Jack’s Winning Words 10/29/21

“Where there is no imagination, there is no horror.”  (Arthur Conan Doyle)  I remember being scared while reading  Doyle’s “Hound of the Baskervilles.”  …and I’ve never been able to complete watching the movie, “Silence of the Lambs.”  …too scary for me.  The Halloween, the popular “frightening costumes are Frankenstein Monster, the Devil and the Evil Clown.  When I went trick or treating in the “old days”, we wore masks called, “funny faces.”  We’d never heard of Zombies (today’s scariest mask).  Most people don’t know the “religious” meaning of Halloween…but there is one, but I’ll leave that to your imagination.  BOO!  ;-)  Jack

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  sadly, we have turned Halloween into a near disaster for kids today with things becoming a bit too scary even for me.===JACK:  Like with Christmas....the sideshow has become the Main Event.  Halloween has a great story behind it. 

FROM JP IN MERRILL:  I remember Dan and I dressing up as cowboys or soldiers and running around the neighborhood, usually with a couple other pair of brothers who were our ages.

Ahh, the good ole' days!  😉 🎃===JACK:  It was dusk in Merrill, near Halloween, and I passed by a mother and her little boy.  As I  walked by I heard the boy say to his mom, "Is that the Boogie Man.?"  I still laugh about that.===JP:   That's pretty funny.  Thanks for sharing a chuckle. ===JACK:  We all have had those "funny" little things that have happened.  I'll be you've had some, too.

 ack’s Winning Words 10/28/21

“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”  (Emma Lazarus)  My grandparents immigrated to America, passing by the Statue of Liberty.  Part of the beauty of that landmark are the words of Emma Lazarus.  Times change; situations are different…but I’m haunted by those words that greeted so many immigrants seeking a new way of life.  To me, “Lady Liberty” (dedicated on this date in 1886) is a statement of American values.  My favorite college course was titled, ” American Ideals.”  I’m proud to call myself an “idealist” in a land that seems to be leaning toward realism.  ;-)  Jack 

FROM EDUCATOR PAUL:  The history of The Statue of Liberty is far more intricate than a welcoming beacon to people from other countries seeking freedom. It’s history and inscription is more closely founded in celebrating Our Declaration of independence.===JACK:  The irony is found in the Lazarus words.===EP:  If we study the history of the “Lady Liberty” we would find that the statue has it’s roots in the end of slavery in our country. The inscription came later and was not met with universal approval. In fact, published political cartoons at the time depicted immigrants devouring the statue and contaminating the country.  When I visit my daughter and family in New Yofk, I always take a day to walk on the Promenade. From there I can see the Statue of Liberty and think what  it meant for so many people seeing it for the first time from a ship. It’s basic to my family’s history. We need to know the true history of the statue including what it morphed into the hopes snd dreams of so many people. Both aspects of the statue’s history are relevant and important.===JACK:  Each person who views the statue has their own reaction.  The same way with teaching CRT.  Each student has their own way of processing information.

FROM WILLMAR REV:  Maybe it’s time to move the statue down to the dry land at the border and the government open two immigration offices to handle the influx of folk coming in that way now?.?. My in-laws came in across the waters too from Italy. 0;-)===JACK:  What a great idea!  But, if you want cause MORE of an uproar, just try it.

FROM THE SHARK:  Amen====JACK:  When you first came to America, you probably did so on an airplane.  What was your first impression?===S:  How unbelievably beautiful the girls were because most women in Iraq dresses in black Abbayas and all of them did so in Saudi Arabia so it was the most pleasant cultural shock I have ever experienced:)===JACK:  What if "traditional" Americans were sent to live in Iraq?  Culture shock?

FROM BB IN CHGO:  I like your ideals and idealism as well.  Not sure about the realism part except that we are scrutinizing past heroes with the modern lens and finding they fall short, way short…as do we all.===JACK:  I once gave a George Washington Birthsay Speech in college.  The class was laughing as I listed all the failures ans shortcomings of George.  The prof, in his critique, told me that what I said was entertaining, it was not appropriate.  "He taught me a lesson that I did not forget.  Heroes often have "feet of clay," and should be careful as to who it is that we call a hero...and why.

FROM SR IN SJ:  YES, dear "idealist"!!  and at 94 you will surely continue on. . . . ===JACK:  I feel that I've gone from realism to idealism in my thinking.  Someone, or some people have to set a standard.  In a way, I see that as part of the role of the "religious."

 

 

 

Jack’s Winning Words 10/27/21 “We can’t let people drive wedges between us, because there’s just one human race.”  (Dolores Huerta, Civil  Rights activist)  Recently I heard it suggested that the discovery of extra-terrestrial beings (ETs) would be a good thing, because it might cause our fractured society to come together on a subject different from the political and social ones that seem to be driving us apart.  I have a hard time believing that the strife among us is part of God’s plan…so I will continue to support people like Huerta, Thunberg, and others like them. They may not be perfect, but they’re trying to do something to remove the wedges between the human race.  Do you see ETs as the solution?  ;-)  Jack FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  what does greta thunberg have to do w/this? ===JACK:  I know that Greta isn't one of your favorites, but I put her in "pull your chain."  But, she is one who is trying bring people together for a common cause...saving the environment.  I see her as a younger you.===L:  you know how to pull my chain, kudos!  i am way smarter than she, and i am no one's puppet. was offered a "professional troll" job once, but declined. dad and i resigned a large hog confinement account 40 years ago bc we did not like the idea, the more we learned... but i thank you. 😉===JACK:  You don't scare me anymore..., ===LIZ: ah, so you admit i used to scare you? 😂  i do have all the answers: by admitting that i do not have all the answers. not many have the guts to say that. greta doesn't.  i suspect that the climate change "panic" is similar to the plandemic panic... heavy on the political, light on the science. such relatively miniscule variations in our planet are likely naturally occurring. we are entering a phase of solar "minimum."  people's ignorance is exploited every step of the way.T think that you believe that you have all of the answers. ===JACK:  At least your thinking is consistent...whether it's right, or not, is stillin the debate phase. FROM DR JUDYL:  OK you finally got me to respond. (So many times I think I’m answering and decide … nah.)  I fear that seeing extraterrestrials as the solution by so many people will envision them as the enemy. Something to get rid of (like all the immigrants and “others“). Since I think there are positives that have to do with extra terrestrial’s, I would hate to see that this group would become the enemy. Since any ET’s who could come here would have to be highly intelligent, I am hoping and assuming that they are staying far far away. But I do like to believe that they do come around to help. 😃 ===JACK:  ETs, not as the enemy (that's a surmise), but as something totally "other" than what we are currently grousing about.  It's called, "distraction."  Sometimes distraction is useful in day to day relationships.===D:  Well if they’re not under attack and under that knife for scrutiny, I’m all for ET’s!!===JACK:  For example, look at our astronauts as ETs finding "new life" out there in space.  That would relegate politics and vaccines to the back pages.  That would certainly be exciting for "most' of the earthlings.===JL:  Good idea.. FROM BB IN CHGO:  Big smile.  Reading Ilia Delio’s Hours of the Universe and having a rough time thinking beyond the confines of my early childhood MO Synod education.  I recall the Methodist church for a while had a slogan, “Open Minds, Open Hearts, Open Doors” and thought that philosophy was a good place to start.  If we’re not open to the thoughts and concerns of our neighbors, we‘ll not make much progress.===JACK:  The ELCA is about as open as a mainline church can be.  The Catholic Church runs the gamut, but, at least, the current pope exudes openness.   FROM THE SCIENTIST:  I’m guessing ETs would just bring a new layer of things to debate. How do we receive them? Are they real or a devious plot? What level of fear is appropriate? … Of course we just watched MIB. There could be ETs among us now ;)===JACK:  Just because something is "unknown" does not necessarily mean that we have to be in fear if it.  ETs would mean that we change the subject from that which seems to be wedging us apart.  Bring on the ETs. FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  factoid for today:  the human brain uses the same amount of power as a 10 watt light bulb.    well,  that does seem to explain a lot of what we see in the news these days! ===JACK:  We've seen today that the modern light bulb provides the same light, using less power.  I'm of the opinion that there's plenty of unused power stored in the brain.  To find it, use it and benefit from it, is the modern quest.  I have slogans pasted by my computer.  One says: "Get Tough.  Get off your duff."  FROM BLAZING OAKS:  I DO NOT, BUT THEY MIGHT CAUSE EVERYONE TO BAND TOGETHER TO DEAL WITH SUCH A  THING!===JACK:  ETs don't necessarily have to be bad things.

 ack’s Winning Words 10/26/21

“Be still and know that I am God.”  (Psalm 46:10)  This Psalm has brought comfort to many people living stressful lives.  Something different is being tried in a town near where I live.  It’s called, the Rage Room where, for $20 you can spend 45 minutes (using crowbars, hammers, golf clubs, ball bats) to destroy anything: dishes, mirrors, pictures of past lovers, computer monitors, whatever causes anxiety or stress.  The Rage Room is used for fun, too: birthdays, date night, etc.  I don’t personally need the Rage Room because,  a simple talk with God, does just fine…and it’s free. ;-)  Jack 

FROM JU IN NC:  So true. Without the peace of God, we have our continuous rage room inside our head.  By the way that room is not free either, since the cost of consequences can be astronomical. ===JACK:  Thanks for the reminder that "rage rooms" aren't just fun and games.  Rage can be real.  Meditating on the Psalm (46) is one way of bringing peace. ===JU:  They often last a week. ===JACK:  Which sometimes seems like more...I suppose.

FROM CZB:  Lots of stress out there.  Have you seen this story? It makes my heart sing.  https://www.cbsnews.com/news/dads-louisiana-high-school-student-iolence/ ===JACK:  That stress (out there) can lead to rage which lead to violence.  We're seeing it.

FROM SR IN SJ:  YES, YES dear Jack!  You/We are on the right track. I'm there with you and Joan, too!===JACK:  There's something to said for "quiet time."  Do you observe such a thing at St B's?===SR:  Oh, yes!  a day of recollection each first Saturday of each month, the sacred days of Good Friday and Holy Saturday, prior to @ 9:00 daily. . .more like 10:00a.m. and  after Evening prayer, in the hallways . . .and if you are like me, who loves silence and solitude, I am in my bedroom which is also my office,  quiet,  almost all day long. . .I love it.  I also go to   one of our hermitages for 2 days each month, God willing!===JACK:  I like soft music to go with the quiet time.  I glance at The Rule every so often, but sight problems don't make it easy.  But, I keep at it.  These are just off the top of my head. . .but St. Benedict tells us "that in  much talking, it's hard to avoid sin!!"  Have you had a chance to read the Rule of Benedict yet? the principles are the same today as in the 5thc. though some things have been modified, as you might expect, Jack!===SR: I wish I could listen to  music the way it was written and recorded.  alas!  because of my loss of hearing, what I hear musically is often so distorted it is disturbing. . .not unlike what I hear verbally. . .although i can guess more easily at the spoken word than the  musical sounds! 🤨===JACK:  When it comes to music and hearing loss, remember J S Bach.

 

FROM BB IN CHGO:  Have you heard the taize song version of , “Be Still”?  It is a favorite of mine.  Years ago (and still today) we have a recycling space out near the woods a mile from the children’s growing up home.  The giant metal dumpsters are the size of freight cars and clearly labelled, newsprint, plastic, brown glass, green glass, clear glass.  As part of our recycling effort we’d go and pitch those bottles to the back of the cars.  It felt good to let go (rage or not) and to do so in a safe and somewhat constructive setting😊===JACK:  "be still" sounds familar...hum a few bars.  Throwing bottles and breaking them was a teen-age =thrill for me.===BB:  I’m sending along the Notre Dame school version as it’s most similar to what I hear when I visit Loyola where I went to school.  Bliss! https://youtu.be/GyUveMKE-b8===JACK:  Thanks  Cheer, Cheer

 

FROM JANN IN MI:  AMEN!  And "a simple talk with God, does just fine"!  Troubles?  GO "BACK" TO CHURCH!  Put $20 extra in the offering plate; or give anything positive that could use some help.   If church isn't your "thing", do something worthwhile for something. If you can't or won't help with your physical action, send financial   help, or good words, or send prayers--no cost required.  None of the above is new; WINNING WORDS has been telling all these good words for many years!! !===JACK:  Do you know this song?

I once was lost in sin but Jesus took me in
And then a little light from heaven fill my soul
He bathed my heart in love and He wrote my name above
And just a little talk with Jesus makes me whole

Now let us have a little talk with Jesus
Let us tell Him all about our troubles
He will hear our faintest cry
And He will answer by and by

And when you feel a little prayer wheel turnin'
And you will know a little fire is burnin'
Find a little talk with Jesus makes it right

I may have doubts and fears
My eyes be filled with tears
But Jesus is a friend who watches day and night
I go to him in prayer
He knows my every care
And just a little talk with Jesus makes it right

Now let us have a little talk with Jesus
Let us tell Him all about our troubles
He will hear our faintest cry
And He will answer by and by

And when you feel a little prayer wheel turnin'
And you will know a little fire is burnin'
You will find a little talk with Jesus makes it right

Now let us have a little talk with Jesus
Let us tell Him all about our troubles
He will hear our faintest cry
And He will answer by and by

And when you feel a little prayer wheel turnin'
And you will know a little fire is burnin'
You will find a little talk with Jesus makes it right

 

 

 

Jack’s Winning Words 10/25/21 “Every visible and invisible creature can be called a theophany, that is an appearance of the Divine.” (John Scotus Eringena)   In case you’re wondering, a theophany is an appearance of God to mankind.  I see God in the birds and bees…and changing of the seasons.  I see God in a doctor I can trust.   When we’ve lived long enough, we’re able to see that Divine is not only omnipotent, omniscient… but that He is also omnipresent.  God is all around us.  However I have a hard time seeing Him in that mosquito that buzzes when I’m trying to go to sleep.  Where have you see God lately?  ;-)  Jack FROM WILMAR REV:  "I've seen and felt Him manifested in my heart now for many of years!?!?' 0;-)===JACK:  Are "those" the words of one of your choruses?  You don"t hear the word "fettered" much anymore.  It's been replaced by "handcuffed."===REV:  Sounds like one…actually thinking of Nicodemus and his conversation with Christ and the wind of His Spirit…feel it but cannot see it?! 0;-) ===JACK:  "Every time I feel the Spirit et."  Sing it, Rev! FROM DR J:  How’s this theophany… shared by a friend this very morning!  Puffer Fish Skeleton!  Miraculous I think!===JACK:  I think that the puffer fish has morphed into a politician with orange hair. FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  i read the other day that bees have to visit 2 million flowers to make one lb. of honey.   such amazing creatures.  they also pollinate about 40% of our food supply.  as for mosquitos,   we think we can now sterilize the males but what might that do to the food chain for other insects that feed on mosquitoes?   it would likely eradicate malaria but nature does have a very fine balance.===JACK:  I say, "Be careful when it comes to tinkering with the food chain."  Having said that...I'm thankful for vaccines and othe medicines that have been developed. FROM  SR IN SJ:  EVERYWHERE: a little child gazing at the organist as she played the postlude at Mass, your Winning Words, our auto mechanic who received my questions so lovingly, a group of our Bennies presenting their concert, the sunshine, the falling leaves, a little chipmunk, being able to send a Word document to S.Kerry, a rescheduling of a meeting, a breeze carrying a yellow leaf to earth, finding something I had lost, the help of another sister in doing my job. . .the pain I feel this a.m., an email forwarded to me, too . . . . do you wish for more, my friend??? the day has just begun. . .I expect many more encounters !@! Peace and joy,===JACK:  The young man who served us coneys and fries this noon with a smile.  He looked Middle-Eastern.  Could he have been Jesus?  FROM BLAZING OAKS:  In Covid vaccines and boosters! As you say;, God is everywhere, all about us if we are aware...!  So much about nature, and our world is really miraculously engineered!! ===JACK:  Since it's so close to Halloween, some look at the Covid vaccine and see it as a "false face."

 Jack’s Winning Words 10/22/21

“You don’t have to park your brain with your car when you come to church.”  (Rev O V Anderson)  A nuclear physicist used to wait in his car while his children went to Sunday School.  One Sunday the pastor went out and introduced himself, saying to the scientist that he was welcome to come to church and to bring his brain with him.  It’s often been discussed as to whether “church” is an emotional experience or a thought-provoking one?  For me, it’s a bit of both.  I like to have the sermon stretch my mind.  I also want to feel that my spirit and the Spirit of God have had a meeting.  What do you think?  ;-)  Jack.

FROM THE SCIENTIST:  A couple of years ago I did a couple of presentation on the church’s belief about genetics. Of course I introduced myself with my profession as a scientist so it made sense why I’d be leading these adult Sunday school discussions. After, when we’d talked about both God, science, and our responsibilities, two separate people noted that they didn’t realize scientists could be Christian. ===JACK:  It seems as though we're still living in the Dark Ages when groups of people dismiss science as "fake news."  I'm glad to have had a relatively small part in helping to form your thinking. ===S:  Say, I’ve been “reading” a book “pale rider” about the 1918 flu epidemic.  Seems we are just repeating history … including the science skepticism. If you haven’t read it I recommend it.===JACK: The philosophical concept of "Eternal Recurrence" is an idea that the universe and all existence and energy has been recurring, and will continue to recur, in a similar form an infinite number of times across infinite time or space.  That must mean that there are other Lailas.. ==S:  Chris and Verity are watching the marvel series “what if” which explores the parallel universe theory in the way only super hero comics can===JACK:  The Buck Rogers comic strip used to be considered, fantasy...so did Dick Tracy talking into his wrist watch.  A parallel universe?  Maybe it's not a fantasy.  

               

FROM WILMAR REV:  Well said, my friend!! 0;-)===JACK:  How are the AG people (clergy as well as lay) accepting science?  Do some churches still have parking spaces for brains?===REV:  I’ll use your answer, hopefully being correct…”room for both”. This pandemic is a good example for it, “science”, being fluid on occasion with its findings as “truth” is left in the hands of mankind’s definition. Interesting of late with more articles and finding that “natural immunities” are equivalent if not better than the vaccines in fighting reoccurrences.  0;-)  ===JACK:  What bothers me is that people have come to trust "social media" more that they respect 'authentic scientists."===REV:  Been that way for years though, but limited to coffee shops, bars and the VFW’s in those earlier years…I’ve heard it for years, “can’t prove there is a God scientifically, only by faith?!?!” Fortunately for us, we were born in America where God’s laws were tolerated or at least once they were. “Ready for heaven over here, Jack!” 0;-)===JACK:  These days are testing our ultimate faith in God.===REV:  I had a ‘weird’ thought the other day getting tired of reading, and rightly so with what is being said: “They died due to complications of COVID.”  ===JACK:  We're all going to die of something....so, are we ready to meet our maker?

 FROM AP IN WB:  YES! And why I love the education I'm receiving in the classes at the church we are now in. And why your Winning Words are valuable to us as well.  So glad you haven't given up on us all!! ===JACK:  I'm simply the sower.  I happy for "the ground" that receives the seed and helps it to grow.  Where a person attends church is immaterial, so long as it's one where "brains" are allowed to be there.

FROM MAGGIE:  I totally agree! Brain and “heart”. Stay well.===JACK:  God created the total person, and that includes the mind, as well as feelings.

FROM DB IN WB:  Pastor I always looked forward each Sunday to hear your sermon. It always stretched my brain. My favorite is “inch by inch it’s a cinch” ===JACK:  My AIM was always to give people something to think about...and to make it helpful, at the same time.  I appreciate your comment..

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  in my preaching i almost always tried to offer at least one example or one story with some info that would be new to the ears of my listeners.    and people would often comments on that going out the doors.   "i did not know that".   it was always kind of gratifying to hear such words.===JACK:  First of all, the sermon has to be acceptable to "the preacher."  Just to get into the pulpit and spout words was never satisfying to me. ===SP:  the Episcopal Church of Mpls. used to have a huge advertising poster hanging in one of the concourses at our Airport with this exact quote.  i am sure a lot of folks saw it over the years.   also,  did you know that Kent Knutson (once Prez of our old ALC) was a molecular  physicist before he came to the seminary?   i am 98% sure of this statement.  i know he was a physicist or some kind.===JACK:  The person I was referring to eventually became a pastor...and then, a bishop.  God works in mysterious ways. ===SP:  and if i was not excited by the text or the theme for the day,  i would sometimes find another one.   as one of my Profs used to say, "if you are not excited about your material/sermon,  you can be sure your audience  won't be excited either.     truthfully, i prefer topical preaching to textual preaching.  ===JACK:  I was taught to take the text and connect it up with life.  It worked for me.  I was not adverse to choosing a text to "fit" the situation I wanted to preach about.  ===SP:  totally agree!   too many sermons today are an analysis of the text but the application to daily life is sometime hard to find.   also,  don't shed light on the Bible.  rather, let the light of the Bible shed light on your life!    3 things must happen in a good sermon:   tell me,  then show me,  then move me.   a lot of preaching never gets past the "tell me" stage.  

FROM SHALOM JAN:    Totally agree!

FROM DS IN SOCAL:  I try to speak with the Sprit of God daily.===JACK:  ...and you're never put on hold and have to listen to harp music. ===DS:   HA!!!    Says WHO?  I hear the harp music....maybe you're dialing the wrong number.===JACK:  Maybe it's feedback from your hearing aids. 

😂

 Jack’s Winning Words 10/21/21

“Be selective in your battles, for sometimes peace is better than being right.”  (sent by Kathy Marsceau)   One of my friends went to a military academy where he learned (among other things) that winning a war depends on picking your battles.  Successful relationships, including marriage, don’t occur if one person always has to be right. It’s a wise person who knows when to “speak up” and when to “shut up.”  “Let there be peace on Earth” comes about from listening, as well as speaking…followed by the appropriate action.  Have you seen that to be true?  ;-)  Jack

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  a similar bromide is this:   you can lose the battle and win the war OR you can win the battle and lose the war.   i prefer the former.  patience and timing are everything in most relationships. ===JACK:  ..or, "Pick your battles."  I've performed some weddings where I saw "problems" brewing.  What did I do?  I picked my battles  

FROM TRIHARDER:  During one of my therapy sessions with my (now ex-) wife, I had an epiphany.  I exclaimed, "I have to decide if I want to be married or I want to be right."===JACK:  Some divorces are the kindest action for all involved. ===TH:   Ours was. Most people don't realize it because they assume people don't get along forever. My X and I were always on the same page when it came to our children.  We would consult with each other. We get along better today than we did during our last years of marriage. It also helps that her husband and I get along.===JACK:  I suppose that in many marriages, one or the other person knows what chain not to pull (or to pull). 

 FROM SALON SUZY:  So true!===JACK: I suppose it's true in the salon business.  In fact, even pastors have to pick their battles.

FROM DR J:  In our yoga class, we do a “Mudra” or finger movement. We bring our thumb and first finger together and say “peace”, thumb to second finger “begins”, thumb to third finger, “with”, thumb to pinky “me”…I like it… I repeat  it throughout the day when I come across something I want to “battle”  Sometimes I debate others… but sometimes it’s just better to be at peace. I’m learning that it’s okay to have both in your life.  And peace can mean to "be still” and engaged…  Peace begins with me.  Enjoy the day!===JACK:  I like the song, Let There Be In The world...especially the line...And let it begin with me.

FROMSR IN SJ:  Oh, yes, I have , Jack!  And the first word of the Rule of Benedict is "LISTEN"!===JACK:  If Benedict said it, it's been an age-old problem, even among "the religious."  

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  you and i both know when it's time to "shut up" when we discuss... we don't always do it, tho. 😂===JACK:  We've been writing back and forth for enough time that we know one another's views and respect them without trying to change them.  I think that each of us are what we were.

 Jack’s Winning Words 10/20/21

“Stop the world!  I want to get off.” (Graffito)  A frustrated person wrote to me recently, saying: “I want the world  to stop, so I can get off.”  A 1961 musical had those words as its title.  In that show, every time something bad happens to Littlechap (the star),  he yells out, “Stop the world.  I want to get off.”  Isn’t it true?  When bad things happen around us, or to us, we’d like a way of escape.  My friend sees things going on around  her that make her uncontrollable.  Perhaps it’s that way for you, too.  I know of a church that painted on the wall behind its altar, for all to see…”Cast all your cares on the Lord, for He cares about you.”  That’s good advice for those days when things seem to be spinning out of control.  ;-)  Jack

FROM BLAZING OAKS:    Timely words, Jack! This pandemic has gone on so long, and world news is nor usually good, not to mention some chaotic times in the USA!  "Be still, and know that I AM God" seems difficult~!! What can we do but "hang in there" in our little corner of the world, and remain as faithful as we can to love and serve each other?! ===JACK:  It wasn't easy in the early days of Christianity when the disciples were left to go it alone, but with the help of God, it was accomplished.  God is still with us.

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  good advice for sure===JACK:  When we feel that life is out of control, we need advice, especially good advice.

FROM RS IN TEXAS:  ...and perhaps ask Him to guide us to do what needs to be done to change things for the better.===JACK:  Are you thinking of things to be done everywhere....or just in Texas?

FROM BB IN CHGO:  Great thoughts.  (My son) suggested last night that it might be good to have some contact with alien life simply to divert attention from all the seeming insanity into something we might all agree about😊===JACK:  That's what I call, "thinking outside of the box).  It's one of the best suggestions I've heard in a long time.

 

Jack’s Winning Words 10/19/21

“We have met the enemy, and he is us.”  (Pogo)  After winning a battle with the British Royal Navy in the War of 1812, Commodore Oliver Perry reported: “We have met the enemy, and they are ours.”  Cartoonist Walt Kelly changed the last three words, making commentary on the strife going on in America in the 1960’s…Americans fighting Americans.  Could it be that something similar is happening in America today?  There’s an old saying: “We are our own worst enemy.”  I’m not going to win a prize for coming up with an idea for peace…but trying to walk in someone else’s shoes for a while might help.  I wear 13’s; what size are yours?  ;-)  Jack 

FROM HOMELESS:  my dad loved that pogo saying.===JACK:  There's a book, "The Gospel According to Peanuts" which compares some of the Charlie Brown sayings to messages from the Bible.

FROM WILLMAR REV:  You and I are measuring about the same; however, my right foot is somewhat smaller than my left. 0;-))===JACK:  Does that mean that your right foot has a smaller size shoe than your left foot?=== REV:  13” both, with somewhat of a smaller feel on the right…tighter shoestring pull only.  I was trying to use a little humor in my answer,  looking at your and my “political persuasions”… “left” and “right” 0;-))===JACK:  The right seems more stinky than the left...at least to my nose.

FROM HONEST JOHN:  I think it more resembles the 70s…..lots of bitterness….remember even the strife in the church.    The extreme left took over and rubbed the noses of their foes in it….behind later splits and bitterness.    Bad mistake and they still don’t comprehend that.   I have been a Centrist most of my life….hard to do in times of bitter strife….cf. the center during the American Revolution…..Patriots were pretty nasty folks.   Loyalists fled.   Centrists were the enemy of an empowered and mean spirited left.===JACK:  I understand that many of the loyalists (after the Revolution) went to live in Nova Scotia.  Just this week I heard someone say that they were considering residency in Canada.  I see the Church's task as being a unifying force...even as simplistic as WWJD?

FROM MD IN BSFL:    What's your take on the Camel filming campaign ads to be shown in over 300 mostly black churches?   As a pastor would you have allowed.. supported political activity in your church?===JACK:  I'm not aware of the Camel filming.  In my experience, people "vote" on the message of the Church with their feet.  I always tried to get the message across to people living in today's world.  It's an old saying: "The job of the pastor is to comfort the afflicted and to afflict the comfortable."  Preaching the Gospel isn't just retelling Bible stories from the pulpit.===MD:  US Vice President Kamala is speaking on film encouraging parishioners in mostly black Virginia churches to vote for the democratic candidate for governor.  The film is purported to be shown in over 300 churches. Are you OK with that? ===jack:  It's a free country.  I control what I control

 

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  I think we surprised a lot of our friends, both marrying ministers!  I read a humorous twist to that saying of walking in someone's shoes: "Never criticize someone until you've walked a mile is his shoes: By that time you've got his shoes,  and you're a mile away, so you can say anything you want about him!" My shoes are 10 or 11's. Big for women!===JACK:  BIG just mean - harder to fill.  ...and it certainly rings true for you.  You have accomplished so much in the lifespan that has been yours.

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  i wear a 13 1/2 and sometimes a 14.  but it is all related to a person's height.  if we had small feet, we would be tipping over or falling over quite often.  seriously!  ===JACK:  As intern pastor that I knew was a real stickler for shined shoes.  One of the first thing a seminarian learned to do as he started his intern year was to actually learn how to shine shoes.  The pastor and the intern never called members by their first names.  It was always:  Mr, Mrs, Miss, Dr.  It was a very successful church.  Whenever I attended meetings with that pastor I noticed that he would always be doing a crossword puzzle...very neatly.

FROM SR IN SJ:  I'm afraid both quotes are eminently true, Jack! We need to admit that Truth and do something about loving ourselves in one another! Maybe bigger hearts and minds, plus shoes, could help. . . . I wear  size 10===JACK:  Most of us don't have any concept of what it is to walk in the shoes (sandals or bare feet) of the truly needy.

 

 

 

 Jack’s Winning Words 10/18/21

“Jesus loves me; this I know.”  (Karl Barth)  Perhaps some of you remember “Jesus loves me” as a song that you learned as a child.  Famous theologian Karl Barth was asked to summarize his faith in a single sentence and, surprisingly, he quoted the “Jesus loves me” song.  There’s a second verse: “Little ones to Him belong.”  I thought of that as I baptized my great-grandchild yesterday.  The faith that was given to me as a child has been passed on to little Kya..  FAITH…what a wonderful gift!  Who (or what) has caused you to have the spiritual belief that you have today?  ;-)  Jack

FROM THE MOM:"  Such a special day!===JACK:  Isn't there a song...O, what a day?

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  a very good one today, Jack!   thanks.   i have baptized 7 or 8 of our 11 grandkids  (i rely on Margaret for accurately counting such events).===JACK:  Yesterday, it was noted that I had baptized both the mother and the grandmother of the child.  This is first time I have baptized a GREAT-grandchild.  Very special.===SP:  very special indeed!   a friend of mine (retired pastor and member of sotv)  officiated at a wedding a few months ago.  he is 93 years old.   and i heard he did a great job too!===JACK:  How about being married at 91? 

FROM WILLMAR REV:  that Jesus loves me so . . .” 0;-)===JACK:  That's a different so, isn't it?  But, the same idea.

FROM EDUCATOR PAUL:  The baptism of your granddaughter was such a special event.  I can’t even imagine what this meant to you as you conducted the ceremony.  So special!===JACK:  Probably like a rabbi participating the bar/bat mitzva of a great-grandchild.

FROM DANDI SANDI:  Mazel tov on the birth of your great-granddaughter! An awesome blessing!!❤===JACK:  ...and what shall be her future?  At least, she and her future have been put into the hands of G-d.  What can be better than that?

F️ROM HONEST JOHN:  Just out of curiosity….what is the origin of the name Kya?===JACK:  Just out of curiosity, I'm going to ask the mother...and get back to you.===MOTHER JANEL:  We both just liked the name when we read the book Where the Crawdads Sing. Thought it was short but sweet and went well with a long last name like Culbertson. 

 

FROM CF IN KH:  Congratulations on having the honor to baptize your own great-grandchild===JACK:  Have you ever written a ticket for a friend or family member?  I don't know if that would be an honor, or not.….

FROM BB IN CHGO:  Nature or nurture?  Both…and?  All of the above.  Being raised in faith is meaningful to most people (it seems) but stultifying to some.   Like baseball, or the opera, I think it’s helpful to start young and to learn the basics of the experience; it allows you to build and develop more over time. ==\=JACK:  I have learned, through the passage of time, that "faith" is not forced upon us because of "infant baptism."  The change of choosing beliefs is an ongoing process, depending on the people we meet and the experiences we have.  Howver I do know of some who chosse to "worship the Packers and the Cubs because they had no other choice.  I have evolved from the Cubs and the Bears to "I don't care!"

FROM SALON SUZY:  Oh, how I love these words. Heard this at VBS  and a funeral. Hits the heart every time.===JACK:  Karl Barth was renowned as a theologian.  He knew all of the BIG words to explain God philosophically...yet he used the simple "child" words explain the God who was in his heart.  Sometimes we make religion too complicated.

FROM QUILTING CAROL:  My Scandinavian ancestors have shared their beliefs with me for generations.  They set good examples of what we should be doing as Christians.  I am more concerned for those who follow me.  Even though we raised our children in church not all of them are choosing to continue worshipping and likewise for their children.  Some have been turned away by the politics in our church at large and this saddens me.  They are all leading good lives sharing of their time and talents to help others in various ways and leading good lives…but church is not apart of their lives.===JACK:  Don't expect the Church to be static.  It changes with the times.  It's just the old, old story tol in a new, new way.  The story of your children and grandchildren is similar to mine...but I'm not overly concerned.  One said to me that he's not religious, but that he is spiritual.  The church is in trouble if it expects the new generation to fill the pews left empty by the old generation.  Covid has simply hastened the process.  If I were a "working pastor" today I'd be challenged to find new ways to "do" church.  As one hymn puts it, "God is not dead, nor does He sleep."

FROM MAGGIE:  Jack, I rejoice with you on the baptism of your great grandchild. God bless!===JACK:  I like the hymn, Borning Cry, and how it relates to baptism....in fact, how it relates to all of the passages of life.===M:  My favorite line is “just one more surprise”===JACK:  I believe that God has a sense of humor and loves to pull off some surprises.…

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Oh what a special privilege; to baptize a "great"!  I'm sure my Congregational childhood pastor, and the Honeywells at  the Methodist church downtown were instrumental in instilling my faith; And my mother always attended church, and saw that we did, growing up, although we did not have family devotionals. My maternal grandpa, a devout Methodist never missed church either, tho he did not live nearby, we always attended services with him when we visited.  My twin Jan married  a Lutheran Seminary student and became a pastor's wife, and Bill entered seminary when our boys were 4 & 2, and I became a minister's wife as well ! My faith has been my  anchor all these years!! ===JACK:  When it comes to "Greats." I'll never be able to catch up to you.  In fact, you probably have some Great, Greats....You faith journey has been an interesting one, to say the least.  Who woulda known...?

FROM SANDY B:  Congratulations on the baptism of your great-granddaughter, Kya, Pastor Freed. What an awesome, spiritual experience that must have been for both of you and her parents.===JACK:  For everyone...both sets of grandparents, siblings, friends.  A convent of Benedictine nuns also offered prayers for her on the day of her baptism.

FROM GDJ:  Congrats Jack. Baptizing your great granddaughter! I baptized 2 granddaughters this summer. Special.  Love starting my day with your winning words and your sparkling optimism. ===JACK:  ...and the beat goes on.  The mother of Kya (the baptized) is Janel, Ben and Beth's second.  It was especially meaningful to have the baptism at Holy Spirit, where I baptized Janel.

FROM EMT SINGS IN TC:  Probably my Mother in the very small town of Echo, MN.  The pastor there was very old and had very arthritic hands, as I recall.  During Lent we had services every Thursday evening.  No amount of homework was an excuse to skip church as she would say " it will be there when we get home".  She never preached but I guess by example lived her faith. And ,of course, as you know she lived the last 5 and a half years  with us downstate and was a quiet living example of her faith.  Rick heard her swear once and thought it was a riot!  She apologized but he had teased her into it.  We all thought it was funny and he repeated the story for everyone!  They certainly had a mutual love for each other!===JACK:  There is no on that is perfect, no, not one...and that includes your sainted mother.  It was a pleasure to have known her.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jack’s Winning Words 10/15/21

“Inconsistencies of opinion, rising from changes of circumstances, are often justifiable.”  (Daniel Webster)  I’ve heard it said that people who never change their opinions are either not using their brain or in a cemetery.  Even my “religious” opinions have evolved.  With new information comes a new way of looking at things.  Critics today might accuse my seminary profs of teaching “biblical CRT.”  My brain seems to grow when it’s challenged by new ideas.  Does your brain work in the same way?  I think that we were made to use discernment.  ;-) Jack

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  what's biblical CRT?===JACK:  You're the expert on CRT.===LIZ:  i think it perpetuates/creates stereotypes.===JACK:  That's what the argument is about.  I happen to think that it enhances education.  The more we learn about a particular subject, the better off we will be.  That's why discernment is part of being educated.  And, study of the Bible (or any religious book), the more we know about how things were and how religious writings came to be, the better educated we are.  

FROM SR IN SJ:: What is "biblical CRT?" Make my brain work and discern, dear Jack!!!🤣🤣===JACK:  To my way of thinking, it's similar to Critical Race Theory - teaching more of the story than we usually hear.  What we learn from "reading the Bible" needs to be explained theologically.  Many people don't like it when their childlike fantasies and explained in a different way.  Even today's thoughts are subject to change in the future...or, at least, in need of more thought.

FROM THE SHARK:  Thank you for the reminder my friend.===JACK:  What kinds of helps do you use to keep myou from forgetting?  A string around the finger?  A beep on your I-Phone?===S:  I write small notes and insert them in my pocket or w my money ===JACK:  Whatever works!

FROM CR:  Yes!  I tire of hearing some people disparage Dr Fauchi because he “lied” i.e. revised advice given new understandings. ===JACK:  We live in a time when people believe "anything" social media says.

 

Jack’s Winning Word 10/14/21

“Whenever something happens that causes you distress, remember to rely on this principle – This is not bad luck, but bearing it valiantly is good luck.”  (Marcus Aurelius)  Like Marcus Aurelius, I’m sometimes referred to as a “stoic,” one who sees lessons in difficult situations.  The optimist looks for the bright side in everything.  I like George Carlin’s humor (some of it).  He was expelled from high school and never graduated.  After George became famous, he was invited back to the school to host a fundraiser for the priest who kicked him out of school.  Now, I see that as stoic humor.  Have you been able to “see” some good in bad luck?  ;-)  Jack

FROM WILLMAR REV:  When one looks hard enough, there's most generally "a pony" found in a pile of "horse manure!?!?" 0;-) ===JACK:  I know of a pastor who found a huge pile of manure on his kitchen table.  What do you suppose the church council was trying to tell him?===REV: Not sure, but I’ll bet he did find a sermon or two in that pile for an inspired rebuttal. 0;-))===JACK:  It was a way for the farm folk to give a pastoral evaluation...and subsequently, it proved to be true (IMO)  ===REV:  I will never forget calling a pastoral friend of mine over in Ohio asking for a Sunday evening service for raising support for our ministry there in West Bloomfield. His response was he would love to, but his church board was running him out of town, and he was running as fast as he good making it look like he was leading the parade!!===JACK:  I hope the people in the parade weren't carrying pitchfork, tar and feathers.

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  george did ok for a dropout!===JACK:  Was he a success as a comedian because he was clever, or because of his "edgy" material?  Perhaps it was both.  Dropping out is not always bad...but sometimes it is the wrong thing to do..===LIZ:  his edgy material was clever.===JACK:  Enough people thought so to make him a "star."

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Often in retrospect! Bill's broken knee cap in the Bear's first game he played  in, eventually freed him to be called into seminary and the ministry, through Willis Reed's urging, his pastor in Canton, when he returned home. When we finally entered seminary, we were married with two little boys, but everything opened up beautifully, and I think he ended up in a profession he excelled in! :-)===JACK:  ...but it would have been fun to say that "I played a season for the Bears, but gave it up to play for God for a lifetime.

FROM SR IN SJ:  YOU are incredible, Jack!  Yes, I have been able to find good in the not-so-good happening.  Sometimes, it takes an hour or so to write out the situation in my journal!🙃🙂===JACK:  I question the "incredible" part, but there is good to be found in the bad when we look hard enough.  "God is good!" is more than a slogan.

 

 

 

Jack’s Winning Words 10/13/21

“There’s always been a rainbow hangin’ over your head.”  (Kaycee Musgroves)  I once saw someone with rainbow=colored hair.  Not for me!  But, singer Kaycee asks me to imagine a rainbow hangin’ over my head, especially when the days are dark  and dreary.  She says, in her song, that “rainy times” are often followed by bright skies.  “Everything’s gonna be alright!”  That was first promised by God to Noah in the biblical story of the great flood.  So…if life’s storms are getting you down, remember…the rainbow wasn’t only a sign for Noah and Kaycee.  It was meant for you and me, too.  ;-) Jack

FROM DR J:  https://youtu.be/HNBCVM4KbUM  This reminds me of your message today. I love this song because it reminds me to trust God and know that it’s going to be all right!===JACK:  I 'm reminded of the time when Jesus and some disciples were on the Sea of Galilee during a storm.  The disciples wer frightened, but Jes us said, "It's going to be all right!" or, something like that.  He says that to you and me during life's storms, too.

FROM IKE AT THE MIC:  I just thought I'd share with you that I was born in such a poor neighborhood that the rainbows were just in black & white.===JACK:  You were poor?  We were so poor we painted our feet black to look like shoes.

FROM RS IN TEXAS:  ...and as the lyrics start out in Over the Rainbow........ When all the world is a hopeless jumble  And the raindrops tumble all around  Heaven opens a magic lane When all the clouds darken up the skyway         There's a rainbow highway to be found  ===JACK:  Did you know that "Over the Rainbow" was written by two Jewish composers who foresaw the forming of the nation of Israel as what was waiting "over the rainbow"...or, so it's said. ===RS: Sure did not know that.  I guess we all have our vision of what's over the rainbow....and it's probably not a pot of gold.===JACK:  More valuable than a pot-o-gold is the beautiful rainbow, itself.

FROM GUSTIE:  Once did a musical called “RAINBOW EXPRESS”. One of my most ambitious undertakings but it was a huge success.===JACK:  The rainbow is a sign of success.  There's a rainbow over your head recognizing the success you have accomplished by using your musical talent.  You're entitled to smile as you think back and remember.  

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  As the saying goes, "There is always SOMETHING to be thankful for!"  My friend (92) sometimes says, "I'm not doing very well today, but Tomorrow's going to be better!"   And it usually is... Thank goodness for rainbows hangin' over our heads! I don't know  that song! But have sung Over The Rainbow many, many,  times, and taught it to my granddaughter to sing for contest one year. Good words!===JACK:  The Wizard of Oz is one of my favorite movies...especially because of the song...and the meaning behind the words.  Re aging:  "I'm in .pretty good shape for the shape I'm in."===OAKS:  I really don't mind getting older, but my body is taking it badly! :-)  (Not as badly as some; I AM blessed!)===JACK:  You seem to have more lives than a cat.

FROM PROUD MARY:  Rainbow is my favorite color. I love that song. It reminds me of our son Thom.  He’s always had a rainbow hanging over his head. And maybe an angel or sprite. Sometimes it can be seen. He’s a special gift to this world. Others agree.✌🏼❤️😇===JACK:  Rainbows sometimes are just taken for granted.  But someone had to come up with the idea of a rainbow.  I happen to believe in a Creator.

 

Jack’s Winning Words 10/12/21

“Every day is a renewal, every morning the daily miracle. This joy you feel is life.” (Gertrude Stein)  I like Michigan’s state motto: “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look around you.”  10,001 lakes, sand dunes, the U.P., wildlife, forests. Mackinac Island, Detroit, diversity, etc.  Look around you…You’re probably living in a pleasant place, too.  Do you remember the first pictures of Earth taken from outer-space?..absolutely beautiful.  We have so much to be thankful for.  Every day is a miracle.  How about pausing NOW to thank God for this gift of life?  ;-)  Jack 

FROM SHALOM JAN:  My Gratitude Journal has ten things for which I'm grateful scribbled in it each evening before bedtime.  There are lots of "little things" in there that would be miraculous for a lot of the world's population! ===JACK:  Hot water from a faucet...a miracle.  Flipping a switch and there is light...a miracle.  Coffee from a Keurig...a miracle.  So much taken for granted.

FROM NORM'S BLOG:  Waking up in the morning should not be taken for granted. Not being indifferent about each day will do things – force you to make the most of today and allow you to be thankful for seeing the morning.  ".  

It is a shame that so many people come to that realization so late in life. Perhaps it is the fact that the daily lives of older people tend to slow down, and they have time to think about life. Time and life itself take on increased value as one finally perceives that both are limited.  The young think that there will always be a tomorrow and more time to get things done. As one gets older the certainty of that fades and the importance of enjoying what time one has left increases. The youthful sense of entitlement to another day also fades with age and be replaced with a sense of thankfulness to see another morning.  The physical consequences of aging often limit mobility which serves to force one to focus upon what is right around them. Sometimes when one is not so busy “doing”, they have the time to appreciate what they are seeing all around them. It is then that they make begin to see the beauty that they have been overlooking or notice the wonder of some of God’s creation that is right at hand.===JACK:  The Day of Thanksgiving should be more than a once a year happening.

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  Amen to that, Jack!   we were in the UP last week and the colors, tho muted somewhat, were still rather gorgeous.  not so much red but lots of yellow, orange, pinkish, and of course still some green too.  Michigan is a beautiful state.   for the record, MN has about 11,000 lakes tho some are quite small too:):):) ===JACK:  It's too bad that you'll be missing the beautiful snowfalls as you "winter" in RED hot -zona. ===SP:  Jack,  on many days i forward your WWs to about a half dozen family and/or friends.===JACK:  I see my daily WWs to be something like the Parable of the Sower and the Seed. 

FROM SR IN SJ:  YES! YES! Thank you, Creator God! and for the reminder, thoughtful Jack!===JACK:  i learned this little song when I was a teen-ager...  "Whisper a prayer in the morning; whisper a prayer at noon; whisper a prayer in the evening...'twill keep your heart in tune.      God answers prayer in the morning; God answers prayer at noon; God answers prayer in the evening...He'll keep your heart in tune."  I'll sing it for you sometime.