*Jack’s Winning Words 2/28/22 “He never stopped believing that he could be the best.” (Mitch Albom)   46-yr-old Tom Brady is commonly called the G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time) of the National Football League.  Writer Albom claims that Brady never stopped trying to improve his skills, even as he aged.  People may not call us GOATs, but we can certainly show some improvement with an attitude like Brady’s and (one of my favorites)  The Little Engine That Could.  “I think I can” turns into “I know I can.”  Don’t stop believing in yourself.  You may not be the G.O.A.T., but by trying to be the best you can be, you can be a better EWE.  ;-)  Jack FROM BB IN CHGO:  Great – as ever.  We have a new priest-in-training who is a missionary from some far-flung spot.  They’ve been giving him lots of pulpit time lately as I guess our church is his last stop before being launched into full-time service.  In any case, his messages often outshine the veterans.  Yesterday, he told us about the upcoming confirmation class and how he asked them to say the words they associate with Lent.  Most were about praying, giving to charity, fasting yet one young person said, “grace”.  So the homily was not about “giving up” something or “taking on” something but “giving-in” to the grace of God.  Listening, watching, praying and seeing how that incredible grace manifests each and every day.  Ahhh. ===JACK: When I was ordained, our class chose as its motto the verse from Jeremiah 1:   "Do not say, `I am only a child. ' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you."  Youth is not always a sign of immaturity.  Today I had conversation with a "Catholic" who introduced me to the concept of having sponsors at Confirmation as there are sponsors at Baptism.  If I were to back into the business, I'd pick up on that idea...among others. FROM JU IN NC:  I picked on being a better ewe. Cute. ===JACK:  Perhaps you heard the story about why the ram who jumped over the cliff...He was listening to music on the radio and heard the song: "There'll never be another you (ewe)." FROM KZB:  But sheep go to heaven…and goats…===JACK:  But Jesus never was a football fan; hence, he never got to see the GOAT in action.   FROM SHALOM JAN:  Oh, moan!  What a great punster EWE are!  As we are reminded on Wednesday that "to dust you shall return" it is also a good reminder to be the best we can while we can.  Thanks!  ===JACK:  This past week I read that most dust particles are made up of skin cells that we have shed.  It gives new meaning to "dust you shall return."

 

Jack’s Winning Words 2/25/22 “Be the most dependable person you know.” (Unknown)  I like baseball nicknames – Gabby, Sparky, Pee Wee, Cool Papa, but I really like the one given to Cal Ripken, Jr (Mr. Dependable).  Ripken played in 2,632 games without taking a break - dependability!  A young person that I know never missed a day of school, K through 12 – dependability!  I still have the pin I got for perfect Sunday School attendance.  As you think about it, what are some of the characteristics of dependability?  Is it any wonder that a popular product is called, Depends?  ;-)  Jack  FROM THE CAT:    I forwarded this on to Q and congratulated him on now being world famous! That is a fun birthday present for him today.===JACK: Never having missed a day of school., K-12!!!Amazing....and to have this WWs appear on his birthday - also amazing.  FROM SK IN SJ:  I don’t have a pin, but Shirley and I got a perfect attendance award in HS. There were four of us who got the award.  For us it was go to school or help on the farm. We chose school. ===JACK:  Was there a nun who was your favorite?  What kinds of chores were those of a farm girl? FROM ST PAUL IN ZONA:  and you always want your Depends to be dependable! ===JACK:  ...but your Preacher not to be preachy.  FROM GUSTIE:  Oh my—what a comparison!!!  Ha!===JACK:  I'm sure that your choir members considered to be dependable..."Old Depends!"  On second thought, old Marlys sounds better.   FROM SB AT AG:  Rosilyn Stearnes-Brown, the choir director at Amazing Grace, is the eldest daughter of baseball Hall of Famer Norma “Turkey” Stearnes. She has written a book of memoirs about her father that has been accepted by a publisher in North Carolina and is due out in print later this year. Her book is entitled “Fans Called Him ‘Turkey,’ I Called Him Dad.” It’s available via preorder at www.mcfarlandbooks.com===JACK:  "Baseball People" in the Detroit area know of "Turkey" Stearns.  Thanks for the "new" information that his daughter is your choir director.  Sometimes we forget hat sports stars, for the most part, are ordinary people. FROM AA IN MI/FL:  HAD SEVERAL PERFECT ATTENDANCE AWARDS AT FORD MOTOR.  ONE OF THE AWARDS WAS WHAT WE COULDN'T TELL WHETHER IT WAS A GLASS COFFEE MUG OR A BEER MUG.  SOME UNFORTUNATELY FOUND THAT IT SHATTERED WHEN YOU PUT HOT COFFEE IN IT.  I WAS NOT THAT STUPID AND USED IT FOR IT'S INTENDED PURPOSE - A SPOT ON MY THROPHY SHELF ===JACK:  It's a good thing that old Henry wasn't around to see you using the mug.  "Henry Ford was a prohibitionist who opposed any consumption of Alcoholic Beverages at all; his workers were fired if they were found to have consumed alcohol."

 *Jack’s Winning Words 2/24/22

“Lasting change is a series of compromises.  And compromise is all right, as long as your values don’t change.”  (Jane Goodall)  I suppose it would be better if chimps had been left alone in the wilderness without Jane’s prying eyes…but Jane saw that the chimpanzes’ habitat was being endangered, and that a compromise was necessary in order to protect them.  All of life is such that it goes more smoothly with compromise, like it or not..  Are you in a business?  Do you have a next-door neighbor?  Are you married?  We don’t always get everything  in this life the way we want it..  There’s value in working toward common goals for the ultimate good.  ;-)  Jack

FROM JOE AN:  “Come now, and let’s reason together.” Isaiah 1:18===JACK:  Great quote, BUT what if the other person is unreasonable...like you know who?===JA:  I forgot about him! My TV is off, soft music is on, and I’m reading a light book. All is good in my world.===JACK:  He has dug his own grave.  Next.... 

 Jack’s Winning Words 2/23/22

“Every adversity carries with it the seed of a greater benefit.”  (Nap Hill)  The Christophers tell of a church that sponsors a group, I Found A New Life, for people experiencing loss in their life: through death, loss of job, health issues, a broken relationship.   It provides an opportunity to meet others facing similar loss, to learn coping skills and to see “Light at the end of the tunnel.”  Ps 34:18 says that “The Lord heals the brokenhearted.”  Motivator Nap Hill is of the opinion that adversity “always” carries with it, the promise of better days ahead.  Let that be our hope.  ;-)  Jack 

FROM JOE AN:  Jack—WW is always a gift of hope. Thank you.===JACK:  I feel as though I am the farmer sowing the seed.  Some falls on the rocks, bit some takes root in fertile soil.  That is my hope.

 *Jack’s Winning Words 2/22/22

“Ancora imparo! (I’m always learning)” (Spoken by Michelangelo at age 87).  I’m older than 87,  and I learned a new word recently…agrestic.  I guess agrestic is mentioned in a TV show about a rural area where “weed” is grown, but the word really has its origin from among farmers in India.  Now, I’m trying to learn how to use it in some kind of conversation.  Do you have any ideas?  How about this?   “I’ve heard that children who grow up in an agrestic style of living are in high demand as workers, because they are so dependable.”   ;-)  Jack

FROM SMILIN' TERI:   Loved this…Now I have an Italian quote.   "How we handle what’s ahead of us will be determined by what we learned from everything that’s behind us.” (Craig Lounsbrough)===JACK:  You Italians have a way with words.  I'm saving this quote for a future Winning Words.

FROM WILLMAR REV:  I've learned now, and have for the past 30 years, am pastoring in an agrestic area of west-central Minnesota. 0;-)===JACK:  "Old McCullough had (a farm) an agrestic congregation."  That could be the start of a great new hymn.  You can fill in the rest of the words.

FROM COPPER COUNTRY BOB:  My life has a acre or two of  agrestic.===JACK:  "You can take the boy out of the agrestic, but you can't take the agrestic out of the boy."  Who can forget those days at Unity...when an early pre-surgery hospital visit to a member caused him to think that he was dying...or the time (after you left) when a pile of manure mysteriously appeared on the pastor's kitchen table.  Green Acres, revisited. 

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  green acres is the place to be!  an agrestic lifestyle is the life for me!  ===JACK:  How did you know that Green Acres was one of my all-time favorite TV shows.  In fact, I've been watching reruns this past week....and still laughing at Oliver, Lisa, Eb, Mr Haney, Ralph and Arnold.

FROM BC:  Bravo italiano===JACK:  He did some of his best work while lying down on the job.

 

 

*Jack’s Winning Words 2/21/22 “I never much cared for Presidents Day.  I believe that Washington and Lincoln deserve their own birthday celebrations.  But who am I?”  (Mr. Bob)  English majors discuss where to place the apostrophe in Presidents Day, or to have none at all.  Personally, Mr. Bob and I are on the same page, but since that bridge has been crossed, I’m in favor of no apostrophe..  This week I saw a ranking by “historians” of effective presidents.  Washington came in first and Andrew Johnson brought up the rear.  What do you think?  What’s an effective President in your mind? ;-)  Jack  FROM SHARIN' SHARON:  I appreciated reading your WW.  Actually, it would be ok if Washington and Lincoln had their own birthday celebrations but for all the other Presidents I am joyfully celebrating President Obama and also President Kennedy and President Biden.  I can’t imagine how Biden feels when he knows people right inside his Church want him not to be able to receive communion due to his Presidential stand on abortion but fortunately his own Priest and the Pope affirm Biden is a faithful Catholic.  In my opinion, many Presidents have had to make great personal sacrifices when they take that job and it’s respectful to acknowledge that sometime during the year, other folks probably don’t have much appreciation for the ones I listed but have other Presidential heroes they respect and want to acknowledge—freedom in a democracy such as ours is pretty essential.===JACK:  The old saying is true..."You can't  make a true judgment until you've walked in the other person's shoes.  FROM DR J IN OH:  I know who I think is at the REAR of the list… any guesses???===JACK:  The historians list him closer to the end than to the top.  Eisenhower was put in the "upper" category...and, in retrospect, I guess that is accurate.  I voted for Stevenson, instead. FROM HONEST JOHN:  Most of the time Lincoln and Washington top the lists made by historians….Andrew Johnson, James Buchanan and Warren Harding tend to bring up the rear.   The crux of the matter is “what criteria are being used?”===JACK:  "Effective" is the key word, and "who are the historians?" is also key.  I was surprised to see taht Lincoln was not closer to the top...but he had a lot on his plate.  There was once an "anonymous visitor" who attended random church services and rated the congregation and also rater the pastor and his sermon.  I w2onder if a stop was ever made at your church.  Probably A+ nall around. FROM WILLMAR REV:  I'm reminded of the question that was reportedly asked a prominent wife of the Jewish family owning and operating a steel business here in our small west-central Minnesota community years ago. She was asked if she felt a particular family were good Christians and her reply was, "Are there bad Christians?" Seems like a question one could ponder about the present President and any of the former Presidents of the good ol' USA?! Compare them to each other, some better and some worse, but to become one should be of our highest quality and hopefully be respected as such . . . unfortunately, we have become arm-chaired, including myself, referees at the sport of criticism, with the media helping us with our scorecards. 0;-)===JACK:  In your "team ministries", how have you been rated?  It's also a "game" to the compare ministers who precede or follow our pastorates.  FROM COPPER COUNTRY BOB:  Yep!    You do also.  So happy birth- day===JACK:  You and I are former presidents, remembering back to Augustana days when the pastor was President of the Congregation.  ELC and ALC had trouble accepting  FROM GUSTIE:  I agree—I think both Washington and Lincoln should have their own birthdays!  But who am I!  I would have to throw Jefferson into the list of best Presidents I think. ===JACK:  Jefferson  had his shortcomings; so did Lincoln and Washington.  And, so  does Marlys; and so does JACK!!!!  But, I think that each of us can be effective in our own arenas.  I'm sure that you were  a good daughter, friend, wife, mom, grandma, church member. etc, etc.  FROME JOE AN:   Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin believes there are five characteristics of an effective presidency; humility, empathy, resiliency, self awareness, and self reflection. She believes a president may not change their personality, but can grow if they learn from their mistakes and have the humility to admit them and learning to listen to others. Harry Truman believes that a president must never forget that they are not the power; they are the instrument of that power. ===JACK:  "Effectiveness", not only as it applies to a president, but also as it applies to each of us.  I belong to a group called, the Optimist Club.  At the close of each meetind "the Optimist Creed" is spoken.  "To learn from the mistakes of the past" is one of the statements in it. FROM ME IN NEWPORT BEACH:  A leader who United and inspires.===Church members want that of their pastors, too, and companies want that of their CEOs.  Inspirational leaders are out there.  What president has inspired you?===ME:   Eisenhower, Kennedy, Reagan and Obama.===JACK:  That's a pretty good quartet.  Kennedy's inauguration speech (Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country) wa certainly inspiring.  I think that the Peace Corps came out of it.

 *Jack’s Winning Words 2/18/22

“Do the best you can until you know better.  Then, when you know better, do better.”  (Maya Angelou)  “Jack, you can do better than this,” were the words  of my chemistry teacher as he handed back my test paper.  He was right about that test and about my attitude toward life, too.  Maya Angelou has been  a “conscience” to many politicians and celebrities, helping them to see the better way and challenging them to do it.  There’s  an old song, Swinging On a Star, that says,  “You can be better than you are.”  Do you have a “conscience” in your life that helps you do better?     ;-)  Jack

FROM SHALOM jAN:  MANY years ago, when I was about 9 or 10 years old, we had a retired pastor, Dr. Wolfe, who came from Baltimore to Arlington each Sunday for over a year to "fill in" until we could get a permanent pastor in the aftermath of WW2.  He would stand on the chancel steps and speak to the children once in a while, and often he concluded with, "Do your best.  Angels can do no better."  That wisdom spoke to me in my conscience whenever I was criticized for not getting a sterling grade on a test (especially math) or some other effort that I wasn't the best at doing.  I knew I always did my best and that kept me from being "struck down" by negative comments by my mom or the teacher.  I knew that angels cannot do any better than their best; me, too.===JACK:  I hope you carried that thought with you during your ministry..  Thanks for the good words.

FROM GREAT SMILE:  GREAT quote! ===JACK:  Maya has a way with words...they certainly seem to come from the heart.

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  or would you rather be... a pig?===JACK:  Did you ever watch Green Acres?  Arnold was a pretty smart pig.  He even went to school.  Google: Arnol;d, the pig

 *Jack’s Winning Words 2/17/22

“I tell myself, ‘You can’t change the past, but what you can take away from it is to do better next time.’”  (David Farbman)    Looking back can’t change the past, but it can take your eye off of the future.  A good goal is to learn from the past in order to create a better present (and future).  LifeWise,  a company founded by Farbman, is designed to create (and maintain) healthier people and healthier  businesses.  One of David’s recommendations is: “Keep your eyes open for opportunities to be inventive in creating a better future.”   Now, repeat that to yourself.  ;-)  Jack

FROM WILLMAR REV:  “Keeping our eyes open for opportunities to be inventive in creating a better future.” Not bad advice pertaining to one’s spiritual walk as well?! 0;-)===JACK:  Do we invent, or does God inspire?===REV:  Truth to be known, both are relevant throughout life here on earth, but thinking and hoping He always carries the trump card (no pun intended with ‘trump’ card). 0;-)) ===JACK:  For better or worse, God gives us the freedom to choose.  The trump is: grace.

 Jack’s Winning Words 2/16/22

“But all endings are also beginnings.  We just don’t know it at the time.”  (Mitch Albom)  This quote is from Mitch’s book that tells of Eddie’s death – the end, but goes on to describe his journey into heaven.  The end of life is the beginning of something new and exciting.  It worked that way when I graduated from seminary.  It was the beginning of a whole new life with experiences beyond my dreams.  There are various “ends” – leaving the teens, losing a job, broken relationship.  Has there been a recent end in your life.  Try to see it as a beginning.”  ;-)  Jack

FROM DM:  Good morning, Pastor Jack.  My father passed away four years ago today so your Winning Words are a nice reminder that death is not an ending.  I don’t believe in coincidences, so I especially appreciate this message today.  I will share it with my family.  God bless you!===JACK:  There's hymn, God Moves In Mysterious Ways."  Our exchange of messages today seems to be a sign of that.  Who are we to question the hand of God in our daily lives?  What's one memory of your father that has stuck with you?

FROM SALON SUZY:  Step dad dying in September. New and better relationship with my mother…===JACK:  It's good to know that you are more than a hair stylist.  You are a human being like the rest of us, with ups and downs, endings and beginnings.  God bless you as you travel new roads..

FROM JOE AN:  COVID ended so many things for so many people. It also began to help me realize what was really important in my life. Did it do the same for you Jack?===JACK:  When Covid came to our house, it was a surprise.  Up until then we just saw statistics on the news.  Thanks to immediate treatments made available through the CDC, we were able to keep the worst at bay.  Life is fragile.  We need to be reminded of that from time to time.  We are NOT masters of our fate nor captains of our soul. 

FROM SHALOM JAN:     Thank you, Jack.  There have been several endings in my life the past two and a half months.  I look forward to the beginnings God has in mind for me to discover. ===JACK:  Sometimes we preachers need to practice what we preach.  I know that I do.  Speaking from experience....When I come to endings, God miraculously appears.  

FROM DANDI SANDI:  . I read your blasts every day and always think about your words as they apply to me in my life and my actions===JACK:  WWs is like shooting an arrow into the air.  "Where it falls, I know not where."  I''m glad that some of my missives are read by you.===DS:  I read and consume every word!! Thank you!❤===JACK:  Now, I have to research that poem.  I know it, but I want to know more.️

FROM ST  PAUL IN ZONA:  good one Jack!   worth quoting at a funeral service too ===JACK:  The quote is from Albom's best-seller...% People You Meet in Heaven.  Speaking of books, what comments have you gotten from those who've read...Behind the Pulpit?  

FROM THE ER:  I 100% agree about the positive thinking boosting your day, attitude and productivity.  I also feel it boosts your kindness factor.  I think, in order for this to actually work, and have long term effects, someone needs to hold the individual subvertively accountable.  Now the question is, how do you keep reminding people to be positive….perhaps the under the radar Winning Word? ===JACK:  In my "working-life" I did more than preach one sermon.  There was one sermon that I preached more often than any other...COME BEFORE WINTER...ro do what needs to be done before it's too late, to write that letter, to make amends.  The text: St. Paul was sitting in jail and wrote to his friend...to bring his books, his warm coat (and come before winter) when boats could not said at that time.  It's not told whether Paul got those items or not.  Feedback told me of times when people went home from that sermon and "did what needed to be done."===ER:  That’s very interesting.  I like that analogy a lot.  Sometime it would be great if you would give me the Crib Notes version of that sermon.  Not because I have things left undone so much as I would be interested in hearing it. ===JACK:  I have a file cabinet drawer full of sermon notes of every sermon I've preached.  I also have drawers full of used/unused illustrations.  Who will care?

 

 Jack’s Winning Words 2/15/22

“Being clever with what you have is better than getting more of what you don’t need.”  (Noor Murad)  Famous chef, Murad, is described as a “Willy Wonka cook”, able to make a tasty meal, using just about anything.   During the Great Depression my mom could take “odds ‘n’ ends”  and turn them into a great meal.  I can’t remember ever going hungry.  In life, dreams don’t always come true, but I know people who’ve become successful, simply by “making the best of it.”  In the business world it’s called,  “Thinking outside of the box.”  Be clever today.  Let your mind wander outside of the box, and try do something simple to make this world a better place.  ;-)  Jack.

 Jack’s Winning Words 2/14/22

“All you need is love.  But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.”  (Charles Schulz) 
Valentine’s Day began 1600 years ago to commemorate the martyrdom of St. Valentine.  How that grizzly event has morphed into a day to celebrate “love” - with flowers, cards and candy shows what “marketing” can do.  Fancy cards were an English idea.  Chocolate was thought to be a love-potion, so it was natural to have it as the Valentine candy.  But, to the point – Don’t forget to say, “I love you!“ to that special someone, and as Snoopy’s dad says, “A little bit of chocolate doesn’t hurt.”  ;-)  Jack

FROM WILLMAR REV:  Picked out a card for my lovely Francesca Rose last Friday, $8.99…about the cost of the chocolates anymore?! 0;-)===JACK:  She's worth it...and a lot more.  You got yourself a winner.  ps: Penny candy cow costs more than a penny, too. 

FROM SALON SUZY:  Agree! Dark please❤===JACK:  Milk chocolate is sissy stuff.  ️

 Jack’s Winning Words 2/11/22

“We become successful when we are happier and more positive.”  (Shawn Achor)  Having motivational workshops for employees is BIG in the business world.  Shawn Achor is one of the best in the business.  The usual result from hearing such a speaker is a boost in company energy, morale…and  a work environment that is happier and more positive.  Maybe each of us, whether in the business world or not, could benefit by starting off each day with an optimist thought (Besides reading Wiunning Words).  What’s on your mind that’s positive today?  ;-)  Jack  

FROM WILLMAR REV:  Besides reading Winning Words?? It's hard to reflect upon another "starter?!" I'll hear again from you on Monday! 0;-) ===JACK:  I'll be there on Monday (Valentines Day), if the "silver cord" has not be broken...and the creek don't rise.

  

  

Jack’s Winning Words 2/10/22
“The Homer Simpson family prays before each meal.” (Mark Pinsky – The Gospel According to the Simpsons)  I wonder if you are in the custom of praying at mealtime?  We often use, “Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest…”  There is no specific Bible commandment to pray before meals.  It’s simply a polite way to say thank you.  At some-time in my past I was taught that it is nice to be nice.  My very FIRST Winning Words quote: “Virtue is learned at mother’s knee.  Vice is learned at other joints.”  What “niceness” did you learn at mother’s knee?  ;-)   Jack    

FROM EMT SINGS IN TC:  I just followed her example!===JACK:  ...and what a great example.  I am pleased to have met her.  The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

FROM DR J IN FL:  My mom taught me the “niceness” that all mother’s around their world love their children equally… meaning… don’t discriminate… we’re all equal in a mother’s eyes (and God’s)===JACK:  Your mom taught you "lots" of things; and so did your dad.  ...and you have made the best of that education..

FROM SHARIN' SHARON:  Enjoyed reading the WW this morning.  We always just pray, Lord, thank You for the food we are about to eat.  Amen.  What did all of us kids in our family learn at Mom’s —Dad’s knees too—to try to be helpful, being sort of economically insecure and with 7 kids, we all learned to be helpful and also try to be honest.  And to go to church.  That’s what sustained the family.  I always enjoyed watching the Simpsons, kind of a quirky family but seemed to be well-meaning too.===JACK:  I like that word, quirky.  The Simpsons aren't the only "quirkies."  I have some of that in my DNA, and maybe you do, too.

FROM JOE AN:  Mom and Dad always told us,” Fair is where a pig gets a blue ribbon.”===JACK:  Even the Bible has situations when people could exclaim: "No fair!"  I never could understand how my father could eat pickled pig's feet and enjoy the experience.  He also enjoyed eating Limburger Cheese.  The rest of us in the family couldn't even stand the smell, let alome enjoy the taste.===JA:  I have never heard of pickled pig’s feet but my Dad would eat fried cow tongue. He told me a real German loves it. When in Germany I never saw it on a menu and when I would ask they would laugh.===JACK:  A fancy restaurant in Michigan has a "special pre-dinner appetizer...bone marrow on a cracker.  I haven't tried it.

 

 

 

Jack’ Winning Words 2/9/22 “The road to Easy Street goes through the sewer.”  (John Madden)  I Googled: “Biggest Failure” and, guess who headed the list? Abraham Lincoln!  Abe’s early years were not easy years.  I also read about Harland Sanders.  The idea of KFC came to him at age 65, when he had only $105 in his pocket (along with a recipe for fried chicken).  John Madden wasn’t much of a football player, but, man o man, could he coach and could he announce the game!  Who could forget the 8-legged turkey?.  Your current situation doesn’t have to define your future. ;-)  Jack  FROM SHALOM JAN:  Loved this!  We all need this reminder once in a while that the road to success (whatever that turns out to be) is not always downhill and easy.  Sometimes, though, the climb up the "insurmountable" gives us time to think, to come up with good ideas, and to find the way we were meant to go.===JACK:  "The gate is narrow."  I read that somewhere.

 

Jack’s Winning Words 2/8/22
“That’s the way things come clear…all of a sudden…And then you realize how obvious they’ve been all along.”  (Madeleine L’Engle)  I know that it’s not the gist of Madeleine’s quote, but I’m intrigued by the words, all of a sudden.  Similar is the phrase, in the blink of an eye.  A blink has been timed at 1/3 of a second.  Even faster are the Olympic timers which measure in the millionth of a second.  Winners or losers – oh so close.  With life, as with sports, it’s not winning or losing, it’s how you compete.  All of a sudden it comes to us: There are more ways than one to measure success.  ;-)  Jack    

FROM SHALOM JAN:  Keep improvising, Jack!!===JACK:  I did it every Sunday when I was in the "business."  Now, it's 5 times a week...and it's still fun.

FROM CF IN KH:  I think he also had a Turduckin but the point of your message is more important and so right. Keep on truckin’ as they used to say in the 70’s.  Don’t give up 

  

Jack’s Winning Words 2/7/22
“Life is a lot like jazz.  It’s best when you improvise.”  (George Gershwin)  Lately I’ve been thinking about the unusual twists and turns of life.  I’ve also been thinking about piano jazz music as played by some of my favorites: Dave Brubeck, Oscar Peterson, Thelonious Monk and George Gershwin.  Meanwhile Covid  knocked at my door last week, and I began to see a connection between jazz and life.  How we react to life events (improvisation) can result in beautiful music.  I think that it’s possible to find a rhapsody in the blues.  Is there  music that soothes your restless soul?  ;-)  Jack

 Jack’s Winning Words 2/4/22

“Together ForA Shared Future”  (2022 Winter Olympics slogan)  …if only things would work out that way.  The song, What a Wonderful World This Would Be was written for Louis Armstrong, because he seemed to be the kind of person that would bring people together.  The lyrics remind me of the Olympians…I see friends shaking hands saying how do you do…Why can’t we realize the value that comes from meeting new people and sharing common interests?  As you watch the Olympics, do you think that they help to create a Wonderful World?    ;-)  Jack

 

Jack’s Winning Words 2/3/22 “In Japan, the first person to raise their voice leaves the argument.”  (Fun Facts)   I saw a book: How To Win Any Argument.  There was the picture of a sledgehammer on the cover.  It’s been my experience that other ways work better: Use facts, stay calm, ask questions, listen, be ready to concede some points.  I’ve found it helpful to restate things I’ve said.  “Perhaps I wasn’t clear what I said (then repeat).  The Japanese model of using lowered voices seems to be worth trying when arguing family problems, politics and religion.  Let me know if it works.  ;-)  Jack FROM ESF:  I know this is an old one, but how long to you try, and wait, for things to get better. When do you give up and move on.can it be that the impossible is status quo?===JACK:  Robert Schuller once said that when you come up against a wall, you try to climb over, tunnel under...You keep trying to find a way.  Sometimes I pull back and rethink my position, but (in my mind) I keep looking for a way.  In personal relationships...some things just don't work out...and I can live with that. FROM CR:  I found the more powerless one feels inside, the louder they get in a disagreement. It becomes more about their internal insecurities than much about the initial issue. And then it blows up into all kinds of a mess of no resolve.===JACK:  I have friends who remain friend because we have agreed to dsagree without being disagreeable.  One thing to remember:  NOONE IS ALWAYS RIGHT!  FROM BB IN CHGO:  You raise such interesting points and always present great ideas.  Next time there’s an issue I hope I will remember this one.===JACK:  I suppose it's happened, but I can't recall raising my voice.  I'm just not confrontational...nor were any of my family members. FROM SALON SUZY:  Working on it! We both yell to make our point at time….===JACK:  At least you're working on it.  Good for you! FROM KI FI:  All good ideas; living with a litigator makes "winning" an argument a challenge - hahahaha!===JACK:  Don't worry about the litigator.  Tears work wonders in winning any argument. ===K:  😢😢😢. I’ll give the crying routine a try!!===JACK:  Don't let the tears smear the mascara.

 *Jack’s Winning Words 2/2/22

“When Chekhov saw the long winter, he saw a winter bleak and dark and bereft of hope.  Yet we know that winter is just another step in the cycle of life.”  (From Groundhog Day, the movie)  Every year it seems to be the same…I post a quote from the movie, Groundhog Day – one of my all-time fantasy flicks.  But isn’t this Bill Murray film a commentary on the seasons, even upon life itself?   The characters may change, but it’s the same old story.  Each day is a chance to do better. Personally, I don’t get tired of change;  It simply causes me to think: Thank God for second chances.  Regardless, watch your daily steps - one of them could be a “Doozie.”  ;-)  Jack

FROM SALON SUZY:  Yes, thank God for a second chances 🙏===JACK:  Second chances, except when you cut the hair.  Once cut? ("O, it will grown out.  Let's try a new style.")  Sometimes the second style is the best style.  Sometimes the second chance seems to the best way.

FROM SHARIN' SHARON:  Enjoying reading WW.  Yesterday Jerry drove the 3 miles to Sam’s Club 3 times to fill the gas tank and the lines were so long, he just returned home.  This morning at 7:00 he went there in the winter bleak and dark but with hope and actually was able to fill the tank.  Thank God for fourth chances and no one was there at that dark ungodly hour trying to rob people of their wallets or something.  Hoping the snow misses us anyway.  Best wishes to you and Joan for a warm, safe and cozy Groundhog Day!!!===JACK:  Lines of cars waiting to "fill up" remind me of the time past when there was a severe gasoline shortage.  A church member who owned a station said that he'd make sure that I always had a tankful.  I never had to take him up on that.

FROM WILLMAR REV:  This past Sunday was the date this Rev Dr Paul McCullough (note the same name) broadcasting out of New Jersey interviewed me about pastoring and chaplaincy at the AG in Willmar, right in the middle all the football games. Thought you might be interested===JACK:  Two Paul McCulloughs!!!!   Oooooh! That's scary.

FROM CA YOGA:  Happy Groundhog day!  Were we surprised that he saw his shadow?  Stay warm.===JACK:  Every year it's the same old story.  It's like what the song says: Que, sera, sera!  We plan to watch the movie, "Groundhop Day" tonight.  Have you seen it?  BTW, the Sikhs use a circle as a symbol for God. ===CAY:  You guys are fun  ! Yes,  I have seen the movie.  The sun is strong despite the cold - it brings joy.  

FROM HY YO SILVER:  Weh heh heh el  That was a dooo hooo zeeee ===JACK:Hy, I know what you need...More life insurance.  Am I right, or am I right?

FROM SHALOM JAN:  Thank you, Jack, for the reminder of our daily opportunities!===JACK:  They're all around us when we bother to look for them.  It was fun to watch Groundhog Day "AGAIN" yesterday.

 

 

*Jack’s Winning Words 2/1/22 “We need someone who is going to stand up, speak up and speak out for the people who need help, for the people who have been discriminated against.”  (John Lewis)  What better way to begin Black History Month than with a John Lewis quote?  He was truly the voice of conscience for Congress.  That used to be the duty of the body’s chaplain, but “politics”  seems to have muted that voice.  While Lewis’s words are obviously about racial discrimination, I believe  he stood for fairness for all.  “The words of Jesus” guide my conscience.  Do you have a conscience motivator?  ;-)  Jack FROM EDUCATOR PAUL:  Great WW today.  I’m reading On Tyrany by Timothy Snyder(latest edition). He has so many quotes. Here”s one from Vaclov Havel..a dissident of communist Czechoslovakia in the 1970’s.  “ if the main pillar of the system is living a lie, then it is not surprising that the fundamental threat to it is living in truth“.===JACK:  "I feel as though I'm preaching to the choir."  I don't any response saying, "You've caused me to look at this problem differently."  ...but I keep onb preaching.===PAUL:  I wouldn’t expect anything different  coming from you! 😀