Jack’s Winning Words 9/30/22

“Never complain.  Never explain.”  (Henry Ford II biography)  I didn’t realize that this quote originated in England, which could explain why the Royal Family is so tight-lipped about their activities.  I’m more familiar with it as the title of the biography of Henry Ford II. “What was it like growing up with your grandfather?"  "How come you were married three times?" Someone once told me "you're the most tight-lipped pastor's family that I know of.”  Various roles in life require discretion and confidentialty, whether it be doctor, pastor, lawyer, therapist or friend.  Are you able to keep secrets?  ;-)  Jack”

FROM WILLMAR REV:  "I'm not telling?!" 0;-))===JACK:  Thanks for the Facebook message that someone has been named the greatest AG Community Pastor in Minnesota (In the world?).

FROM SK IN SJ:    Friends share their problems a lot and they always say ‘don’t tell anyone”. So you have to store a lot of “secrets” 🤣I usually say I’ll forget before I can pass it on, ha!! ===JACK:  Did you ever play the child's game: Pass It On?  It's sometimes funny how messages get garbled when passed on.

FROM ST PAUL:  wait a minute:):)  who was married 3 times??  just curious.===JACK:  "The Deuce!"

FROM SHALOM JAN:  Probably a dozen others have written this: the quote is from George Bernard Shaw.  I'm not sure but it may be in "Major Barbara".===JACK:  It is the title of Ford's biography and probably has its origin with the Royal Family in England.

FROM BB IN CHGO:  When I was young, there were many questions answered with “it’s not y/our business”  We did not talk about tragedies, accidents, divorce etcetera.  I was also told to speak softly in restaurants and in public as “it’s no one’s business or no one else wants to hear y/our conversation”.  Now, with people shouting into their phones in public places including trains and airplanes, I wish they had my mother around to “school them” on their blather😊  Keep it to yourself!===JACK:  I can't remember that we, as a family, even went to a restaurant.  It was the Great Depression, and we had no money.

FROM JOE ANN:  I had a child of five tell me she knew a secret but she could not tell me because she swallowed it!===JACK:  Maybe her secret was that she was chewing gum.  Did you ever swallow your gum?  I did.

FROM KF IN WB:  I’m really good at keeping secrets- especially big ones!! 😄😄 ===JACK:  Is it animal, vegetable or mineral?===KF: Definitely animal.===JACK:  Related to you? 

 Jack’s Winning Words 9/29/22]

“If you’re not moving forward and you’re not evolving, you’re devolving, and I don’t want to go backwards.  I want to be better at what I do – tomorrow.”  (Audra McDonald)  Aodra is a trained classical singer who is also a “pop” star.  Have you heard of her?  She’s said that in her singing she reaches deep down and tries to sing the truth.  Whether or not we are singers, each of us can reach down and try to speak the truth in our relationships with others.  Personally, I want to evolve into some better than I am now.  It takes concentration.  It takes a search to separate what is true goodness and what is just “the ordinary.   I believe in the theory of evolution: it’s better to evolve than to devolve!  ;-)  Jack

FROM TONY:  Jack, your nuggets every day are easy to take for granted.  You have such a knack for truth in each message, in 8-10 lines.  I don’t say thank you, enough.  I hope you have everything you need.  It would be nice to rest over coffee with you sometime. ===JACK:  Why not stop by when you're on this side of town sometime?  We'll be here until the end of Novemeber.  Give a call.

FROM JU IN NC:  Evolution Watch:. Folks in Minnesota,will someday grow tail's.  It is just too hard to hold a plate of grilled steak, glass of lemonade, and brush away flies and mosquitoes at the same time.===JACK: Evolution Watch:. Folks in Minnesota,will someday grow tail's.  It is just too hard to hold a plate of grilled steak, glass of lemonade, and brush away flies and mosquitoes at the same time.

FROM ST PAUL:  i think this is part of why you have reached such a ripe old age....you just keep evolving!   good work,  Jack!===JACK:  Even my theology is evolving (for the better, I hope).

FROM BB IN CHGO:  Yesterday I heard/read:  Imperfect action is always way better than perfect inaction…Take a chance if you make a mistake, you can always try again (get a new job) etc.  I think fear of failure may be a component in people choosing not to evolve.===JACK:  I think that you've got that right.  Fear of failure often leads us to do something lesser than we are capable of doing.  A good piece mof advice from my home pastor...."Don't go searching for a "better' congregation.   Start your own!  That led me to start a church "from scratch" on two occasions.  Neither begame a mega-church, but the experience gave me great satisfaction. .===BB:  I had no idea you were such a pioneer.  I’d love to hear about your ideas – the hows and whys of those decisions and whether you feel the church as a whole is moving in the right direction.

 

I got to visit the historic Archbishop’s house on State Street yesterday.  As you may know, the AB and Cardinal do not live there; the Cardinal chose to live in community at the FXW Catholic school property where the old Holy Name Cathedral sits.  As a Jesuit/Ignatian, I guess poverty and the simple life are part of his  vows so he will not live in the “big house”.  Ha.  The Pope won’t live in the Pope residence for the same reason; so here we have these mega high value properties being used for practical purposes to some extent.  Hmmmm.  When I wondered aloud how many Venezualan refugees could be housed I got a little speech on what “the church” is doing in Chicago in particular to help these folks and how the Kolbe House (which helps newly released prisoners find work and housing) are doing to integrate people into community life rather than sequester them on the margins.  This work, doing justice, loving mercy, takes a lot of arm-twisting (I  think) from powerful people who would rather meet and discuss than roll up their sleeves and work😊Hope to talk to you live and in person one of these days.===JACK:  Yiu may not know, but....the first inter-faith worship service held in the Chicago Archdiocese was held in my church in Grayslake and authorized by Cardinal Cody.  The speaker was a Chicago priest, Fr Art Haubold, who was my cousin.  You might also be interested to knnow that I was among the first of non-Catholic pastors to give a lecture to seminarians at the Mundelein Seminary.  I was also allowed to play on their golf course at any time. 

 

 

 

Jack’s Winning Words 9/28/22

“A hug is always the right size.”  (Winnie the Pooh)  Generally speaking, I’m not a hugger (more of a shake hands-er).  But I’ve notice that more and more people are exchanging hugs these day, even in spite of the pandemic.  Why? Psychology Today says that there’s science behind embracing. A good hug (lasting 5 to 20 seconds) actually lowers stress and makes a person happier.  I suppose that there’s a feeling of comfort in being held close, maybe going back to when you and I were children.  Now, go out and give someone a big hug today (but don’t forget to ask permission first).  ;-)  Jack

FROM MAGGIE:  Good morning, Many years ago I visited a funeral home to see a friend who had lost a loved one. I subsequently heard from others that my friend was telling others about all that I had done for her. Jack, the only thing I had done was hugged her when I greeted her. Hugs mean a lot. Thank you, my friend.===JACK:  If we only knew....many little things have meant BIG things to others. FROM PEE WEE:  A good reminder!!!===JACK:  I'll bet that you're a hugger, especially around small children>

DROM WILLMAR REV:  My go-to greeting and question when a hug would seem to be appropriate, “Are you a hugger or a shaker?”  For a time on Sunday mornings some years ago now, I put together and oversaw our ministry of H.U.G.S. (Hosts, Ushers, Greeters & Senders). As folks were leaving our services I would stand outside, thank the new guests for coming and offer them a “Hershey Hug chocolate” or “heavenly hug?” 0;-)===JACK:  If ever there was a hugger.... YOU'RE IT!  You're a big Teddy Bear.

FROM QUILTING CAROL:  In Woodstock, we had a new pastor come who brought “hug” coupons.  He’d offer you a coupon and give you a hug.  You could choose to keep it or pass the coupon along with a hug.  They became VERY popular, and members had some good times and hugs.  One older lady told Bob one Sunday morning as he gave her a hug that he was the only human who had touched her all week… Human contact is very important. My family were not huggers until after my father died.  He fell off a roof he was shingling at the age of 72.  We learned quickly that hugs were important!  We greet with hugs and depart family gatherings with hugs as you never know when or if you’ll have another chance to hug someone you love – family members or friends.  Once you open your arms the recipient can respond and if not – a handshake works ok too, but I prefer the hug.  Hope someone hugs you today. I know I would! OOOOOOOO===JACK:  Our family members were no huggers.  I didn't have a hugging church, either.  I thought that it was a Scandinavian thing, but I guess not.  Joan's family always says, "I love you!" when they depart or end a phone call.  That also hasn't been a custom of my family.  Emotions are there....hiding.  In these days when people are being accused of inappropriate touching, I'd be afraid to hand of HUG coupons.

FROM DR J:  I’m a HUGGER!  Always have been. I make Kiki give me a 10 second hug because I told her it was good for my health ;-)  So I count VERY VERY SLOWLY before I release her ;-)  Watch out… I’m going to give you a big hug next time I see you ;-) But I will ask permission first ;-)  Enjoy this fall weather ;-). The leaves will be changing soon.===JACK:  I grew up, feeling that a hug was an invasion of someone's privacy.  During my lifetime I see hugging by pastors as more and more common.  I still shake hands, unless the other person comes at me with arms outspread.  "We are who we were."

FROM ER IN  SJ:  You've grown into a "okay...sometimes" hugger. I am so proud of you!===JACK:  What am I supposed to do when someone comes at me with arms wide open?  Turn my back?  ...or, when someone says, "I love you?"  Grunt?  Slowly, but surely, I'm adjusting...and it's not so bad.===ER:  True, I'll hug your front or your back. You are stuck.  Being uncomfortable = growing. Not always easy, but almost always good. -Still proud of you in St. Joe===JACK: It takes time...and practice.

FROM GINROOM7:  Thank you John! Enjoying your winning words! Hugs🤤 ===JACK:  Hugs must be a BIG thing on the westside of the mitten.

FROM SR RD:  What a beautiful message, dear Jack!  Thank you so much! I have heard and love  the  Indian group, who when they meet one another on the street say:  - "I see you!"   -  "Because you see me, I am here!"===JACK:  The next tome we meet I'll have to remember to say, "I see you!"  Maybe i can say "Peek-a-boo" first.===RD:  May I send both you and Joan a hug online. . .or doesn't that count?🤣===JACK:  XXXOOOO.  They simply represent the real thing.

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  on occasion, unless the govt tells me i have to social distance for some hoax designed to take down western economies...===JACK:  When there's the danger of a pandemic I choose (myself) to mask up, whether of not I'm told to do so....especially in the airport and other crowded public places.  

  

 

 

 

*Jack’s Winning Words 9/27/22 “We do inherit the earth from our ancestors;  we borrow it from our children.”  (Native American Proverb)  3 years ago a youth movement to save the earth began with a 16 yr old Swede, Greta Thunberg as the leader.  Taking action for dealing with the problem of climate change continues to grow.  Greta’s not popular with everyone, but that’s not her goal.  She wants to alert  “the world” that the planet is in danger.  I read recently that “there is no plan-et B!”  There’s a verse in the Bible (Isaiah): “A little child shall lead them.”  Miracles will happen because a child takes leadership.  “The lion shall lay down with the lamb!’ and both will be safe.  Could we be seeing the Bible come to life in our day?  ;-)  Jack    FROM BB IN CHGO:  Enjoyed the poem this morning.  Thank you for sharing these thoughts.  Greta’s an inspiration whether or not you agree with her point of view.===JACK:  For you Greta critics.....What good were you accomplishing when you were sixteen? FROM GOOD DEBT JON:  Interesting that we somehow borrow and mortgage it before returning it.===JACK:  People often ask me as I age, what differences do I see in the world of today?  Upon reflection.....so many people are living on credit, living with stuff that they really don't own.  In the old days, you didn't buy something until you could afford it.  FROM CPA MIKE:  I'm all for saving our planet. My biggest fear is that politicians are really going to screw this up. We need to find a better way.===JACK:  I don't trust politicians to do it.  Turn it over to the "Gretas," meaning people who is really interested in doing something to see that it's accomplished.,===M:   I would prefer non political scientists.===JACK:  I believe that there are such. FRO SR RD:  I believe so, too, Jack, and much of it is coming from the YOUNG people!!!===JACK:  They have the most to lose.  The Church needs to energize the youth, too.  St Francis won't last forever.===R:  Amen and Amen.  As long as we're talking about miracles.  Will there ever be a female Pope?===R:  I do believe so. . . . 😏 FROM JU IN NC:  As the earth becomes destroyed, we want to see more of God.  If we SET our eyes on the invisible Hope.. we will not Become Beset by the visible hopelessness.===JACK:  I think that you've hit the nail on the head.  Without the help of God, our striving will be in vain.  There's a song: "My God and I." FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  just so you know, i am not rising to this bait 😂 ===JACK:  Just so you know, I believe that you are a caring person about people, about conditions, about the earth.  Solutions to the many problems that appear before us are not easy to come by.  I am impressed that you "care!"===LIZ:  thank you! i do, and i do a lot of volunteer PR work for good causes..===JACK:  You probably even give a hug to someone once in a while..===LIZ:  you know masks don't work, right?===JACK:  If you say so.  You seem to have the answers.  (I'm not trying to be snide.)===LIZ:  the kind like my daughter wears in the hospital is the only kind that works. she is in ICU. also... 25% of common cold viruses are coronaviruses. a cold will get you a positive test result.  we've lived this long. i'm not worried!===JACK:  There are still medical buildings that I visit that require masking.  No problem for me.  In fact, I'll use one later this morning.

 

Jack’s Winning Words 9/26/22 “Respect your ancestors, for you are the result of a thousand loves.” (Linda Hogan)  This quote is from Hogan’s book, Dwellings.  I never thought of my grandmother having a love affair with the grandpa I never knew…and I feel uncomfortable even considering it.  But the reality is this:  We each are the result of a love encounter.  Some of you might remember the song, Let’ Fall In Love…and the lyric: Bees do it; birds do it; even educated fleas do it.  Let’s do it; Let’s fall in love.”  When the song was released, there were  probably calls by some to ban it.  Ha!  Try banning love.  Even my anscestors had love lives.  Did yours?  ;-)  Jack FROM MAGGIE:  Good morning, Jack. Mike and I have a family story that was uncomfortable when we first learned of it. But the family remained together and were graced by God. Stay well… ===JACK:  We each have our stories.  Truly being the pastor of a congregation means that you've heard many stories.  Yesterday we sag: "What a friend we have in Jesus....all our sins and griefs to bear." FROM ST PAUL:  good one, Jack!    i have sometimes told children that they would not be here today if i had not married their parents:):)   most often i get a laff from the parents. ===JACK:  The "Virgin Birth" keeps us from thinking about Joseph and Mary having sexual relations...as though that would be "bad."===SP:  i recall talking to a well informed Catholic woman who told me that Catholic theology has historically offered only two models of womanhood:  Eve,  the perpetual temptress and Mary, the perpetual virgin.   two extremes with nothing in between!===JACK:  That reminds of the song with the line"Don't mess with Mr (Missus) in-between."   FROM THE FISH IN NOVA SCOTIA:  more than I knew about until I took my ancestrydna test and was contacted by a half-niece and found out my Dad was her grandfather. Have adjusted to that, although since I always wished I had siblings, I never met or even knew about a half-sister ten years older than I am.===JACK:  Those Ancestry sites can be good and bad, sometimes telling us more than what we want to know.  A Swedish guy has said that my grandparents probably eloped to America because their parents didn't approve of the relationship.  That's just his surmise.  FROM GUSTIE:  Hard to imagine, but I guess even my parents did.  Ha!===JACK:  How about your grandparents?  Or, as your children if they know where they came from?===G:  I have done both ancestry and 23 and me but being so dumb on the computer I don’t know much.  My Mom came from a family of 12 kids and Dad from 10 so I guess they were loving.  Ha!  I did find out that I am 100% Scandinavian. ===JACK:  Only one look, and someone can tell that you're a Swede.===G:     Right!!  I sure eat like one!===JACK:  Who cares?  Except, maybe your doctor.  Just be careful.  Your loved ones want you around for a while longer.   FROM DAZ IN COLORADO:  I like your good positive WW thoughts for Monday. ===JACK:  Some days I need to read them in front of a mirror.  FROM WILLMAR REV:  Surely so! 0;-)===JACK:  Before or after your coversion?===REV:  I didn’t have much biblical or secular understanding in those earlier days asking Jesus into my heart at the age of seven.  Further back than I can remember, my greatest of all Grandfather Adam had a love affair with my greatest of all Grandmother Eve…Some of my pastoral friends tell me they aren’t real live characters, and if so, I have no idea who had the first intercourse encounter. 0;-))===JACK:  Does it matter?===REV:  I’m hoping they are actually an ancestor?.! 0;-)===JACK:  I guess that the lineage has to start somewhere.  FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Of course! And most of us are products of a love union! And my children are products of a Love Union!! VIVA LA AMOR! :-)===JACK:  ..."and the beat goes on! " FROM SHALOM JAN:  I'm here.  I imagine my ancestors and my parents (cringe!) had love lives.===JACK:  Why do some politicians insist on creeping into the bedrooms of "we, the people?" FROM BB IN CHGO:  Great line of prose.  I’ve thought about this one a lot; we don’t typically think of the grands having an intimacy kind of love.  Back in the day I think many married for security, partnership, family, and “love” if present grew over time.  I have some (for the time) 1916? Pix of my grandmother that I think are “saucy” given the standards of the day.  The pix of my grands were found in my uncles tacklebox when he passed at 90.  No one wanted them so I took them.  Apparently my grandpa carried them in the little metal/silver business card case in his pocket.  Wow – that was love and a little of the spicy stuff too😊===JACK:  I think that there was more hankie pankie going on in those days than we would care to imagine.  We're here, aren't we?

 

Jack’s Winning Words  1/23/19 “We have no right to ask when sorrow comes, ‘Why did this happen to me?’ unless we ask the same question for every moment of happiness that comes our way.”  (Unknown)  I saw a picture of a man banging his head on a table with the caption, “Why me?”  There’s a book, When Bad Things Happen To Good People.  I’d venture to say that more good things, rather than bad, happen to us in our lifetime.  Count your blessings and see if that isn’t true.   ;-)  Jack

 Jack’s Winning Words 9/22/22

“Fear makes cowards of us all.”  (Shakespeare) quoted by Guy Stern  This line from Hamlet is meant to show that we arrive at different conclusions when we think things through.  Fear sometimes causes to choose the “easy” way.  Guy Stern and “The Ritchie Boys” did dangerous work during WW 2 as spies.  Stern and his buddies were real heroes because of the choices they made.  Conscience os a powerful force.  It can cause us to do what we might not ordinarily do.  Lombardi used a form of this quote to motivate football players…and it worked.  Along with this quote, Hamlet also said: “To be, or not to be.”  Have you ever faced a decision where the answer called upon you to use your conscience?  ;-)  Jack

FROM DANDI SANDI:  I just downloaded Guy Stern’s book, ‘Invisible Ink’. Thanks for the recommendation! ===JACK:  I'm proud to have him as a resident in our community.  I understand that he's 101 yrs old.

FROM SHARIN' SHARON:  Good morning, Pastor Freed, intriguing WW and whole paragraph you emailed out.  I think the whole thing boils down to are we afraid of consequences from God or from human mortals, or maybe do we rather love God more than the sometimes false self-seeking of human mortals?  Conscience is a powerful factor in our lives, in my opinion and experience anyway.  Appreciated reading your WW and reflection,===JACK:  Conscience can be a nagger.  It's good to have naggers....once in a while. 

FROM CR:  Today on a walk with a friend, we passed several homes with yard signs for various political and school board positions.  My friend commented that she didn't care about the school board because her kids aren't in school anymore.  My conscience flashed and I spoke up urging her that our public schools are important for everyone and to please consider checking into the candidates and voting.  She's a strong Democrat and is aghast at the attempts to censor literature, history, and marginalize some students/families.  I spoke to her desire for a more just society and urged her that boards of education may influence our present and future, one way or another.===JACK:  Thanks to you, I think she's got it.  If one is to conside the impact of one vote....perhaps the most effective one is in a school board election.  Friends are meant to have conversations such as yours.

FROM BEE CEE:  I want to read Guy Stern’s book!===\JACK:  Talk to Joan about it.

 

 

> Jack’s Winning Words 9/21/22

> “I get by with a little help from my friends.”  (The Beatles)  One day John Lennon and Paul McCartney were fooling around on the piano and came up with a tune: ”The Bad Finger Boogie.”  That evolved into another Beatles Hit Song about a lonely man who is able to get by because of his friends.  I’ve referred to the importance of friends before.  “A friend is someone you can call up at 4 AM, just to talk.” or “A friend is someone who walks in when others walk out!.”  Let’s face it: What would we do without our friends?  One of the most popular of church hymns is, “What a friend we have in Jesus>”  It was a poem, written by Joseph Scriven to his dying mother.  ;-)  Jack

FROM EDUCATOR PAUL:  I’m one of yours!===JACK:  The mutual admiration society!

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Enjoyed your WW today! Friends are invaluable and I cherish mine. The circle continues to get smaller..===JACK:  My circle is getting larger now that I'm spending part-time in Minnesota.  But God is good...and we accept whatever comes our way.   ...

FROM NRC:  My big brother, Jack. Has been my special help as I grew up.  Thanks, Jack.  Love, Nancy Ruth===JACK:  Surprise!  Surprise!  I thought5 that I was a pest.

 

Jack’s Winning Words  1/23/19  (9/20/22) “We have no right to ask when sorrow comes, ‘Why did this happen to me?’ unless we ask the same question for every moment of happiness that comes our way.”  (Unknown)  I saw a picture of a man banging his head on a table with the caption, “Why me?”  There’s a book, When Bad Things Happen To Good People.  I’d venture to say that more good things, rather than bad, happen to us in our lifetime.  Count your blessings and see if that isn’t true.   ;-)  Jack FROM MAGGIE:  Thank you, Jack, for today’s reminder. Today we will lay to rest my mom’s, Eileen’s, last sibling. As we gathered yesterday and then again today, I’m deeply grateful for my mother’s large family and all the cousins that I still have. God bless you, my friend.===JACK:  Funerals are usually a time when we look back and "see" what time has accomplished.  It's a good occasion, even today6, to see how God has affected our lives. FROM SR RD:  It is true, indeed, dear Jack!!!! Uncountable blessings! ===JACK:  Whether we realize it, or not, there is ONE who is looking over us===RD:  .Oh, I don't even need to count my blessings; they are continuous, Jack!===JACK:  Yes, impossible to count our blessings.  They are beyond numbering. FROM ST PAUL:  here is another take on this matter.  why do bad things happen to anyone,  good or bad, or ugly?:):)      i liked what you had to say here.  it's going into one of my many files:):)===JACK:  It reminds me of the Hoffland song: "H's got His eye on you (Paul H), He's got His eye on you! FROM SHARIN' SHARON:  A thought-provoking WW to reflect upon.  In my opinion, and experience, when a person has lived long enough to experience the “reversals” and actually the conversions in one’s own life and even in the lives of others who have been antagonists, really a person can believe the arc bends towards justice (I think that’s the famous modern proverb) and feel pretty blessed and content with the life journey one has been dealt from God, our Creator.  Love, faith and hope carries the day, as far as I can see anyway.  Have a great day,===JACK:  This is another example that we are reading from the same book, the same chapter and the same page. FROM THE FISH IN NOVA SCOTIA:  That was the book that helped me the most. We have given a number of copies to newly bereaved parents over the years===JACK:  I'm sure that you've read it yourself...probably more than once.  I haven't forgotten.

 Jack’s Winning Words 9/19/22

“Aren’t there any grownups at all?”  (William Golding)  This quote is from Lord of the Flies, and describes a time when some boys discover that they are on an island with no adults.  It has caused me to think back to the importance of grownups in my life…my parents, my Aunt Nell and Uncle John, my high school chemistry teacher, I.B., Mrs T, Hjalmer and many others.  I am not “self-made,” nor are any of us.  Who have been the grownups in your life?  We live in a world beset by many problems.  Who is to be the adult, the one who shows the way?  The Lord of the Flies is real life!  ;-)  Jack

FROM KW IN MI:  Hope all is well with you.  I have a delightful quote from Helen Koester   “We do the best we can until we can do better.”===JACK: That's a good one....and it goes into my file.  Thanks 

FROM SR RD:  The Rule of Benedict, my parents, Sisters Mary Minette, Margretta, Myron. .===JACK:  I have learned much from you, too.   

FROM GOOD DEBT JON:  .I never embraced the self-made label. When we describe ourselves as “self-made” there is no one else to share in our deficiencies and fallible habits. While greatly improved by others surely we pick up a few bad traits along the way. To a great extent perhaps we are mostly products of our environment. ===JACK:  To some extent, I agree with you...but when compaing you to others that I know, you are "self-made" more than they are.  If you don't care for self-made, I'll simply cal you, IMPRESSIVE.

FROM INDY GENIE:  My mom and dad, my 5th grade teacher,  Miss Dryskowski and my friend and pastor, Pastor Freed. (I think you might know him:)===JACK:  ...and you had a mind like a sponge, too.

  .

 

 

*Jack’s Winning Words 9/16/22 “One day at a time, Sweet Jesus, that’s all I’m asking of you.  Help me today, show me the way, one day at a time.”  (Marijohn Wilkin & Kris Kristofferson)  One of the best pieces advice I’ve been able to people who are “stresse” is to refer to the song, One Day at a Time, Sweet Jesus.  Don’t burden yourself with the future’s problems before they happen.  “One day at the time, sweet Jesus” is a very good prayer.  “Give me the strength to face each day, one day at a time.”  An article in Psychology Today says that when things seem to be getting out of control, avoid turning to unhealthful habits and choose to live  with hopefulness.  Listening to Cristy Lane’s version of One Day at a Time helps me.  What is it that’s a help for you?  ;-) Jack FROM DS IN SOCAL:  I like this.===JACK:  It's meaningful to me, too. FROM DP SAUSAGE MAN:  This is where our family is since Jeff fell at home and smacked his head Labor Day weekend. He had brain surgery and his recovery has been one step forward then one step backwards. This is day 13 in ICU.  So it's one day at a time, sweet Jesus.   Please pray for Jeff's recovery. ===JACK:  I shall certainly do that.  I need to have him continue to run through the cemetery past my future gravesite.  The positive side of my brain says that things will work out, because he and God are friends.===DP:  Thank you so much.   I remember calling you during my mother's vigil.  I never told you that she graciously passed within an hour of our conversation.   His will be done.===JACK:  There are church members and there are friends.  Some can be both.  Your parents (and family) were both to us.

 

*Jack’s Winning Words 9/15/22 “Sometimes struggle gives you the ability to empathize more with others.”  (Richard Bernstein)  Bernstein is a Michigan Supreme Court justice who is legally blind.  Yet, that does not keep him from distance running, besides keeping up with his docket.  One day my grandson met the judge while out walking and he took the time to give advice on the benefit of going into law.   Just recently Richard drove a car on a racetrack (with a guide, of course) and at no creeping speed, either.  The famous statue, Lady Justice, is depicted wearing a blindfold to convey that “justice is blind!”  Bernstein needs no blindfold.  He understands the law in a way that some other justices miss.  ;-)  Jack  FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  how did your grandson know he was a justice? ===JACK:  His picture is regularly in the news...and he happens to live in our area. FROM DANDI SANDI:  ‘Ricky’ Bernstein was my student in middle school. Remarkable young man. He and his family are incredibly resourceful. Much respect.===JACK:  To have been one of the teachers of the judge...what a responsibility; what a responsibility.  I'm impressed.  Would you ride with him in a race car? ===DS:  No I would not ride with him!!!!===JACK:  I wonder who taught him driver ed? FROM SR RD:  This seems incredible, doesn't it?  Have you ever read Le Veugle by John Howard Griffin, a man who prepared himself for his ever-growing blindness,  and this from a French Blind Man whom he interviewed and grew to love and be grateful to for his having taught Griffin so much from experience?===JACK:  I'm living it out. FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Interesting WW this morning! Thank you ☺️🤗💗! ===JACK:  We're proud to have him as a justice of our Supreme Court. FROM GUSTIE:  He must be a great judge!===JACK: FROM SHALOM JAN:  I suppose you already know that the bishop of NWLMI Synod, Craig Satterlee, is also legally blind.  He was the sharpest dresser, and I commented on that to him, when we were at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in the mid-'80s.  He expressed gratitude for not having the expense of a car, car care, fuel, insurance, etc., so he could buy better duds than the usual student could afford.  A positive outlook!===JACK:  I knew that he was blond, but I did not know about the clothes.  Who picked them out?

 *Jack’s Winning Words 9/14/22

“While we may have more still to endure, better days will return.  We will be with our friends again.  We will be with our families again.  We will meet again.”  (Queen Elizabeth)  These words were spoken by Elizabeth during WW 2 when families were separated, not knowing whether or not they’d see each other again.  They were the right words at the right time.  They take on new meaning now at the time of her death.  Many people believe that death brings a uniting of people.  Mitch Albom wrote a best-seller titled ”The Five People You Meet In Heaven.”  Can you name five who you’d like to see again?  Five who you’d like to meet again?  I happen to think that death will bring better days.  ;-)  Jack

FROM SMILIN' TERI:  Your quotes are most meaningful.  I Went to my chiropractor in the afternoon.  I did not mention you, for some reason, he asked me if I knew you.  OF COURSE!  And told him I just saw you on Zoom.  ….He sends his best wishes and spoke so highly of you.  AND, I agreed, of course.===JACK:  He used to come to Optimist meetings, but had to give them up because of other responsibilities.  Nice man........Nice you, too.

FROM ER IN SJ:  Very timely. My friend, T, lost her dad to cancer early this morning. I gave passed along your healing words to her. Thank you. ===JACK:  Yours is an example as to why I call them, Winning Words.  Tell T that I'm offering a prayer for her and her family...and, while I'm at it...one for you, too.

FROM SR RD:  OH, yes, I can name dozens of persons I'd like to meet again. . .and I agree with you, Jack: "death brings better days"!===JACK:  Naming five, does not eliminate all of the others.  My five do not necessaqrily include prominent people.  My father, for one.  The grandmother who said that she always prayed for me.  Little Sarah who dies too early.  ...and a couple of others.

FROM SM:  We are passing through. On to our internal home🙏Praise to God! ===JACK:  As the old song puts it: "This world is not my own; I'm just-a passin' through."

FROM ME IN NEWPORT BEACH:  My parents, Linda Rudy/cousin who was good to my Mom in her later years, Dick Schwaab/friend and devout Christian who died recently, and Lloyd Howie/college roommate and good friend Navy pilot whose funeral I attended on May 25, 1970, the same day I graduated from law school.  5 of whom come first to mind from a longer list of many others who come readily to mind.===JACK:  I have a new concept of death, since my "near death" about a year ago.  I didn't "see" any loved ones, or even God...but I'll never forget it.

 

Jack’s Winning Words 9/13/22 “A feller can get a lot done in a day if he gets up early enough.”  (Ungerecht Quote)  This quote sounds like something from the Old Farmer’s Almanac, but it’s a slogan from a family of ranchers that I know.  No time clock to punch, no pay check at the end of the week…just jobs that had to be done, like mending fences, herding cattle, fixing equipment.  It’s said that “There’s no crying in baseball.”  Well, there’s no being tired when you’re a rancher.  When there’s a job to be done, it’s gotta be done with no excuses.  Have you ever experienced being around some with a strong work ethic – and how did that influence you?  ;-)  Jack FROM JU IN NC:  Another quote from that person.  "It's getting light in the swamp." Which meant get up, bring the cows home. But I have never regretted the results of this man's work ethic.===JACK:  Jerry, you are just toooo funny.  I've got to meet you in person someday.  FROM WILLMA REV:  "Just 'getter' done!" 0;-)===JACK:  I said that too many Saturday nights while working on the next day's sermon.   FROM THE BUGG MAN:  I have been a fan of John Prine for a long time. Sam Stone is the best song ever written about a vet returning from war (Viet Nam) and also the saddest. There hast to be a sermon in there. I would like to hear your feelings on "Jesus, the missing years". Some people get very upset about it , others start talking about what He was really doing during that time.  My favorite is "souvenirs"   Not sure that's true, I like most of them. ===JACK:  Prine sings a duet with Iris DeMent (down-home music).  As to the missing years of Jesus....I have no interest.  We have what we have and live with that.  Irisw sings "I'll just let the mystery be."  Listen to and read the lyrics. FROM ER IN SJ:  Fun! Such a great quote from such an intelligent man!! ===JACK:  Fun! Such a great quote from such an intelligent man!! FROM ME IN NEWPORT BEACH:  Always have to be doing something. ===JACK:  I seem to recall that your father was that kind of person.  Did you inherit that characteristic?===ME:  Apparently.  We just came back from our 3rd Wisconsin trip in 2 months.  3 weddings, friend funeral and a 60th MHS Reunion.  Time of life where if we can see someone we are trying to do so.  Came back the morning of a close neighbors death. We are all good and son is taking his family to a Packer game this weekend.  As his boys are in year round school, they will spend several days at White Sand Lake in Flambeau area.  Son and grandkids are big Packer fans.  Hope u r doing well. ==JACK:  Who might I know from your reunion/dead or alive?   FROM GUSTIE:  I lived with one of those!===JACK:  Lucky you....and lucky us who were privileged to know him.

 

Jack’s Winning Words 9/12/22 “Old people just grow lonesome  Waiting for someone to say, ‘Hello in there..hello.”  (John Prine song)  Thank you, son David, for introducing me to the music of the late John Prine.  He was a magician when it came to writing  lyrics.  “When I get to heaven I’m gonn a shake God’s hand…and then I’m gonna find a guitar and start a rock and roll band.”  “Hello in there” is a song about lonesome old people who have stories to tell…if only someone would listen.  Old trees grow stronger and old rivers grower wider, but some of the older people grow more lonesome.  Take a look around you.  Is there someone waiting for you to say, “Hello?”  it’s surprising what can happen when we speak first.  ;-)  Jack  FROM JU IN NC:    While on a mission summer in Cleveland our group visited a retirement home and had an opportunity to play a couple of games of checkers with a gentleman who immigrated from Spain.  The next week coming to work at the Lutheran church where were staying, we were taken in by the entire property, which had become run down, as cleaned and trimmed.  Walking around to the backyard, we we came upon this gentleman who had spent his life in landscaping with a pair of clippers and rake.  All we did was play a game of checkers.===JACK:  Just a game of checkers, but HOW important to that man.  If we could only see through the eyes of others.....we'd do some things differently. FROM QUILTING CAROL:  Oh, these words are SO appropriate after we just spent a week-end in IL visiting friends and family.  We aren’t getting any younger and those we visited aren’t either!  Had a delightful visit with Bob’s aunt who is 104 years old.  We asked about what she did in her last job as City Clerk for North Chicago and oh, the stories she shared with a smile!  She retired from that job 39 years ago!  We visited with friends in Woodstock – some who have lost their spouses and still live in their big homes alone.  Yes, they are lonely looking for someone to visit with them! From there we went to the Rockford area to help my older sister celebrate her 90th birthday.  There weren’t any quiet moments at that party and the three of us sisters that are left sure enjoyed our cherished time together.  First time we’ve seen and touched each since before the pandemic – AWESOME!  Oh, there were a lot of stories and memories shared over this weekend by a lot of ‘old people’!  Thank you for sharing this!  Have an awesome day! ===JACK:  An awesome response.  Woodstock reminds of your pastor there who kept an alarm clock in the pulpit, set to give a loud ring when the sermon had gone on long enough.  It also reminds me3 of Groundhog Day.  I was also interested to read about Bob's aunt.  I've been aiming for 103 (in order to beat my mother),  I can just imagine the cacophony when you and your sisters get together! FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Good WW today. I'm so fortunate to have close and caring family and friends!! I have a 93 yes old friend who needs my caring friendship as her family are In AZ!===JACK:  I was going to write: "Once a pastor's wife, always a pastor's wife.....BUT, a part of your personality is the willingness to reach out to where you see a need.  I hope that people reach out to you in your needs, too. FROM ER IN SJ:  Tear jerker for a Monday morning.===JACK:  I like it how John Prine is able to put feelings into music.  Can you think of any songs that do that for you?

 ack’s Winning Words 9/9/22

“Walk through the day with childlike delight, savoring every blessing and sharing trust with each step.”  (Sent by Joe Ann)  JA was a Kindergarten teacher.  She brought me a book the other day (What A Wonderful World) and read it to me as though I were a child.  I almost sat down and crossed my legs.  She had the Louis Armstrong CD for playing in the background.  Imagine that!  Reading to me as though I were a child.  It helped me to SEE the world as a child sees it.   I loved it.  I read of a woman in Brooklyn who has started a pre-school for adults, complete with finger painting and naptime?  Interested?  ;-)  Jack

FROM CR:  I gave that book to both sets of my grandchildren. I would sing/read it to them. Always brought me some happy tears. ===JACK:  What brought me the most pleasure was JOE ANN reading the book to me as she would to a Kindergartener...holding it up to me and pointing to the pictures.

FROM RS IN TEXAS:  I think when we go see our granddaughter in Brooklyn I'm going to check out the adult pre-school.  Nap time sounds especially enticing. ===JACK:  Just you wait....There comes a time when naps are not optional. ===RS:  I see that option going away….perhaps sooner than I suspect

FROM SR RD:  I surely am interested, Jack!! I have always loved children's books. . .and this email reminds me of my having read again the precious book from Dom Helder Camara and his stories and poetry so cherished by me and the people I have already read the ants story to. . . 😄😌===JACK:  Perhaps you could translate Camara's words into a form that children could understand....something to do while you're wondering how to spend your spare time.

FROM JOE ANN:  What an honor, and a complete surprise, to tell me that the way I read that wonderful book to you touched your heart. I do not remember how I read that book to you, but I am so happy it made you feel childlike. I had the most wonderful job in the world. Now if I see an adult hurting someone I want to say go to the time out chair. Jack your milk and cookies are just a phone call away!===JACK:  Time-out chair for me.  I got P in Deportment.  My parents were not happy with that.