Jack’s Winning Words 1/31/22

*“Generations will scarce believe that such a man (as Gandhi) ever in flesh and blood walked upon the Earth.”  (Albert Einstein)  I “do” remember the living Gandhi and MLK Jr, too.  I had friends who actually walked with him.  Because early history is hard to verify, the reality of some individuals is questionable.   “I believe “ needs to be attached to Pythagoras, Homer, Buddha, Robin Hood…even Moses and Jesus.  It’s what they have done that makes these individuals “believable.”  What is it that causes you to believe as you do today?  ;-)  Jack    

FROM PASTRY PAT:  Please accept this comment in the context of the profound condition of discouragement where I currently reside. Of all of the miracles of creation --- we humans are surely the weak link.===JACK:  Jesus was created by God in a human form to show that God understands what it is to be human.  While we may be discouraged at times, God cares and understands and will provide a way out of our discouragement.

FROM THE SCIENTIST:  It’s what I was taught. While I sometimes question, I have no good reason to believe otherwise and I trust those who have taught me.  I’ve found some folks have trouble believing more modern history too. I get that it’s hard when it’s not your experience or goes against something you were taught.  Did you know my paternal grandma never did believe in the moon landing? I wonder if it was too far outside her experience or she had a lack of trust in the ones bringing her that info.===JACK:  Can we truly know anything, let alone everything?  Our concepts of life are based so much on what we read and are told.  Whether it be the "moon landing" or religious ideas, it's based on trust in the source.  "I believe, help my unbelief" were the words of the man who came to Jesus for a healing miracle.

FROM WILLMAR REV:  …being brought up by and with a mother and father of the Christian faith and then deciding for myself that ‘this is the way, walk ye in it.’I remember looking at the large historical timeline on a wall of the established faith of the Jews and documented highlights and other world events down through the years over at the Holocaust Center in the West Bloomfield area…it posted both the birth and life of Jesus and the Beatles along the way…for some reason I thought that was interesting. 0:-)===JACK:  My faith, too, was one that was passed on by my parents.  In WB today, the Chaldean Cultural Center has a replica of the Code of Hammurabi (original is in the Louvre) which predates the Bible and shows a basic code of laws that formed civilization.  Everyone who had an actual existence has a date (known/unknown) in history.  You usually have good comments for me to post.

FROM JOE AN_  I believe our greatest need is to always be right. Being kind is more important than being right. Yes, being kind is more important than being right.===JACK:  Kindness means that there needs to be such a thing as...Situation Ethics.  Rightness or wrongness depends on the particular situation.  Have you ever heard of discussions in the 60s about such a philosophy?===JA:  I’ve been thinking about my kindness/right statement on 1/31/22. I completely understand your response. You know regardless of the situation you can always nod your head, turn around, and walk away. Sometimes you have to if what is being said offends your belief system. It often is the time when your degree of kindness is really being tested. No need to respond because my Dad etched kindness in my heart. You never argue with a German Dad!===JACK:  I'm not an arguer.  I'm a walk-awayer, too.

 

 Jack’s Winning Words 1/28/22

“Try not to get worried; try not to turn on to  Problems that upset you, oh  Don’t you know Everything’s alright, yes, everything’s fine  And we want you to sleep well tonight.  Let the world turn without you tonight.” (From Jesus Christ, Superstar)  Rock Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar opened in 1971and was greeted with protests by some “religious” groups.  We “dared” to show the movie at our church.  No protests.  The people liked it…the story of Jesus told from the point of view of Judas.  I like that line about trying not to be worried or upset.  Do you sleep well at night?  Is everything alright?  ;-)  Jack  

FROM YOGA CA::  Sometimes I sleep too well at night 😆  🙏 #Grateful that I woke ===JACK:  You awake as woke?  I'm still trying to have an "immediate" definition of woke come to my mind.  I love a good night's sleep..

FROM COPPER COUNTRY PASTOR:  Morning Jack.    I slept well last night.   But all is not right.  Here is my post card to the Supreme Court. ,,

FROM CR:  Love that musical. Within a year or two after the album was released, I saw two church youth groups in my town, Grand Rapids, perform it. One in biblical times clothing. One in modern clothing of the 70’s.  The latter offered a relatable element that was powerful. ===JACK:  IMO biblical stories are always more powerful when copnnected up withe today's events...especially the Jesus story.

FROM WILLMAR REV:  I’m reminded of another time in 1964 with the film, Parable, where “the film depicts Christ as a clown and the world as a circus and is considered both a revolutionary Christian film and one which proved to be influential.” I thought it was interesting, thought-provoking in a good way, and viewed it favorably at that time.  Not being much of a musical fan and may have watched Jesus Christ Superstar to its entirety, I would view it much the same way  and will certainly take the posted line of that song to heart this very day!! 0;-)===JACK:  I'm surprised that you know of the "Parable" film.  It's one of my favorites when it comes to telling the Jesus story in a modern way.  I've seen it "umpteen" times and am ready to see it again. 

FROM SHARIN' SHARON:  Thought-provoking WW this morning.  I like that movie too and the music, thought-provoking character development in that movie, in my opinion anyway.  What helps me to sleep at night is deeply formed belief, formed now by a history of experiences, other people’s or even my own that—God prevails and what stems only originally from humankind design and imaginations will fall down maybe because we humans are so limited in being able to see the long vision.  What I appreciated so much about Jesus Christ Superstar was the sensitive and compassionate portrait of Judas because God I worship would see something good in him too and not be so black and white, metaphorically speaking, about people.  Seems like our whole society is trying to deal with that polarization now.===JACK:  What I liked about "Superstar" was that it was not a "religious" production, but approached a religious subject from a non-religious source.  I like Joseph's Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat for the same reason.===SS:  Thanks for your informative email.  I wasn’t even sophisticated enough to realize it wasn’t a “religious” production—lay woman that I am.  I suppose it coming from a non-religious source means someone more theologically informed can see all kinds of ways it’s not Biblically based?  Oh, well, I still read about Judas sympathetically in the scriptures, not so much the hard-hearted and abusive people who actually tortured Jesus unmercifically.  Can’t stand violent films.  Appreciate your comment.===JACK:  Sometimes the "non-theologians" do a better job of interpreting the Bible message.

FROM GUSTIE:  When Keith and Craig were in High School our church youth did a production of Jesus Christ Super Star.  They did a pretty good job.  Fun ===JACK: Do you like the Andrew Lloyd Webber music?===G:   Love most of it. ===JACK:  Our "small" church choir put on a production of "Technicolor Dreamcoat."  We even has scenery...and the choir loved doing it===G:  .Oh I bet they did.  Doing stuff like that really energizes a choir!  I remember when BSLC did Noyes Fludde and we all loved it.  The kids choirs were the animals in the Ark.  I was one of Noah’s sons—Ham to be exact!  Ha!  Good name for me right!  Ha!===JACK:  We laughed a lot in those days, too.

 

FROM DAIRYLAND DONNA:  Great musical!===JACK:  What musicals did you sing in...and did you ever have a lead?===DD:  My singing was really in a club during the summer while in college and on a USO tour in 1973 to the Far East including Japan & Korea. I was in Guys and Dolls in college but not a lead. I did mostly technical theater in college and sang in a Madrigal group and in a jazz band in high school. I loved musicals and knew every lyric but my high school didn't do musicals until after I graduated.  Haven't thought about these things for a long time===JACK:  Oh, for the days of tuneful musicals.  I miss 'em.===DD:  The new "West Side Story" in theaters is simply amazing. Hope you get to see it! ===JACK:  ....after COVID.  The first West Side wasn't so bad, either.

 

 Jack’s Winning Words 1/27/22

“If you want my views of history, there’s something you should know.  The three men I admire most are Curly, Larry and Moe.”  (Meat Loaf)  Meat Loaf and I agree: We have an appreciation for the 3 Stooges and lessons learned from their videos.  i.e.: Life will sometimes put you in unexpected situations.  The “best solutions” may seem dumb at the time…Some people deserve a pie in the face…It’s good when friends stick together…When you first fall in love, it’s OK to go around saying, “Woo-Woo-Woo.”…When given good opportunities, always say, “Sointenly!”  Part of my children’s education  was watching the Stooges with their dad..  ;-)  Jack 

FROM DANPETE:  Jeff, Mary Beth and I always cracked up Mom with our patented 3 Stooges, knyuk,  knyuk,  knyuk. ===JACK:  I wonder if kids today are exposed to that offbeat humor.  Do you know what they "laugh" at?===DP:  I'm sure they have such outlets,  tik toc and YouTube,  etc.===JACK:  Conspiracy theorists are good for a laugh...or a sigh.

FROM JOE AN:  My husband loves Meat Loaf and the 3 Stooges. You made his day! He just looks at Curly and starts to laugh...===JACK:  It's a good thin that they can be found on YouTube.  In fact, I think that I'll pause for a couple of NYUK NYUKs

 Jack’s Winning Words 1/26/22

“Our innermost prayer should be that a Hindu should become a better Hindu, a Muslim a better Muslim and a Christian a better Christian.”  (Attributed to Gandhi)  Most churches that I know of have prayer lists.  In fact, I’m involved with one of those lists, praying for a friend who is seriously ill.  A recent PEW-Poll reports that 48% of Americans pray daily, mostly for issues like I described.  I wonder what you think of the Gandhi quote about prayer?  Would you be comfortable praying that kind of prayer?  It’s something to ponder today.  ;-)  Jack

FROM WILLMAR REV:  …with my chaplaincy in AA, the participators are encouraged to pick out their own “higher power” (whomever, whatever, ??) and with this source be the overcomer of their addiction that has led to their divisive and often destructive lifestyle…I ‘ve found most often in the beginning here in rural America it was Scriptures from the old King James Version of the Bible that were used, printed and pictured on the walls…in the larger and more diversified cities it may have been from other religions books as well. 0;-)===JACK:  I have learned to be careful not to be seen as one who has all of the answers.  We are each  a seeker to know more about THE HIGHER POWER.  What's wrong with referring to God, using that term?===REV:  PS- When worshipping in Temple Kol Ami, I asked for and received one of their "prayer books" and often would use one with my spoken or written prayers with our small congregation . . . that will always be one of my forever treasures to have experienced. 0;-)===JACK:  Refresh my memory.  Why did your AG congregation stop using the synagogue as a worship space.  Maybe it was ahead of its time.  We have much to learn from each other.  I wonder if (and how) Kol Ami might have benefitted from your presence.  Was that ever commented on?===REV:  I am guessing that the money being received became an issue . . . the one who followed me was there for a few years (William Lichty) but thinking the third pastor from a previous missionary calling may have been just looking for a place to land back in Michigan . . . just surmising and may be off base in my thinking.    I had a very good relationship with Rabbi Conrad . . . he even helped me and upheld our relationship when two young men from the Jewish News Paper wanted a meeting to discuss the possibility I was trying to proselyte a couple young Jewish boys working in Talley Hall with whom I had befriended and visited with quite often . . . I ask Rabbi Conrad to sit in with us, against their wishes . . . their thinking I was using Talley Hall as a base for my outreach. The Rabbi did most of the talking and assured them we had a well-meaningful relationship, and that they extended the invitation to have our worship services there because a Unitarian Church in Birmingham had extended them the same courtesy. I remember I was using a number of Scripture references that related a great respect for the Jewish faith and we would not have the bases for the Christian faith without the Old Testament. I also mentioned we had planted a few trees in Jerusalem honoring our relationship with the temple. One of the young men mentioned if the Jewish folk would read and discuss the Scriptures as we had that day, we would have a much better dialogue amongst us than that which he found was not the norm. 0;-)===JACK:  I knew that there was more to the story.  Thanks for sharing.  If there were "do-overs", there might have been more good results if you and I had been able to work together in ministry.  Putting the "what if's aside," I'm happy that our friendship has continued...and grown.

FROM PASTY PAT:  Actually I like that a lot.===JACK:  Do you remember that "old" cigarette commercial?  "You've come a long way, baby!"  It can apply to9 many of our religious beliefs, too.

FROM SHARIN' SHARON:  I am reflecting on the WW attributed to Gandhi and they are making a connection for me to this Bible study I’m taking by zoom at Church of the Master.  We are studying Hebrews together and last Wednesday the Pastor presenting made a point about how we have to discern wisely the perspectives of the commentaries we are using.  He looked at two commentaries and they seemed to him to be supersessionist so he is using a third commentary which tries to avoid that perspective, especially being mindful of the persecution and attempt of genocide that happened in Europe last century of the Jews and other marginal peoples.  I have seen on the news and read in history books how religion can get radicalized and persecute minority religions and actually Christians have suffered from this but also some Christians have also been guilty.  Can the teaching and ethics of each religious faith become perversely distorted?  My inclination is to believe that it can and so conclude that praying in the manner Gandhi suggests has   merit.  Actually though it seems to me anyway that, along with praying for people of other religions, it would serve us all well to be always seeking to learn and understand more about the religious faith of other folks, get to know our neighbors, because religion grows over time and doesn’t stay stationary.  It would probably seem odd to be praying for people without trying to actually know them somehow.  My opinion for me anyway.  Appreciate your choices of WW.  May more peace prevail in our world.===JACK:  Bible Commentaries are only as reliable as the person making the commentary.  Sermons are only as helpful (and reliable) as the preacher.  Show me a pastor who is as self-sacrificing for others as was Gandhi and I will "listen" to him (her).   BTW< Kol Ami is translated: Voice of my people.  Used as the name of a Temple, it means: old traditions will blend with a new beginnings.

FROM THE SCIENTIST:  Yes I could see praying that prayer. Would some see this as being a bad Christian? If we are called to evangelize that only means to share the gospel. It’s not a call for me to force conversion. Instead if I’m to do to others as myself I’d rather pray they each finds a deeper understanding of the grace and love of God, whatever that looks like.===JACK:  Maybe you and I should try it, instead of just writing about it.===S:  Ah, yes. Psalm 19:14 :)===JACK:  Nice try, but I'm not going to look it up.  (Maybe tomorrow)===S:  14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart     be acceptable to you,    O Lord  Sometimes just the meditation on Gods will for us feels prayerful ===JACK:  You are sooo good...and dependable, too.  I often quoted that verse at the beginning of a sermon.===S:  Which is likely why it sticks in my head :)

FROM SALON SUZY:  Conviction, working on more kindness🙏===JACK:  Good idea....This world could use fewer self-serving words and more simple acts of kindness.  Let's work on that today.

FROM BB IN CHGO:  Love this one – if we would all just be faithful to the faith we have….===JACK:  BTW....Maybe we should re-examine the faith that we think we have.

FROM EMT SINGS IN TC:  I have just finished a weekly zoom Bible Study that I have had with my same group of friends that I did while living downstate years ago! I am now pondering your Winning Words and could not agree more!===JACK:  The pandemic isn't ALL bad.  It has given us some new ways to keep in touch with friends of days gone by.  Thanks to ZOOM.  

 Jack’s Winning Words 1/25/22

“With each new day comes new strength and new thoughts.”  (Eleanor Roosevelt)  The Mayo Clinic has a list of things that make for a healthy life.  Like Eleanor, they suggest beginning the day with a new thought, a positive one.  Along with that, they recommend doing something nice for someone.  The Clinic also lists: walking, exercising, sitting down while eating, sleeping 7 to 8 hours, drinking lots of water AND avoiding a news overdose!  I do most of those things and feel better for it.  What are your tips for starting a new day?  ;-)  Jack

FROM MV AT ML:  30 minutes of Bible study-Old and New Testaments. Plus The Upper Room-a daily devotional based on a particular scripture.===JACK:  I've always liked the way that The Upper Room booklet connects biblical verses up with everyday living.  It appears as though you're starting your days in a good and positive way.

FROM JOE AN:    I start my day by asking,”What can I do for you today God?” ===JACK:  Martin Luther, in his Small Catechism, explains "Thy will be done" as it appears in the Lord's Prayer by writing: "The God and gracious will of God is done without our prayer, but in this petition, we pray that it might be done by us."  Congratulations on wanting to do the will of God as you begin each day. ===JA:  Oh JACK I forgot to mention to ask the question you must be a content simple sheep and listen for His voice and then follow Him. ===JACK:  You and God seem to be on good talking terms.

FROM HUNGRY HOWIE:  Thanks Jack. Good advice===JACK:  Sometimes life makes it difficult to "ac-cent the pos-i-tive and e-lim-i-nate the neg-a-tive."

FROM DR J IN FLA:  I would add spending quality time with friends and family ❤===JACK: There's a difference between time and "quality" time.

F️ROM YOGA CA:  To start my day,  I move my being for five minutes (Yoga),  drink a pint of water, study the Bible's daily scripture, then treat me to your winning words !===JACK:  Give me an example of a Yoga thought.===Y: Here you go sir:  On a slow deep inhale,  breath in through your nose all of the goodness and love in your world,  hold for 4 counts - letting that goodness and love embrace you, on an exhale, release all of your pain, your fears, any anxiousness, or negativity and as you are releasing, make the sound of breath ahhhhhhhh.  Repeat a few times. ; )===JACK:  It feels good, and positive, too.  Thanks  

FROM THE SCIENTIST:   Reading this and other phone scrolling while on the treadmill. It’s a new habit I’m trying to build. Working mostly from home I don’t get a lot of natural movement (no parking lot,  no office on the 3rd floor, no conference rooms to find, bathroom is 10ft not 100ft down the hall…). It feels good to start the day this way. I just have to remind myself of that when the alarm goes off.===JACK:  Times change, and we must be willing to adjust to that, or we will stuck in a rut.  It reminds me of a sign seen at the beginning of a country dirt road..."Choose your rut carefully.  You'll be in it for the next 5 miles." 

FROM SALON SUZY:  I like to do yoga and stretch my body, along with all those other suggestions ===JACK:  I'm pleasantly surprised at the number of people who begin the day with yoga.  Good thoughts are important to good health.

FROM WILLMAR REV:  … reading Jack’s “Winning Words," of course! 0;-) ===JACK: That's nice for you to say, but I can imagine that you start the day with some biblical reading...and maybe a song.

FROM IKE AT THE MIC:  On that theme I'm reminded of the''winning words" of that great philosopher Yogi Berra once said "The worst thing about not having a goal,is that you never know when you get there.===JACK:  I've heard many Yogi-isms, but that's a new one for me.  Thanks for helping to  increase my knowledge today.

 Jack’s Winning Words 1/24/22

“I learned a long time ago that there is something worse than missing the goal, and that’s not pulling the trigger.”  (Mia Hamm)  I’ve always thought of Mia as a spectacular soccer goalie, not realizing that she was actually a goal scorer who was once the best goal scorer in the world.  So, Mia does know the value of pulling the trigger at the right time.  That’s true in life, also…to make the right choices at the right time: setting for yourself a value system, choosing a career.  Thinking back…there might have been times when we each missed goals, but - celebrate the fact that we gave it our best shot.  ;-)  Jack 

 Jack’s Winning Words 1/21/22

“A person’s kindness is like the apple of His eye.”  (Sirach 17:22)  The Apocrypha book, Sirach, reminds us that God is pleased when His people show kindnesses, especially those that are unexpected…like praising a caring parent, or paying it forward when you’re in the drive-thru McDonald’s line.  A devotional book that I use suggests introducing yourself to someone who regularly helps you and thanking them by name.  Are there some kindness suggestions that you’ve used and that really work?  To be considered to be the apple of God’s eye is a nice thought, too.  ;-)  Jack 

 Jack’s Winning Words 1/20/22

“What you do, the way you think, makes you beautiful.”  (Scott Westerfield)    Recently I read of a camel beauty contest in Saudi Arabia with over 30,000 competing for $60 M in prizes.  “Beauty” was based on walking, length of eyelashes and size of lips (40 were disqualified for using Botox).  Author Westerfield says that there’s more to beauty than looks.  In fact, the Miss America contest has done away with swimsuit competition and replaced it with competition based on talent.  Of course, it still helps to have a nice smile.  What’s your idea of beauty?  ;-)  Jack..

FROM SALON SUZY:  I see it in God’s finger paint the most. Sunsets, mountains and my children…===JACK:  Ice and snow can be pretty, too.  I remember the ice sculptures connected with the Winter Carnival.===SS:  Yes, Minnehaha Falls are beautiful too

FROJM LS IN WB:  Today is my oldest daughter’s 39th birthday.  I forwarded this message to all four of my daughters today.  I have told this to them over and over again.   Thank you for the Divine message today.===JACK:  I'm sure that "Mom's Words" will long be remembered and appreciated.

FROM WILLMAR REV:  I'm with that one that sung, "Everything is beautiful in its own way . . . " 0;-)===JACK:  I can't imagine God saying that anything is "ugly" unless it was sin...but through His miraculous-magic, He's able to take away ugliness and make it into something beautiful.===REV:  You are waiting for this, I know-- 0;-)) 

Something Beautiful  Gaither Vocal Band

Something beautiful, something good
All my confusion He understood
All I had to offer Him was brokenness and strife
But he made something beautiful of my life

If there ever were dreams
That were lofty and noble
They were my dreams at the start
And hope for life's best were the hopes
That I harbor down deep in my heart
But my dreams turned to ashes
And my castles all crumbled, my fortune turned to loss
So I wrapped it all in the rags of life
And laid it at the cross 

FROM SHALOM JAN:  "Beauty is as beauty does" -- a quote I've heard all my life! ===JACK:  ...and what difference has it made in your life?===JACK:  My sister has told me how difficult it is to be the younger sister.  Like you, she has been extremely gifted in her own way.

 Jack’s Winning Words 1/19/22

“My mother always used to say, ‘The older you get, the better you get…unless you’re a banana.’” (Betty White)  Well, Betty almost made it to 100, however  she’s left behind some good advice on how to age gracefully.  “Try to see the funnyside of everything, especially when looking into the mirror.”  Don’t expect to look 20 when you’re over 50.  Avoid the sedentary life; exercise, eat sensibly, take walks and don’t forget the sunscreen.  A final piece of advice: “Everybody needs a passion.”  My passion is my Winning Words blog.  For Betty, it was care for animals.  Is there something you care about?  ;-)  Jack. 

FROM SALON SUZY:    Making people feel beautiful===JACK:  I like it that you youu used the modifier, feel, instead of look.  When I walk out of your place I feel good (not beautiful).

FROM RVB IN WBM:  The words of the wise are like goads and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings."  Ecclesiastes 12:11.===JACK:  There are still undiscovered "gems" in the Bible.  Thanks for uncovering one for me. 

FROLM MD IN BRF:    My favorite Betty  line is "get eight hours of beauty sleep..unless you're ugly..then you need nine"===JACK:  I like self-dep0recxating humor.  Rodney Dangerfield was good at that, as was Bettgy.

FROM DR J IN FLA:  my mom… in her last days… would say to us.. “I feel fine.. just don’t buy green bananas”  She had a sense of humor through it all ;-)===JACK:  It was a privilege to have known this "unusual" person and to have a part in "honoring" her life.

 

 

    

 Jack’s Winning Words 1/18/22

“Music is my religion.”  (Jimi Hendricks)  Music has a close connection with my religion, too.  I loved those Sunday School Singspirations led by Mrs T.  The theology might not have been the greatest, but the songs helped bring me to the faith I have today.  Famous musician Harry Connick, Jr said that his religious beliefs were influenced by music, too…and by discussions he had with his father on the subject.  Right now I’m humming, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.”  What kind of music has impacted your faith…or has it?  ;-)  Jack  

FROM DR J IN FLA:  Good question… so much music inspires me and connects me spiritually…Here’s a good one… enjoy!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04v-SdKeEpE===JACK:  I always appreciate knowing something about what's going on in the mind of others.

FROM SHALOM JAN:  Some of the best theology comes from hymn lyrics.  (Oh, yes, there is plenty of bad theology in music, too, but I concentrate on the good!)===JACK:  Some theology is bad theology...and I try to avoid that.

FROM  MY LAWYER:  I think you'll enjoy this video about George Gershwin and how his music evolved.http://www.youtube.com/embed/w-nznS0FXKc?feature=player_detailpage===JACK:  G.G. is one of my all-time favorites...especially Rhapsody In Blue.

FROM EMT SINGS IN TC:  At this moment I am at my desk listening to music that was recorded  when we lived downstate and I was singing in the Plymouth Community Chorus.  A great experience! We sang twice at the National Cathedral ;, Washington by invitation. Many great memories!===JACK:  Have you connected with a singing group in TC? ===EMT:  I am considering joining the church choir.  I have done a lot of that too!===JACK:  If I were the choir director there, I'd shout: HOORAY! 

FROM GUSTIE:  Me too.  Most of the scriptures I hear in church I have a “ditto” running in my head with a song—or an anthem to go with it.  And thanks for the ear worm.  Now I am singing Great is Thy Faithfulness too!  Ha!===JACK:  I like Day By Day and Precious Lord.  Beethoven's Joyful, Joyful is allso a favorite.

FROM DAIRYLAND DONNA:  Me too. First song I ever sang was "Jesus Loves Me" when I was 3 in Sunday School. Wanted to sing it every day. 😊  I do love "Great is Thy Faithfulness" and also "Amazing Grace" ===JACK:  I learned to recite the Books of the Bible (in order) because our Sunday School song leader set them to a singable tune.  I learned the names of the 12 disciples when they were put to the tune of Jesus Loves Me..."Jesus called them one by one, Peter, Andrew James and John.  Next came Philip, Thomas, too, Matthew and Bartholomew.  James the one they called, the Less, Simon, also Thaddaeus.  12th disciple Judas made.  Jesus was by him betrayed.  Yes, Jesus called them.  Yes, Jesus called them.  Yes, Jesus called them, and they all followed him.

FROM DR J IN FLA:  Good question… so much music inspires me and connects me spiritually…Here’s a good one… enjoy!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04v-SdKeEpE===JACK:  You have so many talents...

 

 Jack’s Winning Words 1/17/22

“I do not wonder at a snowflake, a shell, a summer landscape, or the glory of the stars, but at the necessity of beauty under which the universe lies.”  (Ralph Waldo Emerson)  I want to report a robbery.!  Someone has taken some perfectly good words from my vocabulary and given them new meanings: evangelical, liberal, conservative  and snowflake, for example.  On this MLK Jr holiday it’s enlightening to know that snowflake indeed has more than one meaning BUT I just wish that the media (in  general) would understand the etymology of evangelical, liberal and conservative.  Have you experienced the hi-jacking of words?   ;-)  Jack

FROM THE SCIENTIST:  I know I’m having to unlearn some word usages or phrases from my childhood. But that’s ok. I’d rather know than not when what is a simple turn of phrase to me is insulting someone else.  I hear you on some of those adjectives evolving to have charged connotation. That’s tough. How about this … In the kitchen I’m conservative on my use of salt, while my kids are quite liberal with their application of cheese. And with on demand worship services, we can enjoy this family cooking time while listening to our pastor evangelize. Tee hee  ===JACK:  What I did as a pastor "when I was in the business" is a whole lot different today.  I might be able to adjust, but it would be difficult...but maybe better.  We'll never know. 

FROM CF IN KH:  He who controls the meaning controls the message.  I believe I’ve heard something sinister like that before….===JACK:  That's why it's important to check out who it is that's "preaching" from the pulpit.

 

 Jack’s Winning Words 1/14/22

“Nothing is permanent in this wicked word – not even our troubles.”  (Charlie Chaplin)  Life was not always funny for funnyman Chaplin.  He grew in poverty, living on the streets before the age of ten.  Perhaps that was part of his success as a comedian, blending pathos with slapstick.  It can be that way for each of us when troubles come our way…taking life’s lemons and turning them into lemonade.  Have you ever heard the song, “Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag and, smile, smile, smile.”  (Just checking your age…).  ;-)  Jack   

FROMBLAZING OAKS:  Or "Just let a Smile be Your Umbrella on a Rainy, Rainy Day" ===JACK:  ...or the positive attitude.  "It's not raining rain, you know.  It's raining violets.  ...and do you remember the Windshield Wiper song?   ....and Singing In the Rain (one of the best).  (Google Kurt Browning "Skating in the Rain." I really like that video.

...

 Jack’s Winning Words 1/13/22

“it’s not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me.”  (Batman)  I’ve read that one of the poorest places on earth are the slums of Santiago, Chile.  Reuters News tells of a man, dressed as Batman, who walks those slums streets handing out food to the needy.  He’s masked, so no one knows who he is.  I’m aware of a husband/wife who, at times, have driven the streets of Detroit handing out cookies to the homeless, huddled around the city’s steam vents.  I think that Jesus is able to see behind the mask and would approve of that kind of action.  ;-)  Jack

FROM ST PAUL IN ZONA:  lots of different ways to help people in need===JACK:  Lots of excuses to withhold help, too.  "Lord, forgive my falling shorts.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  I'm sure! Elliott had dinners for the homeless on 2nd &  4th Tues. nights of  the week, in conjunction with other  chuches who signed up for a certain night.   Often had almost 100 come.   Sometimes my grandchildren came to help serve, which made them happy to be helping someone in need.!   They had to get there on their own, however...I wish now that we had sent the van downtown to pick up people! Buses ran within a block of the church. I  suppose some took the bus.===JACK:  You can remember the past and doing what you thought was right at the time....but you can't go back and change it.  CELEBRATE the worthwhile ministry that you and Bill enjoyed.

FROM SHALOM JAN:  The youth meetings at First Lutheran Church, Nashville, TN, used to end with the kids making up meal packages and then driving around town handing them out to people on the streets.  Blessings of peace within the hearts of all who help the homeless (and foodless)!===JACK:  "Church" isn't always perfect, but you've given a "perfect" example how the Church helps mold the eleemosynary spirit.

 Jack’s Winning Words 1/12/22

“Never feel sorry for raising dragon slayers in a time when there are actual dragons.”  (Facebook post)  Some think that due to current affairs, it is not a “good” time to bring children into the world. These thoughts have occurred in previous generations too, but the dragon slayers prevailed.  My first great-grandchild was born last year.  I’m confident she and other “pandemic babies” will do great things in their lifetime.  Whether past or present, there are dragons out there for each generation, and we need strong people to confront them.  For my generation, it was social issues and racial unrest.  I like the hymn that became the rallying cry for that time: We Shall Overcome. What was the name of the dragon that you

ROM MAGGIE:  Hello, Jack. You and I faced the same dragons. We are the same generation. I would like to add the dragon of disease, specifically TB. Mike and I waved to our dad for a year while he was treated for TB in a tuberculosis sanitarium near Union Lake Michigan. Until recently the disease had been eradicated from the US population (thanks to the dragon slayers). However, it has begun to pop up here and there. I pray that your 2022 will be dragon free 😉 ===JACK:  You've reminded me that I once spent a summer as a student chaplain for TB patients in Chicago.  At the end of summer I had to be tested to see if I had contracted the disease.  I remember how anxious I was waiting for the test results.  Yes, each "time" has its dragons.

FROM WILLMAR REV:  A little tongue in cheek comment this morning…first nine years of our marriage we were never successful in bearing a child…when moving in ministry from Ohio to Missouri we made a choice to drop the maternity benefits thinking there was no reason to pay for something that was seemingly not going to happen…within that first year our son, Joseph, was born and we just celebrated his 43rd birthday yesterday!! 0;-)===JACK:  I don't think that Mary and Joseph had maternity benefits, either...and they were able to survive.  The Lord will provide.  Do you remember when you were 43?  The prime of life! ===REV:  …had been in Willmar a few months with this welcomed ministry that has ventured me over  thirty years of experience.===JACK:  Do you know of the hymn:  "God calling, yet, shall I not hear?  Earth's pleasures shall I still hold dear?"  It's funny how those old Sunday School songs keep popping up in my mind.

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  are you going to tell them they can't slay oppressive tyrants, tho? bc to do so might be "unkind" or something...i am an only bc cuban missile crisis. were the nice castro bros are off-limits, too?===JACK:  Some things are best seen in the rear view mirror.  There comes a time to move on... and to fight new dragons.  Each generation seems to be apprehensive as to how the new generation will face its dragons.  I have confidence in my great granddaughter..  One of the dragons that needs to be slain is the "hatred" prevalent today.===LIZ:  hatred? pls review your prior email to me. am i a bad peraon bc i disagree w/you politically. would hitler deserve the death penalty?  why is it "the other side" can't discuss or express an opinion anymore? bc it hurts your feelings? bc it's the truth, and might escape if you let it?  i am relieved to see biden tanking at 28%, so more people seem to be getting it despite efforts to silence us "dissenters."===JACK:  You're reading between the lines.  I wrote about "hatred" in general and did not connect it to you or any other individual.  As a child, I never liked it when someone yelled, "I hate you."  I still dislike the word, when used without specifics.

FROM BNB NIN CHGO:  I love you and I love this post. Once again thank you so much. I’d submit the issues faced today are precisely those you enumerated, social issues and racial unrest.  Just started reading/meditating on “The Spiritual Work of Racial Justice” after meeting the author last summer.  He’s a prof at Creighton.  The book includes brief essays and journaling prompts for each day allowing us to consider how we may have a closer relationship with Christ by seeing Him in others.  All of the others, irrespective of ethnicity, background and such.  The prompts are very thought-provoking.===JACK:  Most dragons have "people" faces.  The dragon-problem is solved when the people-problem is solved.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Not a personal issue, but cancer is definitely a dragon for many, and heart  failure another one which is personal!  But of course we enjoy much better health than previous generations into old age!! I think Covid will be around for a very long time, unfortunately!!===JACK:  "Our days are numbered."  I remember when people reached their 90s that they were REALLY old.  ...not you nor me.

FROM DR J IN FLA:  I love this post… we definitely need more dragon slayers! Great analogy!===JACK:  I think that you're raising one.

FROM DAZ IN CO:  I remember people saying the same thing about not bringing children into the world during the cold war. I was working on missile guidance systems then and did raise a family. That dragon was slain.  But we always seem to raise new ones. How many dragons have we seen come and go during our lifetime?===JACK:  If we run short of dragons the media and politicians are right there to create new ones.  I like the words of Scripture: "Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves."

 

 Jack’s Winning Words 1/11/22

“We’re building the airplane as we fly it.”  (Gretchen Whitmer)  I have a real sympathy for politicians in leadership roles today.  The economy, the pandemic, natural disasters…so many unprecedented problems.  Similarly, I have sympathy for pastors trying to “do church” during the pandemic!  …and how are they to  “do church” post-pandemic?  What a challenge!  We are a people who must adjust to the times in which we find ourselves.  The simile of building an airplane while flying it is an apt one.  Has there ever been a time such as this for you?  ;-)  Jack  

FROM HONEST JOHN:  think every time period carries lots of challenges ….depressions….good times (sometimes they bring the biggest challenges)…..wars….times of worker unrest….revolutions,   Etc. Etc. Etc. ===JACK:  I think that you and I could tackle "doing church" during (and post) pandemic, but it certainly would require some new thinking.  I "started" churches during the "best of times," IMO.

FROM WILLMAR REV:  Certainly towards the top or at the top for an unprecedented time for me…loss of words and finding myself standing and scratching my head…rhetoric in abundance, action going in circles, even the Supreme Court having difficulty with their stated facts of the pandemic’s cause and effect?!?!  0:-/===JACK:  During a fierce storm, Martin Luther prayed: "God help me!"  We must not forget the omni-presence of God.

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  crazy tyrant should be in jail.===JACK:  Pretty harsh words from a person who professes to care.===LIZ:  my priorities are right. i care abt my fellow americans, not oppressive politicians... she should be in jail. and fauci should be stir-fried, tho i am normally against death penalty.===JACK:  You take care of your own state, and we'll take care of Michigan (through the ballot box and not bars or capital punishment).  The "hatred" expressed today is beyond what I have experienced.  Unbelievable!===LIZ:  you are anything but ignorant... nor are you uninformed. i challenge you bc you are smart!===JACK:  Thanks for not always taking me seriously.  I do have a "funny" bone somewhere.

FROM DAZ IN CO:  It is a challenge today and politicians seem to have strange ways of handling them.===JACK:  The latest I've heard from the "anti-vaxers" is that the government is purposely hiding "the real" Covid cure so that the drug companies can sell more of their "fake" product. 

 Jack’s Winning Words 1/10/22

“I love oatmeal.  To me, it pops in my mouth, a sort of gummy champagne.”  (Alan Alda)  Like “Hawkeye”, I’m a big fan of oatmeal.  It might not taste like champagne to me, but I love it, and I believe that I do my best writing because of “oats.”  Is there a kind of food that you particular like for breakfast?  These days we hear of vegans, vegetarians, pescatarians, carnivores and omnivores…Forget the…vores; just give me the simple oatmeal (Cheerios don’t count!).  Have you noticed that, in life, too  the simple things turn out to be the best things?  ;-)  Jack

FROM WILLMAR REV:  …add a little brown sugar and raisins and I’m sitting right there beside you! 0;-)===JACK:  I've switched from brown sugar to maple syrup and from raisins to fresh blueberries.  I understand that it's healthier, and since I want to grow old sometime....

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:     have been buying instant steel-cut oats w/flaxseed... high in protein and adds delicious crunch. plus yellow raisins, a pat of butter, brown sugar, no milk.===JACK:  It takes tooooo long to cook steel-cut.  I get my protein by using pea-milk.  Keep up with that diet, and you might reach 100.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Not a fan of oatmeal, tho my DIL loves it! I have yogurt and blueberries and a piece of coffee cake or toast with my coffee most days. Occasionally an omelet or doughnut, etc.  ===JACK:  Coffee cake and do-nuts are in my rearview mirror...and yogurt is on my list of things not to try.  I can't remember when I've not had oatmeal for breakfast  Dark roast coffee is my preference...black...and the hotter, the better.

FROM DAIRYLAND DONNA:  Ditto with berries and a touch of maple syrup 👍 ===JACK:  These days I'm treating myself afterward to a piece of Wisconsin aged Swiss cheese.

FROM  ST PAUL IN ZONA:  i love oatmeal.   M has a bowl every morning.   i have a bowl somewhat less often but it is a very healthy way to start the day.===JACK:  Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day.  In my younger days I used to use "Half and Half" instead of the pea-milk that I use today....and it sounded better, too. 

FROM GUSTIE:  Don’t like oatmeal, but I LOVE Cream of Wheat!!!===JACK:  I used to eat that, too, until I read that "oats" were better for you.  Bananas are the fruit of choice when it comes to Cream of Wheat.  

FROM THE SCIENTIST:  I learned to make oatmeal in the instant pot. It’s great. I put 3 pint jars in with oats and milk. I set it and come back in 30 mins to 3 steamy-creamy bowls. 30 minutes?!? Yes, it’s only 6 mins of cook time but has to reduce the pressure naturally or the oats bubble over and make a huge mess. But while it is slower than the stovetop or microwave, I never burn the milk, it’s not bubbling in Vernon my stove, and I’m not soaking an oatmeal pot later. One of my favorite instant pot recipes. Simple old oatmeal :)===JACK:  If anyone should know how to make oatmeal, a scientist should.  Listen to her!  She knows how to rise kids, too.

FROM BB IN CHGO:  Oatmeal yes but not so simple.  I like the Starbucks serving where they provide you with a little bag of nuts and dried fruit.  Nancy always added bananas sliced and walnuts.  Makes me smile.===JACK:  My Starbucks comes from a Keurig (Sumatra black).  

 Jack’s Winning Words 1/7/22

 “My father used to say, ‘Let them see you and not the suit.  That should be secondary.”  (Cary Grant)  Cary’s family didn’t have much money when he was growing up.  This quote took on extra meaning for me when I read that his father was a “clothes presser.”  He knew the value of looking nice, but he also realized that “niceness” is more than “the outside.”  Even though we didn’t have much money as a young family, we made sure that our children had their clothes “pressed” and behaved well (most of the time).  Remember to let people see the real you today.  ;-)  Jack

FROM THE BRIDGE:  Thanks, Jack, for all your messages.  Especially for this quote. How true!  I wish I had it prepared for display.    I would put it next to the one Sandy Spiczka gave me which says: Don't believe everythiing you think!===JACK:  I like that last sentence.  The mind is complex, isn't it?  

FROM GUSTIE:  Going to be hard—it is 17 below zero out there at the moment.  If I go I go out I will have on a lot of layers!!!  Ha!  (I do know that is not what you meant!)===JACK:  I had forgotten hos "frosty" those Minnesota winter mornings could be...but, for you, born raised here...a piece of cake (ice cream 

 cake)===G:  .Right!!  I remember walking to grade school which was across the tracks and over a mile—maybe 2.  You could not see my face—only my eyes!  Ha!  It was frosty all right!===JACK:  Back then, the focus wasn't so much on the cold as it was on..."You'd better not miss school.  They gave awards for ,perfect attendance.  I "never" missed Sunday School for ten years in a row...and I have a perfect attendance pin to prove it. ===G:   Me too.  I even insisted on going when I really didn’t feel good.  Guess I threw up and Mom had to come and get me—but I wanted my perfect attendance!  I still have my pin.  We changed years on it when we got a new award.  I have Clem’s too.  Wish they had not gotten away from that.  My own kids were regulars, but not my grandkids!  Uff Da!===JACK:  I think that we went regularly for reasons more than the pin.  It was part of our social life...but times change.  I satisfied that my grandchildren are "spiritual, but not religious" as one of them told me.  God understands each of us and out situations.  God loves your grandchildren and mine, too.  Remember that.

FROM RUTHIE:   Love today’s winning words.  Just finished reading Proverbs 21:2. “People may be right in your own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart.”  I pray I can see what is inside the pressed suit. ===JACK:  My mom always wanted my sister and me to "look nice" when we went to church.  I remember walking to Sunday School one Sunday,abd, a bird pooped on my shirt.  That was not a good day.

FROM WILLMAR REV:  Admittedly a strange little quirk, but my choice of wearing black all the time is to draw a first impression to my ‘white skinned’ face, smile and sometimes wink of greeting. Of course, ‘Good Morning, Father!’ puts a quick responsive smile on my face as well! 0;-)===JACK:  Just as the black suit could be misinterprted, couldn't the "wink" be thought to be frlirting?  I usually wore a black suit withe a clerical collar when doing "pastoral" duties.  It was sort of a uniform.  People knew that I was a representative for God.===REV:  Haven’t had any noted concerns over the years… may have had some but I was never informed about them…God has been gracious to me in that regard, I guess?! 0;-) ===JACK:  Have you ever played Santa Claus at Christmastime?  

FROM DR J IN FLA:  Heard it’s a little chilly in Minnesota? Enjoying my morning coffee in the lanai! barefoot!===JACK:  If you think that makes me jealous, it doesn't, because I'm shivering at the kitchen counter at 38 below enjoying my oatmeal and a hot cup of Sumatra.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Money for clothes for dad and mom was scarce. when we were dressing four children, but I sewed, and I  think we always looked decent! One of our parishioners in Dixon was shocked to find I wore slacks like every other woman, on week days, as I always was "so dressed up" for Sunday services!! She brought  some baked goods over, and there I was in SLACKS! Made me much more "human" to her! HA!===JACK:  My brother-in-law (who was a pastor) had a parishioner hand him a $100 bill and said, "Here, go buy yourself a new suit."  At least you weren't told to go and buy some new slacks.

 Jack’s Winning Words 1/6/22

“The greatest enemy of learning is knowing.”  (John Maxwell)  Bible Studies are unsettling for me because, the more I learn from that book, the more there is yet to learn.  How is it possible to say that I can “know the Infinite?”  What “unsettles” me is this: the more I know about God, the more there is yet to know.  It’s that way with the Bible, too.  The more I know, the more there is yet to know.  When famous theologian Karl Barth was asked to summarize his faith in a single sentence, he said, “Jesus loves me, this I know.”  How are you doing with the Infinite?  ;-)  Jack 

FRO, JOE AN:  I just say, “I trust You, Jesus.” It’s as simple as that for me. Jack—-it’s cold out there so grab a book and don’t go out!===JACK:  Yes, it's cold out there.  Off to Blaine in an hour.  Minnesota is not for sissies.===JA:  Yes Jack I’m a warm sissy and have no regrets—haha!===JACK:  Minnesotans are like Sisyphus, t6hinking that "tomorrow, it will be war4mer."

FROM WILLMAR REV:  In the midst of my shortcomings and many I have as revealed in God's Word; I think of this Scripture often:   "Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" -Romans 7:24-25 (ESV)===JACK:  I just knew that you'd have a Bible verse in answer to my comment.  "Wretched" is an onomatopoeia word.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  I'm satisfied that there are some things we'll never know in this life, but we have enough "light" to live a  meaningful one !  It is comforting to know we are loved with an ;unconditional love, and that we should extend that love to each other!===JACK:  I'm uncomfortable around people who always seem to have the answer to everything.  I never liked the wor4d, pedant.

FROM BB IN CHGO:  I return to that song again and again in my mind. Sometimes our simple childhood faith seems closest to understanding the infinite ===JACK:  That 'childhood faith" was a good foundation for what has come after.  The stories, the songs, the simplicity...You don't expect babies to begin life by eating steak and potatoes.

 Jack’s Winning Words 1/5/22

 “Do not consider painful what is good for you.”  (Euripides)  Before Jesus was born, Greek writers said that it’s better to change the behavior of children by example than by physical punishment.  My father was not into reading Greek philosophy, so I was spanked when I was “naughty.” As I recall, spankings didn’t change my behavior.  Society has tried numerous ways to change the behavior of “naughty people,” even including execution.  Nothing seems to work better than being raised in a good home environment.  As you look back, what was “good” for you?  ;-)  Jack

FROM DR EM:  Neither of my parents were into Greek philosophy either LOL. My wife and I have never laid a hand on either of our children and they seem to have turned out pretty darn good. ===JACK:  Some old adages (Spare the rod and spoil the child) have changed with the times.  "old" does not always mean, "better."===EM:  100%

FROM LS IN WB:  AMEN===JACK:  We never once "grounded" our children...not that they were perfect, but we used other forms of discipline.===LS:  I was raised in a home, in a small town surrounded by my extended family, grandma, aunts, uncles, cousins and a community all connected by a common thread of faith.  Faith in God, Family and Work.  In my home I identified no form of discipline,  there was only God, Grandma,  my parents and my community….. that was the  discipline I “feared”. In raising my children,  I thought that would be the case in West Bloomfield Michigan as I raised my four lovely daughters but that was not my experience from 1983- present….. time brings change and the ripple effect can become a tidal wave.  I credit this small town loving, nurturing upbringing,  with the peace I feel inside and all around me, my faith and my love and gratitude for each morning I awake, not matter what is going on around me. ===JACK:  You're right..."the town" has a part in our upbringing, too.  However, there were some things that I had to unlearn when I moved on. 

FROM WILLMAR REV:  I believe our desiring ‘do-overs’ of ‘done deals’ is what should draw us to Christ’s Cross and His gift of atonement, our salvation and His restitution. We've been graciously blessed indeed! 0;-)===JACK:  Does the "done deal" mean that there's still some room for improvement?  I remember some discussions in seminary about the concept: Once saved, always saved.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  MY MOM WAS A SPANKER, TOO...I THINK IT PROBABLY  WAS A  DETERRENT....SHE USED A BOLO PADDLE &'IT STUNG!  MY DAD WAS NOT A SPANKER, i DON'T REMEMBER HIM EVER  HITTING US AT ALL. MOM WAS THE DISCIPLINARIAN IN OUR HOME!  NEITHER BILL OR I WERE MUCH ON SPANKING, THO OCCASIONALLY I THINK I DID SPANK...JUST CAN'T REMEMBER  IT!  BILL USED PRAISE,AND OUR KIDS WOULD KNOCK THEMSELVES OUT TO PLEASE HIM!!===JACK:  The spankings?  I deserved them.  I can't remember doing anything but "swatting" my children.  You probably frustrated your mother....or maybe she thought she was spanking you, thinking that you were Jan.

FROM DAZ IN CO:  I still remember what they said in the Navy.  They (superior ranks) can’t make you do anything but they can sure make you wish you had , ===JACK:  Like, "Climb up to the top of that swaying mast and fix the electronics (or, something like that).BTW, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE EPIPHANY BABY.

   

 Jack’s Winning Words 1/4/22

“Politeness and consideration for others is like investing pennies and getting dollars back.”  (Thomas Sowell)  If you took a penny and doubled it every day for a month, you’d have $5,368,709.12.  One of the most important “money lessons” to learn is the value of Compound Interest…Money makes money!  It works that way with “niceness” too>  Be nice to people and they will be nice to you…more than you could ever anticipate.  If each of us were to do just one  nice thing each day and keep it up for a month…what a great world this would be.  ;-)  Jack

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  thomas sowell, as in the black conservative economist? 👍🏻===JACK:  I pay attention to the message, not the messenger.

 Jack’s Winning Words 12/30/21

“You’ll never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try.”  (Dolly Parton)  Recently,  in Winning Words, it was suggested that Dolly Parton might be the “national” figure to unite the fractured United States of America. Are you one who thinks it’s an impossible task even for her?  When faced with difficult problems, a lot of us give up too soon.  And, most of these problems  are smaller than trying to unite America..  Dolly says that whatever the problem, you’ve got to be brave enough to TRY for a solution.  Dolly for President!  Anyone?  ;-)  Jack

FROM SB IN MI:  Our nation already has had a famous Dolly in the White House: Dolly Madison, wife of our fourth president, James Madison. During the War of 1812, British troops raided the White House; and Dolly Madison is famous for rescuing a large portrait of George Washington and escaping with it just in the nick of time before the British stormed the building.===JACK:  That's a piece of history that I didn't know about.

FROM SR IN SJ:  I think I could go along with Dolly Parton's message and action, ifs she were elected President! Maybe she and Pres. Biden could do it together. . ===JACK:  We'd have to make sure that she was the one who sang the songs.  

FROM SB IN MI: