Jack’s Winning Words 9/10/20

“Every time I think that I’m getting old and gradually going to the grave, something else happens.”  (Elvis)  It is commonly thought that between the ages of 55 and 65, old age begins, the saying is: “You’re as old as you feel.”  Presley died at 42, an old man before his time.  So much potential, but poor life choices sent him to an early Graceland grave. Psalm 90 advises us to “number our days to get a heart of wisdom,” meaning: Make wise life choices!  :-)  Jack

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  It’s not how I want to live but the alternative isn’t that great either.  My good old Danish heritage.===JACK:  As I recall it (before mergers), there were the Happy Danes and the Sad Danes.  The Happy one joined with the ELCA.  Do you recall which group your family was associated with?

FROM JW IN SJ:  These Winning Words are especially meaningful to me, especially the last line===JACK:  I always liked the Biblical admonition: "Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves."

Jack’s Winning Words 9/9/20

“Sometime the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life.  Tip-toe, if you must, but take the step.” (Sent by Kitty)  “That’s one small step for (a) man etc<” were likely the most important words ever spoken by Astronaut Neil Armstrong.  I’ve taken some steps in my life that have turned out to be life-changing..and those decisions aren’t always easy.  But progress isn’t made by standing still, so as the quote says, tip-toe if you must, but take the step. As you look back, what steps have you taken that have changed the direction of your life?   :-)  Jack  . 

Jack’s Winning Words 9/8/20
“Always desire to learn something useful.”  (Sophocles)  I read that Sophocles choked to death while eating grapes.  As a child, I was taught by my parents:  “Don’t talk with your mouth full.”     I’ve also benefitted from learning, “righty-tighty, lefty-loosey!”  Chances to learn don’t stop when we become adults.  My grandson showed me how to: find, cut, paste and send a computer image.  That’s been something useful.  In what way has Sophocles influenced your life?  :-)  Jack

Jack’s Winning Words 9/4/20
“If I had the wings of an angel…” (Albert Brumley)  Children often enjoy playing, “Let’s pretend..”  A prison inmate probably pretended having wings so that he could “fly” to freedom…and a song was born.  Imagine now that you have the wings of an angel.  Where would you fly?  What walls would disappear.  It may not be with wings, but the Bible assures us that with our faithfulness God does provide surprising escapes.  Keep on believing!     ;-) Jack

FROM WILLMAR REV:  I’m keeping on keeping on here, Jack!! Thanks for the encouragement! I must admit, you good Lutheran’s have taught me a song I never grew up singing in church— “On Eagle’s Wings”...I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sung it or been ask to lead it while officiating a funeral for a Lutheran friend. 0;-)===JACK:  Thanks for referencing "you good Lutherans", but I've read that the song was written by a Minnesota priest.  Maybe you can meet him someday.===REV:  Didn't realize it realize it was this new of a song-- 1979 . . . always assumed older. 0;-)

FROM ST PAUL:  i also think of how proud people are in the Air Force after they get " their wings"    have a good holiday, Jack===JACK:  ...or, in the Christmas classic, "It's a Wonderful Life"...the famous line. "Every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings."===SP:  how many times have you seen that movie?  i think i have seen it 6 or 7 times...===JACK:  More than that...A story with a great message.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  I'm having a wings experience right now, on beautiful Lake Tahoe in California! Enjoying 3 weeks with my family on vacation which will end with a week in San Diego again right on the ocean! Couldn't wing to a better situation, if we all stay well hi!===JACK:  How was the flight west?  Everyone masked?  It's interesting to recall how many church songs mention angels...mostly from the Christmas season.

FROM GOOD DEBT JON:  A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.  (Jackie Robinson)  Perhaps now an angel===JACK:  It seemed as tho Jackie had wings when he "flew" around the bases.===JON:  I can't say I've ever watched a whole baseball game. Unless my kids or grandchildren are involved. While I appreciate some of baseball's stories the game holds no large space in my mental bandwidth. In general I love the leadership and lessons of sports but aside from football have very little interest. I actually don't care so much about football either. I watch some college games but it's never a must see. I find sports rather boring on the whole. I miss Walter Peyton the family man, the Bears? Meh? I try to be a Packers Fan but it's not a priority. A triumph story is engaging will Brady do well in Tampa ? Will Cam Newton regain his wings in New England? Was it team? Was the Pick of Cam Newton a waste ? Did he never learn to lead like Michael Jordan? 

People, egos, and personalities are intresting. Love Deon Sanders.  People are interesting sports not so much.  Have a great day sir, out for a walk typing this under a tree.  ===JACK:  Bah!  Humbug!  For me, it was a father/son thing.  My dad played "catch" with me when I was a little boy, and I did the same with my son and my daughters.  That translated into having an interest in Major League Baseball.  Having said that, I think that pro players in any sport are usually over-paid prima-donnas.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  I’d be a fierce protector of my little family.  I would ask God to give be me the gift of large enough wings to cover them!  But, I don’t need too do I?  He’s got them covered! ===JACK:  From the Bible:  "I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings."  That verse led to the hymn: "Under His wings I am safely abiding."

Jack’s Winning Words 9/3/20
“And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.”  (Kahlil Gibran)  Do you think nature has feelings?  Eco-philosopher Glenn Albrecht is studying that possibility…that the earth can feel our feet…that the wind is playful.  Terrafurie is a new word to describe “earth anger.”  Might unusual storms be a result of that?  Albrecht’s work gives us a chance to explore such ideas.  Does nature recognize friends?    ;-)  Jack

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  they now claim plants scream in pain===JACK:  Who are "they?"  I've sometimes wondered if trees feel pain when cut down.===LIZ:  some scientists...

 https://www.sciencetimes.com/articles/24473/20191218/a-group-of-scientists-suggest-that-plants-feel-pain.htm  ===JACK:  The information within your link does not surprise me.  I wonder some of the vegetarians think about this theory?

FROM WILLMAR REV:  Remembering a few times where it was being cursed by the ball players and praised at the same time by the farmers when it rained and vice versa when it didn't. 0;-) ===JACK:  I wonder if the wood felt it when you stamped your foot after getting a split at the bowling alley....or if the pulpit feels it when you pound it to emphasize a point?===I remember the pulpit and the handheld microphone did a very poor job hiding my portly frame behind them. 0;-/===JACK:  In my opinion,  you did some of your best ministry outside of the pulpit and with a voice that was conversational and didn't need a mic.===REV:  Thank you, Jack . . . Appreciated!! 0;-) 

FROM ST PAUL:  i think Mother Nature is expressing her anger at us for electing a godless idiot in 2016.  what do you think?===JACK:  I think that God might be punishing all of us for things worse than you describe...among them, our own self-righteousness.  But, back to Mother Nature...It is an interesting thought that catastrophic weather conditions might be the result of an angry mother.  

FROM TAMPA SHIRL:  Yes

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  The earth is very delighted with us because we’ve been hiking and walking and visiting this great U.P. in all it’s glory!  High winds and beautiful huge waves on Miss Superior today!===JACK:  Oh!  I thought that it was Mister Superior.

FROM SK IN SJ:  Let’s get the whole world barefoot. Wonder what would happen then.? I guess be careful what we wish for! Yikes! How are you guys doing? Miss you both. We are having some really nice  weather here. How about you?===JACK:  There's too much cement here to go barefoot.  As a farmgirl, did you spend the summers with bare feet? 

    

Jack’s Winning Words 9/2/20 “Don’t dwell on went wrong.  Instead, focus on what to do next.”  (Denis Waitley)  Some people oversimplify Waitley’s quote by telling others to “Get over it!”  which is easier said than done. I find it interesting to learn that “over” in this instance is a contraction of “recover.”  A 19th century book describes a sailor’s leg amputation.  In that instance, “get over” meant, “recover.” So, when something goes wrong, look for the positive.  Search for ways to “recover from it” and spend energy focusing on what to do next.  ;-)  Jack FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  thanks, i needed that! 😉===JACK:  I like..."Recover from it."  A positive message, FROM NORM'S BLOG:  It takes a conscious effort to recover from a traumatic event in one’s life and make no mistake, many events are traumatic. The dictionary defines traumatic as an adjective meaning “emotionally disturbing or distressing.” Things like a rejection of affections or being passed over for a promotion or the death of a loved one can have as large of a traumatic impact upon us and a physical injury event. Such traumas often cause physical responses as well as physiological ones. The traumatized person may look flushed, their blood pressure may rise and they may even faint.  What is one to do to stop the trauma and begin recovery? The word “stop” is the key. One must be able to come to a complete stop mentally and step back from the thoughts and emotions that are driving the trauma. That is not easy, but making it an overt and conscious effort helps. Imagine mentally screaming STOP in your mind (maybe even say it out oud if you are alone). If you can stop the stream of thoughts that were consuming you, then you can take the next step and admit to yourself that it happened, it’s over and there is nothing that you can do to change the past. That will allow you to refocus upon the future – the what’s next step.===JACK:  "One step, and then another, and the longest journey is complete." (Unknown) FROM TAMPA SHIRL:  Eliminating the negative emphasize the positive and enjoy each day! ===JACK:  Your answer has the makings of a song. FROM PROUD MARY:  How about this...let’s...”Accentuate the positive”...“Eliminate the negative”...then maybe we can start to...”Forget about our worries and our strife”. Hmmmmmm...===JACK:  You're the 2nd one today with that advice.  Now, I'm waiting to hear from Johnny Mercer. FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  We’re having a wonderfully blessed time getting over our vacation days in the U.P.  God surely made great places here.===JACK:  Since you've traveled to all 50 states (I think), what is the most beautiful spot?  You HAVE to pick one?===JUDY:  Michigan first, Idaho second, Oregon third and Alaska fourth.

Jack’s Winning Words 8/31/20
“We win more friends with our ears than with our lips.”  (Pastor Bob’s Bulletin) An article in Psychology Today explains what makes for a healthy relationship.”  It’s Deep Listening…really trying to hear and understand what is being said (to hear between the words).  Good ears make for good relationships.  It’s an old saying…God gave us two ears and one mouth so that we listen more than we speak.  Try using your ears more than your lips today and see what happens.    ;-)  Jack

FROM NORM'S BLOG:  Listening well, sometimes called “deep listening” is a skill and discipline that most do not develop. It takes concentration and a focus that is away from oneself and onto the other person. Rather than being focus on what you want to say next, you must focus upon what is currently being said by the other party and process that information. Your thoughts should be on how you can best respond to the information that the other person is sharing – how can you help them or how can you share their concerns or joys.===JACK:  I had hoped that people would Deep Listen to my sermons.  There usually wass a message beyond the words.

FROM COUNSELOR JL:  Hey Jack. I love this description of deep listening (It’s always how I describe myself-hearing between the words). Might you still have a link or the name of the article from psychology today where you found that? Please don’t do a deep dive to retrieve. But if it’s still in your computer really handy, would love to see it.===JACK:  I think that I might be able to find the article.  In church worch, "deep listening" helps me discover what's the real issue when people are angry with the  Church and/or with God.  Listen deeply enough, and it's there!  (Pause)  I believe that this is it...Deep Listening in Personal Relationships | Psychology Today

FROM ST PAUL:  good one again, Jack.  thanks.   enjoy this last day of August.  where did this summer go?====JACK:  Where did the summer go?  Let me sing to you this song:   

September Song - Willie Nelson - YouTube...

FROM TAMPA SHIRL:  A very good idea.===JACK:  ...another good idea is to THINK before you speak.

FROM GOOD DEBT JON:  

"How you see people is how you serve people." -Chris Hodges

===JACK:   Being a cashier in a store gives you a chance to see people at their best...and at their worst.  The best cashiers are those those who see people as people...and greet them with a smile.  ===JON:  Yes. I don't work face to face with many customers,  I cover 6 states repairing troubled loans. But a smile over the phone is a big part of it. ===FROM A WALGREEN'S CASHIER:  Yes, I always greet them with a smile.

FROM SK IN SJ:  Now that’s just a bit challenging. But I am better at listening than I used to be! Ha! Hope you are good and enjoying the cooler weather.===JACK:  I think that it was Mark Twain who said, "Never trust someone who makes money with their mouth."  As a preacher, that always bothered me.

Jack’s Winning Words 8/28/20 “I do not ask for the meaning of the song of a bird or the rising of the sun on a misty morning.  They are, and they are beautiful.”  (Joe Hamill)  Beauty is subjective, meaning that it’s in “the eye of the beholder.”  That goes for art, for music, for books…and people.    I like the song, “All things bright and beautiful, the Lord, God made them all.”  Today, it might be fun to list things that are beautiful to you.  As a start I’m putting down “a singing bird and a sunrise.”  ;-)  Jack FROM HONEST JOHN:  We are up on Lake Bellaire....much beauty all around us....trying to make certain that I am open to it...===JACK:  We see what we choose to see.  Sometimes the "real" beauty is obscured by other things going on in our brain. FROM TAMPA SHIRL:  Every day in Florida.===JACK:  Now that I spend part of the time in Michigan and some in Minnesota, I find that true beauty is not in the state, but in the people you meet wherever you are.===SHIRL:  That is true if you like that very cold weather! It does make you strong to live in that very cold climate!===JACK:  Minnesota is supposed to have a place called, Lake Wobegone " where (according to Garrison Keillor) all the women are strong, the men are good-looking and the children are above average."  It's the cold weather that does it. FROM WILLMAR REV:  A brand-new day never lived in before . . . doesn't get much more beautiful than that!! 0;-)===JACK:  "O what a beautiful morning.  O what a beautiful day.  I've got a beautiful feeling...everything's going my way."===REV:  Always nice to have a good friend with a song in his heart!! 0;-)===JACK:  Rain today!  "Let a song be your umbrella on a rainy, rainy day." FROM GOOD DEBT JON:   CAGED BIRD BY MAYA ANGELOU] A free bird leaps on the back of the wind    and floats downstream    till the current ends and dips his wing in the orange sun rays and dares to claim the sky. But a bird that stalks down his narrow cage can seldom see through his bars of rage his wings are clipped and    his feet are tied so he opens his throat to sing. The caged bird sings    with a fearful trill    of things unknown    but longed for still    and his tune is heard    on the distant hill    for the caged bird    sings of freedom. The free bird thinks of another breeze and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees and the fat worms waiting on a dawn bright lawn and he names the sky his own But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams    his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream    his wings are clipped and his feet are tied    so he opens his throat to sing. The caged bird sings    with a fearful trill    of things unknown    but longed for still    and his tune is heard    on the distant hill    for the caged bird    sings of freedom. ===JACK:  A nice person and a great poem with lots of meaning.===JON:  Absolutely one of my favorites, she had a tough life and turned it to good.  FROM NORM'S BLOG:  Too many of us lose sight of the beauty all around us by focusing our attention on the how and why of things. There is no how or why to the perception of beauty; there is only an acceptance and appreciation of it. One could sit in an empty room and appreciate the beauty of life itself. Many search all of their lives for its meaning and fail to take the time to enjoy the beauty of life itself.===JACK:  Norm's Blog is beautiful in its own way.  Thanks for taking the time to write each day. FROM PROUD MARY:  My song of the day.... All Things Bright and Beautiful!  All creatures great and small.  All things wise and wonderful. The Lord God made them all.  One of my favorites.===JACK:  A favorite of mine - both the words and the tune.  Somehow it  reminds me of James Herriott. FROM STARRY KNIGHT:  Nice choices!=-==JACK:  Van Gogh's "Starry Night" is beautiful, too! FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: 1.  Prayers my family prays. 2.  Hearing and visiting with my family. 3.  Traveling 4.  Thanking God for ahis night blessings 5.  Reading 6.  Feeding, listening and watching the birds  7.  Realizing this list is never ending

Jack’s Winning Words 8/27/20
“The older I get the less I listen to what people say and the more I look at what they do.”  (Andrew Carnegie)  Yesterday I heard that a neighbor said of me, “Jack’s been around here since Jesus was an altar boy.”  Now, that’s old…old enough to comment that what people do is more important than what they say.  Long-ago-Detroit-poet, Edgar Guest wrote: “I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day.”  Have you seen any sermons lately that you can tell me about?  ;-)  Jack

FROM ER IN SJ:  Three quotes in one WW! I think that might be a record. The last quote is my favorite.  Yesterday while working on my laptop I typed 'God' three times in error while trying to type 'good'. Do you think someone was trying to send me a message? It reminded me that I still need to do your sermon chair exercise.  😉  Have a 'God' day, Jack!===JACK:  You can put an empty chair next to as you work, and very time you type, "God," you can see that as a sign to the chair and "have a little talk with Jesus."

FROM COPPER COUNTRY PASTOR:  Good morning young fellow traveller!  Yep!   I saw several terrific sermons yesterday.  The professional athletes refused to walk unto the infield and  others walked off the court.   Alleluia!  Keep up the good news.===JACK:  Keep looking...or as we said in the old days, "Keep your eyes peeled."

FROM WILLMAR REV:  Good Morning, Jack...Think I will go out today and create one or two myself...You’ve inspired me to do so! 0;-)===JACK:  You are a walking sermon wherever you go.  Have you ever sung, "I Want Jesus To Walk With Me?"

FROM YOGA CA:  AMEN!  Don't mind hearing a good on tho. JACK:  The Local Blend might be a good place to hear one. 

Jack’s Winning Words 8/26/20
“All that glitters is not gold.”  (Shakespeare)  Beware of the scam!  Shakespeare said it best in The  Merchant of Venice: “All that glitters is not gold.”  I like what Einstein said on the subject:  “Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I’m not so sure about the former.”  …and you may remember Aesop’s fable about The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing.  Today, be on the lookout for things fake…merchandise, people and “news” (Red & Blue)  ;-)  Jack
www.jackswinningwords.blogspot.com to see my blog

FROM GOOD DEBT JON:  Pastor Jack!, my grandson or granddaughter will gasp if you say stupid around them. My daughter treats stupid as a bad word, for a 4-year-old, it’s probably not a word that is so useful.  Generally, terms like that, Dr. Einstien excluded, are a sign of lazy speech or more often lazy thinking.  I’ll bypass the gold and glitter idea, for now, I need to get back to work shortly.  Your WW reminded me of my grandson gasping and turning to his mom as an adult friend of hers pronounced something was stupid.  It’s not that Paige thinks this is a horrible word, but that it i

 s too often used as a “lazy” catchall.  More than we believe, our vocabulary defines our actions and our lives.  I think Heidegger said, “Language is the house of being, how you speak changes your being.”  It’s a different impression on your psyche to define an act as unkind, inconsiderate, or obtuse, rather than simply stupid!   I would never let my children reply with whatever!  I would follow-up until we teased out the correct emotion or words.  In Home, Samuel Smiles (1896) said it this way: “If they have enjoyed the advantage of neither the home nor school, but have been allowed to grow up untrained, untaught, and undisciplined, then woe to themselves—woe to the society of which they form part.”  In 2004 I wrote, “Usually, if young adults are broke and confused, it’s a sign that the parents are broke and confused or missing in action.” Sorry for the long rant and grandkid bragging, the word stupid is non-productive and a conversation starter in our household.  Have a good day, sir. Now I’m late for my next meeting.===JACK:  I was not going to post your complete response, but it was so good that I couldn't resist.  Words are tools used to communicate ideas and feelings.  I use "stupid" as a swear word, rather than to take the Lord's name in vain.  I sometimes (lately) use it to describe a person who is really stupid.  I'm with your daughter when she teaches her children NOT to use it.  "Dumb" is a similar word.  Thanks for your thoughtful responses.===JON:

Wow. I sent too long of a reply. ===JACK:  "Conversations" are never too long when they are between friends.

FROM RS IN MN:  I LOVE your wise words.  You are certainly in direct communication with our Heavenly Father.   Thank you for being YOU! ===JACK: There's an old song that describes our contact with Jesus in a "telephone" way.  "Telephone to glory, oh, what joy divine!  I can feel the current moving on the line.  Made by God the Father for His very own,  You may talk to Jesus on this royal telephone.  Central's never busy, always on the line,  You can hear from heaven almost any time.  'Tis a royal service, built for one and all,  When you get in trouble, give this royal line a call."  Thru internet magic, you can Youtube it.  What I want to say is that ALL OF US have direct contact with Jesus (God).  You  and I, both, are in contact with God...at least, He is in contact with us.  You are SPECIAL. 

FROM TAMPA SHIRL:  The merchant of Venice reminds me of ninth grade at John Deere!===JACK:  We were in that class together.  That was my introduction to Shakespeare.  I didn't realize how important "that class" was at the time.  I think that we had some writing assignments, too, that provided a foundation for future sermons and Winning Words.

FROM SK IN SJ:   Are you trying to burst my bubble?  I love glitz and glitter. Yes many things are fake. Just gotta Sort it out and go for the gusto! Ha! Love to hear from you, Jack!===JACK:  "Glitz and glitter" may define you, but so what?  But you have "glitz and glitter" on the inside, too.  A  "bubbly-person" can also describe you.  We are who we are!  I wonder...did anyone ever compare you with Phyllis Diller?  I would say that you're more the Carol Channing type.

FROM BB IN CHGO:  I love Shakespeare and also thought you might enjoy reading or recalling JRR Tolkein’s poem using that phrase from the Hobbit books.   Your Einstein quote was a great one also.  I’ve been reading fact-check sources after both DNC and RNC speeches an am amazed at how much is labelled either “False” (then backed up with substantive resources) or “misleading”.  Wouldn’t it be great if we could all see the truth, even when it is hidden or obfuscated.

“All that is gold does not glitter,  Not all those who wander are lost;

The old that is strong does not wither,  Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

 From the ashes a fire shall be woken,  A light from the shadows shall spring;

Renewed shall be blade that was broken,  The crownless again shall be king.”  (J.R.R.Tolkien)

===JACK:  As for the campaign speeches...I already know how I'm going to vote.  "Don't try to confuse me with "the facts."  I like JRRK's way with words.  He often says what I think.

FROM TS IN LV:  Just checking in on you during this hot spell, and hope you are doing well.  I thought the attached Winning Words were especially meaningful.  I like the Sheryl Crow song that says “It’s not having what you want, but wanting what you have”===JACK:  I like Sheryl Crow, and her words seem to fit.  Thanks

FROM DAZ IN CO:  Lots of fakes including fake e-mails and phone calls===JACK: "Fake" churches, too!

Jack’s Winning Words 8/25/20
“Those who have the privilege to know, have the duty to act.”  (Albert Einstein)  Are all men created equal?…not necessarily so!  At least in America, some have access to a better way of living that do others…better, schools, better health care, better living conditions.  “Que sera, sera!” is not an acceptable response.  In the Bible, Cain’s words, “Am I my brother’s keeper?’ were not pleasing to God.  Just how far should we go in helping the underprivileged?  ;-)  Jack

FROM ST PAUL:  This is a very good one for our times.  Thanks===JACK:  I like the hymn, "Our times are in Thy hands, O Lord we wish them there."

FROM GOOD DEBT JON:  Equality of opportunity yes, equality of outcome no.===JACK:  On this earth there will never be equality...except that all who are born will eventually die.===JON:  Yes.  Equality is not possible or desirable,  it's an empty politial marketing theme.  Equality of opportunity is what George Washington Carver and MLK were proponents of enacting. ===JACK:  Some words have nuances.  Equality seems to be one of them.  I believe that there was a judge who was to rule on whether something was pornographic, or not.  ""I may not be able to fully describe it, but I know it when I see it."  (or words to that effect)

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  i do not have as much as many others... does society have an obligation to make me “equal”?....people need to do for themselves, when possible... if it makes you feel good to give them money, give them yours, but don’t make the rest of us work to support endless programs that do not produce results or help anyone in the long run.  fathers should pay for their children. the social programs that we have encourage single moms and unstable family relationships... these are not worthy societal goals.===JACK:  I know that in the past you have faced difficult times.  If you had asked for money (you didn't) I probably would have responded with some help because you are a friend.  A society of caring people feel an obligation to help the needy.  Jesus recommended that thru the Parable of the Good Samaritan.  That's important to Jesus-followers.  Others do it out of empathy, which, to me, is better that doing it out of sympathy.

FROM WILLMAR REV:  That would be for us "old times" the $64,000 question and answer!! How far?! Somewhere between the Gift!, the Giver? and the Receiver?  0;-)===JACK:  I'm so old that I remember when the "$64,000 TV program" began as the "$64 radio program."  Gifts are no longer gifts when they become obligations.  "The Lord loves a cheerful giver," or as one modern translation puts it, "The Lord loves the one who gives hilariously." 

FROM THE FISH IN NOVA SCOTIA:  For years, every Friday after work, a whale and a herring would meet at a bar.  One Friday, the whale didn't show up and the herring was obviously in a very foul mood.  The bartender was reluctant to ask, but eventually felt to say, "Where's your buddy?"  The herring snapped, "I am not my blubber's kipper!"===JACK:  There's an old song..."Birds do it!  Bees do it!  Even educated fleas do it ."  I wonder if the herring eventually does it?

FROM NORM'S BLOG:   Reading (today's) quote brought to mind this oft used line from Luke 12:48 - "Everyone to whom much was given , of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more."  But it was in further researching the idea of privilege and responsibility that I found this quote -“I was taught that the world had a lot of problems; that I could struggle and change them; that intellectual and material gifts brought the privilege and responsibility of sharing with others less fortunate; and that service is the rent each of us pays for living - the very purpose of life and not something you do in your spare time or after you have reached your personal goals.” - Marian Wright Edelman  I like Edelman’s vision that serving others is the “rent” that we pay for being alive, for we are all “renters” of life here on earth. Acts of empathy and concern, as well as taking action to serve the needs of others is the rent that we pay for that time here. There will always be rent scofflaws, those who are so self-centered that they dismiss the needs of others – they skip out on their rent. Theirs is not a happy life here in earth, even though many appear to be successful. In their constant pursuit of more – money, power, possessions -they seldom feel the fulfilling joy of accomplishment that those who serve others feel in their successes.  Marian Edelman says she “was taught” her values. She does not say by whom. One can assume that she got those values from her parents, her teachers and her church. Perhaps she read Luke growing up or listened to sermons about caring and sharing. No matter how she learned, she came to the correct conclusion that those responsibilities that went along with the privileges that she enjoyed were also her purpose in life.===JACK:  Who "taught" you your value-system?

FROM RS IN TEXAS:  Further than we have been going. November 3rd.===JACK:  I wonder how you folks in Texas will vote on this issue?===RS:  Texas has been a red state for a long time, but the polls show it's close this year.  I just am disappointed so many people do not embrace the platform of affordable health care for all and other caring legislation.  Seems all they want to do is scream Socialism. All we can do is vote....help get the (Democratic) vote out....pray....and do what we can do individually.===JACK:  I'd be satisfied if some red states turned purple.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  We have a lot of systems in place to help the poor and 'needy, IF they are run efficiently!  There are always those who take advantage of the system, which tends to  turn "givers" off, but there is always so much more that needs  to be done, so those of us with a conscience try hard to make a difference in poverty-stricken lives..  As JayZ once said (who is now a millionaire, but grew up in poverty):  "The burden of poverty isn't just that you don't have the things you need; It's the feeling of being embarrassed every day of your  life, and you'd do anything to lift that burden!"  AMEN===JACK:  I did not always "hand-out" to people who asked for it.  In the Bible it advise, "Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves."  I once had a part in putting an "asker" in prison for a long time.  It turned that he was a dangerous spouse abused and had a long, long FBI rap sheet.  Our church did give many dollars and goods to worthy causes and the actual poor.

                                                                             .'

Jack’s Winning Words 8/24/20
“There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.”  (Epictetus)  Do you remember the Bobby McFerrin song, Don’t worry, be happy?  For most of us…easier said than done.  Epictetus advised: “Save your worries for the things that you can control.”  Leave the other stuff to the will of God.  Pray: “Thy will be done on Earth..”  Caring friends can be helpful...and music, too  What helps you?  ;-)  Jack  .

FROM MY  LAWYER:   Another way to say that is: Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind!!!===JACK:  That Optimist Creed can sometimes be a nag.  

FROM FRIEND MS:     I’ve been thinking about you often getting up at 4:59 to write your blog I admire you very much and hope this finds you well ===JACK:  I remember that you once encouraged me to put Winning Words into a book.  A friend actually had Jack's Winning Words published (without my knowing).  It's still available on Amazon.  It's almost time for Book 2.

FROM SALON SUZY:  Amen to that! Hard to do at times...===JACK:  Each of needs a challenge once in a while to keep us on our toes.  What challenges you?

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  I’ve never been a worrier.  I leave it to Heaven!  ===JACK:  WOW!  I've never met a non-worrier before.  But the song says, "Take your burdens to the Lord and leave hem there."  The leaving part is the hard part.===JUDY:  When Gary started flying every week I was a wreak. I was pregnant with Andy.  We had one car and Gary needed it to get to the airport.  He would leave Sunday night and come home Friday night.   There were many many issues I had to face alone.  I had a big choice...to worry about what I had to deal with.  I prayed nearly the whole night.  God gave me the gift of letting go of worry...so I hold on to His promise.  No I don’t worry about anything.  Concerned ? Yes, worry no.  I’m no paragon of virtue, just a believer.===JACK:  What works, works.  Good for you!

FROM TAMPA SHIRL:  I do not remember that song at all!  I just enjoy each day and its surprises, ===JACK:  Any surprises so far...today?===SHIRL:  A window salesman from the north!

FROM LS IN WB:  YOU.   Thank you for your WINNING WORDS.===JACK:  Like Johnny Appleseed, I throw out the seeds (words) hoping that they take root somewhere.===LS:  I appreciate the analogy.  They have taken root in my consciousness. 

FROM JT IN MN:  Thanks for being a caring friend and an awesome mentor.===JACK:  I had friends and mentors, too.  In large part, I am today for the influence that they had on me.

FROM NORM'S BLOG:  On today’s installment of Pearls Before Swine  the character Rat tells Goat that the key to life is not to worry about things that are outside his power to control. As Goat is about to congratulate Rat on his new philosophy, Rat blurts out that he is instead going to focus on amassing more power so that he will be able to control everything. It is unfortunate that the philosophy that Rat was espousing is what drives so many today.  I’ve opined here a few time about offloading the worries that one cannot really change by giving them to God and saying “not my will, but thy will be done.”  To some, who are more closely aligned with the philosophy of Rat that may sound like a cop-out or surrender – an admission of failure. However, to those who “get it” it is actually an acceptance of God’s role in our lives and His dominion over the events that we will live through. It is also the first, and critical step that one must take before asking for God’s help with those events.===JACK:  I'm a fan of Pearls Before Swine, too.  There's alot of theology and morality in the comics.

  

Jack’s Winning Words 8/21/20
“Whether women are better than men I cannot say ... but i can say they are certainly no worse..”  (Golda Meir)  This week the Democrats nominated the first woman of color as candidate for V-P of the USA.  Some in the GOP criticized the choice, but if Golda were alive she’d probably approve.  What role do you think gender plays in one’s ability to lead…in politics, in business or in any situation where ability is needed and confidence is required?  :-)  Jack

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Women Business leaders and clergy leaders, and Politicians are much more prevalent today than a couple of decades ago, and most seem to be intelligent and able! I sure hope Biden and Harris can win the election, and show us what a woman Veep is  capable of! Every "first" is  a step for change!  When I was growing up women usually had the choice of teaching, nursing, or office work, clerking in stores...Drs. Lawyers, architects, world leaders, etc.. were extremely rare!  Opportunities are much wider today ! !===JACK:  My 6th grade teacher, Miss Erickson, was my favorite.  She and her boyfriend took the class on a Saturday bike ride which was lots of fun.  When they got married, she had to resign, because no married women were allowed to teach.  Later, when that archaic rule was tossed, she came back as an administrator.  I went to her house and talked with her when I saw a news article about her retirement.  She remembered me. ===OAKS:  She sounds like a great educator! I had a favorite 5th grade teacher, Miss Vanette Johnson, who also had to quit teaching when she married. I think part of that was due to the depression, when you had a mate with an income, your job was given to someone who needed

that income as a single person, more! My mom also had to quit teaching at the end of the year, after she married in March(1929).. Not many married women held jobs in those days..===JACK:  Thanks for the insight about the Great Depression.  I hadn't thought of it that way before.

FROM JR IN ANDOVER:  I think gender plays no role, it is the individual’s  characteristics and abilities that matter.  Does height or weight matter?  Does hair color?  By the way Pastor, what is your favorite John Prine song?===JACK:  A transgender "female" friend tells that she was born as a male with a female brain.  As for John Prine, I like all of his songs, both the lyrics and the tunes.  Some Humans Ain't Human is a good one, and so is Lonesome Friends of Science.  As for a political one, I like Your Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven.

FROM BS IN ENGLAND:  I do think that  women make great leaders.  Kamala Harris should be inspirational.   Our Naren would have been called  Kamala had he been a girl!===JACK:  What do you think of the females who have been Great Britain's leaders?  BTW, our daughter, Jeanne, would have been Jonathan if the baby were a male.  And, what do you think of gender in the medical profession?  Are some specialties better suited for one or the other?===BS:  I did admire Margaret Thatcher.  She was a strong woman but Theresa May was too nice.  The PM job was probably not right for her.  I worked with some brilliant female doctors, who were dedicated to the job.

Difficult to be one if you have one eye on the clock because your children have to be collected from school etc!.  Physician's in my opinion  cannot be part time!===JACK:  One of the requirements for a good leader is to have "thick" skin.  Currently, in the USA, it seems as tho we have one with a "thin" skin.  

FROM BB IN CHGO:  I’d enjoy hearing your take on this question.  To my mind women are not better, we are different.  I used to believe with women at the helm there would be less war/violence.  Now, I am not so certain.  What did King say about judging a person by the color of his skin vs. the content of his character?   Race, gender, ethnicity should not play a significant role but rather the display of character any person possesses or exemplifies.  Hmmmm.===JACK:  Would Pete have been a better choice because of his sexual orientation?  Would a transgender candidate have an understanding of "both sides?"===BB:  You raise an interesting question.  Because I am likely considered a “Karen” I’d put his orientation fairly low on the list though I imagine it would make him more understanding of the disenfranchised.  I would start with his Afghan/military experience, his knowledge of the culture and command of the language, actually 8 languages I believe.  I would next highlight how he examined traffic patterns and other seemingly unimportant things to get to root of revitalizing the blighted downtown area he faced as mayor.  Next perhaps his scholarship and striving for outstanding marks or distinction in every respect. 

I wonder if he will be appointed to office in the next administration….Secretary of State/ 

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  what color is kamala? indian colored? sorta black? what role do you think color plays in one’s ability to lead? her husband is white, so it looks as if we have reached diversity.   btw, i just saw this, and thought of you... My neighbors were just out walking their dog. During our friendly conversation, I asked their little girl what she wanted to be when she grew up. She said she wanted to be President someday.  Both of her parents, Democratic Party members, were standing there so I asked her, If you were President what would be the first thing you would do?" She replied.. "I'd give food and houses to all the homeless people." Her parents beamed with pride! Wow… what a worthy goal!" I said . . .But you don't have to wait until you're President to do that!"

What do you mean?" she replied.  So I told her, You can come over to my house and mow the lawn, pull weeds, and trim my hedge, and I'll pay you $50. Then you can go over to the grocery store where the homeless guy hangs out, and you can give him the $50 to use toward food and a new house. She thought that over for a few seconds, then she looked me straight in the eye and asked, Why doesn't the homeless guy come over and do the work,  and you can just pay him the $50?" I said, "Welcome to the Republican Party..."  Her parents aren't speaking to me anymore.===JACK:  I like the new way of referring to non-whites...people of color.  Maybe we should begin referring to white people as "palefaces."  The sooner we embrace diversity, the better off we'll be.  And your "neighbor story" is typical "right wing," and unbecoming of a unicorn.  BTW, if Harris does become V-P, I think that she is well-qualified.===LIZ:  me, too... the other parties have accomplished nothing but running up our debt by throwing money at our issues, not ever solving them.===JACK:  When you don't have any money, I guess you don't care where help comes from and where money is printed.

FROM DR J:  Whoop whoop! It’s about time!  I think gender matters … woman leaders across the globe show us they govern differently. And their record shows…. Effectively.  My mother used to say, "no mother anywhere wants to send her son (or daughter), or other mother’s sons or daughters, off to war". Maternal instincts matter and are needed in the mix.  My two cents ;-)===JACK:  One thing about you...you're consistent...consistently liberal and open-minded.  As for differences in gender...I think that it's more important to measure what's in the brain.  I, too, heard that about "mothers and sons going off to war.  I think that true fathers, too, do not want to send sons (or daughters) off to war.  And I think, too, that a President needs a conscience.

FROM TAMPA SHIRL:  None===JACK:  Who makes a better priest?  Male or female?

FROM SF IN MI:  Golds knew things!!!===JACK:  IMO, Golda has been among the best major leaders in the business...and with a sense of humor, too.

FROM ST PAUL:  Golda had another great quote. She said:  Moses wandered in the wilderness for 40 years and then chose the only spot in the Middle East that has no oil and very little water. (most water comes only from the West Bank).  What was he thinking?😀===JACK:  As with Christians, so with the Jews....some have a sense of humor, and some give a bad name to religion.

FROM WILLMAR REV:  I've never stopped to notice . . . both are very precious in God's eyes, especially when they serve pleasing Him! 0;-)===JACK:  "I've never stopped to notice!"  That's a good one!  But, I do agree...all creation is precious in the eyes of God, and each has a role to play.  Are there many females who are senior pastors in the AG Church... or bishops...or seminary teachers?  

FROM SHARIN' SHARON:  Another thought-provoking WW.  I appreciate that Golda Meir was so humble "I cannot say".  All of us reading your blog and reflecting on what we each think about your question of "what role gender plays...." I don't feel like I can say either but I do believe scripture and look to that scripture "there is no slave and free, no Greek and Jew, no male or female" or some Word to that effect, and actually believe God knows and even though I myself can't figure out what sort of person is the best leader, I am wondering and prayerfully hoping that I might be able to figure out who God wants me to listen to and follow but even that is a serious challenge, just looking at all the different perspectives and opinions on people like Trump and Hilary Clinton, Sarah Palin, etc., etc., etc., etc., Jesus himself.  Faithful leadership is a tall order, thank goodness God tries to give us some guidance on this.  I haven't read very much on Golda Meir but do believe she had a balanced discernment in Israel's politics and appreciate the quote you attributed to her this morning.  I'm hoping Kamala Harris will be a very effective Vice President and strengthen the Biden administration--providing that that ticket actually wins the November election.  Well, have pondered some, looking through a dim glass darkly or however that scripture is in the Bible.  Your WW make us all think and ponder more than we might usually do in the mornings while drinking our coffee and waking up.===JACK:  After experiencing both male and female pastoral leadership in your congregation, have you noticed any difference because of gender?  From a pastor's point of view, there have been both good and bad lay leaders, regardless of gender.  It will be interesting to see if there will be a difference, if or when there will be a female POTUS.

FROM LS IN MI:  None!   There is only good and bad. There is not male vs female, female vs male for the honor of being the best for leadership positions.  We are all human beings with amazing leadership abilities, each of us.  In religious institutions, family, politics, business, advocating, teaching, social groups, internet platforms and any situation you can imagine there are those with ability and the confidence to lead.  It is not about race, cultural background, disability or any quality other than good or bad.  Good and bad is defined uniquely by each of us  through our lived experience,  through our own eyes.   I believe in a higher power and the writings of my religions  guide me. The discernment of knowing good Vs bad is a practice,  a lifetime practice.  I have gotten it wrong many a time when I have needed to know good Vs bad.  I do not give up, nor will I let others make the decision of good vs and for me.  I am grateful for another day to practice getting it right when it comes to looking toward the people in my life I look to for leadership.  Grateful for the guidance of my inner voice whose leadership I honor and value. ===JACK:  "I do not give up" and "I am grateful for another day to practice getting it right."  Those are two wise statements.  You know what it is to have been a female leader in politics, don't you?

FROM NORM'S BLOG:  There has been much written about the differences between men and women when it comes to their style of leadership in government positions of leadership; but , in my mind, most of it boils down to the influence of empathy. Women seem to have a greater ability to recognize and empathize with the needs of the people. It may boil down to a difference between the influences of hubris and humility and the role of me vs. we in decision making. I wrote about becoming more "we-oriented" in a post a week or so ago – See Turn your m upside down to turn your life around. Maybe I was writing about being able to get in touch with one’s feminine side.
We had the opportunity in the last Presidential election to choose a woman as President, but that didn’t work out (even though she won the majority of the votes across America). We will have the opportunity again in the future. In the meantime, we can elevate a women to the second highest office in the land. It will be interesting to see what she does in that position. I suspect that we will see a much more visible Vice-President with a much more important role in the daily governing of the country.   So, in addition to finally seeing the introduction of a vaccine against the Corona Virus by early next year, we can look forward to seeing a new era in our Federal government, with a woman in a position of leadership. Will she be better than men have been in that role? As Golda said, she certainly will be no worse and I suspect we will be happy and proud to have her in that role. Get out and vote!===JACK:  I await the time when we can vote for people as people, for leaders as leaders, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, etc.