Jack’s Winning Words 1/11/21

“The unwise use of wealth, I feel, is much worse than the wealth denied the poor, for the poor cannot spend what they haven’t.”  (Jerry Ungerecht)  This is an excerpt  from a diary kept by Jerry during the Viet Nam War.  His comment was about the discrepancies he saw in Nam.  I find it interesting that what he saw 50+ years ago is playing itself out in America today.  What do you think Jesus meant when He said, (Matthew 26:11) “You’ll always have the poor with you?”  ;-)  Jack

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  woe is the poor, the poor poor... whom are we really talking about here in the US? people who have no food for their kids bc they make poor choices? certainly there are enuf govt programs to cover that...when all we do is harp on poor v not poor, do we not put just as much emphasis on money as the greedy “not poors” we revile?  i prefer we provide a useful education and a healthy economy that produces good jobs to constantly wringing our hands and whining about “the poor poor” decade after decade.===JACK:  Jerry was distressed about how the poor in V-N were taken advantage of during the War.  I'm commenting on how classism seems to exist all around us in every age.

FROM SHARIN' SHARON:  Another thought-provoking WW this morning.  The scripture from Matthew 26:11 is irritating to me.  I absolutely trust and believe Jesus said this, that it is inspired and full of truth but it is disturbing when a person sees all around all the lack and suffering and insecurity there can be for people.  Of course though, wealthy people can also have lack and be suffering and feeling insecurity too--go figure huh???  Actually, I wonder if such a scripture is actually a check on us limited human beings having sort of grandiose ideas that we can devise any sort of social contract that will solve the problem of poverty--not communism, not socialism, not capitalism, not feudalism, maybe even not democratic capitalism, what other systems are there?  Maybe finally, solving the problems of poverty rests on people seeing other people and one way or another extending help and resources to them.  The help can't be institutionalized but operates best personally?  That puts the onus on me, on you, on people and we can't morally get rid of it and "expect the government to do it."  or others to do it. ===JACK:  Sometimes it's hard to realize that some of life's problems have their solution starting with ME!@!!! 

FROM WILLMAR REV:  I often see the unfairness of it, but again the Word of God (as found in our Bibles) shares God’s take on it: “The Lord makes some poor and others rich; He brings some down and lifts others up” (1 Samuel 2:7 NLT). I’m betting it will all make sense tomorrow for the best is yet to come?! 0;-)   Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One; Give thanks because He's given   NJesus Christ, His Son (Repeat)  And now, let the weak say, 'I am strong', et the poor say 'I am rich,  because of what the Lord has done for us.' (Repeat)   Give thanks! -- Give thanks! -- Give thanks! ===JACK:  In your work as Commmunity Chaplain I'm sure that you see alot of "unfairness" in the lives of people.===REV:  True!

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  and the unwise use of wealth often has a lot to do with how the poor come to be in the first place.===JACK  "Money talks," and what it has to say isn't always kind to those who are poor.

FROM SHALOM JAN:  My "take" on Jesus' comment:  You'll always have the poor because you'll make sure of that by making sure you're among the rich.  yes, that's a negative "take" but pessimism is sometimes a lot closer to the truth. ===JACK: You are right!  Loretta Lynn sang in her song, Coal Miner's Daughter..  "We were poor but we had love; that's the one thing that daddy made sure of."

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  I imagine that every country has this problem! Accumulation of wealth by; the "haves" and the denial of enough  money to really live comfortably to the "have nots". Although some of the wealthy in our society are really using their millions to do a lot of good in the world!  There are always SOME good people!!===JACK:  Remember!  This diary was written during the Viett Nam War.  Jerry could see how soldier's could use American dollars to buy "favors" of poor native women who had nothing to offer but themselves. ===OAKS:  Yes, and that IS so sad! Always a problem with occupational soldiers, even in Germany, after WWII...===JACK:  It was more common after WW 2 that servicemen would come back with "war brides."  After Viet Nam there seemed not to be as many...probably because of racist attitudes.

 

 

Jack’s Winning Words 1/8/21 “The soul is purified by misfortune and sorrow, as gold by fire.”  (Bozena Nemcova)  A  Nova Scotian friend sent this quote which seems to say that bad things happening to good people can turn out for the best.  I’ve seen it happen (and maybe you have, too) that “bad luck has turned into good fortune.”  It was that way with me and polio.  We might look back and see 2020 as positive, rather than negative.  Who knows the mind of God?  ;-)  Jack FROM DM IN LIV:  Happy New Year, Pastor Jack and a heartfelt THANK YOU for Winning Words!!===JACK:  I thought that 2020 was a most unusual year.  2021 is starting out to be unusual, too. FROM BLAZING OAKS:  I do hope something positive comes from the terrible Trump years in office!!  Probably my husband 's broken knee during the first game of the season with the Bears, changed his life for the good in the long run. Would he still have become a wonderful pastor,  had he remained in that pro life for a long time?  Who knows, but God does bring good out of bad situations, often! If nothing else, the life lesson learned from it!===JACK:  I remember Ken Anderson, QB from Augustana who went on to be an all-star in the NFL for the Cincinnatti Bengals..  Bill might have become an all-star for the Bears, but God (nd circumstances) had other plans.  Do you remember the song, "Whatever will be, will be?"===OAKS:  Of course I remember that song Jen and I used to sing that together in one of our programs, sweet memories!

 

Jack’s Winning Words 1/7/21

“I have seen the 25^th century.”  (Philip Nowgan)  As a new year begins, there are always forecasts of what lies ahead.  Predicting 1 year?.  Try looking ahead 500 years.  That’s what writer Nowgan did when he created the Buck Rogers comic strip in 1928.  NASA astronauts have almost compressed 500 years into 100.  Looking ahead, what do you see?  The Jetsons come to my mind.   A Bible verse says “Eye has not seen,…nor has it entered the mind of man what God has prepared.”   ;-)  Jack

FROM WILLMAR REV:  Hanging on tight to the Scriptures in all regard . . . what eye has seen, and ear has heard lately is not all that encouraging--  "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT)  0;-) ===JACK:  Do you think that God was present in yesterday's events in Washington, or did He have His hands full in other places?===REV:  Always "an ever-present help in trouble, our refuge and strength" . . . not hearing too many calling for it nowadays , , , thinking those folks over there feel they have all the answers . . . God, Grandpa, Grandma, Dad and Mom fast becoming old school . . . "Amen and Awomen" 0:-/

 

 

Jack’s Winning Words 1/6/21

“I was born to do this…I am not afraid.”  (Joan of Arc)  Joan was born, a peasant girl during the 100 Yrs War.  Who’d have expected her to be martyred at age 19, because of her leadership in “saving” France?  Joan saw herself as called by God to do what she did.  On  reflection, I see God active in my life choices.  There are too many happenings that seem beyond coincidence.  Have you noticed that in your life?  It’s almost like The Twilight Zone.  ;-)  Jack 

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  sometimes i think back over a day or a week or a month and i recall all the good things that have happened to me which I IN NO WAY PLANNED or could have even foreseen.   and i then i also find myself asking, WHY am i so blessed and others not.  one of life's most vexing questions.  take care, old friend.    btw, i hope my mind is as sharp as yours is when i reach your age!===JACK:  "Fret not thyself about tomorrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring."  I learned that a long time ago.  I purposely did not look it up ahead of time, guessing that it's froom Proverbs in the King James Bible.  ===PAUL:  i also like this one: if you want to hear God laughing,  tell him your plans for the day.  

FROM ANDOVER JR:  A wonderful pastor at Augustana often would say there are no coincidences, only Godincidences. We mention that frequently as life unfolds around us.===JACK:  Tell me one that has happened to you.

 

 

Jack’s Winning Words 1/5/21

“In nature nothing exists alone.”  (Rachel Carson)  Last Year National Geographic warned of the danger of losing our bug population, including butterflies.  Carson’s Silent Spring gave a similar warning about losing the bird population.  We’re interdependent in this world…bugs, birds, people.  I’m thankful for those who are planting milkweed to feed the Monarchs and for those who monitor the use of pesticides.  BTW, cultures, countries and religions are interdependent too….humanity doesn’t exist alone.  ;-)  Jack

FROM THE SHARK:  Amen to that.===JACK:  Thanks for helping me understand and appreciate the Chaldeans, the earliest Christians, still with us today.

FROM MV IN AH:  Amen   (not Aw-women)===JACK:  Have you ever read of the AMEN CORNER that some Bible Belt churches have?  Pastors do need encouragement..===MV:  Haven’t heard of it but I’m up for praying for pastors. These times are challenging to them trying to keep their flock’s spirits up.===JACK:  These are challenging times for pastors,  trying to shepherd the flock outside of the pen (church building).  But God will show a way.    Be sure to read about the Amen Corner. 

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  good one, Jack.   can you also send this one to Trump?===JACK:  Isolationism, as a political philosophy, never seems to work  It's anti-nature.  As the song asks: "When will we ever learn?"

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Like many animals, we're social humans. So thankful for ability to intermingle with others, and there is nothing more dependent than a new born baby!  Hopefully we can do our part to make the world a little better than we found it!  "Brighten the Corner Where You Are"!  No Man is an Island, was so well said...! !===JACK:  It would be interesting to make a list showing the names of people who have make you into the person you are today.  For most of us, it would be a really long list.  Who would be first on your list?

FROM DR J:  She’s one of my favorites!===JACK:  It figures...environmentally friendly.

FROM BUGMAN:  You need to visit for a meal next summer and see our crop of butterflies. I have several patches of milkweed set aside for them and it is a joy to see them fliting around.===JACK:  Have you seen that National Geographic issue on insects?  Right up your alley! 

 

Jack’s Winning Words 1/4/21

“Forget trying to fix your negatives.  Instead, build on your strengths.” (Psychology Today)  New Year’s resolutions often fail, because they emphasize the negatives, so says Dr Anastasia Kim.  Her suggestion is to seek out our strengths and determine to make them stronger.  Set short-term goals…”I’m eating healthy today.”  Be a self-cheerleader instead of a self-critic.   “I’m moving in the right direction.”   And while you’re at it, forget trying to fix the negatives of others this year, and instead acknowledge and appreciate their strengths.  ;-)  Jack   

FROM SK IN SJ:  ! I agree with accenting our positives and downplay our negatives. Let the New Year bring us successes and energy to do it. I’m again getting back at my quilting. I am well after having Covid . Started 12/10 . I had a mild case. I had flu symptoms and sore throat for a week. No cough or extreme fatigue.===JACK:  Now, when I'm asaked if I know anyone personally who has had Covid, I can say, Yes.  The more I learn about quilting, the more I'm impressed by those who have the quilting talent...especially those who make award winners. 

FROM TRIHARDER:  it's been such a bad year, my negatives are my positives. ===JACK:  Here's a positive....Think what it would be like if the election had gone the other way.  There are always positives if you take time to look for them. ===TH:   Oh, believe me, I know what positive is:  I woke up on Wednesday morning (November 4) believing that Trump had won the election, that Peters had lost in Michigan. I was truly despondent. As the morning grew later, I became more hopeful that both had won; Biden's path to victory in the electoral college was becoming clear. I was able to (unprofessionally) predict that Biden carried Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Arizona.  Still, I remained concerned that Republican legislatures would overturn electoral college votes. That, thankfully, didn't happen. Now, if we can get past January 6.===JACK:  Jan 20 looks to be an exciting day...positively and negatively.  Do you think G-d cares about American elections?===I would hope that he/she did. But history seems to suggest "no."  Trump may claim that G-d interfered.===JACK:  Biblical stories tell of plagues being sent "to shake people up."  Could the virus have been suchj a wake-up call?  ...and why the vaccine introduction delayed a few weeks, when an earlier coming could have affected the election.  "Twilight Zone" was one of my all-time favorite shows on TV.  Did you know that Rod Serling was the uncle of the Detroit Serling lawyer? ===TH:  Many Jews, survivors of the Holocaust, were done with Gd after their liberation -- parents, siblings, even children -- whole families --perished. And, yet, many remained extremely religious in their beliefs.===JACK:   In the New Testament there's this verse..."For who can know the LORD’s thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice?"  It's sort of like Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof.

 

FROM NICOLE:  This is great!   Love this! ===JACK:  Anything that causes one to think is great. ===N:  We have the power to create what we want, we’re just a mindset away... ===JACK:  What's today's mindset for you?  I wanted to increase my daily walking distance...and it happened, even though it didn't seem doable at the start.  ...like the Little Engine that Could.  You've probably used that story once or twice in your teaching.

FROM A FRIEND:  For me, the last part of your WW was a real kicker. I hear so many people complain about others. What's that they say about throwing stones when one's own windows are made of glass?   That apart, it is easier to be a self-critic. I wonder why that is? This past year I have worked very hard to be my own cheerleader to keep me moving in the right direction. I have had lots of help in keeping me positive and building on my strengths. I think 2021 is going to be a interesting year of changes for me. It's very scary, but, with the support of my family and friends, I know that I am up for the challenges.   Today, January 4th, already marks the second heat of my 2021 journey. Hold on!===JACK:  "One day at a time, Sweet Jesus."===AF:  Yep, that was ringing in my ears as I clicked send. Lol===JACK:  I'll never hear that song without thinking of you.===AF:  I love that! 💕

FROM SHALOM JAN:  I love the reminder to seek and acknowledge the strengths of other people!===JACK:  We are too often self-focused.  I received another announcement of a friend's death this morning.  Bitter-sweet.  Too many similar announcements...and not all age or Covid related.  I have to remind myself that I was called to preach "the good news."

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Good thoughts for the new year! I need to improve my; stamina, by challenging myself to do a little more each day!  I think I'm doing well "for the shape I'm in"! ( Do you remember that old poem?) One has to accept a few limitations of health and age, I guess!! Good for you, doing your walking! ==JACK:  I'm proud to be walking 1/4 mile each day...a far cry from yesteryear.  A friend and I decided to see how fast we could play Indian Bluff Golf Course...so, we'd hit, then run as fast as we could to take the next shot, putt to hole out and do the same at the next hole.  We didn't care about the score, just the amount olf time spent.  I can't remember how quickly we did it...just that it was fun.  We once played in pouring rain, laughing at wet we got.  Those were the days (as Archie and Edith would sing).

  “Happy is the person who knows what to remember of the past, what to enjoy in the present, and what to plan for in the future.”  (Arnold Glasgow)  This is the last day of the infamous 2020.  Has there been a year like it?  The virus, the election and the death of some close friends.  I’m looking forward to better things in 2021.  What they will be, God only knows, and I trust in His omnipresence and omnipotence.  What did you enjoy about 2020?  ;-)  Jack

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  i am looking forward to a brand new decade! ===JACK:  I'm looking forward to tomorrow.

FROM SF IN BSFL:  Happy New Year to you and your entire family. Wishing you safety and good health and happy moments through the coming year. Thank you for your daily encouragement. It means a lot!===JACK:  Your thoughtful responses are appreciated, too. 

FROM TRIHARDER: Happy, Healthy New Year, Jack. I hope the coming years to a reunification of family and friends.===JACK:  If it's a healthy year and friendships continue, it will be a happy new year.

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  i enjoyed your WWs.   thanks, Jack.   and a happy new year wish for you and yours. ===JACK:  Your insightful and humorous comments have been enjoyable, too.

FROM SHARIN' SHARON:  .  It's been great to reflect upon how God is blessing us through this year and be thankful and grateful rather than just complaining and being disappointed and angry at Him.  Of course though grieving deaths caused by the corona virus has been hard and our hearts ache realizing so many people are keeping mind, body and soul together in this dismal economy of tremendous adversities.  Take care, Pastor Freed,===JACK:  Your extra-ordinary responses to my Winning Words have always interested me and have been an inspiration. 

FROM ME IN NEWPORT BEACH:  A nice thing about California is that we can and do garden all year.  Perfect Pandemic and physical activity.  Not surprisingly, you have a great perspective and attitude on life.  How did WW come to you? ===JACK:  When I retired in 1992 my youngest daughter gave me a cd of short positive quotes, knowing that I had an interest in that sort of thing.  You may or may not have known that in ministry I always included a “Sentence Sermon” in each Sunday bulletin, following the example of my home pastor.  I would cut out sayings and keep them in an empty cigar box.  As I listened to the cd, I heard things that I wanted to share with friends.  Those friends shared with other friends…so today thyere are more than 500 on the e-mail list.  One “friend” has a school bus company with 200 drivers.  He shares winning words with them on their daily morning postings….and so it goes.  I call what I am doing: C-WOW….my Church WithOut Walls.  I glad to have you and some of your family as members. 

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Until March, some plays and dinners out...After that, times with family and very close friends, playing cards and games, and sharing meals!  Did have one nice trip to Lake Tahoe and San Diego for 3 wks. in September. Thankfully no one got sick because of that trip!!!===JACK:  Covid doesn't seem to have you isolated.  Have a happy 2021. 

FROM PASTY PAT:  Happy New Year, Pastor Freed ... and thank you for another year of Winning Words. I’m hoping that 2021 will bring healing to this troubled world.===JACK:  There will be healing, to be sure, but if time teaches anything, it teaches usw to be ready for new wounds.  Such is life.

  

  

 Jack’s Winning Words 12/30/20

“We shrink from change; yet is there anything that can come into being without it?”  (Marcus Aurelius)  I was reading an article on what to expect next year.  There’ll be change, but no change.  The pandemic will get worse before it gets better.  Work on climate change will improve the environment, but 2021 will be the hottest on record.  There’ll be an increase in bankruptcies…I-phones will improve and fold (like my old flip-phone)…Teezo Touchdown will be in the news.  What changes do you expect, or want?  ;-)  Jack

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Blessings on President Biden as he copes with all the changes that come! We have to welcome the new year hoping it will bring better things, but no matter, our Lord will be with us in it.===JACK: Blessings on the changes that will come into your life in 2021...and  as they come to each of us.

FROM JB IN OLV:  May you enjoy all good things in the New Year and learn from the bad.......this from my dear departed Mother.  Every year during the time between Christmas and New Year this was  a sentence my Mother used often.  It was good preparation for a young person to expect the good and to to accept that there will be some bad experiences too.===JACK:  Saintly advice from your mother.  It was good for you as a youth and, now, as an adult.  A gift that keeps on giving.

FROM GUSTIE:  You paint a pretty picture.  Uff Da!===JACK:  Think of the changes that came in 2020....Are we ready for another NEW year?===G:  I want to start going backwards.===JACK:  Wouldn't that be interesting?  I think that we'd begin to miss the adult experiences as we retreat to the teens, to the toddler phase and even to birth.  Are you sure you want to live backwards?

FROM JJ IN SJ:  Positive thought for the day.  The snow is light and fluffy and it’s 20 degrees out !  However if I see you out making snow angels I will call 911. ===JACK:  You "paint" a pretty winter scene....pretty awful: para-medics picking me up.

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  i have always liked a change of underwear... ===JACK:  As we used to say when handling dirty underwear in my growing up home...P! U!

FROM WILLMAR REV:  Repeating the words of a good pastoral friend of mine this morning, "There’ll be change, but no change." 0;-)===JACK:  Danger time in the Church....When a new pastor comes and he hears, "We've never done it this way before."  In my first congregation they were used to a printout at the end of the year with the name of each member and how much they contributed during the year.  It was handed out with the Sunday bulletin.  From the pulpit I saw people scanning the sheet instead of listening to the sermon.  The next year, a change was made...and (to the surprise of some) giving increased.===REV:  How true...timing is so important and being able to read our congregation’s responsiveness for our best interests. 0;-)===JACK:  It's nice when things go smoothly.

 

 Jack’s Winning Words 12/29/20

‘”Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars.  You have to let go at some point in order to move forward,”  (C.S. Lewis)  I know of few (if any) people who haven’t faced painful life experiences: unexpected death, disappointment in one form or another, loss of job, illness, divorce.  However, among these people are some who can tell recovery stories.  A commonality for their success is the ability to let go and move on…like with the monkey bars.  Do you know of stories like that?  ;-)  Jack

FROM WILLMAR REV:  Are you asking for those ‘skeletons’ found in my closet? Hopefully you will find many on the floor, as I found letting go and letting God have them has worked best for me! 0;-)===JACK:  "Amazing Grace" is more than a hymn with a nice tune...especially the line..."that saved a wretch like me."

FROM EDUCATOR PAUL:  It’s always a  matter of good judgement when talking to someone who recently faced some tragedy. Move on is not the first thing they want to hear and I know that’s not your message. Compassion and empathy acknowledging emotions are many times the most helpful in my experience. Just listening is probably the best action a friend can do. The right time to discuss “Move on” is a very tricky matter and calls for really good judgement.  Always thought provoking! Thank you.====JACK:  Ecclesiastes says that there is a time for everything...a time to hang on and a time to let go."  There's also a time for empathy/sympathy and a time  to say: It's time to move on."

FROM TG IN MI:  Always ask yourself: "What will happen if I say nothing?”  (Kamand Kojouri) ☘️===JACK:  Was it Kenny Rogers who say: "You gotta know when to hold 'en\m and when to fold 'em."  In a sense, you and I are both in the business of making that decision...more than once.

FROM DS IN SOCAL:  Seems to be a "constant" for me anymore, Jack.  I have to learn to "trust" Him.  I have been blessed in so many ways all my life, and yet I still worry about the "future"===JACK:  I think that I worried more about the future when I was younger.  The older you get the less of a future you have to worry about..

  

 

Jack’s Winning Words 12/28/20

“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”    (Dr. Seuss)  Older people keep picture albums.  As I page through mine…Oh, the memories: My mom and dad, the dog I had as a boy, my 6^th grade school class (I remember most names), high school, college, seminary,  the wedding, the children…I feel like Clark Griswold locked in the attic.  I need to thank God more often for the gift of memory.  What’s a moment from the past that you treasure?  ;-)  Jack

FROM KT IN MI:  Thanks for this one!  I’ve been trying to record lots of memories about my dad. Precious gifts to remember and to record.===JACK:  The Memory Bank shows various deposits, some new and some old.  Even with the passing of years I am able to recall good times with you and your family.   It's sad when dementia makes withdrawals from "the bank", as happens with some people. 

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  My family made scrapbooks from the late 1800’s.  Before my parents passed away, I took those albums and had them tell me the names of the people in them!  Most people they knew.  I thank God for those gifts of the albums!===JACK:  Are you still carrying on the tradition of scrapbooking?  And, who, in your will, is to receive your outhouse collection?

FROM WILLMAR REV:  Just give me a minute, its right here on the tip of my tongue . . .!?  0;-)===JACK:  Did you ever lose your train of thought during a sermon?  I have...some stuttering and stammering before the train got back on track.===REV:  Early on as a youth pastor coming back from a weekend youth retreat with our youth and told the pastor I was good for preaching the Sunday evening sermon...did the same, shuttering and chasing the proverbial rabbit not in sight...early alter call (we prayed around the alter on Sunday evenings)...really did not have the proper notes and thought I could “wing it”...on the way out of the church that night the pastor said “that will fly only once” as the congregation felt sorry for me...I’ve used manuscript sermons ever since. 0;-)===JACK:  Those "wing it" sermons are bound to crash more often than not.  Reading a sermon from a manuscript can be a snoozer, too.===REV:  True, put myself asleep with a few of them, but work well down the road when preparing a message where they fit better than previously! Funerals especially! Latest count: 332 since September 27, 1998

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  good one, Jack.  and this year we have more time to remember and reflect and give thanks for 1,000s of good memories.===JACK:  One of the great things about starting a new congregation is the experience of having memories that no one else has..to have had the experience to bring something into being from when there was nothing.  

FROM LBP:  How do you share out those memories?===JACK:  I do it by telling (and retelling) stories to  my children and grandchildren.  Just recently, David videoed me telling one of those memories.  I was laughing hard even in the retelling.

FRO ER IN SKO:  Great quote! Very appropriate for the week of New Year's.  👍 ===JACK:  One of my recent entries has your face in it.===E:  Uh oh....

FROM MD IN BSFL:  First thought was Holy Spirit baseball team. You on the mound Don Zimmer behind the plate remember when he broke his finger?Ghastly. Ralph Green hitting the ball a mile and the young bucks who fielded and ran the bases like we could not. Can you remember their names?===JACK:   What a fun memory...the Holy Spirit softball team.  I still have my red shirt with Holy Spirit printed on it.  Chuck Sturtz was one; Ralph Green could hit them out of the park.

FROM DAZ IN DENVER:  Finger was only dislocated not broken  When I went into ER with Holy Spirit tee shirt the nurses were amazed because they had been talking  about the laying on of hands and the Spirit===JACK:  I remember your yelling (almost crying).  But big men don't cry...much.

FROM BB IN CHGO:  Beautiful – thank you for the inspiration.  On Christmas eve our pastor used the Charlie Brown Christmas special as an illustration.  If you watch closely, Linus drops his famous little blue blanket when he recites the Christmas story; he then wraps it around the tree.  For decades, none of the Charlie Brown characters could wrest the blanket from him, no matter how hard they tried.  In the moment he recites the message of hope/salvation, he no longer needs the security blanket.===JACK:  What a nice remembrance of Christmas...and what a great sermon idea.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Yes, how precious memories become as we age!  Crutch Carothers being elected Home coming king, and in the Spring, Prom King, which meant as his girlfriend, I got o sit with the Royal Court..(!), My wedding to Bill, the birth of our 3 sons, and finally, a daughter!  Our 50th anniversary 3  day retreat at Turkey Run State Park, with all our kids and a grand baby, and Jan and Hal, etc etc. Like you say, SO MANY good things!!  We are blessed indeed!!===JACK:  Precious memories, how they linger.

FROM EMT SINGS IN TC:  So many I can't count them, but surely an important one happened November 10th, 1990!===JACK:  As with many weddings I've performed, I've wondered, "How's this one going to turn out?"  Thanks for giving me a good answer.  One bride came in during the first week telling me that she was filing for a divorce.  I thought that her wedding was going to be a winner. 

 Jack’s Winning Words 12/24/20

 “And now, this is the sweetest and most glorious day that ever my eyes did see.”    (Donald Cargill)  For many people Christmas Eve is their favorite day of the year.  Bit, I think that my favorite is Thanksgiving and the idea of giving thanks for all the blessings that we have.  What day is a favorite for you?  Birthday?  Religious-related?  Anniversary?  We each have reasons for calling a day, “sweet and glorious.”  I was surprised at Cargill’s reason, but that’s another story.  ;-)  Jack

FROM EDUCATOR PAUL:  So I looked up Donald Cargill because it is someone I knew absolutely nothing about. After reading who he was, I knew more about him before I looked him up!===JACK:   You did what I was hoping some curious people would do...explore the "why".  Cargill was a "believer" who was a martyr (beheaded) because he would not recant his faith.  For him, it was a glorious day, because he would at last know what heaven was like.  Aside from the beheading, put yourself in his place.  To finally know what it beyond this life, to finally "see" God and be able to have Him answer the insoluable questions...grand and glorious!  Curious people expand their knowledge

FROM HONEST JOHN:  .My favorite time is the day I can get out in the Spring and work on starting the garden for the year.===JACK: Spring is my favorite season, too.  Had you ever heard of Donald Cargill, the martyr?

FROM MAGGIE:  Thank you for the light that you send us each weekday. ===JACK:  Winning Words begins with my interest in this positive and a desire to share them with others in a world that so often highlights the negative.

FROM GD JC:  I like Halloween. S likes Thanksgiving like you!===JACK:  As a pastor I always like to teach that Halloween stands for "All Hallows (Saints) Eve", the night before All Saints Day when believers would dress up in spooky outfits to scare away evil spirits that were lurking nearby.  Probably MORE than you wanted to know.

FROM WILLMAR REV:  Thanksgiving Day, just before all the secular hype coming into play competing with the reason for the season of Christmas. 0;-) ===JACK:  I don't think that we can thank God enough for the many blessings He showers upon us...blessings that we so often take for granted.

FOM LBP:  The two days that could take that phrase are for the birth of each of my two kids. Otherwise days blur with days and I have to remind myself to stop and take in the glorious.   Music for the day: https://youtu.be/wOkjvAfFOpw

===JACK:  The miracle of birth....We don't appreciate it enough.  Cargill's words highlight an appreciation for another miracle, the end of life as we know it.

FROM BS IN ENGLAND:  I think Easter Sunday. It is a day of rejoicing and every where is bursting with colour.===JACK:  Christmas is just the start of the "Jesus story."  Easter gives an answer to, Why?

FROM AA IN FL:  my favorite day is my Happy Half Birthday.  No mandatory gifts to return and you are not  a year older.===JACK:  I haven't heard of that one, altho Ellen's Bakery in Sylvan Lake sends me a discount card, both on my birthday and my half birthday./...and I use them, too.

   

 

Jack’s Winning Words 12/23/20  “I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six,  Mother took me to see him in the department store, and he asked me for my autograph.”    (Shirley Temple Black)  The Bible says, “When I was a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult I put away childish things.”  I loved believing in Santa, but, as an adult, I appreciate knowing about the “real” St. Nicholas who went around giving gifts of food, clothing and firewood to the poor.   In this time of Christmas, let’s remember St. Nicholas. He wasn’t make-believe.  ;-)  Jack FROM WILLMAR REV:  Little Nicholas was so excited to go up to Santa and be lifted upon his lap. "What's your name little boy?" "Dummy, it's the same as your Santa!" said little Nicholas. "Well then, George, what is it you want for Christmas!!" says Santa. 0;-)))===JACK:  That's a good one.  Did you ever "play" Santa Claus in your glorious past?===REV:  West Bloomfield's Parks and Recreation had me suit up as Santa a couple of times during those 5 years, and even an Easter bunny on one occasion.===JACK:  Are there any pictures from the archives?  FROM VK:  Love ur messages.  Start each day with them.===JACK:  It's good to know that you're on my "reader's list.   FROM MY LAWYER:  Playing Santa ranks as one of the thrills of my lifetime.  I treasured every moment wearing that costume and interacting with kids and their parents and relatives during the Christmas season.===JACK:  You were perfect for the job at the Optimist party for needy children.  You have done a lot of good things in your lifetime...and I'm proud to call you, FRIEND."

 Jack’s Winning Words 12/22/20

“There were certainly things I was scared to do, but I never thought I wasn’t up to the challenge.”  (Rodney Mara)  Actress Mara was no “Evel Knieval” daredevil, but she said that even being an actress can be stressful. Our pastor announced: “Who wants to go zip-lining with me?”  I did not raise my hand…but others did.  “To each, his own.”  We all face challenges that are  ours alone.  I’ve found that having a belief that God is there with me helps a lot.  ;-)  Jack

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  i’m w/you... no way!===JACK:  When I was a kid there  there was an amusement part in Chicago called, Riverview.  The scariest ride was a roller coaster, The Bobs.  There were no safety features like used today.  We'd fly from side to side and lift off our seat.  It was excioting...but I was younger then.

FROM SMILIN' TERI:  Really good one....===JACK:  I miss our face to face conversations

FROM CF IN KH:  Amen Jack, Amen to your winning words today.===JACK:  Did you know that in some churches they have an "Amen Corner" where some of the deacons sit.  Their job is to yell out "Amen" while the preacher is preaching as a way of encouraging him.  The word, "Amen, means, "Let it be this way," or "You said it brother."

FROM LBP:  Might have to post this one in my office. Fear sometimes drives procrastination.===JACK:  Trusting people to do jobs assigned to them (of accepted by them) goes only so far.  I never was good at being a disciplinarian. 

FROM ER IN SKO:  God works in my life in very mysterious ways. Yesterday and today rank right up there. I am always grateful, but I typically don't see the path until after the pieces fall into place. A continual reminder that he is always with me. ❤===JACK:  More and more people these days are saying these days that they may not be "religious",but that they are "spiritual." I see yours as a spiritual experience.  Good.   

 

Jack’s Winning Words 12/21/20 

“Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the face.”  (Victor Hugo)  In pictures I’ve seen, it seems that Inuit people are usually smiling.  It appears that cold weather just doesn’t bother them.  Today’s the first day of winter…the shortest day and longest night, and usually bitter cold. Writer Hugo wrote about his “winter” experience and suggests that laughter has a way of making us warm.  If you find yourself getting “the winter blues.”…try smiling.  ;-)  Jack 

FROM LBP:  Cats! Cats are a great source of laughs ... and annoyance... but mostly laughs :)===JACK:  I'm a dog person.  My favorite cats are in the musical, "Cats."  Have you seen it?===LBP:  My 9 yo sees laughter as his way of connecting with the world right now. He loves watching silly videos online with me and his dad at the end of the day.  He’s always studying to see what we laugh at most.===JACK:  Are the Three Stooges off limits for him?===LBP:  It was the first musical I saw and I loved it! Dad had the book of poems and mom got the music on record. Used to be I knew all the songs. It’s been a while ... 

FROM QUJILTING CAROL: We “smiled” when we saw your Christmas card.  I think we saw a whole new side of you!  Loved it!===JACK:  We started on our walk this morning, but the wind was so strong that we had a hard time standing up....so, back to the warmth and calm of the home.

FROM LZW IN ATL:  Merry Christmas!  I sent out my cards to all finally. In your card I wrote the old line "Take care of yourself" - thinking about you and my Dad during the pandemic. I got a little nudge and thought " Who really takes care of you."  My devotional today says it best -  To know why Jesus came to Earth, we must understand what it means to be lost. Without God, we’ve lost:  • Our direction. We’re bound to have little understanding of where we should go and what we should do in this life.  • His protection. We’re on our own when we’re not under the Lord’s protection. That’s a huge reason many people are stressed out. They’re trying to live under their own care and protection instead of God’s.   • Our potential. We’ll never know half the gifts and talents we have if we’re not in a relationship with him.  • Our happiness. We can have all the money and power in the world, but without God we will never have true joy.   • Our home in Heaven. God allows us to rebel while we’re here on Earth, but there’s no rebellion in Heaven.  You are in my prayers - I know God is with you and my Dad.  Happy  2021!===JACK:  I have a positive that we'll get thru this.  In fact, it's reassuring that your dad and I are in the age-group that is scheduled to get an early vaccination.  Meanwhile, I plan to stay in my bubble and resist wearing a mask when necessary.  

FROM WILLMAR REV:  Laughing our way through the pandemic as we try to discover “Who’s” on first!  Enjoy Christmas week, Jack, and the first day of winter. 0;-)===JACK:  Did your "sense" of what was humorous change when you went from the bowling alley to the pulpit?  I had a church member who would always refer to the wise men as the 3 wise guys...and they he'd laugh.===REV:  I remember in one of Bible College classes where I asked if the instructor had heard that Oral Roberts University had sent out a long play record of Christmas music to its supporters but many were returned as the hole in the middle of the record kept healing and closing. I was corrected in front of the class by the instructor saying that was being sac-religious. 0:-/===JACK: That was a funny joke.  That instructor probably would have beeen aghast at was said and done by the bowling crowd.  You should have the instructor if he thought that Jesus ever told a joke...or laughed.

FROM HONEST JOHN:  Have you ever run across a pissed off Inuit?     Not a pretty sight!===JACK:  Eeww!  I had originally used "Eskimo," but my editor (son David), who is more politically correct than I am, changed it to Inuit.

FROM INDY GENIE:  I love winter! I love the cold weather and snow ...it makes me smile. I also like wearing winter clothes...especially hats:)===JACK:  You probably like the cold weather, because you were born in "cold weather" country, like the Inuits.

FROM LK IN OH:  Thank you, Jack! I have long regarded WINNING WORDS as its own Christmas each day! I am grateful!   Now it happens that this morning's mail brings a really cute card from you and Joan. Great!!  I would say the Tigers, perhaps also the Wolverines, have a better chance of recovering than does my old/former GOP. Note: I became a registered Independent years ago when I volunteered for our former Ohio Governor, John Kasich.  Indeed, FOLLOW THE STAR!!!===JACK:  I think that each of us needs a positive start for the day...so, Winning Words continues as long as..

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  .There is no doubt a good laugh is  good for the soul, the digestion, and every thing else!  I just got your Xmas card mailed today!! Praying it reaches before Christmas!!  I'm slower than usual right now.... I saw a comment that made me smile: "Retailers say this promises to be the best Christmas ever:  I thought the First One was...." :-).===JACK:  I think that the USPS has not recovered from the shenanigans going on prior to the elections.  Don't worry about my card getting to me on time...unless you sent it to Minnesota.  One of my daughters forwards Michigan mail to me until we go to Michigan at end of January..  My latest Christmas "bug" is that people focus so much on the "baby"...and lose sight of what the baby said and did as an adult.  So....what else is new?