Jack’s Winning Words  5/11/22

“All the world is sad and dreary everywhere I roam.”  (Stephen Foster)  Although Foster was born in Pittsburgh and is buried there, it was decided to remove his statue because of the perceived racism in his songs.  But, remember, he grew up in America in the mid-1800s.  Is it any wonder that he wrote: All the world is sad and dreary?  He could be writing that lyric today.  But, he also composed,  Oh, Susanna, don’t you cry.  In the midst of the “bad” he was able to see  the “good.”  Winning Words is meant, in part, to show that our attitudes can change.  Sometimes music helps that to happen.  Is there a song that helps you to escape the sad and dreary world scene?  ;-)  Jack

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  slaves created many great religious songs to relieve the pain and drudgery. hope no one "cancels" those songs...===JACK:  Surprise!  I agree with you. 

FROM CPA MIKE:   Spirit In The Sky    Silly Love Songs     Handel's Messiah===JACK:  The story that goes along with the writing of MESSIAH by Handel is worth looking up.

FROM QUILTING CAROL:  Some days I think it is truly sad that some music, books, statues, etc are removed from our ‘eyes’ to avoid the pain of what has happened in history.  When will someone want to remove all pictures, statues, music and books that talk about Christ’s life because it is too painful for ‘some’? Too many people want to live in make believe world where everything is good and there is no evil lurking to reminds us that we aren’t perfect. Hopefully we could learn from past mistakes and move forward to make the world better for all.  We all have to work to this end. ===JACK:  History is whar it is.  There might be an appropriate time for certain lessons, but that's not for the politicians to decide.

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  how about,  "Don't Worry; Be Happy":):):)   or "you are my sunshine".   i always appreciate all the little historical details you add to the WWs. ===JACK:  Were you the one who had a funeral for Bobby's mother?  I don't know hat I'd refer to Bobby's song during the service, but I might speak about how God can turn tears of sadness in tears of God.  You must have led a funeral for someone famous.

FROM COPPER COUNTRY BOB:  Zippidy do dah!  Rah, Rah, Rah,  Yeah God! ===JACK:  I seem to remember that you had a confirmation service with that theme and sang the Zippidy do dah song as one of the hymns.

FROM EDUCATOR PAUL:  We are in such a quandary right now. If people object to the music of Stephen Foster, just imagine how Al Jolsen would fair.   BTW…I don’t have a good answer to either one!===JACK:  Imagine living in a world where the "police" manage the libraries and the "police" have the job of approving the curriculum.  OOPS!  It almost seems as though that's the world today.

 

 

 Jack’s Winning Words  5/10/22

“If you could ask God for anything, what would you ask?”  (Three Minutes a Day)  At the supper table one day, the 11-yr-old son of the Gonzalez family asked: “If God were here and you could ask him  anything, what would that be?”  It provided for a lively family discussion.  Now, imagine if God were sitting next to you right now, is there a question that you might ask?  The truth is that God IS by you, right now!  Go ahead…ask Him your question.  If there’s a child in your family circle, ask for their opinion.  If there’s a friend, sibling, spouse, ask them…”If you could ask God for anything…?”   ;-)  Jack

FROM BB IN CHGO:  Great to see your thoughts this morning.  You’ve stumped me this time.  I think it’s a great question for family (or any) discussion.  Your post made me think of an article I read several years ago and just found.  I thought you might enjoy the “36 questions” with your sweetheart.  I’ve not done them as proposed but printed the list and worked on them over several dinners.  They made for interesting and insightful conversation in my book.===JACK:  Meals are for more than just eating.  Think of some thought-provoking question to ask when you and your children next break bread together.

 Jack’s Winning Words  5/9/22

“When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?”  (Psalm 11:3)  Watching the world news these days is frustrating.  The reports and pictures coming from the Ukraine are beyond belief.  Direct intervention could mean the use of nuclear weapons which would bring devastation beyond belief for the whole world.  What can the righteous do…beyond prayer?  My “part-time” community in Minnesota has a group called, Cultural Bridges which works to bring understanding and harmony among the different cultures in the area.  What more, do you think, can be done to bring “Peace on earth and goodwill to all?”  ;-) Jack

FROM HONEST JOHN:  A powerful military….and a great espionage system====JACK:  Wow!  I didn't expect that from you.  I was expecting something more philosophical or religious. 

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  so there's this huge war going on but no one cares? meanwhile china has 180 million people locked down bc of cooooovid. seems only "some lives matter."===JACK:  You hardly know what to believe these days.  Even "seeing is believing" is under suspicion.  I control what I can control.  Is there a God.  Is God fake, too?  How far will you let "faith" (any kind) take you?

FROM WILLMAR REV:  The advice given Israel of old by God Himself to their king, Solomon (noted for his wisdom), might do us all well today: ". . . if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14).  0;-)===JACK:  Who are "My People?"  Were Christians a part of that, or just the Jews?  How wide is the net that encompasses "my People?"  ....just giving some thought ideas to test our beliefs.===REV:  I believe it was at the minimum, God speaking to Israel…I’m just suggesting it might do us well to call upon the name of Israel’s God, or those who call upon His name today, or the one who spoke to Hager, the mother of Ishmael…the One you and I call upon…if there is another out there who can “turn this unwelcome tide of unrest”, be my guest?! 0;-)===JACK:  I can't can't stump you.  That's why you're such a good community chaplain.===REV:  You are too kind, Jack!! Thank you for your compliment! 0;-)

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  good question,  Jack.  i need to ponder it a bit more ===JACK:  Greater minds than mine (or possibly yours) have still not arrived at an working answer.

FROM SK IN SJ:  Much much Prayer! 

FROM CPA MIKE:   If everyone believes in Jesus truly believes and lives accordingly.===JACK:  Who is Jesus?  and what does it mean - Loves accoringly?

 

 

Jack’s Winning Words  5/6/22
“I am sure that if the mothers of various nations would meet, there would be no more wars.”  (E.M. Forster)  It’s said that the first Mother’s Day was in 1907, but 70 years earlier Julia Ward Howe called for a Mother’s Day when women could come together to promote peace.  It’s 2022, and mothers still mourn the loss of their sons in war.  Mother’s Day has evolved into something other than what Julia had in mind, but such is life.  It’s ever changing.  The “Day” honors mothers and what they have meant to us.  I’m told that I have some qualities of my mom.  I’m proud of that.  Is there a positive sign of a mother’s influence in your life?  Try to use that influence in some way today ;-)  Jack 

FROM BB IN CHGO:  I’m not sure which of her qualities you exhibit the most but that is high praise. She was obviously smart and ahead of her time.  I really like Julia and wish more people would remember her words and motivations rather than observe another “Hallmark Holiday”===JACK:  I was proud to have had the influence of my mother, "Margie", in my life.  I'm also pleased that David and Sunny chose to name one of their daughters after her, so that the name, "Margie Freed" is carried on.  Were you named after any specific person?

FROM SMILIN' TERI:  Terrific!

FROM SHALOM JAN:  Mothers also mourn the loss of daughters, as well as sons, in war and their mental health to ptsd.===JACK:  Male or female, War is Hell.  General Sherman gave his "War is Hell" speech at the Michigan Military Academy (where St Mary's Schools are today) on the east shore of Orchard Lake.  ===JAN:    Wow!  I didn't know that was the scene.  I got my M.Div. at SS. Cyril & Methodius, the seminary there, which closed last August.  The "dorm" building for priesthood candidates was one of the original buildings left from the military academy days.===JACK:  I think that the flagpole is from the academy days.  It's the tallest pole in Oakland County.  Lots of history in "my neck of the woods."

FROM BB IN CHGO:  I’m not sure which of her qualities you exhibit the most but that is high praise. She was obviously smart and ahead of her time.  I really like Julia and wish more people would remember her words and motivations rather than observe another “Hallmark Holiday”===JACK:  I was proud to have had the influence of my mother, "Margie", in my life.  I'm also pleased that David and Sunny chose to name one of their daughters after her, so that the name, "Margie Freed" is carried on.  Were you named after any specific person?

FROM SMILIN' TERI:  Terrific!

 Jack’s Winning Words  5/5/22

“I’m proud of who I am.”  (Rico Nasty)  Today is celebrated as Cinco de Mayo, which translates as May the 5th.  Surprisingly, it’s a bigger holiday in the USA than in Mexico.  It’s a day when people of Mexican heritage show their pride in their roots, and remember that on May 5, 1862 the Mexican army defeated France in a battle for independence.  Many of us are proud of our heritage.  The Ukrainians come to mind.  In spite of current divisions in our country, I’m still singing, “I’m proud to be an American.”  How about you?  ;-)  Jack:

FROM GOOD DEBT JON:  Happy Cinco de Mayo, Jack.  Looking forward to St. Olafs Day (July 29th) like all good Norwegians.  We haven't missed for 900 years.  ===JACK:  Some Finns that I know celebrate St Urhu's Day when Urhu drove the grasshoppers from Finland, thereby saving the grape crop.  He did it by yelling, "Grasshopper, grasshopper, go to H---!"  The Finns celebrate by drinking the fruit of the vine.

FROM DAVID LM:  Right on, John.===FROM JACK:  There is pride and there is pride.  One is a sin; the other is not.

 

 

 Jack’s Winning Words  5/4/22 

“Live simply.  Love generously.  Care deeply.  Speak kindly.  Leave the rest to God.”  (Advice from the Old Hillbilly)  I suppose the word, hillbilly, is not politically correct these days, but Dolly Parton says that she’s proud to be a Hillbilly.  I grew up listening to and enjoying Hillbilly Music.  I’d sit by the radio and sing with Roy Acuff about “The Great Speckled Bird.”  Hillbilly advice is common sense advice that was learned and practiced in simpler times…God, family and honesty.  As you look at today’s quote, what does it bring to mind?  A song?  A person?  A way of life?  ;-)  Jack

FROM THE SCIENTIST: I like it.====JACK:  People from Tennessee are called Hillbillys, are they? ===S:  Possibly? Not something I tend to ask at the family reunion 😂

FROM WILLMAR REV:  With ‘tongue in cheek’ I have occasionally referred myself as a ‘Hillwilliam.’ Over the years I have enjoyed four-part harmony Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Country Western, Ozark Mountain music,  and the like. 0;-)===JACK:  I think that you'd fit in well as Parson Paul among the hillbillies.

FROM GOOD DEBT JON:  To the extent and times I am not being a hypocrite,  I think being kind is one of most useful virtues in the list. Loving and caring is not always evident in its initial application.===JACK:  Sometimes I arrive at the realization that I can't solve all of the problems.  It's comforting to know that I can "leave the rest to God. 

FROM QUILTING CAROL:  I do believe I grew up by these statements and did not come from a Hillbilly family, but good old Scandinavian standards.  Grew thoughts to live by no matter who you are.  Hope life is treating you well and you are starting to see some warmer temps in your part of the country too.  It was 28 when I got up at 5:30 this morning and going up near 60.  I won’t complain as the sun is shining again this morning!  It does help with one’s perspective of the day.===JACK:  The point of today's WWs is that 'the hillbillies who are usually looked down upon are some pretty wise people.....Weather comment:  The coldest we had in Minnesota last winter was 40 below.  It was cozy inside by the fireplace.  Here in Michigan we noticed today that the leaves are ready to break out on the tree limbs, and the grass is bright green.

FROM COPPER COUNTRY BOB:  Well said!    Now, I need to practice it. ===JACK:  You're in the right place at the right time.  Sometimes, all we can do is leave the rest up to God.  It has worked well, so far.

FROM CPA MD:    I spent seven years in Corbin KY. part time. Just down the road from Renfro Valley. Had 600 employees who gave a good days work for a good days pay. Would apologize for having to file a medical claim or taking a sick day. Their lives were centered on school and church. Lived very modestly but much better than alot of folk in nearby Appalachia. Union Boys came in got 12 yes votes.    Some sayings that I remember:    "He needs to leave the window open and let reality creep in"      "My dog bit him. Best dog I ever had".  Simple life, wonderful people. May be hillbillies but who's to say if they might be better off than most.===JACK:  I'm partial to hillbillies, their sayings, their music...but their lifestyle is not one I want to copy...except for  those who give "an honest day's work for an honest day's pay.  Thee'd be no need for unions if all workers would give that honest day's work and all employers gave an honest day's pay.  But, since that's utopia....

FROM NORM'S BLOG:  Perhaps if we take the advice from the Old Hillbilly and invert the order things will look and be a lot different for you. If you stop trying to control everything (an impossible task anyway), and leave it to God, you will be free to do the rest of those things that the Old Hillbilly advised.  A quick and easy way to do that is to start each day with the little prayer that I like to use – “Not my will but thy will be done.” Then you can go on to say, “Bring it on God. I’m ready to Live simply.  Love generously.  Care deeply.  Speak kindly.”  Realize the obvious.===JACK:  I always like the way you enhance my thoughts.  Your words cause me to think..again.

FROM SHALOM JAN:  My West Virginian parents!  They might have added, "Pray often"===JACK:  I didn't know that you were a Hillbilly.  So much good came from the hills, along with the good.  

 

 Jack’s Winning Words  5/3/22

“The unhappy truth is,  learning is hard.”  (Tucker Carlson)  I did well in school, but grades were never a priority for me.  In researching Tucker’s quote, I discovered that learning is hard because learning involves making mistakes, and being told that you’ve made an mistake erodes our self-confidence.  Yet, it is by seeing the error of our ways is often the way we learn.  This can happen in school, on the job, in human relationships…even in writing and rewriting laws.  It’s said that much learning takes place in the College of Hard Knocks.  Is there some hard lesson life has taught you when you weren’t in school?  ;-)  Jack 

FROM JU IN NC:  Much of learning involves unlearning.===JACK:  I've found that it's not so much--"unlearning"--as it iis the new learning pushing out some of the old.  Same thing, I guess===JU:  I agree.

FROM WILLMAR REV:  "for ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God . . ." is a very humbling realization for those of us brought up in church who feel we might be better than others (Luke 18:9-14)!?!? I'm still learning of my many shortcomings and I'm very, very grateful of God's good grace towards and in my life!?!? 0;-/===JACK:  Does Satan ever get you to thinking that you're a little bit "above" the "lowest of the low" that you minister to?  Winning Words is not meant to be a confessional booth.  The words are just meant to help keep us humble.===REV:  "Winning Words" is an excellent way to start my mornings as you are always giving me questions to ponder . . . the timing of it comes right during the time of my devotions . . . currently studying the first chapters of Romans and was pondering another question when reading your post: What has Christ saved us from?  A room full of church folks would have similar answers as: "a broken marriage" - "an overwhelming addiction" -- "a bankrupt life of sorts" -- etc . . . and all would be correct, but the true answer we must never forget, "from the wrath to come" (1 Thessalonians 1:10) . . . this is what I heard this morning from my pre-devotions before reading "Winning Words" . . . you asked the question, and I answered the first thing that came to my mind! I was thinking solely of my own life and what I had gleamed from my Biblical truth this morning. 0;-)===JACK:  One of the thing I like about our relationship is that we can each come from a different way of teaching the Bible and understanding it...and yet arrive at the same truth: Jesus is Lord.  I so appreciate the way that you make the Bible come alive for the people you minister to.  

FROM SHARIN' SHARON:  This quote is so true.  I think I am dealing with some kind of hard lesson trying to do Bible studies with others.  It has to do with this higher criticism which people learn and which evidently disproves a bunch of stuff in the scriptures.  Then I get some commentaries from amazon questioning the credibility of higher criticism, written by Professors in the Old Testament at Princeton and everything.  The problem is, when people discuss, if we all haven’t had the same training and background, people can pigeon-hole others either for naively accepting the scriptures or being sceptical of the veracity of the scriptures and particularly, I believe, what is impacted is the supernatural viewpoint in the scriptures, the witness to miracles and so forth and so on.  This stuff doesn’t happen in school, logic and reason reign, but it happens all during living and certain teachings make it more difficult to deal with God’s ways of doing things in this world.  I still enjoy reading Luther’s commentaries though and find some solace in his thinking and reflecting.===JACK:  In the study of the Bible, many of too the words literally.  That's all we knew.  We knew little about figurative speech and the history of the times that was in other books.  "Higher criticism" does not necessarily mean "being critical" of the Bible.  It means that there is more to the story which enhances the message.  Someone who didn't like new translations of the Bible said, "If the King James Version of the Bible was good enough for Paul, it's good enough for me.  In Bible days it was believed that the earth was flat, and the Bible was written with that in mind.  Heaven was up, and Hell was down.  That doesn't mean that the Bible was wrong.  It means that there's more to the story.  The basic truth remains.  No one has all of the answers, but the Bible helps us to better understand God and our relationship to Him.

 

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 Jack’s Winning Words  5/2/22

“If my mind can conceive it, if my heart can believe it, I can achieve it.”  (Muhammed Ali)  Boxing champion Ali, was not only outstanding in his sport, but he also was clever with words.  “I float like a butterfly, but sting like a bee”  Today’s quote also shows that he was a positive thinker.  Many of us were introduced to the power of positive thinking by The Little Engine That Could.  “I think I can.  I know I can!”  Are you facing some problem?  Explore some possibilities as to how the problem can be solved.  Say, “I will find a way!”  Positive thinking worked for Ali; it works for me.  Give it a try!  ;-)  Jack  

FROM THE SCIENTIST:  It will take work, but we will get through this stronger. I know we can.===JACK:   Everything takes works...even the most simple of jobs.  Not only do we need to see the job that is waiting.  We need to be willing to do what needs doing to complete the task.

FROM SMILIN' TERI:  Love this quote.===JACK:  Ali also said: "A man who has no imagination has no wings."===TERI:  Yes, and one of my favorites for I like to think I have done this:  “She took a leap and built her wings on the way down.”

One needs to still be mindful of unnecessary risks, but this quote tells me sometime we make so many excuses “not to move.”  Have a good day and/or have the kind of day you want!===JACK:  We're getting ready to go back and live in Minnesota for a few months.  Hope to return to Michigan in August.

FROM FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR TOM:  Jack - what memories!!  My Mom said I would read and re-read the Little Engine That Could!!===JACK:  My first Winning Words were these: "Virtue is learned at mother's knee.  Vice is learned at other joints."  

 Jack’s Winning Words  4/29/22

“Wake up determined to go to bed satisfied.”  (Dwayne The Rock Johnson)   I usually wake up each morning singing a song…”Roll out of bed with a smile… O, what a beautiful morning…”  The day seems to go better with a song (and a hot cup of dark roast coffee..  Tomorrow,  I think I’ll use the song, “Count your many blessings.”  One of life’s blessings is to have something to do that’s worthwhile.  Ruth delivers Meals on Wheels.  Matt plants crops.  Wanda helps people with vision problems.   Accomplishing something productive during the day will leave you satisfied, and going to bed satisfied helps deliver a good night’s sleep.  What will you do today that will leave you satisfied?  ;-) Jack

FROM WILLMAR REV:  Whether I ate or drank or whatever I did, did I exhibit the glory of [our great] God (I Corinthians 10:31)?!?! You are always bringing 'the preacher' out of me, Jack!! Looking forward to hearing from you on Monday!! 0;-) ===JACK:  What causes you to lie awake at night?===REV:  My Gunsmoke App I'm listening to that has caught my interest to stay with it until its over and then fall asleep . . . if not that interesting  for some reason I fall asleep du ring it and pick it up another time . . . the same for a good teaching app from a Biblical educator and pastor out in California (Mike Fabarez of Compass Bible Church in South Orange County, California) who is somewhat like John MacAuthur, but a little more gentler in his approach evangelicalism . . . I'll fall asleep often begore the hour is up and catch the teaching the next night. 0;-)===JACK:  There's a song with the line: "I fall asleep, counting my blessings."

FROM PROUD MARY:  Good morning! Nice to know you also enjoy a “song of the day”.  We’re off to deliver Meals on Wheels today. My brother Johnny’s daily ambition is to have fun and make memories. I admire that philosophy! ===JACK:  What is your song for today?  I woke up sing, "Yes. we have no bananas."  Do you know that one?  It's a "fun" song.  Everybody has their own definition of fun.  What's yours? ===MARY:  I woke up thinking of the theme song from “valley of the dolls” . Yikes! I flipped that switch pretty quickly to “you are my sunshine”. It suits my character better. I still sing yes we have no bananas and think of jimmy Durante and Groucho Marx renditions.  I find the fun in most anything…usually the ridiculous and goofy.===JACK:  Speaking of goofy, I often sing:....Mairzy doats and dozy doats and liddle lamzy divey

A kiddley divey too, wouldn't you?
Yes! Mairzy doats and dozy doats and liddle lamzy divey
A kiddley divey too, wouldn't you?

If the words sound queer and funny to your ear, a little bit jumbled and jivey
Sing "Mares eat oats and does eat oats and little lambs eat ivy"

Oh! Mairzy doats and dozy doats and liddle lamzy divey
A kiddley divey too, wouldn't you-oo?
A kiddley divey too, wouldn't you?

===MARY:  My daddy taught me that song in our early mornings together. I still love hearing burl Ives sing it. I sing it to my grandkids hoping they will carry it into their generation. They think it’s a fun and silly song. Makes me smile. They all know you are my sunshine.===JACK:  You Are My Sunshine is another "good" morning song.

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  everyone needs a purpose, to feel needed... ===JACK:  The responses I get give me a "need" to write WWs.  Who/what gives you a purpose in life?===LIZ:  god asks me to speak for those who can't/won't...  ===JACK:  I'm glad that you and God are on speaking terms.

FROM ER:  This song, ONE DAY AT A TIME, SWEET JESUS,  has held great hope for me during my most difficult days. Thank you for being by my side to keep its refrain ever present. God was right there, every day, taking my other hand, generously allowing me to trust in his plan. I leaned so hard on the two of you. Neither of you let me fall. Thank you both.===JACK:  That song has been a good one for me, too.  I love music and the way how writer attach words to it. 

FROM DR J:  Yes… but here’s the thing…  You deliver WINNING WORDS … no matter what...Don’t underestimate the influence you have.. your years and wealth of experience, your humor, your wisdom, and your kind heart mean something.  You could say just one sentence… and it would be worthwhile.  Thats the influence you’ve had on me over these many years… truly.  I have a digital folder on my computer of various quotes and messages you’ve sent me… I look them up from time to time… when I need a boost.  Keep it Simple… your words matter!===JACK:  I'm preaching (talking) on Sunday.  I know that there are expectations.  The stress is: Will I meet them?

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  does watching your stock portfolio shrink count for something??:):):)===JACK:  What goes up, comes down.  What comes down, goes up.  My portfolio is for the long run.

 

 Jack’s Winning Words  4/28/22

“The bad news is, Time flies!  The good news is, You’re the pilot.”  (Michael Altshuler)  It’s not just your imagination.  Time does seem to go faster as we age.  While the seconds go by at the same rate as always, our brain works in a different way than when we were younger.  Physiologically, time drags for the younger generation and speeds up as we age.  Either way, it’s for us to determine how we react.  It’s a matter of attitude.  You and I control the “attitude.” - a nail-biter or a joyous thrill?  The title of a wartime book/movie gives me comfort…God Is My Co-pilot.  ;-)  Jack

FROM HY YO SILVER:  Great line.===JACK:  I always feel more comfortable flying when I see that there's a co-pilot.  I always feel more comfortable watching the "news" when I believe that there's a G-d.===HY:   More winning words === JACK:  That's my calling...to write Winning Words.  In fact, I "see" WWs as a shortened version of a sermon.  Maybe the church/synagogue of tomorrow will have sermons like that.

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  another good one for my New Year's sermon file.  thanks! ===JACK:  I have one file drawer filled with unused sermon ideas.  Such is life.===SP:  wow, that is interesting.  when i was in Pontiac,  i co-officiated at a wedding at a Catholic church in Detroit and the priest told me that the next day the communion wafer for the first time could be placed in the hand of the worshipper and not directly on the tongue.   that too was kind of big deal.===JACK:  I can't pinpoint the exact time...but it was a BIG deal when I was invited to receive Holy Communion in a Roman Catholic Church, not as an intruder, but as a fellow-Christian.  

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:   the brain works differently? gotta link for that?===JACK:  I simply Googled, "Why does time seem to move quickly when we become older?"  I saw  that there were physiological reasons for time to move at a constant rate, while aging makes the process it in a different way.  The youthful brain sees the rate of passing time in a different way.  Google gives valid sources.

FROM FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR TOM:  A Wing and a Prayer Jack!  Have great day!!   ===JACK:  Was your father's B-25 ever in combat?  I still urge you to take a flight in the B-25 operated by the Yankee Museum at Willow Run.  You don't want to come to the point where you say, "I woulda, coulda, shoulda."===TOM:  Jack - he was about to ship out to the Pacific when the war ended.  He wanted to fly the P-38 Lightning  but instead the B-25. He met my Mom at a USO dance in Chicago.  They were on a training mission at that time.  I miss them but have faith I will see them again.  Hope you are well.  And yes, I should go for a ride in the 25!!!===JACK:  I tend to think that pilots want to be in the cockpit agile fighters...starting with the P-40, and the P=38 was "cool."  Twin engines and a split tail...and then there was the Mustang.  Taking off from a carrier in a B-25 was more than exciting.  What plane that you've flown has excitied you?

FROM NORM'S BLOG:  The real point of today’s quote seems to be that you are still in control, no matter how fast things seem to be happening. Perhaps it is a blessing that time seems to fly. That usually means that you are busy and not just sitting around being bored with life. Personally, I know that I seem to be busier now, in my semi-retired life than I was when I was working full time in a big company. I have two part-time jobs and some volunteer work that keeps me busy each day. I also make it a point to do something with my wife each day and we have a dog that demands attention in exchange for the unconditional love that she gives us. Time flies by.===JACK:  Thanks for the good follow-up, Norm.  You have grasped the point I was trying to make.  Have you ever been at the controls of a plane?

 Jack’s Winning Words  4/27/22

“Nothing is impossible.  The word itself says, ‘I’m possible!’”  (Audrey Hepburn)  Audrey Hepburn was more than just a pretty face   She had an incredible mind, spoke 5 different languages and spied on the Nazis during WW 2.  Her movies were good, too.  What I didn’t realize was that she was a possibility thinker.  Many people are too quick to give up when they come face to face with a problem.  “There is a solution!  I’m going to find it.  As child, in Sunday School, I learned the song: “All things are possible, only believe!”  You may not have a face like Audrey’s, but you can say with her, “Nothing’s impossible!”  ;-)  Jack   

FROM OPTI-ART:  Good morning, Jack.  Thanks for sharing.  Have a good day ===JACK:  .I pass by your street almost daily and wonder how you're doing.  I hope to see you on the Optimist Zoom one of these days.

FROM WILLMAR REV:  You know me and my choruses-- 0;-) Nothing is impossible when you put your trust in God,  Nothing is impossible when you’re trusting in His Word;  Hearken to the voice of God to thee,  “Is there anything too hard to me?”  Then put your trust in God alone and rest upon His Word,  For ev’rything, O ev’rything!  Yes ev’rything is possible with God!===JACK:  That one wasn't in our Sunday School songbook.  Hum a few bars.

FROM GUSTIE:  Thanks Jack.  This move has me all discombobulated!  Ha! ===JACK:  How much STUFF do we really need?  It's better than you (rather than your heirs) can sort through things and save the "precious" items.  

FROM RS IN TEXAS:  Speaking of possible....here's a video of an ice dancer....who is blind! ===JACK:  Speaking of IM-possible...me tryuing to ice dance...and I can see.

FROM SHALOM JAN:  Loved this!  She was one of my faves!===JACK:  Of her own personal faith, Audrey said:  [I have] enormous faith, but it's not attached to any one particular religion…. My mother was one thing, my father another. In Holland they were all Calvinists. That has no importance at all to me.===JAN:  I am using Praying With Jesus by Eugene H. Peterson for my morning devotions.  His scripture for today is Matthew 12:9-14, the healing of the man with the withered hand and the Pharisees, in push-back, conspiring how to "destroy him".  Peterson does a short commentary, usually ending with a question for readers to ponder and answer within ourselves, and then a short prayer; and I thought you might appreciate his comments and prayer today.     Jonathan Swift once remarked,"Most of us have just enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love."  Here is an instance of it, people hating Jesus.  The list of crimes planned and committed on behalf of the deity stretches into a long list.       Why were they plotting?  Did they hate Jesus?"  Prayer:  Like so many others, God, I want your stamp of approval on what I find comfortable, not a life of repentance and risky faith.  Keep watch over my heart today.  Qwickly expose any scheming that masks itself as "religious concern," but has as its actual purpose the murderous removal of the Redeemer.  Amen     I wish I could tattoo Swift's comment onto the faces of so many people who use their so-called "Christian faith" as a means of hatred of those who differ from them in any way, so they couldn't avoid seeing that quote every time they look in the mirror!     Keep up the great work of stimulating my thoughts and prayers day by day, Jack!  God's richest blessings! ===JACK:  Eugene is one of my favorites.  I used to know several people named, Eugene, but that name seems to have gone out of favor.  Watch out with that tattoo needle.  Somebody might steal it from you and start poking your skin.  BTW, do you have any tats?

FROM  ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  i like it, Jack!   this one is actually quite memorable ===JACK:  One of the sermons I heard you preach was actually quite memorable.

 

 

 Jack’s Winning Words  4/26/22

“I see great things in baseball.”  (Attributed to Walt Whitman)  I’ve been a baseball fan forever!  I used to cut out the pictures of players from the newspaper and put them in envelopes marked with the name of the team they played for.  I actually saw Hank Aaron when he was a rookie…and Lou Gehrig play his last game…but last Saturday I missed seeing Miguel Cabrera get his 3000^th  hit,  RATS!.  There’s a saying: “He who has eyes to see, let him see.”  Is there something that you’ve seen in your lifetime that’s really impressed you?  Maybe it was  the Moon landing?  …or the birth of a child?...or, what?   ;-)  Jack 

FROM WILLMAR REV:  ". . . or what?" "Morning by morning new mercies I see?! Blessed to have soooo many!! 0;-)===JACK:  Great Is Thy Faithfulness is one of my  favorite hymns.===REV:  Mine as well, especially that line I used to respond, “morning by morning, new mercies I see!” 0;-)===JACK:  The tune is especially good at that point in the song.

FROM THE IVESTOR:  I remember my grandfather saw the first automobile then saw us land on the moon!===JACK:  Impressive, but I wonder if he ever saw the birth of a baby?===I:  His wife had two of them but I doubt he witnessed it. ===JACK:  I never found out about the birth of my children until and hour, or more after it happened.  "Those were the days."

FROM HY YO SILVER:  You saw Aaron?  You saw Gehrig’s last game?  WOW ===JACK:  Since home TV was not available at the time, I did see Gehrig's speech on movie newsreel...but I was "in the stands" at Milwaukee when Hamerin' Hank played as a rookie.  He was good!===HY:  There's a hymn, "Were you there when they crucified my Lord?"  I've read about the crucifixion, I've preached about it, I've seen artists' renderings...BUT I was not there at the time.  Would I have joined the mocking crowd, or been part of the crying few?  There's a difference between "being there" and "not actually being there."===JACK:  

FROM SHARIN' SHARON:  I've seen a bunch of things that have really impressed me but I believe one thing I saw that really impacted upon me and my family is that 500 year celebration of the positive things in the Church which have happened since the Reformation.  The local and international celebrations were really hopeful and actually continue to guide me forward in a lot of my thinking and reading and relationships and so forth.  Wouldn't be nearly so confident of a good direction forward if none of that stuff hadn't happened a few years ago. Wouldn't personally be so bold if those 500 year celebration things hadn't happened. The memories continue to be inspirational.  Actually, the things you mentioned--baseball, moon landing, new baby all carry that impetus of hope and constructive change to a future that is more open than closed which can be appreciated.  Thanks for the WW===JACK:  I,m old, but not old enough to have known Luther personally.  But, I feel very comfortable knowing that he was "an ordinary guy" with an extra-ordinary mind.  When the devil bothered him, he just farted to scare him away.===SS:  Ha ha, Pastor Freed.  Guess Luther made an impact in whatever way he thought would work.  I love the earthy no-nonsense humor!!!  On his example, I’ll save up my farts for when the devil harasses me too.

FROM ST5 PAUL IN ST PAUL:  i would enjoy baseball a lot more if it was just 7 innings.  but that is just one man's opinion:):):) ===JACK:  If that's the way you feel, 6 1/2 would better...because it would mean that the home team had won the game (or there had been a rain-out.

FROM CPA MD:    I love technology. You can see his hit time and time again even 3,000 times should you choose. Film and TV has enabled me to see Aaron and Gehrig on demand.  Watched the 1952 world series a few weeks back.===JACK:  There's a hymn, "Were you there when they crucified my Lord?"  I've read about the crucifixion, I've preached about it, I've seen artists' renderings...BUT I was not there at the time.  Would I have joined the mocking crowd, or been part of the crying few?  There's a difference between "being there" and "not actually being there."

FROM ME IN NEWPORT BEACH:  I have been impressed by Ukraine’s President Zellensky who to me came out of nowhere.  I have been equally unimpressed with Mr. Putin.  I also find myself embarrassed that, in my opinion, our generation is the first in my lifetime to leave our children a lesser world.  My personal barometer for that remark is my impression that the world is a much less happy and much more angry world than the one I inherited.===JACK:  We are a fickle people.  There's a reason it's called, THE ME GENERATION.  I don't think that people really understand how catastrophic a nuclear war would be.  I agree with your assessment of Zellensky and of Putin (the Emperor has no clothes).  There's also a general misunderstanding of economics.  Inflation has it's reasons beyond whose party is in office.  The same with stagnation or any --ation.  "Ask not what your country can do for you.  "Ask what can you do for your country?"  Kennedy might not have been the greatest President, but he sure was able to generate positive enthusiasm.  (My 2 cents worth)  

 Jack’s Winning Words  4/25/22

“Nothing ever goes away.”  (Barry Commoner)  Buddhist  Pema Chodron adds: “…until it teaches us what we need to know.”  Minor political parties have little chance in a Presidential election.  In 2020, the DEMs got 51+% and the GOPs, 46+%); The Libertarian vote was1.2%, and the Green was 1/4%.  Those minor parties simply made a statement.  In 1980, scientist Barry Commoner, running on an environmental platform, got only  ¼ of 1% of the vote.   He was against nuclear testing and urged the development of organic farming.  Barry’s worst nightmare was probably World War 3.  Would you vote for a minor party?     ;-)  Jack

FROM WILLMAR REV:  I am known for doing that very thing . . . being part of and voting along with a minority party for Jesus, the risen Christ: "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not" (1 John 3:1) KJV).  0;-) ===JACK:  Does Jesus care about the election in America as much as He cares about what's going on in other parts of the world?  Would be side with the Jews or the Palestinians?  the Russians or the Ukranians?  Would He be a GOP or a DEM?===REV:  God is found showing an unexpected indifference and concession to people’s desires away from His leadership and their disingenuous activity which can leave us in a world filled with sin (missing God's mark for Godly inspired leadership) and this paradigm of Him turning people, leadership groups, and even nations over to their own demise . . . I would suggest the question be better stated as, "Do our elections in America care about what God is thinking regarding their agendas (both GOP and DEM, the Jews and the Palestinians, Russians and Ukrainians, and other parts of the world" (Romans 1:18-23; Psalm 89, ESV)? I haven't heard from any of them in this regard lately?! 0;-/ ===JACK:  While people in biblical days believed in a flat Earth, God, in His wisdom knew that the Earth was round.  .....Just wondering...  Do you suppose He cared for the "unknows" of Earth as He cared for the Jews and the Christians?===REV:  By flat-Earth people, not moved by “human initiative, but prophets moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from [an all-knowing]  God.” (2 Peter 1:21 NLT). Very true though, it is we who know in part and look through a glass darkly, and with many voices [often Pentecostal in my circle] yelling loudly, "Thus saith the Lord!" Looking forward to hearing and knowing no longer in part?! 0;-)===JACK:  I try my best, but I can't seem to shake you.

 

FROM CPA MD:    I would consider an independent especially if they had an America First agenda like Trump. No environmentalists as of now. We all want to protect our earth. Not a matter of what but how. My fear is that environmental blindness could lead us to suffering and hardship and further dependency on China.===JACK:  There was an AMERICA FIRST party that wanted to keep the USA out of WW 2.  How would you have responded to the Pearl Harbor attack?  As I read you, we are FIRST, citizens of America, while others would see us first as occupants of the planet?===MD:  Very simply if it benefits the interests of the majority of Americans we proceed. If not, we don't. Don't buy into planet occupancy guilt.. much to our detriment and perhaps to those who have had their hands in our pockets. I would have gone after the Japanese and interceded in the Holocaust.===JACK:  If I'm not to "buy into" the planet-guilt, it follows that I shouldn't buy into the "God-guilt" also.  I think America First is a selfish attitude, much like, "Am I my brother's keeper?"===MD:  Not the way that I see it. The U.S is and has been the most compassionate and generous country on earth and protector. I like and support that.  W.H.O, N.A.T.O, U.N. and Paris Climate Accord have taken Hugh advantage of our country, taking our money and support while not putting up their fair share and continuously saying bad things about our country. Trump was trying to eliminate the shenanigans asking them to pony up to the bar and get with the programs. That's what a U.S president does.===JACK: You are speaking in generalities, and as for Trump, or others like him, an "amoral" person (notice that I could follow..===MD:   Generalities should be sufficient. Everyone is capable of doing their own research and forming their own conclusions   I think that I get your point on Mr Trump... amoral, amoral, amoral. Republicans are thankful that Trump Derangement Syndrome has driven the democrats to lunacy. Old, tired, senile,clueless and very crooked Joe is an embarrassment.  The VP. Unfortunately is worse. Once again, I think that we see eye to eye on the issues. We just disagree on who is most qualified to solve problems. Character attacks from me or you will not change that.===JACK:  I guess we'll have to let it go at that.  I'm just surprised someone as smart as you can't see behind the mask.

FROM GUSTIE:  Just move and find out just how much disappears!  Uff Da!  ===JACK:  One reason we've stayed in our house as long as we have....What arewe going to do with all of the STUFF?===G:  I have been working on my kitchen ALL DAY.  I have the Tupperware left to do.  The movers put it way up high and I can’t do that.  I just hit the wall though so I have to wait till tomorrow.  I have to get on my step stool and sure don’t want to fall off. The kids and I still have go deal with all the STUFF left in the house, garage, and basement.  Uff Da! ===JACK:  Are they "fighting" over who gets what?  My kids have put their name on the things that are special to them.  So far, no squabbles.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  i WOULD, IF I SHARED THEIR BELIEFS. ===JACK:  ...even if you knew that the party wouldn't win?

 *Jack’s Winning Words  4/22/22

“To leave the world better than you found it, sometimes you have to pick up other people’s trash.”  (Bill Nye)  Today is Earth Day!  A recent article in the Detroit Free Press says that the rate of recycling in Michigan has nearly doubled in the last 3 years.  This amounts to an additional;500,000 tons of waste that does NOT go into landfills.  In the Bible Cain asks of God: “Am I my brother’s keeper?”  The implied answer is that mankind is inter-related, and what affects one, affects all.  What are you doing to try and make the world better than you found it?  ;-)  Jack   

FROM THE SCIENTIST:  Just took the recycling out to the corner. Glad we have that option.  Hoping to eco-friendly the yard this summer. Improve the soil, cut back on fertilizers, look at adding native plants. Little things add up, but how to do it on a big (system-level) scale?===JACK:  I remember, about 30+ years ago...It was garbage day and my neighbor and I were taking out trash (including newspapers) for pickup.  He asked, "Do you think that we'll ever get into recycling these newspapers and other junk?"  We've made lots of progress since then, but lots more remains to be done.

FROM THE FISH IN NOVA SCOTIA:  A whale and his pal, a herring, used to go into a certain bar every Friday after work.  One Friday, the bartender was surprised to see just the herring arrive, and the herring was in a very foul mood. The bartender expected to hear something about this from the herring, but didn't, and finally said, "Where's your buddy?"  The herring snapped back, "Am I my blubber;s kipper?"===JACK: Adam and Eve must have had their hands full when raising Cain.  But I guess they dad as much as they were Abel.

FROM WILLMAR REV:  Following the guidelines set before me by local government and have given up any hopes of a private jet and limousine service, but still driving a gas guzzling automobile until the leaders in DC and their cronies decide to lead by example. I'm setting out my recycling this morning too before leaving my house. 0;-)===JACK:  I thought that in the rural area where you live the parson's were still driving a horse and buggy...with hay as the fuel.  Which reminds me...A little boy was watching the milkman deliver milk from a horse-drawn wagon.  When the milkman came back from a house after making a delivery, the lboy said: "You're not be able to go on, mister.....Your horse lost all his gasoline."

FROM HONEST JOHN:  Cain is not his brothers keeper.   He is to be his brother’s caregiver===JACK:  I did not have a brother, but I did have a younger sister...and I did watch over her...and she was so pure that she became a preacher's wife.  If we had lived in later times, she would have been a great pastor.  In fact, has become one...only without a collar.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  cLEAN UP MY LITTLE CORNER....!==JACK:   If you do your part, and I do my part....what a clean(er) world this would be.

FROM NORM'S BLOG:   "EARTH IS NOT HAPPY..... "  

Norm Werner posted: " Earth Day 2022 I got this graphic as today's inspirational message and couldn't help but think that earth wouldn't really be in a happy mood, if it were possible for it to have moods. In fact, earth would be in a foul mood just like it's atmosphere. T" I got this graphic as today's inspirational message and couldn't help but think that earth wouldn't really be in a happy mood, if it were possible for it to have moods. In fact, earth would be in a foul mood just like it's atmosphere. Those billions of pesky little any-like creatures who are running around on its surface (and below) and in its skies have created enough pollution to make earth hot under the collar and earth is showing its displeasure with severe weather events, melting icecaps and rising seas. So, on this Earth Day, instead of being happy or blissfully ignorant, we should all be more aware of the impact that we are having on Earth and take heed of the need to change our ways before the Earth finds ways to deal with this infestation of humans. We hear much about the need to all get along with each other; however, if we don't figure out how to get along with the Earth first, that won't matter. As I sat thinking about earth's current state and the direction in which we seem to be heading it occurred to me that the current hot political word of the moment - "woke" - applies. Although it has recently been perverted by politicians to use in a very negative sense for political gain, the definition that I found online for it seems to apply - It suggests rage, passion, resistance, action; seeking to draw a line against the unacceptable - . We all need to become woke to the damage that we are causing to the earth and draw a line against the consequences if we do not make changes. For now at least, this is the only place that we have to live, so destroying it makes no sense - it is unacceptable. Instead of a Happy Earth Day, we need a Woke Earth Day. Let's draw that line.   C

 *Jack’s Winning Words  4/21/22

“I write because I’m afraid to say some things out loud.”  (Gordon Atkinson)  Are you familiar with the Myers Briggs Personality Test?  It’s supposed to be 90% accurate, and I’ve read that 1.2 M people  take it, for free, each month.  I can’t remember my results from long ago, but when reading over the 16 personality types, I’d have to say that that I’m an “Architect/Logician.”  The Bible says that there’s a time to speak and a time to be silent.  I’m still working on that one.  How about you?  Some things need to be said out loud, and sometimes the lip needs to be zipped.  Ah! To know the difference.  ;-)  Jack 

FROM FACEBOOK LI\Z:  i'm the rare INFJ... now you know "the rest of the story." ===JACK:  Yes, it does.  Are you an A or a J?  I wonder if personalities change with time and experiences?

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  how true!  how true!   thanks===JACK:  You seem to be able to speak in a LOUD voice.  I seem to leave people asking a question: "What does he mean by that?"  And they have to ponder the question.===SP:  sometimes asking the right question is more important than providing the right answer..

FROM SHARIN' SHARON:  Thought-provoking WW.  I definitely believe some things are better left unsaid or else there is a place for timing—something can be said but later when it will have more chance to be received.  Many years ago, a Presbyterian friend was intense about the Myers Briggs Personality Test—I think it was that test—and got me involved with him studying the scriptures and using the statements of Jesus to analyze His Personality.  It was quite an exercise for both of us for a while.  Actually, remember when Jesus wrote with His finger twice on the ground?  I doubt—being God—he was afraid but I bet He knew/knows very intimately Gordon Atkinson.  Thanks for generating these interesting WW for us to reflect upon, Pastor Freed.  They are fun to think about. ===JACK:  If Jesus was truly human, does that mean that the Myers Briggs test would apply to Him?  Which of the 16 personalities might He be?  Or, would He be Personality 17?  

FROM CATHY:  Ugh - admittedly one of my worst qualities - but I’m workin  on it it too! 😊===JACK:  The words of Jesus often (as they apply to us) make us say, UGH!  But the trick is to keep on trying to do better.

FROM EDUCATOR PAUL:  I'm always silent.===JACK:  Ha!!!

FROM DAZ IN COLORADO:  The corollary to that is ---Better to keep your mouth shut and have people think your stupid than to open it and remove all doubt.===JACK:  I've been proud to quote you on several occasions.

 

Jack’s Winning Words  4/20/22 “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”  (Ralph Waldo Emerson)  No wonder Emerson wanted to escape to the quiet of Walden Pond.  It was a hectic America in the early 1800s.  Tuberculosis was rampant.  Millions of immigrants were coming.  Factory smoking smokestacks in RWE’s area were growing like weeds.  A division between North and South was widening.  “Give me some peace and quiet!”  Ah! There was “The Pond!”  …a place of escape.  Do you have a Walden?  A place to get away from it all?  A place where you can just be yourself…and not be what the TV wants to make you?  ;-)  Jack    FROM THE NOVA SCOTIA FISH:  our barrel by our pond--the Bay of Fundy, saltwater to the horizon from our perch 200' up===JACK:  What fun it would be to see those B of F tides come in and go out.  Is there Heaven in Earth? FROM HONEST JOHN:  I believe you are thinking of Thoreau.   Emerson was a very worldly person…lived in Concord, Mass……travelled extensively through the country….pushed his “Transcendentalism”===JACK:  Emerson lived at Walden Pond for two years.  Those twqo guys seemed to be buddies. FROM WILLMAR REV:  (v) There is a place of quiet rest, Near to the heart of God, A place where sin cannot molest, Near to the heart of God.  (v) There is a place of comfort sweet, Near to the heart of God, A place we our Savior meet, Near to the heart of God.  (v) There is a place of full release, Near to the heart of God. A place where all is joy and peace, Near to the heart of God.  (Chorus) O Jesus, blest Redeemer, Sent from the heart of God, Hold us who wait before Thee Near to the heart of God.  0;-)   ===JACK:  Even though it's not in the Lutheran Hymnal, I know that song, having sung it in Sunday School.  You ought to make a CD of you singing those old Gospel choruses. FROM SHALOM JAN:  Best decision of the past 15 years was to get rid of TV.  I have never regretted that decision.  When I want to learn about something, I just get into it on my computer -- when I want to.===JACK:  Ohhhh! You've found your Waldon Pond.  Good for you.  But, how do you know what is the best medicine that you should be taking and what beer to be drinking?===SJ:  Haha, thanks!  Most of my beer is NA, and I just read an article about a brand that is MADE to be NA, instead of just having the alcohol removed from the formula.  Mmmm!  I believe it's also a Michigan product -- even better reason to look for it.===JACK:  During the pandemic we've been using little sealed cup containing non-alcoholic grape juice.  Does that count as Holy Communion? FROM ER:  Naples Beach is my Walden Pond. I found myself, and built up my inner strength, there. As you are well aware, I was very fortunate to have the gift of very little responsibilities while I sat for hours on my "Walden" beach. I felt the healing serenity of my beach the moment my toes sunk into the sand when I was there a month ago. Naples beach will always be special for me.===JACK:  I visited Naples once...downtown, but not the beach.  So, I missed Walden Pond.  I have yet to discover "my pond," but it must be out there, somewhere.