Jack’s Winning Words 12/10/07
“The road to the sacred leads through the secular.” (Abraham Heschel) Do you think that it’s possible…that all the commercialism of the season can lead to an appreciation of the sacred? I’m wondering. I hear many comments that the real meaning of Christmas has been lost. I’m not so sure. Do you know of examples? ;-) Jack

FROM G.G. IN INDIANA: I never thought about it that way but yes, I think it can lead to the sacred. I don't think that the real meaning of Christmas can ever be lost.....it's too powerful and the spirit "gets up in you" even when you think that it won't.

L.H. IN MARCO DOESN'T AGREE: Heschel would make a good con man. He's is wrong.

MORE FROM L.H.: This is a Christian country (over 80%) and it is what this country was founded on. You can't rewrite history! I thought that especially with your background, you would want to spread the Word.By the way, yesterday I picked up a copy of his book.

FROM MOLINER, L.P.: Hi. I think we're finding the meaning again. Gratefully, the stores dumped all the "political correctness" they tried last year, and we see trees, wreaths and Christmas again-- maybe that's what it took to make us realize how much Christmas really means to us as a society. People seem to be less in a party mood, and more in a reflective mood this year-- an improvement, in my opinion. Our political candidates certainly have prompted a lot of talk about religion, and it seems there are more people coming forward who are proud of their beliefs and not afraid to talk about them. I think as a country we're becoming more tolerant of each other and realizing that our differences are not that different after all. Merry Christmas!

FROM S.H. IN MICHIGAN: I know an example of two people's experiences in Israel. I know a pastor who visited Israel many years ago and saw the place where Jesus was supposed to have lain in a manger. The place looks very commercial now, a spot surrounded by all sorts of souvenir stuff, plastic Jesuses, etc., etc., etc. At first he said he was very angry, very putoff, very disappointed but, as he came to terms with the current reality of it all, he came to an appreciation that THAT PLACE LOOKED EXACTLY LIKE THE PLACE WHERE JESUS WAS NEEDED TO BE BORN. A friend has just come back from a trip to Israel and she had a similar experience. The place seems Hollywoodish with a star at the place where the manger was supposed to have been. I do think the commercialism of the season leads me to an appreciation of the sacred because the real sacred is the only thing that sets right it all. Let the real sacred be in the midst of it. Do not try to isolate the real sacred away from the commercialism because the battle needs to be fought and we, in the end, need to be able somehow to see our idolatry, what false prophets we are not to follow. Over the weekend we just sent out $73 postage on boxes of food for all of our relatives. Candies my daughter bought in Texas, fudge I made and also baklava because that is a different food you can buy in this area. Plus our homemade Christmas cards with our hopes for peace and love and that we all remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus. It might seem silly for quite a few of our relatives to see us spend money like that but, at this time, this is kind of our way of dealing with the commercialism and putting it out there for everyone all around Who we think is important and are remembering. I know quite a few other people are contributing their Christmas money to things like Heifer Project and other charities in lieu of presents to their relatives and trying to get back to the meaning of Christmas like that. Many years I make homemade gifts and that is also very satisfying but it's because I have first reflected upon what it feels like to give and receive presents that are "just picked out from the shelf at the store and don't seem to be very personal." . I believe the road to the sacred leads through the secular too.

FROM B.S. NEAR ORLANDO: I wonder?!?, I wonder if I give our grandchildrena big gunny sack to put their things in. They get so much, and what for? I just wonder if we should go back to the Christmas we had as kids, and were damned greatful for the apple and orange with a small bag of Zion candy that we received in Sunday School. We also got socks, underwear, and gloves at home. Aunt Lydia used to bring us some 5c Hershey bars (* now made in Mexico ) and we were so gratefull. Incidently, if we got shoes, it was at the start of School in Sept. We were so gratefull for our Ma and Pa, and our aunts and uncles. Hey a hug from Grandma was the greatest.

FROM REV. J.D. IN MINNESOTA: A PASTOR FRIEND OF MINE WAS DYING OF CANCER AND TOLD ME: JOHN I PREACHED ABOUT IMMANUEL MANY TIMES, BUT I NEVER UNDERSTOOD GOD WITH US UNTIL THIS CANCER. IN THE MIDST OF THE COMMERCIALISM MAYBE WE NEED ADVERSITY TO REALIZE THE GIFT OF JESUS.

FROM MOLINER C.F.: If the real meaning of Christmas has been lost, why is there standing room only at the Cathedral on Christmas Day?

Jack’s Winning Words 12/7/07
“May you never forget what is worth remembering, nor ever remember what is best forgotten.” (Irish Blessing) As I was searching for a Pearl Harbor Day quote, this one came to my attention. We remember the sacrifice of life on 12/7/41; some of the details of intrigue might be better set aside. I guess that’s the way it is with other episodes in our life, too. ;-) Jack

FROM B.D. IN MICHIGAN: I WENT THERE ONCE IN MY LIFE, I HAD TO LEAVE AFTER A FEW HOURS, SOOOOOOO SAD !!!!!!!!!

FROM A.M. IN MICHIGAN: Returned from Italy last night. Wonderful trip. Many Japanese were at the hotels. I initiated conversations especially with the young since they were more willing to talk. I was 11 when Pearl Harbor was bombed.. I remember it well-President Roosevelt speaking to us on the radio, movie news, rationing, tearing down the El train tracks in New york City which were used for the war effort, the young men and women enlisting, the draft, rationing. Time goes on. My husband , who served in World War 11 , traveled to Japan many times for GM. He invited Japanese visitors to our home for dinner and long conversations ensued. There was so much suffering on both sides. When I met these young people on the trip, my heart was peaceful. I enjoyed the interaction. We have come a long way.
Your Irish blessing says it all.

FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: There is a lot about forgiveness wrapped in those Winning Words, and forgiveness is appropriate from both nations that suffered tragically following December 7, 1941. Thanks for words that show understanding on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Fortunately, time does bring healing.

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: I've never heard this one before....and it is awesome. I was doing volunteer work at a nursing home for my Girl Scouting Day's years ago, and it was so interesting. Most people only remembered the good old days. And, at the last, when there was no conscience communication, you could always softly sing the old hymns and they would respond. They would respond to The Lord's Prayer too.
My grandparents had an cousin live with them when she turned 94. Her name was "Aunt Emmy". (Her father was in the Civil War and we have his artifacts. He was in the Michigan 22nd.) She lived for years under my grandparents care, and us grandkids helped take care of her for my grandma. Aunt Emmy loved to hear Jingle Bells and Jesus Loves Me. She only remembered good things and I pray, when the time comes, I will too. I try to do that now, and I'm sure you do to. There is so much good to remember!

FROM REV C.L. IN OHIO: Isn't forgiveness something we do just because we can never forget?
Didn't someone say if we didn't remember our past we were bound to relive it?

FROM L.H. IN MARCO: In this season of Advent, I still think back to how you covered Advent at Holy Spirit Church.I still have a sticker from one of the bulletins at the beginning of my rolodex that says "Love, Peace, Joy, Hope, Christ." Each week your sermon covered one of those topics and it made Advent especially meaningful. I always thought it was done that way at all Lutheran Churchs, but I haven't seen that since. The closest I have seen was on the Catholic network cable channel (EWTN) I watch quite frequently----they talked about Hope.Its taken me 65 years to hear of this guy (I'm sure you have) but I just finished the book "Profhet of Orthodoxy, This Wisdom of GK Chesterton." Most of his words are as true today as when he wrote them. I will plan on buying some of his books.

FROM MOLINER, C.F.: I'll try to remember that.

Jack’s Winning Words 12/6/07
“Everyone is kneaded out of the same dough, but not baked in the same oven” (Another Yiddish Proverb) Ain’t it the truth? There is so much that’s the same with us; why do we persist in looking at the comparatively little that is different? I like the variety of friends and acquaintances that I have. I appreciate, too, the backgrounds that have made us who we are. ;-) Jack

FROM GOOD DEBT JON IN OHIO: Would different ovens explain many of the half-baked ideas in the world? In Good Debt, Bad Debt, I wrote:
The father says to the son, “I’m concerned about you being
at the bottom of your class.” The son replies, “Don’t worry,
Dad. They teach the same things at both ends.” Within a classroom,
this might be true. But within neighborhoods throughout
America, the lessons can be very different (p. 92).
Even when we are in the same oven we don’t always rise to our potential, some come out undercooked/half-baked, some are baked too hard, some are old and crusty, some are warm and inviting, and most are just right, it is true we all come from the same dough. Perhaps it is up to us to seek the yeast.

FROM S.H. IN MICHIGAN: Your Winning Words today are making me recall the dream you told us about in one of your sermons. Remember the time you dreamed the priest was offering communion and you needed to take your own bread out of your pocket? That was just hilarious to me, coming as I do from a background where the Catholics and the Church of Christ Protestants were trying to go forward in the faith in our family. There is so much on the Channel 2 Catholic TV station here in Detroit that I appreciate but also so much that I also put little stock in. One time some guy was explaining how wrong Martin Luther was in his theology and leaving the Catholic Church. They don't seem to teach that Martin Luther was ex-communicated but that he left. On the other hand, I appreciate very deeply Henri Nouwen's meditations that come to me here each morning on the computer too along with your Winning Words and also Miriam Woolbert's daily scripture. I do believe we are all kneaded out of the same dough
and need to accept that we are not baked in the same oven,
how very true,
busy being baked here in Michigan.

FROM MOLINER, C.F.: Cookie cutters are for cookies.

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: Whenver the subject comes up, and we talked about changing the things in our lives...especially the rough spots my answer is always the same....they made me who I am. I'm different in so many ways from everyone around me, but I'm just the same too.
How boring it would bes
To have to live with a bunch of mes!
Poem especially written for my different friend, Pastor Freed!
Any requests for written permission to use it must come to me personally! :-) :-)

FROM E.A. IN MICHIGAN: > Here is another yiddish saying: With one tokus (butt) you can't dance at two
weddings. Think about this one.
I DID THINK AND ASKED FOR A HINT. HERE IT IS: Don't try to be everything to everyone---or don't commit yourself to too many obligations that you cannot give your best to each one .And so on.

Jack’s Winning Words 12/5/07
“God created the world full of little worlds.” (Yiddish Proverb) I find it interesting that so many folks have long discussions about when and how God created the world and never get around to asking, why. Forget “the words” and look through a telescope or a microscope. How many little worlds can you come up with? ;-) Jack

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: To quote Carl Sagen..."Billions, and billions and billions!" Good Wednesday Morning to you!

FROM REV. J.S. IN MICHIGAN: That's because they don't read the scriptures.....they are full of the "Why" question. Perhaps the ELCA has been doing to much looking "beyond the scriptures" and not enough in them!!!

FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: Given all the opportunities we have to explore things from the grand scale to the finite scale, how could anyone be bored in life?

FROM F.M. IN WISCONSIN: "What is man that thou are mindful of him, and the son of man that thou does care for him?" Ps. 8:4

FROM A SCHOOL SUPT. IN MICHIGAN: I tell my Principals to remember they are but a star in the universe (the school district) they are not the universe.

Jack’s Winning Words 12/4/07
“Do not free the camel of the burden of his hump; you may be freeing him from being a camel.” (M. Kathleen Casey) I guess I’ve never thought of it that way before. We are who we are. Of course, if I could talk with a camel, he might want to be rid of his hump. I read somewhere that Helen Keller was satisfied with her hump. ;-) Jack

FROM EMT SINGS IN MICHIGAN: Talk about a hump! Have you seen those renowned cojoined twins that are joined at the head? They are often featured on Discovery, on documentaries,etc. The one twin is the verbal one and able to walk. The other twin is constantly on a wheeled contraption. Obviously, they are constantly together and I saw them lately on a program where they were going through a museum and enjoying it like everyone else. As they were interviewed the verbal twin stated that she is just like anyone else who is making her way thru life and could not fathom being any different. She is apparantly able to "get inside herself" and function, at least emotionally, independantly.

FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: If you offered to remove the camel's hump, it might reply as Igor did, in the movie comedy Young Frankenstein..."What hump?"

MORE FROM R.I.: Another fan of Mel Brooks? Regarding Young Frankenstein, there are so many clever transformations of common expressions (Pardon me, is that the Transylvania Station?) which I'm sure you appreciate as well. One sequence that broke me up was Igor helping the buxom young woman from the coach as Dr. Frankenstein is standing at the castle door and says, "Wow, what a pair of knockers!

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: I wonder if Lincoln, Juliett Low, or anyone with any kind of "handicap", if they would be different people if they weren't so burdened. Don't we all have our humps? That's what makes us us! The camel's hump enables him to survive in places he never would be able to live....so I'm sure he probably is grateful....most of the time!

MORE FROM J.L.: (On Juliette) Did you read about her wedding and the rice getting into her ear? People face all kinds of adversity in their lives but keep going....at least most people do...

FROM C.H. ON CAPE COD: Intersting you mention Helen Keller... When I read the quote I think of some in the deaf community who would agree adamently (and have major issues with the idea of a cochlear implant, for example).

Jack’s Winning Words 12/3/07
“Divide and rule is a sound motto. Unite and lead is a better one.” (Goethe) These are some good words to keep in mind as we move toward elections next year. The negative is to divide. The positive is to unite. I’m looking for a uniter. It’s interesting to note that Goethe lived in a period called, the Enlightenment. It’s worth doing some reading about that time in history, even if you only Google it. ;-) Jack

FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: I agree that uniting is positive. It generates power to get things done. The essence of unity is strength, cooperation and solutions.

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: Yes, we need a "uniter" as our country is in danger of imploding....we don't need an enemy as we are fighting ourselves. Hopefully, someone will step up and set the tone to work together....a strong Christian who will pray a lot and work hard with everyone! We must unite as did our forefathers, even with their differences! With God for us, who could be against us? God's blessings on this freezing Michigan Monday!

FROM GOOD DEBT JON IN OHIO: Feeling Goethe today: Dost thou fancy that I should hate life,
Should flee to the wilderness, Because not all my budding dreams have blossomed?
No man deserves his freedom or his life, who does not daily win them anew. Goethe.
I think this is Goethe’s way of saying stop the whining. I predict the election will go to the party that can “Balkanize” enough Americans to win the primary and then unite enough of the “Balkanized” groups to paste together a “win.” In the process America loses, we are more divided and less united. We run against each other—not “for” America.

MORE FROM JON: “No man deserves his freedom or his life, who does not daily win them anew (Faust).”

This part of the quote was Faust, not Goethe.

FROM MOLINER, G.S.: Excellent! >:o

FROM MOLINER, C.F.: You can't lead an enemy that is united against you. And let's face it, we have enemies.

FROM P.S. IN MICHIGAN: So is ( or was ) George Bush! this country needs a uniter badly and Idon't see any on our political scene even with couple dozen wantnabees!

Jack’s Winning Words 11/30/07
“One cannot imagine St. Francis of Assisi talking about rights.” (Simone Weil) Simone grew up as an agnostic, but prayed for the first time in her life when she visited the town of Assisi. It was a mystical moment for her. She was a political activist, so I wonder what was going on in her mind with this quote. What changes us? ;-) Jack

FROM GOOD DEBT JON IN OHIO: St. Francis was more about duty and action. He said, “Preach the Gospel every day—use words if necessary.”

FROM B.S., NEAR ORLANDO: REPLY: What changes us? wow, it's the information in all those nooks and crannies that you mentioned a day or so before. I always hope that the changes are positive. I am going to send this to our friend Leonard for his input. You will like Leonard , Jack. Irene and I have a bushel of respect, admiration and love for Leonard. That is one of the reasons I forward your WW words to him.

FROM MOLINER G.S.: Christ is a pretty good start.

FROM J.S. IN MICHIGAN: Absolutely right on. He knew that the human task is written in Ethics and not rights. Rights have become the cry of the Enlightenment and now everyone has so many rights that they clash not only with other folks rights but sometimes our rights clash with our other rights!!! We need to return to the question of the human...."What ought I to do?"

FROM A.M., WHO JUST RETURNED FROM ASSISI: Assisi is a special place. It reaffirms the kindness and goodness of St. Francis. One is moved to ponder a simpler life.

Jack’s Winning Words 11/29/07
“Who sees the human face correctly; the photographer, the mirror, or the painter?” (Picasso) This is an interesting question to ask family and friends. What do I really look like? There’s a picture of me on the wall, and a painting, too. I look in the mirror every day. Which image is the real me? None of the above? What do you think? ;-) Jack

FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: Only one's eye observes a face image correctly, and then only for an instant. A blink, a twitch, a pursing of lips, all bring change to facial contours or features. Images by photography, mirror reflection, and painting are attained through the use of other tools (camera, silvered glass, artist's hand and brush), and each imposes variants from the genuine face being viewed. The camera lens distorts, the mirror delivers a reverse image, and the painter injects his/her personal touch regarding proportion and color. So I believe "none of the above" is the proper answer. Having said that, I would add that a captured image is never permanent anyway, because a person responds to moods, and one's smiling face can quickly change to dour or pouting. Any image is just an instant in a continuum of time.

FROM T.B. IN MICHIGAN: A photo of you will not do you justice. With all your knowledge and insight only knowing you will give the correct picture.

FROM B.G. IN MICHIGAN: This WW reminds me of a line from the U2 song-City of Blinding Lights. It goes like this, "Don't look before you laugh...Look ugly in a photograph." What I like about this lyric is that it reminds us not to look around to see how other people are going to perceive us doing whatever it is we're doing. If you feel like laughing when you're getting your photograph taken, go for it! Who sees the human face correctly? It depends a lot on us, I think.

FROM MOLINER, G.S.: You are what you think others think you are. Hm..................................................

FROM GOOD DEBT JON IN OHIO: Probably only our maker can really know what he intended. I was lucky enough to marry a near-sighted gal. I am not sure who sees faces “correctly” but I am pretty sure the video camera is the most critical. Just ask any Fred Thompson supporter that saw him on CNN last night. When they turned the camera on him, my 12 year old daughter blurted out, “Oh my, who’s the old guy?” My kid’s like Huckabee and Obama. Maybe a positive message is best?

FROM J.S. IN MICHIGAN: We have a family painting done when our kids were young. I actually look pretty good in that one. I want them to tear up all of m photos and just keep that painting. The painter lied a bit....and wouldn't it be nice if that were the truth?

FROM L.H. IN FLORIDA: I think the real image is on the inside and only you know the real person. Just look at the politicians; they create an image that is usually quite different from who and what they are.

FROM J.C. IN HONG KONG: I vote for "all of the above".

FROM K.B. IN MICHIGAN: i just read an interesting little piece of fantasy fiction called Spellbound--that is the question it really addresses

CORRECTION FROM K.B.: The name of the book I referred to yesterday--was GARDEN SPELLS not SPELLBOUND

FROM C.S. IN MICHIGAN: The painter of course;do we ever see large photos over the mantel? no, we see painted portraits! A little bias here of course.

FROM D.P. IN MINNESOTA: Only God.

FROM J.T. IN MINNESOTA: Going to the mailbox one day was an eye-opener. At a Synod Assembly I had my photograph taken for a pictorial directory. When I opened an envelope from the photograph company addressed to me, enclosed was a photograph of some pastor (unknown to me) 30 years younger! Those One-a-Day vitamins work wonders!

FROM B.S. NEAR ORLANDO: I think the portrait painter, "El Pintor", the portraits I have seen are remarkable, how ever in some cases I never knew the person b-4 the painting, However, how can a photo be different, except in time sequence, alas, so is the portrait, . I should have kept my mouth shut.

Jack’s Winning Words 11/28/07
“Keep ya head up, oooo child things are gonna get easier; oooo things are gonna get brighter.” (Tupac Shakur) You probably never thought that I’d be quoting a rapper, but I’m a positive thinker, and these words “fit in.” They’re an example of Shakur’s softer side, an example of a deeper rap song. Look at the world around you…Things are gonna get brighter! ;-) Jack

FROM PR J.S. IN MICHIGAN: They will if we can get rid of GW and elect Obama!!!

FROM S.H. IN MICHIGAN: Tupac has some interesting songs. Some of them I've listened to are laced with religious kind of language, Hail, Mary, and so forth. I've watched several of the videos made of his life and believe his music is one of the voices of our time. In all the mix of his expressing feelings and thoughts, he actually seemed to be trying to sort out an honest relationship with his mother which, as a mother myself, I appreciated. Always had the impression he was trying to be true to what was in him and I wonder if today's Winning Words were inherited from what his mother might have said to him at one time. I'm optimistic, too, and wouldn't be at all surprised if he is in heaven now.

FROM N.G. IN MICHIGAN: Actually he was remixing a song from the 60"s. I don't remember the name, but as I read the quote I started singing along. I think it was from the Associations.
It is true - I didn't expect to see you quote a rapper. You are just too HIP!!!!!

FROM GOOD DEBT JON IN OHIO: I don’t have time to research this right now, but I think (am sure) this is an old Motown Hit. It goes on, “Someday we’re gonna walk in the ray of a beautiful sun, someday the world will be brighter….”

MORE FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Song by The Five Stair Steps, Motown. Ooh child by the Five Stairsteps song was covered by lots of different people (including Tupac)
Ooh-oo child Things are gonna get easier Ooh-oo child Things'll get brighter Ooh-oo child Things are gonna get easier Ooh-oo child Things'll get brighter Some day, yeah We'll get it together and we'll get it all doneS ome day When your head is much lighter Some day, yeah We'll walk in the rays of a beautiful sun Some day When the world is much brighter Ooh-oo child Things are gonna be easier Ooh-oo child Things'll get be brighter Ooh-oo child Things are gonna be easier Ooh-oo child Things'll get be brighter Some day, yeah We'll get it together and we'll get it all done Some day When your head is much lighter Some day, yeah We'll walk in the rays of a beautiful sun Some day When the world is much brighter Some day, yeah We'll get it together and we'll get it all done Some day When your head is much lighter Some day, yeah We'll walk in the rays of a beautiful sun Some day When the world is much brighter Ooh-oo child Things are gonna get easier Ooh-oo child Things'll get brighter Ooh-oo child Things are gonna get easier Ooh-oo child Things'll get brighter Right now, right now

AND MORE FROM JON: http://gdbd.com/sound2/five_stairsteps_-_ooh_ooh_child_email.htm

FROM D.R. IN MICHIGAN: The line is also an example of history repeating it’s self. That was from a song by The Five Stairsteps in 1970 called “Ooh Child”.

FROM PR B.G. IN MICHIGAN: Brighter, indeed! The people who walked in deep darkness have seen a great light...Things are gonna get brighter during this Advent season.

FROM B.C. IN ILLINOIS: Made me smile in part, because it's not really a Tupac song…. it was released in 1970 by the 5 Stairsteps, a soul group of teens that pre-dated Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five. I'm glad it got redone by Tupac and heard Destiny's Child did a cover too. My I feel old now!

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: Well, today we need some brightness....it's cloudy and overcast. But "gray skies are goingn to clear up..put on a Happy Face!" Going shopping with my daughter and grandson!

FROM B.R. IN MICHIGAN: So you know I'm still alert, check out the original from the 60's by Nina Simone. Tupac must have plagiarized.

FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: it is the season of light, no matter the generation of tune. deck them halls and all that jazz!

FROM L.P. IN MOLINE: I was completely surprised to find "Oooohh Child" on a mix CD Gisela put together for me last summer-- the original '60s version. I have no idea how she knew I've loved it since I first heard it as a kid (a really young kid). Good stuff endures.

FROM P.O., JUST BACK FROM ISRAEL: I'm playing catch up with WW and other email. We returned from the Holy Land late Fri. night. It was a remarkable experience --- very 'layered' and it will take me a long time to process all we saw and heard. I hope that you and Tupac are right about things getting brighter. Right now I'm quite despondent about the Israeli occupation of Palestine, how that plays out for the 'everyday folk', and the prospects for any significant change.

Jack’s Winning Words 11/27/07
“It’s niver too late to turn over a new leaf, and if you’ve niver had no church, there’s no telling the good it’ll do you.” (Dolly in Silas Marner by George Eliot) For some reason, I happened to think back to reading this in 9th Grade. The mind saves lots of stuff in nooks and crannies. It’s great to rediscover some of them, isn’t it? ;-) Jack

FROM B.S. NEAR ORLANDO: It is just amazing what those nooks and crannies can release back into the active conscousness. My wife chides me for remembering so much of the past. So is the past good?, bad, of value? I guess we'll continue to strive forward. I just wish we could still dance.

FROM G.G. IN INDIANA: Yes, that is fun. It's also really fun to wait and see what going to pop out of your mind...you've got alot of winning words saved up ! I have to go now and look for some new leaves that need turning

FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: "Amen" to Dolly, and "Amen" to Jack.

FROM J.T. IN MICHIGAN: Wow! I'm impressed. I know I read Silas Marner back then too, but I don't remember anything about it. I guess I'll have to add it to my list of "rereads".

FROM P.H. IN MINNESOTA: Didn't Eve tell Adam that is was never too late to turn over a new leaf?

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: One of the classics! I read it too...along with all Shakespeare, Hemingway, Greek and Roman Mythology, O'Hare, Poe and Sherlock Holmes books and stories. Emily Dickenson, Frost, and Edgar Guest are some of my favorites. And, it's niver too late to start anew! God's blessings

Jack’s Winning Words 11/26/07
“The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind.” (William James) His generation was 1847-1910, but his view seems to hold true today. I’ve tried it, and it works for me. Three p’s describe him: psychologist, philosopher and pragmatist. W.J.’s life was truly an interesting one and worth reading about. ;-) Jack

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: It's truly hard to believe it took humankind to figure out that statement....it would seem that is a n-brainer....However, it doesn't mean all people "get it". You can change your whole life by an attitude change. Let's put on a new attitude today!

FROM GOOD DEBT JON IN OHIO: It is interesting how many of William James theories seem to be straight from the Bible. Some oddly from the book of James. What is expectancy theory except, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he. [Proverbs 23:7]” In modern psychology (the young science), it seems the Bible is taken for granted and not given attribution most of the time. I used to annoy my professors at Ohio State (94-95 Grad Adult Ed classes) when I could come up with many parallels for Will James’ work to Solomon and other Biblical writers that were not given attribution. I believe Poor Richard aka Ben Franklin covered a lot of this road too, nearly 100 years before, but Franklin does credit Cotton Mather (his Pastor) and the Bible. I will admit, I have not read all of W.J.’s work, perhaps he does give attribution. We as mortals, love to recast God’s revelations as our own. I suppose a healthier response would be , “The Lord is the beginning of all Knowledge” (Solomon, 961 B.C.).

FROM MOLINER, C.F.: That's exactly what some, most, politicians are trying to do to us now.

FROM B.S. NEAR ORLANDO: This gent sounds like a real winner. A contributor to society. Thanks Jack, we can hike over to the librbary.

Jack’s Winning Words 11/23/07
“If you don’t make mistakes, you’re not working hard enough on problems…And that’s a big mistake.” (Alexander Humboldt) Let’s see. What problem am I going to work on today? World peace? “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” What can I do to make my corner of the world a better place in which to live? ;-) Jack

FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: Humboldt inspires us with some cogent words...a great quote. On this day after Thanksgiving, response seems somewhat quiet...maybe everyone is out making their "corner of the world a better place in which to live." I guess I better get going here in my own "corner of the world."

Jack’s Winning Words 11/21/07
“I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still possess.” (Luther) On Thanksgiving Day we are reminded to count our blessings. We need to be reminded, too, that these are fragile and can disappear in a moment. So, let’s enjoy today what we have and recognize that we are simply stewards of these blessings. ;-) Jack

FROM D.P. IN MINNESOTA: You answered the question in three short sentences!Happy Thanksgiving!

FROM P.O. IN MICHIGAN: Counting, counting, still counting................

FROM GOOD DEBT JON IN OHIO: It has to hard to receive new blessings while holding onto the old blessings. The current ELO song, Hold on Tight to Your Dreams, is used in the new Honda Accord TV ad; I presume they want you to hold on tight to the steering wheel of an Accord (they don’t mention holding on tight to your wallet). I drive a 7 year-old Lincoln TC, but, I favor Toyota, presently, the Scotsman’s Lexus.
The fact is God may have something better in mind for us, holding tightly to what “we” believe is best may not be wise. I remember a story my wife told her Sunday School class, about a young girl that arrives in heaven and St. Peter is showing her around and everything is wonderful. They come to a big door and St. Peter says, you can go anywhere but in there. Well, the human can’t stand that! She begs and begs St. Peter to let her see in the room. Finally St. Peter gives in, saying, “It won’t make you happy.” The young woman opens the door and sees shelf after shelf, row after row, of the most wonderful, plans, ideas, gifts, and situations. The woman says to St. Peter, “What is so terrible about this?” This is the most wonderful room I could ever have imagined! “I know, “ says St. Peter, “It is full of all of the things God wanted to give you if you had only asked—believing.”

HOLD ON TIGHT TO YOUR DREAM
Hold on tight to your dreamHold on tight to your dreamWhen you see your ship go sailingWhen you feel your heart is breakingHold tight to your dream.It's a long time to be goneTime just rolls on and onWhen you need a shoulder to cry onWhen you get so sick of tryingJust hold tight to your dreamCHORUS:When you get so down that you can't get upAnd you want so much but you're all out of luckWhen you're so downhearted and misunderstoodJust over & over & over you could

FROM C.H. ON CAPE COD: Thank you for sharing this one!

FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: Unquestionably, my cup runneth over.

FROM MOLINER, L.P.: I am thankful for you & your thought-provoking Winning Words with which I start each day. Happy Thanksgiving!

MORE FROM L.P.: The last few years Dad, my daughter and I have gone to The Cellar in Geneseo. They serve family-style traditional Thanksgiving fare, plus the regular menu. I am having chicken livers-- the best around. And their famous BBQ shrimp cocktail. Plus, it's a nice, relaxing drive after dinner.
They're predicting 1 - 3" snow today. Yippee-- I love winter. Have a Happy and Delicious T-Day!

TO J.C. AND FAMILY IN HONG KONG: > Are you and the fam having turkey tomorrow (today)? What's the > Chinese delicacy? We had some Liberian girls in our Southfield > church. They said that the delicacy from their homeland was a serving of chicken feet.

J.C.'S ANSWER: Yes, the American contingent will have the usual traditional T-Day get-together. As for Chinese delicacies ... if it moves, it can be eaten.
(And that means any part of it!) Fishhead or snake soup, and pigs' and chicken feet are especially great. Oh, and don't forget the birds' nests or the hundred-year old eggs.

FROM S.G. IN TAMPA: Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Tomorrow the family from Sweden will be here to share our day with us. They are very knowledgeable. They are enjoying the experience of living in our country, and their two girls have adapted so quickly to our educational system. Yet, they maintain their Swedish ties. Actually, there are Swedish organizations in both Tampa and Orlando. Their five year old was in the group that sang for the huge opening of the new IKEA in Orlando recently. She was dressed as Pippi Longstockings.

FROM C.L. IN OHIO: Believe it or not<>

FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: i am a steward of many blessings, but i still grieve the ones lost. i lack the ablility or maybe the grace. this is a particularly rich time of blessings lost for me. i am fortunate to have many present blessings to keep the scales balanced. i am a libra. happy thaksgiving to you.

LIBRA: Diplomaitic and urbaneRomantic and charmingEasygoing and sociableIdealistic and peaceable

FROM J.F. IN NOVA SCOTIA: Considering where you grew up and the state in which you now live, I'm sure you're well acquainted with blackflies. I saw this bumpersticker on a car in a parking lot and walked closer to read the fine print. All it said was that it was from the "Maine Blackfly Preservation Society."
Tongue-in-cheek? or a stunning example of commitment to biodiversity? How many environmentalists would sign up? Why should a blackfly be worth any less than the rest of us?

FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: hit the nail on the head! have you been influenced by a carpenter?

Jack’s Winning Words 11/20/07
“The best cure for worry, depression, melancholy and brooding is to go deliberately forth and try to lift, with one’s sympathy, the gloom of somebody else.” (Bennett) I read once that sympathy is “your pain in my heart.” There have been several heart-ache stories have been told to me recently. A letter, a card or call of sympathy can mean alot to someone. Do you have a person in mind? ;-) Jack

FROM REV. P.H. IN MINNESOTA: More good words from a wise old man!! Blessings to you and yours in this season of thanksgiving. Your friend in the valley of apples,

FROM K.B. IN MICHIGAN: A meaningful message for me today--Happy Thanksgiving

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: Do you remember Charlie Kinney? Well, Charlie, 40 years old, was playing soccer and died. Charlie and his wife Debbie ran the Luther League. Charlie was a WONDERFUL inspiration to the youth and volunteered a lot in his church in Linden. It's a real shock. By uplifting someone else, you definitely uplift yourself. I also ran into a friend who is struggling with paying bills. Somehow we have to find a way to help her without her knowing.

FROM D.P. IN MINNESOTA: That is the best medicine of all, and I KNOW it works!

Jack’s Winning Words 11/19/07
“A smiling face is half the meal.” (Latvian Proverb) This is a good one for the Thanksgiving holiday. Why not look around you at dinnertime and count the smiles. The one on your face counts, too. Here’s a geography quiz. Put these three in the proper order from north to south: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania. No fair looking at a map. ;-) Jack

FROM MOLINER, G.S.: There're in the right order. What country is on the coast south of Lithuania?
Are you Blue today?

FROM J.D. IN MINNESOTA: AM I RIGHT? LITHUANIA, LATVIA, ESTONIA. SOUTH TO NORTH JOHN

FROM P.O. IN MICHIGAN: Ouch! Geography was my hands down worst subject.

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: There is nothing more uncomfortable than sitting across from a crabby or sad person. I personally like to eat happy, as you can tell by looking at me! I think you put the countries in the correct order... Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania north to south. No map used!

FROM C.R. IN MARYLAND: .......try this one: Iceland, Greenland ,Finland, Fairbanks. Happy Thanksgiving

FROM F.M. IN WISCONSIN: Two observations . . . first, for a sermon I checked the concordance for "smile". . . it doesn't appear in the English Bible! And I checked "laughter" - that only appears a few times, and mostly not in a positive context! Secondly, you have the three nations in the correct order, north to south. A few years I took a tour through Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Russia. A great tour - we finished in St. Petersburg!

SMILES: There are smiles that make us happy,There are smiles that make us blue,There are smiles that steal away the tear drops,As the sunbeams steal away the dew,There are smiles that have a tender meaning,That the eyes of love alone may see,And the smiles that fill my life with sunshineAre the smiles that you give to me.

FROM G.G. IN INDIANA: we are not fed by bread alone...right?

MORE FROM G.G.: from a long time ago in Montreal, Wis. "I have something in my pocket, it belongs across my face. I keep it very close to me , in the most convenient place. I know you'll never guess it, if you guess a long, long while. I'll take it out and put it on. It's a great big Brownie smile!"

Jack’s Winning Words 11/16/07
“It is no secret what God can do. What he’s done for others, he’ll do for you. With arms wide open, he’ll welcome you. It is no secret what God can do.” (Stuart Hamblen) This song is really a story of Stuart’s life and how he was rescued. Don’t give up hope in “hopeless” situations. It is no secret what God can do. ;-) Jack

FROM D.S. IN MICHIGAN: Perfect for today. Thanks!

FROM REV. J.S. IN MICHIGAN: That's the "secret" of Christianity. It is open revelation....out there for all to see. There is no secret revelation like the Gnostics receive. That is one of the real problems in our church today. I asked (an ELCA seminary professor) how he supported one of his positions from the scriptures and he said that he didn't. He looked "beyond the scriptures." Why then bother to hire a New Testament person in the seminary? We need to hire a "beyond the scriptures" guy....maybe an Extra Sensory Perception person who has a direct pipeline to God that is unavailable to others. When we start dealing in secrets and get away from the historic revelation in Christ, we move into a realm that is non-Christian.

FROM F.M. IN WISCONSIN: Jack's Winning Songs . . . a new vehicle . . . but the same old pregnant reflection and question!

FROM G.G. IN INDIANA: Thank-you for the reminder. I've been humming that song all day!

FROM M.E. IN MICHIGAN: Is it fair to ask God for anything more than good health and safety for ourselves and loved ones? I rarely do for the risk of losing the thing that matters most, our health. The rest is up to us.

Jack’s Winning Words 11/15/07
“Death is only a larger kind of going abroad.” (Samuel Butler) I hadn’t thought of it in this way before, but it led me to look up some more thoughts on death. Henry Ward Beecher said, as he was dying: “Now comes the mystery.” When Lady Astor awoke briefly on her deathbed and saw her family gather there, she said: “Am I dying, or is this my birthday?” Edison’s last words were: “It’s very beautiful over there.” ;-) Jack

FROM MOLINER, G.S.: The after-life is just as real as death. But sometimes I wonder........

MORE FROM G.S.: An excellent book discusses this: 90 Minutes in Heaven, by Don Piper.
He was clinically dead for 1 1/2 hours. I'm reading his next one, Heaven Is Real.

FROM S.H. IN MICHIGAN: Jerry's Dad spoke some interesting words right before his death. Kevin, the male nurse was with him, and he imparted to Jerry's Mom and all the family that Doc said something to the effect, "They're telling me to come but I don't know if I should." It sounded like someone "on the other side" was beckoning him to join them.

FROM REV. J.S. IN MICHIGAN: I love St. Francis' words in his great hymn "All Creatures of our God and King"....."O thou most kind and gentle death, ..." It sees death asa friend that leads us to our Lord. I can't think of heaven as a place. To me it is wherever the Lord is. That's why the kingdom of heaven transcends death....it reigns on both sides of life.

FROM G.G. IN INDIANA: This is so funny to me because we always refer to our mom as being on an "extended cruise" !

FROM GOOD DEBT JON IN OHIO: I think it depends on your travel agent. In Christ all destinations are possible, with Satan Travel layovers for eternity at Newark/Hades International are the norm.

FROM J.F. IN MICHIGAN: A few years ago, one of the founders of the Farmington Players died of cancer. A couple weeks later, I was taking some soup to her husband and he told me about the day she passed away. Don had traveled the world when he worked for GM in the '50s, '60s, and '70s. Don's wife, Perle, traveled with him occasionally -- especially to Europe, but usually Don had to leave her home when he traveled to places like India, China, and South America. Don told me that as Perle took her last breath, he kissed her good-bye and told himself that this time it was Perle who was taking the trip and he would be joining her sometime in the future. Don passed away a few years later and I immediately thought of his "travel" image. Your quote made me think of it again. The other story is a quick one (reminiscent of the Thomas Edison quote):
My uncle Bernard's last words before his heart stopped were, "Oh, Beulah!" (Beulah was Bernard's wife who had passed away about 2 1/2 years before him.) I know we're not supposed to know too much about the life after this one, but sometimes it's nice to have a little hint of what's to come.

Jack’s Winning Words 11/14/07
“Skepticism, like chastity, should not be relinquished too readily.” (Santayana) I read that George was an adherent of epiphenomenalism. Personally I’d rather read from my favorite skeptic, C.S. Lewis. Skepticism has helped me to deepen my faith. I like what the father said when he brought his son to Jesus for healing. “I believe. Help my unbelief.” Jesus commended him for that. ;-) Jack

FROM P.O. IN MICHIGAN: Had to look up 'epiphenominalism' and can see that it's going to take more than a quick read!

FROM GOOD DEBT JON IN OHIO: If skepticism were a crime, I’d be on death row. Through faith, I get a pardon daily.

JON SAID NOT TO POST IT: The worst speculative Skeptic ever I knew, was a much better Man than the best superstitious Devotee & Bigot. --David Hume (Letter to Gilbert Elliot of Minto, March 10, 1751) .... but it's too good to just let it float in cyber space (Jack)

FROM REV. J.S. IN MICHIGAN: Jack...You piqued my curiousity with that quote today from Mark. I had always associated that with Paul who is a natural skeptic. I checked in Eduord Schweizer's commentary on Mark and he associates "unbelief", however, not with skepticism but with the recognition that it is too difficult for the man to rely simply on God in this situation and that in part he wants also to rely on himself. Complete faith would demand that we simply rely only on God and that the "I" in the equation disappear. It is something, I think, like the I THOU relationship which Buber describes when he talks about the Ultimate Thou. Thus, the unbelief of the man is not a mental skepticism but a spiritual inability to cast away his own independence and rely simply on the Lord. Thanks for sending me up to look that up. I think I learned something today.

RESPONSE TO J.S.: I have this quote in my WWs file. I don't think I'll send it out to the general readership, because they might not appreciate it....the way you might.
"Archaeology is the search for fact, not truth. If it's truth you're looking for, Dr. Tyree's philosophy class is right down the hall." (George Lucas)

FROM D.S. IN CALIFORNIA: Jack, you hit on my favorite religious saying. I do question things, and wonder "why" so often, but then I think, God gave me this brain to think with. What bothers me is that I don't want to feel as if I have to have a miracle occur immediately at my asking. I do need help with my "unbelief", but I don't think I am the only one. I do HOPE that what I believe and am learning IS what "will be", and of course I hope that in some way I am worthy of eternal life with my Savior.

FROM MY SISTER IN ILLINOIS: This reminds me of the song Mrs. Tillberg taught us:
I believe in God the Father,
I believe in God the Son,
I believe in God the Spirit,
One in Three and Three in One.
Chorus: I believe, yes I believe; I believe yes, I believe; I believe yes I believe--help thou Lord mine unbelief.

FROM C.R. IN MARYLAND: yaah

FROM REV. P.H. IN MINNESOTA: wise words from a wise man!! both you and Diz

FROM D.P. IN MINNESOTA: Good one!

FROM G.G. IN INDIANA: I think a skeptic is one who thinks about things. (That's a good word...epiphenomenalism.. I'm still working on it.)

Jack’s Winning Words 11/13/07
“In every generation there has to be some fool who will speak the truth as he sees it.” (Boris Pasternak) Boris was that kind of person. It said that during one of his purges, Stalin crossed out Pasternak’s name and said, “Leave that holy fool alone.” “Holy Fool!” Isn’t that an interesting expression? What do you think it means? Can you see yourself in Boris’s shoes? ;-) Jack

FROM C.R. IN MARYLAND: ......I like that one.

FROM MOLINER, C.F.: That's Politics.

FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: if the jester hat fits...

FROM GOOD DEBT JON IN OHIO: I read a little about Pasternak this morning. Perhaps Ron Paul is the modern day Boris Pasternak. Paul’s run for president is treated by the elite establishment with great disdain if it is reported on at all. We elect politicians, not statesmen, we want someone to lie to us—because the truth is far too potent to seriously consider. When I consider the 14 or 15 rent seekers running for the presidency—it is Ron Paul that is considered by many to be the lone fool or the “Holy Fool” speaking the truth. Though the poem below was written long ago (update to men and women)—these are the words and deeds I wish presidential candidates, the 535 lords and ladies, the executive branch, and the judiciary would embrace.
God, give us men!
GOD, give us men! A time like this demands
Strong minds, great hearts, true faith and ready hands;
Men whom the lust of office does not kill;
Men whom the spoils of office cannot buy;
Men who possess opinions and a will;
Men who have honor; men who will not lie;
Men who can stand before a demagogue
And damn his treacherous flatteries without winking!
Tall men, sun-crowned, who live above the fog
In public duty, and in private thinking;
For while the rabble, with their thumb-worn creeds,
Their large professions and their little deeds,
Mingle in selfish strife, lo! Freedom weeps,
Wrong rules the land and waiting Justice sleeps.
Josiah Gilbert Holland

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: "Fools for Jesus" what could be better? Us Christians should all be "Holy Fools" willing to speak up in Jesus' name...especially in this world of ours, as Boris did in his world, where Stalin "purged" so many!

FROM D.S. IN CALIFORNIA: Let's see, Boris Pasternak ---- Jack Freed. Hmmmmmm

FROM E.A. IN MICHIGAN: A very lovely poem that does apply today. But you must remember, these are the same types of integrity and hoped for ethics in all of his (Holland's) books,. Great to want but seldom gotten.

FROM G.G. IN INDIANA: Yes, I can.

Jack’s Winning Words 11/12/07 (Veterans’ Day)
“We often take for granted the very people who most deserve our gratitude.” (Cynthia Ozick) Today we remember and honor those in the past and in the present who have been members of the armed forces. Are you a veteran, or has someone in your family been a military person? There are others, too, who deserve our gratitude. I think of the parents, teachers and friends who have influenced us. ;-) Jack

FROM C.S. IN WISCONSIN: If you look at the statue of the flag being raised on Iwo Jima you'll see 13 hands on the pole. Why 13 when there were 6 soldiers. The man who reated the statue simply said that the 13th hand was the hand of God.

THE INSCRIPTION ON THE STATUE READS: "Uncommon Valor was a Common Virtue."

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: Old Geezers remember the Depression, World War II, Pearl Harbor, Guadalcanal, Normandy and Hitler. They remember the Atomic Age, the Korean War 1950-55, The Cold War, the jet age and the moon landing the 50 plus Peacekeeping Missions from 1945 to 2005 the Jet Age and the Moon Landing, not to mention Vietnam. "Geezers" are easy to spot: At sporting events, during the playing of the Star Spangled BANNER. Old Geezers remove their caps and stand at attention and sing without embarrassment. They know the words and believe in them.

MORE FROM J.L.: A veteran - whether active duty, retired, or national guard or reserve - is someone who, at one point in his, or her, life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America," for an amount of "up to and including my life." That is honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it. Author unknown.

FROM REV. J.S. IN MICHIGAN: Today (yesterday) is Armistice Day and I remember the bloody conflict that is now called World War I. My sister Jeanne and I used to face East at 11 am on the 11th in honor of all those who fought to bring about a better world (until Wilson and Lodge screwed things up....along with Clemenceau and Lloyd George). My Dad was in the Army in that war. It seems that all of our holidays have become Veterans Day.....Decoration Day, July 4th, Labor Day, etc. have all turned into days to remember veterans. I like that you wrote that we ought to remember others as well....parents, teachers, friends.....folks who fought for peace in our world. I'll remember you today!

FROM GOOD DEBT JON IN OHIO: I started to write, “…said the politician to the taxpayer.” Then I read on and saw the quote had to do with Veterans Day. My dad, who died 40 years ago was in WWII. Many of the best people I know are serving or have served. While I disagree with most overseas wars, I do want to honor the men who are sent to fight them.

FROM F.M. IN WISCONSIN: A very appropriate word for this day - I just secured ten days ago a list of my grade school teachers - reading their names, I recall how helpful they were and how much I owe them. They taught during the depression - when teachers were dismissed if they married! How these ladies put their teaching ahead of their personal lives!

JACK'S RESPONSE: Yep; that's the way it was in my day, too. My favorite teacher, Miss Ruth Erickson, taught 6th Grade. She and her boyfriend took our whole class on a bike excursion. Since I didn't own a bike, I had to borrow one. It was so much fun. She married shortly after I went to Junior High. She is now deceased, but I had a chance to visit her after she retired (she went back to teaching when the rules changed), and we had a great time "remembering."

FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: and you. thanks and love

MORE FROM M.L.: i believe that people come into each other's lives for a reason. yours was to help keep us believing in tomorrow when each day was a challenge. it has been a great gift to reunite. it has simply reinforced my belief.

Jack’s Winning Words 11/9/07
“There is no education like adversity.” (Disraeli) Old Ben was right about adversity. However, during adversity, these song lyrics often come to mind: “Into each life some rain must fall, but too much is falling in mine.” As I look back, I do see that some hard times have been good times…at least in retrospect.. There are many ways to get an education, if one pays attention. Right? ;-) Jack

FROM P.O. IN MICHIGAN: While I agree completely with this in theory --- I still could have passed on a couple of them

FROM REV. J.S. IN MICHIGAN: I read a bio of Disraeli. He was a fascinating individual. So was his opponent, Gladstone. Disraeli, however, would have been more appealing to you.

FROM S.H. IN MICHIGAN: When bad things happen to us and people seem to be against us for some reason, if we could believe that we are doing something according to God's Will for this world that He created it would all make our educations in life, the adversities we face more palatable.

FROM J.M. IN MICHIGAN: The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.

THE RAINY DAY BY LONGFELLOW:
The day is cold, and dark, and dreary It rains, and the wind is never weary; The vine still clings to the mouldering wall, But at every gust the dead leaves fall, And the day is dark and dreary.
My life is cold, and dark, and dreary; It rains, and the wind is never weary; My thoughts still cling to the mouldering Past, But the hopes of youth fall thick in the blast, And the days are dark and dreary.
Be still, sad heart! and cease repining; Behind the clouds is the sun still shining; Thy fate is the common fate of all, Into each life some rain must fall, Some days must be dark and dreary.

FROM D.S. IN CALIFORNIA: A friend of ours recently moved (with her husband) to be close to their children near Atlanta. He has been fighting cancer for 15 or more years. Near death so many times and coming back. Now they're daughter just lost her baby after 3 months of pregnancy. Her husband can hardly get out of bed they have him so doped up due to pain.
Today's Winning Words just seemed to come at the right time

FROM F.M. IN WISCONSIN: Reminds me if the University of Hard Knocks!

Jack’s Winning Words 11/8/07
“Do not bark against the bad, but chant the beauty of the good.” (Emerson) There are plenty of barkers out there in the world. We need more folks who are willing to point out what is good, and talk about it. ;-) Jack

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: Yes, like my mom used to say..."If you can't say something nice, don't say it." I'm sure she didn't coin the saying, but she sure used it a lot!

FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: as pollyanna would say, "that's a scalingly wonderful idea!"

FROM REV. J.S. IN MICHIGAN: Why not "both/and" rather than "either/or"?

Jack’s Winning Words 11/7/07
“Life is like playing a violin solo in public and learning the instrument as one goes along.” (Samuel Butler) I smiled as I imagined playing the violin in public. Then I remembered the point of the quote, and I smiled again. Yes, we learn as we move along through the years, don’t we? I recall reading of someone with this on a lapel button:: PBPGINFWMY. What was it supposed to mean? Please be patient; God is not finished with me yet.. ;-) Jack

FROM REV. J.S. IN MICHIGAN: My favorite Jr. Choir anthem that Mary Lou's kids used to sing was "Kids Under Construction"....if we remain "kids", we can always be under construction. The alterntive is "destruction."

FROM MOLINER, G.S.: I can relate. I just started my 8th year playing the piano.

FROM MOLINER, LFP: I actually cringed as I read that quote... I'm reading Joel Osteen's new book. He, as you, reminds us that we all are God's work in process, throughout our lives. Many thanks for your daily words of wisdom. They're a good way to start the day!

FROM MOLINER, C.F.: I didn't even like playing the violin in private.

FROM D.S. IN CALIFORNIA: I love that label "PBPGINFWMY". I think of that often as to "why" I am still "here".

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: I am going to send this to Lori because she re-learned the violin, which she hadn't played since High School for the 60th Anniversary! Bob Bomier played the drums with us, and a bunch of members volunteered to play so we had an orchestra! What a wonderful gift! I remember that saying well! It brings a big smile to me also!

Jack’s Winning Words 11/6/07
“Good friends are like angels. You don’t have to see them to know they are there.” (Irish Saying) Angel is from the Greek word, angelos, meaning a messenger from God. Isn’t it great to have people like that in our lives? With the computer, I don’t have to see you to know that you are there. ;-) Jack

FROM F.M. IN WISCONSIN: Angel Jack, thanks for your daily visit!

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: God blesses us with wonderful friends who uplifted us, sustain us, cry with us, laugh with us and love us. What a better gift??? Thanks for being there with your "Words" each day. I look so forward to them...you are a good friend!

FROM D.S. IN MICHIGAN: I am here. ;o) I am lucky to have lots of angels in my life including you.

FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: we call them earth angels. they walk among us-some we recognize as friends-some are just there watching and waiting.

FROM B.G. IN MICHIGAN: thanks for being an angel to me...wherever you are!!

Jack’s Winning Words 11/5/07
“Every time someone stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope.” (RFK) We have an agenda before us today…to send out ripples.. ;-) Jack

FROM MOLINER, C.F.: I wonder why JFK used the word "Tiny". Seems to me that the deed has great impact on the one receiving it.

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: Isn't that true? We never know the little ripples which turn into waves just by one little hello, handshake, or smile. We are having a Clothing Give-away tomorrow during Voting at church. It will be a first and I'm sure a big success. God bless volunteers and their ripples!

FROM J.T. IN MINNESOTA: We all lost a great leader when he was killed. Always looking for the next world leader to encourage us all. Thanks for the ww. I look forward to them and very frequently send them on to family and friends.

Jack’s Winning Words 11/2/07
“There’s nothing that gives more assurance than a mask.” (Colette) I suppose you saw a wide range of false faces (as we used to call them) when the children came to your door on Halloween. Most of us put on a mask every day. For what reason? Today mine is a smiley face, because I’m back at the computer sending out “my words.” I spent a few days in Fort Myers, FL, watching son David play hardball in the Roy Hobbs’ World Series for those, 35 and older. ;-) Jack

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Being genuine and confident gives more assurance. A mask can slip or fall off. I paraphrase William Matthew’s (1875) in Getting On In the World, “…some must be careful the wolves skin does not slip and reveal the ass beneath.”

MORE FROM JON: I remember thinking how unusual the Matthews quote was in a Victorian Era book.
Your mask quote could also apply to the presidential debates (both sides) 14 candidates trying to disguise who they really are, the wolves skin will eventually slip (usually after the election). I didn’t want to muddy up my response with political angst.

FROM G.G. IN INDIANA: My mask today was one of a grateful, happy person because I have a new job and I like it!

FROM M.U. IN MICHIGAN: (Commenting on Sanibel, which is near Fort Myers) You have heard of the Sanibel Stoop! I am proud to say that I personally know the gentleman that wrote the poem the Sanibel Stoop, Hal Austin. He had a condo in our condominium complex in Sanibel Arms West. Ours was on the gulf...his was next to the pool. We enjoyed ours every summer and I had about 40 penpals that I wrote all year long and arranged to have all of the families there every summer at the same time. I loved shelling and stooped over all day long every day looking for the most perfect, small specimens...I can name them all. I still make shell mirrors and mosaic shell mirrors. I can't wait to replenish my inventory of bright orange and yellow horse conchs! I can't wait to take my children there!

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: Believe it or not, I'm one of those people who get freaked out at masks. And let me tell you, there were some REALLY ugly ones this Halloween. I like to look into people's eye when I talk to them and not some scary mask. But, they definitely do think people put on their masks each day...well, maybe not everyday, but I know I do some days!

FROM MOLINER, C.F.: When I see a mask, and I don't mean kid stuff, I wander what the person behind it is hiding.

FROM CLASSMATE, A.W.: Interestingly, the American Masters (PBS) special on Carol Burnette, indicated that she was at her best when portraying someone else or one of her many roles on her show. Then she was "wearing a mask".

Jack’s Winning Words 10/26/07
“Faith is much better than belief. Belief is when someone else does the thinking.” (R. Buckminster Fuller) I believe that this is true. 100 years ago, Bucky, the visionary, was concerned as to whether or not mankind could survive on planet earth. What goes around comes around. BTW, no Winning Words ‘til after Halloween. Scarey! ;-) Jack

FROM B.G. IN MICHIGAN: This is a very good WW. I am focusing on faith as trust, rather than saying what we "believe". Radical concept, eh?!?

FROM BB IN ILL: I saw Bucky at Harper College in the late 70's or early 80's. He was amazing. Humorous, brilliant, humble. The children have done different projects for school on his inventions over the years. Perhaps one day they'll read him too! Happy Halloween!

FROM MOLINER, C.F.: Belief is faith.

FROM E.D. IN AZ: I have not heard that name "R. Buckminster Fuller" since my mineralogy class in college. Chemists named these really cool spherical carbon structures "Buckyballs" after him - im guessing because of his architectural obsession with geodesic spheres ( i.e. Epcot)... Just a random thought,

FROM F.M. IN WISCONSIN: Beliefs are conclusions of the mind - faith is the action of the person - what we sometimes call the heart.

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: I never met the man, but many people I admire have. This quote is from Futurist Magazine http://www.gooddebt.com/bucky.pdf Oct 2006. Even years after his death he still inspires and teaches. I quoted him often in my MBA papers on Leadership. For leaders striving to “make the world work for 100% of humanity,” there is no better model of leadership than that of “comprehensive thinker” R. Buckminster Fuller.

FROM MOLINER, G.S.: Mr. Fuller once designed a transparent dome to cover East St. Louis.

FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: Bucky did indeed talk about developing a huge dome to cover the heart of a city. I don't recall which city, but i doubt that it was East St. Louis. He was at St. Louis several times, participating on projects with the students at Washington University. He was there for several weeks when I was in the School of Architecture, and a small dome was designed and built by the students on the grounds of our School. (There's little reason to believe he wanted to cover East St. Louis, because it was already in decline back in the 50's, and it had no balanced urban life. It was mostly an area of dirty industry.) Doing it over St. Louis itself is more likely. Bucky was remarkable. He was in (I would guess) his 60's then, but had the spirit of being 30. He was gregarious, loving to talk with everyone, for any length of time. Not only did he have the determination to make practical use of dome technology, but he was always thinking and positing about new, simple solutions to common problems of our society. I attended a couple evening lectures, which were crowded with the public because so many had heard about him. After going on and on with facts, inventive ideas, and humor, he stopped about 11 pm. He considerately suggested that anyone who had enough might want to leave, and then he started up again (with about half the crowd) and talked until midnight. He was quite unforgettable.

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: That is definitely true.....I don't get caught up in belief....just faith. I have my own faith, I don't use someone else's belief!

Jack’ Winning Words 10/25/07
“In love, one and one are one.” (Jean-Paul Sartre) Do the math and send this to someone who is very important in your life. I was going to save it until Valentine’s Day, but that’s too long to wait. J-P was a French existential philosopher. His writings make for interesting reading. ;-) Jack

FROM E.A. IN MICHIGAN: Very very true after 55 years of married life.

FROM P.O. IN MICHIGAN: I truly like this one. What a nice way to start the day!

FROM REV. J.S. IN MICHIGAN: Only a true idealist would buy into that one! When couples lit the wedding candles, I always had them leave their individual candles burning along with the mrriage candle because life is not so idyllic as the aboe person believes. Only in the essential I/Thou relationship do we begin to "approach" anything like that. I think it is a greater miracle that two "individuals" can work together as one as often as some couples do. That is to me a better view of what is really happening in this world.

FROM N.K. IN THE U.P.: HOW FITTING !!!! ( for yesterday) Kal and I cellebrated our 54 th. And describing our conditions- Kal says WE HAVE BECOME ONE

FROM B.S. NEAR ORLANDO: I think I told all my children to be very carefull when falling in love. It is such a strong force that it will hold you for a life time, and teamwork bonded by love is so strong a bond that real success is assured. and it will spill over into the lives of the children.
MORE FROM B.S.: Wow, what a bright gent, he must have been a real pleasure to know

FROM MOLINER, C.F.: Leave it to a Frenchman to have nothing but love on his mind.

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: Glad you didn't wait until Valentine's Day. It's perfect for everyday too!

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: “If you want to read about love and marriage, you’ll have to buy two books.” Says Alan King.
Marriage can mean two becoming one, hopefully “of one purpose” not one brain. I have often seen couples that appear to be sharing one brain. In Good Debt, Bad Debt I wrote about marriage, mostly, from the financial perspective but I like what this early 20th century author had to say: “Marriage may make or mar your entire life. It can build you up or tear you down. It can ennoble every phase of your character, or it can make you a cringing failure. It is a perilous mistake that so few men or women receive any sort of correct instruction about the problems of married life.” So wrote Bernarr MacFadden in his 1937 book Be Married and Like It. You might say that marriage imitates a Dickens passage with equal chance of becoming the best of times or the worst of times. Marriage and personal finance require considerable research, forethought, and planning (p.210).

MORE FROM GOOD DEBT JON: My beautiful wife will graduate from Capital Law School just a month before our 25th anniversary. I am very proud of her.

FROM J.D. IN MINNESOTA: I THINK IT WAS SARTRE WHO SAID "I WOULD BECOME A CHRISTIAN IF I EVER MET ONE" OR SOMETHING TO THAT EFFECT. HE ALSO SAID, "LIFE IS MEANINGLESS AND DEATH IS THE FINAL ABSURDITY."

REPLY TO THIS FROM GOOD DEBT JON: I have heard the “never met a Christian quote before,” and my reply is: you cannot meet a finished one, only a work-in-progress, at least, according to the Bible. Perhaps Sartre meant reading his work [life]is worthless—though far more thought provoking than an IRS pamphlet. It would be instructive to all us occasional doubters to know if Sartre’s absurdity was final—or if he indeed made a whore of his soul that is paying the price of nihilism.

Jack’s Winning Words 10/24/07
“I glory in this world of men and women, torn with trouble, yet living on to love and laugh through it all.” (Carl Sandburg) Fires, floods, tornadoes, water shortages, wars, foreclosures, hunger, global warming…Trouble all around us! I admire those who are able to persevere. My father lived in Galesburg, Illinois, when Sandburg lived there in the early 20th century. Those were hard times, too. And, yet, there was love and laughter among those tough old Swedes. ;-) Jack

FROM MOLINER, G.S.: I don't think we can exist without challenges of some kind - sometimes they can be mis-directed but still serve a purpose. Galesburg is living in hard times again - the 2 largest businesses closed in the past few years.

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: Fires, floods, water shortages, wars, hunger, global warming, sound like problems from Moses' day. Yes, global warming, that has been a problem several times in this earth's short life, as has ice ages, it's all cyclic. But, with God's help, man perseveres. The will to survive is deeply embedded in each one of us. The will to smile and love and survive is the key. Many cancer survivors, many acts of nature survivors, war survivors, everyday survivors, claim the reason they survived was for their loved ones and their strong will. I pray I go out laughing, full of love for life!

MORE FROM J.L.: Well, God is still here....are they looking??? That's the problem. I was listening to a Christian radio station and the question of the day was "Is the United State of America domed, and if so, when will it end?" Everyone but one fellow calling in said yes, and within 20 - 50 years. Interesting....

FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: I believe that's because all the things that are truly vital to human survival can't be destroyed by "fires, floods, tornadoes, wars..." and all those other troubles you mentioned that confront
us. (FROM JACK: See. Here's something from Boston that concerns the World Serious.)

FROM B.S. NEAR ORLANDO: Tough life, gosh, you can say that again. kids today don't know what tough is. I remember grandma Hammer saying to me, Bobby, chop me some wood with knots in it, because at 5 in the am, the knots are still glowing and I can then start another fire. Grdma and Grndpa were in their 80"s and looked very frail. They didn't have a stove in their room, the stove was outside their door in the front room, so their heat came from the external source. The heat in my room came through a 10 x 12 grate in the floor "deck", from the one kerosene ( coal oil ) stove in the room below my bedroom. But in 1941 I was young, and wonder if the exposure to all that cold is the reason for my arthritis today.

FROM E.A. IN MICHIGAN: One could always see the optimism in Sandberg's writings. I however look about me and wonder----are the fires and floods and global warming, and foreclosures and global warming AND STARVING CHILDREN(ldo not even include wars) themselves not signs of the prophosy of Apocolypse?.

FROM MOLINER, C.F.: And we thought we held the franchise on trouble. Even in Carl's day

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: I wonder if we reminisce about tough times for reference or comparative glory, to “bask” in how far we have come. I believe we live in the best time period possible. Certainly troubles abound, but the list of life threatening catastrophes that affect us is far shorter than at any other period in history (30 was an old man in the Renaissance). I had this conversation a few days ago with a friend about the early years; I decided to file those memories as “happy times, I do not miss.” Ancora Imparo.

MORE FROM GOOD DEBT JON: I am always amazed at how some people recall the bad things [first] about the past; it is a heavy burden to bear and I have worked hard to leave the past behind (at least the unhappy parts). I hope I can grow old without saying, “Kid’s nowadays don’t know what rough is.” Every generation in recorded history has been saying this, and in many respects it is true. I am by nature a pessimistic person, so it is an effort to be positive. H.L. Mencken said, “A pessimist is someone that when he smells a flower turns to look for the casket.” It is hard to live the lessons of Ecclesiastes; there is a time for everything under the sun. One thing I know, I am blessed far beyond what I deserve and I would not change a thing—not even my father’s death. After he was gone more than 30 years (he died when I was 10), I realized that I could not have become the person I am without passing over some of the unpaved road I was tasked to travel. It is pure fantasy and time wasted to regret or lament the past—the best we can do is use the past to become bitter or better.

FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: You said earlier you admire those who persevere. Well that's the Red Sox all right. Despite that, I don't take the Series Seriously!

FROM C & A IN MICHIGAN: I remember little as a youngster during World Warll,but it had to be hard on my Parents maintaining a household and raising kids.Only thing I ever heard my Dad complain about was people not turning out lights during airraid warnings;he was a Warden!

Jack’s Winning Words 10/23/07
“Just to stir things up seemed a great reward in itself.” (Sallust) If you haven’t figured it out yet, my daily WWs are a great reward. Is there anything that you do to stir things up? …besides sending a clever response to what I have written? ;-) Jack

FROM MOLINER, G.S.: But stirring things up just to create controversy in itself does little good. One thing my mother said, "If you can't say something nice about a person, don't say anything at all." Some people enjoy doing putdowns at others' expense.
RESPONSE FROM JACK: >> Where was it that you learned to stir things up? I learned it on the >> basketball court. I used to enjoy holding on to the shorts of the >> player I was guarding, in such a way that the ref couldn't see it. I >> also fouled out quite frequently....but I loved the game, especially >> when I stirred things up.

FROM K.B. IN MICHIGAN: Sometimes I have such a propensity to stir things up that I feel like a blender.

FROM S.H. IN MICHIGAN: Glad your daily WWs are a great reward. It's fun to read them every day and learn something. Just now I looked up Sallust's biography. My own reward comes from fellowshipping among people who seem to be a little marginal--people who, for one reason or another, do not seem to get a lot of attention or concern for them. Sometimes it's because they are quiet and nondescript; sometimes it's because people don't want them; sometimes it's because if a person gets to know them it's going to require some time and energy and people are busy with their own group. However it happens, life gets stirred up from getting to know these sorts of people who seem to be a little marginal like I feel often too. Guess we're all just wandering around this world trying to find our way home and when a little bit of an inkling that we've arrived at home comes, it is a great reward.

FROM E.A. IN MICHIGAN: Easily. I could disagree with and take the opposite position on every WW you presented.--------------but I wouldn't.

FROM MOLINER, C.F.: Sallust read my mind. Great good fun to stir the pot.

FROM B.S. NEAR ORLANDO: One way to get things stiredup is to p[oke your head in the chicken tent at the Wilmot Fair (Kenosha County Fair ) and crow like a rooster as loud as you can, about four times.
Try it, you will get things stirred up-
Some day I'll tell you how my daughter and her friends caught a catfish on Hoocker lake, Wisc, way back when. Have you ever tried to fish in a car top boat with seven girls-, that is the most fun-

FROM MOLINER, EFP: Hi. Several years ago, my daughter, Gisela, somehow spun off (eliminated) my old screen name. We spent literally one day trying all sorts of (we thought) clever new screen names, only to find each time that 1200 other people had the same original idea.
Alas! Icre8havoc. No one else had thought of it yet. Named in honor of the little girl who continues to create havoc. Just for the fun of it, I often think...

FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: i have what i call, "seed planters". they are usually one or two-liners that stir the thoughts. i thank you for daily winning words. they stir my thoughts!

FROM MOLINER, J.T.: You really don't stir things up, but you do open a door for deep (somtimes lite) conversations.

Jack’s Winning Words 10/22/07
“That they may have a little peace, even the best dogs are compelled to snarl occasionally.” (William Feather) Snarl is one of those onomatopoeian words. It sounds like what it describes. I hope you don’t have to use a snarl to bring peace, but who’s to know what you will face today. A smile might work. I saw an article this past week that says dogs smile. Have you ever seen such a thing?. :;-) Jack

FROM AL & CLAUDIA IN ROYAL OAK: No but We have a new Kitty that fetches! Ill work on the smile!

FROM MOLINER, C.F.: Jack - Funny you should ask. I had a Black Lab who smiled on command. Honest. Notice That I used "who"...because she was really people. or so she thought. Maybe she was. But a truely good friend. ask. I'm not sure she snarled, but she did growl at the proper times.

FROM J.B.: I have seen a dog smile! The dog was smiling at my son Jay when he was a little boy.

FROM G.T. IN N.Y.: Well, I don't know about those smiling dogs you wrote about today--but our "tiny" 80-pound puppy ran up the stairs while I was bent over wiping them a few days ago--he thinks he's small--anyway, as I'm calmly trying to clean each stair, he comes running up like a bullet and squeezes past me under my arm and chin--knocking my chin up into my teeth. Now, I have a nice bruise there. Chuck says I really should stay out of those bar fights on Friday nights .

FROM B.S. NEAR ORLANDO: Yes, indeed,their is a bigdifference between a smile and anarl, and yes I can tell the difference. Just ask a chickie if she "needs" to hold hands et al.

Jack’s Winning Words 10/19/07
“However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results.” (Churchill) Here’s advice from a world renowned leader and strategist. It can work in business enterprises, in volunteer organizations and in our personal life. What are the results? That’s the key question. ;-) Jack

FROM MOLINER, G.S.: Remember the words of Peter Drucker: "People give money to results." Not needs, for there are needs everywhere. But they want their giving to bear fruit.

FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: In alll that I do I get excelllent resullts

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Proverbs 14:15: The gullible believe anything they're told; the prudent sift and weigh every word. It is not enough to occasionally look at the results, we must think our actions through to their ultimate conclusions—to sift and weigh every word. Are the 14 or more Rent Seekers, of both parties, pandering for President so mesmerized by the beauty of their vision that they will forgo considering the consequences to the nation as a whole? If Marx was correct that “religion is the opium of the masses,” then, perhaps, political campaigns are the Prozac of the Electorate—with the side effects of: loss of memory, inability to read or understand history, inability to add negative numbers, and yet with enough medicinal effect to overcome apathy to vote for he or she who panders best.

FROM B.S. NEAR ORLANDO: Irene is on the phone right now telling Mr Feeney, and Mr. Martinez how to vote on various subjects. earlier in the week she spoke with Mr. Mica. She always adds and I speak for My husband. She has told me many times she thinks M r .Chruchhill was exceptionally brilliant. So you see we do have agreements on certain people. So, O.K., I fully agree with Mr Churchhill and hope other people get to recognize this brilliant person. What a gift to the people from the Good Lord., may he give us more gifted people, especially those who will share with us. A good example of how the Swedes are spening the money made on dynamite that is blowin g apart the world, is the noble prizes. It is rather ironic, I think.--

FROM REV. J.S. IN MICHIGAN: With our ultra liberal leadership in the ELCA, the results are steady decline....do you suppose that is simply coincidence??? We very much need to look at the results....but not at them alone....there are several bottom lines for us in the church....the biggest is faithfulness. I think that the membership decline, however, points to a lack of faithfulness.

FROM MOLINER, C.F.: How can you avoid seeing the results if the strategy is so beautiful? Results is what prompts strategy.

FROM F.M. IN WISCONSIN: I don't know if I mentioned it, but I am reading the book FRANKLIN AND WINSTON by Jon Meacham. One of the points in the book is how Winston was so adept at using strategy to accomplish his own agenda. The delay in opening the 'western' front until 1944, for which Stalin was so insistent, was accomplished by Churchill, even when Roosevelt and the American Generals agreed with Stalin.