassib)  A transgender friend of mine said that, as a boy, she wanted to be like Bruce Jenner…and says, “Now, I am!”  Nassib (6’7” 275#) is the first active NFL player to announce that he is gay.  He spent 15 years debating whether to share this publicly and has decided that now is the time to help create a more accepting culture for LGBTQ people.  Long ago I was taught not to be prejudiced.  I work on it daily.  How are you doing?  ;-)  Jack

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  We've come a long way, but we have a long way to go, too!  When I was growing up, i don't remember anyone "coming out" who wadifferent than the norm..  It was too risky, I suppose.  Now things are much more out in the open and at least being considered.  "You'll never look any person in the eye, that is not loved ;unconditionally by God." That should tell us something!!===JACK:  I think that it was our church who was discovered to be gay.  He had to leave Moline and move to Chicago.  Rev Tillberg drove to Chicago to visit him and took me along (not to the visit).  But he did take me to Wrigley Field where I saw my favorite team (the Cubs) play.  What a thrill.  He played a large ole in me becoming a pastor.

FROM SHALOM JAN:  Thanks, Jack!  As you say, it's an ongoing thing to cut down on the prejudging and be fully accepting.===JACK:  I have grown up from what I once was, in many ways.

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  interesting that the very concept of “trans” is based on sexual stereotypes, not biology. that being said, you do you…as for the nfl, they pay less for head injuries to black players bc they argue that they have less cognitive functioning to begin. but but but we have a gay player! ===JACK:  Pre-judgement (prejudice) is "real" among many of us.  I fight it every day.

FROM MATT, THE FORCE:  I’m concerned about the church. Our secular culture drives our people now. The social media is replacing any dialog we might be having with God. The Catholic Church has lost its influence. Criticisms of the church are many. Persecutions over our faith are rising. People have forgotten that human beings make up religious institutions. Human beings are flawed. Only God is perfect. Our society is looking for heroes like athletes, politicians, government to solve our problems. Those are all flawed. Maybe we are going through this journey as a country(and a world) rediscovering that humans and their institutions are not the complete answer. Acknowledging and following God are the answers.

FROM RS IN TEXAS:  I think the challenge for the church continues to be getting people to realize the "church" isn't a building, It's a congregation of people who hopefully are involved in helping those who need help.....outside the building and outside that particular congregation.  Don't get me wrong....worship in the building is more than appropriate, but it can't be all we do.  The other challenge is getting the younger generation into the church.   Our congregation has a high average age, and it worries me that we don't have more younger people involved. ===JACK:  A BIG challenge is to get the people to understand what it is to "love your neighbor as yourself."  Too many people see church as a place/ritual.  Too few understand what it is to "follow" Jesus.

FROM SHARIN' SHARON:  Catchy WW today.  "Unfortunately there's no life guard in the gene pool."  Another book maybe I should obtain and read but, for me, I'm most concerned what with this pandemic with what is going on inside the church building.===JACK:  There's a saying: "You can't put God in a box."  In a similar wayt, Jesus is BIGGER than the Church.  The soon the better...when we learn that Jesus loves everybody.  His Grace is offered for all.  Too many Christians lock Jesus in the building after worship and throw away the key.