Jack’s Winning Words 12/13/21

“When you see someone putting on his Big Boots, you can be pretty sure that an Adventure is going to happen.”  (A.A. Milne)  I’m not much of a traveler, but I love to do things that are called, “adventures.”  The unknown carries with it some excitement.  “Big Boots” means that the adventureit won’t be for sissies.  Have you had an adventurous experience as an adult or as a child?  The first day of school?…Graduation?…First job?…Marriage? “Put on your Big Boots!”  Milne also suggests not to forget to bring your brains.  If you were to be adventurous today, where would you go and what would you try to do?”  ;-)  Jack

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:   i don't see many poor people in the US like this, do you? most have pretty nice footwear.  what do you think is jesus' definition of poor?===JACK:  It's interesting that Jesus didn't define poverty as we do.  For him, it was "whenever you see someone in need, and you have the means to help that person...offer to do so.  Jesus is set before us as a "Godly example" as to how humans should live and interact with each other.  "God's rules" are subjective, rather than objective.  The shoe picture is quite descriptive.

 

FROM WILLMAR REV:  I've heard some folks are adventurous in traveling overseas and staying at B & B's (Bed & Breakfast) lodging . . . If ever I have occasion to do so, I will now add my own B & B to the adventure,  Big Boots and Brains!! 0;-) ===JACK:  Does anyone wear boots anymore...or rubbers?  ...even in a northern climate such as in Willmar?===REV:  I don't pay much attention to that but do know with a great number of diary and hog farms, boots are very much in order . . . in town, only the women with their fashionable boots are seen parading in and out of our stores. 0;-))===JACK:  The people in Western Kentucky and "responders" will need oversized boots today and in the foreseeable tomorrows.===REV:  That’s one that will be remembered for many years to come…in primitive days they would say, “God’s wanting our attention and let’s give it to Him!” He’s certainly has mine, and I’m sure yours. 0;-)===JACK:  God "nudges" us each day, giving us examples of how we put "love" into action.  

 

FROM TERI GEE:  Always thankful for your quotes.  Here's something I wrote and have sent to a number of people..  Hope you find it worth reading.

Little Red Truck Theory…” by Teri Giannetti

Attempting to read a shortened version of “A Course of Miracles,” I remember struggling through the first chapter.  The book states not to continue reading until one accepts the precept in the first chapter.  The precept states when one is going through a difficult time, if a friend/family member is going through their difficult time, they are equal in importance.  It was difficutl for me to believe that if one was having money issues and a friend was experiencing a life threatening health issues, the two issues would equate.Finally, two or more years later, I accepted the precept.  How did I come to the realization?  I pictured a small child playing with their “little red truck.”  It breaks.  The child screams & cries in desperation.  What does one normally say?  What would you say?  Some answers:  “It will get better.”  “We’ll buy another one.”  “There are better ones to buy, etc.”  Do we ever think to ourselves, even if never spoken, “Wait ‘till you grow up and you experience real problems/tragedies.”   To that child in that moment, the loss of the “little read truck” is devastating; is a tragedy. It is that child’s world.  It doesn’t matter what is going on in others’ lives.  We ALL have our “little red trucks.” Issues that at times feel devasting.  It’s our world that may only matter during such difficult times.  It may not matter what is going on in others’ lives, even if the others mean the world to us personally.  However, what do we do with the torn feelings that may go along with the dissonance?  It is totally acceptable to have such intense feelings about our own problems, no matter what is going on in the world.  We can empahtize and still care about others.  However, no judgment or guilt about how we may feel.  Just accept and feel where we are….I have taught many others, in many settings:  “Feelings Just Are”. There are no bad nor good feelings…they just are and need to be felt. Therefore, be aware of your own “little red truck(s),” park them at times, work through in respect to what they represent.  At times, feel as though your own “little red truck” is all that matters. It is TOTALLY acceptable. Just remember:===JACK:  The "teacher" in you has given us something to think about.

FROM JOE ANN:  There will be so many people in Kentucky putting on their “Big Boots” this morning. Western Kentucky Relief Fund was set up very quickly and it is easy to make a donation. The level of destruction is unbelievable!===JACK:  Unbelievable....but it REALLY happened.  Money is only part of the response.  Shared grief is an other.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  I think I would enjoy a trip to Italy. I've never been but I've read about a lot of heard about it and it's I think it's a place I would enjoy visiting. However at this point with the condition of the world, the pandemic, and my age, I think it will remain an unfulfilled wish! Blessings,===JACK:  A Catholic priest (friend of mine) visited Italy and had a personal audience with the Pope.  He brought a gift back to me...a rosary blessed by the Pope.  Although I treasured it, I eventually gave it to a Catholic friend who was facing a difficult time in life.  Was it the right thing to do?