Jack’s Winning Words 3/15/19
“If you’re lucky, you won’t believe in luck.” (Nick Rodelo) A Michigan couple plays the lottery and in 55 weeks has won $27 million. No lucky numbers; no rubbing a rabbit’s foot. They simply figured out a way to beat the odds. The word, luck, has its origin with the Dutch. It means good fortune or happiness, like when the Publisher’s Clearing House knocks at your door. Real luck? It’s to know that God loves and cares for you and wants the best for you. ;-) Jack
FROM SF IN FLA: After a G’s stroke, I exclaimed to Rabbi L how lucky we were. His reply: “You are not lucky, you are BLESSED.” I have stopped saying that I am lucky when good things happen and replacing it with I am blessed! And yes, I am!===JACK: That same conversation has happened in my life recently, as well. I will want to talk with you about that when the "birds" fly back to Michigan.
FROM ME IN NEWPORT BEACH: However, I also believe that attitude is important; if you feel lucky, you will be lucky. Have a nice weekend and enjoy St. Patrick’s day.===JACK: Speaking of "luck of the Irish," are you who believes that finding a 4-leaf clover will bring good luck...or that some people are luckier than others? or, should I say, "Some people seem to be unluckier than others, regardless of attitude." ...but, you are right. Attitude can make a difference.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: I feel very lucky and count my blessings every day! Right now Ann and I are in Columbus Ohio to celebrate our great grandsons fifth birthday! We drove up yesterday through West Virginia and the Appalachians! What a beautiful country!===JACK: I would comment that you are "blessed." God is good!
FROM BLAZING OAKS: I agree with those in your blog today that blessed is a better word than lucky, and like them, I feel truly blessed, in spite of some significant losses in my life.(And who
doesn't experience those, in old age?!) I can't recall which successful person said this, It might
have been Mr. Kraft speaking at Green Lake, WI, AB Conference Grounds, but I remember the quote: "The harder I work, the luckier I get~!" There's a lot of truth in that, and it stuck with me! :-)
===JACK: That quote was a hard one to trace. It is commonly (but falsely) attributed to Thomas Jefferson. The best evidence leads to someone named, Coleman Cox. I agree "Blessed" is a better word than "lucky."
FROM ST PAUL IN MESA: Jack, i have always wondered where does the Pub. Clearing House sweepstakes get ALL that money they supposed give away??===JACK: PCH is a big company which sells lots of magazines and lots of ads. Their "orize" money is a drop in the bucket for them.
FROM LBP: Today's happy song: Good to be alive. Though it came out a couple of years ago with the Peanut's movie, I was "lucky" to hear it on my music streaming service. Happy Friday!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6L6qQnQUAo0
===JACK: Yes, it is a great day to be alive...depending on your focus.===LBP: There are some really sucky things to focus on. Global warming and predicted destruction in my lifetime is among them. But, if you're just needing a boost, here is another little ditty.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkCyfBibIbI
===JACK: I have some good things to focus on...Thankfully!
FROM ME IN NEWPORT BEACH: Not particularly. Probably. You can say that. Happy St. Patrick’s day. Our house has lots of green today. Are you a UM and Mich State fan? Do you fill out a NCAA bracket sheet?===JACK: In your home September 29 should be far more important that March 17. I am a solid Univ of Michigan fan. I'm for any team that plays MSU. In fact, I may not watch this afternoon's game. I could not stand a 3-loss season to the Green & White (fans). And, NO, I don't fill out a bracket. Son David and daughter Jeanne are into that stuff. I suppose you do. BTW. Sept 29 is St. Michael's Day. It's also known as Goose Day, and a goose is eaten. There's a saying: "Eat a goose on St. Michael's Day...Want not for money all the year....so eating a goose is luckier for you than finding a 4-leaf clover.
Friday, March 15, 2019
Thursday, March 14, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 3/14/19
“To begin, begin within.” (William Wordsworth) I wonder who first came up with the terms, inner self and outer self? As I understand it, what we are inside determines the outside we show to others. It’s the inner self that causes the outer self to get things done. Perhaps you’re facing a dilemma…what to do, or what to say. Listen to that voice inside. Conscience? A little boy’s stomach gurgled. “I think God’s talking to me.” Has your stomach gurgled lately? ;-) Jack
FROM SF IN FLA: That reminds me of what my girlfriend, who is a social worker says to me: “Girl, you’ve got to find your inner bitch!” Funny. I have found my voice over the years...hope it’s not my ‘bitch!’ Haha! It’s a relief to express my views when appropriate! I was very quiet for a very long time!===JACK: You have a very wise girlfriend. It's good to be bitchy without being bitchy. Isn't it fun to be with someone when you don't have to wear a mask?
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Neat turn of phrase. Our inner conscience usually guides pretty strongly, if we follow it. But there are times we don't use good judgment, which brings regrets. As the plaque I saw says, "There are four things you can't recover: The Stone after the throw; The Word after it's said; The Occasion after it is missed; The Time after it's gone." Good to remember!===JACK: Intuition or "gut feeling" are other good expressions.
“To begin, begin within.” (William Wordsworth) I wonder who first came up with the terms, inner self and outer self? As I understand it, what we are inside determines the outside we show to others. It’s the inner self that causes the outer self to get things done. Perhaps you’re facing a dilemma…what to do, or what to say. Listen to that voice inside. Conscience? A little boy’s stomach gurgled. “I think God’s talking to me.” Has your stomach gurgled lately? ;-) Jack
FROM SF IN FLA: That reminds me of what my girlfriend, who is a social worker says to me: “Girl, you’ve got to find your inner bitch!” Funny. I have found my voice over the years...hope it’s not my ‘bitch!’ Haha! It’s a relief to express my views when appropriate! I was very quiet for a very long time!===JACK: You have a very wise girlfriend. It's good to be bitchy without being bitchy. Isn't it fun to be with someone when you don't have to wear a mask?
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Neat turn of phrase. Our inner conscience usually guides pretty strongly, if we follow it. But there are times we don't use good judgment, which brings regrets. As the plaque I saw says, "There are four things you can't recover: The Stone after the throw; The Word after it's said; The Occasion after it is missed; The Time after it's gone." Good to remember!===JACK: Intuition or "gut feeling" are other good expressions.
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 3/13/19
“Don’t confuse being soft with seeing the other guy’s point of view.” (George H.W. Bush) Love him, or not, “H.W.” knew how politics works. You can’t get your way all of the time. “Give a little, take a little.” It’s called compromise. If you think you’re right, it’s hard to give, even a little. But it doesn’t hurt to try and see things from a different perspective. I don’t know much about Henry Clay as a legislator, but I admire that he was called, The Great Compromiser. ;-) Jack
FROM SF IN FLA: ‘If you have to choose between being right and being kind, choose kindness. Kindness is always right’.===JACK: You're right!...and you're kind, too. Perfect!
FROM QUILTING CAROL: Yeah! I’m back in the circle again!
I agree that many of our today’s politicians can’t even try to see another person’s point of view…and I’m beginning to see some non-political people leaning that way also. We can’t all be right all the time. Marriage is one BIG compromise. Wonder if that is a big reason why so many don’t last these days. Have an exploring day!===JACK: You hit the nail on the head,, as the saying goes.
FROM ST PAUL IN MESA: if i recall, he was also a staunch defender of slavery leading up to the Civil War. ===JACK: While slavery was a significant issue, I think that the underlying issue was state's rights. When there are multiple sides to an issue, whatever it is, compromisers are needed.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: As Alan Simpson (former U.S. Sen.) said in the Boston Globe: "Those who take the high road of humility in Washington DC are not bothered by heavy traffic." Our country is in such a Quagmire, that compromise is a dirty word! Good manners and kindness will always be the mark of a decent human being. And often the "opposition" might have a valid point, if
we listen hard enough!===JACK: It's not just in politics...it's in religion, too...and in family situations, also. Learning and practicing compromise is not always an easy lesson. Each of us has to work at it.===OAKS: That reminds me of an incident when we were first married. I said that I'd always heard the 1st;year of marriage was difficult; so many adjustments and compromises had to
be made....I hadn't noticed it was that hard....Bill slyly suggested that maybe that was because I hadn't made most of the adjustments! :-) OOPS!===JACK: Thanks for the advice.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Mother was a republican- she worked for them and Dad was a Democrat-a strong union man! They were marrried for almost 73 years. So it definitely czar work to compromise! ===JACK: I think that it would be more of a strain these days. The Trump Divide is like nothing I've seen before.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Oh how we need compromise! So many needed issues could be worked on and perhaps even fixed!!!===JACK: I'm usually optimistic, but I've learned that there are limits. Right now, I'm depending on God to bring about judgment.
FROM HUNGRY HOWIE: Read about the Missouri comprise===JACK: Yes, Henry had feet of clay, but I admire anyone who seeks to help people understand one another and work for a common good.===HOWIE: Hahahahaha good pun. I agree that he did his best at compromising and maintaining A common good. The problem through arises when something so repugnant and evil such as slavery exists, compromise seems in itself morally bankrupt. It’s a difficult decision to know when to compromise and when to stay firm in your position Most always compromise will work. But there are times that it just won’t===JACK: When people refuse to compromise, this can lead to conciliatory divorce, or to war. While slavery appeared to be the issue, states rights was the real issue...and it's an underlying issue, still! Too much guvermint!.
FROM QUILTING CAROL: I agree that many of our today’s politicians can’t even try to see another person’s point of view…and I’m beginning to see some non-political people leaning that way also. We can’t all be right all the time. Marriage is one BIG compromise. Wonder if that is a big reason why so many don’t last these days. Have an exploring day!===JACK: The Boomers (born: 1946-1964) have been called the "Me Generation." Narcissism (it's all about ME!) DJT was born in 1946. Should we be surprised? But, there are exceptions to generalities.
“Don’t confuse being soft with seeing the other guy’s point of view.” (George H.W. Bush) Love him, or not, “H.W.” knew how politics works. You can’t get your way all of the time. “Give a little, take a little.” It’s called compromise. If you think you’re right, it’s hard to give, even a little. But it doesn’t hurt to try and see things from a different perspective. I don’t know much about Henry Clay as a legislator, but I admire that he was called, The Great Compromiser. ;-) Jack
FROM SF IN FLA: ‘If you have to choose between being right and being kind, choose kindness. Kindness is always right’.===JACK: You're right!...and you're kind, too. Perfect!
FROM QUILTING CAROL: Yeah! I’m back in the circle again!
I agree that many of our today’s politicians can’t even try to see another person’s point of view…and I’m beginning to see some non-political people leaning that way also. We can’t all be right all the time. Marriage is one BIG compromise. Wonder if that is a big reason why so many don’t last these days. Have an exploring day!===JACK: You hit the nail on the head,, as the saying goes.
FROM ST PAUL IN MESA: if i recall, he was also a staunch defender of slavery leading up to the Civil War. ===JACK: While slavery was a significant issue, I think that the underlying issue was state's rights. When there are multiple sides to an issue, whatever it is, compromisers are needed.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: As Alan Simpson (former U.S. Sen.) said in the Boston Globe: "Those who take the high road of humility in Washington DC are not bothered by heavy traffic." Our country is in such a Quagmire, that compromise is a dirty word! Good manners and kindness will always be the mark of a decent human being. And often the "opposition" might have a valid point, if
we listen hard enough!===JACK: It's not just in politics...it's in religion, too...and in family situations, also. Learning and practicing compromise is not always an easy lesson. Each of us has to work at it.===OAKS: That reminds me of an incident when we were first married. I said that I'd always heard the 1st;year of marriage was difficult; so many adjustments and compromises had to
be made....I hadn't noticed it was that hard....Bill slyly suggested that maybe that was because I hadn't made most of the adjustments! :-) OOPS!===JACK: Thanks for the advice.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Mother was a republican- she worked for them and Dad was a Democrat-a strong union man! They were marrried for almost 73 years. So it definitely czar work to compromise! ===JACK: I think that it would be more of a strain these days. The Trump Divide is like nothing I've seen before.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Oh how we need compromise! So many needed issues could be worked on and perhaps even fixed!!!===JACK: I'm usually optimistic, but I've learned that there are limits. Right now, I'm depending on God to bring about judgment.
FROM HUNGRY HOWIE: Read about the Missouri comprise===JACK: Yes, Henry had feet of clay, but I admire anyone who seeks to help people understand one another and work for a common good.===HOWIE: Hahahahaha good pun. I agree that he did his best at compromising and maintaining A common good. The problem through arises when something so repugnant and evil such as slavery exists, compromise seems in itself morally bankrupt. It’s a difficult decision to know when to compromise and when to stay firm in your position Most always compromise will work. But there are times that it just won’t===JACK: When people refuse to compromise, this can lead to conciliatory divorce, or to war. While slavery appeared to be the issue, states rights was the real issue...and it's an underlying issue, still! Too much guvermint!.
FROM QUILTING CAROL: I agree that many of our today’s politicians can’t even try to see another person’s point of view…and I’m beginning to see some non-political people leaning that way also. We can’t all be right all the time. Marriage is one BIG compromise. Wonder if that is a big reason why so many don’t last these days. Have an exploring day!===JACK: The Boomers (born: 1946-1964) have been called the "Me Generation." Narcissism (it's all about ME!) DJT was born in 1946. Should we be surprised? But, there are exceptions to generalities.
Tuesday, March 12, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 3/12/19
“Bacchus has drowned more men than Neptune.” (Thomas Fuller) Do you get the irony? Bacchus was the Roman God of wine and Neptune, the God of water. Alcoholism is no laughing matter. Ask someone who’s lived with it. In fact, substance abuse of any kind can be a real home wrecker and job destroyer. Most communities have available help…AA or NA meetings. There’s help, too, for those living with the abuser. Is today the day to decide? ;-) Jack
FROM JB IN OLV: As a daughter of an alcoholic mother. The damage alcohol does not only to the drinker but to everybody around them is beyond description. I pray that you post will move a reader that might be on the fence about getting help-to take action and attend a meeting.===JACK: Alcoholism in my family, too. Not fun!
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Seeing the look on his mother's face when his brother came home tipsy (A Sr. in H.S.), Bill vowed never to be responsible for doing that to her...he was a teetotaler and often took the brunt of jokes because of it in the service, and college, but he was also respected for it.
His experience in the ministry validated that decision, when he dealt with family situations concerning alcohol. So much misery caused by its misuse, or overuse! When our sons would question why one beer would matter, his reply was, "I've seen so much misery caused by the use of alcohol, I wouldn't support it with one nickel of my money." We enjoyed a great life without imbibing... Bacchus has drowned a great many unfortunately. A clever warning in WW today. ===JACK: I wonder what is the tipping point between social drinking and becoming an alcoholic? I don't want to test it...so I'll take some 7-UP. BTW, 7-UP was first marketed as seven ounces compared to ONLY 6 ounces for Coca Cola. Pepsi Cola came on the market offering "12 full ounces,,,twice as much for a nickle, too."
FROM ST PAUL IN MESA: Jack, will forward a piece from Concordia College. Scroll down for an interesting article about Coya Knutson. A CC grad and the first women from MN to be elected to Congress. Her hubby was a raging alcoholic but it was not made public until much later. a good read....."Although Knutson desired to start a family, she suffered two miscarriages and was unable to conceive thereafter. She hoped that having a child in her home would ease the tension in her marriage and turned towards adoption. Her husband, Andy, was against the idea initially, but begrudgingly relented, and Knutson brought home seven-year-old Terrence “Terry” in 1948. Upon their arrival in Oklee, Andy drunkenly regarded the young boy with an unwelcome statement: “Go back where you came from - we don’t want you around here.” Although Knutson was disappointed with her husband’s reception of their new son, she promptly accepted that raising Terry would be her own responsibility - one she took on willingly and wholeheartedly."===JACK: Many tears, I'm sure!
“Bacchus has drowned more men than Neptune.” (Thomas Fuller) Do you get the irony? Bacchus was the Roman God of wine and Neptune, the God of water. Alcoholism is no laughing matter. Ask someone who’s lived with it. In fact, substance abuse of any kind can be a real home wrecker and job destroyer. Most communities have available help…AA or NA meetings. There’s help, too, for those living with the abuser. Is today the day to decide? ;-) Jack
FROM JB IN OLV: As a daughter of an alcoholic mother. The damage alcohol does not only to the drinker but to everybody around them is beyond description. I pray that you post will move a reader that might be on the fence about getting help-to take action and attend a meeting.===JACK: Alcoholism in my family, too. Not fun!
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Seeing the look on his mother's face when his brother came home tipsy (A Sr. in H.S.), Bill vowed never to be responsible for doing that to her...he was a teetotaler and often took the brunt of jokes because of it in the service, and college, but he was also respected for it.
His experience in the ministry validated that decision, when he dealt with family situations concerning alcohol. So much misery caused by its misuse, or overuse! When our sons would question why one beer would matter, his reply was, "I've seen so much misery caused by the use of alcohol, I wouldn't support it with one nickel of my money." We enjoyed a great life without imbibing... Bacchus has drowned a great many unfortunately. A clever warning in WW today. ===JACK: I wonder what is the tipping point between social drinking and becoming an alcoholic? I don't want to test it...so I'll take some 7-UP. BTW, 7-UP was first marketed as seven ounces compared to ONLY 6 ounces for Coca Cola. Pepsi Cola came on the market offering "12 full ounces,,,twice as much for a nickle, too."
FROM ST PAUL IN MESA: Jack, will forward a piece from Concordia College. Scroll down for an interesting article about Coya Knutson. A CC grad and the first women from MN to be elected to Congress. Her hubby was a raging alcoholic but it was not made public until much later. a good read....."Although Knutson desired to start a family, she suffered two miscarriages and was unable to conceive thereafter. She hoped that having a child in her home would ease the tension in her marriage and turned towards adoption. Her husband, Andy, was against the idea initially, but begrudgingly relented, and Knutson brought home seven-year-old Terrence “Terry” in 1948. Upon their arrival in Oklee, Andy drunkenly regarded the young boy with an unwelcome statement: “Go back where you came from - we don’t want you around here.” Although Knutson was disappointed with her husband’s reception of their new son, she promptly accepted that raising Terry would be her own responsibility - one she took on willingly and wholeheartedly."===JACK: Many tears, I'm sure!
Monday, March 11, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 3/11/19
“Something to keep in mind… When one thing comes to an end, another thing begins.” (From the movie, Love Happens) These words were said as the Jennifer Anniston movie was ending…a great wrap-up of the story. It happens in real-life, too. Tragedy isn’t always the end. The song, “Look for the Silver Lining” was written after WW 1. Enough of that war stuff…and the Roaring Twenties came along. Having a bad day? A new and better day is ahead! ;-) Jack
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Jan and I used to sing that old song "Look For...Lining" way back in H.S. when we'd go out to do programs for Rotary, or Kiwanis, etc. Memories s of long ago. The something that begins after something ends, especially, where love is concerned, can be quite A different life....satisfying in many ways, but never the same...Still, every age has its blessings. It is wonderful that you can continue your WW (in any; way that works!) . I enjoy chatting with you every day. Kind of late in the day today! Had my garage door fixed, a dental app't. for cleaning (always thankful that's all I needed!), take money to a friend who lost her glasses, and didn't have the means to replace them, dinner with John and Jan, who are doing well, now that Martha's funeral is over and all our family has left, as of last night. I needed to put my feet up and catch up with the 3 newspapers I haven'[t had time to read this past weekend! :-) Stay well, dear Jack! Enjoying the milder weather! ===JACK: Songs are great when they have a catchy tune, but even better with meaningful lyrics. "look for the Silver Lining" is a perfect example. "When You're Smiling" is another. So many!
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: The sun is shining, I woke up and I’m where I want to be! God is Good!===JACK: I like seasonal weather...it makes me appreciate the comings and goings of winter, spring, summer and fall. No snowbirding for me.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Enjoy each day!===JACK: From what I recall, you learned that lesson from your mother.===SHIRL: Probably and just from living for a long time!
“Something to keep in mind… When one thing comes to an end, another thing begins.” (From the movie, Love Happens) These words were said as the Jennifer Anniston movie was ending…a great wrap-up of the story. It happens in real-life, too. Tragedy isn’t always the end. The song, “Look for the Silver Lining” was written after WW 1. Enough of that war stuff…and the Roaring Twenties came along. Having a bad day? A new and better day is ahead! ;-) Jack
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Jan and I used to sing that old song "Look For...Lining" way back in H.S. when we'd go out to do programs for Rotary, or Kiwanis, etc. Memories s of long ago. The something that begins after something ends, especially, where love is concerned, can be quite A different life....satisfying in many ways, but never the same...Still, every age has its blessings. It is wonderful that you can continue your WW (in any; way that works!) . I enjoy chatting with you every day. Kind of late in the day today! Had my garage door fixed, a dental app't. for cleaning (always thankful that's all I needed!), take money to a friend who lost her glasses, and didn't have the means to replace them, dinner with John and Jan, who are doing well, now that Martha's funeral is over and all our family has left, as of last night. I needed to put my feet up and catch up with the 3 newspapers I haven'[t had time to read this past weekend! :-) Stay well, dear Jack! Enjoying the milder weather! ===JACK: Songs are great when they have a catchy tune, but even better with meaningful lyrics. "look for the Silver Lining" is a perfect example. "When You're Smiling" is another. So many!
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: The sun is shining, I woke up and I’m where I want to be! God is Good!===JACK: I like seasonal weather...it makes me appreciate the comings and goings of winter, spring, summer and fall. No snowbirding for me.
Friday, March 08, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 3/8/19
“That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” (Shakespeare) Sydney J. Harris wrote a book, Things I Learned While Looking Up Other Things. In researching the Shakespeare quote, I learned that German Chocolate Cake didn’t come from Germany, but from a baker named, German…that the term, Big Bang Theory was a sarcastic remark. The real name of the theory is the Primeval Atom. Do you know of anyone who goes by a name other than their given name? ;-) Jack (John)
FROM TA,PA SHIRL: That is all very interesting! No I cannot think of anyone like that! ===JACK: Not even grandchildren or great-grandchildren? No nicknames? Do you remember Lavern "Stinky" Trevarrow? We used to call him "Stink."
FROM HONEST JOHN: Everyone who is anyone knows that German Chocolate Cake comes from Germany....I call this a blatant case of anti-Deutschlandism....I, frankly, am not surprised that you pass on myths such as this!!!!===JACK: You're wrong, because I read that "fact" on the internet. For once, you are the dupee."===JOHN: I am going this evening to a friend's house who will be serving us sauerbraten.....she grew up in Germany and is a wonderful cook. I will tell her about the abomination that I read today in your WW column. Only someone from Moline would suggest that. What next?..... That lutefisk is from Spain?===JACK: My son-in-law's boss is Joe Swedish. I think that his wife's recipe is used to make Swedish Pancakes.
FROM VW MARY: Are you seeing the sunrise? Spectacular!!!!!===JACK: My office is on the west side of the house. I just see sunsets.
FROM EMT SINGS: I especially enjoyed your WW today. I am currently writing my memories in a little book entitled "Uniquely Eunice" It is very fun and intended to be for my family. It includes many of the things I have written over the years: poems, inspired epiphanies, and some really profound thoughts for the day! Who knows--you may make my book!===JACK: You are certainly a gregarious person, so many people have walked life's path with you. I'm glad to have been one of them.
FROM SPARTY JS: Yes, me! Joey.😂===JACK: Joey could be a nickname for...Joelle Josephine, Joanna, Johannah, Johnna, Jolene, Jolie, Jordyn, Jovanna, Joy, or some other.
FROM MARMAR: Just wondering: do you know why it is that men named John often go by the name Jack?===JACK: In my case, I was named after my Uncle John. In order to avoid confusion, I was nicknamed, Jack. Now, probably more than you wanted to know...Jack is thought to have originated in medieval times as a common derivative of the name John. The diminutive of Jack is thought by some to have hailed from the earlier Jackin (from the name Jankin)., it may be derived from the name Jacques, the French form of the name James or Jacob. There is also a theory that it is Celtic in origin, meaning "healthy, strong, full of vital energy" (compare the Welsh word iach, "health"), from a putative Ancient British Yakkios. Whatever its origins, both the name and the word "jack" were long used as a term to refer to any man, especially of the common classes.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: We loved Sydney Harris's column in the newspaper, and his books! Mark was called "Oaksie" by all his friends, and that was part of his name in his obit. (Mark "Oaksie" Oaks....) John was, and is, "Joker" to his friends. His reputation for practical jokes initiated it. Sarah is "Sooz". Fred has been "Fredo"" (Fraydo) in the family...started when some book we were reading had characters ending in "o". Might have been "The Hobbitt". The twins were usually Mar and Jan...
Enjoyed the WW today.===JACK: Isn't it fun to reca;; some of the nicknames from the past? Of course some would be politically incorrect today...but that was then, and now is now..
“That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” (Shakespeare) Sydney J. Harris wrote a book, Things I Learned While Looking Up Other Things. In researching the Shakespeare quote, I learned that German Chocolate Cake didn’t come from Germany, but from a baker named, German…that the term, Big Bang Theory was a sarcastic remark. The real name of the theory is the Primeval Atom. Do you know of anyone who goes by a name other than their given name? ;-) Jack (John)
FROM TA,PA SHIRL: That is all very interesting! No I cannot think of anyone like that! ===JACK: Not even grandchildren or great-grandchildren? No nicknames? Do you remember Lavern "Stinky" Trevarrow? We used to call him "Stink."
FROM HONEST JOHN: Everyone who is anyone knows that German Chocolate Cake comes from Germany....I call this a blatant case of anti-Deutschlandism....I, frankly, am not surprised that you pass on myths such as this!!!!===JACK: You're wrong, because I read that "fact" on the internet. For once, you are the dupee."===JOHN: I am going this evening to a friend's house who will be serving us sauerbraten.....she grew up in Germany and is a wonderful cook. I will tell her about the abomination that I read today in your WW column. Only someone from Moline would suggest that. What next?..... That lutefisk is from Spain?===JACK: My son-in-law's boss is Joe Swedish. I think that his wife's recipe is used to make Swedish Pancakes.
FROM VW MARY: Are you seeing the sunrise? Spectacular!!!!!===JACK: My office is on the west side of the house. I just see sunsets.
FROM EMT SINGS: I especially enjoyed your WW today. I am currently writing my memories in a little book entitled "Uniquely Eunice" It is very fun and intended to be for my family. It includes many of the things I have written over the years: poems, inspired epiphanies, and some really profound thoughts for the day! Who knows--you may make my book!===JACK: You are certainly a gregarious person, so many people have walked life's path with you. I'm glad to have been one of them.
FROM SPARTY JS: Yes, me! Joey.😂===JACK: Joey could be a nickname for...Joelle Josephine, Joanna, Johannah, Johnna, Jolene, Jolie, Jordyn, Jovanna, Joy, or some other.
FROM MARMAR: Just wondering: do you know why it is that men named John often go by the name Jack?===JACK: In my case, I was named after my Uncle John. In order to avoid confusion, I was nicknamed, Jack. Now, probably more than you wanted to know...Jack is thought to have originated in medieval times as a common derivative of the name John. The diminutive of Jack is thought by some to have hailed from the earlier Jackin (from the name Jankin)., it may be derived from the name Jacques, the French form of the name James or Jacob. There is also a theory that it is Celtic in origin, meaning "healthy, strong, full of vital energy" (compare the Welsh word iach, "health"), from a putative Ancient British Yakkios. Whatever its origins, both the name and the word "jack" were long used as a term to refer to any man, especially of the common classes.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: We loved Sydney Harris's column in the newspaper, and his books! Mark was called "Oaksie" by all his friends, and that was part of his name in his obit. (Mark "Oaksie" Oaks....) John was, and is, "Joker" to his friends. His reputation for practical jokes initiated it. Sarah is "Sooz". Fred has been "Fredo"" (Fraydo) in the family...started when some book we were reading had characters ending in "o". Might have been "The Hobbitt". The twins were usually Mar and Jan...
Enjoyed the WW today.===JACK: Isn't it fun to reca;; some of the nicknames from the past? Of course some would be politically incorrect today...but that was then, and now is now..
Thursday, March 07, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 3/7/19
“I can dream of the old days…Let the memory live again.” (Webber/Nunn) I have a fond memory of being in Toronto and seeing the musical, Cats. 4th row on the aisle. Great show and great music, especially the song, Memory. One of life’s blessings is to be able to recall… the good times, the people. How sad when the memory fades. Today, why not spend some time dreaming about the old days. What comes to your mind? Let the memory live again! ;-) Jack
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: My first trip to California in 1946 and moving to the Bahamas in 1958 and then to Ann Arbor in 1961 and finally to Florida in 1963! It has been a great journey.===JACK: Yes, you have worn your traveling boots quite often. Your Eastern experience certainly has made it easier, too.
FROM ST PAUL IN MESA: a very happy and carefree childhood in Ferguson, MO, (of all places). it was wonderful. almost every memory makes me smile. take care, Jack. and you TOO are a good memory of mine from as far back as 1972!===JACK: The first days of ministry bring back good memories, don't they? ...at least for me.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: The huge family parties on Saturdays. There would be my two sets of grandparents, and 5 sets of aunts and uncles and 29 kids all ages. We had a huge double lot and had a full baseball diamond on the grassy lot. The Tiger Baseball game would be on and all of us kids, except the babies, played baseball. Then we’d have a water game, play games, climb trees, play in the empty count ditch. We were outside all day. There were big tubs of ice...one filled with beer and one filled with pop and juice. More often then not, there were friends and neighbors over too. What a wonderfully blessed time!!!===JACK: No wonder they're called "the good old days. They really were.
FROM MPPD: I always liked that song. Did you ever see the original 1982 movie Blade Runner? As he is dying at the end, Rutger Hauer has this fairly famous line referencing memories: ===JACK: I've got to check that out. Isn't it interesting how memories come back to us at strange times? Today is poignant for me.
FROM MY LAWYER: At the moment, March Madness!!!===JACK: So many hopes that the beginning...and only one survives to cut down the nets....and, the, it's "wait 'til next year."
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Memories ARE so precious! I witnessed this firsthand when my twin had the stroke that wiped out her memories. It was devastating for her, and the entire family...not to
remember growing up with siblings, having and raising your children, your marriage...having to re-learn everything...What a blessing to recall and relive highlights in your past! I agree that Cats is one the most innovative musicals ever written, and "Memory" is a great song. It is being presented in Springfield again in late March, and I'll be there! :-)===JACK: I can't imagine what it's like, not to be able to recall. We that so many things, like memory, for granted. We are blessed in so many ways. I remember one time when I was on a hayride with the twins. They were the life of the party!
“I can dream of the old days…Let the memory live again.” (Webber/Nunn) I have a fond memory of being in Toronto and seeing the musical, Cats. 4th row on the aisle. Great show and great music, especially the song, Memory. One of life’s blessings is to be able to recall… the good times, the people. How sad when the memory fades. Today, why not spend some time dreaming about the old days. What comes to your mind? Let the memory live again! ;-) Jack
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: My first trip to California in 1946 and moving to the Bahamas in 1958 and then to Ann Arbor in 1961 and finally to Florida in 1963! It has been a great journey.===JACK: Yes, you have worn your traveling boots quite often. Your Eastern experience certainly has made it easier, too.
FROM ST PAUL IN MESA: a very happy and carefree childhood in Ferguson, MO, (of all places). it was wonderful. almost every memory makes me smile. take care, Jack. and you TOO are a good memory of mine from as far back as 1972!===JACK: The first days of ministry bring back good memories, don't they? ...at least for me.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: The huge family parties on Saturdays. There would be my two sets of grandparents, and 5 sets of aunts and uncles and 29 kids all ages. We had a huge double lot and had a full baseball diamond on the grassy lot. The Tiger Baseball game would be on and all of us kids, except the babies, played baseball. Then we’d have a water game, play games, climb trees, play in the empty count ditch. We were outside all day. There were big tubs of ice...one filled with beer and one filled with pop and juice. More often then not, there were friends and neighbors over too. What a wonderfully blessed time!!!===JACK: No wonder they're called "the good old days. They really were.
FROM MPPD: I always liked that song. Did you ever see the original 1982 movie Blade Runner? As he is dying at the end, Rutger Hauer has this fairly famous line referencing memories: ===JACK: I've got to check that out. Isn't it interesting how memories come back to us at strange times? Today is poignant for me.
FROM MY LAWYER: At the moment, March Madness!!!===JACK: So many hopes that the beginning...and only one survives to cut down the nets....and, the, it's "wait 'til next year."
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Memories ARE so precious! I witnessed this firsthand when my twin had the stroke that wiped out her memories. It was devastating for her, and the entire family...not to
remember growing up with siblings, having and raising your children, your marriage...having to re-learn everything...What a blessing to recall and relive highlights in your past! I agree that Cats is one the most innovative musicals ever written, and "Memory" is a great song. It is being presented in Springfield again in late March, and I'll be there! :-)===JACK: I can't imagine what it's like, not to be able to recall. We that so many things, like memory, for granted. We are blessed in so many ways. I remember one time when I was on a hayride with the twins. They were the life of the party!
Wednesday, March 06, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 3/6/19
“Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.” (Genesis 3:19) As someone got on the elevator, one of the riders said, “You’ve got some dirt on your forehead; let me wipe it off.” It was Ash Wednesday, and the “dirt” was ashes put on the person’s head by a priest as a reminder that, “as we live, we shall also eventually die.” We need to be reminded that there is a finiteness to life…that we are to make the best use of the time that is ours. ;-) Jack
FROM BLAZING OAKS: My pastor son Fred quoted that same passage today, as we remembered Bill's 92nd b.day. He reminded us, too of a poem his dad once used in his sermon and which he has since used. It's pretty memorable!
There are many men who creep into this world to eat and sleep, And know no reason why they're born Save only to consume the corn Devour the cattle, bread and fish and leave behind an empty dish. And if their tombstone when they die were not to flatter or to lie, The best thing then, which could be said is that they've eaten up their bread, drank up their drink, and gone to bed. :-(
Hopefully we can spend our lives for Something that will change the world a little bit! As John Pavlovitz wrote (Hope and Other Superpowers: A life-affirming, Love-defending, Butt-kicking, World-Saving Manifesto) "At the end of our time here, the world will either be more, or less kind, compassionate, generous, funny, creative, and loving because of your presence in it---And YOU get to choose!" Good thought to keep in mind!===JACK: Some pastors (related to you) have been able to paint beautiful pictures with words.:
FROM OP MV: I went to church this morning, got the ashes and the same message.===JACK: Did anyone comment on the ashes? Did you see them on other people?===MV: No comments. I saw them on several others.
“Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.” (Genesis 3:19) As someone got on the elevator, one of the riders said, “You’ve got some dirt on your forehead; let me wipe it off.” It was Ash Wednesday, and the “dirt” was ashes put on the person’s head by a priest as a reminder that, “as we live, we shall also eventually die.” We need to be reminded that there is a finiteness to life…that we are to make the best use of the time that is ours. ;-) Jack
FROM BLAZING OAKS: My pastor son Fred quoted that same passage today, as we remembered Bill's 92nd b.day. He reminded us, too of a poem his dad once used in his sermon and which he has since used. It's pretty memorable!
There are many men who creep into this world to eat and sleep, And know no reason why they're born Save only to consume the corn Devour the cattle, bread and fish and leave behind an empty dish. And if their tombstone when they die were not to flatter or to lie, The best thing then, which could be said is that they've eaten up their bread, drank up their drink, and gone to bed. :-(
Hopefully we can spend our lives for Something that will change the world a little bit! As John Pavlovitz wrote (Hope and Other Superpowers: A life-affirming, Love-defending, Butt-kicking, World-Saving Manifesto) "At the end of our time here, the world will either be more, or less kind, compassionate, generous, funny, creative, and loving because of your presence in it---And YOU get to choose!" Good thought to keep in mind!===JACK: Some pastors (related to you) have been able to paint beautiful pictures with words.:
FROM OP MV: I went to church this morning, got the ashes and the same message.===JACK: Did anyone comment on the ashes? Did you see them on other people?===MV: No comments. I saw them on several others.
Tuesday, March 05, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 3/5/19
“No matter how you pronounce ‘pączki’ just don’t call it a donut.” (Unknown) The day before Ash Wednesday is known as Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), a day to use up all the lard, sugar, eggs and fruit in the house, because their consumption was forbidden by fasting practices during Lent. Pączki Day is a BIG deal around Detroit. POONCH-key (or PAUNCH-key for dieters) are deep-fried jelly or custard filled donuts (I eat two)…a fun and tasty religious custom. ;-) Jack
FROM BS IN ENGLAND: Absolutely! I remember delicious paczki. We would send Roger, Ramelle's husband to Detroit to buy them. Today in England is called Shrove Tuesday and pancakes will be made using flour, eggs and milk. Butter is melted in a hot frying pan and a little of the mixture cooked on one side then flipped over and cooked on that side. Once cooked they are spread with whatever one likes. I prefer lemon juice and sugar rolled and eaten! Yummy! Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday and I will attend a Holy Communion service in which the Imposition of Ashes, from last years palm crosses, will be signed as a cross on our foreheads. Lent begins then.===JACK: Tonight my daughters and I will go out for a pancake supper...a tradition of ours. Did you ever participate in the race where women in Olney run while flipping a pancake in a frying pan? You'd probably do well in that race (senior dividion).===BS: No! I have never participated in a pancake race but the choir boys of Norwich Cathedral do in full robes. A sight to see!
FROM A ROSE IN BOSTON: Happy Fat Tuesday! I had the hardest time finding Paczki in Boston, but was able to order some from a deli in the Polish Triangle in Dorchester and get them delivered this morning! A delicious tradition at an important time of year; glad to be able to get that taste of home today.===JACK: When I get your, and other WW responses out of the way, it will be off' to Busch's for a raspberry and a custard. It's a great custom, isn't it?
“No matter how you pronounce ‘pączki’ just don’t call it a donut.” (Unknown) The day before Ash Wednesday is known as Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), a day to use up all the lard, sugar, eggs and fruit in the house, because their consumption was forbidden by fasting practices during Lent. Pączki Day is a BIG deal around Detroit. POONCH-key (or PAUNCH-key for dieters) are deep-fried jelly or custard filled donuts (I eat two)…a fun and tasty religious custom. ;-) Jack
FROM BS IN ENGLAND: Absolutely! I remember delicious paczki. We would send Roger, Ramelle's husband to Detroit to buy them. Today in England is called Shrove Tuesday and pancakes will be made using flour, eggs and milk. Butter is melted in a hot frying pan and a little of the mixture cooked on one side then flipped over and cooked on that side. Once cooked they are spread with whatever one likes. I prefer lemon juice and sugar rolled and eaten! Yummy! Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday and I will attend a Holy Communion service in which the Imposition of Ashes, from last years palm crosses, will be signed as a cross on our foreheads. Lent begins then.===JACK: Tonight my daughters and I will go out for a pancake supper...a tradition of ours. Did you ever participate in the race where women in Olney run while flipping a pancake in a frying pan? You'd probably do well in that race (senior dividion).===BS: No! I have never participated in a pancake race but the choir boys of Norwich Cathedral do in full robes. A sight to see!
FROM A ROSE IN BOSTON: Happy Fat Tuesday! I had the hardest time finding Paczki in Boston, but was able to order some from a deli in the Polish Triangle in Dorchester and get them delivered this morning! A delicious tradition at an important time of year; glad to be able to get that taste of home today.===JACK: When I get your, and other WW responses out of the way, it will be off' to Busch's for a raspberry and a custard. It's a great custom, isn't it?
FROM TRIHARDER: My mother used to make them -- generally minus the filling.===JACK: I remember how my mother would deep-fry donut holes and how I'd wait impatiently for them to be done. When I was growing up, there wasn't a Fat Tuesday in our community, and jelly-filled donuts were called, Bismarks.===TH: I don't remember "fat Tuesday" until I became an adult, despite having several Polish-Catholic friends as a teenager. I think JP McCarthy's radio show introduced me to it. He also introduced me to "pie in the sky."===JACK: Generations younger than yours probably don't know who JP was. Do you remember "Night Flight 760." I liked that "all-nighter." The host was a WB resident.
FROM JE IN WLSD: FULL confession: I ate a half of chocolate paczki – split it with Liza. I bought six at the Bakery this morning. Enough. My friend Chuck, used to say: “Anyone who gives you a donut is not your friend.” Good to find out that a paczki is NOT a donut.===JACK: I'm glad that my doctor said that I'm at the right weight and that a few more calories won't hurt.
FROM VW MARY: Went to the senior center to get some this morning…I wanted raspberry, but they were gone, even though I was there about a minute after they supposedly went on sale…life is tough sometimes..(had to settle for strawberry)…got a couple for Denise and Pastor that I’ll take to church now, although they probably have a stash of their own already….Happy Fat Tuesday! ===JACK: The secret of being able to eat paczki, is pledging to do a Lenten fast...no more sweets.
FROM SHALOM JAN: Not sure if eating paczki is a religious tradition, but they sure taste good!
By the way, Paczki is plural. And, the Poles I went to school with at SS. Cyril & Methodius Seminary in Orchard Lake as well as the Polish member of Emmanuel, Ypsilanti, and a good friend in interim ministry taught me to say "paunch-key" with a sort-of Southern drawl. "Poonch-key" is for amateurs!===JACK: If you're so smart. can you spell the word without looking it up? and while you're at it, why is the bunny connected with Easter?===JAN: I don't know how to get the tail on the A===JACK: That's pretty hard to do, since the tail belongs on the c, but Google can do almost anything. The Polish alphabet includes certain letters with diacritics: the kreska or acute accent (ć, ń, ó, ś, ź); the overdot or kropka (ż); the tail or ogonek (ą, ę); and the stroke (ł).
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Interesting! Never heard of that! Ann and I r having hot dogs at the Magic kingdom!===JACK: No more hot dogs for 40 days. What else are you giving up for Lent?
FROM AMcC: happy Mardi Gras===JACK: Have you ever been to New Orleans for Mardi Gras? We were there a week or two afterward, and there were still beads on the ground and in the bushes.
FROM ST PAUL IN MESA: better than Dunkin' Dounts???===JACK: One weighs about as much as a half dozen DDs.===SP: sounds like a real artery clogger for sure:):):)
FROM BLAZING OAKS: I've never heard of a Paczski!! I can tell I'd like it!! I am indulging in some home-made cinnamon rolls which are DELICIOUS from a friend who brot "sympathy" treats to John, Jan, & I. Anxious to hear more about your "friend"~! Glad to hear their is one! Makes life more fun and interesting, for sure.Tomorrow would have been Bill's 92nd b.day. I will have a
memoriam in the paper. No "friend" on this end...:-(===JACK: I think that the various ethnic customs are some of what makes America great. I think that I've told you before that there are over 60 different languages spoken in the homes of our high schoolers. Sameness can be blah! Re: your newspaper remembrance....
I used to dream that I would discover
The perfect lover someday,
I knew I'd recognize him if ever
He came 'round my way.
I always used to fancy then
He'd be one of the God-like kind of men
With a giant brain and a noble head
Like the heroes bold
In the books I've read. But along came Bill
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: I didn’t realize eggs were forbidden. Why were those items chosen? ===JACK: You'll probably have to ask a priest. Some Catholics downriver in Monroe Country enjoyed eating muskrat, but were forbidden by the priest to do so during Lent. They contacted the archdiocese and explained to the "higher-ups" that since the muskrat spent more than 50% of his life in the water, he should be called a fish...and it was done. The muskrat is a fish...so I've been told.
FROM JE IN WLSD: FULL confession: I ate a half of chocolate paczki – split it with Liza. I bought six at the Bakery this morning. Enough. My friend Chuck, used to say: “Anyone who gives you a donut is not your friend.” Good to find out that a paczki is NOT a donut.===JACK: I'm glad that my doctor said that I'm at the right weight and that a few more calories won't hurt.
FROM VW MARY: Went to the senior center to get some this morning…I wanted raspberry, but they were gone, even though I was there about a minute after they supposedly went on sale…life is tough sometimes..(had to settle for strawberry)…got a couple for Denise and Pastor that I’ll take to church now, although they probably have a stash of their own already….Happy Fat Tuesday! ===JACK: The secret of being able to eat paczki, is pledging to do a Lenten fast...no more sweets.
FROM SHALOM JAN: Not sure if eating paczki is a religious tradition, but they sure taste good!
By the way, Paczki is plural. And, the Poles I went to school with at SS. Cyril & Methodius Seminary in Orchard Lake as well as the Polish member of Emmanuel, Ypsilanti, and a good friend in interim ministry taught me to say "paunch-key" with a sort-of Southern drawl. "Poonch-key" is for amateurs!===JACK: If you're so smart. can you spell the word without looking it up? and while you're at it, why is the bunny connected with Easter?===JAN: I don't know how to get the tail on the A===JACK: That's pretty hard to do, since the tail belongs on the c, but Google can do almost anything. The Polish alphabet includes certain letters with diacritics: the kreska or acute accent (ć, ń, ó, ś, ź); the overdot or kropka (ż); the tail or ogonek (ą, ę); and the stroke (ł).
FROM AMcC: happy Mardi Gras===JACK: Have you ever been to New Orleans for Mardi Gras? We were there a week or two afterward, and there were still beads on the ground and in the bushes.
FROM ST PAUL IN MESA: better than Dunkin' Dounts???===JACK: One weighs about as much as a half dozen DDs.===SP: sounds like a real artery clogger for sure:):):)
FROM BLAZING OAKS: I've never heard of a Paczski!! I can tell I'd like it!! I am indulging in some home-made cinnamon rolls which are DELICIOUS from a friend who brot "sympathy" treats to John, Jan, & I. Anxious to hear more about your "friend"~! Glad to hear their is one! Makes life more fun and interesting, for sure.Tomorrow would have been Bill's 92nd b.day. I will have a
memoriam in the paper. No "friend" on this end...:-(===JACK: I think that the various ethnic customs are some of what makes America great. I think that I've told you before that there are over 60 different languages spoken in the homes of our high schoolers. Sameness can be blah! Re: your newspaper remembrance....
I used to dream that I would discover
The perfect lover someday,
I knew I'd recognize him if ever
He came 'round my way.
I always used to fancy then
He'd be one of the God-like kind of men
With a giant brain and a noble head
Like the heroes bold
In the books I've read. But along came Bill
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: I didn’t realize eggs were forbidden. Why were those items chosen? ===JACK: You'll probably have to ask a priest. Some Catholics downriver in Monroe Country enjoyed eating muskrat, but were forbidden by the priest to do so during Lent. They contacted the archdiocese and explained to the "higher-ups" that since the muskrat spent more than 50% of his life in the water, he should be called a fish...and it was done. The muskrat is a fish...so I've been told.
Monday, March 04, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 3/4/19
“Don’t let yourself forget what it was like to be sixteen.” (Unknown) Can you remember back to when you were 16? What comes to mind? Songs? Foods? People? For me, 16 was probably the most significant year in my life …but that’s another story. George Burns sang, “I wish I were 18 again.” Has there been an “I wish age” in your life? I’ve read that music and the smell and taste of certain foods can aid dementia patients in bringing back memories. ;-) Jack
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: I just remember being busy all of the time and many good lifelong friends! ===JACK: Yes, we grew up together during that time...and I remember that you were a busy-body (in the best sense of the phrase) at that time.
FROM EDUCATOR PAUL: 16??? On one condition... “If I knew then what I know now!” ===JACK: Oooohh...I don't know if your teen-age brain and emotions would have been able to handle that. And, you are TODAY what you were THEN!
FROM LG IN CT: And Frank Sinatra's "It Was A Very good Year"
When I was seventeen
It was a very good year
It was a very good year for small town girls
And soft summer nights
We'd hide from the lights
On the village green
When I was seventeen
When I was twenty-one
It was a very good year
It was a very good year for city girls
Who lived up the stair
With all that perfumed hair
And it came undone
When I was twenty-one
When I was thirty-five
It was a very good year
It was a very good year for blue-blooded girls
Of independent means
We'd ride in limousines
Their chauffeurs would drive
When I was thirty-five
But now the days are short
I'm in the autumn of the year
And now I think of my life as vintage wine
From fine old kegs
From the brim to the dregs
And it poured sweet and clear
It was a very good year
It was a massive good year
===JACK: Isn't it interesting how songwriters are able, so often, to capture our feelings?
FROM HONEST JOHN: For me the best age was four....could play all day....had a great family with me at home....old enough to join in a bit...could even learn .....no worries or concerns...could go to my Dad's feed store and on trips to relatives.===JACK: For me...being 4 yrs old is a nice place to visit, but I'm not sure I'd like to live there. I'm happy with the here and now...relatively..
FROM BB IN CHGO: Inquiring minds want to know…did you meet Mary when you were 16?
I’m not sure there was anything much remarkable then for me. I don’t look back and wish for 21 again either, or 30. Perhaps I cannot remember enough anymore?===JACK: I was 27, married at 29, and 60 years of marriage. At 16, no girlfriends, no parties or days, just school, sports at the YMCA and work.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Ah! Our "Sweet Sixteen" birthdays were VERY special in our gang of girls! And "Crutch" C. got up his courage and kissed me goodnight on my sixteenth! (We'd been dating for awhile, but no nice girls allowed a kiss on the first few dates when I was growing up! Really innocent times compared to now! Every age has its perks and its challenges, but am very thankful to have been blessed with an adoring husband, and 4 great kids who grew to be good, productive citizens; not to mentions those "grands" and "greats"! I just read a good book. "The older you get, the more you appreciate cancelled plans, early nights, thunderstorms and alcohol that's on
“Don’t let yourself forget what it was like to be sixteen.” (Unknown) Can you remember back to when you were 16? What comes to mind? Songs? Foods? People? For me, 16 was probably the most significant year in my life …but that’s another story. George Burns sang, “I wish I were 18 again.” Has there been an “I wish age” in your life? I’ve read that music and the smell and taste of certain foods can aid dementia patients in bringing back memories. ;-) Jack
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: I just remember being busy all of the time and many good lifelong friends! ===JACK: Yes, we grew up together during that time...and I remember that you were a busy-body (in the best sense of the phrase) at that time.
FROM EDUCATOR PAUL: 16??? On one condition... “If I knew then what I know now!” ===JACK: Oooohh...I don't know if your teen-age brain and emotions would have been able to handle that. And, you are TODAY what you were THEN!
FROM LG IN CT: And Frank Sinatra's "It Was A Very good Year"
When I was seventeen
It was a very good year
It was a very good year for small town girls
And soft summer nights
We'd hide from the lights
On the village green
When I was seventeen
When I was twenty-one
It was a very good year
It was a very good year for city girls
Who lived up the stair
With all that perfumed hair
And it came undone
When I was twenty-one
When I was thirty-five
It was a very good year
It was a very good year for blue-blooded girls
Of independent means
We'd ride in limousines
Their chauffeurs would drive
When I was thirty-five
But now the days are short
I'm in the autumn of the year
And now I think of my life as vintage wine
From fine old kegs
From the brim to the dregs
And it poured sweet and clear
It was a very good year
It was a massive good year
===JACK: Isn't it interesting how songwriters are able, so often, to capture our feelings?
FROM HONEST JOHN: For me the best age was four....could play all day....had a great family with me at home....old enough to join in a bit...could even learn .....no worries or concerns...could go to my Dad's feed store and on trips to relatives.===JACK: For me...being 4 yrs old is a nice place to visit, but I'm not sure I'd like to live there. I'm happy with the here and now...relatively..
FROM BB IN CHGO: Inquiring minds want to know…did you meet Mary when you were 16?
I’m not sure there was anything much remarkable then for me. I don’t look back and wish for 21 again either, or 30. Perhaps I cannot remember enough anymore?===JACK: I was 27, married at 29, and 60 years of marriage. At 16, no girlfriends, no parties or days, just school, sports at the YMCA and work.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Ah! Our "Sweet Sixteen" birthdays were VERY special in our gang of girls! And "Crutch" C. got up his courage and kissed me goodnight on my sixteenth! (We'd been dating for awhile, but no nice girls allowed a kiss on the first few dates when I was growing up! Really innocent times compared to now! Every age has its perks and its challenges, but am very thankful to have been blessed with an adoring husband, and 4 great kids who grew to be good, productive citizens; not to mentions those "grands" and "greats"! I just read a good book. "The older you get, the more you appreciate cancelled plans, early nights, thunderstorms and alcohol that's on
sale." I'm not much of a drinker, but definitely don't have to have big plans every day or night anymore, An early dinner with family & a couple of games, A recliner, good book or interesting TV show, all warm and cozy, will do! :-)===JACK: You weren't one of those "run-arounds", were you? Are you now one of those "sit-at-homes"? No, I think that we should give you a new moniker.
===OAKS: I don't think anyone would describe me as a Sit-at-home; the comment I usually get is, "You're never home!" I'm going while the going is good...Know there will come a time when I can't...& that may not be a long way off, at my age! It's frigid here today, and this week, so not as
anxious to be out and about ! We just lost John's mother-in-law on Sunday morning (she had lived
with John and Jan over 20 years (blind and 92) & was in hospice care at home for a little more than
a week.) So will be busy, and have family coming in.===JACK: ...and so it goes. We live; we die; we await God's judgment...relying on His grace. BTW, so you're now a senior run-around. More power to you.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: My teen years were wonderful! I loved high school and life was so good! But, you can’t do this to your faithful followers! What happened when you turned 16??? ===JACK. Bad: I contracted polio and had to stay home for a year. Good: I don't think that I would have become a pastor, except for that experience.
===OAKS: I don't think anyone would describe me as a Sit-at-home; the comment I usually get is, "You're never home!" I'm going while the going is good...Know there will come a time when I can't...& that may not be a long way off, at my age! It's frigid here today, and this week, so not as
anxious to be out and about ! We just lost John's mother-in-law on Sunday morning (she had lived
with John and Jan over 20 years (blind and 92) & was in hospice care at home for a little more than
a week.) So will be busy, and have family coming in.===JACK: ...and so it goes. We live; we die; we await God's judgment...relying on His grace. BTW, so you're now a senior run-around. More power to you.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: My teen years were wonderful! I loved high school and life was so good! But, you can’t do this to your faithful followers! What happened when you turned 16??? ===JACK. Bad: I contracted polio and had to stay home for a year. Good: I don't think that I would have become a pastor, except for that experience.
Friday, March 01, 2019
Jack’s
Winning Words 3/1/19
“It’s not the
love that you make, it’s the love that you give.” (Nikola Tesla) On this day in 1893, Tesla made the first
demonstration of a working radio. He was
a great inventor of electric-related devices…some say, greater than
Edison. His “love-quote” is ironic,
because there was no love lost between those contemporary inventors. We may not “love” certain people, but that
doesn’t mean that we can’t respect them.
Does anyone similar come to your mind?
;-) Jack
FROM HONEST JOHN: A lot of people feel that to build up Tesla we have to knock Edison....why not praise both?===JACK: Yes, you're right about that. But, people tend to get a bit testy when they think that someone has stolen something (ideas) from them. AC vs DC was part of the animosity. Confession and forgiveness don't always come easily.
FROM PEEWEE: Why do you always make me think so hard?? Thank you!!===JACK: It's like going to school. Learning comes from having to think. Sometime it seems like hard work, but that's what education is all about. If there were no hard lesson we'd spend our lives in Kindergarten.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: I’m not sure respect is the word to use. Perhaps tolerate them would be better. Respect is something earned not given. There are people who deserve respect but because they earned it.===JACK: I guess it comes down to the definition of respect. You can choose one or the other, or both.
1 - Respect: a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements. synonyms: esteem, regard, high regard, high opinion, acclaim, admiration, approbation, approval, appreciation, estimation, favor, popularity, recognition, veneration, awe, reverence, deference, honor, praise, homage
2 - Respect: due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others. "young people's lack of respect for their parents" synonyms: due regard, consideration, thoughtfulness, attentiveness, politeness, courtesy, civility, deference
FROM JK IN IL: The “giving” aspect of “love” is key (at least for me) on how to live according to God’s will. A recent interview with Bishop Michael Curry (by Judy Woodruff @ PBS News Hour) resonated strongly; this excerpt by Rev. Curry clarifies that love is not simply the “opposite of hate” but the opposite of “it’s all about me and the heck with you”
But I used to think of the opposite of love is hate. And, on some levels, that makes sense. But what I'm beginning to see is that, if you look at love as the New Testament talks about, as Jesus of Nazareth talks about it, he talks about love most consistently as he's about to give up his life.
And at one point, he even says, greater love has no one than this, but that they give up their life for their friends. The opposite of love is not simply hatred. The opposite of love is selfishness, self-centeredness, which the religious traditions have always identified as the root source of all the dilemmas that are created by human beings, this selfishness. Love is the opposite of that, the antidote to that, if you will. And the reason it's difficult for us is, healthy self-respect and self-love can quickly become selfishness, if we let it. You need healthy self-respect, but the selfishness, when I become the center of the universe, and you're the periphery, it's all about me, and the heck with you.
And that even includes God. If I'm the center of the universe, well, God's on the periphery too.”
For transcript of interview go to https://www.pbs.org/newshour/amp/show/bishop-curry-on-love-poetry-and-the-royal-wedding.===JACK: WOW! That sound like a lecture that might be given in a seminary.
FROM DS IN SOCAL: Tough subject. Bible of course very clear, Love is most important. However, I find it hard to love people I don't respect...but I'm trying.===JACK: I would suggest that you first figure out what "love" means. Do you think that Jesus LOVES us because he respects all the things we do? Today's blog has some interesting responses that you might want to read. :Love is more than "like." Martin Luther said that 3 things will surprise him when he gets to heaven, 3 things will surprise. 1- He won't see some people that he expected to see. 2- He will see some people that he never expected to see. 3- ...and most surprising of all, he'll see that he's there, himself. Think about that. I'm glad that you're trying to understand.===DS: I'm a work in progress...very slow progress. 😇===JACK: At least, in in progress. Good for you...and keep it up.
_
FROM HONEST JOHN: A lot of people feel that to build up Tesla we have to knock Edison....why not praise both?===JACK: Yes, you're right about that. But, people tend to get a bit testy when they think that someone has stolen something (ideas) from them. AC vs DC was part of the animosity. Confession and forgiveness don't always come easily.
FROM PEEWEE: Why do you always make me think so hard?? Thank you!!===JACK: It's like going to school. Learning comes from having to think. Sometime it seems like hard work, but that's what education is all about. If there were no hard lesson we'd spend our lives in Kindergarten.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: I’m not sure respect is the word to use. Perhaps tolerate them would be better. Respect is something earned not given. There are people who deserve respect but because they earned it.===JACK: I guess it comes down to the definition of respect. You can choose one or the other, or both.
1 - Respect: a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements. synonyms: esteem, regard, high regard, high opinion, acclaim, admiration, approbation, approval, appreciation, estimation, favor, popularity, recognition, veneration, awe, reverence, deference, honor, praise, homage
2 - Respect: due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others. "young people's lack of respect for their parents" synonyms: due regard, consideration, thoughtfulness, attentiveness, politeness, courtesy, civility, deference
FROM JK IN IL: The “giving” aspect of “love” is key (at least for me) on how to live according to God’s will. A recent interview with Bishop Michael Curry (by Judy Woodruff @ PBS News Hour) resonated strongly; this excerpt by Rev. Curry clarifies that love is not simply the “opposite of hate” but the opposite of “it’s all about me and the heck with you”
But I used to think of the opposite of love is hate. And, on some levels, that makes sense. But what I'm beginning to see is that, if you look at love as the New Testament talks about, as Jesus of Nazareth talks about it, he talks about love most consistently as he's about to give up his life.
And at one point, he even says, greater love has no one than this, but that they give up their life for their friends. The opposite of love is not simply hatred. The opposite of love is selfishness, self-centeredness, which the religious traditions have always identified as the root source of all the dilemmas that are created by human beings, this selfishness. Love is the opposite of that, the antidote to that, if you will. And the reason it's difficult for us is, healthy self-respect and self-love can quickly become selfishness, if we let it. You need healthy self-respect, but the selfishness, when I become the center of the universe, and you're the periphery, it's all about me, and the heck with you.
And that even includes God. If I'm the center of the universe, well, God's on the periphery too.”
For transcript of interview go to https://www.pbs.org/newshour/amp/show/bishop-curry-on-love-poetry-and-the-royal-wedding.===JACK: WOW! That sound like a lecture that might be given in a seminary.
FROM DS IN SOCAL: Tough subject. Bible of course very clear, Love is most important. However, I find it hard to love people I don't respect...but I'm trying.===JACK: I would suggest that you first figure out what "love" means. Do you think that Jesus LOVES us because he respects all the things we do? Today's blog has some interesting responses that you might want to read. :Love is more than "like." Martin Luther said that 3 things will surprise him when he gets to heaven, 3 things will surprise. 1- He won't see some people that he expected to see. 2- He will see some people that he never expected to see. 3- ...and most surprising of all, he'll see that he's there, himself. Think about that. I'm glad that you're trying to understand.===DS: I'm a work in progress...very slow progress. 😇===JACK: At least, in in progress. Good for you...and keep it up.
_
Thursday, February 28, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 2/28/19
“I like the night! Without the dark we’d never see the stars.” (Stephenie Meyer) Starry Night is my favorite Van Gogh work of art. He did it from memory in 1889, a view from the window of the asylum where he was staying. It’s now in a NYC museum and is said to be worth at least 100 million dollars. I have a 500 piece jigsaw puzzle of it and imagine myself as VG as I put the pieces together. The trees around my house block my view of “the real” starry night. ;-) Jack
FROM HUNGRY HOWIE: You have a great tree in front of your house We should all sit out there this summer and draw/ paint it as he would.===JACK: What a great idea! ...to paint my view of the front yard as I see it from the front porch. If I want to see the sky, I can look at Starry Night.
FROM KLM: Hi, I like the stars too. My husband and I walk our dog every evening and some nights the stars are so bright and beautiful. Was below zero last night and the stars were so bright. ===JACK: There's a hymn that I like:
All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small,
all things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all.
Each little flow'r that opens, each little bird that sings,
he made their glowing colors, he made their tiny wings.
The purple-headed mountain, the river running by,
the sunset, and the morning that brightens up the sky. ...(and more verses)
FROM SHALOM JAN: One of my faves, too. I have only a small version of it along with two others. Maybe, somewhere, I still have an old calendar with a better copy of this painting along with 11 others of Van Gogh. His works have always appealed to me. Today might be a good day to look for that calendar.===JACK: OK! You get the calendar, and I'll get the puzzle.===JAN: Sounds like a plan!===JACK: ...but, I feel constrained to do the puzzle...except that I have to get busy and finish preparing my Transfiguration sermon..."Last night, I saw Jesus at the foot of my bed!"
FROM SF IN FLA: I like the night because it’s quiet (like me!). Have you read ‘Quiet’ by Susan Cain? A wonderful book about the gift of being an introvert. It freed (no pun intended!!) me. She also has a TED Talk and several YouTubes. She taught me that being an introvert describes what you need for inner peace...quiet...some solitude...times of low stimuli. When I trained in counseling, I was told that I am a ‘socialized introvert’. I think that fits. I like being with people and I like being quiet! My sister is the ultimate extrovert. She exhausts me!!===JACK: Thanks for the psychoanalysis...I think that I'm a socialized introvert, too. I can be "social" when the work-situation calls for it, but, I generally choose to sit back and observe...except when I'm with friends (like at the Early Bird or Twin Beach). So, there! I've let down my guard...somewhat.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: I love that work of art too!===JACK: Another one that I like is "The Creation" by Michelangelo.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: I recently watched the movie made of his life (again) on TCM, and
commiserated again on VG's unfortunate and unhappy circumstances! So ironic how valued his paintings are today, when he couldn't sell a single one while he was alive!! I have his Sunflowers paintings. The brightest I ever saw stars was in the Congo, in Africa.(1970) Since they have so little industry, the smog doesn't cover or blot the heavens. The night sky is just magnificent. Sarah used to hurry out to the end of our lake lane in Petersburg to catch the dazzling sunsets there! We do need to be mindful of the great "scenery" we can enjoy, if only our eyes are open! I'm always enthralled with
views of Lake Michigan (and the Chicago skyline) when I visit Chicago! Makes me think of the song, "It's a wonderful world"...It sure is!! :-)===JACK: As you have described your overseas visits in the past, it seems that the Congo had a great influence upon you...perhaps the greatest. True? ===OAKS: As Mark Twain so truly said, travel broadens your vision and affects your prejudices...Congo was my 1st sashay into a completely different culture, and it was "in depth"...for almost a month there. (We also toured the Holy Land, Turkey, and attended the Passion Play in Oberamergau, Germany on that trip, so the intake was HUGE!) My Subsequent trips to Japan, also for 3 weeks, and India, 2 1/2 weeks, and Bill's month; in Haiti, as well as the European trip of England, Scotland, France and Wales, also had great impacts, giving me a "word-vision" that h as affected my whole life! Never in my childhood did I ever expect to travel like that! I feel extraordinarily blessed to have done so!===JACK: I've liked your congo stories.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Driving across from South to North Dakota, we saw the stars across the whole sky! They were do close! Also, we saw a meteorite fly across the sky and land in a field!
As a Picture Lady, we got copies of paintings and explained about the painter and told about the paintings to grade school and maybe dale school kids. One of our paintings were a series of 3 from Van Gogh. It was so very special to tell the kids all about him and his paintings!===JACK: I have great respect for school districts who believe that learning about the arts is an important part of being educated. Picture ladies (men) are an important asset to the classroom. My sister was once a Picture Lady.
FROM TRIHARDER: For a great view of the horizon and night sky, I often go to Wabeek golf course -- especially for glorious full moon rises.===JACK: Hey! That's a good idea. I haven't done anything like that since when I was first dating.
FROM KF IN WB: I almost bought "Starry Night" puzzle while I was Christmas shopping this year; the reason I didn't was because I bought a VanGogh puzzle last year ("Paris Cafe"), and it just about did me in. The bottom was cobblestone and the sky was just like "Starry Night". But it was fun. I just finished a 1,000 piece puzzle which had a very difficult sky section and lots of grasses and shrubbery on the bottom; took me all of February, but I really enjoyed it. I'll send you a picture of it! S just sent me a puzzle made of photos from our Kiawah Island/Charleston vacation in September.===JACK: 500 pieces are enough for me. My S N puzzle is now on the table...just about ready to go. I once sent a photo puzzle, taken apart with the pieces in an envelope. She was excited, wondering what the picture might be. It was of her father, taken many years ago. She was so appreciative. You're welcome to use the idea sometime.
FROM JK IN OC: Mary sent me a very special miniature teapot with Starry Night.. painted on it! I look at it often and keep it in a special place in my kitchen :) :)===JACK: As you pursued your singing career, we would often refer to you as Starry Knight...and you have become a star!===JK IN ORANGE: Haha getting there! I've been advanced to this round 2 of a pretty extensive tour this summer! It's am amazing Christian Organization but is highly involved with top industry executives! If all the planes on one part of the tour.... MERRILL WISCONSIN :) :) PRAY FOR ME TO DO GODS WILL...AND BE BLESSED AND HELPING OTHERS IN THE PROCESS
“I like the night! Without the dark we’d never see the stars.” (Stephenie Meyer) Starry Night is my favorite Van Gogh work of art. He did it from memory in 1889, a view from the window of the asylum where he was staying. It’s now in a NYC museum and is said to be worth at least 100 million dollars. I have a 500 piece jigsaw puzzle of it and imagine myself as VG as I put the pieces together. The trees around my house block my view of “the real” starry night. ;-) Jack
FROM HUNGRY HOWIE: You have a great tree in front of your house We should all sit out there this summer and draw/ paint it as he would.===JACK: What a great idea! ...to paint my view of the front yard as I see it from the front porch. If I want to see the sky, I can look at Starry Night.
FROM KLM: Hi, I like the stars too. My husband and I walk our dog every evening and some nights the stars are so bright and beautiful. Was below zero last night and the stars were so bright. ===JACK: There's a hymn that I like:
All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small,
all things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all.
Each little flow'r that opens, each little bird that sings,
he made their glowing colors, he made their tiny wings.
The purple-headed mountain, the river running by,
the sunset, and the morning that brightens up the sky. ...(and more verses)
FROM SHALOM JAN: One of my faves, too. I have only a small version of it along with two others. Maybe, somewhere, I still have an old calendar with a better copy of this painting along with 11 others of Van Gogh. His works have always appealed to me. Today might be a good day to look for that calendar.===JACK: OK! You get the calendar, and I'll get the puzzle.===JAN: Sounds like a plan!===JACK: ...but, I feel constrained to do the puzzle...except that I have to get busy and finish preparing my Transfiguration sermon..."Last night, I saw Jesus at the foot of my bed!"
FROM SF IN FLA: I like the night because it’s quiet (like me!). Have you read ‘Quiet’ by Susan Cain? A wonderful book about the gift of being an introvert. It freed (no pun intended!!) me. She also has a TED Talk and several YouTubes. She taught me that being an introvert describes what you need for inner peace...quiet...some solitude...times of low stimuli. When I trained in counseling, I was told that I am a ‘socialized introvert’. I think that fits. I like being with people and I like being quiet! My sister is the ultimate extrovert. She exhausts me!!===JACK: Thanks for the psychoanalysis...I think that I'm a socialized introvert, too. I can be "social" when the work-situation calls for it, but, I generally choose to sit back and observe...except when I'm with friends (like at the Early Bird or Twin Beach). So, there! I've let down my guard...somewhat.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: I love that work of art too!===JACK: Another one that I like is "The Creation" by Michelangelo.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: I recently watched the movie made of his life (again) on TCM, and
commiserated again on VG's unfortunate and unhappy circumstances! So ironic how valued his paintings are today, when he couldn't sell a single one while he was alive!! I have his Sunflowers paintings. The brightest I ever saw stars was in the Congo, in Africa.(1970) Since they have so little industry, the smog doesn't cover or blot the heavens. The night sky is just magnificent. Sarah used to hurry out to the end of our lake lane in Petersburg to catch the dazzling sunsets there! We do need to be mindful of the great "scenery" we can enjoy, if only our eyes are open! I'm always enthralled with
views of Lake Michigan (and the Chicago skyline) when I visit Chicago! Makes me think of the song, "It's a wonderful world"...It sure is!! :-)===JACK: As you have described your overseas visits in the past, it seems that the Congo had a great influence upon you...perhaps the greatest. True? ===OAKS: As Mark Twain so truly said, travel broadens your vision and affects your prejudices...Congo was my 1st sashay into a completely different culture, and it was "in depth"...for almost a month there. (We also toured the Holy Land, Turkey, and attended the Passion Play in Oberamergau, Germany on that trip, so the intake was HUGE!) My Subsequent trips to Japan, also for 3 weeks, and India, 2 1/2 weeks, and Bill's month; in Haiti, as well as the European trip of England, Scotland, France and Wales, also had great impacts, giving me a "word-vision" that h as affected my whole life! Never in my childhood did I ever expect to travel like that! I feel extraordinarily blessed to have done so!===JACK: I've liked your congo stories.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Driving across from South to North Dakota, we saw the stars across the whole sky! They were do close! Also, we saw a meteorite fly across the sky and land in a field!
As a Picture Lady, we got copies of paintings and explained about the painter and told about the paintings to grade school and maybe dale school kids. One of our paintings were a series of 3 from Van Gogh. It was so very special to tell the kids all about him and his paintings!===JACK: I have great respect for school districts who believe that learning about the arts is an important part of being educated. Picture ladies (men) are an important asset to the classroom. My sister was once a Picture Lady.
FROM TRIHARDER: For a great view of the horizon and night sky, I often go to Wabeek golf course -- especially for glorious full moon rises.===JACK: Hey! That's a good idea. I haven't done anything like that since when I was first dating.
FROM KF IN WB: I almost bought "Starry Night" puzzle while I was Christmas shopping this year; the reason I didn't was because I bought a VanGogh puzzle last year ("Paris Cafe"), and it just about did me in. The bottom was cobblestone and the sky was just like "Starry Night". But it was fun. I just finished a 1,000 piece puzzle which had a very difficult sky section and lots of grasses and shrubbery on the bottom; took me all of February, but I really enjoyed it. I'll send you a picture of it! S just sent me a puzzle made of photos from our Kiawah Island/Charleston vacation in September.===JACK: 500 pieces are enough for me. My S N puzzle is now on the table...just about ready to go. I once sent a photo puzzle, taken apart with the pieces in an envelope. She was excited, wondering what the picture might be. It was of her father, taken many years ago. She was so appreciative. You're welcome to use the idea sometime.
FROM JK IN OC: Mary sent me a very special miniature teapot with Starry Night.. painted on it! I look at it often and keep it in a special place in my kitchen :) :)===JACK: As you pursued your singing career, we would often refer to you as Starry Knight...and you have become a star!===JK IN ORANGE: Haha getting there! I've been advanced to this round 2 of a pretty extensive tour this summer! It's am amazing Christian Organization but is highly involved with top industry executives! If all the planes on one part of the tour.... MERRILL WISCONSIN :) :) PRAY FOR ME TO DO GODS WILL...AND BE BLESSED AND HELPING OTHERS IN THE PROCESS
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 2/27/19
“There are many ways of moving forward, but only one way of standing still.” (FDR) It was a horrible time to be POTUS, at the beginning of the Great Depression. Dramatic changes had to be made. Standing still was not an option. Roosevelt had a way with words and was able to convince most people that his way was the right way. No matter what the problem, if you take no action, it will remain a problem. A work issue, a marriage issue, a health issue… ;-) Jack
FROM ST PAUL IN MESA: FDR was a gutsy leader who had a whole bunch of good ideas! for a guy in a wheel chair, he did amazing things!===JACK: His brain wasn't in a wheelchair.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: When the President talked, people listened. It stopped I believe with the Clinton Era. When he was caught lying it seemed people lost their respect for the office. Yes I know about Nixon but he was not popular like Clinton.===JACK: Whether it be Nixon, Clinton or Trump, it seems as though we, as a nation, are more accepting of immoral behavior. It distresses me that some church leaders overlook that in favor of personal agendas.===JUDY: It is distressing. The morals have disappeared. They aren’t teaching them at home or at school or, like you said, in church. You would love going to the home school co-op Noah attends. The children have manners, talk nicely and are polite.
“There are many ways of moving forward, but only one way of standing still.” (FDR) It was a horrible time to be POTUS, at the beginning of the Great Depression. Dramatic changes had to be made. Standing still was not an option. Roosevelt had a way with words and was able to convince most people that his way was the right way. No matter what the problem, if you take no action, it will remain a problem. A work issue, a marriage issue, a health issue… ;-) Jack
FROM ST PAUL IN MESA: FDR was a gutsy leader who had a whole bunch of good ideas! for a guy in a wheel chair, he did amazing things!===JACK: His brain wasn't in a wheelchair.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: When the President talked, people listened. It stopped I believe with the Clinton Era. When he was caught lying it seemed people lost their respect for the office. Yes I know about Nixon but he was not popular like Clinton.===JACK: Whether it be Nixon, Clinton or Trump, it seems as though we, as a nation, are more accepting of immoral behavior. It distresses me that some church leaders overlook that in favor of personal agendas.===JUDY: It is distressing. The morals have disappeared. They aren’t teaching them at home or at school or, like you said, in church. You would love going to the home school co-op Noah attends. The children have manners, talk nicely and are polite.
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 2/26/19
“I love people who make me laugh. Laughing cures a multitude of ills. It’s probably the most important thing in a person.” (Audrey Hepburn) When I want a laugh, I YouTube the 3 Stooges, Jonathan Winters or Groucho, or call a friend. Laughter has a way of getting our mind off other things. I like that story in the Bible that tells of a time when old Sarah laughed. What makes you laugh? It might not cure all ills, but it beats living in daily sadness. ;-) Jack
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: My small five great grandchildren make me smile!===JACK: The children of today make me optimistic for the future of society.
FROM SF IN FLA: Good morning! My grandkids make me laugh. They are so joyful and hopefully, so innocent! Although…the twins are 13 and seem to know everything! We just returned from a Caribbean cruise with all of them in honor of my 70th birthday. I am just so happy… can’t wipe the smile off my face! We are blessed. I have finished the text for my little book and my girlfriend/illustrator is working on the watercolor art. I think I’m about to bring this baby home!🤓
Hope all is well with you and your family. Stay warm and buckle down! Whoosh.===JACK: Seeing an e-mail from you makes me smile...especially one that shows how happy you are for your family. It will be another happy day when your book is published. Yes, the weather here is cold, but that's to be expected. It's winter, up north. Looking forward to the time when the snowbirds return.
FROM DR J: YOU make me laugh… always have!===JACK: Datsun! BTW, the attachment picture didn't show up.===DR J: ===DR J: The Hulk! I think you said something like… the best looking guy in Maumee Ohio!===JACK: Yes, that was a knee-slapper! How about the best-looking girl?
FROM DB IN WB: I liked Robin Williams. He played in Patch Adams. Dr Adams (supposedly a real person) believes the same thing.===JACK: Oftentimes comedians have very sad episodes in their personal lives..."Laughing on the outside and crying on the inside," Have a happy day today!
FROM THE SHARK: I watch FOX news to get my daily dose of laughs :)===JACK: I cry!
FROM QUILTING CAROL: I LOVE to laugh and like this quote today! Lots of things can make me laugh – some of my goofy habits, a small child’s attempts at learning something new, a young child telling you a made up joke, pets doing fun things in the snow, a squirrel trying to figure out how to get into the birdfeeder, good jokes. Sad if a person can’t laugh at least once every day. Hope you laugh today. One of our favorite restaurants in town sends these silly jokes every Monday. I share them with our youngest grandsons as I know I can hear them groaning when they read them.
Q: Why couldn't the pony sing himself a lullaby?
A: He was a little hoarse.
Q: What kind of lion never roars?
A: A dandelion!
Q: What's a pirate's favorite letter?
A: Arrrrrr!
===JACK: I thought you might say that Bob makes you laugh. Tell this one to your grandsons...
"He was the apple of his mother's eye, but he wasn't appealing to me."
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Laughter is such a blessing! It takes away the blues, pain and brings such joy! There’s nothing like a good laugh!===JACK: When was the last time you had a good laugh?===JUDY: Saturday...my grandson made a funny request to our Alexa. He kept asking her to play Lemonade but it was Wemonade because he can’t say L’s yet.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: I'm with Audrey! A good laugh saves many a day;! As famous preacher, Henry Ward Beecher said, "A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs--jolted by every pebble in the road." I read that "whoever invented knock-knock jokes should win the No-bell prize...":-) Knock-knock. Who's there? Noah. Noah who? Noah lot of good jokes, and you'll feel better! Enuff said...===JACK: My brother-in-law once got the idea that he should start off each sermon with a joke. He told me a few, and I responded...BAD IDEA!
“I love people who make me laugh. Laughing cures a multitude of ills. It’s probably the most important thing in a person.” (Audrey Hepburn) When I want a laugh, I YouTube the 3 Stooges, Jonathan Winters or Groucho, or call a friend. Laughter has a way of getting our mind off other things. I like that story in the Bible that tells of a time when old Sarah laughed. What makes you laugh? It might not cure all ills, but it beats living in daily sadness. ;-) Jack
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: My small five great grandchildren make me smile!===JACK: The children of today make me optimistic for the future of society.
FROM SF IN FLA: Good morning! My grandkids make me laugh. They are so joyful and hopefully, so innocent! Although…the twins are 13 and seem to know everything! We just returned from a Caribbean cruise with all of them in honor of my 70th birthday. I am just so happy… can’t wipe the smile off my face! We are blessed. I have finished the text for my little book and my girlfriend/illustrator is working on the watercolor art. I think I’m about to bring this baby home!🤓
Hope all is well with you and your family. Stay warm and buckle down! Whoosh.===JACK: Seeing an e-mail from you makes me smile...especially one that shows how happy you are for your family. It will be another happy day when your book is published. Yes, the weather here is cold, but that's to be expected. It's winter, up north. Looking forward to the time when the snowbirds return.
FROM DR J: YOU make me laugh… always have!===JACK: Datsun! BTW, the attachment picture didn't show up.===DR J: ===DR J: The Hulk! I think you said something like… the best looking guy in Maumee Ohio!===JACK: Yes, that was a knee-slapper! How about the best-looking girl?
FROM DB IN WB: I liked Robin Williams. He played in Patch Adams. Dr Adams (supposedly a real person) believes the same thing.===JACK: Oftentimes comedians have very sad episodes in their personal lives..."Laughing on the outside and crying on the inside," Have a happy day today!
FROM THE SHARK: I watch FOX news to get my daily dose of laughs :)===JACK: I cry!
FROM QUILTING CAROL: I LOVE to laugh and like this quote today! Lots of things can make me laugh – some of my goofy habits, a small child’s attempts at learning something new, a young child telling you a made up joke, pets doing fun things in the snow, a squirrel trying to figure out how to get into the birdfeeder, good jokes. Sad if a person can’t laugh at least once every day. Hope you laugh today. One of our favorite restaurants in town sends these silly jokes every Monday. I share them with our youngest grandsons as I know I can hear them groaning when they read them.
Q: Why couldn't the pony sing himself a lullaby?
A: He was a little hoarse.
Q: What kind of lion never roars?
A: A dandelion!
Q: What's a pirate's favorite letter?
A: Arrrrrr!
===JACK: I thought you might say that Bob makes you laugh. Tell this one to your grandsons...
"He was the apple of his mother's eye, but he wasn't appealing to me."
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Laughter is such a blessing! It takes away the blues, pain and brings such joy! There’s nothing like a good laugh!===JACK: When was the last time you had a good laugh?===JUDY: Saturday...my grandson made a funny request to our Alexa. He kept asking her to play Lemonade but it was Wemonade because he can’t say L’s yet.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: I'm with Audrey! A good laugh saves many a day;! As famous preacher, Henry Ward Beecher said, "A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs--jolted by every pebble in the road." I read that "whoever invented knock-knock jokes should win the No-bell prize...":-) Knock-knock. Who's there? Noah. Noah who? Noah lot of good jokes, and you'll feel better! Enuff said...===JACK: My brother-in-law once got the idea that he should start off each sermon with a joke. He told me a few, and I responded...BAD IDEA!
Monday, February 25, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 2/25/19
“Generosity lies less in giving much than in giving at the right moment.” (Jean de La Bruyère) Blazing Oaks recently wrote, “One of our deacons once told me (with a smile) that he knew when I stepped into the pulpit it was going to cost him money...I was always cheering on some worthy project! Most of us wish we had more to give, with so many desperate pleas, but we do what we can.” It’s said, Give ‘til it hurts. I say, Give ‘til it feels good. ;-) Jack
FROM DAZ IN COLORADO: I know what the feeling that deacon had and I remember hearing giving til it feels good.===JACK: A "good giver" once told me that "every church needs a hole in the roof." What he meant was that people generally will give when a reason is apparent or well presented.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: It is more blessed to give than receive. Ask any parent at Christmas or birthdays or whatever the occasion when they see their children open their special gift. ===JACK: I'm the first one to say, "Let's open the presents!" at Christmastime.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: I like that turn of phrase, Don't give until it hurts,give until it feels good"! I'm going to promote that for my; MOther's Day plea for blanket Sunday! (Last year I used "Blanket the world with LOVE"..._) Our small congregation bought almost a $1,000.00 worth of blankets! They are generous for a good cause. Most churches these days have "a hole in the roof'! No problem! :-)===JACK: I thought that you might comment on my use of your words today. I remember other "giving" (wasn't there one about you..or someone..being held up at the church?) stories that you have told..
FRO ST PAUL IN MESA: i also like this line: its not how much am i going to give? rather, its how much am i going to steal from God. its all HIS to begin with so why should i try to hoard it? ===JACK: You can find a wastebasket for that one. IMO
“Generosity lies less in giving much than in giving at the right moment.” (Jean de La Bruyère) Blazing Oaks recently wrote, “One of our deacons once told me (with a smile) that he knew when I stepped into the pulpit it was going to cost him money...I was always cheering on some worthy project! Most of us wish we had more to give, with so many desperate pleas, but we do what we can.” It’s said, Give ‘til it hurts. I say, Give ‘til it feels good. ;-) Jack
FROM DAZ IN COLORADO: I know what the feeling that deacon had and I remember hearing giving til it feels good.===JACK: A "good giver" once told me that "every church needs a hole in the roof." What he meant was that people generally will give when a reason is apparent or well presented.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: It is more blessed to give than receive. Ask any parent at Christmas or birthdays or whatever the occasion when they see their children open their special gift. ===JACK: I'm the first one to say, "Let's open the presents!" at Christmastime.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: I like that turn of phrase, Don't give until it hurts,give until it feels good"! I'm going to promote that for my; MOther's Day plea for blanket Sunday! (Last year I used "Blanket the world with LOVE"..._) Our small congregation bought almost a $1,000.00 worth of blankets! They are generous for a good cause. Most churches these days have "a hole in the roof'! No problem! :-)===JACK: I thought that you might comment on my use of your words today. I remember other "giving" (wasn't there one about you..or someone..being held up at the church?) stories that you have told..
FRO ST PAUL IN MESA: i also like this line: its not how much am i going to give? rather, its how much am i going to steal from God. its all HIS to begin with so why should i try to hoard it? ===JACK: You can find a wastebasket for that one. IMO
Friday, February 22, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 2/22/19
“Understanding human needs is half the job of meeting them.” (Adlai E. Stevenson) Even though he lost, I voted for Adlai, because I thought he understood human need. (He wore shoes with a hole in the sole.) Many legislators have absolutely no idea of what it means to live “on the edge.” Paycheck to paycheck; lack of healthcare; food stamps. This is not a comment on red vs blue…I’m part of the privileged…and maybe you are, too. More understanding will MAGA. ;-) Jack
FROM HONEST JOHN: I would have voted for Ike....Adlai and his friends lived in an idealistic world...e.g. They supported Unilateral disarmament which would have led to disaster. Ike balanced his ethics with the pragmatic approach of a general who had to deal with both Churchill and FDR. He was neither a liberal or a conservative but tamed McCarthy and dealt with Little Rock wisely. We could use such a person now. BTW, I think the church had such a person in Franklin Clark Fry. The ELCA had Herb Chilstrom who was an abject failure. It makes a difference. ===JACK: So.. a couple of examples of me, the idealist and you, the pragmatist.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: My year of social work in Peoria and my summer recreation work in Moline parks made me forever know that many people need help!===JACK: Sometimes problems are so big that we come to believe that they are impossible to solve, but your work among the poor shows that every little bit helps. To do nothing simply makes the problem worse.
FROM JF IN NOVA SCOTIA: Adlai received an introduction that was so long and effusive that it used up a lot of the allocated time for his speech. Nonetheless, when he took the podium he said "After that wonderful introduction, I can hardly wait to hear what I have to say!"===JACK: When I think of Adlai, the word erudite comes to mind. Somehow, we've lost that word when we are at the point of choosing our leaders.
FROM RS IN TEXAS: Agreed. As a counselor for the poor, Gloria sees the effects of living on the edge a lot more than I do. Actually, I'm participating in a poverty simulation thing at our church a week from Saturday. I would suspect my vision of a great America is different than our president's vision.===JACK: Again? Actually, when was America great? First, we have to define, What is great? before we say, Again.
FROM THE SHARK: I think that every day my friend.===JACK: Refugees (especially Chaldean) Have Made Our Community Great ...RHMOCG!
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: How very true. If we all thought more of true needs we would be working harder to help erase them.===JACK: There's an expression that I remember from my growing up years.."What you really need is a swift kick in the rear!"===JUDY: Good one!!! I like that!!
FROM ST PAUL IN MESA: that idiot Wilbur Ross, Sec. of Commerce, who is worth 2 1/2 billion dollars (!) said publicly that he could not understand why people were so upset because they missed two entire pay checks during the recent shutdown. as you said, they are soooo insulated from the average American... ===JACK: I remember a time when pastors were invited to experience poverty. Those who signed up were dropped off on Chicago's Skid Row with absolutely no money or I.D. and were forced to "make do" for a week. It was a very frightening and humbling experience. I didn't sign up.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: I loved and respected Adlai; He had such wit, and great empathy, it seemed. Proud he was from Illinois! We have many "needy' folks in our congregation now,compared to 20 yrs. ago. Changing neighborhood, and economic times! Missing a paycheck is a really big deal for the average Joe or Jill. Most of our leaders don't seem to have a clue. We do what we can, with our modest means! As Bill used to quote to our congregation. "It isn't what you'd do,with a million, if fortune should be your lot; It's what you're doing now with the buck and a half you've got!" Still true today!===JACK : A true story. Some of the church deacons came to me one day and told me of a member who was not paying his bills in town. He owed many people and businesses. And yet he continued to be one of the church's biggest givers. He believed in tithing. "Pastor, can you talk to him and tell him that he cut down on his giving to the church and begin paying his bills? Tell him that tithing should not be at the expense of stiffing his neighbors. What would you do?
“Understanding human needs is half the job of meeting them.” (Adlai E. Stevenson) Even though he lost, I voted for Adlai, because I thought he understood human need. (He wore shoes with a hole in the sole.) Many legislators have absolutely no idea of what it means to live “on the edge.” Paycheck to paycheck; lack of healthcare; food stamps. This is not a comment on red vs blue…I’m part of the privileged…and maybe you are, too. More understanding will MAGA. ;-) Jack
FROM HONEST JOHN: I would have voted for Ike....Adlai and his friends lived in an idealistic world...e.g. They supported Unilateral disarmament which would have led to disaster. Ike balanced his ethics with the pragmatic approach of a general who had to deal with both Churchill and FDR. He was neither a liberal or a conservative but tamed McCarthy and dealt with Little Rock wisely. We could use such a person now. BTW, I think the church had such a person in Franklin Clark Fry. The ELCA had Herb Chilstrom who was an abject failure. It makes a difference. ===JACK: So.. a couple of examples of me, the idealist and you, the pragmatist.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: My year of social work in Peoria and my summer recreation work in Moline parks made me forever know that many people need help!===JACK: Sometimes problems are so big that we come to believe that they are impossible to solve, but your work among the poor shows that every little bit helps. To do nothing simply makes the problem worse.
FROM JF IN NOVA SCOTIA: Adlai received an introduction that was so long and effusive that it used up a lot of the allocated time for his speech. Nonetheless, when he took the podium he said "After that wonderful introduction, I can hardly wait to hear what I have to say!"===JACK: When I think of Adlai, the word erudite comes to mind. Somehow, we've lost that word when we are at the point of choosing our leaders.
FROM RS IN TEXAS: Agreed. As a counselor for the poor, Gloria sees the effects of living on the edge a lot more than I do. Actually, I'm participating in a poverty simulation thing at our church a week from Saturday. I would suspect my vision of a great America is different than our president's vision.===JACK: Again? Actually, when was America great? First, we have to define, What is great? before we say, Again.
FROM THE SHARK: I think that every day my friend.===JACK: Refugees (especially Chaldean) Have Made Our Community Great ...RHMOCG!
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: How very true. If we all thought more of true needs we would be working harder to help erase them.===JACK: There's an expression that I remember from my growing up years.."What you really need is a swift kick in the rear!"===JUDY: Good one!!! I like that!!
FROM ST PAUL IN MESA: that idiot Wilbur Ross, Sec. of Commerce, who is worth 2 1/2 billion dollars (!) said publicly that he could not understand why people were so upset because they missed two entire pay checks during the recent shutdown. as you said, they are soooo insulated from the average American... ===JACK: I remember a time when pastors were invited to experience poverty. Those who signed up were dropped off on Chicago's Skid Row with absolutely no money or I.D. and were forced to "make do" for a week. It was a very frightening and humbling experience. I didn't sign up.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: I loved and respected Adlai; He had such wit, and great empathy, it seemed. Proud he was from Illinois! We have many "needy' folks in our congregation now,compared to 20 yrs. ago. Changing neighborhood, and economic times! Missing a paycheck is a really big deal for the average Joe or Jill. Most of our leaders don't seem to have a clue. We do what we can, with our modest means! As Bill used to quote to our congregation. "It isn't what you'd do,with a million, if fortune should be your lot; It's what you're doing now with the buck and a half you've got!" Still true today!===JACK : A true story. Some of the church deacons came to me one day and told me of a member who was not paying his bills in town. He owed many people and businesses. And yet he continued to be one of the church's biggest givers. He believed in tithing. "Pastor, can you talk to him and tell him that he cut down on his giving to the church and begin paying his bills? Tell him that tithing should not be at the expense of stiffing his neighbors. What would you do?
Thursday, February 21, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 2/21/19
“Time is more valuable than money. You can get more money, but you cannot get more time.” (Jim Rohn) Steve Jobs was worth $10.2 billion when he died at age 56! Bill Gates said that Jobs taught him to value things that matter. “You have to pick the important stuff, because you have a limited time.” Whether you’re Jobs or a homeless person on the streets, “money don’t buy time.” What’s in your wallet doesn’t compare to the sand left in your hourglass. ;-) Jack
FROM DB IN WB: Wise words! I’ve also heard the expression, “count the minutes, not the days”.
Our lives are what we make of it. I think that you are an amazing person!===JACK: Time is always passing; it never stands still. The sand is alway dribbling out of our hour-glass, and God has created that "time-keeper" in such a way that that the top of the device is darkened so that we can only speculate about how much sand is left. So, make the best use of the time that is yours. Proverbs 27:1 - Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: How true! Have you read the book about Steve Jobs by Walter Issacson? I thought that it was a great book.culate about how much remains. ===JACK: No, I haven't read the book, but in my reading I've discovered that much of what S.J. became was based on his early life. I think that that is true for many of us.
FROM DS IN SOCAL: So true, and the sand is flowing faster and faster.======JACK: It seems like ONLY yesterday that you and I were growing up and singing, "We are Moliners."===DS: I think it was last month. Oh wait, that was when we went down to "state".===JACK: MHS BB players and fans know how important===DS: You bet, Jack. I remember listening to the Moline game when Kenny Moore and that team, I believe was 1951 were down there and did so well. I think they came in 2nd. Then I listened to Rock Island when they went down with Sharm Scharman (sp) in 52 or 53. I was fortunate enough to go down in 54 and 55....what a super experience and obviously I'll never forget it. Then, at Augie....it got even better for me. 4 super years I still try to re-live. Those were the days. t the "going to State" experience is/was. Before TV, I remember listening to the games on radio.===JACK: My first listening experience was about 1943...Cal Anders, Frank Demeyer, Bill Hall, Jim Grafton, A1 Van Landuyt. I think that they finished 2nd.===DS: GOSH, you're OLD!!! I wasn't even born yet (well I guess I was 6). Bill Hall was our coach at John Deere back in I think 1952 or 53. Maybe he took Bill Bishop's place when Bishop went to high school as assistant coach. I really liked both of them. Bishop really worked me hard and I learned a lot of fundamentals from him. We became very good friends in later years before he died. Used to go over and play bridge with he and his wife....he was an extremely good bridge player. Bill Hall was another of my favorites but lost track of him after he left John Deere. I think he went to work for Wilson Sporting. Great memories.
FROM PRFM: SO TRUE, JACK. I HAVE BEEN IN THE HOSPITAL FOR 8 DAYS – last Sunday I almost ran out of sand. I doing better but need to wait 4 weeks for my body to be ‘ready’ for a pacemaker!===JACK: I have a quote in my pile..."You're never lost as long as you have gas in your tank." or, "Don't call the undertaker as long as there's sand in the hourglass." Best wishes!
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Amen. I have a tendency to waste a lot of it!===JACK: If time were money, would you be wasting it?===JUDY: Yes. Many days I can’t move out of my chair. I do a lot of reading but does that meanful?? I’m not sure. Right now I’m reading books on the keepers of the Lighthouses in Michigan. Fascinating, but no one learns anything but me! It feels like wasting my precious moments, minutes and hours.===JACK: "Feeding your brain" is never a waste of time. you are making good use of the "down" time that has been put upon you. God is aware...and understands!
FROM BLAZING OAKS: A good thought to remember! Most 0f us probably feel we have more
time than money; but both are valuable. As John Wayne used to say, "Money can't buy happiness, but it IS a lot more comfortable to cry in a Mercedes than on a bicycle!" :-) Some CEO's would say, "Time is Money"; Hope the sands of the hourglass keep running for you! We need the perspective! ===JACK: I like that John Wayne quote. Here's another that I like...“Tomorrow hopes we have learned something from yesterday.”
FROM BB IN CHGO: One of my favorite vocalists, ever, Minnie Riperton, died in 1979 at the age of 31 –cancer. My father passed in the spring of ’78 so I found the album of her music, released posthumously very meaningful. The song attached, “Give Me Time” is sweet and thoughtful as is much of the rest of this album where her duet/compliment singers recorded after her passing. Reminds me of Natalie Cole singing Unforgettable with her father Nat after he passed. Since I know your family appreciates music, I just read that her coloratura/whistle soprano ability allowed her to hit “F7” on this tune – higher than most opera sopranos can reach!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uERIpAwxyhY
Seconds pass so very fast
Hours march in perfect time
Won’t you take this hand of mine?
Love can span the hands of time.
Yes, time is a treasure that we cannot buy
Time measures an hour and I don't know why
My Love, before I met you I just could not give
Then you touched my heart
And you taught me to live
You are the sun, gentle and warm
You make my life complete
Give me time to show what you mean to me
Let me share each day with you
Love you through the sands of time
Time is precious to so few
Love is rare and hard to find
Won't you take this hand of mine
Love can span the hands of time
===JACK: Thanks for calling back the memory of Minnie and that beautiful song. It was a great day when God invented music. I appreciate the depth of many of your responses.
FROM DAZ: You’ve been coming up with some really good, thought provoking ones lately. At least I thought they were particularly good one and maybe applicable.===JACK: I agree. Some WW are better than others...just as it is with sermons. I, too, have liked some of the recent quotes. Deadlines creep up...and time forces me to come up with something. Regardless, I like what I do.
“Time is more valuable than money. You can get more money, but you cannot get more time.” (Jim Rohn) Steve Jobs was worth $10.2 billion when he died at age 56! Bill Gates said that Jobs taught him to value things that matter. “You have to pick the important stuff, because you have a limited time.” Whether you’re Jobs or a homeless person on the streets, “money don’t buy time.” What’s in your wallet doesn’t compare to the sand left in your hourglass. ;-) Jack
FROM DB IN WB: Wise words! I’ve also heard the expression, “count the minutes, not the days”.
Our lives are what we make of it. I think that you are an amazing person!===JACK: Time is always passing; it never stands still. The sand is alway dribbling out of our hour-glass, and God has created that "time-keeper" in such a way that that the top of the device is darkened so that we can only speculate about how much sand is left. So, make the best use of the time that is yours. Proverbs 27:1 - Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: How true! Have you read the book about Steve Jobs by Walter Issacson? I thought that it was a great book.culate about how much remains. ===JACK: No, I haven't read the book, but in my reading I've discovered that much of what S.J. became was based on his early life. I think that that is true for many of us.
FROM DS IN SOCAL: So true, and the sand is flowing faster and faster.======JACK: It seems like ONLY yesterday that you and I were growing up and singing, "We are Moliners."===DS: I think it was last month. Oh wait, that was when we went down to "state".===JACK: MHS BB players and fans know how important===DS: You bet, Jack. I remember listening to the Moline game when Kenny Moore and that team, I believe was 1951 were down there and did so well. I think they came in 2nd. Then I listened to Rock Island when they went down with Sharm Scharman (sp) in 52 or 53. I was fortunate enough to go down in 54 and 55....what a super experience and obviously I'll never forget it. Then, at Augie....it got even better for me. 4 super years I still try to re-live. Those were the days. t the "going to State" experience is/was. Before TV, I remember listening to the games on radio.===JACK: My first listening experience was about 1943...Cal Anders, Frank Demeyer, Bill Hall, Jim Grafton, A1 Van Landuyt. I think that they finished 2nd.===DS: GOSH, you're OLD!!! I wasn't even born yet (well I guess I was 6). Bill Hall was our coach at John Deere back in I think 1952 or 53. Maybe he took Bill Bishop's place when Bishop went to high school as assistant coach. I really liked both of them. Bishop really worked me hard and I learned a lot of fundamentals from him. We became very good friends in later years before he died. Used to go over and play bridge with he and his wife....he was an extremely good bridge player. Bill Hall was another of my favorites but lost track of him after he left John Deere. I think he went to work for Wilson Sporting. Great memories.
FROM PRFM: SO TRUE, JACK. I HAVE BEEN IN THE HOSPITAL FOR 8 DAYS – last Sunday I almost ran out of sand. I doing better but need to wait 4 weeks for my body to be ‘ready’ for a pacemaker!===JACK: I have a quote in my pile..."You're never lost as long as you have gas in your tank." or, "Don't call the undertaker as long as there's sand in the hourglass." Best wishes!
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Amen. I have a tendency to waste a lot of it!===JACK: If time were money, would you be wasting it?===JUDY: Yes. Many days I can’t move out of my chair. I do a lot of reading but does that meanful?? I’m not sure. Right now I’m reading books on the keepers of the Lighthouses in Michigan. Fascinating, but no one learns anything but me! It feels like wasting my precious moments, minutes and hours.===JACK: "Feeding your brain" is never a waste of time. you are making good use of the "down" time that has been put upon you. God is aware...and understands!
FROM BLAZING OAKS: A good thought to remember! Most 0f us probably feel we have more
time than money; but both are valuable. As John Wayne used to say, "Money can't buy happiness, but it IS a lot more comfortable to cry in a Mercedes than on a bicycle!" :-) Some CEO's would say, "Time is Money"; Hope the sands of the hourglass keep running for you! We need the perspective! ===JACK: I like that John Wayne quote. Here's another that I like...“Tomorrow hopes we have learned something from yesterday.”
FROM BB IN CHGO: One of my favorite vocalists, ever, Minnie Riperton, died in 1979 at the age of 31 –cancer. My father passed in the spring of ’78 so I found the album of her music, released posthumously very meaningful. The song attached, “Give Me Time” is sweet and thoughtful as is much of the rest of this album where her duet/compliment singers recorded after her passing. Reminds me of Natalie Cole singing Unforgettable with her father Nat after he passed. Since I know your family appreciates music, I just read that her coloratura/whistle soprano ability allowed her to hit “F7” on this tune – higher than most opera sopranos can reach!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uERIpAwxyhY
Seconds pass so very fast
Hours march in perfect time
Won’t you take this hand of mine?
Love can span the hands of time.
Yes, time is a treasure that we cannot buy
Time measures an hour and I don't know why
My Love, before I met you I just could not give
Then you touched my heart
And you taught me to live
You are the sun, gentle and warm
You make my life complete
Give me time to show what you mean to me
Let me share each day with you
Love you through the sands of time
Time is precious to so few
Love is rare and hard to find
Won't you take this hand of mine
Love can span the hands of time
===JACK: Thanks for calling back the memory of Minnie and that beautiful song. It was a great day when God invented music. I appreciate the depth of many of your responses.
FROM DAZ: You’ve been coming up with some really good, thought provoking ones lately. At least I thought they were particularly good one and maybe applicable.===JACK: I agree. Some WW are better than others...just as it is with sermons. I, too, have liked some of the recent quotes. Deadlines creep up...and time forces me to come up with something. Regardless, I like what I do.
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 2/20/19
“Any jackass can kick down a barn, but it takes a good carpenter to build one.” (Sam Rayburn) Before Nancy Pelosi or Paul Ryan…if you can think back as far as I can, there was Sam Rayburn as Speaker of the House (for 17 years). He was a Texan, spoke like a Texan. In this quote he’s talking about negative people, always griping, but never coming up with a positive suggestion for how things can be better. I miss (some of) the good old days. ;-) Jack
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Yes now there is too much money involved and they stay too long! We need term limits!===JACK: ...but, how do you make exceptions for legislators like Rayburn and still have them apply to the ones who've overstayed their usefulness?===SHIRL: I guess there are always exceptions! When I worked for senator Douglas in 1954 he and his wife lived a very simple life in dc. Also congressman Ford and his family lived a simple life too!===JACK: You've named two that make my point, exactly.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: I'm currently reading Doris K. Goodwin's book, LEADERSHIP (In Turbulent Times), where the Lyndon Johnson sections often refer to Sam Rayburn, one of his mentors. So interesting! Would that we still had the comraderie (or at least cooperation) "across
the Aisle" that they had then, to get things done!! The book a few years ago on T. Jefferson, THE ART OF LEADERSHIP was another good one! Sam R. probably sang or hummed the pop song "Ya gotta accent=uate the POSITIVE, Elim-inate the NEGATIVE, Latch on to the AFFIRMATIVE, and Don't mess with Mr. IN-BETWEEN!! : Makes life a whole lot sunnier!===JACK: In today's world leadership seems to be lacking.===OAKS: Afraid I have to agree with you,,,Financially impossible for some of our bright minds to even consider running for office, if they'd even consider the hassle and meanness of Politics today. ===JACK: Sad to say...today money seems to talk with a louder voice than reason.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: There are so many negative people now...Actually not just negative, but hateful. I have to use all of my God-given forgiveness to even communicate nicely with some. I've been keeping my communication with God going non-stop.===JACK: Negative people tend to affect me negatively.===JUDY: Me too! Although sometimes they’re good for a laugh!===JACK: ...except when they are in power.
FROM CG: I hope you are doing well. Have you ever read Eckhart Tolle? You would really enjoy him ===JACK: You caused me to do some research. After Oprah recommended one of his books, over 3.5 million copies were sold. Watch for a quote by/about him to show up one of these days.
FROM DB IN WB: Oh, hear, hear!!! It seems like there are a lot of people in office who haven’t got a clue. They are “all sizzle, but no steak”.===JACK: "All sizzle, but no steak," can apply to pastors, as well.
“Any jackass can kick down a barn, but it takes a good carpenter to build one.” (Sam Rayburn) Before Nancy Pelosi or Paul Ryan…if you can think back as far as I can, there was Sam Rayburn as Speaker of the House (for 17 years). He was a Texan, spoke like a Texan. In this quote he’s talking about negative people, always griping, but never coming up with a positive suggestion for how things can be better. I miss (some of) the good old days. ;-) Jack
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Yes now there is too much money involved and they stay too long! We need term limits!===JACK: ...but, how do you make exceptions for legislators like Rayburn and still have them apply to the ones who've overstayed their usefulness?===SHIRL: I guess there are always exceptions! When I worked for senator Douglas in 1954 he and his wife lived a very simple life in dc. Also congressman Ford and his family lived a simple life too!===JACK: You've named two that make my point, exactly.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: I'm currently reading Doris K. Goodwin's book, LEADERSHIP (In Turbulent Times), where the Lyndon Johnson sections often refer to Sam Rayburn, one of his mentors. So interesting! Would that we still had the comraderie (or at least cooperation) "across
the Aisle" that they had then, to get things done!! The book a few years ago on T. Jefferson, THE ART OF LEADERSHIP was another good one! Sam R. probably sang or hummed the pop song "Ya gotta accent=uate the POSITIVE, Elim-inate the NEGATIVE, Latch on to the AFFIRMATIVE, and Don't mess with Mr. IN-BETWEEN!! : Makes life a whole lot sunnier!===JACK: In today's world leadership seems to be lacking.===OAKS: Afraid I have to agree with you,,,Financially impossible for some of our bright minds to even consider running for office, if they'd even consider the hassle and meanness of Politics today. ===JACK: Sad to say...today money seems to talk with a louder voice than reason.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: There are so many negative people now...Actually not just negative, but hateful. I have to use all of my God-given forgiveness to even communicate nicely with some. I've been keeping my communication with God going non-stop.===JACK: Negative people tend to affect me negatively.===JUDY: Me too! Although sometimes they’re good for a laugh!===JACK: ...except when they are in power.
FROM CG: I hope you are doing well. Have you ever read Eckhart Tolle? You would really enjoy him ===JACK: You caused me to do some research. After Oprah recommended one of his books, over 3.5 million copies were sold. Watch for a quote by/about him to show up one of these days.
FROM DB IN WB: Oh, hear, hear!!! It seems like there are a lot of people in office who haven’t got a clue. They are “all sizzle, but no steak”.===JACK: "All sizzle, but no steak," can apply to pastors, as well.
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 2/19/19
“The difference between you and God is that God doesn’t believe he’s you.” (Anne Lamott) A book in my collection is called, Come, Let Us Play God. It has to do with ethical choices that we make in life. But, in general terms, it can mean that we want the Lord’s Prayer to read, “My will be done.” There may be times when we don’t understand God’s action or inaction, but there’s never a time when He doesn’t understand us and our situation. ;-) Jack
FROM HONEST JOHN: THE difference is that He can be us (Jesus) but we can't be him...try as we may===JACK: IMO, that's how the unknowable becomes knowable. Jesus helps us to "unscrew the inscrutable," as one of my professors once said.
FROM JT IN SJ: Significant. Amazing isn’t the that in spite of My will God does know best. I’m so glad to live His plan instead of mine!===JACK: Some people see the song, "My God and I," as being too syrupy. Maybe so, but it does seem to say that "my God and I" are partners in working out a plan for my life.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: This is so true! We have a tendency to believe we can control everything around us! We worry, we try to control and we are in Great Hands who is our pilot not co-pilot!===JACK: Robert Scott, WW2 pilot wrote a memoir, "God Is My Co-pilot," which became a best-seller (and a movie). He felt the presence of God beside him in combat missions. In this life, many of us experience the presence of God beside us.===JUDY: I have watched that movie a few times. Gary’s Uncle Mike has a huge library of movies and that is one of them. It’s a good one too! and God IS Good all the time!
FROM BB IN CHGO: My dad enjoyed all of them including Og Mandino and I think you’ve quoted him in previous Winning Words.===JACK: I remember that your
father liked the Og Mandino and Zig Ziglar type of books. I believe that all of us could learn from them...even some pastors.
FROM KFWB: I always liked Steven Covey; my current self-help book is "the life-changing magic of tidying up ....the Japanese art of decluttering......." by Marie Kondo. She is helping me see the value of "letting go" of stuff and losing the emotional attachment to "things". It is very helpful, but I have mixed feelings of morphing our home from a family of 4+dog, to an empty nester "nest" : ) Stephanie and Rose are afraid they'll come home and find all their stuff gone (I wouldn't do that); so is Mark.====JACK: Been there; done that! The longer you hang on to stuff, more stuff accumulates. After awhile the children accumulate their stuff, and there's no room for the "precious" things. The good thing is when the children come back and find welcoming parents. Enjoy each segment of life, because that's what memories are made of.
FROM DLaM: There is great safety in the good old L,P. Credible Source who gave it to us as well. ===JACK: I'd like more information.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: I enjoy Anne Lamott's books. She has a unique way of putting things into words that I identify with. I definitely felt the presence of God in my car, as I raced to the hospital after Bill's heart arrest at the YMCA. I felt strengthened to received whatever news the Drs would give me when I arrived, as I knew he might not have survived, or would be in a vegetative state, considering the circumstances. We were blessed that he did survive, and lived an active life for 16 more years. (After 9 heart by-passes!) I have never mistaken myself, or anyone I knew for God...So glad I'm not the one judging our earthy lives!!===JACK: You've lived the faith experience more than once. You know ,firsthand, what the word, survivor, means. Thanks for being an inspiration.
“The difference between you and God is that God doesn’t believe he’s you.” (Anne Lamott) A book in my collection is called, Come, Let Us Play God. It has to do with ethical choices that we make in life. But, in general terms, it can mean that we want the Lord’s Prayer to read, “My will be done.” There may be times when we don’t understand God’s action or inaction, but there’s never a time when He doesn’t understand us and our situation. ;-) Jack
FROM HONEST JOHN: THE difference is that He can be us (Jesus) but we can't be him...try as we may===JACK: IMO, that's how the unknowable becomes knowable. Jesus helps us to "unscrew the inscrutable," as one of my professors once said.
FROM JT IN SJ: Significant. Amazing isn’t the that in spite of My will God does know best. I’m so glad to live His plan instead of mine!===JACK: Some people see the song, "My God and I," as being too syrupy. Maybe so, but it does seem to say that "my God and I" are partners in working out a plan for my life.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: This is so true! We have a tendency to believe we can control everything around us! We worry, we try to control and we are in Great Hands who is our pilot not co-pilot!===JACK: Robert Scott, WW2 pilot wrote a memoir, "God Is My Co-pilot," which became a best-seller (and a movie). He felt the presence of God beside him in combat missions. In this life, many of us experience the presence of God beside us.===JUDY: I have watched that movie a few times. Gary’s Uncle Mike has a huge library of movies and that is one of them. It’s a good one too! and God IS Good all the time!
FROM BB IN CHGO: My dad enjoyed all of them including Og Mandino and I think you’ve quoted him in previous Winning Words.===JACK: I remember that your
father liked the Og Mandino and Zig Ziglar type of books. I believe that all of us could learn from them...even some pastors.
FROM KFWB: I always liked Steven Covey; my current self-help book is "the life-changing magic of tidying up ....the Japanese art of decluttering......." by Marie Kondo. She is helping me see the value of "letting go" of stuff and losing the emotional attachment to "things". It is very helpful, but I have mixed feelings of morphing our home from a family of 4+dog, to an empty nester "nest" : ) Stephanie and Rose are afraid they'll come home and find all their stuff gone (I wouldn't do that); so is Mark.====JACK: Been there; done that! The longer you hang on to stuff, more stuff accumulates. After awhile the children accumulate their stuff, and there's no room for the "precious" things. The good thing is when the children come back and find welcoming parents. Enjoy each segment of life, because that's what memories are made of.
FROM DLaM: There is great safety in the good old L,P. Credible Source who gave it to us as well. ===JACK: I'd like more information.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: I enjoy Anne Lamott's books. She has a unique way of putting things into words that I identify with. I definitely felt the presence of God in my car, as I raced to the hospital after Bill's heart arrest at the YMCA. I felt strengthened to received whatever news the Drs would give me when I arrived, as I knew he might not have survived, or would be in a vegetative state, considering the circumstances. We were blessed that he did survive, and lived an active life for 16 more years. (After 9 heart by-passes!) I have never mistaken myself, or anyone I knew for God...So glad I'm not the one judging our earthy lives!!===JACK: You've lived the faith experience more than once. You know ,firsthand, what the word, survivor, means. Thanks for being an inspiration.
Monday, February 18, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 2/18/19
“Act enthusiastic and you will be enthusiastic.” (Dale Carnegie) A friend of mine recently discovered D.C. and his book, “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” Tho published in 1936, it remains relevant today. Do you want to have more friends? Do you want to influence people…in some particular way? Carnegie has some suggestions. For the most part, I’ve found self-help books to be helpful…Zig Ziglar, Wayne Dyer, Steven Covey. Give ‘em a try! ;-) Jack
FROM LBP: I will take a management role at work. It’s announced to the team today. I will work on being enthusiastic 👍===JACK: Management gives you a new and different way to influence people. But you will be the same person, so I believe that you will continue to be the one who wins friends. Enthusiastic is a word whose root means that the spirit of God is in you.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Have u been watching capable history this weekend? They were doing Springfield Illinois. I did not know that a Lincoln Museum and library opened there in 2005! Very interesting! I used to take my students to new Salem and Springfield- one of my favorite trips. Not much TV watching this weekend, but I continue to be enthusiastic about Abe, one of my heroes. ===SHIRL: Today is President’s Day and it is an exciting time to be living! Young people today have many decisions to make.y decisions to make!===JACK: Decisions to make? Each generation has them. We had ours. Recently I referred to a hymn composed during Civil War times..."Once to every man and nation comes the moment to decide."
FROM PC IN CT: One of my favorites: Duhigg's "The Power of Habit". ===JACK: To check out the power of habit, try sitting in a different pew on a Sunday morning.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Bill's dad, who opened his Oaks & Sons Construction business, after working in a John Deere factory for several years, read that book, and it was very helpful to him! He served as Pres. of the school board, andmany social organizations, even tho he had only an 8th grade education. He was a respected leader! As poet Samuel Ullman said years ago: "Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the Soul!" I believe it!===JACK: Detroit Public Schools have given up trying to prepare everyone for college. They're back to offering training to those who want skills for jobs that are available...jobs that are waiting for those who graduate.===OAKS: Yes, Springfield High Schools and Jr Colleges are doing the same. With training you can make a pretty decent living following a trade! Mark left college after a year, and became a master carpenter. He
did that for awhile supporting a family, and then became a state worker that offered more perks and comfortable retirement.===JACK: Michigan's new governor wants free Community College (2-yr) for each high school grad in order to get tech training for the jobs that are available. The trades are offering apprenticeships to interested people. Opportunities are becoming available to replace an aging workforce.. One of our seminaries now has a 2-yr in school training plus a 2-yr paid internship. I don't look at that as a negative, but as a way to give better and more competitive training for tomorrow's pastors.===OAKS: Yes, Springfield High Schools and Jr Colleges are doing the same. With training you can make a pretty decent living following a trade! Mark left college after a year, and became a master carpenter. He did that for a while supporting a family, and then became a state worker that offered more perks and comfortable retirement. I would to. The times, they are a-changing! As the old song goes....===JACK: Sometimes I long for the good old days...but, by and large, a new generation has to make their own "good old days."
“Act enthusiastic and you will be enthusiastic.” (Dale Carnegie) A friend of mine recently discovered D.C. and his book, “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” Tho published in 1936, it remains relevant today. Do you want to have more friends? Do you want to influence people…in some particular way? Carnegie has some suggestions. For the most part, I’ve found self-help books to be helpful…Zig Ziglar, Wayne Dyer, Steven Covey. Give ‘em a try! ;-) Jack
FROM LBP: I will take a management role at work. It’s announced to the team today. I will work on being enthusiastic 👍===JACK: Management gives you a new and different way to influence people. But you will be the same person, so I believe that you will continue to be the one who wins friends. Enthusiastic is a word whose root means that the spirit of God is in you.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Have u been watching capable history this weekend? They were doing Springfield Illinois. I did not know that a Lincoln Museum and library opened there in 2005! Very interesting! I used to take my students to new Salem and Springfield- one of my favorite trips. Not much TV watching this weekend, but I continue to be enthusiastic about Abe, one of my heroes. ===SHIRL: Today is President’s Day and it is an exciting time to be living! Young people today have many decisions to make.y decisions to make!===JACK: Decisions to make? Each generation has them. We had ours. Recently I referred to a hymn composed during Civil War times..."Once to every man and nation comes the moment to decide."
FROM PC IN CT: One of my favorites: Duhigg's "The Power of Habit". ===JACK: To check out the power of habit, try sitting in a different pew on a Sunday morning.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Bill's dad, who opened his Oaks & Sons Construction business, after working in a John Deere factory for several years, read that book, and it was very helpful to him! He served as Pres. of the school board, andmany social organizations, even tho he had only an 8th grade education. He was a respected leader! As poet Samuel Ullman said years ago: "Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the Soul!" I believe it!===JACK: Detroit Public Schools have given up trying to prepare everyone for college. They're back to offering training to those who want skills for jobs that are available...jobs that are waiting for those who graduate.===OAKS: Yes, Springfield High Schools and Jr Colleges are doing the same. With training you can make a pretty decent living following a trade! Mark left college after a year, and became a master carpenter. He
did that for awhile supporting a family, and then became a state worker that offered more perks and comfortable retirement.===JACK: Michigan's new governor wants free Community College (2-yr) for each high school grad in order to get tech training for the jobs that are available. The trades are offering apprenticeships to interested people. Opportunities are becoming available to replace an aging workforce.. One of our seminaries now has a 2-yr in school training plus a 2-yr paid internship. I don't look at that as a negative, but as a way to give better and more competitive training for tomorrow's pastors.===OAKS: Yes, Springfield High Schools and Jr Colleges are doing the same. With training you can make a pretty decent living following a trade! Mark left college after a year, and became a master carpenter. He did that for a while supporting a family, and then became a state worker that offered more perks and comfortable retirement. I would to. The times, they are a-changing! As the old song goes....===JACK: Sometimes I long for the good old days...but, by and large, a new generation has to make their own "good old days."
Friday, February 15, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 2/15/19
“My dad used to have an expression: I don’t expect government to solve my problem, but I expect them to understand my problem.” (Spoken at Rep John Dingell’s funeral) At every opening session of Congress Dingell would introduce legislation to provide health care for all. He understood the needs of people, particularly those without a voice. I’m glad to be able to carry a Medicare card and to have a SSN. I’m glad for legislators who understand. ;-) Jack
“My dad used to have an expression: I don’t expect government to solve my problem, but I expect them to understand my problem.” (Spoken at Rep John Dingell’s funeral) At every opening session of Congress Dingell would introduce legislation to provide health care for all. He understood the needs of people, particularly those without a voice. I’m glad to be able to carry a Medicare card and to have a SSN. I’m glad for legislators who understand. ;-) Jack
Thursday, February 14, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 2/14/19
“There is only one happiness in life: to love and to be loved.” (George Sand) “George” was a 19th century female poet who was a romantic rebel (she also smoked cigars and wore trousers). She and Frédéric Chopin were once “an item.” Today’s words about “love” are among the most quoted on Valentine’s Day. Feb 14, honoring a St. Valentine, became less of a religious holiday and more of a romantic one in the 14th century. Did you ever exchange Valentines in school? ;-) Jack
FROM HAWKEYE GEORGE: School was a long time ago for you and me. But I think I did a few times.===JACK: I remember exchanging cards in 1st and 2nd grades. You had to give a card to everyone (even those you didn't want to). All cards went into a big box and were pulled out one by one. The name was read, and everybody cheered. Those were the days.
FROM EMT SINGS IN TRAVERSE: Hi! I love Valentines Day. Rick and I have already exchanged Valentines this morning. We have sent out 6 boxes of homemade Valentine cookies to our 6 grandchildren. See what you started almost 29 yrs ago? You did a good job!===JACK: 29 years ago? You were just a kid. Did you have to get your mom's permission? ...and our paths crossed again in Plymouth.
FROM BS IN ENGLAND: Not in school but we did celebrate at home and with our neighbours. We would knock on the door, leave a small gift, run away and hide. They were baffled when opening the door to know who had left the package! Mother would do the same usually leaving gifts for us in a shoebox. Somehow it was more exciting than Christmas. I remember one year I was given an umbrella plus other little treats. HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY====JACK: Isn't it fun to remember those days. Did you ever sing the song..."I wish I were a kid again doing all the things I did again?"
For just one day...I'd like that experience to be relived.===BS: I don't remember that song but I still love to do things that we did as children. Today is sunny, a beautiful blue sky and really warm, 50's and so I took a long walk to enjoy snowdrops in the grounds of the Roman Catholic Church here in Poringland. Hundreds of them, beautiful! Did you know that snowdrops represent the Presentation of Christ in the temple and so they were on the altar on Feb03.===JACK: No, I didn't about snowdrops. We have much to learn from one another.
FROM MY LAWYER: Of course. One for each classmate, boys and girls. Brings back memories. ===JACK: Do you remain in touch with any of them? For me? Elementary classmates? Most are now deceased...some at an early age.===ML: Believe it or not, since we’ve been in Florida, for the past 10 years, or so, I’ve reconnected with three women that were in kindergarten with me. There are 17 of us, including we four, that have Sunday brunch together every week. All are from Michigan, most married, some widowed. The men and women sit separately so the guys talk guy talk and vice versa. Bryna’s become friends with each of them.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Yes, we are so blessed to have loved ones in our lives, and to be loved in return!! I sent out many valentines, to all my "greats" (10 - with "treat" money) and to all our
shut-ins, and some "needy" church friends and a few friends, and my super kids!! HAPPY VALENTINE DAY, JACK, to a fellow MOLINER and a wise "old" school friend! I remember our elementary parties well, as you say, a card for EVERY child and special cupcakes or cookies and drinks! Many, many, years ago! :-( :-)===JACK: Since this day honors the saint named, Valentine, I wondered to myself if there was a saint named, Marilyn. During that search I discovered that Marilyn is a form of the name, Mary. WOW! You have a great heritage. I counted! There are at least 12 Feast Days honoring Marilyn (I mean, Mary).===OAKS: Wow! I'LL HAVE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THAT! ===OAKS: Wow! I'LL HAVE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THAT!
OH, PROBABLY NOT BAPTIST....(OR EVEN METHODIST) I'M OUT! :-( STILL SENDING LOVE YOUR WAY, JACK!===JACK: Isn't it strange that we associate Mary, the mother of Jesus, with the Catholic Church, as though she were a saint for them, exclusively. Have you ever heard a Baptist preacher eulogize Mary from the pulpit as is so often done with St. Peter, St. John and St. Paul?
FROM JB IN OLV: Yes in elementary school we made shoe box valentine's boxes in which our classmates put a valentine card. We were required to bring enough cards so each student received a card from everyone. Since I was a baby boomer...my class had 48 students. So it was a very big deal. Wonderful memories of a simpler time. (for me)===JACK: Yes, simpler times, but kids are kids...Valentine's Day is still special (I think), recess is still fun, and so are Halloween and snow days. I'm sure that Santa Claus still brings a smile.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: What a wonderfully true quote! We decorated boxes for our Valentine’s cards. It was quite the party at school. We also made our Valentine’s cards for our relatives. Happy
Valentine’s Day to you! I hope it invokes many happy memories!!===JACK: With your skill as a scrapbooker, you should be able to create a beautiful Valentine's box. Why not take an oln old shoebox and see what you can come up with...just for the fun of it...and remembering days gone by.
“There is only one happiness in life: to love and to be loved.” (George Sand) “George” was a 19th century female poet who was a romantic rebel (she also smoked cigars and wore trousers). She and Frédéric Chopin were once “an item.” Today’s words about “love” are among the most quoted on Valentine’s Day. Feb 14, honoring a St. Valentine, became less of a religious holiday and more of a romantic one in the 14th century. Did you ever exchange Valentines in school? ;-) Jack
FROM HAWKEYE GEORGE: School was a long time ago for you and me. But I think I did a few times.===JACK: I remember exchanging cards in 1st and 2nd grades. You had to give a card to everyone (even those you didn't want to). All cards went into a big box and were pulled out one by one. The name was read, and everybody cheered. Those were the days.
FROM EMT SINGS IN TRAVERSE: Hi! I love Valentines Day. Rick and I have already exchanged Valentines this morning. We have sent out 6 boxes of homemade Valentine cookies to our 6 grandchildren. See what you started almost 29 yrs ago? You did a good job!===JACK: 29 years ago? You were just a kid. Did you have to get your mom's permission? ...and our paths crossed again in Plymouth.
FROM BS IN ENGLAND: Not in school but we did celebrate at home and with our neighbours. We would knock on the door, leave a small gift, run away and hide. They were baffled when opening the door to know who had left the package! Mother would do the same usually leaving gifts for us in a shoebox. Somehow it was more exciting than Christmas. I remember one year I was given an umbrella plus other little treats. HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY====JACK: Isn't it fun to remember those days. Did you ever sing the song..."I wish I were a kid again doing all the things I did again?"
For just one day...I'd like that experience to be relived.===BS: I don't remember that song but I still love to do things that we did as children. Today is sunny, a beautiful blue sky and really warm, 50's and so I took a long walk to enjoy snowdrops in the grounds of the Roman Catholic Church here in Poringland. Hundreds of them, beautiful! Did you know that snowdrops represent the Presentation of Christ in the temple and so they were on the altar on Feb03.===JACK: No, I didn't about snowdrops. We have much to learn from one another.
FROM MY LAWYER: Of course. One for each classmate, boys and girls. Brings back memories. ===JACK: Do you remain in touch with any of them? For me? Elementary classmates? Most are now deceased...some at an early age.===ML: Believe it or not, since we’ve been in Florida, for the past 10 years, or so, I’ve reconnected with three women that were in kindergarten with me. There are 17 of us, including we four, that have Sunday brunch together every week. All are from Michigan, most married, some widowed. The men and women sit separately so the guys talk guy talk and vice versa. Bryna’s become friends with each of them.
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Yes, we are so blessed to have loved ones in our lives, and to be loved in return!! I sent out many valentines, to all my "greats" (10 - with "treat" money) and to all our
shut-ins, and some "needy" church friends and a few friends, and my super kids!! HAPPY VALENTINE DAY, JACK, to a fellow MOLINER and a wise "old" school friend! I remember our elementary parties well, as you say, a card for EVERY child and special cupcakes or cookies and drinks! Many, many, years ago! :-( :-)===JACK: Since this day honors the saint named, Valentine, I wondered to myself if there was a saint named, Marilyn. During that search I discovered that Marilyn is a form of the name, Mary. WOW! You have a great heritage. I counted! There are at least 12 Feast Days honoring Marilyn (I mean, Mary).===OAKS: Wow! I'LL HAVE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THAT! ===OAKS: Wow! I'LL HAVE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THAT!
OH, PROBABLY NOT BAPTIST....(OR EVEN METHODIST) I'M OUT! :-( STILL SENDING LOVE YOUR WAY, JACK!===JACK: Isn't it strange that we associate Mary, the mother of Jesus, with the Catholic Church, as though she were a saint for them, exclusively. Have you ever heard a Baptist preacher eulogize Mary from the pulpit as is so often done with St. Peter, St. John and St. Paul?
FROM JB IN OLV: Yes in elementary school we made shoe box valentine's boxes in which our classmates put a valentine card. We were required to bring enough cards so each student received a card from everyone. Since I was a baby boomer...my class had 48 students. So it was a very big deal. Wonderful memories of a simpler time. (for me)===JACK: Yes, simpler times, but kids are kids...Valentine's Day is still special (I think), recess is still fun, and so are Halloween and snow days. I'm sure that Santa Claus still brings a smile.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: What a wonderfully true quote! We decorated boxes for our Valentine’s cards. It was quite the party at school. We also made our Valentine’s cards for our relatives. Happy
Valentine’s Day to you! I hope it invokes many happy memories!!===JACK: With your skill as a scrapbooker, you should be able to create a beautiful Valentine's box. Why not take an oln old shoebox and see what you can come up with...just for the fun of it...and remembering days gone by.
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 2/13/19
“Positive thinking is not about expecting the best to happen every time, but accepting that whatever happens is the best for that moment.” (Lori Schneider) Doris Day sang, Que sera. sera, whatever will be, will be. When the future is in doubt, que sera, sera. Things have a way of working out. This is especially true when we see God at work in our lives. Ralph Abernathy once said, “I may not know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future.” ;-) Jack
FROM QUILTING CAROL: Just received a message from a quilt friend that she’s dying from her cancer. Your message was the next one I read – so true. Her hearing that she is terminal was not what they wanted to hear, but she was given morphine to help with her pain and so far only a small amount is needed to bring her relief. She has been near death several times so she and her husband are prepared for this next journey and know who holds the future for them.===JACK: Unwelcomed News can come to anyone at anytime. Blessed are those who know that God goes with them always, even as they walk through "the valley of the shadow of death." Let this hymn be a comfort to you as you think about your friend..."God be with you 'til we meet again."
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Jan and I used to sing Que Sera....a philosophical outlook, as most of the time one cannot change things that come your way, and a positive outlook does help to resolve hings! N.V. Peale's book "The Power of Positive Thinking" was a positive force in my life, helping me to believe in my talents and abilities as a young woman.. Made a big difference in my life! :-) ===JACK: We may not be able to change everything that comes our way, but decisions we make can determine some directions we take, as in Robert Frost's, The Road Not Taken. For the most part, I'm satisfied with the choices I've made (with God's help). NVP and Schuller influenced me to look for the positives in life. I was careful not to buy into everything that they were selling.
FROM JT IN THE DR: Very opportune as we had problems with our schedule and some rigamyrole to get it straight. All went well and we’ve had another great day ===JACK: Rigamarole? I haven't heard that word in a long time. Looking it up, we both misspelled it. Rigmarole: an elaborate or complicated procedure:
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: God has us in His Hands no matter what happens. He has our stories and we know and look forward to the ending which is our true beginning!===JACK:
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the itty bitty baby in His hands
He's got the itty bitty baby in His hands
He's got the itty bitty baby in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got a-you and me brother in His hands
He's got a-you and me brother in His hands
He's got a-you and me brother in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got a-you and me sister in His hands
He's got a-you and me sister in His hands
He's got a-you and me sister in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
“Positive thinking is not about expecting the best to happen every time, but accepting that whatever happens is the best for that moment.” (Lori Schneider) Doris Day sang, Que sera. sera, whatever will be, will be. When the future is in doubt, que sera, sera. Things have a way of working out. This is especially true when we see God at work in our lives. Ralph Abernathy once said, “I may not know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future.” ;-) Jack
FROM QUILTING CAROL: Just received a message from a quilt friend that she’s dying from her cancer. Your message was the next one I read – so true. Her hearing that she is terminal was not what they wanted to hear, but she was given morphine to help with her pain and so far only a small amount is needed to bring her relief. She has been near death several times so she and her husband are prepared for this next journey and know who holds the future for them.===JACK: Unwelcomed News can come to anyone at anytime. Blessed are those who know that God goes with them always, even as they walk through "the valley of the shadow of death." Let this hymn be a comfort to you as you think about your friend..."God be with you 'til we meet again."
FROM BLAZING OAKS: Jan and I used to sing Que Sera....a philosophical outlook, as most of the time one cannot change things that come your way, and a positive outlook does help to resolve hings! N.V. Peale's book "The Power of Positive Thinking" was a positive force in my life, helping me to believe in my talents and abilities as a young woman.. Made a big difference in my life! :-) ===JACK: We may not be able to change everything that comes our way, but decisions we make can determine some directions we take, as in Robert Frost's, The Road Not Taken. For the most part, I'm satisfied with the choices I've made (with God's help). NVP and Schuller influenced me to look for the positives in life. I was careful not to buy into everything that they were selling.
FROM JT IN THE DR: Very opportune as we had problems with our schedule and some rigamyrole to get it straight. All went well and we’ve had another great day ===JACK: Rigamarole? I haven't heard that word in a long time. Looking it up, we both misspelled it. Rigmarole: an elaborate or complicated procedure:
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: God has us in His Hands no matter what happens. He has our stories and we know and look forward to the ending which is our true beginning!===JACK:
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the itty bitty baby in His hands
He's got the itty bitty baby in His hands
He's got the itty bitty baby in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got a-you and me brother in His hands
He's got a-you and me brother in His hands
He's got a-you and me brother in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got a-you and me sister in His hands
He's got a-you and me sister in His hands
He's got a-you and me sister in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Jack’s Winning Words 2/12/19
“To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart.” (Donald Laird) In Sunday School, when I was a kid, we’d sell crimson heart pins (10 cents each) to raise money for a local orphanage. Using my head, I left before the closing prayer, to go outside and sell to the incoming worshippers before the other kids had a chance. A Bible verse says, “Be wise as serpents.” On 2nd thought, the devil is pictured as a serpent. “Father, forgive me!” ;-) Jack
FROM HONEST JOHN: I think forgiveness is the avenue you should travel for your SCS action! ===JACK: I still have sleep in my eyes (and mind). Explain further. Does SCS mean Sunday Church School? I still use SS, Sunday School.===JOHN: SCS =Sunday Church School===JACK: That never caught on with me. Did you ever sing: "School days, school days, good old Sunday School days?"===JOHN: Don't remember it.....I come from a Sunday School family....my Dad was Superintendent of the Sunday School at the First Presbyterian Church for many years....we went to Sunday School when I was a kid....didn't start going to church until we joined the Immanuel Lutheran Church in EM
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: i marked mine down to nine cents.===JACK: To counter that,, I would have asked if they wanted to upgrade to a quarter to better help the little kids in the orphanage.===LIZ: touche.===JACK: I'm speechless!
FROM RS IN TEXAS: Maybe recognizing that the serpent devil is indeed wise can help keep us on guard as he tempts us on an ongoing basis,===JACK: I think that Satan uses sneakier disguises these days. Sometimes he even appears as a "religious person" or a sweet=talking politician.===RS: I think he's always used those disguises....and others....over the course of time. I still think your approach is best - WWJD. ===JACK: Seriously, What Would Jesus Do about building a wall at our southern border? Maybe only God has answers for the complications...because there are complications, even beyond what we see.===RS: True - Somehow I don't see Jesus building a wall anywhere.===JACK: I like Robert Frost's Mending Wall. A portion of it reads...
Before I built a wall I'd ask to know What I was walling in or walling out,
And to whom I was like to give offence. Something there is that doesn't love a wall,
That wants it down."
FROM QUILTING CAROL:: Wow! You jogged a long time forgotten memory of those little heart pins. I don’t think I would have remembered why we had them. Snowing here again today! Looks like another 4” in the driveway as Bob is snow blowing. We have a coating of ice under it so it isn’t fun shoveling or blowing snow on our inclined driveway. There is a coating of ice on pretty much every surface up here so one must be very careful walking. Bob is wearing cleats on his shoes and they even slide. Thankful that is isn’t -28 or -30 with wind chills added on to that. We’ve experienced that as well this winter. A couple more weeks and we’ll be into March and better signs of spring coming!===JACK: Our weather is similar to yours. BTW, I still have one of those heart pins, but it's worth more than a dime to me...because of the memories that it holds.
FROM GUSTIE MARLYS: No wonder you and Clem got along so well—2 peas in a pod! Ha! ===JACK: Oh, we had fun, especially when we were able to put one over on Clifford. Our brains seemed to be in sync when it came to mischief-making.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: I love it! I had never heard that saying before!===JACK: I see that Laird has written some books...Sizing Up People and Why We Don't Like People are two of them. They sound interesting to me.
“To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart.” (Donald Laird) In Sunday School, when I was a kid, we’d sell crimson heart pins (10 cents each) to raise money for a local orphanage. Using my head, I left before the closing prayer, to go outside and sell to the incoming worshippers before the other kids had a chance. A Bible verse says, “Be wise as serpents.” On 2nd thought, the devil is pictured as a serpent. “Father, forgive me!” ;-) Jack
FROM HONEST JOHN: I think forgiveness is the avenue you should travel for your SCS action! ===JACK: I still have sleep in my eyes (and mind). Explain further. Does SCS mean Sunday Church School? I still use SS, Sunday School.===JOHN: SCS =Sunday Church School===JACK: That never caught on with me. Did you ever sing: "School days, school days, good old Sunday School days?"===JOHN: Don't remember it.....I come from a Sunday School family....my Dad was Superintendent of the Sunday School at the First Presbyterian Church for many years....we went to Sunday School when I was a kid....didn't start going to church until we joined the Immanuel Lutheran Church in EM
FROM RS IN TEXAS: Maybe recognizing that the serpent devil is indeed wise can help keep us on guard as he tempts us on an ongoing basis,===JACK: I think that Satan uses sneakier disguises these days. Sometimes he even appears as a "religious person" or a sweet=talking politician.===RS: I think he's always used those disguises....and others....over the course of time. I still think your approach is best - WWJD. ===JACK: Seriously, What Would Jesus Do about building a wall at our southern border? Maybe only God has answers for the complications...because there are complications, even beyond what we see.===RS: True - Somehow I don't see Jesus building a wall anywhere.===JACK: I like Robert Frost's Mending Wall. A portion of it reads...
Before I built a wall I'd ask to know What I was walling in or walling out,
And to whom I was like to give offence. Something there is that doesn't love a wall,
That wants it down."
FROM QUILTING CAROL:: Wow! You jogged a long time forgotten memory of those little heart pins. I don’t think I would have remembered why we had them. Snowing here again today! Looks like another 4” in the driveway as Bob is snow blowing. We have a coating of ice under it so it isn’t fun shoveling or blowing snow on our inclined driveway. There is a coating of ice on pretty much every surface up here so one must be very careful walking. Bob is wearing cleats on his shoes and they even slide. Thankful that is isn’t -28 or -30 with wind chills added on to that. We’ve experienced that as well this winter. A couple more weeks and we’ll be into March and better signs of spring coming!===JACK: Our weather is similar to yours. BTW, I still have one of those heart pins, but it's worth more than a dime to me...because of the memories that it holds.
FROM GUSTIE MARLYS: No wonder you and Clem got along so well—2 peas in a pod! Ha! ===JACK: Oh, we had fun, especially when we were able to put one over on Clifford. Our brains seemed to be in sync when it came to mischief-making.
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: I love it! I had never heard that saying before!===JACK: I see that Laird has written some books...Sizing Up People and Why We Don't Like People are two of them. They sound interesting to me.
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