Jack’s Winning Words 10/20/20 “Listen!  The wind is rising and the air is wild with leaves.  We’ve had our summer evenings; now for October eves.”  (Humbert Wolfe)  Humbert’s works are somewhat strange.  I wonder why he wrote, The Blind Rose, Reverie of a Policeman  and X at Oberammergau? Wolfe was Jewish, converted to Christianity, but maintained his heritage.  Today’s WWs show his fascination with nature.  He loved Fall’s rustling leaves and crisp air.  I do, too.  Do you?  .  ;-)  Jack  FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  we love Fall too but today we are supposed to get 2 to 4 inches of snow!.  so much for a late Fall.   oh well, there is usually an Indian summer sometime in Oct. or Nov.===JACK:  I wonder if there's a politically correct term is for Indian Summer?  ===SP:  good question.    "Native American warm week"   just doesn't seem to cut it:):):)  ===JACK:  No more playing cowboys and Native Americans, either.===SP:  good point.  what do we do with Indian head pennies??? ===JACK:  Be careful, you're playing in the conservatives band.   FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  Definitely my favorite season.  The colors have been unusually beautiful this Fall.===JACK:  What I DON'T like about Fall...Winter's close behind...but then there comes the beautiful Spring and the nice warm Summer.  I love the changing of the seasons.  Life is something like that. FROM BB IN CHGO:  Definitely love the rustle of the leaves as well as the autumn aroma in the air.  I’ve never read Humbert before; perhaps I will explore later in the day.===JACK:  X at Oberammergau sounds intriguing. FROM BS IN ENGLAND:  Yes, and the beautiful colours. But clearing leaves from the lawns, now, that's  a different  ball game!===JACK:  MacBrown who mows my grass also grinds up the dry leaves and hauls them away...but I remember the days when I raked and when burning leaves was permitted.  I loves the small of the bonfire. FROM STEVE IN WASH:  Yes...and the fog on calmer mornings.===JACK:  Is the fog because you live relatively close to the ocean?===S:  Yes, as a source. Low elevation combined with water vapor from the ocean, gets trapped against the Cascade mountains. The air temperature drops to the dew point regularly in the Fall and Winter months. ===JACK:  I knew that you might have the answer.  FROM TRIHARDER:  Shorter days, no longer cooler nights. Time for nature's wonders to sleep.===JACK:  I don't think that Daylight saving Time affects what goes on as we move from season to season.  "You can't fool Mother Nature.==TH:  It only affects what time we wake up, what time we watch our favorite TV shows and what time we go to sleep===JACK:  Which do you like, EST or EDT or does it make any difference.  I personally prefer ONE time, whatever that may be.===TH:  I don't like the sudden shift of sunlight or darkness to an hour later or earlier on the clock. Most of the things I need to accomplish are in the early hours of the morning when I prefer light over darkness. To that extent, I prefer EST. Buf frankly,  I willingly relent to whatever is for the greater good.===JACK: You're very compliant today. FROM D&K IN CO:  We   love the fall too and we've had a great fall here except for the many fires. Many days they pollute our air so we don't go outside. But we've still had the beauty of fall around us.===JACK:  Amazingly, nature has a way of recovering from the forest fires.  Global warming is another bowl of fish.===D&K:  One fire is very close to Boulder and burned many homes so fast that people lost everything. We see the smoke from that one. The  forest will recover and most people are thankful they are out safe.

 Jack’s Winning Words 10/19/20

“Fight for things you care about, but do it in such a way that will lead others to follow you.”  (Ruth Bader Ginsburg)  I watched the movie, On the Basis of Sex, thinking that it was one thing and finding out that it was something better.  Red or Blue, the women of American owe Ruth Bader Ginsburg a debt of gratitude.  She saw “unfairness” and pursued a solution, in spite of many political roadblocks.  Ruth was an example of a caring leader right to the end.  ;-)  Jack

FROM SF: Amen. RBG...a true hero and role model. ===JACK:  Each generation seems to have such an icon.  A friend in Nova Scotia is currently reading Madeline Albright's book.  She, too, was a remarkable person and an outstanding Secretary of State.

FROM EDUCATOR PAUL:  And... one of her best friends was a legal opponent.. Scalia. I admire her for that, too.===JACK:  In several cases I've read that the enormity of the SCOTUS job causes some justices to modify their view on how cases should be decided.  John Roberts has mellowed.

FROM CZB:  Not just the women of America... ;)===JACK:  OK....I grant you that, but I was not discriminated in the way that women were before RBG...and she would not give up, either.

FROM THE FISH IN NOVA SCOTIA:  I am entranced reading this latest book by Madeleine Albright. Each of you three bccs has an interest in religion, I know at least two of you have interests in politics, and I commend this refreshing book to you, especially Chapter Eleven, “Things Unseen”  As you may know, Madeleine first learned in her early days as US Secretary of State that although she had been raised as a Catholic and became an Episcopal when she married, she hadn’t learned that her family fled Czechoslovakia because they were Jewish. As she said, she can have an ecumenical discussion sitting by herself.  In a constructive and non-cynical way, her book uses her deep knowledge of world politics to inform her view of the impact and positive and negative interactions of world religions including but not limited to the “Abrahamic” religions. (I was going to use the Islamic expression “peoples of The Book” but so far she hasn’t mentioned Zoroastrianism.)  It’s often funny too.   I have it checked out from the Annapolis Library, which purchased it, so although there might be a waiting list it should generally be around for two of you three.===JACK:  Thanks for bringing this book to my attention.  Ruth BG was "a special Person,"  and so was Madeline A.  She was what a US Secretary of State should be...no political hack>  I want to read her book.  I laughed out loud when I read that she could have an ecumenical discussion while sitting by herself.===FISH:  Madeleine Albright included the following thought in several of her many commencement speeches shortly after 9/11: She quoted from Tom Burnett’s call to his wife from Flight 93, realizing that two other hijacked planes had crashed into the WTC: “I know we’re going to die...but some of us are going to do something about it.”  Albright concluded, “We are all mortal. What divides us is the use we make of the time and opportunities we have.”===JACK:  Not to put down RBG, but there were other remarkable women.  Madeline was one of them.

FROM DR J:  Loved the movie and RBG... a legend... grateful for sure!!!===JACK:  Sexism, like racism, was worse in the past than it is now...but there's a long way to go.  Who will be the new RBG< the new MLK Jr? 

FRO ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  Amen to that!! ===JACK:  Both you and I know...and had the experience of...how important it is to get people to follow us as we interpret the theological views of the Church.  It's like starting out with a clean black/white board. 

FROM NORM'S BLOG:  Martin Luther King Jr fought for things that he cared deeply about in such a manner that many others followed him. Mahatma Gandhi was the same kind of leader, fighting for the freedom in which he believed.  You have probably known or known about other leaders who demonstrated or fought for things that they cared deeply about and attracted the following of others. The American Labor Movement was full of early pioneers who lead the fight for better pay and working conditions. The recently celebrated Suffragette Movement that resulted in women being granted the right to vote was another success story, although not originally an American movement (see Wikipedia from which came this - . The term refers in particular to members of the British Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), a women-only movement founded in 1903 by Emmeline Pankhurst, which engaged in direct action and civil disobedience.).  More recently, we have seen groups taking to the street to protest the killing of black people by police with the Black Lives Matter movement and counter protests, which gave rise to groups like the Proud Boys. In the midst of all of the protests, groups like Qanon and Antifa have taken advantage of the resulting chaos to foment their vision of anarchy. In all of those groups, there are leaders who are succeeding in getting others to follow their vision of the future, albeit some are very distorted or hate-filled directions. I’m sure that is not what RBG had in mind.  The current political campaigns (which thankfully will soon be over) are certainly example of the two sides both trying to fight for what they believe in and to attract followers. Both sides engage in negative ads as well as those that serve to encourage people to follow their lead. Were a casual observer from another world to sit and watch the political ads on TV for a day they might conclude that no matter which side wins the world is doomed. The messages aren’t so much about “here’s where I want to lead you” as they are about “follow those other guys and America will end up as either a Socialist state or a Fascist state, but in a bad state no matter what. The messages are not so much about a vision of better times ahead if one side wins, as they are a forecast of eminent disaster if the other side wins.===JACK:  I'm tired of the epithets.  Show me by your actions.  Let your words take legs.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  She is respected, if not loved, internationally!  And certainly that is the key  to success; Tact, persistence, listening to others with civility, and then presenting your case with humor and wit, and deadly accuracy!  Who indeed can take her place?!  she so wanted to live to see a different President elected. I mourn that she didn't!  I wonder what the title of Madeline A.'s new book is ? I hadn't heard of it!  There are many more women running for office now than in previous elections! I'm sure 'she need to raise millions of dollars is a big deterrent to many who could have been astute leaders in government! :-(===JACK:  It was not meant to be that Ruth should hang on for political purposes.  I think that God is still in control and we play the cards we are dealt.  The world goes on.  As for madeline, her book is "Hell and Other Destinations."  Great reviews.

FROM SHALOM JAN:  It was not meant to be that Ruth should hang on for political purposes.  I think that God is still in control and we play the cards we are dealt.  The world goes on.  As for madeline, her book is "Hell and Other Destinations."  Great reviews.===JACK:  I'm awaiting the time when we can simply recognize people as people for what they accomplish.  It's a putdown to say, "...and she was a woman."

 

 

 

 Jack’s Winning Words 10/16/20

“When you forgive, you live.  When you let go, you grow.”  (Sent by Sandi)  INC. magazine published an article on How to Be a Better Person.  Practice forgiveness was one suggestion.  Be open to change was another.  Others: Let go of anger - Be honest - Listen to what’s being said -  Be polite and respectful - and there were more.  The point is that we’ve all made mistakes.  If we want to grow beyond our failings and be a better person, it begins with action on our part.  :-)  Jack 

FROM LBP:  Was talking to my pastor a year back about slights that had nagged me for years. She asked me, do you think God forgives you? Do you forgive yourself? Me?!? That stopped me short. What she was hearing was my hang up wasn’t as much the offense toward me but my response to it. Got to forgive and let go of my own slips too.===JACK:  I don't know if you've heard of such a thing as flypaper.  We can be the most loving and kind person, but sometimes it's so hard to practice what we preach.  Things we should let go of hang on like a fly to flypaper.  "All we have sinned and fallen short."  I t reminds me of the pious lady who prayed at the Ladies Aid..."O Lord, forgive my falling shorts."

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  "Love grows when a fault is forgiven.”  Proverbs 17:9===JACK:  One of my favorite Bible books is Proverbs, but I can't remember reading 17:9, at least in that translation.  It's a good one.

FROM NORM'S BLOG:  Letting go. Forgiving. Listening. Being polite and respectful. These are all conscious efforts, but they are not efforts that you must do alone. In the business world there is the concept of having an accountability partner – someone with whom you agree to be completely honest and who agrees to hold you accountable for the things that you commit to do. They make sure that you make the effort to reach the goals that you have shared with them.  In life, one may also have an accountability partner, someone that you trust completely with your life’s secrets; however, I submit that we already have that partner – God. If we are honest with ourselves and God about wanting to be a better person by doing all of the things listed above, then we must hold ourselves accountable to God for what we have accomplished and what we have left undone. We do that through daily prayer, because that is the time when we open ourselves up to God and hold our lives up to His light. It may well be that the thing that we often think of as our conscience – that little voice that we hear inside our head that tells us the difference between right and wrong – is really the voice of God holding us accountable. We know when we haven’t made the effort, because that little voice admonishes us.===JACK:  The ultimate accountability is when we stand before God's judgment seat and we find out that our works have not been enough...that we have to rely on the mercy (grace) of God.  I can't do enough.  There's a song..."My God and I."  God is my partner.  

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  a very good one today,  Jack.  thanks!===JACK:  IMO, a good one fits my needs and causes me to think positively.

FROM GOOD DEBT JON:  You can't pursue a credible future while dragging the past.  No part of your past is more dangerous to your health than unforgiveness or constant prejudging of others' motives. ===JACK:  Yes, it's not good to rely too much on the past...but, since "the past" is responsible for much of who we are today, we can accent the positive and e-lim-i-nate the negative and move on to be a better person.===JON:  Agreed, as I recall in GDBD, I wrote, “Use the past as a reference library, not a place to dwell.  Draggin, around a carpetbag of old grievances, makes life very diffi===JACK:  I like the carpetbag visual.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Which is one of the reasons I would never vote for Trump!!!  He's amoral, a bully, ignorant in handling relationships and working with stafF, etc etc etc.  Never has said, I'm sorry, I  was wrong...:-( !!===JACK:  What would cause you to forgive him?===OAKS:   Certainly nothing he's done so far...although his life doesn't personally impact mine. He just appalls and offends me...daily ! ===JACK:  Not to denigrate what you've written, but WWJD?

 

Jack’s Winning Words 10/15/20 “The least I can do is speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves.”  (Jane Goodall)  Chimps do have voices that most of us don’t understand, but Jane does and has given her life to speaking up on their behalf.  There are people who, for some reason, can’t speak for themselves and are being taken advantage of.  Let’s be thankful for the “Jane Goodalls” who speak for them.     Call these “Janes,” do gooders, but I think that world is better off because of them.  ;-)  Jack FROM SF:  We just watched a Netflix documentary called “Crip Camp”. I think that you and Joan will really appreciate it. It’s about a group of handicapped kids who go to summer camp each year and eventually become activists for the passage of Section 504 of the ADA. It is an amazing story. Sad that it took so long to pass and that it required such a strenuous journey. Inspiring people who found their collective voice and used it for good.===JACK:  Some people think that Jane is nuts, that people who care about the voiceless are quacks.  IMO, the world is a better place because of them.  FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  Does that include the unborn babies?===JACK:  That's an interesting question and deserves more than a YES or NO answer.  Good people are Pro-Life and good people are Pro-Choices.  Does one group have the right to choose that which affects the whole group?  The issue involves religious views, medical views and should "a questionable" law be passed that affects all?  I know that I've been dancing around the issue, but I do so, because there seems to be no clear-cut solution.  I'm satisfied to let those who want to avoid abortion do so (Let Catholic Hospitals refuse to perform the procedure).  Roe v. Wade is contentious.  Repealing that law would be contentious, too.  In a land of free speech, let religious groups and all persons express their views.  Speaking for the unborn is something some do, but others do not consider that to be the issue. ===OJ:   I truly can’t imagine anyone...especially Christians, can condone abortion at birth. It’s unimaginable!  Abortion is an abomination at anytime but this late term abortion is just plain murder.  I know of three couples who would take any of these babies.===JACK:  That's one of the issues that is open for ethical discussion.  Not all Pro-Choice believe it's black & white...where to draw the line...but most P-Cs believe that it is not something to be decided by a group of politicians.===[OJ:  It had been decided but not by politicians.  But by the Word of God===JACK:  But, the Bible is the book of the Christians and Jews, just part of America.  BTW< speaking for the voiceless, how about those who choose to be vegan?  I have grandchildren who are vegetarian/vegan for that very reason.   FROM BLAZING OAKS:  iF IT WAS CRAZIER THAN NOW, I WASN'T AWARE!! THE WHOLE WORLD IS A MESS!!! :-(===JACK:  Think back....to the 60s...Viet Nam protests...Kent State...the assassinations of Jack and Bobby Kennedy and MLK Jr. and you saw what happened during peaceful protest.  I guess sometimes the tummy ache we have NOW seems more painful that the toothache we had years ago.  ...just some rambling as I think back.===OAKS:  i GUESS i WAS TOO BUSY RAISING A FAMILY AND DOING MY CHURCH WORK TO DWELL ON THESE THINGS, BUT OF COURSE WE MARCHED FOR AND WITH /DR. KING, AND I ILL NEVER FORGET JACK KENNEDY'S ASSASINATION...i WAS IN THE DENTIST'S CHAIR (HE BELONGED TO OUR DIXON CHURCH, AND WAS NOT A FAN OFKENNEDY,) SO I WAS DEVASTATED, and HIS COMMENT WAS, "WELL THAT'S NOT THE WAY TO DO THINGS IN AMERICA" BUT HE'S NO BIG LOSS, IN MY OPINION! "   NOW THAT I KNOW ALL THE IMMORAL THINGS THAT WENT ON DURING HIS ADMINISTRATION, WITH AFFAIRS, ETC. HE DOESN'T HOLD SUCH A HIGH REGARD  IN MY OPINION!===JACK:  I was referring to "the state of the country then, as compared to now.  Today is not necessarily the worst.  The Great Depression and WW 2 days, in their own way, were worse than today...or just as bad....and, with regard to affairs, Donald probably could teach Jack a few things.

 Jack’s Winning Words 10/14/20

“Personally, I’m always ready to learn, although I do not like being taught.”  (Churchill)  One of my favorite NPR programs is Ask Dr Science, who states “I’m not a real doctor, but I have a Master’s Degree in Science”.  In a humorous way, I’ve learned about kidney stones, celiac disease and vaccines.  Usually, we enjoy learning when the teaching is enjoyable.  Did you ever have a “fun” teacher?  ;-)  Jack

FROM GOOD DEBT JON:  Yes, in my MBA program (2008) Niccole Chandler Hyatt Ph.D. she was finishing her Ph.D. and now is encouraging me still. Good people are good people across the spectrum of life.  She moved to Savannah but we still zoom. She's sort of a unofficial mentor for me in my Ph.D studies now. We catch up by Zoom video.   I had several fantastic grade school teachers along the way too.===JACK:  Thanks for mentors who challenge us to keep on learning.  "The pandemic" has introduced me to Zoom (speakers for our Optimist Club - church services - Saturday chat each week with two close friends - family gathering from multiple states.  While Google isn't the best and most accurate, it helps satisfy my curiosity.  

FROM LBP:  I’ve had engaging teachers over the years. Now I try to be one of them. My latest thought experiment is how to bring what I’ve learned about teaching to adult learners into the area of faith formation.===JACK:  I read someplace that "Faith is caught, not taught."  I loved teaching confirmation classed, but I'd do it differently today. 

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  i loathed school...===JACK:  I'm sorry to hear that.  You must have gone to the same school as Churchill.===LIZ:  i think we both were prolly bored to tears bc it did not interest us, nor did it move along at our pace.  i went to private school mostly, which was waaay better than public. i liked the people and the architecture... st katharine’s in dport, graduated from the villa. ===JACK:  I think that it's the teacher, rather than the school, that makes being taught, fun.  Were your teachers mostly nuns?  I know of children who went to 1-room schools...enjoyed it and got a great education.  I seem to remember that you got a great education at home, too.===LIZ:  st katharine’s was episcopal, but not when i went there. there were episcopal nuns in my mother’s day. the villa had nuns... mostly very kind souls. i did not like that the catholic girls made fun of them.   school felt like jail... boring, LET ME OUT!===JACK:  I was a clock watcher.

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  Dr. Roy Harrisville at Luther Seminary was a hoot!   Taught N T theology... ===JACK:  G. Everett Arden would dramatically act out Biblical stories...Like Abraham and Isaac and the altar.  "Dad, where's the lamb for the sacrifice?  Why are you looking at me that way?  What?  You want me to climb on those rocks?"

FROM WILLMAR REV:  Good question? One to ponder. More so when back in the classrooms of earlier years. ===JACK:  What was your hardest class in school?  Mine was math.===REV:  High School-- Geometry!! I even dropped it. Being from Kansas and dealing only in square dimensions, I couldn't get in my head how that course could help me? ===JACK:  Farm boys have to know how to figure out bushels per acre...or something like that.

FROM SHOP TEACHER DAN:  I always tried to make learning fun. Dan===JACK:  I spent many hours in "shop," most of them in the drafting room.  In fact, after graduation that was the direction I was headed until I got the call to become a pastor.  In shop I liked woodworking best and often thought that I would like to have a lathe.  Machine shop was OK, but not a favorite.===DAN:  That is the reason I became a drafting teacher. One of my students Mike McCoy loved wood shop.  He started his on business Coy Construction ===JACK:  At times the twists and turns of life are fascinating.  It's almost as though God is there pulling the strings.

FROM TAMPA SHIRL:  I love to learn and I love being taught!===JACK:  What Life-Long Learning classes have you taken lately....or what ones were especially interesting to you?

 Jack’s Winning Words 10/13/20

“Running Cross Country is the closest man will ever get to flying.”  (Joseph Vanderstel)  Olympic running champion, Paavo Nurmi, was called “The Flying Finn,” so I guess x-country is close to flying.  During the Civil Rights Movement of the 60s, Malcom Boyd wrote a book of prayers, “Are You Running With Me, Jesus?”  As I “fly/race” through life, it’s a comfort to know that I have Jesus by my side.  If you ever feel that life is turning into a rat race, remember that you’re not running the race alone ;-)  Jack

FROM NORM'S BLOG:  The description of Boyd’s book of prayers describes the era in which he wrote it as the “turbulent 60’s”. Having lived through those turbulent times, I reflected upon the events that were taking place that warranted that label. There was the assignation of JFK and later his brother RFK, the whole hippie movement and the drug scene, the Viet Name War and the antiwar protesting as highlights of the nightly news. I guess it was a turbulent time. Perhaps the times that we are currently in will someday be called the turbulent 2020’s .It is comforting to know that as one runs/flies through life, they do not have to do it alone. Jesus is right there running with us. There are many time that I now look back upon and thank Jesus for saving my bacon by being there with me. At the time I may have just thought that it was a fortuitous coincidence that I was spared some calamity, but upon reflection I can see the hand of God in my life, keeping me safe in time of potential peril. Even in times when something bad did happen, I can recall the comfort that I was able to find in my faith. I was not alone. There is a well known poet, “Footprints in the Sand” by  Mary Stevenson that serves to illustrate the importance of running with Jesus in our lives. There will be many times in anyone’s life where they will need to be carried by Jesus through the hard times – were their faith will provide the only shelter in the storms.  Few of us are runners and even fewer are cross-country or distance runners, yet all of us have the ability to experience the exhilaration of flying that Vanderstel alluded to in his quote. Believe in Him. Run with Him.  Let your soul fly with Jesus.===JACK: While the pandemic and the current political situation seem to be "once in a lifetime," you speak of the 60s and the "once ion a lifetime" that hbappened then...are there more of these kinds of events in store for us?  Who knows?  What we do know is that we are not alone.  We run the course of life with a partner by our side.  O...I forgot the TV series, the Flying Nun.  But, that was mmake blieve.

FROM SHALOM JAN:  When I tire of the rat race, it also helps me to remember that I am not a rat.  I am a beloved child of God.  You are, too.  Thank you for Winning Words!===JACK:  Speaking of rats (not political), I remember a book...Who Stole My Cheese?  I'll be Googling back to see what it's about.  I have a curiosity that calls to be satisfied.  Have a good day.

FROM ME IN NEWPORT BEACH:  Nice.  Spoke w cousin Joanie Gennrich yesterday and we always remember you in the most positive of ways===JACK:  Have you ever heard the expression about coming from "good stock?"  You and Joanie come from good stock.  I think I know what that means, but I'm curious enough to look it up.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  I loved that book...lost track of it years ago! :-(  Yes, it's a comfort to know our Lord is with us in this  crazy time!!!===JACK:  The 60s were a crazy time, too,,,maybe crazier.  Do you remember Kent State.  It was akso a time when DJT discovered that he had bone spurs.

FROM LBP:  Occasionally I dream that I have the ability to fly. In those dreams I usually discover I have an innate low G buoyancy and can float or bound about. How about you?===JACK:  In fact, I've had some weird dreams (Actually, I've recorded some of them in a notebook), but none of them have involved flying of any sort.

 Jack’s Winning Words 10/12/20

“Although we are in different boats, you in your boat and we in our canoe, we share the same river of life.”  (Chief Oren Lyons)  Lyons is a Red Power advocate for indigenous rights.  In this quote he points out that while we all have differences in size, shape, and color, we come from a common source.  I don’t expect an end to racial divide in my lifetime, but I appreciate the work of those who are trying to lessen the differences.  Are there friends of yours who float in a different boat?  ;-)  Jack 

FROM SF:  Yes, and I am having trouble reconciling a friendship with those who ascribe to values that I oppose and even find sickening. I have always believed that one’s beliefs define one’s values and character. So to support someone who is peddling hate, violence, greed, and divisiveness is contrary to someone I can call a friend. Those people are creating dangerous, even deadly rapids in my peaceful river. How do you handle this? Really struggling. ===JACK:  I don't know that my friends and I agree on every issue.  In fact, some of my best conversations with friends have been over issues.  I met a woman recently who was a Vikings fan and said (sternly) , "I could NEVER have married a Green Bay Packer fan!"  During this political season and the past four years....our personal value system has been tested.  I can understand moral and even immoral behavior, but amoral frightens me.  Narcissism is a personality quality that turns me off.  I choose friends carefully, and I hope that they do also.

FROM BB IN CHGO:  Very nice.  Episcopal writer Barbara Brown Taylor uses a similar illustration in her book Holy Envy about teaching “world religions”  to college students.  She says we may dip into the stream from both sides of the bank or into the ocean from different places but it’s the same Source/water.  She also mentions that Christianity (for her) is the place to which she always returns and calls home.  In her mind, exploring the beliefs and practices of other faiths has increased her own rather than diminishing or diluting her practice.  Hmmm.===JACK:  I've been reading Taylor's book and like it a lot.  I've always been one to think that God is bigger than the compartments we try to stuff Him into.  I happen to have chosen Christianity because of the circumstances of birth...and because, as an adult, it helps me to better "know" the "unknowable."

FROM PROUD MARY:  Thankful to have friends in all different styles of boats and floats.✌🏼❤️🏄🏽‍♀️🚣⛴⛵️🚤🛶===JACK:  ...and sometimes you're bold enough NOT to go with the flow.===PM:  or to rock the boat..===JACK:  I remember that it was fun to rock the boat and to hear the screams..

FROM NORM'S BLOG:  . It is easy to conjure up mental images of boats of all type, sizes and color floating or motoring along the vast river of life. One can even imagine clusters of people floating along on inner tubes (perhaps those are the retirees). But it's harder to imagine being swept along by the river with nothing, no canoe or boat, not even an inner tube; but, that is the fate of the homeless. They are still there, in the river that the rest of us are on, but with no support at all. Perhaps they are just floating on the surface or maybe frantically dog paddling to keep afloat.  There is a tendency to try to ignore those people, lumping them in with the debris that we may also see floating in the river; however, we really can’t ignore the fact that, “there but for the grace of God go I.” They are other human beings; members of our tribe of humans who need and deserve our help. We cannot sweep them under the rug or pretend that they are not there, in the river with us. There may not be room in your boat for another rider; but perhaps there is a spare life vest in your boat that you could toss to them to help. If you look, you may find that there are programs already in place in your area to provide some assistance and help to the homeless. If so, maybe you can volunteer in those programs or at least contribute to them.===JACK:  Whose boat is really the best boat.  It depends on different things.  Is it the safest?  Is it the one that provides the most fun, or the most relaxation.  Mainly, I want a river that takes me to a destination...place or expected experience.

FROM GOOD DEBT JON:  I have friends that float on driftwood or even homemade rafts.  The bigger our boats, the more we can help.  The size of our boat also is influenced by the countenance of the captain.  I like the Dali Lama’s admonition, “Be kind when possible, and it’s always possible.”  The boat is not constructed only by physical material but by everything we are.===JACK:  ...and sometimes hurricanes like come along and our boat can be battered.  But, you're right!  It's good to have a captain that you can trust.  The Dali is one.  There are others, too.  I like the story of Jesus and the disciples in a boat on the Sea of Galilee.  Suddenly a storm came up which frightened the disciples.  Jesus said, "Peace, be still!"  The storm stilled...or was it the fear of the disciples that was stilled.  Suffice to say....we are all in different boats floating in the same water.  I want a captain, whoever that might be, that knows his stuff. 

FROM WILLMAR REV:  The river is pretty saturated, especially here in America!! 0;-)===JACK:  Which boat has the right of way?   Are the rules determined by vote?

FROM NRUTHC:  Good morning, Jack:  I’ve just gotten used to “black lives matter” and you introduce me to Chief Oren Lyons, a Red Power advocate for indigenous rights.  Where did you learn about him? ===JACK:  I was looking for a quote for Indigenous People's Day (instead of using a typical Columbus Day quote) and came across this one by a contemporary "chief."  Typically we think about chiefs in the Wild West, forgetting that the Native Americans still exist.  As Americans, we should be "ashamed" of ourselves for the way we have treated the first Americans.  In fact, we should be ashamed of our racism of ANY kind.

FROM SMT:  This is the America I believe in...We can have differences and still be civil.===JACK:  That's the attitude I bel;eve in, too.   Out with all of the "phobias." 

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  Those boats pretty well let it known who they feel has the right away. I’ve noted in recent years the vote doesn’t weigh in as deeply as in earlier years.!?.!? ===JACK:  In the movie, Caddyshack, I recall Rodney Dangerfield speeding in his yacht with horn blowing and causing chaos in the water.  His behavior sort of reminds me of the Leader of the Free World....In the movie, it was funny.  In real life, dangerous.

 Jack’s Winning Words 10/8/20

“The loudest one in the room is the weakest one in the room.”  (Denzel Washington)  In the  movie, American Gangster, DW would “be loud” when he had lots of problems and “be quiet” when problems were few.  Don’t assume that loud is strong and quiet is weak.  Some of the strongest people I know are unassuming…and I tend to shy away from the braggart.  What’s  been your experience?  Is there someone who you consider to be a quietly strong person?  ;-)  Jack 

FROM THE FISH IN  NOVA SCOTIA:  I’ve previously mentioned my favorite prof, Gen. Georges F. Doriot. He was physically tiny and spoke quietly but had the complete attention and silence of around 85 strong-willed MBA students.===JACK:  I had a professor like that in seminary...and I learned so luch from him...like,  "when it comes to God, you can't unscrew the inscrutable."

FROM RS IN TEXAS:  Mother Theresa comes to mind.===JACK:  I heard that she did have an "outside voice" and would use it once in a while..===RS:  Yes...otherwise most of us would have heard (and probably did hear) less of her than we hear of Hollywood celebrities and sports stars.  Instead of  "Keeping up With the Kardashians" it might have been better to have had "MT's Compassion in Action."===JACK:  As the saying goes, "Actions speak louder than words."

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  Love Denzel but I disagree.  Sometimes the one who’s the loudest is just trying to be heard.===JACK:  Interesting!  As a mother n(or as a wife), have you ever yelled?  I'd be surprised to hear that you are ALWAYS meek and mild.===OJ:  I yelled a lot.  Coming from a family of 5 kids, if you didn’t let yourself be known you’d miss out.  As a mom I tried not too yell but I did when I had to.  Sometimes you had to make yourself known.  Walk softly but carry a big stick. ===JACK:  At the State Fair, did you ever enter the "Husband Calling" contest?

FROM BLAZING OAKS:   My husband rarely raised his voice but when he did you'd better listen ! All he had to do was  quietly withhold his approval, and our kids paid attention!  He was never a "paddler" ; he didn't have to lay a hand on them, ever, but they'd always strive to make him proud of  them! I remember an old Bible School teacher (It was a 2 wk. session of Bible School, which met in an elementary school in Moline!) who was so quiet, but very loving in her manner, who had a real influence on me at that time. I was about 10-11.She was old, and not particularly attractive in looks, but we all adored her! I can picture her; but can't recall her name! :-(===JACK: I can't truly recall, but I think that with passage of time there has been more and more of an emphasis on beauty.  Do you recall ever asking your mom if you were pretty?  ...or which of the twins was the smarter?===BO:   No, I don't. Jan in later years made the comment "You were always the pretty one"! I was stunned as we had never discussed our looks! She could always make me laugh when I got mad at her!  she was more creative than I writing programs and===JACK:  When doing your hair, did you ever try "Which twin has the Toni?"===BO:  Yes! We gave each other Toni perms! I think we were in Jr. high...ions . Our grades were always identical, except for a very few times, so think we had comparable "smarts", and we always enjoyed being together!

FROM SK IN SJ:  My Sister-in-law! Lynnell.  She was really a busy lady and managed her household well. She didn’t feel the need to brag about herself or her children. Her 3 boys are doing well. Sadly, she passed away last November at only 65 yrs. of age! It’s been a hard year for my Brother, Jim! They had many retirement plans which will not happen. Anyway a good lesson to learn! 😊===JACK:  Is it any wonder that the book, "WHY DO BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE?" was a best seller?  Lynnell sounds like one of those good people.  The Bible says that our days are numbered and that we should be ready for "God's Heaven" at any time.  

FROM NORM' S BLOG:  There is an old Zen saying, “Be afraid of the quiet ones. They are the ones who actually think.”  Why should you be afraid of those who actually think? Because that thinking is sometimes turned into planning and then into action. The men planning to kidnap Michigan’s Governor are an example, although they weren’t the brightest bulbs on the tree. The quiet thinkers take the time to consider alternative courses of action and choose one most likely to assure success. They also plot a cover for their actions in an attempt to escape blame; especially should their actions fail to achieve the goal. Many times the loud take action without thinking and their unplanned actions oft go awry.  But, enough about the bad people. What about those who are quiet, but not bad. Taking the time to quietly think before acting or before speaking strengthens that person in the eyes of others. They may become known for being well spoken because they think about their words before they speak or they may be considered to be level headed because they do not rush into action before thinking. If you watched how former President Barack Obama spoke, especially when answering a question; you could tell that he was thinking about both the answer and the correct words to use. He did not speak in Tweets.===JACK:  "Bombastic" is an appropriate word to describe a loudmouth.  I remember a segment from The Honeymooners where  Jackie Gleason says: "You've got a bigggg mouth."  I liked that show.    

 

 

 Jack’s Winning Words 10/7/20

“I reject any religious doctrine that does not appeal to reason and is in conflict with morality.”  (Gandhi)  Do you know Gandhi’s religion?  Does it matter?  He’s honored for how he lived.  I’ve come to think that religion is defined more by how we live, rather than by what we say. The story is told of a family whose young child died tragically.  The next Sunday they were in church.  A little boy, sitting behind them nudged his mom.  “They really do believe, don’t they?”  ;-)  Jack

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  for me, the litmus test for all religions is how well do they and we love each other...==JACK:  Litmus test?  That's chemistry.  For me, it 's how do "they" answer the question, "Who is my neighbor?"

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  WELL, I HOPE SO!  GANDHI READ THE NT EVERY DAY, IT'S BEEN SAID, BUT HE NEVER BECAME A CHRISITIAN, DUE TO THE WAY HE WAS TREATED WHEN HE TRIED TO GO TO CHURCH IN AMERICA AND WAS TOLD THAT THE CHURCH FOR 'HIS KIND' WAS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF TOWN! OR SO THE STORY;;GOES, ANYWAY.. HE CERTAINLY CHANGED HIS WORLD BY PASSIVE RESISTANCE!!!===JACK:  I would not see Gandhi becoming Christian (or any other religion).  He lived his religion.  That was the point that I was trying to make today.  I think that some of the "churches" have strayed too far from the teachings of Jesus..  WWJD? is a goood question to ask.

 Jack’s Winning Words 10/6/20

“The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn’t being said.”  (Peter Drucker)  As many are monitoring the condition of POTUS as he is being treated for COVID 19, we listen for unspoken messages.  In any communication, at the hospital, at work or in the home, we need to be aware of what’s behind the words.  This is especially so as husbands and wives, parents and children, a nation and its leadership…even as God and His people interact.  ;-)  Jack

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  so true, Brother...===JACK:  I hear you!===SP:  glad to hear this news.  do you wear hearing aids?===JACK:  I used to make fun of my elders, too.===SP:  as the old saying goes:  how did i arrive at old age so soon??===JACK:  Just stay around long enough to keep on having birthdays...and pretty soon, there you are!  

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  That's probably true. We should give what's being said   giving  more thought than most do! Something to be aware of,  d hone our skills! Never too late to improve is it?~!

===JACK:  What is God saying to me today?  Are you familiar with the religious song...Listen, Listen God is calling?===OAKS:  That one doesn't sound familiar===JACK: An African song in the ELCA hymnal  You can Youtube it for the melody  

Listen, God is Calling (Neno lake Mungu)

Refrain:  Listen, listen, God is calling, through the Word inviting,  offering forgiveness, comfort, and joy.

1. Jesus gave his mandate: share the good news that he came to save us and set us free.  Refrain

2. Let none be forgotten throughout the world. In the trune name of God go and baptize.  Refrain

3. Help us to be faithful, standing steadfast, walking in your precets, led by your Word.  Refrain

FROM NORM'S BLOG:  Most of us look for signs when communicating, to try to discern what is really being said. We may look at the eyes of the speaker or how they are holding themselves. We also listen to the tempo and timber of their voice, looking for signs of distress, fear or anger. We are searching for those non-verbal clues that help us understand what we are hearing. One of the fascinating things about the TV show The Voice is that the four stars who are listening and choosing singers for their teams don’t get to see them until they turn their chairs. Quite often, they are surprised when they turn around. They are judging the singers purely on the sound of their voice. I also recall the look of total shock on the faces of the judges when Susan Boyle started to sing on America’s Got Talent. They had all prejudged her based on her appearance and speaking voice. Many of us fall into that trap when we prejudge people on their appearance, especially when we let race creep into our judgements.===JACK:  I would hate to be a real judge...altho I practice judging every day.  I've got to learn to be more careful doing that.

 Jack’s Winning Words 10/5/20

“The last great freedom of man is the freedom to choose his attitude under any given set of circumstances.”  (Victor Frankl)  Forget about freedom to wear or not wear a mask, freedom to own or not own a gun.  The freedom I appreciate the most is the freedom to control my attitude.  I’m refusing to let “someone else” determine how I feel.  I didn’t listen to the debate.  I’ve already voted, so I mute the ads.  Try thinking “good thoughts” this week and feel the difference.  ;-)  Jack

 FROM MD IN FL:  I like this one. It is very easy to get distracted and irritated by things that you can t control and really don't make that much difference. Like you I will exercise my freedom to live a happy life.  Let's hope that those we trust to lead us protect and preserve all of our freedoms.===JACK:  I dislike being manipulated.  One of the great gifts of life is "free will."===MD:  Ok strike the last sentence. Not my intent to offend. Still like the post. Have a great day.===JACK:  No need to delete.  You and I are on the same page.  That's why I like face-to-face over e-mail.  Immediate clarification. ===MD:  I am always learning. Just when I thought that the key to happiness is within me, I discover now that a boost from a friend is essential. I was not happy thinking that I might have offended you. Thanks for clearing that up.===JACK:  Facebook abbreviation fits here: BFF

FROM SF STILL IN WB:  Frankl was a remarkable man.===JACK:  What makes someone remarkable?  Are we self-made?  The people we meet?  Our experiences?  Our heritage?  How come you are the person you are?===SF:   WHAT A GREAT QUESTION!!!!! Thinking about those that were (or are) great in my mind (you) and also where I aspire to be...compassion, resilience, humility, selflessness, appreciation, joyfulness, forgiveness...How about you!?  I am going to post this question on FB and see what others think ===JACK:  My life has been affected mainly by people I've met and experiences I've had.  You have a place among the people I've met...and living in a religiously diverse community has certainly positively affected by search for an understanding of G-d.===SF:  Laughing out loud now! My swearing used to be seldom, but has escalated since 2016, when I predicted solely on the Hollywood Access tapes were released. “Holy sh*t...this man will never be our president.” Hmmmm...===JACK:  "Oooooo, Mrs F, what did you just say?  I'm going to tell mom."

FROM NORM'S BLOG:  We often hear the term “moral compass” these days, used to describe an internal sense of right and wrong that is seemingly lacking in some. I prefer to think of this innate ability to discern that right thing to do to be based more upon a solid foundation of faith. One must have the solid footing of faith to stand upon or else be constantly out of balance on the shifting sands of fear, uncertainty and doubt. If one starts from that solid foundation of faith, then choosing the attitude with which to face challenges in life becomes much easier. A person of faith starts with the phrase in mind from Romans 8:31 -  “If God is for us, who could be against us?” One can easily see how that is a solid foundation from which to build a positive attitude.===JACK:  The year 2020 has been a year for testing our faith, our basic beliefs.  I have found that to be a renewing experience.  I'm at peace (sort of).

FROM OPTYMATT:  I read “Man’s Search for Meaning” in college and it had a profound effect on my life. I just bought two copies and gave them to my son and daughter. Great book!===JACK:  What a great gift to give to a child...a book that expands their mind and helps to mold their thought.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  A Quote from Dr. Patch Adams (Who often dresses as a clown on his rounds with kids at the hospital): "I made up my mind never to have another bad day in my life.  I dove into a sea of gratitude from which I've never emerged!"  There is always SOMETHING to be thankful for, hopefully, so we can try to keep an attitude of gratitude, no matter the  Covid virus (!), the chaotic government situation, or a family rough patch. There is plenty these days to pull you "down", so choosing our attitude under the given set of circumstances IS crucial. Good quote to keep in mind! ===JACK:  I tell my friends that "it works!"  When I find myself bogged down with negative thoughts - I do like Maria did in the Sound of Music - I substitute good thoughts - and it's not so bad.

FROM CF IN KH:  Thank you for your Winning Words everyday in my email inbox.  Many times they help me see, realize or contemplate something I hadn’t been thinking about.  Every once in a while it’s something I don’t agree with or think should have been worded differently but I appreciate them as they make me think everyday.  I also share the most pertinent ones with my daughters.  On that note, you should never quit paying attention.  You state you have already voted so you turn off the ads, don’t watch the debates and I’m surmising aren’t paying much attention to information that may involve the candidates and could have affected your vote.  If you are in Michigan and have already voted, that means you have voted absentee.  Unlike “Vote By Mail”, when you vote by Absentee you can change your vote right up until 4pm the day before the election, you just have to request of the local clerk to Spoil Your Ballot and vote over. (I’m sure there are different rules in different states, I’m only talking about Michigan).  So you should never quit paying attention.  You never know when one candidate or the other may do something so great or something so disqualifying may come out against one of them that you will want to change your vote.  I just don’t want everyone that reads your Winning Words to think that once you have sent in your absentee ballot it is all over and you should quit paying attention.  We need to be ever vigilant with our politicians, even after our vote is in.===JACK:   Thanks for you lengthy, well thought-out response.  I pride myself in knowing lots of people ande listening to lots of opinions.  I need to make it a point to get to know you...not to change any opinions, but to just sit down and become better acquainted.  To further explain my voting...I take seriously my ONE vote and certainly don't cast it as a robot.  Some candidates I know personally and vote up/down accordingly.  When I vote early, it's a sign that last-minute aren't going to change my mind.  I was beginning to feel oppressed by "the news."  It disturbed my sleep.  It kept me from enjoying the beauty of life.  It was even causing me to think lesser of some of my friends.  So, enough of that.  I am not totally turned off.  I know that the President has the virus.  I still wear a mask.  I have a sense of direction for my country, my state, my county and my township.  My answers to Winning Words responders are usually short and to the point.  But I think that you deserved more.  Thanks for taking the time to write.  Maybe we can have coffee at Bosko's sometime.

FROM BB IN CHGO:  I loved his book on finding meaning in life.  Wonderful thoughts for today.===JACK:  Books are wonder-full gifts to give...and to receive.

 

 

Jack’s Winning Words 10/2/20

“When we know better, we do better.”  (Maya Angelou)  As a child I sometimes heard, “You know better than that!”  Of course I did know better, and I would change my behavior because I was taught the difference between right and wrong.  Sometimes it seems like basic morality is disappearing from our world.  Do you remember the song, “What the world needs now is love?”  If we’re to have a better world, it begins with each of us improving the way we live.  What examples of love would improve your world?  ;-) Jack   

FROM LBP:  I like the use of “better” here. It gives grace as we come to know more. It also challenges us to keep learning so we continue to improve. So I guess a gesture of love is to open ones mind to know another’s perspective ===JACK:  I'm reminded of the long-ago Sears Catalog which would list an item with 3 qualities available Good (cheapest), Better (moderate), and Best (expensive).  So, in behavior, better means, not the best, or the worst, either.

FROM SF STILL IN WB:  Maya Angelou is one of my heroes. She would not like what she would see in our country if she was alive.===JACK:  She's one of those people I know enough bout to respect her, but I need to read more...."the rest of the story."===SF:  I was blessed to be able to meet her at a diversity training conference years ago. Quite a force. I read her book, ’I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’ years ago and was so inspired. She is an icon of resiliency. 

FROM HONEST JOHN:  I think we have lost the guts to use the word “immoral.”    We substitute “amoral” for it.    That goes back to 19th century liberalism that theorized that if we had enough education, we would overcome ethical difficulties.   I reject this.   We know better.  We just do it anyway.   Trump, for example, is immoral not amoral.   He knows better but he is driven by hiss love of himself.....with no love of God beside it.===JACK:  There's a nuance in the difference between amoral and unmoral.  I think that you surmise that the unmoral knows the difference between moral and immoral.  For me, the amoral person has no concept that something is morally right or wrong. ===HJ:  That’s the point....you let them off the hook when you say “amoral”....as though they don’t know better....Trump knows that lying is wrong.....he accuses others of doing just that....thus, he is immoral....a much greater crime than that which is amoral....let’s recognize sinfulness and see our huge need for redemption and forgiveness....the guts of Christianity are ripped away if we do not. ===JACK:  I can conceive of a person not being aware of the difference between right and wrong.  And, I call that person amoral.  I don't know that there's a word, unmoral...except in philosopher talk.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:    What exactly are morals for today?  I’m not even sure people know what morals are anymore.===JACK:  My point is that there seems to be no common morality.  You know what yours is.  Somebody else knows what theirs is...and they don't necessarily agree.  What's wrong for you may be right in their mind, etc.  We've lost a basic sense of right and wrong.  So, who's to set the "rules" for what is right and what is wrong?  Personally I don't want the "religious right" to it...nor the left, either.  Who does it?===OJ:  Well, as a Christian, you know who set right and wrong.  As long as people dismiss God from their live there is no possible common ground.===JACK:  We may choose Christian (even Judeo-Christian) values, but living among people of diverse religious beliefs, we can not always agree on right and wrong.  Maybe decency is involved here.

FROM SHARIN' SHARON:  I appreciate your WW this morning too.  My own little 2 cents worth comes from the beginning of the WW "When we know better...."  The example of love which I believe would improve my world, improve everyone's world is a greater appreciation of scripture, the Word of God.  The evangelical branch of the Church seems to be very diligently studying the scriptures but as far as my little knowledge of them goes, I don't believe they are working from the sacraments and so I wonder whether they are a bit hampered in actually being intimate with Jesus/God in the way that maybe sacramental faith opens up?  The Priests at Transfiguration are all about "the mind of Jesus" and growing into being in the image of God/Jesus and often before they read the Gospel and preach on it, they actually stand in front of the Altar and lift the Bible up high and kind of revolve it in front of the whole assembly.  I get the impression that many Lutherans are skeptical during our age that the Word of God actually has the answers to questions that are dividing us.  For a couple of years, Bible study at Emmanuel seemed to inquire into folks' "experiences" and stuff from a personal point of view, evidently because that is where the Word of God can be arrived at--what is inside of us or something.  As far as I could tell from what I was experiencing in Bible studies.  It has seemed like a drought of the love of scripture and actually becomes very subjective.  It's a conundrum (I actually don't know what this word means and should look it up but it sounds exactly like I am feeling and not knowing the meaning of conundrum ties in very nicely to my expressing the confusion and chaos and problems with "knowing better" and "being able to love" and so forth and so on.  Seems like a lot of us don't "know better" and that is a problem we need to look at--in my opinion anyway.===JACK:  I always ,like to read what you have to say from your soapbox.

FROM NORM'S BLOG:  I don’t think it is just cynicism when I say that maybe the quote should have been – When we know better, We OUGHT to do better.  There are just so many examples in everyday life where we do know better, but don’t do better.  he whole Black Lives Matter movement is a demonstration of that thought. We know that prejudices and brutality exist within police departments across the country, yet we have not been able to correct that and do better. Stories about local hate crimes against families of color or against members of the LBGTQ community are also examples. We know better, but we don’t do better. Even stories about the impact of climate change are examples of a problem that is well documented and that we know is causing harm, yet too many of us continue practices that further pollute our air and promote those changes. We know better and we ought to do better.===JACK:  I'll always remember the chemistry teacher who took me aside and said, "You can do better that this, Jack."

FROM GOOD DEBT JON:  https://youtu.be/2nGKqH26xlg in many ways this a such a great song. Louis Armstrong What a Wonderful World.  Life is good when you, live, love, and learn.===JACK:  Thanks for the link to a great song.  Louis is an example of one who can be a good singer without necessarily having a melodic voice.  I like the rasp!===JON: I've always loved Armstrong. I suppose I didn't know how important this song was 40 years ago, but always loved it. ===JACK:  I always like it when songs make sense...to learn as well as to be entertained.

FROM WILLMAR REV:  More public display and modeling of a love and respect for God, our country and fellowman, even before our arch-rivals. 0;-) ===JACK  Common decency and kindness is a good beginning.  Have you ever sung the song, They'll know we are Christians by our love?===REV:  Your question has put a reflective smile on my face and warrants an answer, "Yes! Not quite fifty years ago sitting around a campfire with my first youth group in a church just outside of Akron, OH." Another chorus comes to mind now--It only takes a spark   To get a fire going   And soon all those around   Can warm up in its glowing   That's how it is with God's love   Once you've experienced it   You spread His love to ev'ryone   You want to PASS IT ON  0;-)  

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  personal responsibility is what the world needs. blaming others for “misfortunes” is unproductive... it is not love we need as much as we need self-respect again. ===JACK:  This may be off the subject...maybe intrusive, But, "Do people like you?"  What is it that makes a likeable person?  The questions may, or may not be, rhetorical.

FROM CG:    My favorite saying of all sayings.===JACK:  Many disappointments in life can happen because we haven't had decent role-models during the growing up years.  ===CG:  That is so true – I was raised by two narcissists so can you imagine! ===JACK:  Life is strange.  Sometimes we can blame others, sometimes fate and sometimes it comes down to self.  Eventually we have to stope playing the blame game and ask:  What am I going to do about the here and now?

 

 Jack’s Winning Words 10/1/20

“There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.”  (Epictetus)  “The Virus” has distressed many people.   Well, in Psychology Today I came across some suggestions for having a happier life.  Hang out with upbeat people – Do things you love to do – Do things with a purpose in mind.  Personally, I’m following the advice of Epictetus and not worrying about things I can’t control.  How about you?  ;-)  Jack

FROM EDUCATOR PAUL:  So, does that mean we can’t hang together? 😂===JACK:  I still am a member of the Optimist Club...promising myself to be so strong that nothing can disturb my peace of mind.  Yes, I'm still in to hanging out with you.

FROM NORM'S BLOG:  Epictetus was an ex-slave, a philosopher and one of the leading proponents of Stoicism in his day. There is much good information available about the rise and fall of stoicism as a philosophy of life. Stoicism fell out of favor as a philosophy, although it has enjoyed somewhat of a revival lately as people wrestle with our current political situation. It's failure is that it stops at the edge of reason and does not make the leap to belief that faith allows.===JACK:  As a philosophy major in college I've always had a leaning toward stoicism...make the best of things and move on.

FROM ER:  This is one of the things that I am trying to incorporate into my personal life. 🤪Maybe someone could pin a copy of this quote to my mother's pillow?===JACK:  I think that good advice could be welcomed in the life of each of us.

 FROM RS IN MN:  Awesome!!!   Thank you dear, Jack.  What a gift you provide for so many of us. You and the Holy Spirit communicate superbly.   God bless,===JACK:  The Holy Spirit does the heavy lifting. 

FROM SF STILL IN WB:   I’m workin’ on it. I am a pretty experienced worrier!! Very good at it! ===JACK:  I've never taken a course in worrying, but I'll bet I could ace the final without cracking a book.===SF:  You must be a quiet worrier. I am as well. Calm on the outside!===JACK:  "Still waters run deep."  Often the good teachers/preachers speak to themselves.