Jack’s Winning Words 9/17/07
“Never reveal all of yourself to other people; hold back something in reserve so that people are never quite sure if they really know you.” (Michael Korda) I’d like to know what you think about this statement; that is, if you’re ready to open up. My guess is that most people “hold back.” I seem to remember that “to know” means to be able to look into the soul of another person. I’m not sure that I want that. ;-) Jack

FROM MOLINER, J.T.: I don't mind people knowing me, therefore, I open up. My mind and heart are open for anyone to look inside. I might unintentionally hold back, but I don't think so.

FROM T.S. IN MICHIGAN: I think my wife would welcome these words for me. I tend not to hold back and often embarrass her - and I'm sure myself as well - but don't realize it. Well, we are all sinners.


FROM P.O. IN MICHIGAN: I'll have to think about this one a bit (and pay attention!) --- I usually feel as though I probably reveal too much.

FROM REV.J.S. IN MICHIGAN: I can't believe that we ever know ourselves well enough to reveal "all of ourselves" to anyone. There is always both a web of deception and mystery about us even to urselves....only the Lord knows what is inside which is why confession of Sin" makes more sense to me than confession of "sins."

FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: the thought of holding back does not sit well with me. how do we truely trust each other if we can't and/or won't come clean? i think it's just plain dishonesty.

FROM GOOD DEBT JON IN OHIO: So long as we are alive, we are changing, learning, and growing. Therefore, it would be practically impossible to reveal all of yourself, even if it were desirable. Think of the old proverb: “You can never stick your foot twice in the same river.” I assume we hold back something for all but that handful of close friends.

MORE FROM JON: I wasn’t going to answer but felt that would be holding back.

FROM MOLINER, C.F.: Sounds like a confirmed bachelor. What kind of marriage results in this kind of thinking?

FROM L.K. IN OHIO: I hope only God will know.
MORE FROM L.K.: God knows me completely; I only think I know God, and there's a huge difference,ha! I relish the mystery.

FROM P.H. IN MINNESOTA: and then there is the O.T. definition of "to know" as in Adam knew his wife Eve, which had all kinds of sexual overtones...

FROM M.N. IN MINNESOTA: I don’t think that statement works with me. I just let it all hang out. People know who I am when they meet me I think.

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: I would be surprised if those closest to me don't know all of me. There's not much that I hold back. I have never really kept things to myself. Most people reserve part of themselves, but, I really don't think I have. My brother-in-law never tells anything about himself, his job, his family, and when he does talk, it's usually in whispers in people's ears. I find that really strange. Is there really anything about you people shouldn't or couldn't know?? I doubt it. We all have "pasts" but, most of our pasts aren't earth shattering. I would rather be an "open book". I want people to look in the coffin and say, "I knew her well", not "I spent my whole life with her, but I don't know her at all." Thanks for making me think again though!
MORE FROM J.L.: "It is never too late to be what you might have been." George Eliot
AND STILL MORE FROM J.L.: Yes, I went on your Blog site to read them....they are totally opposite...either yes or no, no in between. Interesting weren't they? I especially like to read Jon's answers. He sounds so interesting. One time I went to his site. It's fun to read everyone responses each day!

FROM E.A. IN MICHIGAN: I tried to post to the blog but apparently I didn't know what I was doing. My thoughts are that I should reveal myself to thosse whom I encounter in my profession so that they know who and what they are dealing with. Also, in this way they either conciously or uncounciously reveal themselves to me. It works.

FROM R.I. TRAVELING EUROPE: Regarding Monday's WW, there is an update to the Old Proverb mentioned in one of the responses: "You can never stick your foot twice in the same river"..."but you can put your foot twice in your mouth!"
I'm in Europe right now, seeing Berlin, Vienna and Prague. It's "sweet" to be able to be able to continue reading WW while far from you.

FROM A.M. IN MICHIGAN: I have thought about this idea of how well we know someone frequently lately. Two friends of 50 years died in Milawaukee within six days of one another. I saw the second friend at the funeral of the first only three days before he died. I knew them both very well. One of them knew me better than the other for many reasons. Often, we know someone well because we want to and take the time.
The person who knew me less well, but well, had been ill with cancer for 12 months. During that period, we spoke nearly daily. Many fears were told me and experiences from her childhood. Some of these I had never heard expressed by her. I kept an account of our conversations and her family asked me to speak at her funeral. It was very difficult but I wanted to do it for my friend. I asked her help and God's help. I spoke only of our friendship and her love of her family. Confidences she shared are still mine. I closed with psalm 30. I had sent her a booklet of psalms for daily reading and we read them daily. This was one of her favorites. We read it on Thursday evenings. I did not cry. I felt that we had been there for each other. We laughed often throughout the year. Mac said if they were ordaining priests, they would have asked me. Humor has its place at funerals too. The other person who died three days later asked me to write for him too. How ironic. Three days letter he fell and died. Everone's comfort was that he had not suffered as the first person had.
We all were in church together that day. Old friends-a large group - all knowing that this life ends and each day must count.

SENT BY A.L. IN MICHIGAN: The secret of success is sincerity. Once you can fake that you've got it made. - Jean Giraudoux

Jack’s Winning Words 9/14/07
“The pitcher cries for water to carry, and a person for work that is real.” (Marge Piercy) Marge was a Depression Baby born and raised in Detroit, in a home with strong union ties. Her writings generally have an edge to them. This particular quote shows the importance of work to a laboring family. I’d like to tell you about all the jobs I’ve had. For me, work has been a real satisfaction. How about you? ;-) Jack

FROM C.R., NOW IN MARYLAND: .....did I ever tell you about the garbage dump? It was a landfill in Baltimore , in Summer of 1957. I pushed garbage with a tractor and my folks could smell me returning from work from a block away. But I got a great tan and the following Fall when I returned to Gettysburg, the girls thought that I was a lifeguard. That was a good dating year.

STUDS TERKEL SAID IT: "Americans get up and go to work each day every bit as much for daily meaning as for daily bread."

FROM S.H. IN MICHIGAN: Work has been a real satisfaction to me too. Your Winning Words today and the connection to union ties makes me think of a couple of things. Namely how proud I am of my own parents. Tomorrow night I will be attending a Sojourners meeting, a small group of people who discuss topics relating to faith and justice. Our subject this time will be on immigration. I intend to share that there is concern for the immigrants and how fearful their lives are beginning to be, constantly looking over their shoulders, etc. But also I think I will share that there needs to be care and concern for a whole group of workers that are most impacted by these incoming workers; namely the people who have less education and are also losing their livelihoods too. My dad worked for Oscar Meyers in Perry, Iowa, a meat packing plant. He had only a tenth grade education but he did very well there until the Mexicans moved in and the union was broken. My dad took an early buyout and his work was gone. I didn't live at home at the time but I wonder now at possibly how that taking away of his job might have felt powerless. Something he did for so many years now going to Mexican workers at a very reduced salary. Earlier in our country wasn't there a big Catholic Workers Organization or something, working to unionize men and women so they wouldn't be exploited by their bosses? However, my dad worked all this out in his mind, maybe he did feel a sense of self-giving in enabling an immigrant to now have a job and support his own family. Maybe my dad actually was sacrificial in his act. If a whole class of lesser educated people are now sacrificial in the whole bigger scheme of things, I only hope and pray that the classes on up the line also make their own sacrifices. The other person I'm proud of is my mom. She mothered 7 of us kids and earlier without running water or an indoor toilet. In her 40''s she started getting arthritis real bad. At one point, because she was disabled, she went to the Social Security office to see if she could get disability. They told her she couldn't get disability because she had never worked. My parents are both dead now and finally when the last one of them died we discovered that there was enough to cover the funeral and about $400 for each of us kids. I'm also proud of that--they could easily go through the eye of a needle. They lived very, very, very good lives. And they both had work that was real. I learned a lot from them about work.

FROM M.N. IN MINNESOTA: My jobs were rather mundane compared to his. I was a nurses aid at Midway Hospital for a summer in college years. I did some summer recreation in Warren a couple of summers too. Not too exciting.

Jack’s Winning Words 9/13/07
“Be open to your dreams people. Embrace the distant shore, because our mortal journey is over all too soon.” (Chris Stevens) I miss Northern Exposure. It seemed to have thought challenges with each episode. Where does your mind find its challenges these days? I’m re-reading a book that I first became acquainted with over 50 years ago. It still fascinates and challenges me. ;-) Jack

FROM B.G. IN MICHIGAN: I miss Northern Exposure, too. I think it was too deep for tv audiences seeking a quick fix and an easy laugh.

FROM N.L. IN INDIANA: Like this quote because I work with animals that lived on the earth 65,000,000 million years ago. Who Are We ? Who will give a dam about our bones 65,000,000 million years from now?

Jack’s Winning Words 9/12/07
“Don’t ever be too busy to see the look in their eyes.” (Unknown) In response to Monday’s WWs on LISTENING, this was sent to me by someone who works in a nursing home. Many people speak with their eyes…a teenager, a spouse, a friend, the frail elderly. Can you think of others? The eyes have it! ;-) Jack

FROM ETSINGS: I thought this was good, if I do say so myself! (From Jack: ETSINGS is the one who works in the nursing home.)

FROM MOLINER, G.S.: There are ~ 17,000 non-verbal means of communication. ;-) :-* From psychology 101.

FROM P.O. IN MICHIGAN: This is soooo true!

FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: babies and children. they are the closest we can get to a window to the other side.
RESPONSE FROM JACK: DON'T FORGET THE FRAIL ELDERLY.
AND BACK ATCHA FROM M.L.: i was going to put that in my reply as well, but the phone rang. i have often thought about working with end of life people for that very reason. something intrigues me about the closeness to the other side. i am comforted by it. love, goofey mary

FROM G.G. IN INDIANA (Sister to M.L.): Babies and children.

FROM J.G. IN MINNESOTA: A child. Many years ago, one of our children scolded me with ..."Look at me when I talk to you!" I was hearing her, but she did not know that.

Jack’s Winning Words 9/11/07
“History is written through a rearview mirror, but it unfolds through a foggy windshield.” (Samuel Berger, testifying before the 9/11 Commission) It’s also called the “I-knew-it-all-along” phenomenon. Thanks to G.P. for sending this along. Don’t be disappointed if you can’t see clearly into the future and if, once in awhile, you make some errors judging the future. It happens to all of us. ;-) Jack

FROM C.H. ON CAPE COD: Yes, but isn't it interesting how even "history" seems to change... historians will write very differing accounts of wars or politics depending on their bias/viewpoint or circumstances. What I find fascinating is how historians can still write seminal books about Luther or the Revolutionary War etc. It dowsn't seem as clear as a rearview mirror - or perhaps it's a foggy rearview mirror.

JACK'S RESPONSE: History, politics, religion, love.....It's a personal thing.

FROM F.M. IN WISCONSIN: It reminds me to the famous quote from Soren Kierkegaard, "Life can only be understood backward, but it must be lived forward!"

Jack’s Winning Words 9/10/07
“All people want is someone to listen.” (Hugh Elliott) Are you listening? As you move around in your corner of the world, try listening to what the people are saying. What is it that you hear? Commentary on politics? A joke? The sharing of a personal problem? Something profound? Listen and make someone happy. ;-) Jack

FROM MY SON: Is that why you send out WW?

FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: Listening is good...hearing is better.

FROM L.K. IN OHIO: I've never listened REALLY well. Too busy talking.

FROM D.S. IN MICHIGAN: And more and more people don't take the time to listen - so sad. Or don't "hear" what's really being said.A bit of good news here though - Research shows that kids (teens) are really listening when a parent discusses their beliefs and rules when it comes to alcohol and drugs and other high risk behaviors. Parents might not always be able to tell but keep talking to them, they are listening :-)

FROM EUNICE SINGS: Another good quote. I may put that on my refrigerator! Seriously, though, I have found it to be true my whole life. And especially now that I have my Mother here. I am obviously very busy just "doing" for her. But often I will just sit down beside her and listen to the great things she has to say.

Jack’s Winning Words 9/7/07
“Peeves do not make very good pets.” (Bo Bennett) Peeve is a 14th century word meaning: something that makes you ornery or ill-tempered. Road rage and cell phone use come to mind. What is it that makes you ornery? BTW, Bo is considered to be a leading expert on how to be successful. He started in business at age 10. Even Donald Trump reads his books. ;-) Jack

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: My pet peeve is bad manners....like talking with your mouth full, or talking while someone else is talking, etc. Talking or treating people badly, especially children, really gets me ornery. If successful is defined as money, then Bo is successful...I wonder what his family life is like??? I don't him at all, but I do know success sometimes is defined as having lots of money but I don't think that's success at all. It's how you live your life and what you give back what counts. I do know someone who is extremely prejudice against wealthy individuals, even though he himself is "wealthy". I find that is a pet peeve of mine too. He judges people by what they have instead of what they do with what they have. Strange isn't it?

Jack’s Winning Words 9/6/07
“From our birthday, until we die, Is but the winking of an eye.” (Yeats) Does anybody have a birthday today? Jeff Foxworthy, Sander Levin and Jo Anne Worley do. Isn’t amazing how fast the years go by? I once read that a blink happens in 4/10s of a second. That’s fast, but birthdays come and go at a faster pace. Is there one birthday occasion that stands out in your mind? ;-) Jack

FROM A.M. IN MICHIGAN: Enjoyed your Irish quote and how true it is. Many more happy, healthy returns of the day.

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: Birthdays come and go "faster than a speeding bullet"! My standout birthday was my 50th. Gary surprised me with a trip to Idaho. That was a special state because earlier in the summer we had visited South Carolina, which was the 49th state I had actually visited. The last state I needed to visit was Idaho. So on my 50th birthday, I officially had visited all 50 states. We live in the most amazing, wonderful, beautiful and special country! God bless America!

FROM S.H. IN MICHIGAN: Just enjoying a memory, stirred by your Winning Words today. On one of my birthdays, somewhere just within the last 4 or 5 years, Brenda prepared a CD for me of music I always used to sing to her as a baby and music that she knew I liked all through the years and then the CD also had Marilyn Monroe singing happy birthday to J. F. Kennedy. It was just so amusing to realize that she even knew about Marilyn Monroe to lift that out of somewhere wherever she found it. Way before Brenda's time that's for sure. I imagine people all over e-mail land are reliving memories. Is it your birthday yet today?

FROM FORMER MOLINER, S.G.: If this is your birthday, happy birthday. When I celebrated mine in August, I thought it was just a family occasion because everyone was coming in and we are a large group with the eighteen grandchildren and parents. But.lo and behold. after breakfast together and church, when we arrived home the house was filled with friends and relatives from the years past-friends and relatives from Moline, a friend from Marycrest, a couple we were newly weds with in Nassau, the nuns from church, and friends from Tampa, of course. I was surprised that everyone kept the secret for so long-even the four year olds. So, two days after that my 2001 Buick Century was totaled at midnight while parked in the driveway of a gated community in Orlando, I took my 21 ad 19 year old grandsons to Hawaii before they went back to college- Gettysburg and Georgetown, and now I have just had a very interesting experience of buying a new car. So, here I am, rambling again, putting off some errands. Anyway, happy birthday again.
PS God has a very interesting way to keep our minds active.

FROM F.M. IN WISCONSIN: What a great word and how true. I go though my address book and think of how many friends I have . . . and connect an event / experience with each one.

MORE FROM F.M.: Mine is the 7th of December - I will never forget my 15th birthday - 12/07/41.

FROM MOLINER, C.F.: For some people, it is a fast blink. I'm looking for a slow wink.

FROM PALEONTOLOGIST NORM IN INDIANAPOLIS: good quote when you talk about dinosaurs all day which are 65 to 250 million years old.

FROM JACK AND DONNA: Yes, John Harold Freed has a birthday today! The Psalmist wrote" Seventy years are given us, and some may even live to eighty" (The Living Bible). In his "Popular Commentary", Paul Kretzman commented on Ps. 90:10: "...if a man possesses unusual vitality, they may be fourscore." We all recognize the unusual vitality the Lord has given you to get up before the crack of dawn to send us Winning Words. We wish you many more years of unusual vitality!

FROM THE J.C. FAMILY IN HONG KONG: Evin, Rachel and I would like to wish you a very happy and love-filled 80th birthday. May God continue to bless your family and ministry, and may the Tigers keep winning.

FROM R.S. IN ARIZONA: What a surprise to turn online computer this morning and see the message from you and the message from the Trethrways. I joined them In Wishing You a Happy Birthday This day is special for you but it is also special for us, for it marks our 54th wedding anniversary. September 6 gives us a lot of things in common.

FROM DAUGHTER JLF, VACATIONING IN THE WASHINGTON MOUNTAINS: Happy Birthday!! There is no phone service here, but there is internet service - so hopefully you receive this message. I have been thinking about you today. I'm sorry to miss your birthday celebration, but I know you'll have a nice day with everyone. The weather is great, the views are spectacular. Hope your birthday is the best.

FROM G.G. IN INDIANA: My 50th.....after working at the Lake County Fair (Sammies/"Cheeseburgers in Paradise") all day with friends and several family members I swam (skinny-dipped) in Grayslake ...under a "Blue Moon" with my 19 year old niece Beth and 24 year old daughter Emily. Very Cool !! I'M GUESSING IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY .....any lakes nearby?

FROM J.T. IN MICHIGAN: Hope you had a nice day along with Foxworthy, Levin & Worley. I share my day with Lyndon Johnson. Mo shares her with Hitler.

FROM B.S. NEAR ORLANDO: since you asked, yes. after the war we finally had some money in our family and my mother organized a b irthday party and invited some of my friends for my party. Well that meant cleaning the house, and cleaning the basement, and polishing the silver ware. Wow, what an event until Bill Ryan decided to clown around with the cake, and he droped it, plop, on the basement floor. Talk about silence, you could have heard a pin drop. Well two people moved: my mother towards Bill Ryan, and me to get between them. Bill apologized. and I scraped up the cake and scraped the frosting off, and we had cake minus the frosting. Hey, things happen. Bill and I remained friends for a long time. Ma and Bill were reconcilled. Monty and Ann saved the day by starting a sing fest. It worked.

FROM N.C. IN ILLINOIS: I remember my birthday when there was a party between our house and Wilbur's. I guess that was my favorite.

Jack’s Winning Words 9/5/07
“It’s a good thing to be rich and a good thing to be strong, but it is a better thing to be loved by many friends.” (Euripides) E was born in 480 BC. He was a prolific writer. He also had many friends. Winning Words is a way for me to connect with my friends. There’s a personal story which connects me with each one of you who receives today’s message. I am thankful for that. As Ellen says: “Back at cha!” ;-) Jack

FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: For myself, I find it more satisfying to have love for my friends, than to be loved by those friends. I cherish our friendship, Jack, and continue to draw strength from it.

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Can’t we be all three? Can there be honor in being less than you are able—then rationalizing you have friends instead of money? Are they are mutually exclusive?

MORE FROM JON: You and Euripides didn’t ask for us to choose. Euripides just states one is better than the other.

FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: all you need is love...ba,ba,ba,da,da...

FROM THE BEATLES:
Love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love.
There's nothing you can do that can't be done.
Nothing you can sing that can't be sung.
Nothing you can say but you can learn how to play the game
It's easy.
There's nothing you can make that can't be made.
No one you can save that can't be saved.
Nothing you can do but you can learn how to be in time
It's easy.
All you need is love, all you need is love,
All you need is love, love, love is all you need.
Love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love.
All you need is love, all you need is love,
All you need is love, love, love is all you need.
There's nothing you can know that isn't known.
Nothing you can see that isn't shown.
Nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be.
It's easy.
All you need is love, all you need is love,
All you need is love, love, love is all you need.
All you need is love (all together now)
All you need is love (everybody)
All you need is love, love, love is all you need.

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: Good friends are very hard to find, and are worth much more than money. Money is a necessary evil, but friends are irreplaceable!

FROM G.G. IN INDIANA: Make new friends but keep the old...one is silver and the other's gold. The circle is round, it has no end.....that's how long I want to be your friend. (Thanks for being my friend for so long. You are the glue.)

MORE FROM G.G.: ps. You continue to be a gatherer of people (shepherd?). I consider the WW bloggers to be my new "silver" friends.

FROM L.K. IN OHIO: Lloyd, for now at least, is thankful for Bill Martin.

FROM MOLINER, B.G.: One thing about us that I remember, when we were young, is how you used to beat me at tennis...............:-)

Jack’s Winning Words 9/4/07
“Education is learning what you didn’t even know you didn’t know.” (Daniel Boorstin) Today is the day when many children and college students return to the classroom to learn new things. I can remember the thrill of having a new idea come into my mind. 6th Grade was my favorite in elementary school. Philosophy was my favorite subject in college. Plato influenced me. What did education do for you? ;-) Jack

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: My biggest blessing from school... learning to read....my favorite past time. I loved geography; reading about places and people and travel. We still love to travel and have been to all 50 states, most of them numerous times! (heading to North Carolina Saturday.) I loved the sports programs and loved the friends I made there. My high school years were the best!

FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS (A PRE-SCHOOL TEACHER): it brought me back to the beginning. today is my first day of pre-school. let's say a prayer for all of those little ones today!

FROM M.E. IN MICHIGAN: Philosophy was almost my favorite course in college...it is still my favorite subject to read. Have you read any of the books by Dalai Lama, Gary Zukav, Edgar Cayce or Deepak Chopra?

FROM EMT SINGS: Hi! I loved school. Truly, everything is interesting to me. In fact, one of my grandsons said to me, "Grandma, please don't say 'isn't that interesting?' one more time!" Last Sunday I went to the Science Center with my daughter, Kristi and granddaughter, Mariah to see Our Body, The Universe Within. Now, THAT was really interesting! The beginning of school became a very poignant time for me as that was when my kids truly became a year older. And I could hardly bear it. Now the cycle starts all over again. Last night I called their kids to wish them a good first day of school. The sweetness and dearness of life sometimes overwhelms me. And fortunately, my kids still humor with the stories that I told them those years ago when they were my captive audience in the car as I drove them to and from activities. Life is good.

FROM MOLINER, G.S.: Jack, here's one for you concerning college girls:
A Freshman knows not, and knows not that she knows not.
A Sophomore knows not, and knows that she knows not.
A Junior knows, and she knows not that she knows.
A Senior knows, and she knows that she knows!

FROM C.H. ON CAPE COD: On the other hand:
What I learned is from my grandmother and what she taught me is this:
"Education is an admirable thing, but it is well to remember from time to time that nothing that is worth knowing can be taught" - Oscar Wilde.

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Education, to me, is learning to learn—a lifelong process. Mrs. Palmer in sixth grade taught me to investigate with the five W’s, who, what, when, where, and why. This works for a PhD dissertation or a sixth grade report on Chile.

FROM G.G. IN INDIANA: 4th grade...fractions....loved them. 7th grade ...explorers/social studies...loved it. What I remember about 6th grade is my teacher....Miss McCabe ....arthritis had disfigured her fingers but she had the most beautiful handwriting on the chalk board (yellow chalk). That was also the year my brother Joe refinished a used pair of snow skis for my Christmas present. He was so excited to give them to me!

FROM B.S. NEAR ORLANDO: education brought me out of poverty and into an exciting new world.

Jack’s Winning Words 8/31/07
“A good scare is sometimes worth more than good advice.” (Unknown) Maybe it happens on the highway. Maybe it happens during a trip to the doctor’s office. We are bombarded with advice at every age. Don’t do that! Do this! Watch out! Have you had some scary circumstances in your life? Talk about behavior modification! ;-) Jack

FROM CORVETTE BOB: I'LL HAVE TO TELL YOU ABOUT MY RIDE HOME AFTER OUR OPTIMIST DINNER, IT TOOK 10 YEAR OFF MY LIFE.

FROM HILLTOPPER J.S.: Driving through Moline is always a scary experience!!!

FROM MOLINER, G.S.: Like almost sleepily flying my helicopter into a B29 Hurricane Hunter in Virginia! At 2,000 ft altitude.

FROM F.M. IN WISCONSIN: It doesn't need to be just a 'good' scare - A scare is sometimes worth more than good advice. Actually, most scares, at the moment seem bad, but on reflection we might decide to name it a 'god scare'.

FROM D.B. IN MICHIGAN: That's for sure Jack!!!! My dog ran away Saturday night (Almont area). Mom didn't have tags on her (hair gets matted), but I know she WILL get the dog "chipped" providing we get the dog back................... (holding my breath!!!!)

Jack’s Winning Words 8/30/07
“Even my worst days have been better than my father’s best days.” (Alberto Gonzalez) Try to see this as a human statement, and not a political one. AG’s father was a construction laborer who never was able to finish school, but was successful at raising 8 children. As we look back on sacrifices that our parents made for us, let us give a prayer of thanks. I see myself in that category. How about you? ;-) Jack

FROM G.G. IN INDIANA: Yes, I'm with you. They gave us everything they had... including an open-mind and heart to see the good in everything and everybody. Thanks for the reminder.

FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: Thanks for today's WW and its implied message of human understanding. Despite my other partisanship, I feel for the Attorney General and the circumstances with which he's confronted. His statement seems to show the love he had for his father, the sacrifices made, and the appreciation he has for the improvements that came in his own life.

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: My dad was raised in Grayling, Michigan. His dad died of pneumonia when he was 14, so my dad was the main bread winner for the family....his mom and three sisters. My great granddad built a two-story building in Grayling and they filled it with poor people and the elderly. My grandmother lived in an apartment in the building with her kids and was the caretaker/cook. My dad's two younger sisters were born on the "Poor Farm" as it was called. I was talking with my Aunt Pat just yesterday and she was telling me all of the fun they had at the Poor Farm, sliding down the fire escape, helping in the gardens, swimming in the Au Sable, hunting, fishing. We have many more "things" than my dad did back then, but he was still wealthy!
FOLLOW UP FROM J.L.: Actually, the Poor Farm is still there. When I was 18 a tornado came and took off the top floor, left the bottom floor completely intact. The VFW has dinners there all the time. If I can find a picture of the old poor farm, I will let you know. The whole story is very interesting. I really feel I should write a book about all of my memories and the ones I have been told. I love the family stories and memories!!! My grandma and uncle had the widows at the Poor Farm cook and bake cookies which they sold for money. Also, all the men had to pitch in and help...chopping wood, taking care of the farm animals (they even had two horses to plow according to my aunt), gardening and worked on the home. I have a cousin who lives in Harrisville, Michigan. She lives on S. Poor Farm Road.I guess there were a lot of poor farms. It's very humbling!

FROM L.K. IN OHIO: C'est vrai. Thanks.

RESPONSE FROM JACK: My daughter translated for me. This is true.

FROM M.W. IN ILLINOIS: My parents never finished school either. They had 12 children, 4 died in infancy, but they raised 8 and made sure we all finished school. Of the 8, I have sisters, 87 & 72 who remain, I, who they always made sure to tell everyone that I was the baby will be 70 next March. My father was 76 when he passed away and my mother was 98. Talk about longevity.

FROM F.M. IN WISCONSIN: So true - so very true. My father lost his father when still a youth - he worked hard - tried to advance - but encountered the great depression. He and my mother lost seven houses, which was their dream for income in retirement - but kept on working. He had some good days, but none like I have been blessed with. Most of us who lived through the depression, not as adults, but as children, can only begin to understand how difficult it was for them to give their children the basic needs of life, but they did give us love - and attention - and morals - and the faith of the fathers!

MORE FROM F.M.: I had a lot of opportunities to converse with my mother - she lived until she was almost 104 - she was 38 years old when I was born, so I had conversations with her when I was in my middle sixties. I have on my desk a photo of the house where she was born, it is still standing - and just six miles from where I am sitting right now.

Jack’s Winning Words 8/29/07
“Just because you made a mistake doesn’t mean you’re a mistake.” (Georgette Mosbacher) I’m following up with this quote because of some of the responses I got to what Sophia Loren said yesterday. G.M. is a motivational speaker for business, political and non-profit causes. Her message is this….Leave the past behind and move forward to enjoy the present and the future. Sometimes it’s easier said than done. ;-) Jack

FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: the proverbial baggage can get pretty heavy sometimes. we need to stop, unpack some stuff, and forgive ourselves. then we can travel on with forward focus.

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: On a side note: some of the biggest laughs in my life have come from my mistakes. Mistakes don't have to be life-stopping.....such as the time I followed Gary into the world's biggest men's room....somewhere on Wayne State's campus...or the time I was shopping at K-Mart and thought I grabbed Gary's hand. I pulled him all over the place, only to look a few isles over to see him standing there. I had grabbed some fella hand, and he just went right along with it. Imagine my shock! Little mistakes, but laughable! Most mistakes aren't tragic, and the ones which are....are forgiven by a loving merciful God.

JACK'S RESPONSE: I LAUGHED AS I PICTURED YOU HOLDING THAT MAN'S HAND. I THINK GOD SOMETIMES LAUGHS AT US.

FROM M.R. IN DETROIT: “It is not bigotry to be certain we are right; but it is bigotry to be unable to imagine how we might possibly have gone wrong.” -G. K. Chesterton

FROM GOOD DEBT JON IN OHIO: I don’t have any comment for today’s winning word, but this just came to my email box, it seems to be a well phrased reiteration of many Bible verses.
"Happiness depends upon the quality of your thoughts. Entertain no notions unsuitable to virtue and reasonable nature." Marcus Aurelius121-180, Roman Emperor

RESPONSE FROM JACK: When I was in seminary one of my classmates was named Marcus Aurelius.

FROM L.K. IN OHIO: I wonder if God ever wonders if giving us free will has proved something of a mistake.

RESPONSE FROM JACK: God doesn't make mistakes.

FROM MOLINER, J.T.: Good advice. but sooo difficult to live by.

Jack’s Winning Words 8/28/07
“Mistakes are part of the dues one pays for a full life.” (Sophia Loren) Sofia will be 73 next month. Life was not easy for her as she grew up, but she persevered and went on to fulfill her dream of being an actress. She made some mistakes. We all do. I think that it was Robert Schuller who wrote about turning your scars into stars. Sofia Loren did it, and we can, too. ;-) Jack

FROM G.G. IN INDIANA: She's a wise and woman. I had another quote of hers on the kitchen cabinets when the kids were growing up....."Problems create our courage and wisdom."

FROM SOMEONE IN MICHIGAN: My husband thinks I look like Sofia Loren...I laugh every time he says it...I just don't see the resemblance.

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: Believe it or not, this is a hard one for me. I am much more able to forgive others but tend to "hold on" to my mistakes. Isn't that strange? I can dredge up the weirdest mistakes from years and years ago. I do pray about them and I know God has forgiven me, but some mistakes, I just can't forget. I wouldn't change them though they helped lead me down this dear path of life. And who knows where I would be without being humbled by mistakes! I might even be haughty!!!!

FROM T.S. IN MICHIGAN: Last week I attended a men's prayer breakfast. The speaker was Mr. Larry Carlson of Youth Haven, a Christian non-profit that operates in Michigan and Arizona for children 7-12. Special children, that is. From Youth Haven's website: "The children who come to Youth Haven face various negative influences and circumstances such as abuse, neglect, broken homes or poverty. Some have experienced tragic losses or suffer from the devastating effects of drug and alcohol abuse. The boys and girls are referred to the Ranch by welfare agencies, school counselors, social service agencies, churches, family members, and parents. Sadly, many of the children who attend Youth Haven's programs believe they have no real hope for the future." One such child came up and asked Larry Carlson about Jesus Christ. "Why did his parents give him a swear word for a name?" Mr. Carlson told us that many of these children grow up in homes where everything has been damned. Jesus Christ was invoked to cuss out the mom or dad, to cuss out the neighbor, the boss, the teacher, to cuss out the young, impressionable child. Children learn what they live, and they learn only a Jesus who has damned everything in their young, fragile lives.
Think about it.

Jack’s Winning Words 8/27/07
“ Never he haughty to the humble; never be humble to the haughty.” (Jefferson Davis) By reading some history, I came to understand a side of Jeff Davis that I never knew before. I can see why this quote was attributed to him. Haughty is an interesting word: arrogant superiority; prideful swagger. Humble is the opposite. Work this week at trying to follow the advice of Davis. ;-) Jack.

FROM J.F. IN NOVA SCOTIA: Interesting that I had known nothing about Jefferson Davis, other
than that he was president of our country (CSA). One of my ancestors was a Confederate cavalryman; he died during the war and our family didn't find out where his grave was until after WW II.
Another one often mentioned but without detail is Stonewall Jackson. He is remembered for standing like a stone wall while the bullets zipped by.
On our side, there's no doubt that knowledge of Robert E. Lee, before, during and also after the war, is the most widespread. You probably know that the Yankees chose his estate to turn into a war graveyard--it's now known as Arlington National Cemetery.
I learned a lot I had never imagined about Lincoln and his wife/widow in the Ken Burns special. I didn't go to school in the South, but I have long heard from that direction that the later characterisation of The War Between the States (I think they have another name for it in the North) was greatly oversimplified. Reminds me of The War to Save Democracy, the inception of which had nothing to do with democracy. Ken Burns brought out what some must consider some radical and disappointing information about what people in the North thought the war was about at the beginning. That said, I am totally against slavery and cannot understandhow it ever could have been condoned. So life is complicated. I still can't find anywhere in the Constitution that says that states that freely joined can't freely decide to leave (doubt they would but we're talking about rights). Did you know the first state that threatened to secede was Massachusetts, in the 1830s as I recall?

FROM MOLINER, G.S.: The things I pray for every morning: trust, wisdom, leadership, patience, passion, humility. Now why do I put humility last?.....hmm.

FROM MOLINER, C.F.: Ever tried being haughty to the haughty?

FROM G.G. IN INDIANA: Bottom line...be true and never be haughty. I'm going for it!

FROM REV. J.S. IN MICHIGAN: The scriptural understanding of "humble" is to stand as a human before God.

Jack’s Winning Words 8/24/07
“Make one person happy each day and in 40 years you will have made 14,600 human beings happy for a little time, at least.” (Charles Willey) Let’s see; how old will you be in 40 years? Oh, maybe we should forget that and just concentrate on making one person happy today. Who’s your target? ;-) Jack

FROM N.L. IN INDIANA: I MAKE A LOT OF KIDS HAPPY AT THE MUSEUM AS A PALEONTOLIGIST. I TALK TO THEM ABOUT SUPER CROC THAT LIVED 65 MILLIONS YEARS AGO,10 TONS A DESCENDENT OF THE ALLIGATOR.

MORE FROM N.L.: Today is about making people happy, so you tell N.L. of the slight typo in his post about the Super Croc: “Wouldn’t this “super Croc” of necessity have to have been an ancestor? A descendent comes later, I believe. The Croc was definitely antebellum.” I am sure most of us are too kind to say anything, not an affliction I suffer from, evidently. I generally appreciate constructive criticism that helps me improve.

FROM EMT SINGS IN MICHIGAN: I think that I will concentrate on my Mother today. 75 years ago today she and my dad got married. (he died over 25 years ago, but she is still true blue.) Maybe we will take her out to dinner tonight.

FROM MOLINER, C.F.: If you can do all that, look how happy you'll make yourself....every day of the time.
FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: I'll be 96 and happy! It would be wonderful to make just one person happy each day......I will definitely try to do just that....thanks for the reminder! I am going to try to make someone happy....maybe a waitress or waiter because we are eating out tonight. Gary has always been very generous to the staff because Kimberly was a waitress at a Friday's and we know how hard they work.

J.L. FOLLOW UP: I went out to lunch with Lori and Nancy today to discuss the children's bell choir and chorus...I saw an old friend there, and tipped the waiter extra, plus we had a few good laughs.....all happy people!

JIMMY DURANTE SANG IT:
Make someone happy,Make just one someone happy;Make just one heart the heart you sing to.One smile that cheers you,One face that lights when it nears you,One girl you're ev'rything to.Fame if you win it,Comes and goes in a minute.Where's the real stuff in life to cling to?Love is the answer,Someone to love is the answer.Once you've found her, build your world around her.Make someone happy, Make just one someone happy,And you will be happy, too.

FROM S.H. IN MICHIGAN: I think the person/persons I already want to make happy today might be the delivery men of our new shingles.

FROM MOLINER, G.S.: Always my wife first (when I'm not in a sour mood).

FROM F.M. IN WISCONSIN: I have someone for today, my wife, Jewel, for tomorrow, our son, Joel, who 51 and disabled, for Sunday, it is our grandson, Daniel, with MD . . . and though I don't have 40 years to plan, I will do it day by day for as long as the Lord grants.

FROM MOLINER, D.S.: Just keeping Ruth (my wife) happy is a challenge each day, but a pleasant one.

FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: these word just make me smile. i think i am on the right track. i have been blessed with happiness and the ability to pass it on for 50 plus years. thanks for reminding me!

Jack’s Winning Words 8/23/07
“Some people like advice so much that they frame it and hang it on the wall.” (Gordon Dickson) Do you save the daily Winning Words in a file, or do you really try to apply them in the every day scheme of things? If you’re like me…Oh well, let’s change the subject. ;-) Jack

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: I definitely think about them during the day and try to apply them when possible. They make you think and ponder. Another wonderful word....ponder. I think I will ponder on those words today! I really can't imagine too many people like advice though.

FROM D.R. IN MICHIGAN: I actually do both. I think about them often. However, some I print out and hang on my wall. These are the ones that either really speak to me or the ones I feel I need to be reminded of more then once. Either way I thank you for the daily inspiration. God has often used you and your winning words to communicate with me. Thank you for being a blessing.

FROM EMT SINGS: I have printed many WW and shared with others or simply forwarded them on to peope who I thought they were pertinent for. So far I have not framed any but that is a thought!

FROM B.W. ON THE WEST COAST: I'm sure everyone on your mailing list look forward from day to day for what the addition will be. I know I certainly do.

FROM D.L. OUT WEST: Hi, Jack - Yes, saving your Winning Words is periodically done. It's a great resource for my Toastmasterswork! Beyond that I have daily inspiration from your well chosen items. Joy and Peace,

Jack’s Winning Words 8/22/07
Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth.” (Thoreau) Would you like to camp out with Thoreau at Walden Pond or stand with him in civil disobedience? Of course, he was an idealist. They’re not always popular. If you were writing today’s quote, what would you put at the end? ;-) Jack

FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: i'd also go with truth, it's the first step toward all else. it would be an honor to stand with him, wherever. signed, a sometimes unpopular idealist

RESPONSE FROM JACK: I can see you traipsing around Walden Pond..... AN FROM M.L.: ahhh, now you're talking utopia...

FROM L.K. IN OHIO: What is truth?

FROM S.H. IN MICHIGAN: "give me truth" is good. Pontius Pilate said famously "What is truth?" as I recall. There is some kind of hymn we sing at the Fountains Assisted Living. "Give me Jesus, give me Jesus, you can have all the rest but give me Jesus." Guess love, money, fame can always disappoint but truth you can hang your hat on.

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: I would have liked to spend a day with Thoreau. Interesting question. I am going to wrestle with this one today.....I don't know what I would put at the end if I were writing the quote. The truth can sometimes be very painful, but I would rather hear the truth than a lie any day. I don't like lies. And money is not everything and fame is nothing. I know people who loathe anyone with money...and I mean real hatred. Interesting ending, but then Thoreau was strange.

REPLY FROM JACK: Have you ever seen WRESTLEMANIA on TV?
There's even something about wrestling in the Bible, isn't there?

FROM G.G. IN INDIANA: I'd love to go camping with him ....we could plan our civil disobedience around a campfire. I like truth.....none of the other stuff is any fun without it.

Jack’s Winning Words 8/21/07
“Accept the past for what it was. Acknowledge the present for what it is. Anticipate the future for what it can be.” (Unknown) This is a piece of good advice. I wonder where it came from. I’ve found that too much emphasis on one over the other throws things out of whack, or out of kilter. BTW, I wonder why we use words like whack and kilter? I once read a book with a title something like this: Things I Learned While Looking Up Other Things. ;-) Jack

GOOGLE SAYS: : OUT OF KILTER - " Many have tried to explain the origins of 'kilter' in this expression meaning to be out of order, out of whack, but no one has succeeded. The best suggestions I think are the 'kilter,' meaning a 'useless hand in cards,' the dialect 'kilt,' to make neat,' and the Dutch 'keelter, 'stomach,' because stomachs are often 'out of order' with digestion problems. We only know that the expression is first recorded in 1643, as 'kelter.'" From the "Encyclopedia of Word and Phrase Origins" by Robert Hendrickson (Facts on File, New York, 1997).

FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: have you ever listened to n.p.r.'s, "a way with words"?those would be good words to send in for origin.

FROM B.G. IN MICHIGAN: These words are appropriate for us, as we prepare to take Kristen to MSU tomorrow...

Jack’s Winning Words 8/20/07
“Don’t try to solve serious things in the middle of the night.” (Philip Dick) This gifted writer had a variety of problems in his brief lifetime. I can imagine that there were times when sleep would not come easily. Do you have suggestions for putting away the cares of the day in the middle of the night? ;-) Jack

MORE FROM JACK: I'm reminded of the line from a song by Hank Williams. "You'll cry and cry and try to sleep, But sleep won't come The whole night through" Do you know it?

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: The Winning Words were very meaningful to me today, as I do have a problem of sleeping through the night. I am up a lot and when I do awake, my brain starts going one hundred miles and hour. I can't seem to shut it off. Then I am up until the early hours of the morning. So, I don't have any answers, but would love some suggestions.

FROM L.P. IN MICHIGAN: prayer.

FROM S.H. IN MICHIGAN: Isn't there that part in the Bible where Jesus says "My Father is still working and I am working too" to indicate that God never takes a rest from working on us. The nighttime might be exactly the time when a person's own agenda and defenses against God's Plan or the needs of the inner soul or the truth that is in the subconscious has a window of opportunity to really be worked out for the person's ultimate benefit. Actually this is the first Winning Words you have chosen that I believe might not be Biblical in my opinion.

FROM K.B. IN MICHIGAN: I don't have an answer for middle of the night problem solving--but maybe someone does--it would sure make sleep a lot easier.

FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: try singing, "when you get worried and you can't sleep, just count your blessings instead of sheep and you'll fall asleep counting your blessings". remember that one?

FROM IRVING BERLIN: From the 1954 movie "White Christmas". When I'm worried and I can't sleep I count my blessings instead of sheep And I fall asleep counting my blessings When my bankroll is getting small I think of when I had none at all And I fall asleep counting my blessings I think about a nursery and I picture curly heads And one by one I count them as they slumber in their beds If you're worried and you can't sleep Just count your blessings instead of sheep And you'll fall asleep counting your blessings I think about a nursery and I picture curly heads And one by one I count them as they slumber in their beds If you're worried and you can't sleep Just count your blessings instead of sheep And you'll fall asleep counting your blessings

FROM L.K. IN OHIO: Watch C-Span.

FROM G.G. IN INDIANA: Yes I do. I've used Peruvian "worry dolls". I assign my worry to the doll and place it on the bedside table. Pretty funny....sometimes all the dolls are lined up...each assigned a different worry! It's good to know somebody is worrying but it doesn't have to be me! All I know is that it works! Saying a prayer and asking God to take over helps too.

FROM MOLINER, G.S.: I get up and read - almost every night. Saw the Tunberg (Whitey's) boys today - too bad you're not here: a malt or shake would tast reaaaaal good! :-)

FROM D.B. IN MICHIGAN: yes, I do; my suggestion is ........"eating ice cream out - of - the - carton !!!!"

FROM MOLINER, C.F.: "There's no cure for insomnia like a good night's sleep.

FROM MOLINER, J.T.: No, but when you find the answer--let me know. Jim Just returned from Ft. Drum, NY Saw my GGdaughter and Gson who is back from Iraq.

Jack’s Winning Words 8/17/07
“Think globally. Act neighborly.” (Often quoted by Bill McKibben) Tod Murphy, who runs The Farmer’s Diner in Vermont, had a bunch of bumper stickers printed with this slogan. It was not meant to be liberal or conservative, but an attempt to move past polarization. That seems like a neighborly thing for him to do. ;-) Jack

FROM REV J.S. IN MICHIGAN: I like the slogan but I fail to see how this has anything to do with the polarization in this country. The conservatives probably think that this is a wake up call to liberals and vice versa.

MORE FROM J.S.: That was an incredibly neighborly response and is a perfect illustration of why we have polarization. You wrote all about the liberal positions and expect everyone to adopt them or they are not neighborly!!! You need to reread the slogan and your response and you will have a much better idea of why the conservatives reject the smug self-righteousness of the liberals. If we are going to do something about this polarization, we are going to have to listen to one another. That is the missing ingredient. Listening is the ultimate mark of respect and is the only possibility of ending a conflict such as we find in this country. The liberals in the ELCA are about the poorest listeners I have ever encountered. Our conservatives aren't much better. Those of us in the middle are frustrated by the two groups because we are ensnarled in their self-righteous blasts at one another. In addition, we are hailed as either liberals or conservatives if we dare to disagree with eith
er one or the other. The two groups admit of no middle ground. Your reaction was a perfect example of this.

RESPONSE FROM JACK: I think he missed the point! ...like two ships passing in the night.

FROM L.K. IN OHIO: Whatever the State I'm in at the time, I do stop at local diners, run by farmers or not.....I never get bumper stickers.

Jack’s Winning Words 8/16/07
“A man’s face, as a rule, says more interesting things than his mouth.” (Schopenhauer) Arthur’s philosophy has been described as a mirror, reflecting the greatness of the universe and its riddle, too. Women might not like some other things he said. But, forget about his mouth. Study the face of someone, today. ;-) Jack

FROM P.O. IN MICHIGAN: OK --- you've piqued my curiosity. Now I have to check out Schopenhauer and see what he had to say about women

RESPONSE TO P.O.: While in Berlin, Schopenhauer was named as a defendant in an action at law initiated by a woman named Caroline Marquet.[1] She asked for damages, alleging that Schopenhauer had pushed her. Knowing that he was a man of some means and that he disliked noise, she deliberately annoyed him by raising her voice while standing right outside his door. Marquet alleged that the philosopher had assaulted and battered her after she refused to leave his doorway. Her companion testified that she saw Marquet prostrate outside of his apartment. Because Marquet won the lawsuit, he made payments to her for the next twenty years.[2] When she died, he wrote, "Obit anus, abit onus" (The old woman dies, the burden is lifted).

Schopenhauer is famous for his essay "On Women" (Über die Weiber), in which he expressed his opposition to what he called "Teutonico-Christian stupidity" on female affairs. He claimed that "woman is by nature meant to obey", and opposed Schiller's poem in honor of women, Würde der Frauen. The essay does give two compliments however: that "women are decidedly more sober in their judgment than [men] are" and are more sympathetic to the suffering of others. However, the latter was discounted as weakness rather than humanitarian virtue.

FROM REV J.S. IN MICHIGAN: I read in the Einstein book that Schopenhauer was a major influence on his thinking....Interesting.

MORE FROM J.S.: I remember him writing that there is nothing so certain that that EVIL exists and is pervasive. In this sense he was agreeing with the ancient Christian understanding of original sin. Reinhold Niebuhr picked up on that and used it to destroy the unfounded optimism of early 20th century liberalism. Some of our friends in the church would do well to read some of that. We have entered a period in mainline Protestantism where sin has virtually disappeared...it is all explained away. The only sinners are the people who disagree with them!!!

FROM MOLINER, G.S.: Part of our 17,000 nonverbal means of communication.

Jack’s Winning Words 8/15/07
“False friends are like our shadow, keeping close to us while we walk in the sunshine, but leaving us the instant we cross into the shade.” (Christian Bovee) I would rather concentrate on the good friends we have who, as the Bible says, stick closer than a brother. I reminded of the poem by RLS that I learned long ago: “I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me.” Today, say Thank You to someone who walks close beside you. ;-) Jack

FROM J.B., AN IRMAITE: memories are wonderful! we need to remember that we have the power to create good or not-so-good ones. they are, after all, what we have to look forward to!

FROM J.S. IN MICHIGAN: I agree that it is good to concentrate on good friends but it is also very helpful to be aware of false friends because they can really screw up one's
life. I haven't had too many of those...thank heaven...but when I
discover one I do my best to keep them at arm's length. I don't like to
get into confrontations unless necessary but I don't want them too
close....it's like a skunk. I don't mind them hanging around but I don't
want to get too close to them!

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: True friends, who stay by you no matter what, are a blessed gift from God. I don't know what I would do without them. Some friends we choose, and some friends are given to us through marriage, but they are God's angels on earth! Blessings to one of my best email friends!

FROM THE Bs NEAR THE BRIDGE: We learned the same poem, Friend.

Jack’s Winning Words 8/14/07
“Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker.” (Denis Waitley) I came across this one in my reading yesterday. To me, teacher is a positive word, while the connotation of undertaker is negative. Somewhere along the line I was introduced to a positive way of looking at things. What circumstances colored your way of looking at things? ;-) Jack

FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: at some of the toughest times in our lives, my mom would tell us, "if you don't laugh, you cry." we did alot of both and still do. laughter is more abundant!

MORE FROM M.L.: memories are wonderful! we need to remember that we have the power to create good or not-so-good ones. they are, after all, what we have to look forward to!

FROM P.O. IN MICHIGAN: I'd have to spend some time thinking about where and how it happened --- I just know that I'm thoroughly grateful to be able to 'accentuate the positive'!

Jack’s Winning Words 8/13/07
“Just because you are unable to see my beauty doesn’t mean it does not exist.” (Margaret Cho) You may be turned off by the edginess of Margaret’s comedy routine.
As a child, she was teased about her looks and was called uncomplimentary names. Some can identify with that. As you meet up with people today, remind yourself to look for that which is beautiful about them. ;-) Jack

FROM F.M. IN WISCONSIN: As our Lord spoke in the Gospel yesterday - - - look not at their treasure, but their heart - their priorities, their actions, their charity.

FROM J.D. IN MINNESOTA: EVERYONE IS BEAUTIFUL IN HIS/HER OWN WAY ESPECIALLY THROUGH THE EYES OF LOVE.

FROM GOOD DEBT JON IN OHIO: There are different kinds of beauty, Cho, like most of us, does not have a full clip.

FROM MOLINER, G.S.: Good comment. Our CBS Chaplain has taken the attitude that 50% of the people he meets each day are hurting in some way and treats people with more compassion than he otherwise had done in the past. This guy is only 30 years old.

FROM MOLINER, D.S.: Yeah, people make fun of my bald head, and I do too. I shave it on purpose, though there isn't a lot to shave, but if you laugh right along with people it takes away the sting.

FROM MOLINER, C.F.: Same goes for ugliness. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.

Jack’s Winning Words 8/10/07
“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” (Einstein) Maybe the “crazy” thing is to try something new. Let me know. ;-) Jack.

FROM D.S. IN MICHIGAN: One of my all time favorite quotes. Applies to most of the complaining people in the world.

FROM J.S. IN MICHIGAN: Einstein was a firm believer in cause and effect as being written into the Universe...some people think because of his theory of relativity, it would be the opposite but it was cause and effect that helped lead him to that theory. One of his favorite statements was "God doesn't roll dice"

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: There's that "change" word again....I know you didn't physically say it, but that's what it means to try something new. Why in the world are we so afraid to change things? Just think where we would be if our scientists didn't change their formula's and change their chemicals and accidentally hit upon cures for all kinds of diseases , or the Space Program find all kinds of discoveries, like, the pace maker. Everyday we should try something new, even if it so mundane as to watch a different tv program or a different meal. Wow, sometimes it life changing!!

FROM MOLINER, C.F.: Not true in bowling.

FROM F.M. IN WISCONSIN: Your winning words today speak to me in two directions - one is personally - there are many things which I do over and over - and they help me through the day and life, and there are other things I do . . . over and over, from which I should learn something and then make changes and do things differently. Lord, have mercy on me. Secondly, in terms of our community, the church, our nation, Einstein's word can/should be applied. I am thinking of decisions our church is making on Navy Pier in Chicago maybe someone there ought read this quote - and our nation, with the reliance we have on war as the way to solve global problems - until we change we will not have different results.

FROM P.H. IN MINNESOTA: like Iraq is insane...over and over again...

FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: i often hear the phrase, "why bother reinventing the wheel?". the problem with that thinking is sometimes the wheel has a blowout and needs to be changed. trying something new can help re-tread the wheel. just a thought from perhaps a crazy preson. depends on who you ask.

FROM B.S. NEAR ORLANDO: Hi Jack, We pray. I pray that if history could repeat itself, that all children would be required to go to Sunday School or it's equivalent because as my memory serves me,People who were in my Sunday School have had fewer problems, created fewer problems than the general public. Now I realize that I am not doing justic e to a lot of people, to those who did well without the third leg of the milking stool, (school,home, church ), I apologize.

Jack’s Winning Words 8/9/07
“What is a rebel? One who says, no.” (Albert Camus) Rebel is an interesting word. I think of the Civil War and what it meant in that context. I think of the James Dean movie, Rebel Without A Cause. Having a cause makes rebellion okay in the rebel’s eyes. Look at the world situation. Have you rebelled for a cause? ;-) Jack

FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: how much time do you have? love, peace, and equality

FROM J.S. IN MICHIGAN: Camus who is praiseworthy in so many ways comes out of the negativism and relativism of post-war Europe....I think that colors this quotation. I would suggest that a rebel is often a person who says "Yes" as well as "NO". During the persecutions of Diocletain and Galerius many Christians answered the question "Are you a Christian?" with a resounding "Yes" Tories said "No" and the rebels said "Yes" during the American Revolution. I think Camus is too dogmatic in this quotation....of course, that is all relative, isn't it?!!!

FROM MOLINER, C.F.: Not necessarily. It could be the one who says "yes" when everyone else is saying "no".

FROM MOLINER, G.S.: I'm repelled by a cause: terrorism.

FROM S.H. IN MICHIGAN: rebel - a person who openly resists authority or opposes any control.
to resist authority, government, etc., openly and by force
to feel or show strong aversion; as, his mind rebels at the prospect of such drudgery.

FROM MOLINER, C.F.: Sounds like he Camus and Went.

Jack’s Winning Words 8/8/07
“Never be afraid to sit awhile and think.” (Lorraine Hansberry) I sat awhile, Googled
Lorraine, and was introduced to a fascinating person who died at age 34. She wrote Raisin In The Sun. I’ll try to put some stuff on the blog. Even if you’re not retired, as I am, try to set aside some time, just to think. I believe it was IBM who had their workers put a sign on their desks: THINK! ;-) Jack

FROM GOOD DEBT JON IN OHIO: This is something I see as a major deficiency—people do not take the time to think. My pet peeve is restaurants and public places that feel they need to “force” music upon us. It is hard to find a nice quiet place to think and write. Perhaps many are afraid to be alone with their thoughts? For me background music should be barely perceptible and preferably none at all is best. Of course for me time alone to think and write is heavenly. One of my big fears in life is having a rush of great thoughts and having no pen, paper, or keyboard with me to record them.

FROM J.D. IN MINNESOTA: JACK, I LIKE TO THINK AND OFTEN SIT AND CONTEMPLATE. HOWEVER I HARDLY DISLIKE THE USAGE BY THE PREACHER WHO IN A SERMON SAYS "I THINK." FRANKLY I DO NOT GIVE A RAP WHAT THE PREACHER THINKS, RATHER WHAT DOES THE WORD PROCLAIM

FROM J.F. IN NOVA SCOTIA: I wish I had had this a long time ago. Reminds me of some incidents
that happened to me, showing that not everybody accepts this. One
time I told my boss we were crashing through the woods without
knowing exactly where we should be heading, and needed to stop
for a bit and get out our map and Boy Scout compass. He replied,
"We don't have time for that now!" Another time, one of my
subordinates criticized me for sitting there instead of working;
one of my responsibilities was corporate organization structure
and I was noodling on some difficult choices with significant
human implications

FROM C.H. ON CAPE COD: I do it a lot. Sometimes people think I'm spacing. It's wonderful to think - that's why I always thought my greatest fear was Alzheimer's. Then again, even there, perhaps it's a matter of learning to fully trust God...

FROM B.S. NEAR ORLANDO: Hi Blessed are those who think. I dream of solutions for current problems at night and when I get up to start the cruel day, I forget what I drempt. I told Rom of my problem when he was still in school thinking that his classmates and he could figgue out a solution since they were the best and brightest. But he said they had already tackled that problem and could arrived at no solution. I wanted them to wire a person's head to a recording device so that as the dream materialized it could be recorded. But damn, many dreams have been wasted since then. I could use the money to fund a scholar ship at Oshkosh Extenrion for a Sweedish lady who needs financial help., or a scholar ship in Irene's name for a lady of German descent to Columbia School of Nursing. All the money would b eused.to help other people in this country. I have so many very good ideas that are going to waste.

Jack’s Winning Words 8/7/07
“Wrong is wrong, no matter who does it or says it.” (Malcolm X) Malcolm X was a controversial figure in his day. To me, he’s a good example of the quote. Pay attention to the words and not to the one who speaks them. Wrong is wrong! ;-) Jack

FROM J.S. IN MICHIGAN: Ethical Absolutism invades the realm of Jack Freed!!!

FROM GOOD DEBT JON IN OHIO: Nice to see someone embrace an absolute.

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: Yes, he is definitely a good example of this quote. I had to read about him in college. And, Wrong is Wrong, no matter who says them! Good quote. I have always told my children, and now my grandsons, if you do wrong or say wrong, confess. The punishment is a lot worse if you lie about wrong! Blessings on this wonderfully rainy day! Thank God for raindrops!

FROM MOLINER C.F.: And so is "right" by the same token.

FROM G.G. IN INDIANA: Interesting quote to read on the morning after I saw Michael Moore's latest movie.

FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: how can anyone disagree with malcolm on this topic? i learned many life lessons by reading "malcolm x" as a teenager. he truely learned though his mistakes.

Jack’s Winning Words 8/6/07
“I believe more in the scissors than I do in the pencil.” (Truman Capote) I can’t remember. Is this an analogy, a metaphor, or simile? I’ll choose analogy. Whichever, it’s a good quote that can relate to writing or to interpersonal relationships. Capote had a way with words. By chance, have you read his book, Answered Prayers? ;-) Jack

FOLLOW UP FROM JACK: After reading definitions of all three, I'd say it's a metaphor.

FROM MOLINER, L.P.: Good Morning! As someone else said (can't remember who), and I paraphrase-- "sorry this letter is so long. I didn't have time to write a short one." Hemingway, maybe...

FROM MOLINER, D.S.: Jack, I might rephrase that to say, I prefer the eraser to the pencil.

FROM L.K. IN OHIO: I think this means forgive and forget. Don't mix up messes. Cut out the cancer.

THIS IS REALLY WORTH READING. C.H. on Cape Cod introduced me to it. Jack A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote
Truman Capote's short story A Christmas Memory: full text in html.www.geocities.com/cyber_explorer99/capotechristmas.html

FROM B.S. NEAR ORLANDO: Uncle John used to say, "Hotter than a Witches Tit", I only know lovely ladys., Or "hotter than a blister", Roger DeKock used to have a hugh blister in the palm of his hand with a cloth tied over it and for 2 pins we could take a peak at it. He later died from electrocution. He was repairing a leaky sink when he rolled over onto an extention cord that was missing some insulation. Bob Irene thinks Mr Capote meant it was better to used fewer words to express something, or, ? whatever.

Jack’s Winning Words 8/3/07
“When you really trust someone, you have to be okay with not understanding some things.” (Real Live Preacher) This is good advice for us to use in personal relationships. It also works in a spiritual sense. When we really trust God, we don’t have to understand everything. It’s okay to have questions. There’s a gospel song that I like: We’ll Understand It Better By And By.” ;-) Jack

FROM GOOD DEBT JON IN OHIO: Would it be any fun to live if we understood everything? It could be paralyzing to understand everything; as it is we all get to smile and think we know.

FROM S.A. IN MICHIGAN: All of your Winning Words are good - but today's are exceptional. Someone I love dearly has been made a "questionable" decision (questionable to me, I suppose). The words really struck my heart - Yes, I really trust her. Yes, I will have to be okay with not understanding some things.

FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: it is good to live life with blind faith.

MORE FROM M.L.: are you concerned? the world that has been created for us is pretty perfect and if we follow our instincts, with faith, need we see with our eyes? i think not. love, mary, deepok, ghandi, mother teresa, mr. rogers, j.c. and co.......

Jack’s Winning Words 8/2/07
“I never saw an ugly thing in my life: for let the form of an object be what it may…light, shade and perspective will always make it beautiful.” (John Crawford) This one should cause us to be less judgmental about the looks of people. Who says that we all have to look like those in People magazine? Can you think of some “ugly” things in nature that are really beautiful? I like the song, All Things Bright and Beautiful. The last line: The Lord, God made them all. ;-) Jack

FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: there's beauty in that. i also love that song. i sing it to my garden.

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: Reading this brings a big smile to me. I once had the "ugliest " toad on the planet . I mean, he was ugly. But, he brought us so much happiness because he jumped so far and "played" with us so long. We only kept him one day, that was all our parents let us keep wild animals. We lived in Harper Woods but right next to the huge county ditch. All kinds of animals lived in the area. I was 9 when they built 94 and Eastland Mall. We had pheasants, skunks, deer, rabbits, raccoons, large land and water turtles, opossum, and fox. Our favorite was that big ole' toad. However, I would have to tell you the truth when I say, I watched part of the Ugly Dog Contest, and I can tell you, some of those dogs were incredibly ugly. There are no two ways about it. I'm sure they were dearly loved by someone, but, they were undeniably ugly. Did you see any of them???? (PS...My cousin Nancy's little kids were not too pretty when they were born, but are really cute now. Just don't let her know.)

MORE FROM J.L.: To be absolutely truthful, my beautiful (daughter) was quite well, strange looking when she was born. She was 6 lbs and 21 inches long. When I took her to her first doctor appointment, the doctor held her up and said, "She looks like a Bangladash baby." And, she really was skinny. Of course, you know how beautiful she is now. And I know a lot of people who are very beautiful, they just are very beautiful inside....their outside doesn't matter!!

FROM GOOD DEBT JON IN OHIO: There is a whole family of adjectives and words that contrast and compare; these are often useful in debating relative beauty. Additionally, we are not duty bound to speak out loud everything we think. I have regretted my unkind comments more than once. I disagree with Crawford, I have seen ugly and lived to tell about it. I suppose if Crawford takes his theory to the limit, enough shade (darkness) can fix ugly. I assume this makes me a judgmental sinner—and that is ugly.

HAVE YOU EVER EATEN THE FRUIT THAT HAS THE NAME, UGLI?

FROM E.T. IN MICHIGAN: I am now singing the song that you asked about the day we left for T.C. The song is "Everything is beautiful in it's own way". Thanks for reminding me!

Ugly. Is irrelevant. It is an immeasurable insult to a woman, and then supposedly the worst crime you can commit as a woman. But ugly, as beautiful, is an illusion.
Margaret Cho

Jack’s Winning Words 8/1/07
“Sing! Music is an outburst of the soul.” (Frederick Deluis) Not everybody likes to sing, but for most of us, there’s one song, or more, that just bursts out of our soul. What are your favorites? I like, When The Saints Go Marching In. In fact, I think I’ll sing it right now. Music is a great gift from God, isn’t it? ;-) Jack

WHEN THE SAINTS GO MARCHING IN:
We are trav'ling in the footsteps
Of those who've gone before,
And we'll all be reunited,
On a new and sunlit shore,
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Lord, how I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in

MORE ON THE SAINTS: A traditional use of the song is as a funeral march. In the traditional funeral music traditions of New Orleans, Louisiana, often called the "jazz funeral", while accompanying the coffin to the cemetery, a band would play the tune as a dirge. On the way back from the interment, it would switch to the familiar upbeat "hot" or "Dixieland" style. While the tune is still heard as a slow spiritual number on rare occasions, from the mid-20th century it has been massively more common as a "hot" number.

FROM MOLINER, G.S.: One of my favorites too. Will be the last song played at my funeral.

FROM MOLINER, J.T.: You should have been at our "Bix" service this past Sunday. We left singing The Saints. The roof really shook.

FROM EMT SINGS IN MICHIGAN: I see that you were up very early when you sent this! Did you wake Mary up with your singing, especially such a rousing song? You would know that I could appreciate today's WW. In fact, I am trying to think of a favorite one to sing right now.

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: Oh my family just loves to sing. Kimberly and Joshua too, have the wonderful ability to memorize a song once they hear it! We do a lot of singing in the car on vacations. Gary and I harmonize to "Battle Hymn", "Amazing Grace" and all the old hymns. Plus, a lot of what I call "Mitch Miller" music and "Camp music. Some of my favorites are: "America the Beautiful" (still causes goosebumps I LOVE the words), "Christian's Island" by Gordon Lightfoot, "Your Song" by Elton John, "Singing in the Rain", "Jesus Loves me" by Points of Grace, "Spanish Eyes" and anything by Garth Brooks. I just love music! It's one of our greatest blessings....music has the ability to lift me up! And, I love "Fling out the Banner". I have asked the kids to have that played at my funeral, hopefully many many years from now!

FROM M.A.P. IN MICHIGAN: Yeah !!! You bet!!!! Ray says how about Children of the Heavenly Father?

ONE OF MY FAVORITES, TOO: Children of the heav’nly FatherSafely in His bosom gather;Nestling bird nor star in HeavenSuch a refuge e’er was given.
God His own doth tend and nourish;In His holy courts they flourish;From all evil things He spares them;In His mighty arms He bears them.
Neither life nor death shall everFrom the Lord His children sever;Unto them His grace He showeth,And their sorrows all He knoweth.
Though He giveth or He taketh,God His children ne’er forsaketh;His the loving purpose solelyTo preserve them pure and holy.
Lo, their very hairs He numbers,And no daily care encumbersThem that share His ev’ry blessingAnd His help in woes distressing.
Praise the Lord in joyful numbers:Your Protector never slumbers.At the will of your DefenderEv’ry foeman must surrender.

AND IN SWEDISH: Tryggare kan ingen vara,Än Guds lilla barnaskara,Stjärnan ej på himlafästet,Fågeln ej i kända nästet.
Herren sina trogna vårdar,Uti Sions helga gårdar,Över dem Han sig förbarmar,Bär dem uppå fadersarmar.
Ingen nöd och ingen lycka,Skall utur Hans hand dem rycka,Han vår vän för andra vänner,Sina barns bekymmer känner.
Se Han räknar håren alla,Som från deras huvud falla,Han oss föder och oss kläder,Under sorgen Han oss gläder.
Gläd dig då, du lilla skara,Jakobs Gud skall dig bevara,För Hans vilja måste alla,Fiender till jorden falla.
Vad Han tar och vad Han giver,Samme Fader Han förbliver,Och Hans mål är blott det ena,Barnets sanna väl allena.

FROM S.B. IN MICHIGAN: Personal favorite is: Alexander's Ragtime Band.

FROM J.G. IN WISCONSIN: You will get lots of response asking about favorite songs! :-) I, too, have many songs that are special to me. One is ... It is Well With My Soul or sometimes titled Peace Like a River. Music is good medicine!!

FROM GRANDMA G. IN FLORIDA: I agree with you about When the Saints Go Marching In. Les and I heard it once at the Chicago Opera House with Louis Armstrong. Benny Goodman. one of the Dorseys and it was so great everyone thought the curtain would fall down because of reaction from the audience. Another favorite is How Great Thou Art and the most memorable singing was at Mass at LaHaina in Maui. Thanks for the memories.

FROM J.T. IN MICHIGAN: Think mine is "How Great Thou Art."

FROM M.N. IN MINNESOTA: Hi Jack—I like that song too. In fact, I directed a Children’s Choir at a wedding in June and that is what they sang! It really was beautiful.
I am on my way to Balsam Lake to entertain my circle. I have everything ready because Carol and I went to see Spam-a-Lot last night and I could not be there early.
So far, I don’t know of anyone of my acquaintances on the I 35W bridge collapse. How tragic that was!

FROM B.S. NEAR ORLANDO: What a gift, what a b lessing, what a joy to have a person gifted or not to share her/his gift with others. I had to sit in Church next to a monotone person, and luckily in front of the retired choir, so the 2nd group over sang the ist person. Lift that bale, tot that ? barge, get a little drunk and you land in jail, Ole mAN RIVER, oh Ole mAN rIVER. aCHE DER LIEBER TO HEAR pAUL rOBESON SING THAT AGAIN. Frank Sinatra sang tht song once cwhile wearing a white tux, oh., man alive, he needed to wear a pair of torn bib overhauls, with manurer on the knees. Bob, actually instrumental music is as great a gift as the voice, well, maybe not, ya, well, we need to take a vote. What do you think

MORE FROM B.S.: Hi, my voice is gone, kaput, sorry, today my Mother is right. However I still belt out songs on occaison, but they Irene claims I hurt her ears. She is telling me that my voice is gone. So I must accept it. It is kaput. to bad, it still is fun to sing, a lot of fun. I remember how we used to sing hymns as Aunt Laura played the piano. We sang with a lot of joy and feeling., we sang from the heart, and that is when you sing well, that is when you do any thing well. I told my kids when they left home, that if they didn't like where they were working, I mean really enjoy it, get out and go some where else.> I said to them, you are not going to suceed if you don't really like what you are doing.

AND STILL MORE FROM B.S.: (I laughed at this one. Jack)
Hi Jack and Mary,, Irene and I went to a wedding reception in Milwaukee. Two kids from Kenosha were living together in Milwaukee and decided to tie the knot. So they rented a Pavillion up on the hill over the beach in Milwaukee and went to the Muscian's Union and hired a put together band. They didn't ask us. the band played lovely music and no one danced except Irene and me. We would go over to a couple we knew and we would coax them to dance with us hopeing to eventually get the floor full of danc ers. nope. The music was great and we had the entire floor to ourselves, so Irene and I agreed to ask the band leader if they ( the band ) played a polka. The gent at the piano, thought about that for awhile, grinned, and sayed, Yes, we know a Polka. So they played the Beer B arrell Polka, and, and, e veryone danced. They played the same music all night, and every one danced.