Winning Words 6/17/09
“Time heals almost everything. Give time time.” (Regina Brett) A friend of mine who has lived in the Cleveland area knows of Brett and says that she has dealt with personal difficulties, and she still keeps the optimistic spirit. Time is a great healer, but so is the right attitude. Let’s work on it. ;-) Jack

FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: ...and more time, and more time, and more time, but keep stepping forward with positive intent. each positive step builds upon the last. btw, i can't get into the blog anymore. is anyone else having the same problem? it might be my anti-spam on steroids. FROM JACK: I like the song, Time in a bottle, sung by Jim Croce

If I could save time in a bottle
The first thing that Id like to do
Is to save every day
Till eternity passes away
Just to spend them with you

If I could make days last forever
If words could make wishes come true
Id save every day like a treasure and then,
Again, I would spend them with you

But there never seems to be enough time
To do the things you want to do
Once you find them
Ive looked around enough to know
That youre the one I want to go
Through time with

If I had a box just for wishes
And dreams that had never come true
The box would be empty
Except for the memory
Of how they were answered by you

But there never seems to be enough time
To do the things you want to do
Once you find them
Ive looked around enough to know
That youre the one I want to go
Through time with

FROM M.T. IN PENNSYLVANIA: Here's another 'time' quote. I think this one qualifies as 'black humor'. :-)
"Time is a great teacher....but unfortunately, it kills all of its students." Hector Berlioz FROM JACK: It's Black Humor if you're deluded into thinking that time has the possibility of never ending.

FROM M.R. IN MICHIGAN: “Time wounds all heels.” FROM JACK: That's what the Last Judgment is about.

FROM MOLINER C.F.: Isn't it interesting that the words "attitude" and "altitude" can help you reach great heights?

FROM L.G. IN MICHIGAN: God gave me a wonderful gift at birth--the gift of an optimistic outlook. I have had many trials in my lifetime that threatened my health, my safety, and my sanity. Yet through all, I remained positive in my outlook on life and hopeful that better days would come. Even in my most depressed times, faced with very bleak prospects, I could find beauty in the world, goodness in others, and humor in some aspect of my circumstance. I am so grateful for this gift! I thank God for this gift! From this outlook I developed my own personal philosophy statement: My happiness is my fault!

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Time definitely heals but time is relative to each person. As time goes by, memories become sweeter to me. FROM JACK: Time also allows us to forget some things.

FROM S.G. IN TAMPA: How true.

Winning Words 6/16/09
“Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.” (Regina Brett) Some corrections from yesterday: Britt should be Brett, and Regina is 53-years-old, not 90. Evidently someone on the internet thought it would be more interesting to attribute the article to a 90-year-old. It seemed to work, because it’s been circulated around the world. In reality, is it a person’s age, or is it the thought that counts? Her words are still good. ;-) Jack

FROM MKH IN MICHIGAN: Yes they are!

FROM K.B. IN MICHIGAN: I once had a boss who talked about her children's idea of fairness being that everyone gets exactly the same thing--she reminded them that one child often has a greater need than another and fairness was not about equality--I guess that is what this quote is about--so bottom line is it is one of my favorites. Thanks for being in my life. JACK'S REPLY: Life...Fair...Good! A definition is needed for each.

FROM HILLTOPPER JOHN: I think it depends on how we define "good." That isn't easily done. Is life "good" for the people who were involved in the Armenian genocide? For the Hutus and Tutsis? etc. JACK'S REPLY: And while you're at it, also give me a definition for, fair.

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Probably someone in the Obama admin. They sometimes hit their budget numbers within 100 percent of their projections. But I am sure they meant well. JACK'S REPLY: It would be a good world if we all tried to mean...well. Now, for a definition of, well.

FROM CWR IN B'MORE: .......one of my father's quotes, and I don't know where he got it it was....."don't believe anything you read and only half of what you see"......and I do know this, from personal experience in court that "Eyewitness accounts are the least reliable bits of evidence" according to the Judge....and I was an eyewitness..... Cheers!!! Remember Truman Capote: "Never let the truth get in the way of a good story

FROM L.K. IN OHIO: Sometimes I think life is not good, but it's nonetheless fair........why, because it's God's world, not mine....

FROM MOLINER C.F.: Yeh, it meant more coming from a 90 year old. What the hell does a 53 year old know about life?

Winning Words 6/15/09
“Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don’t worry, God doesn’t blink.” (Regina Britt in The Cleveland Plain Dealer) To celebrate her 90th birthday, Regina put down 45 lessons life has taught her. Someone sent them to me, and I’m going to use some of them this week as Winning Words. I recently read the book, Blink. It was recommended to me, and I recommend it to you. ;-) Jack

FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: Blinking isn't bad, nor is change. The former is good for the eyes and the latter can lift the spirit.

FROM INDY GENIE: the thing I've learned about change is this: things change and then they change again and then they change again ......so...if an unwelcomed change occurs, just hold on (or let go) ....just around the bend here comes another change that may be more to your liking! JACK'S REPLY: I like the hymn verse: Change and decay in all around I see, O thou who changest not, abide with me. FROM GENIE: cool...never really listened to that verse.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: I am eternally grateful to God who doesn't blink, sees all, and still bestows His grace and love!

FROM MOLINER C.F.: Sometimes a blink clears your vision.

FROM MOLINER A.E.: He wink's? JACK'S REPLY: Sometimes.

FROM GUSTIE M.N.: I have read them and they are great. And everything really can change in the blink of an eye—it did for me!

FROM B.S. NEAR ORLANDO: I think if a chickie reaches 90 someone will pay a bit more attention to what she sez and does. One of my sunday school teachers down here was in her 90's and I must say I listened when she spoke. I asked her "why aren't there more negroe ( colored) members of our church."? She said,"maybe they don't trust us". Doesn't make you sit up and pay attention? When ever I see her I always greet her, and she remem bers me. JACK'S REPLY: The longer I live, the more I realize that age doesn't necessarily equate to wisdom. I've learned good lessons from my children and my grandchildren...and my younger wife.

Winning Words 6/12/09
“Come, my friends: ‘Tis not too late to seek a newer world.” (James Joyce, in his novel, Ulysses) I saw this quote in yesterday’s Free Press. The writer was describing his 82-year-old mother’s wedding. This isn’t necessarily about age or marriage; it’s about not being afraid to explore new worlds. ;-) Jack

FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: That's a worthy objective for all of us. I shall try harder to live for that.

FROM S.B. IN MICHIGAN: Actually, the quote was originally from the poem, "Ulysses," written by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. Joyce may have recited it later. It's one of my favorites, and thank you for your "Winning Words."

FROM CJL IN OHIO: Great to see, isn't it?

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: I would like the saying to read and newer..better...world, but I guess he assumes we would know that fact. It's always good to seek new and better (that's the key word here) worlds. JACK'S REPLY: Better is a relative term. Joyce took the idea from Tennyson in the mid-19th century. Ulysses, in old age, is seeking s new world as he did in the past. As the poem begins, Ulysses has returned to his kingdom, Ithaca, having had a long, eventful journey home after fighting in the Trojan War. Confronted again by domestic life, Ulysses expresses his lack of contentment, including his indifference toward the "savage race" (line 4) that he governs. Ulysses contrasts his restlessness and boredom with his heroic past. He contemplates his age and eventual death — "Life piled on life / Were all too little, and of one to me / Little remains" (24–26) - and longs for further experience and knowledge. His son Telemachus will inherit the throne that Ulysses finds burdensome. While Ulysses thinks Telemachus will be an adequate king, he seems to have little empathy for his son—"He works his work, I mine" (43)—and the necessary methods of governing—"by slow prudence" (36) and "through soft degrees" (37). In the final section, Ulysses turns his attention to his mariners and calls on them to join him on another quest, making no guarantees as to their fate but attempting to conjure their heroic past:
… Come, my friends,
'Tis not too late to seek a newer world.
Push off, and sitting well in order smite
The sounding furrows; for my purpose holds
To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths
Of all the western stars, until I die.
It may be that the gulfs will wash us down;
It may be we shall touch the Happy Isles,
And see the great Achilles, whom we knew.

Winning Words 6/11/09
“Time and health are two precious assets that we don’t recognize and appreciate until they have been depleted.” (Denis Waitley) This is the kind of message needed for these times when so much emphasis is being put on economic issues. That’s not to say that there aren’t other important issues. But sometimes we take time and health for granted, until it’s too late. ;-) Jack

FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: The earth and its resources are other assets that we take for granted, and like time and health are being carelessly wasted. Some of our nation's most fertile, arable land has been sacrificed for commercial development and parking lots. The earth's beauty and bounty have been ravaged. Do you suppose Jesus was including that when he said, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do."? JACK'S REPLY: Yes, we are carelessly treating the earth (creation). If Jesus were living on eath today, he might say again, "Father, forgive them etc." But in the olden days he had other fish to fry.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: My prayers are always for walking in His way, not my own and good health. Economic issues are way down our list. As long as we have enough it is enough.

FROM GUSTIE M.N.: All of that is so true!!! My husband and I thought we still had years left! We were wrong. My heart aches for what is going on in the automotive industry and so much of Michigan. Of course it spills over into the whole economy.

FROM CJL IN OHIO: "sometimes" is the key word. The reminder is most appropriate & necessary! JACK'S REPLY: Sometimes, yes! Some times I feel discouraged, And think my work’s in vain, But then the Holy Spirit Revives my soul again.

FROM MOLINER C.F.: Too soon old, too late smart. FROM JACK: Ve get too soon old und too late schmart." ...Pennsylvania Dutch saying

FROM C.L. IN MICHIGAN: Amen and Amen

FROM GUSTIE M.N.: Amen!

FROM MOLINER T.L.: Amen

FROM PR P.H. IN MINNESOTA: Amen to that!! FROM JACK: Welcome to the Amen Corner.

FROM JACK: Each of the Amens has its own story behind it.

Winning Words 6/10/09
“There’s always some kid who may be seeing me for the first time. I owe him my best.” (Joe DiMaggio – Sent by D.C.) Shoeless Joe Jackson was accused helping to throw games in the 1919 World Series. A boy came up to him and said, “Say it ain’t so, Joe.” Joe D. was a good role model. For me, former Red Wing, Steve Yserman is the best player/role model that I’ve known. Do you have a favorite? In truth, the quote is one that applies to each of us. Eyes are watching. ;-) Jack

FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: For some reason we did not get WW yesterday. But I did access the blog and found the WW message about Joe D. posted there. It expressed an admirable attitude. JACK'S RESPONSE: Two or three said that they didn't get WWs yesterday. The resourceful ones checked the blog. I don't know what happened.

Winning Words 6/9/09
“Hypocrite: mouth one way, belly ‘nother way.” (Australian Aboriginal proverb) We read references to hypocrites in the Bible, and we may have met one or two, but I think that this description is one of the best I’ve seen. The word has a Greek origin and means: a play actor, a phony, a deceiver. Jesus said, “Do not be as the hypocrites.” ;-) Jack

FROM MOLINER G.S.: Some, like this one, are very good. Where do you dig these up? My jokes come mostly from 3 guys. JACK'S REPLY: You should see the stack still to be used. I'm anxious to send out tomorrow's, because I think that you'll like that one, too.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Wow, I have to ponder this one! Just the mental imagine is strange mouth one way, belly 'nother way! Does give a good description of a deceiver! Great Words!

FROM S.G. IN TAMPA: Mother Angelica used to give this advice to a caller who said he didn't go to church because he knew too many hypocrites who went-'one more won't matter." JACK'S REPLY: The church isn't the only place where hypocrites are found.

FROM CJL IN OHIO: You remember that stuff from Wahlstrom? JACK'S REPLY: No. Tell me about it.

FROM MOLINER C.F.: Hipocrite motto - Don't do as I do, do as I say. JACK'S REPLY: Preachers have to take the Hypocritic Oath before they step into the pulpit.

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Hypocrite: A disingenuous heart coupled with a mind intent on
deception.

Winning Words 6/8/09
“My mother used to tell me to look each day for something I could do for another to make that person’s day a little easier. I’ve done it every day of my life.” (An elderly nursing home resident) She slowly and carefully pours coffee for visitors who come to the home. It’s her way of making them feel welcome. What is it that you and I can do to make this world a friendlier place? Let’s share some ideas. ;-) Jack

FROM MOLINER G.S.: When I start the day on my knees, I get started right.

FROM L.G. IN MICHIGAN: I use eye contact and my smile, Jack. Some people are never really seen or smiled at. I think it's imperative to really see people--to give them the gift of your attention, even if only for a moment. It sounds kind of silly as I write it here. But I've been doing this for as long as I can remember, and people respond, some with surprise in their eyes! My daily prayer is to see with the eyes of Jesus...

FROM MARY ANN AND RAY IN MICHIGAN: Visit friends in care centers and others who have special needs. Some just need someone to talk to! Provide transportation to and from worship services for persons in need. Serve willingly when asked to help with special luncheons remembering people. Just a few of our thoughts

FROM C.L. IN MICHIGAN: How about greeting all we come in contact with a big smile and a pleasant have a good day. I am always amazed at the number of people who pass you by without a word, I won't let them do that and at least greet them with a good day.

FROM MOLINER LIZ: I take care of my best friend's mom, who has dementia, so she can stay in her home.

FROM MOLINER C.F.: A smile is catching and it's free.

FROM CJL IN OHIO: See "Hello" to someone you don't know--not only at Church Like someone has said: Go to a Church where they don't look like you...

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: What a wonderful way to begin the Winning Words week! What a wonderful way to live and what a wonderful blessing! Thank you for sharing! Go Red Wings!!!

FROM EMT SINGS IN MICHIGAN: I am currently baking cookies for a new neighbor. I found out after I moved down here from T.C. that homemade cookies shared sometimes for "no reason" was very much appreciated. Boughten cookies won't do for this as it is the time invested that is signficant! I am not degrading "boughten" goods, it is just that I like to bake!

FROM PR P.H. IN MINNESOTA: how about one of us develop a much simpler tax code? last time i looked it was 1900 pages in length! JACK'S REPLY: I'LL BET YOU'VE NEVER SEEN THE TAX CODE. AND, SECONDLY, I'LL BET YOU HAVE SOMEONE DO YOUR TAXES FOR YOU.

FROM PR F.M. IN WISCONSIN: I have found that a telephone call to a person who is lonely, sick, mourning, tired, hurting, or facing change can be helpful to the person, but also rewarding to me. Today it was a call from a pastor who spoke of Phil Wahlberg's illness and hospitalization - I then called a widow whose husband was one of Phil's closest friends and she was so thankful for the call. Tonight I called Pete Erickson, one of
Herb Chilstrom's staff members who is fighting pancreatic cancer - it was diagnosed just six weeks ago but he is going down fast, according to his wife Enid. Today too I spoke to Harvey Peters, a very close friend of Arnie Tiemeyer, who died on Memorial Day and whose funeral was on last Friday evening . . . so Alexander Graham Bell's great idea serves me so well.

FROM D.S. IN MICHIGAN: I have noticed that simply smiling and saying hello to a stranger you pass or meet in the parking lot can start a positive habit of spreading smiles. Let’s spread smiles

FROM L.W. IN MICHIGAN: Every day we can do something for someone. Sometimes, it just might be a smile to lift someone’s spirits. What an awesome way to live our lives. Wouldn’t the world be wonderful if we all lived that way? I will be working on this every day. It’s terrific. Thanks for sharing that with everyone.

Winning Words 6/5/09
“Ability is what you are capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude
determines how well you do it.” (Lou Holtz) I always liked watching Holtz when he coached Notre Dame’s football team. He’d run along the sidelines, argue with the officials, and throw his ND cap. He had ability, motivation and attitude. And he wanted to win. We don’t have to imitate his antics, but his attitude is worth copying. Like in the Hokey Pokey, he put his whole self in. ;-) Jack

FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: And judgment evaluates the importance of what you do. What about football in the scheme of things? (And, seen displayed on a bumper sticker recently: What if the Hokey Pokey is what it's all about?") JACK'S REPLY: Ahhhh, you're right. Lou should have included judgment.

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: Each day I get a progress report on a relative's battle with weight. Today, I sent her this email! It is perfect! Activate and motivate! That's what effects our attitudes! Good one...no...great one!!!
REPONSE FROM THE RELATIVE: LOVE IT!! Thanks!! This one is going on my fridge.

FROM MOLINER C.F.: How well you did it depends on perception. FROM JACK: How about persperation?

FROM MOLINER G.S.: Very good.

FROM ACS IN MICHIGAN: I'm forwarding this one to my grandson. Heard this expression the other day. thought you'd like it, you optimist, you. "Optimists and Pessimists are both wrong. But Optimists have more fun!"

FROM C.L. IN MICHIGAN: your Lou Holtz quote today brings to mind a line from a sales motivation seminar I attended back in the '60s. The presenter was a fellow named Gariapy don't remember his first name and he said " Success is based on attitude not aptitude" Have never forgotten that

FROM CJL IN OHIO: I'm not sure I'd put "holtz" & "hokey-pokey" together. But his enthusiasm is contageous! And those three words do fit together!

Winning Words 6/4/09
“Few things are necessary to make the wise man happy, while no amount of material wealth would satisfy a fool. I am not a fool.” (Og Mandino) This reminds me of the movie, The Jerk, when Navin Johnson (Steve Martin) says, “I don’t need anything to make me happy…except this ashtray, these matches, this paddle game, this remote control, etc.” A poignant scene, and yet I laugh. What is it that you need to make you happy? BTW, Og is short for Augustine. Og was a great inspirational speaker and author. His books are worth reading. ;-) Jack

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Things that make me happy: Jesus' eternal life gift, my family and friends, freedom, reading, sitting on our backyard swing wiht my husband listening to and watching birds, secret acts of kindness, good conversation, reading my Bible, scrapbooking, singing, memories, traveling, the simply joys of life and much much more, for which I am deeply grateful!

FROM E.D. IN ARIZONA: I've read the Spellbinder's Gift - Highly recommended

FROM GOOD DEBT JOHN: Communion with God, love and respect of my wife and kids, and the warmth of my dog. Perhaps the top four. Health and wisdom would be tops. I like my stuff but the list above is what is important.

FROM MOLINER C.F. A fool and his money are soon parted. JACK'S REPLY: You copied this from Abe Frieden.

FROM MKH IN MICHIGAN: Sunshine, Sometimes Rain, The Great Lakes, Blue Sky’s with Puffy White Clouds, Fabric, Quilting, Food, but none of that works if I am by myself though, without family and friends its all for not! Maybe a little quilting by yourself but much better with a pal, Marilyn and I spent hours with our fabric and sewing machines, talking, laughing, crying, you know like girly girls do!

Winning Words 6/3/09
“Nothing’s better than the wind to your back, the sun in front of you, and your friends beside you.” (Aaron Douglas Trimble) I didn’t find much bio-material about Aaron, except that it seems he’s a runner, and with that, the quote does fit. Personally, it’s the phrase, “your friends beside you,” that has meaning for me. Many thoughts come to mind as I think about the word, friend. What comes to your mind? ;-) Jack

FROM MOLINER C.F.: Friends are the wind at your back and the sun in your face.

FROM PR P.H. IN MINNESOTA: i always like the one that said to keep your shoulder to the wheel and your nose to the grindstone. but in that position you can get almost nothing done!!

FROM MKH IN MICHIGAN: Faith Trust Loyalty Humor Comfort Strength Honesty Compassion

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: It sounds like the perfect day doesn't it? What could be better than a sunny day, a cool wind and wonderful friends!!! Perfection!

FROM CJL IN OHIO: One who knows you and still cares for you. "What a friend we have in Jesus..."

FROM EMT SINGS IN MICHIGAN: I think a friend is someone that knows you very well and likes you anyway! There is nothing better than good friends. They can even be family members!

FROM S.S. IN MICHIGAN: A friend is not only beside you sharing your journey, sometimes he's behind you giving you a push in the right direction and sometimes he's in front of you leading the way. But he is always with you! Once again, thanks for your WW

Winning Words 6/2/09
“Life is like an ice cream cone. You have to lick it, one day at a time.” (Charles Schultz) There are some people who inspire me with the way they handle life’s problems. They live like the words of the old Timex commercial: They take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’. Do you know people like that, too? BTW, I miss the creative talent of Charles Schultz, but I am thankful for reruns. ;-) Jack

FROM M.T. IN PENNSYLVANIA: Good one! :-)

FROM L.G. IN MICHIGAN: Good one, Jack! I love Charles Schultz, too! One of my favorite people gave me some of my most beloved characters and wisdom! Keep 'em coming! FROM JACK: Which character do you relate to? I think Snoopy describes me best.

FROM HILLTOPPER JOHN: I like to take nice bites out of my ice cream cones....licking is for wimps

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Or, take a big bite and get an ice cream headache. FROM JACK: I've never gotten a headache from eating ice cream. When I was a kid, I'd go to Prince Castle and get a pint of fudge ripple (with a spoon) and eat the whole thing.

FROM MOLINER C.F.: Was Charles Schultz a writer who could draw or an artist who could write? I suspect the former. Whichever it was, he communicated like no other.

FROM CJL IN OHIO: Not always in the flavor you like... JACK'S REPLY: Ain't it the truth? I almost always choose butter pecan; I choose others sometimes, but I don't remember choosing something strange. I'm afraid that I won't like the flavor. Yes, sometimes life causes us to taste those things we would not choose.

FROM F.M. IN WISCONSIN: Jack, as I read this WW, I thought of friend who died on Pentecost, Arnie Tiemeyer. Arnie licked a lot of issues in the area of social justice in his ministry.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Ah ice cream! My absolutely favorite treat! And Charlie Brown's Christmas Special was one of my favorites too. I know a lot of folks that keep on tickin'! In fact, if I ever got some more dogs, they would be named Timex and Seiko...they'd be my "watch" dogs.

FROM A.S. IN MICHIGAN: These are really cool. I haven't been on a blog. I guess it is time to start. JACK'S REPLY: Ice cream is meant to be cool. Now, you're on the blog. Welcome.

Winning Words 6/1/09
“You cannot tailor make your situations in life, but you can tailor make your attitudes to fit those situations.” (Zig Ziglar) At times we all find ourselves in circumstances, beyond our control, that are not to our liking. Z.Z., a well-known motivational speaker, says that a positive attitude can find some good in the bad. Have you found that to be the case? I have…most of the time. ;-) Jack

FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: Too often people say, "I prayed and God didn't provide a solution." They want a tailor-made solution handed down for a problem. What God has done is give us the wherewithal to provide the solution to the problem ourselves, or it's something that will work itself out if we are patient enough to wait a bit.

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: I have set the internal default on my personal operating system to: is the next best approach? Sounds silly, but without this approach the default setting can be: “Complain, groan, pout, and let it eat away at your insides.” Moving from ideal to best to then next best works for me. Remember the old Sears Catalog: Good, Better, Best? I was always able to get the best… JACK'S REPLY: Ahhh, the Sears catalog! I liked the soft pages best.

FROM B.S. NEAR ORLANDO: take about memories on Memorial Day. The Kenosha bands used to march at Somers , Wisc. Irene and i used to sell candy bars for the kids so they could get credit to travel with the ( a ) band during the summer. Well the parade was on the main drag, and at the end of the parade most of the fire engines and others travelled down that road with their sirens blasting. The noise was so fierce it rattled your teeth right out of our mouth. it was crazy. I couldn't hear right for several days after wards.Wow

FROM CWR IN B'MORE: .......excellent.

FROM CJL IN OHIO: Or putting it another way: It's not the stimulus, but the way you react to it, that counts.

FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: it's all in the way we choose to look at life in general, don't you think? JACK'S REPLY: Yes.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Yes, attitude sets the background of our reaction to each situation, both good and bad. Most of the time I am up for the task however, once in awhile I falter.

FROM MOLINER G.S.: I grow best under tension of some sort.

FROM INDY GENIE: I bet Zig is a champion player of the glad game....wouldn't it be fun if there was a Glad Game Tournament?....televised and everything? No losers.

Winning Words 5/28/09
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” (Anne Frank) Anne is one of those persons who did her part to improve the world. Another was John Hughes-Games who, when he was dying in the hospital, gave a final request to his wife: “I’d like to leave some money to have these windows cleaned.” The death notice asked for donations to the hospital window cleaning fund. (From 3 Minutes A Day) What might we do to improve the world? ;-) Jack

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: It’s true. Today I am going to get a haircut.

FROM MOLINER G.S.: People think they have to do a BIG THING to feel significant. That is nice, but I think doing the little things bit-by-bit is what counts. I remember my G'pa telling me only once in a gentle way, when I was 4-5 years old: "Jorge (yoryea), don't play with guns." And he invented an artillery gunsight used in WW II - but he was right to tell me, in his way, that war was a horrible, horrible thing. The older I become I hate war more and more. But that is what needs to be done to preserve our liberty & freedom. Sometimes it seems like an oxymoron.

FROM MOLINER C.F.: Improving the world is a marvelous goal. Where's the starting line?
JACK'S REPLY: ...with you!

Winning Words 5/27/09
“Failure is success if we learn from it.” (Malcolm Forbes) Yesterday I read about a man in his 70s who took his driver’s license exam 271 times before he passed. With each failure, he learned something more about the laws of the road. Shall failure make us feel sorry for ourselves, or spur us on to finally become successful? Babe Ruth struck out 1330 times in his career. ;-) Jack

FROM HILLTOPPER JOHN: The key word here is the "if." Too many people are willing to simply live with the failure and not learn from it.

FROM S.T. IN MICHIGAN: Thanks for the inspiring words.

FROM P.O. IN MICHIGAN: I agree with the quote --- but it must be just in theory because I still don't want to meet him on the highway! JACK'S REPLY: At least he knows the rules.

FROM N.L. IN FLORIDA: Like that Jack, I know.

FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: C'monnnnnn! I think the old guy was just socializing at the Motor Vehicle Registry. JACK'S REPLY: According to the article, he was somewhat illiterate, and the workers were patient enough to put up with his persistence. Success is about patience and persistence.

FROM MOLINER C.F.: it's better to fail than not try at all. JACK'S REPLY: It depends on what you are trying to do.

FROM GOOD DEBT JOHN: “I never see failure as failure, only as a learning experience.” J. Douglas Edwards (circa 1966) famous sales trainer… JACK'S REPLY: And maybe that's why the call the experience: "The School of Hard Knocks."

FROM P.H. IN MINNESOTA: I struck out with some old girls friends years ago. Is that the same kind of thing? JACK'S REPLY: 1330 times? I'm impressed.

FROM CJL IN OHIO: If we don't learn from failure we lose one of the most consistent & insistent teachers!

Winning Words 5/26/09
“It’s OK not to like everything that goes on here. If you liked everything, something would be wrong, because we are a real and diverse community. If you like 70% of what’s happening , count yourself blessed.” (A pastor in New York responding to a complaining parishioner) I suppose that can be said about the various places in which we live. Everybody won’t agree on everything, but we can try to learn from one another and make the world a better place for everyone. ;-) Jack

FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: Looking at it another way, "You can satisfy all of the people some of the time, and some of the people all of the time, but you can't satisfy all of the people all of the time." JACK'S REPLY: Been there; done that. Even some of those who receive WWs don't like my "liberal" bent. 70% do.

FROM MOLINER C.F.: Some people like everything some of the time and all people like some things some of the time, but not all people like all things all of the time. Abe Frieden

FROM CJL IN OHIO: We still have to listen to what is said, evaluate it, and then plan some action. People need to know we're interested and will take seriously what they say. I know a Pastor who said and acted "my way or the highway". That's no way to lead a church....

FROM A.M. IN MICHIGAN: I like this. Makes sense to me.

Winning Words 5/25/09
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal.” (Seen on a headstone in Ireland) This is a good one to think about while Memorial Day is still fresh in our minds. We all have our memories that can never be taken away from us, don’t we? ;-) Jack (Seen

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: This is true in my life, the trick is to get the love memories to begin to flood and overwhelm the pain of loss.

FROM S.H. IN MICHIGAN: Our dog, Calvin, died a couple of hours ago. It seems like he might have had a stroke. He was trying to walk and just couldn't stand up hardly. Spent some time scrunched up under my chair. I could tell he was suffering. Praying and praying and praying. Finally, he layed down in the kitchen, me sitting beside him on the floor, he seemed to be resting peacefully and after about 20 minutes stopped breathing. Calvin loved people, whenever anyone came he would get himself in the midst of all of us,
looking up at us, at each of our faces, seeming to be tremendously interested in whatever we were saying to each other, wagging his tail, he definitely leaves a void and will always be remembered as one of our family and no one will take his place in our hearts. He was uniquely special and had a uniquely special place even in the whole universe that God created. Heaven and earth are much richer for what Calvin did while he was alive and now also with God now, the One who brought Calvin and his gift of loving to us. Thanks for your Winning Words today, Pastor Freed. We appreciate them very much.

FROM CJL IN OHIO: Both parts of that statement are true.....We live with them both!

FROM MOLINER C.F.: I look forward to the memories to yet be made.

FROM PR G.C. IN SAN DIEGO: Good quote for any day. Gracias.

FROM S.G. IN TAMPA: Yes, how true, Jack, and we are the lucky ones who can remember and do count our blessings every day.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: We are deeply grateful for our good memories....they far outweigh the heartaches. After all, loved ones leave the heartache and they are the ones who leave the love behind!

FROM M.N. IN MINNESOTA: Amen to that one!
I put a “garden flag pole” out on my husband's grave. Now I have an American Flag on it, but I bought several others to change it up. I will find some more for other holidays too. I will keep the flag till after July 4th. I figure that will always look nice and I have real trouble with keeping flowers. I did not realize just how hard it would be to put that on his grave. I have been out there many times and it did not affect me like that!

FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: i participate in a cemetary walk every october in the old grayslake cemetary on lake street. i/we tell the story of people buried there. one year the theme was the meaning behind inscriptions/carvings on the stones. it is pretty interesting. i also like to roam graveyards reading epitaths. mark and i always stop at graveyards when we roadtrip. kooky heh?

FROM M.W. IN ILLINOIS: Your winning words touched my heart today. Having lost two dear friends in 4 months, Phyllis in December and Virginia in April. I'll carry these words for a long time. Ironically I was unable to attend both services. We were on a trip to Washington DC when a memorial service was held for Virginia. One of the men who mans the powerpoint system for the services taped the service for me. Couldn't bring myself to listen to it until this morning, then I read your email. Whew!!

Winning Words 5/22/09
“Anything’s possible, if you don’t know what you’re talking about.” (Green’s Law of Debate) I laughed at this one. I guess we all need a laugh now and then. Hilltopper John, who occasionally responds to WWs, is a debater. He generally knows what he’s talking about. H. J. will probably debate the word, generally. ;-) Jack

FROM HILLTOPPER JOHN: This one is brought to the foreground when one listens to the political debates....and, particularly, the forwards that are sent via email during political season. Whole groups of empty heads passing on their ignorance to one another!!!

FROM MOLINER C.F.: T-t-t-t-they wouldn't l-l-let me on t-t-t-the debate team in high school because t-t-t-t-they said I was t-t-t-t-too tall. MORE FROM C.F.: I thought debate was something you put in dehook for fishing

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: This one really made me laugh! I remember in Art Class in high Mr. Deweke said to David, "Nothing is impossible". David replied, "Well, it would be impossible for me to have a baby!" I guess now-a-days maybe even that's possible! Keep smiling... it makes everyone wonder what you have been up to!!!

FROM L.P. IN MICHIGAN: I am currently reading a book about giving inspiring speeches and presentations. I am in the chapter called "The Persuasive Power of Words" that deals with the use of rhetoric. It will be interesting to find a balance between the dull information-over-loaded lecture and hyped detail-light sales pitch. Hopefully I'll know what I'm talking about. JACK'S REPLY: Remember some of the sermons you've heard.

Winning Words 5/21/09
“I believe in the sun, even when it’s not shining. I believe in love, even when I can’t feel it. I believe in God, even when he is silent.” (Sent by L.G.) These words were found scratched on a basement wall in Paris during World War II. Faith is what enables us to endure those times when God seems to be silent. Hang in there! ;-) Jack

FROM MKH IN MICHIGAN: I believe even then too. Hang in there is the only option!

FROM J.B. IN MINNNESOTA: I just wanted to let you know that your Winning Words have made it all the way to Bogota Columbia in South America! I shared this with a friend of mine and she sent it to her brother who is a Priest serving in Bogota. She said he would love this one!

FROM MOLINER G.S.: And we grow most in our faith when we're most challenged.

FROM MOLINER C.F.: When God is silent, he is probably listening.

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Memorial day prose:
I love people even when they are unlovely like I often am. I believe in hope even after it has been politicized. I believe in change because by definition it is inevitable. I believe light will conquer dark, warmth will conquer cold, I believe this more and more even as I grow old. I am thankful for the men and women who help to keep me free. But most of all I am thankful for God, for thee

FROM C.H. ON CAPE COD: Thank you. I like this one.

FROM F.M. IN WISCONSIN: We're hanging in! Thanks to you for your good winning words, each week day!

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: I read those words years ago and they always stayed with me. They were in material sent to me for newsletter when I was a church secretary. I put them on my Computer!! (Sound familiar?) I like to think God wasn't silent...just waiting patiently to give us what we needed next.

FROM PR P.H. IN MINNESOTA: i was told these words were found on a wall in a barracks at one of the infamous Nazi concentration camps. no matter, they are still timely and instructive words

Winning Words 5/20/09
“This is an exciting world. It is cram-packed with opportunity. Great moments wait around every corner.” (Richard Devos) These seem to be words meant for our time. Sometimes it’s difficult to write words like exciting, opportunity and great. It depends on whether we look at the world using a microscope or a telescope. ;-) Jack

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: It is a very exciting world....we never know what's going to happen when. It keeps us on our toes. Early this morning, while walking our property, I was amazed at the miniature world wake awake already. We have a habitat for Red Winged Black birds and sometimes the "noise" is astonishing! I will admit though, I would rather be in that "world" than the "real" world most days, as the "real" world isn't always pleasant.
However, each world is full of wonder if you are able to move the mess aside. FROM JACK: Isn't that "early morning" world a "real" world? I'm sure that the worm isn't too happy when the robin is pulling it out of the ground. This morning I took a centipede from beside my computer and placed it outside in the "real" world. I'm sure it wasn't too happy about that.

FROM HILLTOPPER JOHN: "There's Treasure Everywhere" (Calvin & Hobbes) JACK'S REPLY: ...and it's in the eye of the beholder.

FROM J.C. IN HONG KONG: wow, how elitist can you get! devos is out of touch with most peoples' realities. maybe he needs to do more walking through land-mine fields ... there's some great moments for ya .. well, no doubt those folk weren't part of his intended audience ... by the way, microscopes AND telescopes can both be quite amazing ... JACK'S REPLY: See, you're focussing in on the messenger instead of the message...like a lot of church-people do. I thought about microscopes and telescopes and decided to use the illustration as a way of pointing out that use them to look at the extremes...and neglect what is seen without them. Even that has its problems. The point being: This is an exciting world...and there are opportunities...and the next
exciting opportunity can be just around the corner. Don't miss it!

Winning Words 5/19/09
“To wish to be the person you aren’t is to waste the person you are.” (John Wesley)
This quote reminds me of a poem that I learned long ago. I’ll put it on the blog. We
each have talents and opportunities that are ours, alone. Let’s take an inventory and
work on them, for as we’ve heard: A mind is a terrible thing to waste! ;-) Jack

FROM J.B. IN WISCONSIN: Do you recall the poem
De sunflower ain't de daisy De melon ain't de rose
Why is dey all so crazy to be somethin' else that grows?
Jes' stick to de place you're planted and do de bes' you knows
Be de melon or de daisy de sunflower or de rose.
That was in a book of poetry my parents gave me (purchased from you when you were still in Irma)
It was one of my favorites. I don't know where the book is anymore but that little verse has stuck with me all these years. Have a nice day. God bless.

BE YOURSELF (Anonymous)
De sunflower ain't de daisy, and de melon ain't de rose;
Why is dey all so crazy to be sumfin else dat grows?
Jess stick to de place yo're planted, and do de bes yo knows;
Be de sunflower or de daisy, de melon or de rose.
Don't be what yo ain't, jess yo be what yo is,
If yo am not what yo are den yo is not what you is,
If yo're jess a little tadpole, don't yo try to be de frog;
If yo are de tail, don't yo try to wag de dawg.
Pass de plate if yo can't exhawt and preach;
If yo're jess a little pebble, don't yo try to be de beach;
When a man is what he isn't, den he isn't what he is,
An' as sure as I'm talking, he's a-gwine to get his.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: I remember that poem well! I'm not sure where I first heard it but I used to hear it a lot. I don't want to be anyone else, but I would love to have a few different "parts" to me. I am happy though with who I am, what I have done, what I will do. I read a saying in one of my books a few days ago....."Jesus Knows me, this I love."

FROM MOLINER C.F.: Yes, And a waist is a terrible thing to mind. That's where I wish I were the man I was.

FROM L.P. IN MICHIGAN: This is a great quote. I think I'll try committing it to memory. Thanks.

FROM B.G. IN MICHIGAN:
This is a good one; as are many of your WW’s! As I read this, I thought of a similar sentiment that I read somewhere. Not exactly sure who said it…”When the end of your life comes, God will not ask you, ‘Why were you not more like Rick Warren or Joel Osteen or (fill in the blank). God may, instead, ask why you were not more like yourself.”

FROM J.H. IN OHIO: love this one....

FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: as we prepare for pre-school graduation, one of our graduates expressed a concern to her mother. the child stated, "someday i'm going to miss me." this little one doesn't waste a minute of who she is. doesn't sound like she wishes to be anyone else either. she's going to kindergarten. i'm going to be the one missing.

Be The Best Whatever You Are
by Douglas Malloch

If you can't be a pine on the top of the hill
Be a scrub in the valley--but be
The best little scrub by the side of the rill;
Be a bush if you can't be a tree.

If you can't be a bush be a bit of the grass,
And some highway some happier make;
If you can't be a muskie then just be a bass--
But the liveliest bass in the lake!

We can't all be captains, we've got to be crew,
There's something for all of us here.
There's big work to do and there's lesser to do,
And the task we must do is the near.

If you can't be a highway then just be a trail,
If you can't be the sun be a star;
It isn't by size that you win or you fail--
Be the best of whatever you are!

FROM ME IN MICHIGAN: "I wanna be a supermodel."

Winning Words 5/18/09
“The things which hurt, instruct.” (Ben Franklin) The History Channel had an interesting hour on Franklin this past week. What a brilliant mind! He had common sense, too, as is shown in today’s quote. I can think of lessons that pain and loss have taught me. And, I didn’t necessarily like it at the time, either. ;-) Jack

MORE FROM JACK: Today, I think of the workers at auto dealers from across the nation, who are losing their jobs, because dealership are having to close in the process of business reorganization. Jobs are people. Jobs are families. As a word of encouragement, I think of words from an old Fred Astair/Ginger Rogers movie: Swing Time...."Pick yourself Up And Start All Over Again."
Nothing's impossible I have found, For when my chin is on the ground, I pick myself up, Dust myself off, Start All over again. Don't lose your confidence if you slip, Be grateful for a pleasant trip, And pick yourself up, Dust yourself off, Start all over again. Work like a soul inspired, Till the battle of the day is won. You may be sick and tired, But you'll be a man, my son! Will you remember the famous men, Who had to fall to rise again? So take a deep breath, Pick yourself up, Dust yourself off, Start all over again.

FROM L.K. IN OHIO: We are now midstream in a three hour movie documentary about BF......quite "enlightening"............and the book about him by HW Brands that I'm reading now is great,too.....THE FIRST AMERICAN....... REPLY FROM JACK: Circumstances were such that he did not get to be the STAR as President of the United States of America. But he was probably played a more influential role in the success of the new country than did anyone else.

FROM MOLINER LIZ: That was a good show. I saw part of it as I was channel surfing. Hope I get to see the rest of it. Yes, pain is a good teacher, but does it have to be so painful?

FROM MOLINER G.S.: BF is one of my heros. Have you read his autobiography? He was quite an athlete - the only one who could swim the across the mouth of the Beverly?
River in Beverly MA.

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: So there is a silver lining to this existing congress? financial promiscuity of today forges shackles for our children and grandchildren. Deficit (so far) as percent of GDP is near 4x higher than the gut less Republican GW had it. From about 3.2 to 11.8 percent of GDP. I see the Change but Hope is fading.
REPLY FROM JACK: I see that you're wearing your optimistic hat today!

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Through the years, life itself has been painful, scary, depressing, etc etc. However, it has also been filled with fun, friendship, love and many many lessings. I guess it's all in the way you handle life. Life can be very painful but we do learn to avoid as much as possible. And to take the joy and laughter when we can.

FROM MOLINER C.F.: Yes. learning can be a painful experience. But the joy is worth it. FROM JACK: Joy? CF's response: Not the joy of pain, the joy of learning.

FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: Didn't someone else say, "It's an ill wind that blows no good."? Troubling as some events may be, something positive can be salvaged from what happened. REPLY FROM JACK: I wonder what those who've been through a tornado or a hurricane have to say about this.

FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: isn't that the truth. one of our family sayings is, "that which does not kill you makes you stronger". there were times when i thought it would have been easier to be killed. then a nanosecond later, i change my mind. i love life, even through the tough times. REPLY FROM JACK: We are who we were. Robert Schuller has a saying: Tough times never last; tough people do.

FROM J.E. IN MICHIGAN: Jack, even though it’s Wednesday, I keep coming back to the quote you sent on Monday. For a long time I was stuck on the quote on the Marine’s billboard in Vermont, “Pain is weakness leaving your body.” Generally pain brings new insights and strength. My oldest sister is going through a divorce. Real exercise can sometimes be painful, but the long term benefits are worth it. My mom always used to say, “….offer it up to the poor souls in purgatory.”

FROM CJL IN OHIO: Me, too. But it does depend on the lesson it teaches!

Winning Words 5/15/09
“To solve big problems, you have to be willing to do unpopular things.” (Lee Iacocca) This week I was talking with someone who had big problems on his desk, and his name wasn’t Obama. True leaders are more concerned with problem solving than they are with approval ratings. Based on what he did as head of Chrysler in the 1980’s, Iacocca’s words ring true. ;-) Jack

FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: the right thing is definately not always the popular one. ask any teenager. FROM JACK: That's right. You were a teen-ager once.

FROM E.A. IN FLORIDA: This is one of the truest "winning words" that I have received. One should not worry about approval ratings when making decisions---especially one which adversely affects some but creates a better good for many more.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Many things are unpopular now-a-days, especially belief in God and belief in the Bible. We are finding our faith tested constantly. And, it looks like it will be tested more in the months ahead. We stay strong in what we have always believed, but it's most unpopular. God's words ring true!

FROM F.M. IN WISCONSIN: I don't know how you feel about the problems with the American automotive companies, but I feel that the Chrysler management has been more forthright then GM in how they handled the announcement of the downsizing of their franchised dealers. At least Chrysler made public their decision, GM hid behind their decision - leaders willing to do unpopular things, but not having the courage to make their decisions public. REPLY FROM JACK: Apples and oranges. Two different situations, with Chrysler
hooking up with an Italian company. I haven't walked in the shoes of either, but I do think that GM is doing the best that they can do. In either case, more people lose jobs. I blame the NY money manipulators.

Winning Words 5/14/09
“You are the same today as you’ll be in five years, except for two things: the people you meet and the books you read.” (Charlie “Tremendous” Jones) Charlie got his nickname, because he would always say, “Tremendous,” when faced with a problem. He saw it as an opportunity. Yesterday I attended a workshop and became acquainted with several very interesting people. Now, I’m looking for a new book. ;-) Jack

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Jack you made me cry today! Charlie “Tremendous” Jones died a few years ago. He truly was a Tremendous man. My son (then 14) loved him, we met him in Anaheim, CA right before my book came out in January 2005. A true gentleman, humorist, and man of God. One of the few guys that actually lived up to their marketing. He will be missed. And his/your WW today is exactly correct. Everything I have done or become or will become, that is a rise above my Appalachian baseline—began in a book.

FROM HILLTOPPER JOHN: I'm reading THE LAST DICKENS by Matthew Pearl. I recommend it to you.

FROM M.T. IN PENNSYLVANIA: You'll probably get an inbox-full of suggestions. Mine would be The Tipping Point, or Blink, or Outliers (or all 3, in that order) by Malcolm Gladwell. He has a knack for turning a compelling train of thought into a good story, populated by a host of interesting and important real people and their work. FROM JACK: The librarian says that thy're all on loan, but I will be notified when they come back.

FROM MOLINER G.S.: I was remarking last month at a new business open house that I didn't know any of the people in the room 5 years ago, before we started Champions Bible Study. REPLY FROM JACK: I celebrate
occasions like that, because it means that I've widened my circle of friends.

FROM G.C. IN SAN DIEGO: During my media days I came to know Charlie Tremendous Jones. We did a show w/ him and Ken Blanchard on the business world and ethics and Christian values. You kept wondering if this guy is for real...he was and is. Ken Blanchard was the key in the whole show.

FROM CJL IN OHIO (YOUNGSTOWN): Try The Winner's Manual" by Jim Tressel of YSU and Ohio State fame. FROM JACK: What's YSU?

FROM PR P.H. IN MINNESOTA: i think my body will be 5 years older and that won't be the same! FROM JACK: I hope your mind grows, too.

Winning Words 5/13/09
“Always go forward in life.” (Chuck Daly) NBA Hall-of-Fame coach Daly is being buried today. Today’s WWs are his last words whispered to former player, Joe Dumars. It was his way of saying, goodbye. It’s good advice too, for all of us, when we are wondering what our next move should be. Always go forward. ;-) Jack

FROM L.P. IN MICHIGAN: Lately when people ask about my progress in school I say "I'm going forward". This quote was timely... in many ways. Thanks as always.

FROM J.M. IN COLORADO: I can always count on WWs to bring things into perspective. We are in the process of moving to DC (again) -- the movers come June 5, and I've been preparing reluctantly because I really don't want to move this time. In the next couple years we'll settle, but right now I needed a little push to get me moving again. Always go forward in life! This IS a forward move.

FROM MOLINER C.F.: My gearbox doesn't have a "Reverse" REPLY FROM JACK: Sometimes reverse gets us out of tight spots.

FROM MOLINER LIZ: Wow. Always the coach... wonderful last words.

FROM HILLTOPPER JOHN: Ironic that he said "Always go FORWARD in life to a guy who played at the GUARD position!!!

FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: Just where is "forward" exactly?

Winning Words 5/12/09
“Life is full of shadows, but the sunshine makes them all.” (Unknown) If the world were all sunshine, it would be a desert. I’m thankful for some of the shadows, for they help to put things into perspective.” ;-) Jack

FROM INDY GENIE: I feel the same way about the weather.

FROM CJL IN OHIO: Have you ever studied a black/white picture/movie and looked how they use the shadows? They use them as we ought to use them in life...

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: So many times it's so peaceful to sit in the shadows. Shadows are what make the sunshine so wonderful. Today my husband and I celebrate 31 years of marriage. The shadows are so much gentler now and the sunshine so much brighter. We look forward to both.

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Does the sun make shadows or something in its way make shadows?

FROM E.D. IN ARIZONA: Speaking of sunshine and shadows...I attached a picture from Buckskin Gulch
(Arizona/Utah border) on a recent hike through the beautiful Navajo sandstone. FROM JACK: That's really an interesting picture. If any reader wants to see it, I can forward it.

FROM R.G. IN ARIZONA: Actually it is the 'object' that makes the shadows, not the light. If we consider the the 'light' as the truth, and the shadow as the absence of it, we might consider that the shadows are a result of our own constructed objects (opinions, beliefs, ideas, etc.) that interfere with the Light of Truth. How often can we admit to our own errors as evidence of this? This alone provides support for the command to 'remove the beam from thine own eye...' so the light can give evidence for the Truth --- not just my perception of it. How are you, by the way? Stay well my friend!

FROM G.C. IN SAN DIEGO: I love shadows! It is my favorite time of the time to play golf!

Winning Words 5/11/09
“History never looks like history when you’re living through it.” (John W. Gardner)
When I grew up in The Great Depression, I never thought of it as an historical occasion.
I could make a list of similar events that happened in my lifetime. In the future, as
people look back on our present decade, what history-making events do you think will stand
out? Maybe we can compare our lists? ;-) Jack

MORE FROM JACK: Wasn't it Henry Ford who said, "History is bunk?" What's bunk?

FROM T.L. IN MICHIGAN: Thanks again for the daily bread.

FROM M.T. IN PENNSYLVANIA: just for fun, here's a tidbit from A. Whitney Brown's brilliant book of social/political satire, "The Big Picture" History is a very tricky thing. To begin with, you can't get it mixed up with the past. The past actually happened, but history is only what someone wrote down. If you don't think there is a difference, just witness an event and then read about it the next day in 'The New York Post.' History is made by writers -- made up, if they have a deadline. Knowing this reveals one of the greatest mysteries of history: The reason history repeats itself is not a cosmic plan, it's plagiarism.

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: I must be odd. I have always thought about how history will treat the big events we were living through. I saw (news of)assassinations of JFK, (age 7) MLK, RFK (4-5 years later) The moon landing, Vietnam, Woodstock (age 13) race riots, Kent State, and the free love hippie movement all by age 15. It felt like history in the making to me. Converting America into a French Socialist state by Balkanizing groups of people to gain power and handing Chrysler (or the Anti-Chrysler as it were)over to the UAW and overt versus covert welfare for businesses (GM-AIG-CITI et al) yes Jack I see history and I wish it were only an Oliver Stone conspiracy plot in a movie. We cannot help but live history by definition--whether we are aware is another thing.

FROM HILLTOPPER JOHN: I have always felt that we don't really start getting any true perspective on an historical event until we are at least fifty years from it....until the primary characters are dead and gone. I think we are just starting to get a handle on the depression and WW II and perhaps the immediate post-war years. Most of the history on the 60s and 70s is no good now since too many of the participants are trying to write it and, therefore, there is no objectivity. I personally think that the late 50s and early 60s will be seen as a great time when we made enormous progress forward as a people and that the late 60s and 70s will be seen as a negative period in US history....but, it remains to be seen. I'm on my way to Colorado and heading thru good old EM.

FROM MOLINER C.F.: History is for people who live in the past, Learn from it and look ahead.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: I wish this era was history! I do not like the way things are heading for the country at all. I'm afraid of the coming "history" also. I try keep my postive thoughts but some days it's just overwhelming. Today was one. Tomorrow will come soon enough and today will be history.

FROM A.W. IN ILLINOIS: been reading the original book by the astronauts about Apollo 11. Just think, it was 40 yrs ago men walked on the surface of the moon. Also, I suddenly realized that I have been driving an automobile for more than 60 yrs....What history!

FROM F.M. IN WISCONSIN: 9/11, the invasion of Iraq, the market crash, the tragedy in Africa, the election of Geo.Bush in 2000 and the 2008 election.

Winning Words 5/8/09
“The only things worth learning are the things you learn after you know it all.” (Harry Truman) If Harry were still alive, he’d be 150-years-old today. I have a friend who’s a Truman impersonator. I think I’ll phone him and wish him a Happy Birthday. HST never made a dime giving speeches or writing books after he left the White House. I admire him for that…and for other things, as well. ;-) Jack

FROM M.T. IN PENNSYLVANIA: In 1995 I saw a 'made-for-TV' movie about Harry Truman. ("Truman" starring Gary Sinise as HT-- details from www.IMDB.com) It was exceptionally good. If it's possible to obtain it from anywhere (Netflix, maybe?), you'd enjoy it.

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: He and Bess also drove home to Independence, Missouri in their own car after his successor was innaugurated. They didn't even have Secret Service protection! REPLY FOR JACK: Someone asked him, "What was the first thing you did when you got home?" and he replied. "I took the grips up to the attic." That's my kind of guy.

FROM T.G. IN ILLINOIS: Harry Truman was an icon and a man of his time. How fate plays a big hand. Can you imagine where we would be if FDR had not dumped Henry Wallace in 1944 and picked HST as his VP. Wallace would have been a disaster stepping into the presidency. "Give 'em hell, Harry!"

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Well, being asTruman ended WWII by making the tough decision to drop “the bomb” on Japan. He also led the UN intervention in Korea (although it was Eisenhower who negotiated the truce). I think he also was the president when the Marshall Plan was implemented – this was a military and economic process that probably created NATO and did a lot to get Europe back on its feet. He was the one who used the motto – “the buck stops here”. He was stalwart in his defense of the US. I agree with you! He had some extremely tough decision and I'm sure he did a lot of his learning the hard way. Being President is a job I would personally never want! Thank God for strong leadership.

FROM MOLINER C.F.: Harry Truman was the last truely honest president we have had. He called 'em as he saw 'em.

FROM CJL IN OHIO: There's also a Greeting Card with that statement on it with no reference to HST. BTW - have you read Plain Speaking by Merle Miller? It's a biog of HST and a real good read. Get something out of it, too, Like: Q. Mr. President, what would have happened if you would have made this decision rather than that one? A. I didn't. Next Question! Said a lot about HST... REPLY FROM JACK: I think that Truman was using the quote to make a point. Like most of us do in our sermons. Just like "the buck stops here." It's attributed to him, but others used it before he did. He used it to indicate that he, as President, is ultimately responsible.

FROM A.W. IN ILLINOIS: I heard there is a new book about Harry and Bess about their cross country auto trip after they left the White House. He is still one of America's greatest and most honest Presidents in my book. Would that God would send us more like him!

Winning Words 5/7/09
“No matter how wealthy we are, we have only ten fingers on which to display our rings.” (Dalai Lama) I’ve seen people wearing rings on their toes. I’ve seen rings in ears, in eyebrows, in lips, in noses and in other places.. But this quote isn’t about rings; it’s about the limitations of wealth. I only wear one ring, and I am very rich. ;-) Jack

FROM JACK: Sorry that you received WWs late today. It was a server problem. They went out at 5 am.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: What are riches after all?? Some people "blame" people for their wealth, some others for their lack of same. Wealth to me is forgiveness of sin, freedom, love of family and friends, good health, eternal life, and enough. Enough to survive and enough to be comfortable. It is enough!

FROM D.C. IN KANSAS: Missed you today. Hope you are OK. Tomorrow is Harry Truman's 150th birthday. His grandson, Clifton Truman Daniels, was on the radio today and told of a saying he remembered. "It's what you learn after you know it all that counts." (That's as I remember him telling it.) His grandson recalled that Harry wanted to punish the Germans after WW I for 50 years, but acted quite differently after WW II.

FROM TEACHER C.A. IN LAS VEGAS: These winning words are ironic to me. Before I even read today's winning words one of my first grade students told me that I must be rich because I was wearing a ring, a bracelet, earrings and a necklace. I explained to her that those "things" are not what make a person rich. I'm not quite sure she understood what I was saying, but someday she will know what it means to have a rich life.

FROM BBC IN ILLINOIS: Thanks, I bet I know which one it is! FROM JACK: It's not on my toe.

FROM D.S. IN MICHIGAN: Me too.

FROM D.P. IN MINNESOTA: I can't wear any rings because of arthritis, but I am rich, too.

FROM CWR IN B'MORE: I once was fairly wealthy and also very healthy.....but now that both have waned ......I've learned to live again........comfortable and at peace..........except when some damed, stupid politician makes some "jackassed" proposal which threatens either world peace , health care for all, food for all and opportunity for all......and freedom of religion or to be not religious at all.

Winning Words 5/6/09
“Neither despise nor oppose what thou dost not understand.” (Wm Penn) The song says, “What the world needs now is love…” That’s true, but I think that world also needs more understanding…of why people act as they do…of how our actions affect the planet and the lives of future generations. The longer I live, I become more tolerant of some situations and less tolerant of others. I try to understand.. ;-) Jack

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: I find myself in the same situation....more tolerance on some things...less on others. I can't believe how things get so twisted around and changed around to fit what people want to believe. It's unreal. There are some very basic truths in life which can not be changed, even if unpopular. And I can't seem to understand. I then fall back on the Serenity Prayer.

FROM MOLINER C.F.: Dost this meaneth that if thou understandith it, thou canst oppose or despisest it? FROM JACK: I'll tolerate your answer. MORE FROM C.F.: That's why I like you. You understand me.

FROM B.G. IN MICHIGAN: A good WW for today.

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Be careful becoming less tolerant of anything. Someone might call you
a conservative. FROM JACK: Perhaps a centrist!

FROM H.S. IN MICHIGAN: One of your finest

FROM PR J.S. IN MICHIGAN: I really don't understand EVIL. I don't understand from whence it arises and how it can dominate us in such horrible ways. Should I then not oppose it??? The word "tolerant" is a word that has so many meanings that it has virtually become worthless. In some ways it is a word that could well be translated "wishy-washy". In other ways associated with Liberals in America it is a word that says "I will ok that which I like but will brand people I don't like with the label "Intolerant." I don't find "tolerance" as we know it in today's society as a positive trait from a scriptural point of view. I listen to Jeremiah and I don't find him very tolerant of Israel's injustice. He instead urges them to "change your ways and your doings." I don't find Jesus very tolerant of the Pharisees and certainly Matthew 5-8 is as about an intolerant a piece of work as you could find anywhere. It roundly condemns virtually all of us. "Tolerance" has become a trademark of ELCA Liberalism (I am not fond of Conservatives either but at least they are not hypocritical enough to say that they are tolerant). The ELCA is very tolerant of the Arab world's destruction of Christians in their midst (and very intolerant of Jewish walls). The ELCA is very tolerant of having Hindis head Christian religious departments (and intolerant of schools that unabashedly put forth the gospel). Their form of tolerance is as judgmental as any intolerance has ever been. Let's get rid of the word tolerant and substitute "I favor" or "I don't favor" something and here is my reasoning. It might be an exercise in thought for some of our friends to try that approach. It would certainly clear away a ton of hypocrisy. FROM JACK: I'm comfortable with my understanding of EVIL as being that which is opposed to the ultimate good (GOD). I tolerate views different from my own, because I am always try to be a learner. I'm comfortable with a Hindu leading the Religion Dept in one of "our" schools, because I know the individual you are referring to, personally, and we connect on a spiritual level.

FROM CJL IN OHIO: With understanding comes tolerance & prejudice, for & against. FROM JACK: Tolerance and prejudice are both imperfect, "when the perfect comes, the imperfect will be done away ."

FROM CJL IN OHIO: We have to live with the imperfect here.

Winning Words 5/5/09
“Do you think the land has no feelings? I saw a building plot die of shame at being put up for sale like a slave with a price tied round his neck.” (Dom Helder Camara) This causes me to wonder if the foreclosed homes and the shuttered factories and the land which is called, Detroit, have feelings. Are humans the only ones with feelings? ;-) Jack

FROM N.L. IN FLORIDA: I always felt sorry for cars, boats, homes, factories etc., but not empty fields who where allowed to grow free. FROM JACK: There's talk of turning some of the empty blocks in the city of Detroit back to farm fields or into tree farms. I wonder how the land feels about that. REPLY FROM N.L.: THAT'S WHAT I WOULD WANT IF I WERE LAND. "GREAT IDEA"

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: I once read a story about trees who screamed as they were cut down. Only one man could hear the sound and he, of course, went crazy. No, I don't think inanimate things have feelings, but I do believe the people who lived, worked, cried, laughed, raised children, painted, decorated, planted, and died in the buildings....do. Therefore, they do live through memories! FROM JACK: I wonder if outhouses have feelings.

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: I could be ready to argue either side of this. But I am leaning your way. The quick answer is no. But we do attribute a lot human attributes to land, home and factories. We love it, tax it, regulate it, we care for land and buildings, houses, we fight for land, divorce/foreclose it and sue for possession, not unlike child custody. Some times we abuse and hurt the land with toxic chemicals, just like many do with their own bodies. We revere some land and buildings more than others as we do one class,
ideology, or color of people over another. Some land is dependent on the government and we see the effects of welfare as it infects both human and real property and like swine flu has now migrated to business as a carrier. Now we are ascribing human characteristics to GM and Chrysler the question is are we feeding them or teaching them to fish? So as a believer in Austrian Theory Economics the answer is no. As a songwriter who just wrote "Least Momma Died Before Elvis" (for Mothers Day),a dad, son, husband and taxpayer
and voter; I can tell you I wept a little last week when I drove by my childhood home. Maybe the answer is land makes us feel. And if you don't think an unfeeling thing can make you feel then you have just never met
Katie Pendergast (from my 8th grade class) FROM JACK: My childhood home has been torn down, and now the land has been made into a parking lot. I wonder how the land feels about that? In the glory days, it was probably a pasture. And before that, it was in the mind of God when he said, "let there be dry land," or words to that effect.

FROM L.P. IN MICHIGAN: I once apologized to a dress at the store because I chose another one to be my Easter dress. I didn't want it to feel bad that it didn't get picked. MORE FROM LP.: Ironically
anthropomorphism is something I have tried for many years to "grow out of". Though it's helpful in the sense of reducing, reusing and recycling because I'm sad to think of my belongings rotting in a dump-yard crying of neglect. Of course I was also sad when I thought how my couch went to the Salvation Army store near campus
because that is probably where the frat houses get their porch couches. (I patted it apologetically as they hauled it - unceremoniously - out the door... shhhhh)

FROM MOLINER C.F.: I think humans own the shame for what happens to the land.

FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: well, i believe that the spirit that dwells within all structures feels the shame that is put upon it. REPLY FROM JACK: I'll have to think about that. It sounds like animism. Plato, Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas thought about it, too. MORE FROM M.L.: all is god's creation whether animate or in...we cannot survive without the generousity of the inanimate. happy contemplating plato!

FROM A.W. IN ILLINOIS: with all the strange stuff going out on e-mails, it is refreshing to get something to think about. Decatur has many homes boarded up, waiting for destruction. Someone should go around and
paint a sad, crying face on the plywood covering the windows. Surely the happy memories in that house have saturated the walls.

Winning Words 5/4/09
“Each success only buys an admission ticket to a more difficult problem.” (Henry Kissinger) I suppose H.K. said these words after having been a presidential cabinet member. There are some people who are energized by facing problems, but not many. Celebrate the times you’ve met a problem and successfully put it behind you. Can you think of one of those times right now? ;-) Jack

FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: Any time you move forward you are bound to run into problems of one sort or another. The irony is that if you just stay put, some sort of problem usually comes to you.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: That's life...a set of problems solved as best as we can and then we move on to more of life. It's not this one thankfully, where we will spend eternity. But I believe there are many more successes than problems!

FROM S.H. IN MICHIGAN: I remember Henry Kissinger had a whole lot to do with things going on in the Middle East. As interesting as the Winning Words always are, also is interesting the really varied diversity of people you pull from, it's a delight to see that much inclusiveness!!!!!

FROM MOLINER G.S.: Yes, I'm to take my Federal First Responder test later this week. Passed all 11 exams so far, in 6 weeks. Jack, I haven't taken college level exams in over 40 years - until this year.Not as bad as business decisions, though.

FROM MOLINER C.F.: I think Henry was wrong on this one. A problem solved is an open door to greater success. FROM JACK: In a way, both thoughts are correct.

Winning Words 5/1/09
“If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you.” (Michigan’s Motto) The people of Michigan are experiencing some tough times, but God has been good to us by giving us a beautiful land, bounded by four of the Great Lakes. May 1, marks the beginning of Michigan Month, a time each year when we celebrate all of the great things about our state, both the Upper and the Lower peninsulas. ;-) Jack

FROM D.L. IN OREGON: The truth of your state motto was tested by my family who lived in Munising, Upper Peninsula for five years. My privilege was to live and work there for two summers while a college student. The beauty of that area takes a persons breath away.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: I was just a little girl when I first heard Michigan's Motto....other than Sunday School songs, it was one of the first things I memorized....I just thought it was so pretty. Thanks for sharing it. I sent it on to my fellow Michiganders!

FROM HILLTOPPER PR J.S. IN MICHIGAN: Is there a state song for Michigan? I can still remember the state song for Illinois that I learned in grade school.

FROM MOLINER C.F.: Michigan is lovely at night.

FROM PR P.H. IN MINNESOTA: i fondly recall those Michigan Month breakfasts held at the Orchard Lake Country Club. all good memories.

FROM CJL IN OHIO: I guess living in the suburbs of Detroit you must think about the wonderful & beautiful land "up north". After all, they are connected. FROM JACK: It's beautiful in our neighborhood, too.

FROM F.M. IN WISCONSIN: What a nice word for May one.

FROM S.G. IN TAMPA: One of the beautiful trips we made from Moline to Ann Arbor was driving around Lake Michigan in Wisconsin, doing the Upper Peninsula and visiting Mackinac Island before returning to Ann Arbor. Also, taking the direct route, we would stop at Michigan City and the sand dunes.We do indeed live in a beautiful and varied country.

Winning Words 4/30/09
“If I were asked to give what I consider the single most important advice, it would be this: Expect trouble as an inevitable part of life and when it comes, hold your head high, look it squarely in the eye and say, ‘I will be bigger than you. You cannot defeat me.’” (Ann Landers) Ann still gives good advice, even if it’s from the grave. Just like what was said in yesterday’s WWs, the right attitude is key. ;-) Jack

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Attitude is a choice. One of my favorite quotes is from Robert Frost and it goes along with today quote..."Always fall in with what you're asked to accept. Take what is given, and make it over your way." Ann was one of my favorite articles to read daily. She had wonderful advice and this was the best! FROM JACK: Two of my favorite Frost poems are "Mending Wall" and "The Road Not Taken." Both, in their own way, have something to do with ATTITUDE. MORE FROM JACK: From Mending Wall, I particularly like the lines...
Before I built a wall, I'd like to know What I was walling in, Or walling out.
That, to me, says alot about our attitudes on many subjects

FROM A DIVORCEE: Of all the good advice Ann Landers dispensed, if she thinks this is the most important, I'm listening... Thanks, Ann (and Jack) for just what I needed to hear! FROM JACK: I like the words of Jesus: "In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

FROM MOLINER C.F.: Isn't that what Goliath said to David?

FROM B.S. NEAR ORLANDO: you hit the nail on the head sir.

Winning Words 4/29/09
“If someone offers you a gift and you decline to accept it, the other person still owns the gift. The same is true of insults and verbal attacks.” (Steve Pavlina) This quote caused me to do a double-take. I hadn’t thought of it that way before. Pavlina is a writer and speaker who helps people motivate themselves to improve their lives. To have the right attitude toward people is part of that process. ;-) Jack

FROM PR J.S. IN MICHIGAN: The gift of Grace is that way. It is offered but we have to be open to receive it. The Universalists miss that understanding of God's graciousness but it is clearly biblical. FROM JACK: Grace seems to be a difficult gift for some to accept...or to offer.

FROM J.N. IN MICHIGAN: Have you noticed how many motivational speakers sound like what Christians can hear from the pulpit most Sundays? This thought first occurred to me at a Staff Development program twenty-five years ago. I didn't hear anything that day from the two speakers that I hadn't heard in a slightly different presentation many Sundays in church. FROM JACK: I always thought of myself as a Sunday motivational speaker.

FROM MOLINER C.F.: While you still own insults and attacks, you've had a chance to share them.

FROM CJL IN OHIO: That's one I'm going to save....on my computer! Thanks!

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: "Rings and jewels are not gifts but apologies for gifts. The only true gift is a portion of yourself." Ralph Waldo Emberson

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: This was a great quote. Just been swamped lately. But I am saving this one.

Winning Words 4/28/09
“There are two enormous powers operating in the world, and one of them is fear. It is the greatest power of all, save one, and that is faith.” (Smiley Blanton) Blanton was a psychologist who worked closely with Norman Vincent Peale. He also worked with Freud. Swine Flu, the economy, climate change, violence…there are many scary things out there in the world. I’m reminded of this saying: “I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know who holds the future.” Faith is the antithesis of fear. ;-) Jack

FROM T.L. IN MICHIGAN: Jack, this is one of the best editions you have written. Again, thank you, for my daily bread.

FROM C.S. IN WISCONSIN: Maybe some of the press should practice their faith or find it so they would quit spreading the fear.

FROM PR J.S. IN MICHIGAN: C. Fitzsimon Allison's book FAITH, LOVE AND WORSHIP deals with exactly that theme. It is one of the best books I have ever read.....

FROM T.S. IN MICHIGAN: You've hit my hot button on this one. I'm a "fear the Lord" guy. I know that perfect love drives out all fear, but perfect love is not going to be achieved on earth. I so often feel that we miss the importance of both fearing and loving God. He becomes so much more powerful to me if I have that feeling of fear along with love. As Martin would respond to each commandment - what does this mean - We should fear and love God ..... Fear is the beginning of wisdom as Solomon records for us in Proverbs. Likewise in Ecclesiastes he ends with a very interesting phrase of when all is said and done - what is important is to fear God and keep his commandments. Fear of God, for me, is one of the greatest evangelism motivators.

FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: Is there actually something "out there" such as fear, or is fear something of our own creation? Doubt and fear seem to strike together, when we apparently have no other mental resources to call upon.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: "There is nothing to fear but fear itself". I don't know who said it, but it is certainly true. I am reminded about the Chicken Little story. People hear a little part of a story and suddenly the sky is falling. Happenings must be put in perspective. "Fear not," said the angel, "For I have brought you good news!" FROM JACK: FDR said it. The Chicken Little reference seems to fit.

FROM L.P. IN MICHIGAN: At a children's sermon many years ago I learned this song. I used
to sing it even when I was older and had to go out to the barn alone at night to put the
horses up. Every now-and-again it pops into my mind.

I will not be afraid.
I will not be afraid.
I will look upward
and travel onward
and not be afraid.

He said he will be with me.
He said he will be with me.
He goes before me
and stands beside me
so I'm not afraid.

You must have taught us this since 'many years ago' I was listening to your children's
sermons. Do you recall if there were other verses? FROM JACK:
His arms are underneath me. His arms are underneath me.
His hand upholds me, His arms enfold me, So I'm not afraid.

FROM S.G. IN TAMPA: I have just returned from the beautiful wedding of our first grandchild- a grandson- to be married in Port Clinton, Ohio. That occasion was more than enough to give one faith in the future. Then one of our youngest granddaughters received her First Communion in West Palm Beach, and I was able to be there, too, because of Southwest's great schedule. Our generation has lived through a lot of years with World
War II, President Kennedy's assassination, the polio vaccine, etc

FROM MOLINER C.F.: Fear pushes us over the edge. Faith provides the parachute.

FROM CJL IN OHIO: That's what keeps us going...

Winning Words 4/27/09
“I cannot do everything, but I must not do nothing.” (Lady Caroline Cox) Lady Caroline has traveled around the world trying to improve the quality of life and medical care for the ill and needy. She was in our area last week to establish a chair for Global Health and Social Justice at Oakland Univ. On that occasion, she said, “It’s a privilege to be able to make a difference.” Perhaps there is some way in which you and I can make a
difference in our corner of the world. We must not do nothing. ;-) Jack

FROM CJL IN OHIO: Remember Judge/Gov Youngdahl's words at our opening convocation: I cannot do everything but I can do something...... FROM JACK: Do you remember all of this stuff (from when we became pastors), or do you consult a file, or do you make it up?

FROM P.H. IN MINNESOTA: good words, Jack. i could have used this quote in my sermon yesterday. it would have fit perfectly.

FROM BBC IN ILLINOIS: your post interested me enough to read about Lady Caroline - have never read about her before. what an amazing and inspirational woman.

FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: so many people ask, "what can i do?". my first thought and sometimes response is, "more than nothing." it is interesting to see where the conversation goes from there! FROM JACK: It reminds me of something that happened in Wisconsin, when I was a Pastor there. A woman's husband died, and the next door neighbor, a policeman, came over and asked if there was anything that he could you. She answered, "Thank you. You can spade my garden."

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY IN MI: Great Winning Words for a Monday morning! To sit back and do nothing is a terrible waste. Activate and motivate! Two good words to begin to make a difference! FROM JACK: Activate and motivate! I like it.

FROM J.C. IN HONG KONG: If I'm not mistaken, Baroness Cox also founded CSW (Christian Solidarity Worldwide) or at least was/is deeply involved in it. I have heard (and taped) her more than once here in HK. She is deeply pro-Burma in addition to her other many endeavours. FROM JACK: Thanks for the feedback. I had not heard of her before, but I've not heard of a lot of people, and a lot of people haven't heard of me, either.

Winning Words 4/24/09
“We don’t see things as they are; we see them as we are.” (Anais Nin) I got some new glasses not long ago, and I can see things better. There might be an improvement in this world, if there could be some way to get people to see things differently…or, at least to see things from more than one point of view. ;-) Jack

FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: Perhaps "seeing" instead of "doing" is one of our shortcomings. Our world might improve if we read a book instead of watching a TV drama, if we actually played sports instead of eyeballing the games, if we dined on healthy food instead of eating what looks good. Our minds are often as static as our backsides.

FROM M.T. IN PA: So true!

FROM BOBBY BURNS: O wad some Power the giftie gie us To see oursels as ithers see us!

FROM CJL IN OHIO: That's what we try to do in the Church. Change the receptor & see things from another's point of view.

FROM MKH IN MI: I do try to look and things from other perspectives. I especially try to look at things from my husband’s perspective even though most times he is wrong! Kidding!!! Tee Hee Hee

FROM OUTHOUSEJUDY: My grandson, 4, just got glasses. He was near-sighted and far-sighted plus has a bad stigmatism. When he got his glasses he was amazed at all the letters on the signs....and he has learned all his ABC's so fast it's unreal. His mother was told he had a learning disability...come to find out...he couldn't see much of anything at all! An aside...one of my favorite sayings from Helen Keller is..." The most beautiful
things in the world are not seen or touched...they are felt by the heart."

FROM B.S. NEAR ORLANDO: you have illustrated a real difficult task I think it is extremely difficult for the average person to see a different viewpoint with out some discussion and understanding of a particular situation. Our legislators appear to want to build prisons rather than extend the utmost help to educate our children and others who want to go to school extensions. the churches too need to extent themselves in this
direction.

FROM E.A. IN MICHIGAN: There is also a different way to "see"things better. I am reading a book by Samego called Blindness. There is an epidemic of blindness in the country and he examines how different people react differently in different situations. Quite interesting.

Winning Words 4/23/09
“Don’t pray when it rains, if you don’t pray when the sun shines.” (Satchel Paige) I’m going to have to re-examine my Prayer List. Most of them are “rain” prayers. A friend of mine begins each day by getting out of bed and saying, “Father, I thank you for the night and for the pleasant morning, bright. For rest and food and loving care, and all that makes the world so fair.” He does it, rain or shine. :-) Jack

FROM MOLINER LIZ: The "Our Father" is my default prayer. Rain or shine.

FROM MKH IN MICHIGAN: I always thank Him at the end of the day maybe I need to start the day that way too. I will try it! AND...I almost always thank Him for a beautiful day.

FROM D.K.: Why doesn't he sing it? FROM JACK: Maybe "he" does.

FROM MOLINER C.F.: There's an episode on M*A*S*H wen Father Mulcahey tells a soldier. "Lots of promises are Made to God in a foxhole." Too bad some people only think of prayer when they want something. FROM JACK: Journalist Ernie Pyle, popularized the phrase, "There are no atheists in foxholes," during WW 2.

FROM JDR IN CALIFORNIA: Really, love this one.

FROM MOLINER G.S.: Good way to start the day.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: We always start our day by praying together, and my husband always starts with Thanks....there is no better way than to start with thanks.

FROM T.S. IN MICHIGAN: Reminds me of Luther's Morning and Evening Prayers

FROM J.T. IN MINNESOTA: This WW grabbed me as it holds a very special memory. My Dad was a baseball fan. My brothers and sister and I grew up in northern Minnesota in the 1940's. We well remember the day an electric bulb in the kitchen first lit up our little home. Before that we used kerosene lamps, Mom had a heavy flat iron, Dad hand turned the separator twice daily after hand milking 7 cows. I remember Dad leaning his ear into our battery operated radio to listen to the world series. He was a St Louis Cardinal fan and had seen Satchel Paige pitch many years earlier when he was a teen ager. Satchel Paige pitched on the Negro team as he was not allowed on a major league team but Dad was a fan of his. He loved telling the story of how remarkably Satchel Paige pitched. Dad had been mightily impressed. So when your winning words were from him, as you can see, it was reminiscing time for me. Thanks for all the WW. I read every one and send many on to family and friends. Have a great week and aren't the long days lovely?