Jack’s Winning Words  4/29/22

“Wake up determined to go to bed satisfied.”  (Dwayne The Rock Johnson)   I usually wake up each morning singing a song…”Roll out of bed with a smile… O, what a beautiful morning…”  The day seems to go better with a song (and a hot cup of dark roast coffee..  Tomorrow,  I think I’ll use the song, “Count your many blessings.”  One of life’s blessings is to have something to do that’s worthwhile.  Ruth delivers Meals on Wheels.  Matt plants crops.  Wanda helps people with vision problems.   Accomplishing something productive during the day will leave you satisfied, and going to bed satisfied helps deliver a good night’s sleep.  What will you do today that will leave you satisfied?  ;-) Jack

FROM WILLMAR REV:  Whether I ate or drank or whatever I did, did I exhibit the glory of [our great] God (I Corinthians 10:31)?!?! You are always bringing 'the preacher' out of me, Jack!! Looking forward to hearing from you on Monday!! 0;-) ===JACK:  What causes you to lie awake at night?===REV:  My Gunsmoke App I'm listening to that has caught my interest to stay with it until its over and then fall asleep . . . if not that interesting  for some reason I fall asleep du ring it and pick it up another time . . . the same for a good teaching app from a Biblical educator and pastor out in California (Mike Fabarez of Compass Bible Church in South Orange County, California) who is somewhat like John MacAuthur, but a little more gentler in his approach evangelicalism . . . I'll fall asleep often begore the hour is up and catch the teaching the next night. 0;-)===JACK:  There's a song with the line: "I fall asleep, counting my blessings."

FROM PROUD MARY:  Good morning! Nice to know you also enjoy a “song of the day”.  We’re off to deliver Meals on Wheels today. My brother Johnny’s daily ambition is to have fun and make memories. I admire that philosophy! ===JACK:  What is your song for today?  I woke up sing, "Yes. we have no bananas."  Do you know that one?  It's a "fun" song.  Everybody has their own definition of fun.  What's yours? ===MARY:  I woke up thinking of the theme song from “valley of the dolls” . Yikes! I flipped that switch pretty quickly to “you are my sunshine”. It suits my character better. I still sing yes we have no bananas and think of jimmy Durante and Groucho Marx renditions.  I find the fun in most anything…usually the ridiculous and goofy.===JACK:  Speaking of goofy, I often sing:....Mairzy doats and dozy doats and liddle lamzy divey

A kiddley divey too, wouldn't you?
Yes! Mairzy doats and dozy doats and liddle lamzy divey
A kiddley divey too, wouldn't you?

If the words sound queer and funny to your ear, a little bit jumbled and jivey
Sing "Mares eat oats and does eat oats and little lambs eat ivy"

Oh! Mairzy doats and dozy doats and liddle lamzy divey
A kiddley divey too, wouldn't you-oo?
A kiddley divey too, wouldn't you?

===MARY:  My daddy taught me that song in our early mornings together. I still love hearing burl Ives sing it. I sing it to my grandkids hoping they will carry it into their generation. They think it’s a fun and silly song. Makes me smile. They all know you are my sunshine.===JACK:  You Are My Sunshine is another "good" morning song.

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  everyone needs a purpose, to feel needed... ===JACK:  The responses I get give me a "need" to write WWs.  Who/what gives you a purpose in life?===LIZ:  god asks me to speak for those who can't/won't...  ===JACK:  I'm glad that you and God are on speaking terms.

FROM ER:  This song, ONE DAY AT A TIME, SWEET JESUS,  has held great hope for me during my most difficult days. Thank you for being by my side to keep its refrain ever present. God was right there, every day, taking my other hand, generously allowing me to trust in his plan. I leaned so hard on the two of you. Neither of you let me fall. Thank you both.===JACK:  That song has been a good one for me, too.  I love music and the way how writer attach words to it. 

FROM DR J:  Yes… but here’s the thing…  You deliver WINNING WORDS … no matter what...Don’t underestimate the influence you have.. your years and wealth of experience, your humor, your wisdom, and your kind heart mean something.  You could say just one sentence… and it would be worthwhile.  Thats the influence you’ve had on me over these many years… truly.  I have a digital folder on my computer of various quotes and messages you’ve sent me… I look them up from time to time… when I need a boost.  Keep it Simple… your words matter!===JACK:  I'm preaching (talking) on Sunday.  I know that there are expectations.  The stress is: Will I meet them?

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  does watching your stock portfolio shrink count for something??:):):)===JACK:  What goes up, comes down.  What comes down, goes up.  My portfolio is for the long run.

 

 Jack’s Winning Words  4/28/22

“The bad news is, Time flies!  The good news is, You’re the pilot.”  (Michael Altshuler)  It’s not just your imagination.  Time does seem to go faster as we age.  While the seconds go by at the same rate as always, our brain works in a different way than when we were younger.  Physiologically, time drags for the younger generation and speeds up as we age.  Either way, it’s for us to determine how we react.  It’s a matter of attitude.  You and I control the “attitude.” - a nail-biter or a joyous thrill?  The title of a wartime book/movie gives me comfort…God Is My Co-pilot.  ;-)  Jack

FROM HY YO SILVER:  Great line.===JACK:  I always feel more comfortable flying when I see that there's a co-pilot.  I always feel more comfortable watching the "news" when I believe that there's a G-d.===HY:   More winning words === JACK:  That's my calling...to write Winning Words.  In fact, I "see" WWs as a shortened version of a sermon.  Maybe the church/synagogue of tomorrow will have sermons like that.

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  another good one for my New Year's sermon file.  thanks! ===JACK:  I have one file drawer filled with unused sermon ideas.  Such is life.===SP:  wow, that is interesting.  when i was in Pontiac,  i co-officiated at a wedding at a Catholic church in Detroit and the priest told me that the next day the communion wafer for the first time could be placed in the hand of the worshipper and not directly on the tongue.   that too was kind of big deal.===JACK:  I can't pinpoint the exact time...but it was a BIG deal when I was invited to receive Holy Communion in a Roman Catholic Church, not as an intruder, but as a fellow-Christian.  

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:   the brain works differently? gotta link for that?===JACK:  I simply Googled, "Why does time seem to move quickly when we become older?"  I saw  that there were physiological reasons for time to move at a constant rate, while aging makes the process it in a different way.  The youthful brain sees the rate of passing time in a different way.  Google gives valid sources.

FROM FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR TOM:  A Wing and a Prayer Jack!  Have great day!!   ===JACK:  Was your father's B-25 ever in combat?  I still urge you to take a flight in the B-25 operated by the Yankee Museum at Willow Run.  You don't want to come to the point where you say, "I woulda, coulda, shoulda."===TOM:  Jack - he was about to ship out to the Pacific when the war ended.  He wanted to fly the P-38 Lightning  but instead the B-25. He met my Mom at a USO dance in Chicago.  They were on a training mission at that time.  I miss them but have faith I will see them again.  Hope you are well.  And yes, I should go for a ride in the 25!!!===JACK:  I tend to think that pilots want to be in the cockpit agile fighters...starting with the P-40, and the P=38 was "cool."  Twin engines and a split tail...and then there was the Mustang.  Taking off from a carrier in a B-25 was more than exciting.  What plane that you've flown has excitied you?

FROM NORM'S BLOG:  The real point of today’s quote seems to be that you are still in control, no matter how fast things seem to be happening. Perhaps it is a blessing that time seems to fly. That usually means that you are busy and not just sitting around being bored with life. Personally, I know that I seem to be busier now, in my semi-retired life than I was when I was working full time in a big company. I have two part-time jobs and some volunteer work that keeps me busy each day. I also make it a point to do something with my wife each day and we have a dog that demands attention in exchange for the unconditional love that she gives us. Time flies by.===JACK:  Thanks for the good follow-up, Norm.  You have grasped the point I was trying to make.  Have you ever been at the controls of a plane?

 Jack’s Winning Words  4/27/22

“Nothing is impossible.  The word itself says, ‘I’m possible!’”  (Audrey Hepburn)  Audrey Hepburn was more than just a pretty face   She had an incredible mind, spoke 5 different languages and spied on the Nazis during WW 2.  Her movies were good, too.  What I didn’t realize was that she was a possibility thinker.  Many people are too quick to give up when they come face to face with a problem.  “There is a solution!  I’m going to find it.  As child, in Sunday School, I learned the song: “All things are possible, only believe!”  You may not have a face like Audrey’s, but you can say with her, “Nothing’s impossible!”  ;-)  Jack   

FROM OPTI-ART:  Good morning, Jack.  Thanks for sharing.  Have a good day ===JACK:  .I pass by your street almost daily and wonder how you're doing.  I hope to see you on the Optimist Zoom one of these days.

FROM WILLMAR REV:  You know me and my choruses-- 0;-) Nothing is impossible when you put your trust in God,  Nothing is impossible when you’re trusting in His Word;  Hearken to the voice of God to thee,  “Is there anything too hard to me?”  Then put your trust in God alone and rest upon His Word,  For ev’rything, O ev’rything!  Yes ev’rything is possible with God!===JACK:  That one wasn't in our Sunday School songbook.  Hum a few bars.

FROM GUSTIE:  Thanks Jack.  This move has me all discombobulated!  Ha! ===JACK:  How much STUFF do we really need?  It's better than you (rather than your heirs) can sort through things and save the "precious" items.  

FROM RS IN TEXAS:  Speaking of possible....here's a video of an ice dancer....who is blind! ===JACK:  Speaking of IM-possible...me tryuing to ice dance...and I can see.

FROM SHALOM JAN:  Loved this!  She was one of my faves!===JACK:  Of her own personal faith, Audrey said:  [I have] enormous faith, but it's not attached to any one particular religion…. My mother was one thing, my father another. In Holland they were all Calvinists. That has no importance at all to me.===JAN:  I am using Praying With Jesus by Eugene H. Peterson for my morning devotions.  His scripture for today is Matthew 12:9-14, the healing of the man with the withered hand and the Pharisees, in push-back, conspiring how to "destroy him".  Peterson does a short commentary, usually ending with a question for readers to ponder and answer within ourselves, and then a short prayer; and I thought you might appreciate his comments and prayer today.     Jonathan Swift once remarked,"Most of us have just enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love."  Here is an instance of it, people hating Jesus.  The list of crimes planned and committed on behalf of the deity stretches into a long list.       Why were they plotting?  Did they hate Jesus?"  Prayer:  Like so many others, God, I want your stamp of approval on what I find comfortable, not a life of repentance and risky faith.  Keep watch over my heart today.  Qwickly expose any scheming that masks itself as "religious concern," but has as its actual purpose the murderous removal of the Redeemer.  Amen     I wish I could tattoo Swift's comment onto the faces of so many people who use their so-called "Christian faith" as a means of hatred of those who differ from them in any way, so they couldn't avoid seeing that quote every time they look in the mirror!     Keep up the great work of stimulating my thoughts and prayers day by day, Jack!  God's richest blessings! ===JACK:  Eugene is one of my favorites.  I used to know several people named, Eugene, but that name seems to have gone out of favor.  Watch out with that tattoo needle.  Somebody might steal it from you and start poking your skin.  BTW, do you have any tats?

FROM  ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  i like it, Jack!   this one is actually quite memorable ===JACK:  One of the sermons I heard you preach was actually quite memorable.

 

 

 Jack’s Winning Words  4/26/22

“I see great things in baseball.”  (Attributed to Walt Whitman)  I’ve been a baseball fan forever!  I used to cut out the pictures of players from the newspaper and put them in envelopes marked with the name of the team they played for.  I actually saw Hank Aaron when he was a rookie…and Lou Gehrig play his last game…but last Saturday I missed seeing Miguel Cabrera get his 3000^th  hit,  RATS!.  There’s a saying: “He who has eyes to see, let him see.”  Is there something that you’ve seen in your lifetime that’s really impressed you?  Maybe it was  the Moon landing?  …or the birth of a child?...or, what?   ;-)  Jack 

FROM WILLMAR REV:  ". . . or what?" "Morning by morning new mercies I see?! Blessed to have soooo many!! 0;-)===JACK:  Great Is Thy Faithfulness is one of my  favorite hymns.===REV:  Mine as well, especially that line I used to respond, “morning by morning, new mercies I see!” 0;-)===JACK:  The tune is especially good at that point in the song.

FROM THE IVESTOR:  I remember my grandfather saw the first automobile then saw us land on the moon!===JACK:  Impressive, but I wonder if he ever saw the birth of a baby?===I:  His wife had two of them but I doubt he witnessed it. ===JACK:  I never found out about the birth of my children until and hour, or more after it happened.  "Those were the days."

FROM HY YO SILVER:  You saw Aaron?  You saw Gehrig’s last game?  WOW ===JACK:  Since home TV was not available at the time, I did see Gehrig's speech on movie newsreel...but I was "in the stands" at Milwaukee when Hamerin' Hank played as a rookie.  He was good!===HY:  There's a hymn, "Were you there when they crucified my Lord?"  I've read about the crucifixion, I've preached about it, I've seen artists' renderings...BUT I was not there at the time.  Would I have joined the mocking crowd, or been part of the crying few?  There's a difference between "being there" and "not actually being there."===JACK:  

FROM SHARIN' SHARON:  I've seen a bunch of things that have really impressed me but I believe one thing I saw that really impacted upon me and my family is that 500 year celebration of the positive things in the Church which have happened since the Reformation.  The local and international celebrations were really hopeful and actually continue to guide me forward in a lot of my thinking and reading and relationships and so forth.  Wouldn't be nearly so confident of a good direction forward if none of that stuff hadn't happened a few years ago. Wouldn't personally be so bold if those 500 year celebration things hadn't happened. The memories continue to be inspirational.  Actually, the things you mentioned--baseball, moon landing, new baby all carry that impetus of hope and constructive change to a future that is more open than closed which can be appreciated.  Thanks for the WW===JACK:  I,m old, but not old enough to have known Luther personally.  But, I feel very comfortable knowing that he was "an ordinary guy" with an extra-ordinary mind.  When the devil bothered him, he just farted to scare him away.===SS:  Ha ha, Pastor Freed.  Guess Luther made an impact in whatever way he thought would work.  I love the earthy no-nonsense humor!!!  On his example, I’ll save up my farts for when the devil harasses me too.

FROM ST5 PAUL IN ST PAUL:  i would enjoy baseball a lot more if it was just 7 innings.  but that is just one man's opinion:):):) ===JACK:  If that's the way you feel, 6 1/2 would better...because it would mean that the home team had won the game (or there had been a rain-out.

FROM CPA MD:    I love technology. You can see his hit time and time again even 3,000 times should you choose. Film and TV has enabled me to see Aaron and Gehrig on demand.  Watched the 1952 world series a few weeks back.===JACK:  There's a hymn, "Were you there when they crucified my Lord?"  I've read about the crucifixion, I've preached about it, I've seen artists' renderings...BUT I was not there at the time.  Would I have joined the mocking crowd, or been part of the crying few?  There's a difference between "being there" and "not actually being there."

FROM ME IN NEWPORT BEACH:  I have been impressed by Ukraine’s President Zellensky who to me came out of nowhere.  I have been equally unimpressed with Mr. Putin.  I also find myself embarrassed that, in my opinion, our generation is the first in my lifetime to leave our children a lesser world.  My personal barometer for that remark is my impression that the world is a much less happy and much more angry world than the one I inherited.===JACK:  We are a fickle people.  There's a reason it's called, THE ME GENERATION.  I don't think that people really understand how catastrophic a nuclear war would be.  I agree with your assessment of Zellensky and of Putin (the Emperor has no clothes).  There's also a general misunderstanding of economics.  Inflation has it's reasons beyond whose party is in office.  The same with stagnation or any --ation.  "Ask not what your country can do for you.  "Ask what can you do for your country?"  Kennedy might not have been the greatest President, but he sure was able to generate positive enthusiasm.  (My 2 cents worth)  

 Jack’s Winning Words  4/25/22

“Nothing ever goes away.”  (Barry Commoner)  Buddhist  Pema Chodron adds: “…until it teaches us what we need to know.”  Minor political parties have little chance in a Presidential election.  In 2020, the DEMs got 51+% and the GOPs, 46+%); The Libertarian vote was1.2%, and the Green was 1/4%.  Those minor parties simply made a statement.  In 1980, scientist Barry Commoner, running on an environmental platform, got only  ¼ of 1% of the vote.   He was against nuclear testing and urged the development of organic farming.  Barry’s worst nightmare was probably World War 3.  Would you vote for a minor party?     ;-)  Jack

FROM WILLMAR REV:  I am known for doing that very thing . . . being part of and voting along with a minority party for Jesus, the risen Christ: "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not" (1 John 3:1) KJV).  0;-) ===JACK:  Does Jesus care about the election in America as much as He cares about what's going on in other parts of the world?  Would be side with the Jews or the Palestinians?  the Russians or the Ukranians?  Would He be a GOP or a DEM?===REV:  God is found showing an unexpected indifference and concession to people’s desires away from His leadership and their disingenuous activity which can leave us in a world filled with sin (missing God's mark for Godly inspired leadership) and this paradigm of Him turning people, leadership groups, and even nations over to their own demise . . . I would suggest the question be better stated as, "Do our elections in America care about what God is thinking regarding their agendas (both GOP and DEM, the Jews and the Palestinians, Russians and Ukrainians, and other parts of the world" (Romans 1:18-23; Psalm 89, ESV)? I haven't heard from any of them in this regard lately?! 0;-/ ===JACK:  While people in biblical days believed in a flat Earth, God, in His wisdom knew that the Earth was round.  .....Just wondering...  Do you suppose He cared for the "unknows" of Earth as He cared for the Jews and the Christians?===REV:  By flat-Earth people, not moved by “human initiative, but prophets moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from [an all-knowing]  God.” (2 Peter 1:21 NLT). Very true though, it is we who know in part and look through a glass darkly, and with many voices [often Pentecostal in my circle] yelling loudly, "Thus saith the Lord!" Looking forward to hearing and knowing no longer in part?! 0;-)===JACK:  I try my best, but I can't seem to shake you.

 

FROM CPA MD:    I would consider an independent especially if they had an America First agenda like Trump. No environmentalists as of now. We all want to protect our earth. Not a matter of what but how. My fear is that environmental blindness could lead us to suffering and hardship and further dependency on China.===JACK:  There was an AMERICA FIRST party that wanted to keep the USA out of WW 2.  How would you have responded to the Pearl Harbor attack?  As I read you, we are FIRST, citizens of America, while others would see us first as occupants of the planet?===MD:  Very simply if it benefits the interests of the majority of Americans we proceed. If not, we don't. Don't buy into planet occupancy guilt.. much to our detriment and perhaps to those who have had their hands in our pockets. I would have gone after the Japanese and interceded in the Holocaust.===JACK:  If I'm not to "buy into" the planet-guilt, it follows that I shouldn't buy into the "God-guilt" also.  I think America First is a selfish attitude, much like, "Am I my brother's keeper?"===MD:  Not the way that I see it. The U.S is and has been the most compassionate and generous country on earth and protector. I like and support that.  W.H.O, N.A.T.O, U.N. and Paris Climate Accord have taken Hugh advantage of our country, taking our money and support while not putting up their fair share and continuously saying bad things about our country. Trump was trying to eliminate the shenanigans asking them to pony up to the bar and get with the programs. That's what a U.S president does.===JACK: You are speaking in generalities, and as for Trump, or others like him, an "amoral" person (notice that I could follow..===MD:   Generalities should be sufficient. Everyone is capable of doing their own research and forming their own conclusions   I think that I get your point on Mr Trump... amoral, amoral, amoral. Republicans are thankful that Trump Derangement Syndrome has driven the democrats to lunacy. Old, tired, senile,clueless and very crooked Joe is an embarrassment.  The VP. Unfortunately is worse. Once again, I think that we see eye to eye on the issues. We just disagree on who is most qualified to solve problems. Character attacks from me or you will not change that.===JACK:  I guess we'll have to let it go at that.  I'm just surprised someone as smart as you can't see behind the mask.

FROM GUSTIE:  Just move and find out just how much disappears!  Uff Da!  ===JACK:  One reason we've stayed in our house as long as we have....What arewe going to do with all of the STUFF?===G:  I have been working on my kitchen ALL DAY.  I have the Tupperware left to do.  The movers put it way up high and I can’t do that.  I just hit the wall though so I have to wait till tomorrow.  I have to get on my step stool and sure don’t want to fall off. The kids and I still have go deal with all the STUFF left in the house, garage, and basement.  Uff Da! ===JACK:  Are they "fighting" over who gets what?  My kids have put their name on the things that are special to them.  So far, no squabbles.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  i WOULD, IF I SHARED THEIR BELIEFS. ===JACK:  ...even if you knew that the party wouldn't win?

 *Jack’s Winning Words  4/22/22

“To leave the world better than you found it, sometimes you have to pick up other people’s trash.”  (Bill Nye)  Today is Earth Day!  A recent article in the Detroit Free Press says that the rate of recycling in Michigan has nearly doubled in the last 3 years.  This amounts to an additional;500,000 tons of waste that does NOT go into landfills.  In the Bible Cain asks of God: “Am I my brother’s keeper?”  The implied answer is that mankind is inter-related, and what affects one, affects all.  What are you doing to try and make the world better than you found it?  ;-)  Jack   

FROM THE SCIENTIST:  Just took the recycling out to the corner. Glad we have that option.  Hoping to eco-friendly the yard this summer. Improve the soil, cut back on fertilizers, look at adding native plants. Little things add up, but how to do it on a big (system-level) scale?===JACK:  I remember, about 30+ years ago...It was garbage day and my neighbor and I were taking out trash (including newspapers) for pickup.  He asked, "Do you think that we'll ever get into recycling these newspapers and other junk?"  We've made lots of progress since then, but lots more remains to be done.

FROM THE FISH IN NOVA SCOTIA:  A whale and his pal, a herring, used to go into a certain bar every Friday after work.  One Friday, the bartender was surprised to see just the herring arrive, and the herring was in a very foul mood. The bartender expected to hear something about this from the herring, but didn't, and finally said, "Where's your buddy?"  The herring snapped back, "Am I my blubber;s kipper?"===JACK: Adam and Eve must have had their hands full when raising Cain.  But I guess they dad as much as they were Abel.

FROM WILLMAR REV:  Following the guidelines set before me by local government and have given up any hopes of a private jet and limousine service, but still driving a gas guzzling automobile until the leaders in DC and their cronies decide to lead by example. I'm setting out my recycling this morning too before leaving my house. 0;-)===JACK:  I thought that in the rural area where you live the parson's were still driving a horse and buggy...with hay as the fuel.  Which reminds me...A little boy was watching the milkman deliver milk from a horse-drawn wagon.  When the milkman came back from a house after making a delivery, the lboy said: "You're not be able to go on, mister.....Your horse lost all his gasoline."

FROM HONEST JOHN:  Cain is not his brothers keeper.   He is to be his brother’s caregiver===JACK:  I did not have a brother, but I did have a younger sister...and I did watch over her...and she was so pure that she became a preacher's wife.  If we had lived in later times, she would have been a great pastor.  In fact, has become one...only without a collar.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  cLEAN UP MY LITTLE CORNER....!==JACK:   If you do your part, and I do my part....what a clean(er) world this would be.

FROM NORM'S BLOG:   "EARTH IS NOT HAPPY..... "  

Norm Werner posted: " Earth Day 2022 I got this graphic as today's inspirational message and couldn't help but think that earth wouldn't really be in a happy mood, if it were possible for it to have moods. In fact, earth would be in a foul mood just like it's atmosphere. T" I got this graphic as today's inspirational message and couldn't help but think that earth wouldn't really be in a happy mood, if it were possible for it to have moods. In fact, earth would be in a foul mood just like it's atmosphere. Those billions of pesky little any-like creatures who are running around on its surface (and below) and in its skies have created enough pollution to make earth hot under the collar and earth is showing its displeasure with severe weather events, melting icecaps and rising seas. So, on this Earth Day, instead of being happy or blissfully ignorant, we should all be more aware of the impact that we are having on Earth and take heed of the need to change our ways before the Earth finds ways to deal with this infestation of humans. We hear much about the need to all get along with each other; however, if we don't figure out how to get along with the Earth first, that won't matter. As I sat thinking about earth's current state and the direction in which we seem to be heading it occurred to me that the current hot political word of the moment - "woke" - applies. Although it has recently been perverted by politicians to use in a very negative sense for political gain, the definition that I found online for it seems to apply - It suggests rage, passion, resistance, action; seeking to draw a line against the unacceptable - . We all need to become woke to the damage that we are causing to the earth and draw a line against the consequences if we do not make changes. For now at least, this is the only place that we have to live, so destroying it makes no sense - it is unacceptable. Instead of a Happy Earth Day, we need a Woke Earth Day. Let's draw that line.   C

 *Jack’s Winning Words  4/21/22

“I write because I’m afraid to say some things out loud.”  (Gordon Atkinson)  Are you familiar with the Myers Briggs Personality Test?  It’s supposed to be 90% accurate, and I’ve read that 1.2 M people  take it, for free, each month.  I can’t remember my results from long ago, but when reading over the 16 personality types, I’d have to say that that I’m an “Architect/Logician.”  The Bible says that there’s a time to speak and a time to be silent.  I’m still working on that one.  How about you?  Some things need to be said out loud, and sometimes the lip needs to be zipped.  Ah! To know the difference.  ;-)  Jack 

FROM FACEBOOK LI\Z:  i'm the rare INFJ... now you know "the rest of the story." ===JACK:  Yes, it does.  Are you an A or a J?  I wonder if personalities change with time and experiences?

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  how true!  how true!   thanks===JACK:  You seem to be able to speak in a LOUD voice.  I seem to leave people asking a question: "What does he mean by that?"  And they have to ponder the question.===SP:  sometimes asking the right question is more important than providing the right answer..

FROM SHARIN' SHARON:  Thought-provoking WW.  I definitely believe some things are better left unsaid or else there is a place for timing—something can be said but later when it will have more chance to be received.  Many years ago, a Presbyterian friend was intense about the Myers Briggs Personality Test—I think it was that test—and got me involved with him studying the scriptures and using the statements of Jesus to analyze His Personality.  It was quite an exercise for both of us for a while.  Actually, remember when Jesus wrote with His finger twice on the ground?  I doubt—being God—he was afraid but I bet He knew/knows very intimately Gordon Atkinson.  Thanks for generating these interesting WW for us to reflect upon, Pastor Freed.  They are fun to think about. ===JACK:  If Jesus was truly human, does that mean that the Myers Briggs test would apply to Him?  Which of the 16 personalities might He be?  Or, would He be Personality 17?  

FROM CATHY:  Ugh - admittedly one of my worst qualities - but I’m workin  on it it too! 😊===JACK:  The words of Jesus often (as they apply to us) make us say, UGH!  But the trick is to keep on trying to do better.

FROM EDUCATOR PAUL:  I'm always silent.===JACK:  Ha!!!

FROM DAZ IN COLORADO:  The corollary to that is ---Better to keep your mouth shut and have people think your stupid than to open it and remove all doubt.===JACK:  I've been proud to quote you on several occasions.

 

Jack’s Winning Words  4/20/22 “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”  (Ralph Waldo Emerson)  No wonder Emerson wanted to escape to the quiet of Walden Pond.  It was a hectic America in the early 1800s.  Tuberculosis was rampant.  Millions of immigrants were coming.  Factory smoking smokestacks in RWE’s area were growing like weeds.  A division between North and South was widening.  “Give me some peace and quiet!”  Ah! There was “The Pond!”  …a place of escape.  Do you have a Walden?  A place to get away from it all?  A place where you can just be yourself…and not be what the TV wants to make you?  ;-)  Jack    FROM THE NOVA SCOTIA FISH:  our barrel by our pond--the Bay of Fundy, saltwater to the horizon from our perch 200' up===JACK:  What fun it would be to see those B of F tides come in and go out.  Is there Heaven in Earth? FROM HONEST JOHN:  I believe you are thinking of Thoreau.   Emerson was a very worldly person…lived in Concord, Mass……travelled extensively through the country….pushed his “Transcendentalism”===JACK:  Emerson lived at Walden Pond for two years.  Those twqo guys seemed to be buddies. FROM WILLMAR REV:  (v) There is a place of quiet rest, Near to the heart of God, A place where sin cannot molest, Near to the heart of God.  (v) There is a place of comfort sweet, Near to the heart of God, A place we our Savior meet, Near to the heart of God.  (v) There is a place of full release, Near to the heart of God. A place where all is joy and peace, Near to the heart of God.  (Chorus) O Jesus, blest Redeemer, Sent from the heart of God, Hold us who wait before Thee Near to the heart of God.  0;-)   ===JACK:  Even though it's not in the Lutheran Hymnal, I know that song, having sung it in Sunday School.  You ought to make a CD of you singing those old Gospel choruses. FROM SHALOM JAN:  Best decision of the past 15 years was to get rid of TV.  I have never regretted that decision.  When I want to learn about something, I just get into it on my computer -- when I want to.===JACK:  Ohhhh! You've found your Waldon Pond.  Good for you.  But, how do you know what is the best medicine that you should be taking and what beer to be drinking?===SJ:  Haha, thanks!  Most of my beer is NA, and I just read an article about a brand that is MADE to be NA, instead of just having the alcohol removed from the formula.  Mmmm!  I believe it's also a Michigan product -- even better reason to look for it.===JACK:  During the pandemic we've been using little sealed cup containing non-alcoholic grape juice.  Does that count as Holy Communion? FROM ER:  Naples Beach is my Walden Pond. I found myself, and built up my inner strength, there. As you are well aware, I was very fortunate to have the gift of very little responsibilities while I sat for hours on my "Walden" beach. I felt the healing serenity of my beach the moment my toes sunk into the sand when I was there a month ago. Naples beach will always be special for me.===JACK:  I visited Naples once...downtown, but not the beach.  So, I missed Walden Pond.  I have yet to discover "my pond," but it must be out there, somewhere.

 Jack’s Winning Words  4/19/22

“A public-opinion poll is no substitute for thought.”  (Warren Buffett)  How much “stock” do you place in the polls?  There’s probably a poll indicating that many people look for Buffett’s advice when investing.  Polls can be entertaining (Which ice cream flavor best represents you?)  The question: “Is our country headed in the right direction?”  caters to the crankiness in people.  Not that all polling is bad – It’s like taking someone’s temperature.  Imagine if Moses took a poll and showed the results to God before the Commandments were etched.  Would there have been a different TEN?  As one of my school teachers said: “Use your brain!”  ;-)  Jack

FROM SHELBY JER:  Just wanted to let you know you inspire me.  You are such a Blessing.===JACK:  It's been a while.  Thanks for the response...and, of course, I remember you.

FROM W2ILLMAR REV:  A random thought with your interesting post this morning—I gave up trying to live up to "the Ten", in my thoughts and deeds, settling on, "loving the One and only God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, and as well, loving my neighbor as myself.” This keeps me occupied and reminded of often. I know I can’t right now without studying them, but it's interesting asking someone if they can repeat “The Ten” in order as written. I saw a telecast once where they randomly offered $$$ to anyone that could, and no one could that day. 0;-) ===JACK:  I suppose you've noticed that the Lutherans have the TEN in a different order.  Does that mean that Luther got a special message from God?  ===REV:  I actually have not…just would disqualify him from the $$$ that day! 0;-) ===JACK:  Do different translations of the Bible bother you?  I think that you've indicated that you use the King James Translation===REV:  .Those following any of my posted devotionals find me all over the place with translations…I really enjoy the Amplified Bible and have for a number of years…Bible college was the NASB and the NIV has been popular…I quote often from the NLV and ESV….as I said, all over the place. 0;-)===JACK:  On Easter a stranger, a young man came up to Joan and said, "I am the voice of Christ.  I'd like to have some money for food.  When she did not give him money, he said, So, you're going to refuse to give money to Jesus ... and he went over to someone else.  Joan noticed that he went up to take communion.  Do you think that he was Jesus in disguise?

FROM CPA MD:  Yeah Mr. Buffet made a fortune for him and his investors  by being a contrarian but he never put money into a stone cold loser.===JACK:  I may have told you that a pastor-friend of mine was a childhood friend of Warren's.  They had sleepovers growing up together.  My friend was "in" on Buffet's investments, and after annual meetings they'd go out and have supper together.  Money was never a problem for my friend.

   

 

 

Jack’s Winning Words  4/18/22 “All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy, for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves.”  (Anatole France)  Are you familiar with song, Melancholy Baby?  Ella Fitzgerald has a good rendition.  A melancholic mood is a mood, a kind of sadness over what has happened, over what might have been.  Maybe this sounds strange, but I can imagine Jesus singing that song to me, with the lyrics “Every cloud must have a silver lining.”  Yes, there are those “rainy days” for each of us, with unexpected changes, but the song advises us to “Look for the silver lining!”  We have a God who knows, understands and who cares.  So, smile and let the sun come shining through.  ;-)  Jack. FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Right!  Each new day is a gift. ===JACK:  I don't know if it fits, or not.  When we were in Sunday School, and it was our birthday, we'd bring pennies indicating how old we were.  There was a plastic cake in front with a slot in the top.  When the coins were put in the slot and a fake candle would light as everyone counted the years.  Then, everyone would sing: Jesus bids us shine,  With a clear, pure light, Like a little candle burning in the night; In this world of darkness, we must shine, You in your small corner,  And I in mine.

 

Jack’s Winning Words 4/15/22 “Life teaches you a new lesson every day, if you are attentive enough in the class of life.”  (Invajy) Someone once commented to me, “You must read a lot in order to write your Winning Words."  A friend listening nearby  said, “He knows how to Google.”  Yes, that’s true, but I’m also a curious person.  Have you ever read the Curious George books?  Since 1939 over 30M have been printed in 14 languages.  You and I can learn something every day (even from the books of children) if we pay attention to what’s going on around us. Has today's world situation helped you learn a life lesson?  I’m curious as to what you think..  ;-)  Jack FROM JU IN NC:  Curiosity must be married to thoughtfulness.  It killed the cat but got man to the moon.===JACK:  I'm curious....Why do some people believe that the moon landing was faked?  And, what was it that killed the curious cat?  Do you have the answer to these questions?===JU:  When the cow jumped over the moon the cat looked up to see and the cow landed on it.  And ever since that time many folks thought only cows were able to go to the moon. ===JACK:  You have satisfied my curiosity...and I'm still alive.  Thanks. And that is the true answer to both questions. FROM CPA MIKE: Can't think of any life lessons right now. Got me to thinking about an article I wrote in the early eighties. My draft started with "in these uncertain times" I thought about it and concluded that we have always uncertain times  so I changed it and that was forty years ago. Not much has changed since then.  What comes to mind presently is let's choose our leaders wisely no matter what beliefs we have.===JACK:  You're beginning to see the light.  As to choosing Leaders wisely, we have only one vote.  I would say that it's more important that we choose our Teachers wisely.  In that case, our one vote is all important.===MIKE:   What do you mean by today's world situation?===JACK:  Ukraine, Covid, Weather, Finances, Hunger, Genocide.  We each see the world through our own eyes.  I see the world in disarray, but because of my faith, I do not see it as hopeless.    FROM GSLP:  I just learned that Lauren Kirsh-Carr died and thought you would want to know.===JACK:  Today's Life-Lesson:  Be ready, for we never know when the bell will toll for us.  She was a committed (and unique) pastor.  Her family, the Church and "the island" will miss her. FROM NOVA SCOTIA FISH:  there was a lot to learn in Pogo too. The most famous message was undoubtedly "We have met the enemy and he is us."   I think the language in it might be attacked today as racist, but my understanding at the time was that this was the language of the Okefenoke area regardless of race. I would like to see someone like Christiane Amanpour or Anderson Cooper do a retrospective of it, but have not yet got around to raising the matter with them. Any suggestions?===JACK:  IMO today's emphasis on being politically correct has resulted in our losing some of nuances of the life that is going on around us.  Pogo was one of the best cartoon strips...even.  I could hardly wait for the paper to come each day.  I think that Pogo helped puncture Sen Joe McCarthy's balloon.  I agree Christiane and Anderson are two of the best reporters around today. FROM NORM'S BLOG:  When we are very young, life is all about exploring and playing. There is some learning going on, but we really aren’t paying attention. Eventually the adults in our lives start imposing some discipline and force us to pay attention. They use the concepts of schools and classes to force us to pay attention and develop the ability to learn from what we are experiencing. Some embrace learning through paying attention and some do not. Some take the learning process from their schooling, and some do not. Some continue to pay attention to the people, things and events around them and some retreat into the comfort of being oblivious.===JACK:  When I was in school I paid more attention to the clock than I did to the teacher, but, somehow, some way (maybe by osmosis), I learned to multi-task: watch the clock aand learn at the same time. FROM EDUCATOR PAUL:  I really like that you made “lesson” plural.  So much to learn!===JACK:  A good teacher multi-tasks.  My "best" teacher was one of those multi-taskers. FROM SHARIN' SHARON:   I'm learning a life lesson this week which is that things can always change and change for the better, for more peace especially.  When I was growing up in the Church of Christ in Bayard, Iowa, a little rural community, there was extreme polarization between the churches.  But Tuesday night, I went on Facebook for the Church of Christ Lenten worship and was able to worship with Bob Rogers, Minister of Church of Christ, the woman Pastor of the Methodist Church (I didn't catch her name) and also Father Ray of the Catholic Parish, and worshippers assembled together from those three congregations.  When you see stuff like that, it gives hope that other divided peoples will also, one day, see more peace and reconciliation.  Love and yearning for love, hope and faith and Jesus' Sacrifice for us outlasts hostility and all the evils in this world.  The love has been poured out upon us, I hope it spreads.  Thanks for your WW this morning, Pastor Freed.  May we make it through Good Friday and Saturday and have a joyful Easter celebration of Jesus' Resurrection!!!===JACK:  You are an example of someone who is able to "learn" in spite of faith differences.  I admire your spiritual curiosity. FROM WILLMAR REV:  Everyday is a learning day!! 0;-)===JACK:  Have you ever sung the chorus..."Every day with Jesus is better than the day before"? ===REV: Many times in earlier years…here’s another one: 0;-)    The more I trust Him, the more I love Him Nothing good for me He'll deny The longer I know Him, the better I can show Him I couldn't stop now if I tried   It gets sweeter as the days go by It gets sweeter as the moments fly His love is richer, deeper, fuller, sweeter Sweeter, sweeter, sweeter as the days go by FROM ME IN NEWPORT BEACH:  It has caused me to think more about the consequences of too much power.  I have a concern that Mr. Putin may Becoming the posterboy for the proposition that absolute power corrrupts absolutely ===JACK:  One of the strengths of our government is "checks and balances."  I'm distressed by those who are trying to do away with that for personal political gain.   FROM M & l:  Thank you for getting me back on board.  Yes, todays world has taught me a life lesson- you can’t give in to megalomaniacs. The response to Putin has exposed him as a mass murderer. History has celebrated many mass Murderers as conquerors and heroes. Maybe this time we can stop the revisionism. Let’s hope in the future there is never a chapter in the history books about “ Putin, The Great. “ ===JACK:  Prior to the Ukraine invasion Putin seemed to be a world leader among others.  A miscalculation can certainly make a difference in a reputation.  Megalomaniac is certainly an appropriate word. FROM SALON SUZY:  Amen to that one! Happy Easter!🐣===JACK:  FROM SR R IN SC:  YES! Just today, I learned that we are all sinners: a Ukraine woman did not want to carry a cross with a Russian one!===JACK:  Puzzling, but I see her point.  There are other crosses that the Russian-style one.

 *Jack’s Winning Words 4/14/22

“One day at a time, Sweet Jesus; that’s all I’m asking of you.”  (Marijohn Wilkin)  I’ve used that song lyric more than once when talking with someone who was facing a major problem in their life.  It was that way with Marijohn: alcoholism, a broken marriage, her mother’ death!  By impulse, with tears in her eyes, she pulled into a church parking lot.  Among other things, the minister she met advised her “to take one day at a time.”  Comforted, she and her friend, Kris Kristofferson, wrote the “Sweet Jesus” song.  Thanks to You Tube, you can play it anytime you feel the need.  Remember!  “One day at a time!”  ;-)  Jack  

FROM PAIGE:  I just played that song for my husband Luke and myself as we are waking up this morning. I love it. Thank you for introducing me to such a great song for my whole family. :) Happy Easter!===JACK:  What a pleasure to hve you share this "morning" experience.  If each of could wake up and say...One day at a time, Sweet Jesus.  Oftentimes we want to bite off more than we can chew.  When I'm advising people to take one day at a time, I'm speaking to myself, as well. 

FROM WILLMAR REV:  Sweet Jesus!" 0;-)===JACK:  I see people of the AG persuasion using the Sweet Jesus term more frequently than I do.  That doesn't make it right or wrong...it's what we're comfortable with when referring to God in the human form of Jesus.  I like the term, "friend," such as, "What a friend we have in Jesus."  Of course, there are other terms, as well.

FROM DB IN GR:  Hello Jack  Just wanted to check in and let you know how much I appreciate and look forward to your emails each day. I wish that I had gotten to know you better when I was in West Bloomfield. I think we would have gotten along pretty well. I hope you are well and that all is good in your life. After retiring from WB Parks And Recreation my wife and I moved to the Grand Rapids area to be nearer our youngest son, his wife and our grandchildren. We moved many times in our married life but this has been the best move ever.  Well, keep up the good work with Winning Words. You have a big impact on people with your writings.  Stay safe.===JACK:  Of course I remember you...and think of you when I enter Marshbank Park and see the building you helped design.  You may be gone, but you have made an impact on our community.  I thought that you had moved to Gaylord, but you've probably removed since then.  I still keep in close touch with WB P&R, altho I now live 1/2 time In Michigan and 1/2 time in Minnesota.  

FROM SA IN WASH:  Music for One Day at a Time..... 

https://open.spotify.com/track/5f2btCjcN87enR8OBijRBz?si=albf0jVETZKW4H7IYSirwA&context=spotify%3Aplaylist%3A37i9dQZF1EFsCbd8LFmb6w 

I bet Jesus liked music. ===JACK:  You would have made a great pastor...but great pastors aren't always occupying a pulpit.===SA:  You are a great pastor. Luther leveraged technology (printing press) and would like how you've leveraged the latest technology to spread the Good News. You've also leveraged knowledge of applied psychology and a keen sense of factors influencing your audience's need for meaningful content delivered in a brief statement. Commendable indeed. ===JACK:  You've "nailed" it.  ...and I did it, not on purpose, but by instinct.  I always felt guilty for taking a paycheck from the Church; now I feel guilty for receiving a pension and good medical benefits.  But, on 2nd thought, that's what the Church wanted me to do...as an occupation.  Winning Words has been going on since 1992 and has produced over 6000 Winning Words...and the computer has preserved each of them.===SA:  Luther would say, "Well done pastor Freed!". 

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  .  thanks.    do you suppose Jesus thought of taking that first Holy Week  "one day at a time"??===JACK:  Jesus was truly human, but He was also truly Divine...which means:  Maybe YES, and maybe NO...in answer to your question..  ===SP:  i can live with that somewhat ambiguous answer:):)===JACK:  Maybe, ambiguous is one of the terms we should use to describe someone who is both human and divine.===SP:  i often think about the ambiguities of our faith life:   Jesus,  true God and  true Man;   bread and wine also body and blood;   the Trinity, 3 in 1 and 1 in 3;  you and me, saint and sinner at the same time;  the Bible  humanly written and divinely inspired;  God's sovereignty and our Freewill; etc. etc.  apparently  Lutherans are very comfortable with ambiguities!===JACK:  Comfortable?  I'm not so sure about that.  Sometimes my "evangelical" friends seem so sure about their faith that I wonder if I'm missing something...then,m I remember the man who came to Jesus seeking healing for his son.  Jesus asked if he believed, and he responded: "I believe; help my unbelief."  ...and Jesus did not shoo him away.===SP:  good point.  perhaps comfortable is too strong a word.   how about this:  Lutherans seem to tolerate ambiguity better than evangelicals who insist on a black and white world order.===JACK:  I think that you're right.  In writing his Catechism Luther asked, "What does this mean?"  Evangelicals tend to be literalists when it comes to understanding the Bible...not asking, "What does this mean?"  Or, maybe they do ask that question and happen to come up with answer that differs from mine.===SP:  i once saw a bumper sticker that read:  "the Bible says it,  and i believe it,  and that settles it!'   oh, if only it were THAT simple..===JACK:  A hymn lyric says, "If my faith were but more simple, I would take Him at His word, and my life would be all sunshine in the glory of the Lord."  It could be that we make things too complex...the, maybe not.

   

FROM JR IN TRANSIT:  Also love Kristofferson’s hymn (?), “Why me, Lord?”! ===JACK:  I'll have to look up more about Kris and his religious beliefs.