I hope that you are able to visualize the scene that is before me.
It is a warm summer afternoon. The sun is bathing everything in the yard as sunbeams dance through the branches of the big old tree. The light breeze is just enough to keep everything fresh. In among the flowers zooms bugs of all sorts – each doing his own thing.
There is a quiet hum to the life in the summer garden that is magic. The poor people of the city and its din of noise will never witness the magic of the wonderful yard.
Oh but there is noise here – lots of it. An incessant crow keeps everyone awake with his call to his friends from far away. He is in the far side of the field that runs close by and sits on an ancient fence post that my Grandpa had fastened in solid to that prairie dirt.
Can you feel what I feel? It is perfect peace… wonderful peace… that can only be felt as you are still… very still… and when you are it washes over you with soothing waves.
Once in a while the humour of the yard enters – the crazy chicken that was pecking in the yard near the flower bed suddenly runs like an Olympian for about the length of the branch of the old tree. It seems the silly thing has done this for no apparent reason… but no… it had a reason… it stopped as suddenly as it started… and bingo… a bug met its end. Again cocking its head to the side it looked for more of the bugs friends… and bingo another one was dispatched.
Then with the same very funny run the fat bottomed chicken flew across the yard in another direction and bingo another bug met its demise. The chicken was amazing as it ate mosquito after mosquito….bug after bug. It is a regular pest control officer.
Then the humour quieted down as the lazy chicken found its dust bath and rolled with glee at the edge of the path…fluffed its feathers and walked over to begin eating again.
Then stillness came again… no crow… no chicken running… just a small rustle of the ancient branches of the old weathered tree.
Perfect stillness.
That was fifty five years ago on the Kirkpatrick Farm a few miles west of Truax and at the base of the Missouri Range of dirt hills that extends up from Montana into Saskatchewan. It was where time stopped for a 10 year old boy to listen to the Peace that surrounded him so completely.
Yesterday…
Yesterday… as a 65 year old man… and a grandpa… moving slower than when I was back as a boy… I walked into my back yard and leaned against the deck rail… and listened… there was that sound again… Perfect Peace…
A Crow was calling his friends from neighbouring trees… the sunlight bathed the yard with its dancing sunbeams. The bugs were flying around in lazy patterns across the yard and there was a slight breeze.
And there was the humour again… our crazy chicken,Thunder, was doing its Olympian thing… running as hard as it could to catch a bug… bingo… it was gone… and then with head cocked sideways… another bug appeared… and it met its demise too.
I cannot really tell you of the wonderful rush and gentle dream world that came close around me. From somewhere deep within my 65 year old brain came these memories of Grandma Kirk and Grandpa Kirk and a farm of long ago… a memory that included me chasing grasshoppers and pouncing at just the right moment to say, “Gothca!”.
Then after the fun of grasshopper chasing slowed… I wondered down to the dam at the bottom of the hill… slipped off my running shoes & socks…. then stepped into the mud to look for frogs…
Later to dry my feet I laid down on the soft grass that covered the hill and ran my feet through the grass to get the mud off… looked up at the clear blue sky and wondered if it would ever end.
Yesterday I discovered with glee that it never ended… only became better with its age.
I slipped off my shoes and stood barefoot in the grass and listened to the Perfect Peace.
55 years later the Perfect Peace is still the same… and I have to just stop and listen to how wonderful it really is.
Thank you Lord for memories and the time now to savour them. Thank you so much….
~ Murray Lincoln ~
www.murraylincoln.com
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Saturday, June 6, 2009
The Woman Is A Terrorist!
The woman is a terrorist! No No – not my Mom. It is the woman in Brampton, Ontario that they have charged with six counts of theft under $5000. Can you imagine?
But there is more – her accomplices were her sons – both under the age of 12! In another account of the same story it pointed to one boy being 8 and the other being 10.
As the mother toured the house the older boy stayed in the dining area with the realtor – almost as if he was keeping an eye on the realtor for his mother.
What did she steal? Laptops, Wii console units and whatever would go into her big black bag.
And she had the nerve to hit at least six houses that they know about!
Can you imagine what the boys will be like in about six years time?
One police officer that I know well pointed out to me that there is a new generation that they are now dealing with. It is describe in one way that is shocking. “This generation” he stated, “has no conscience.”
The moral fibre that should be there naturally – isn’t there at all. In fact the idea of the theft is simply a part of their make up. They think this is normal.
Now I am not sure of this statement or thought… the woman was likely raised to do the same in her younger years. What she has passed on is what she learned early in life.
There are some communities in Canada that have such a high rate of theft that the results are hardly ever investigated by police. They take the call on the phone and then make some sort of record on some sort of paper … maybe. The description of the stolen goods may be helpful if they catch some dude red handed – like in his apartment after they search it.
Property crimes are now so common that few are shocking anymore. It is only the sensational ones like the lady of Brampton that used her kids to do the theft.
You would never do that would you? I mean you would never steal – right?
Have you ever stolen something from your employer? You know – like a pencil or pen? Maybe a packet of copier paper? How about time on the computer reading your email – or maybe even this Blog?
Hey we all do it – we steal stuff and time… from our friends and family.
The part that is very serious for me is the part that there is no guilt in the theft any longer. There is not the something that should be standing up inside of us and shouting, “You shouldn’t do that!”
The other day Alida and I were in an office to sign some documents. After leaving the place and driving away I heard my wife say, “Oh Oh I stole her pen!” She had been given a pen that was used to sign the document… and kept it.
For my wife that is theft – taking something that is not hers. And she is guilty – very guilty in her feelings.
Why has that guilt not been passed down to a next generation?
I do not have an answer yet – I am still too bothered by the problem!
I think it is passed down when Grandpa says to his grandson, “I can’t take that. It is not mine. Let’s go buy one for ourselves.”
The moral absolute within must be restored by one person and then the next. Then it must have value. I am asking how much is it worth to you?
Today I begin again and Thank God that I am no longer a thief. I do not need to steal anything. I can work for what I need and am happy to do so.
Pondering the woman in Brampton….
~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/
Source:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/mother-charged-in-open-house-thefts/article1166267/
http://www.yourhome.ca/homes/article/644618
But there is more – her accomplices were her sons – both under the age of 12! In another account of the same story it pointed to one boy being 8 and the other being 10.
As the mother toured the house the older boy stayed in the dining area with the realtor – almost as if he was keeping an eye on the realtor for his mother.
What did she steal? Laptops, Wii console units and whatever would go into her big black bag.
And she had the nerve to hit at least six houses that they know about!
Can you imagine what the boys will be like in about six years time?
One police officer that I know well pointed out to me that there is a new generation that they are now dealing with. It is describe in one way that is shocking. “This generation” he stated, “has no conscience.”
The moral fibre that should be there naturally – isn’t there at all. In fact the idea of the theft is simply a part of their make up. They think this is normal.
Now I am not sure of this statement or thought… the woman was likely raised to do the same in her younger years. What she has passed on is what she learned early in life.
There are some communities in Canada that have such a high rate of theft that the results are hardly ever investigated by police. They take the call on the phone and then make some sort of record on some sort of paper … maybe. The description of the stolen goods may be helpful if they catch some dude red handed – like in his apartment after they search it.
Property crimes are now so common that few are shocking anymore. It is only the sensational ones like the lady of Brampton that used her kids to do the theft.
You would never do that would you? I mean you would never steal – right?
Have you ever stolen something from your employer? You know – like a pencil or pen? Maybe a packet of copier paper? How about time on the computer reading your email – or maybe even this Blog?
Hey we all do it – we steal stuff and time… from our friends and family.
The part that is very serious for me is the part that there is no guilt in the theft any longer. There is not the something that should be standing up inside of us and shouting, “You shouldn’t do that!”
The other day Alida and I were in an office to sign some documents. After leaving the place and driving away I heard my wife say, “Oh Oh I stole her pen!” She had been given a pen that was used to sign the document… and kept it.
For my wife that is theft – taking something that is not hers. And she is guilty – very guilty in her feelings.
Why has that guilt not been passed down to a next generation?
I do not have an answer yet – I am still too bothered by the problem!
I think it is passed down when Grandpa says to his grandson, “I can’t take that. It is not mine. Let’s go buy one for ourselves.”
The moral absolute within must be restored by one person and then the next. Then it must have value. I am asking how much is it worth to you?
Today I begin again and Thank God that I am no longer a thief. I do not need to steal anything. I can work for what I need and am happy to do so.
Pondering the woman in Brampton….
~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/
Source:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/mother-charged-in-open-house-thefts/article1166267/
http://www.yourhome.ca/homes/article/644618
Friday, June 5, 2009
My Mom – a Terrorist?
My mother may be viewed as a Terrorist! Yikes!!
In the next few weeks my 88 year old mother will be possibly getting her new passport. Her old one has lapsed and in order to fly now she needs the new passport.
So we began the journey toward the completion of the forms.
But she is not who I thought she was. I mean her identity has been radically changed over the years. And I mean radically.
Some background that you need to know about her generation is as follows. She hails from southern Saskatchewan which should be a hint. In southern Sask. they tended to rename their kids something else – even though they were given a full name to start with.
For example – you will find names like “Skip”, “Shorty”, and “Abby” – instead of Bill, John and George. In fact people that know “Skip”, “Shorty”, and “Abby” would never know how to tell some one that may ask where Bill, John and George lived.
Name changes were common and often very funny. And I believe that wasn’t just a southern Sask kind of thing. It happened lots in the 1930s and 1940s.
As I grew up my mom was “Nell”. All my time at home – she was Nell. He brothers and sisters called her “Nellie” – which I took as a kind of endearment for their older sister. My dad called her Nell. I didn’t dare as that was considered “cheeky” and she was to be addressed as “Mom”.
Seven years ago Mom moved from her own home of many years to an apartment building. In the building was an active group of seniors that met each morning for coffee in the party room on the first floor.
I have different stories as of this date to how the name change took place seven years ago….
But first – how I discovered it…
I came into the elevator of the apartment building and pushed #9. There were three old ladies on the elevator – and all of them knew that I didn’t belong in the building… and they knew who lived on the 9th floor as well. As the elevator started its upward journey – one asked, “Are you Marion’s son?” I didn’t reply but watched the ascending numbers. The dear lady asked again, “Are you Marion’s son? Marion lives in apartment #901 ?”
It was then that I clewed in. My mom has a new name… or is known by a new name at that point.
Well the first story that I heard was that the residents congregate at the mail boxes waiting for the mailman. Mom was waiting too. Some how – someone either received her mail or saw her mail with the name “Marion N. Lincoln” on the envelop – and introduced herself to “Marion”. From then on she was “Marion” to her friends in the apartment building.
The second story came about this way. There were already two “Nells” in the coffee group so they chose mom’s first name so as to not confuse her with the other two “Nells”. One of her friends told me that story on the elevator one day as well. But she was French Canadian and called Mom – “Maryanne”.
Two years ago she moved to Peterborough. I introduced her as my mother and her name was “Nell”. The person shaking her hand asked for the name again – Mom responded, “My name is Marion.” They shook on it and it was done… My Mom was Marion.
I have had two years to remember that name – but she is still Nell to me. My dad never ever called her Marion. Sheesh – what confusion when your 65 years old.
Well it gets better!
As we ploughed through the files and papers she has, I found treasure that was 88 years old. There on the very soft and very old paper was the Birth Registration done by my Grandpa Charlie Kirkpatrick – the official document from the Government of Saskatchewan. Her name is/was “Marian Nellie Kirkpatrick”!!!!
I have never known my Mother was “Marian Nellie”!
Is she really my mother? Is she some a foreign spy that crept into the sleepy Canadian countryside so long ago and became “Mom”, “Nell”, “Nellie”, “my Mother”, or “Marion” – who the dickens is she?
When the Government People see the change of names what will happen? They will not be able to find Marian Nellie Kirkpatrick! She has not existed for many years. In fact the one that actually owns that name has gone through a name change after name change.
On Miami CSI or NY CSI – they view aliases as suspicious and will arrest that suspicious person. What will I do when I have to drive each day to Lindsay’s Super jail where they hold the Terrorist types – just to visit my mom? Hokey Mokey – what does a son do?
Now my mom worries about enough things… I don’t think I will explain why this may look funny to a Border Policeman. She will not likely cross the Border to the USA any too soon – as Health Insurance/Costs are nutso in any state.
Now today I need to get her passport photo done… and then submit the completed forms.
If all goes well we will have it in hand before long – that amazing passport for Marion N. Lincoln – and no one will ever know!
I did ask my mom why it was “Marian”. Her answer was, “My dad made a mistake spelling it.” That didn’t make sense to me. The poor guy would return home and find out from a slightly frazzled wife with a new baby that he spelled it wrong on the Official Document… and would hear about it forever!
Too funny… too cotton picking funny!
Now who am I? Yikes what a thought….
~ Murray Lincoln ~
www.murraylincoln.com
In the next few weeks my 88 year old mother will be possibly getting her new passport. Her old one has lapsed and in order to fly now she needs the new passport.
So we began the journey toward the completion of the forms.
But she is not who I thought she was. I mean her identity has been radically changed over the years. And I mean radically.
Some background that you need to know about her generation is as follows. She hails from southern Saskatchewan which should be a hint. In southern Sask. they tended to rename their kids something else – even though they were given a full name to start with.
For example – you will find names like “Skip”, “Shorty”, and “Abby” – instead of Bill, John and George. In fact people that know “Skip”, “Shorty”, and “Abby” would never know how to tell some one that may ask where Bill, John and George lived.
Name changes were common and often very funny. And I believe that wasn’t just a southern Sask kind of thing. It happened lots in the 1930s and 1940s.
As I grew up my mom was “Nell”. All my time at home – she was Nell. He brothers and sisters called her “Nellie” – which I took as a kind of endearment for their older sister. My dad called her Nell. I didn’t dare as that was considered “cheeky” and she was to be addressed as “Mom”.
Seven years ago Mom moved from her own home of many years to an apartment building. In the building was an active group of seniors that met each morning for coffee in the party room on the first floor.
I have different stories as of this date to how the name change took place seven years ago….
But first – how I discovered it…
I came into the elevator of the apartment building and pushed #9. There were three old ladies on the elevator – and all of them knew that I didn’t belong in the building… and they knew who lived on the 9th floor as well. As the elevator started its upward journey – one asked, “Are you Marion’s son?” I didn’t reply but watched the ascending numbers. The dear lady asked again, “Are you Marion’s son? Marion lives in apartment #901 ?”
It was then that I clewed in. My mom has a new name… or is known by a new name at that point.
Well the first story that I heard was that the residents congregate at the mail boxes waiting for the mailman. Mom was waiting too. Some how – someone either received her mail or saw her mail with the name “Marion N. Lincoln” on the envelop – and introduced herself to “Marion”. From then on she was “Marion” to her friends in the apartment building.
The second story came about this way. There were already two “Nells” in the coffee group so they chose mom’s first name so as to not confuse her with the other two “Nells”. One of her friends told me that story on the elevator one day as well. But she was French Canadian and called Mom – “Maryanne”.
Two years ago she moved to Peterborough. I introduced her as my mother and her name was “Nell”. The person shaking her hand asked for the name again – Mom responded, “My name is Marion.” They shook on it and it was done… My Mom was Marion.
I have had two years to remember that name – but she is still Nell to me. My dad never ever called her Marion. Sheesh – what confusion when your 65 years old.
Well it gets better!
As we ploughed through the files and papers she has, I found treasure that was 88 years old. There on the very soft and very old paper was the Birth Registration done by my Grandpa Charlie Kirkpatrick – the official document from the Government of Saskatchewan. Her name is/was “Marian Nellie Kirkpatrick”!!!!
I have never known my Mother was “Marian Nellie”!
Is she really my mother? Is she some a foreign spy that crept into the sleepy Canadian countryside so long ago and became “Mom”, “Nell”, “Nellie”, “my Mother”, or “Marion” – who the dickens is she?
When the Government People see the change of names what will happen? They will not be able to find Marian Nellie Kirkpatrick! She has not existed for many years. In fact the one that actually owns that name has gone through a name change after name change.
On Miami CSI or NY CSI – they view aliases as suspicious and will arrest that suspicious person. What will I do when I have to drive each day to Lindsay’s Super jail where they hold the Terrorist types – just to visit my mom? Hokey Mokey – what does a son do?
Now my mom worries about enough things… I don’t think I will explain why this may look funny to a Border Policeman. She will not likely cross the Border to the USA any too soon – as Health Insurance/Costs are nutso in any state.
Now today I need to get her passport photo done… and then submit the completed forms.
If all goes well we will have it in hand before long – that amazing passport for Marion N. Lincoln – and no one will ever know!
I did ask my mom why it was “Marian”. Her answer was, “My dad made a mistake spelling it.” That didn’t make sense to me. The poor guy would return home and find out from a slightly frazzled wife with a new baby that he spelled it wrong on the Official Document… and would hear about it forever!
Too funny… too cotton picking funny!
Now who am I? Yikes what a thought….
~ Murray Lincoln ~
www.murraylincoln.com
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Doug Made A Difference
The Online Obituary reads…
JOLICOEUR, Douglas 'Doug' - Suddenly at St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto on Friday, May 15, 2009 at the age of 45 years. Loved and missed by his son Doug Jr. (Barb), grandchildren Rene, Erica and Drayden and by his siblings Cliff, Paul, Ray, Bev, Karen and their families. Also remembered by his many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents Eugene and Florence and by brothers Maurice, John and Marcel. A funeral service will be held at THE HENDREN FUNERAL HOMES, NORWOOD CHAPEL on Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. with visitation to commence at 12:30 P.M. Cremation. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Friends may send condolences, or make donations at www.hendrenfuneralhome.com or by calling 639-5322.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Doug was a friend of mine. We met when I lived in Scarborough and was serving as a Pastor at the old Scarboro Gospel Temple (Now known as Global Kingdom Ministries).
We had a wonderful group for couples that met together each Sunday AM during the second church service. Our meeting was over coffee and goodies of all kinds. It was during that time and in that group that Doug and Brenda joined into the fellowship. They loved it.
Doug had been in trouble with the Law over the years, in and out of jail. Part of my work of sitting in court rooms and supporting struggling families fit into their lives at the time. Simply stated without details – I supported Doug and helped to get them back on their feet at the time.
Doug was the first guy to open up his world to me and show me what a man coming from incarceration faces on a daily basis. I spent a lot of time with him listening to the deep fears as well as the hopes & dreams that he had.
Our first session together was through Doug’s offer to shingle the house we lived in. Doug was desperate for work. The house was owned by the church and the shingles had been neglected over the years. Doug suggested that if I helped him – it would be done reasonably. So together we became partners on this job.
Up on the roof we first stripped the shingles preparing the roof for the new layer that would be applied. All the while that worked on the roof we talked. We came to know each other very well. Two men alone with no one to interrupt was a formula for success.
Doug had no money to begin this job. Normally he would buy the shingles and other roofing materials that he needed for the job with cash – and then in the billing he did the customer would cover his costs making enough money to support himself and move on to the next house that he would do.
Roofing supply companies didn’t care if you had a jail record. Nor did they care if you were cash strapped. All they needed was the cash for the product that they sold.
The customer that needed their roof redone didn’t care what your background was – whether you were a lawyer, a pastor or a jail bird. They needed a roofing job, wanted it done for as little as possible, as quick as possible and the result being better than good.
This first roof, ours, was Doug’s “start again” moment. The resources that he needed for the next job were supplied through the church paying him for the work that he did for us.
A roofer needs to employ workers. It is very hard to get a job done quickly without able and willing hands to help. Doug couldn’t afford to pay anyone on this first job. So I became the unpaid labourer. I volunteered for the price of teaching me how to do roofing.
When we completed the roof on the church house Doug had already lined up another roof that needed to be done. The new customer had walked near by our church house and stopped to ask how much Doug charged. Doug went to look at his home and a deal was cut.
At the next job I helped a little more. But the difficult part of the work of getting the shingles to the roof was done by a young guy that Doug found. This young fellow needed work as well and had helped on other roofing jobs. Doug now had enough money to pay him.
The money from the second job then provided more resources and more money to buy more tools. Before long Doug was working steadily each day with a few more men working for him. He was off and running. I dropped by from time to time with the coffee.
When Doug and Brenda first came into the young couples group held on the Sunday morning – they looked like they were down trodden. Tired, rung out, not trusting – bruised by the world around them.
As the months went by the radiance started to show more each week. After four months they were not the same couple that had arrived earlier. It is amazing what a little hope will do for a man that has been broken. It is totally amazing what happens to his family when they see dad in better shape than he has ever been.
As a side line – the couples in the class came from all kinds of backgrounds. One couple that was just plain fun offered an interesting mix to the group. Chris was a Metro Policeman serving in a downtown area and dealing with a lot of men that were heading for prison or had just got out.
The morning that Chris met Doug was amazing. After I told each one what the other was coming from – Chris extended his hand to shake Doug’s. Doug carefully put his hand out to him and said, “I have never had a cop shake my hand. They are usually putting handcuffs on me…”
Chris responded, “I am here to help you just like Murray is here to help me.” Doug’s response was interesting to say the least.
In 1991 I moved to Yorkton, Saskatchewan to take up my work as a Pastor. Doug went on with his life – I with mine.
Over the years I lost track of this couple.
The last contact was yesterday as I spoke with a family member. Doug had passed away alone in a Toronto hospital. From the little I heard he struggled. It was kind of a tragic end to a difficult life lived.
But something good did come out of Doug’s life. He allowed me into his life and all the struggles that he had – and left a deep impression on me. His allowing me to help him do that first roof together was a key. I realized that if a man coming from prison would be offered the right kind of help at the right time – he might be able to pull himself out of the “no hope rut” that he had lived in for so long.
Meeting Doug was a turning point in my community based help of men coming from prison. Doug had a part in re-forming my thinking of helping men from prison – and with that task completed, Doug did a great service to many, many others that I would meet.
I was not able to attend the memorial. I deeply regret that. So I write this tribute to a friend.
“Good bye... my friend. Your life touched mine and many other men coming from Prison. Your life made a difference in one small way. Thank you Doug.”
~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/
JOLICOEUR, Douglas 'Doug' - Suddenly at St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto on Friday, May 15, 2009 at the age of 45 years. Loved and missed by his son Doug Jr. (Barb), grandchildren Rene, Erica and Drayden and by his siblings Cliff, Paul, Ray, Bev, Karen and their families. Also remembered by his many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents Eugene and Florence and by brothers Maurice, John and Marcel. A funeral service will be held at THE HENDREN FUNERAL HOMES, NORWOOD CHAPEL on Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. with visitation to commence at 12:30 P.M. Cremation. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Friends may send condolences, or make donations at www.hendrenfuneralhome.com or by calling 639-5322.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Doug was a friend of mine. We met when I lived in Scarborough and was serving as a Pastor at the old Scarboro Gospel Temple (Now known as Global Kingdom Ministries).
We had a wonderful group for couples that met together each Sunday AM during the second church service. Our meeting was over coffee and goodies of all kinds. It was during that time and in that group that Doug and Brenda joined into the fellowship. They loved it.
Doug had been in trouble with the Law over the years, in and out of jail. Part of my work of sitting in court rooms and supporting struggling families fit into their lives at the time. Simply stated without details – I supported Doug and helped to get them back on their feet at the time.
Doug was the first guy to open up his world to me and show me what a man coming from incarceration faces on a daily basis. I spent a lot of time with him listening to the deep fears as well as the hopes & dreams that he had.
Our first session together was through Doug’s offer to shingle the house we lived in. Doug was desperate for work. The house was owned by the church and the shingles had been neglected over the years. Doug suggested that if I helped him – it would be done reasonably. So together we became partners on this job.
Up on the roof we first stripped the shingles preparing the roof for the new layer that would be applied. All the while that worked on the roof we talked. We came to know each other very well. Two men alone with no one to interrupt was a formula for success.
Doug had no money to begin this job. Normally he would buy the shingles and other roofing materials that he needed for the job with cash – and then in the billing he did the customer would cover his costs making enough money to support himself and move on to the next house that he would do.
Roofing supply companies didn’t care if you had a jail record. Nor did they care if you were cash strapped. All they needed was the cash for the product that they sold.
The customer that needed their roof redone didn’t care what your background was – whether you were a lawyer, a pastor or a jail bird. They needed a roofing job, wanted it done for as little as possible, as quick as possible and the result being better than good.
This first roof, ours, was Doug’s “start again” moment. The resources that he needed for the next job were supplied through the church paying him for the work that he did for us.
A roofer needs to employ workers. It is very hard to get a job done quickly without able and willing hands to help. Doug couldn’t afford to pay anyone on this first job. So I became the unpaid labourer. I volunteered for the price of teaching me how to do roofing.
When we completed the roof on the church house Doug had already lined up another roof that needed to be done. The new customer had walked near by our church house and stopped to ask how much Doug charged. Doug went to look at his home and a deal was cut.
At the next job I helped a little more. But the difficult part of the work of getting the shingles to the roof was done by a young guy that Doug found. This young fellow needed work as well and had helped on other roofing jobs. Doug now had enough money to pay him.
The money from the second job then provided more resources and more money to buy more tools. Before long Doug was working steadily each day with a few more men working for him. He was off and running. I dropped by from time to time with the coffee.
When Doug and Brenda first came into the young couples group held on the Sunday morning – they looked like they were down trodden. Tired, rung out, not trusting – bruised by the world around them.
As the months went by the radiance started to show more each week. After four months they were not the same couple that had arrived earlier. It is amazing what a little hope will do for a man that has been broken. It is totally amazing what happens to his family when they see dad in better shape than he has ever been.
As a side line – the couples in the class came from all kinds of backgrounds. One couple that was just plain fun offered an interesting mix to the group. Chris was a Metro Policeman serving in a downtown area and dealing with a lot of men that were heading for prison or had just got out.
The morning that Chris met Doug was amazing. After I told each one what the other was coming from – Chris extended his hand to shake Doug’s. Doug carefully put his hand out to him and said, “I have never had a cop shake my hand. They are usually putting handcuffs on me…”
Chris responded, “I am here to help you just like Murray is here to help me.” Doug’s response was interesting to say the least.
In 1991 I moved to Yorkton, Saskatchewan to take up my work as a Pastor. Doug went on with his life – I with mine.
Over the years I lost track of this couple.
The last contact was yesterday as I spoke with a family member. Doug had passed away alone in a Toronto hospital. From the little I heard he struggled. It was kind of a tragic end to a difficult life lived.
But something good did come out of Doug’s life. He allowed me into his life and all the struggles that he had – and left a deep impression on me. His allowing me to help him do that first roof together was a key. I realized that if a man coming from prison would be offered the right kind of help at the right time – he might be able to pull himself out of the “no hope rut” that he had lived in for so long.
Meeting Doug was a turning point in my community based help of men coming from prison. Doug had a part in re-forming my thinking of helping men from prison – and with that task completed, Doug did a great service to many, many others that I would meet.
I was not able to attend the memorial. I deeply regret that. So I write this tribute to a friend.
“Good bye... my friend. Your life touched mine and many other men coming from Prison. Your life made a difference in one small way. Thank you Doug.”
~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
God and Disaster
On June 2nd the “Times Online” posted an article about the Air France A33-200 crash 4 hours off the coast of Brazil. At the end of the article a comment section was given space.
I read all 54 comments that were posted as of 7 AM this morning and decided to post them here. It is a snap shot of what people think and how we react.
From the first of Comment shown below – which is likely the last one of the 54 – you will see a great difference in the way that people react to the tragedy.
God has heard a lot from people here on earth. God has also heard a lot about what he did and didn’t do.
To Craig from Guildford I present the thought… maybe the pilots and those sending them off over a vast ocean didn’t see a storm coming? Maybe another angry human being took actions to destroy more of his fellow mankind? No one knows at this point in time.
One interesting thing to note is where the person making the comment is from…
~ Murray Lincoln ~
www.murraylincoln.com
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Times Online Comments - snapshot taken at 7 AM – June 3rd, 2009
To those of you asking 'God' to look after the deceased, may I ask if this is the all-loving, all-knowing, all-powerful god of Christianity? The god who didn't prevent this tragedy? The god who let 228 innocent people die and, in doing so, caused so much grief for their families and friends?
Craig, Guildford,
Would it be churlish to say that the Good Lord could have prevented this happening?? I can't think of many worse ways to die than plunging 35,000 feet out of the air at 1am??
How merciful he is, indeed........
Pu Li, Guangxi, PRC
may god provide their families with relentless energy to bear this irrepairable loss
akshay, bhilai, india
Since the news of this tragedy, my thoughts have been with the people aboard this airliner. It is very comforting to know there is so many in the World who care,& are concerned. My deepest sympathy goes out to all the families who have lost there loved ones, & may the Lord have mercy on there souls.
Eric, Rancho Cucamonga, United States
may God grant eterna lpeace tothe dparted souls & give strength & courage to their families & near & dear ones to face this extreme reality of life.Let's pray together to God that no such tragedies happen in future.
sumita , Pune, india
A terrible loss in an inexplicable disaster - at least they are at peace now. Very very sad and my heart goes out to those thousands of people that will be deeply effected by their loss - families, friends and work colleagues.
Paul Davey, Hove, UK
its so heartbreaking to see and hear this tragic incident.may Alah bless their souls and give their families the courage to bear the pain
deewana, coventry, uk
I pray that the authorities do the impossible to find them. I pray for each person aboard and for their families.
May God bring them hope and comfort in these tragic moments.
Claudia Pierce, Orange County, USA
God bless them
syh, shaoety,
MAY THE GOOD LORD GIVE EACH AND EVERY FAMILY MEMBER WHO LOST LOVEONES ON THIS AIRCRAFT STRENGTH TO CONTINUE THROUGH LIFE SUCH A TERRIBLE WAY TO GO MAY GOD REST THERE SOULS
DEE, NEW YORK, NY
May the Almighty Lord grant them eternal rest. And all there family members gain strength, to digest the fact. Lets ask our Heavenly Father, for no such accidents to happen again and guidance to lead us our life in a good way.
srujana, Ontario, Canada
Condolences to the families of all the victims of this tragedy, especially the relatives of all the young victims. Hopefully some evidence about its origin will be found and help to reduce risks in the future.
God bless their souls
Emilio R, Chihuahua,Mexico, Mexico
MAY THE GOOD LORD COMFORT ALL WHOSE LOVED ONES WERE IN THIS FLIGHT...DO NOT LOOSE HOPE, THERE MIGHT JUST BE A MIRACLE.
Monalisa, Ottawa,
God bless the souls of all the lost ones.
I pay my full respect to all the familys.
They are all in a better place now.
God bless you all
Carlos, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
My condolences to the families and friends of the passengers aboard AF 447 may the Lord God strengthen them and may answers to the mystery be found soon. May the souls of the departed ones be rest in peace.
Timi, Manila,
I find this so terribly sad. There is something about this happening over the Atlantic that makes me realize how small we are in the face of nature and the distances we traverse and take for granted. My prayers go out to the families and may your loved ones rest in God's hands. Peace.
Boston
pinto, boston, usa
I am sure God is cradling each one of them in his arms. May the families find their peace in prayers.
Anu, Santa Clara, U.S.
CONDOLENCES TO ALL THE FAMILIES AND FREINDS WHO HAVE LOST BELOVED ONES IN THIS TRAUMATIC CRASH! MAY THEIR SOULS REST IN PEACE AND MAY GOD BLESS EACH ONE.
SHARON, SAN FRANCISCO, USA
My prayers go out to the friends and families of all victims. May the lord give them strength to cope with this horrific tragedy...
Chika, New York,
My Hearty Condolences to the family and friends of our brothers and sisters and little children......Theres is still something in me which says, some one will come back from that aircraft to tell us wat really happened, i pray all of them would come back to their families.
Rajesh T.R., Kuwait, Kuwait
So sad, may the Almighty Father grant them eternal rest, and comfort to their grieving family.
Arnold, Bolivar City, Venezuela
deepest sympathy to loved ones....n to those past away may LORD ALMIGHTY bless your souls and may your souls rest in peace
Preston Viegas, Dubai, UAE
Just when one begins to believe we have developed "crash-proof" planes, reality intervenes...
My sincerest condolences to all the families.
socrates, El Centro, USA
No matter where they are from, Gone with my deepest sympathy. rest in peace.
Eric, BJ,
I cant believe something like this has happened. im deeply sorry for the families of the people on board. my heart goes out to you. You never got to say goodbye , its something that will stick with you for life . Hopefully knowing people all over the world are thinking of you helps with the grief
sarah ebdon, Christchurch, New Zealand
Sad to hear this news. Reminds that we don't everything.
May the one's on board rest in peace and deep condolences to the dear one's.
Ankur, NYC, USA
I feel bad for all the families who had loved one on this flight. All I have to say is GOD wanted his children home with him.
John Flores, Houston, USA
My thoughts have been with the passengers and the families since I first read the tragic news. I cannot express how saddened this tragedy makes me feel. May God give comfort to each and everyone of the family members until they meet their loved once again.
Christen, Spokane Valley, USA
This was very tragic moment and we are all praying for who died in that plane. I don’t see as they are 228 individual. I see them as 228 families were just lost their love once. May Allah give them peace and give happiness to their relatives?
syed Ali, fairfield, USA
Heartfelt sypmathy to the families and friends of those who perished. Rest in peace ~ Angela Crossin, Valparaiso, IN USA
Angela, Valparaiso, IN, USA
Terrible tragedy. May they all rest in peace and may the families find peace. Our lives are so fragile, we must cherish each day. My prayers and sympathy are with the families and friends. May God Bless them all!
Cathy, New York, USA
Chris of Didcot: "I cannot even think about how the passengers and crew must have actually felt."
The good news: if, as it appears, the aircraft rapidly decompressed in the stratosphere, none of them had a clue what hit them.
The bad news: if so, none of them survived the experience.
Laurence Tenney, San Francisco,
..so sorry..
Merilee, fall river ma, United States of America
I just can't imagine a more wonderful sounding flight.....and one that sounds so gone wrong. It was pure delight ending in sheer sorrow. May God bless each and everyone involved.
Mark, Royal Oak, USA,
For those that did not survive this tragic accident, may they rest in peace and be with God. And if there are any survivors, may they be found and reunited with their families.
L, U.S.A,
My heart and prayer goes out to all families involved, I can only imagine what the passengers must have gone through. I had a near crash experience 3 yrs ago but God saved our plane. Embrace God he is the only life insurer.
Peace, USA
Peace, USA,
l pray that God all Almighty will forgive them of all their sins and have mercy on them so as to go to Heaven. And give happiness and Joy to their individual families. But If truly they are dead may their soul rest in peace. Amen
ELIZABETH OLABODE, BRIGHTON, UK
I cannot even think about how the passengers and crew must have actually felt. i feel so tearful trying to imagine what they had to endure.. Please let there be some miraculous recovery and find some people alive.
My heart goes out to everyone
Chris, Didcot, UK
Stick close to God, that's the only way to ensure your life is secure,and even if anything happens he'll be there to take you To those on that flight it was going to be 'just another trip',no way any of them thought this was going to happen.My condolences. Important to find out n prevent it happenin
Guillaume, Dijon, France
why did it take so long to send ships to look for the plane on the ocean?? what are the chances of survival for people left for so long in the water?
rad, london, uk
may all of you rest in peace
domenico deiana, hale,altrincham, cheshire
scary to think about what those passengers and crew were going through, may they all Rest In Peace.
anthony, raleigh, usa
All of my sympathis are with the affected families and may Almighty give them courage.
Mohsin Ali, Reus, Spain
i am so so sorry for all the victims and their families.. my thoughts are with you
michelle, London, UK
Very sad news...but i must say that i didn´t noticed any extra ordinary search efforts on part of the authorities in searching the french plane. Although with in couple of days there are more chances of the survival of passengers.
Mohsin, Tarragona, Spain
I've got to agree with Maria. Lets still have faith that some people may have survived. People seem to have given up already! My sympathies go out to the families of those on board at this difficult time.
Kieran, Devon, England
Important to find what caused the so understood crash to try and avoid similar loss again
Ghazi, London,
Agreed, a terrible accident caliming the lives of the innocent.
Thoughts be with those who were lost and for those who have lost.
Dean, Kidderminster,
So incredibly sad.
Jo , Delhi, India
My sympathy to all the families and let's have faith.
maria, new york,
Why take - and publish - a picture of a distressed woman? Leave her alone!
Jo McCarthy, Reading,
There was a spanish girl on the crew too, so the crew weren't all French
Y, Arles, France
a former chief of staff in ghana has been held since morning by the bni
Kojo, Accra, Ghana
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family and loved ones of those on board.
May, Oxford,
~ Murray Lincoln ~
www.murraylincoln.com
Source:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article6415595.ece
I read all 54 comments that were posted as of 7 AM this morning and decided to post them here. It is a snap shot of what people think and how we react.
From the first of Comment shown below – which is likely the last one of the 54 – you will see a great difference in the way that people react to the tragedy.
God has heard a lot from people here on earth. God has also heard a lot about what he did and didn’t do.
To Craig from Guildford I present the thought… maybe the pilots and those sending them off over a vast ocean didn’t see a storm coming? Maybe another angry human being took actions to destroy more of his fellow mankind? No one knows at this point in time.
One interesting thing to note is where the person making the comment is from…
~ Murray Lincoln ~
www.murraylincoln.com
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Times Online Comments - snapshot taken at 7 AM – June 3rd, 2009
To those of you asking 'God' to look after the deceased, may I ask if this is the all-loving, all-knowing, all-powerful god of Christianity? The god who didn't prevent this tragedy? The god who let 228 innocent people die and, in doing so, caused so much grief for their families and friends?
Craig, Guildford,
Would it be churlish to say that the Good Lord could have prevented this happening?? I can't think of many worse ways to die than plunging 35,000 feet out of the air at 1am??
How merciful he is, indeed........
Pu Li, Guangxi, PRC
may god provide their families with relentless energy to bear this irrepairable loss
akshay, bhilai, india
Since the news of this tragedy, my thoughts have been with the people aboard this airliner. It is very comforting to know there is so many in the World who care,& are concerned. My deepest sympathy goes out to all the families who have lost there loved ones, & may the Lord have mercy on there souls.
Eric, Rancho Cucamonga, United States
may God grant eterna lpeace tothe dparted souls & give strength & courage to their families & near & dear ones to face this extreme reality of life.Let's pray together to God that no such tragedies happen in future.
sumita , Pune, india
A terrible loss in an inexplicable disaster - at least they are at peace now. Very very sad and my heart goes out to those thousands of people that will be deeply effected by their loss - families, friends and work colleagues.
Paul Davey, Hove, UK
its so heartbreaking to see and hear this tragic incident.may Alah bless their souls and give their families the courage to bear the pain
deewana, coventry, uk
I pray that the authorities do the impossible to find them. I pray for each person aboard and for their families.
May God bring them hope and comfort in these tragic moments.
Claudia Pierce, Orange County, USA
God bless them
syh, shaoety,
MAY THE GOOD LORD GIVE EACH AND EVERY FAMILY MEMBER WHO LOST LOVEONES ON THIS AIRCRAFT STRENGTH TO CONTINUE THROUGH LIFE SUCH A TERRIBLE WAY TO GO MAY GOD REST THERE SOULS
DEE, NEW YORK, NY
May the Almighty Lord grant them eternal rest. And all there family members gain strength, to digest the fact. Lets ask our Heavenly Father, for no such accidents to happen again and guidance to lead us our life in a good way.
srujana, Ontario, Canada
Condolences to the families of all the victims of this tragedy, especially the relatives of all the young victims. Hopefully some evidence about its origin will be found and help to reduce risks in the future.
God bless their souls
Emilio R, Chihuahua,Mexico, Mexico
MAY THE GOOD LORD COMFORT ALL WHOSE LOVED ONES WERE IN THIS FLIGHT...DO NOT LOOSE HOPE, THERE MIGHT JUST BE A MIRACLE.
Monalisa, Ottawa,
God bless the souls of all the lost ones.
I pay my full respect to all the familys.
They are all in a better place now.
God bless you all
Carlos, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
My condolences to the families and friends of the passengers aboard AF 447 may the Lord God strengthen them and may answers to the mystery be found soon. May the souls of the departed ones be rest in peace.
Timi, Manila,
I find this so terribly sad. There is something about this happening over the Atlantic that makes me realize how small we are in the face of nature and the distances we traverse and take for granted. My prayers go out to the families and may your loved ones rest in God's hands. Peace.
Boston
pinto, boston, usa
I am sure God is cradling each one of them in his arms. May the families find their peace in prayers.
Anu, Santa Clara, U.S.
CONDOLENCES TO ALL THE FAMILIES AND FREINDS WHO HAVE LOST BELOVED ONES IN THIS TRAUMATIC CRASH! MAY THEIR SOULS REST IN PEACE AND MAY GOD BLESS EACH ONE.
SHARON, SAN FRANCISCO, USA
My prayers go out to the friends and families of all victims. May the lord give them strength to cope with this horrific tragedy...
Chika, New York,
My Hearty Condolences to the family and friends of our brothers and sisters and little children......Theres is still something in me which says, some one will come back from that aircraft to tell us wat really happened, i pray all of them would come back to their families.
Rajesh T.R., Kuwait, Kuwait
So sad, may the Almighty Father grant them eternal rest, and comfort to their grieving family.
Arnold, Bolivar City, Venezuela
deepest sympathy to loved ones....n to those past away may LORD ALMIGHTY bless your souls and may your souls rest in peace
Preston Viegas, Dubai, UAE
Just when one begins to believe we have developed "crash-proof" planes, reality intervenes...
My sincerest condolences to all the families.
socrates, El Centro, USA
No matter where they are from, Gone with my deepest sympathy. rest in peace.
Eric, BJ,
I cant believe something like this has happened. im deeply sorry for the families of the people on board. my heart goes out to you. You never got to say goodbye , its something that will stick with you for life . Hopefully knowing people all over the world are thinking of you helps with the grief
sarah ebdon, Christchurch, New Zealand
Sad to hear this news. Reminds that we don't everything.
May the one's on board rest in peace and deep condolences to the dear one's.
Ankur, NYC, USA
I feel bad for all the families who had loved one on this flight. All I have to say is GOD wanted his children home with him.
John Flores, Houston, USA
My thoughts have been with the passengers and the families since I first read the tragic news. I cannot express how saddened this tragedy makes me feel. May God give comfort to each and everyone of the family members until they meet their loved once again.
Christen, Spokane Valley, USA
This was very tragic moment and we are all praying for who died in that plane. I don’t see as they are 228 individual. I see them as 228 families were just lost their love once. May Allah give them peace and give happiness to their relatives?
syed Ali, fairfield, USA
Heartfelt sypmathy to the families and friends of those who perished. Rest in peace ~ Angela Crossin, Valparaiso, IN USA
Angela, Valparaiso, IN, USA
Terrible tragedy. May they all rest in peace and may the families find peace. Our lives are so fragile, we must cherish each day. My prayers and sympathy are with the families and friends. May God Bless them all!
Cathy, New York, USA
Chris of Didcot: "I cannot even think about how the passengers and crew must have actually felt."
The good news: if, as it appears, the aircraft rapidly decompressed in the stratosphere, none of them had a clue what hit them.
The bad news: if so, none of them survived the experience.
Laurence Tenney, San Francisco,
..so sorry..
Merilee, fall river ma, United States of America
I just can't imagine a more wonderful sounding flight.....and one that sounds so gone wrong. It was pure delight ending in sheer sorrow. May God bless each and everyone involved.
Mark, Royal Oak, USA,
For those that did not survive this tragic accident, may they rest in peace and be with God. And if there are any survivors, may they be found and reunited with their families.
L, U.S.A,
My heart and prayer goes out to all families involved, I can only imagine what the passengers must have gone through. I had a near crash experience 3 yrs ago but God saved our plane. Embrace God he is the only life insurer.
Peace, USA
Peace, USA,
l pray that God all Almighty will forgive them of all their sins and have mercy on them so as to go to Heaven. And give happiness and Joy to their individual families. But If truly they are dead may their soul rest in peace. Amen
ELIZABETH OLABODE, BRIGHTON, UK
I cannot even think about how the passengers and crew must have actually felt. i feel so tearful trying to imagine what they had to endure.. Please let there be some miraculous recovery and find some people alive.
My heart goes out to everyone
Chris, Didcot, UK
Stick close to God, that's the only way to ensure your life is secure,and even if anything happens he'll be there to take you To those on that flight it was going to be 'just another trip',no way any of them thought this was going to happen.My condolences. Important to find out n prevent it happenin
Guillaume, Dijon, France
why did it take so long to send ships to look for the plane on the ocean?? what are the chances of survival for people left for so long in the water?
rad, london, uk
may all of you rest in peace
domenico deiana, hale,altrincham, cheshire
scary to think about what those passengers and crew were going through, may they all Rest In Peace.
anthony, raleigh, usa
All of my sympathis are with the affected families and may Almighty give them courage.
Mohsin Ali, Reus, Spain
i am so so sorry for all the victims and their families.. my thoughts are with you
michelle, London, UK
Very sad news...but i must say that i didn´t noticed any extra ordinary search efforts on part of the authorities in searching the french plane. Although with in couple of days there are more chances of the survival of passengers.
Mohsin, Tarragona, Spain
I've got to agree with Maria. Lets still have faith that some people may have survived. People seem to have given up already! My sympathies go out to the families of those on board at this difficult time.
Kieran, Devon, England
Important to find what caused the so understood crash to try and avoid similar loss again
Ghazi, London,
Agreed, a terrible accident caliming the lives of the innocent.
Thoughts be with those who were lost and for those who have lost.
Dean, Kidderminster,
So incredibly sad.
Jo , Delhi, India
My sympathy to all the families and let's have faith.
maria, new york,
Why take - and publish - a picture of a distressed woman? Leave her alone!
Jo McCarthy, Reading,
There was a spanish girl on the crew too, so the crew weren't all French
Y, Arles, France
a former chief of staff in ghana has been held since morning by the bni
Kojo, Accra, Ghana
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family and loved ones of those on board.
May, Oxford,
~ Murray Lincoln ~
www.murraylincoln.com
Source:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article6415595.ece
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
“Hello this is Murray Lincoln and I am dead”
When I called the telephone number no one was home. A man’s voice answered on the answering machine… and I stopped moving… he was actually gone already… he had died a few weeks ago and no one had removed his voiced message from the machine. Gulp. I couldn’t leave a message and hung up the phone. I didn’t know what to say I was so stunned.
He was chipper and happy sounding in the message – yet he was dead.
It isn’t the first time this has happened either. Often the widow is the last person to call her own number and hear her husband tell someone to leave their message after the beep.
Note to self: When I am ready to die – about to die – know I am going to die – CHANGE OUR HOME MESSAGE and get rid of my old voice message.
Like maybe…
“Hi this is Murray Lincoln. I am so glad that you called. You can leave a message but I am not likely to ever get it. You see I died on June 3rd and I cannot get the messages any longer. At the beep – hang up. Call back when Alida is home… she doesn’t do the “Answering Machine Thing”. Have a great day – and maybe I will see you soon… or not so soon if you like!”
I have played around with this answering machine idea for a while now… like… maybe…
“Hi you have reached Murray Lincoln’s coffin. He is a little cool right now and unable to pick up a telephone receiver and his cell phone battery went dead too. Please leave a message at the beep. Thanks.”
Or…
“Hi there… Murray Lincoln here… I am dead as you know… last June 3rd. I have just checked the ‘Soon To Arrive List’ on the door way just outside Heaven’s Banquet Hall. Your name was there down a few lines on the second sheet. Hey – don’t worry I will be there when you blast through next week. You are not going to believe the sights and stuff that is happening here. See you soon. At the beep leave your message… what – cat got your tongue? Come on speak up friend – I can’t hear you”
Now that would be just too nasty to actually do that … wouldn’t it… but it would be fun… totally. It sure would stop the tele-marketers… those troublesome supper time calls…. Too funny.
But it should start at the funeral… after all haven’t you seen the word F-U-N in FUNERAL…?
People really take this death thing too serious – don’t you think? I mean they get all messed up with the regrets and sadness thing. If only we had taken more time… if only we hadn’t talked that way to each other? If only?
It seems to me that few people leave a funeral and begin getting things right with family members… or friends… they continue acting just a stupid as they did before the funeral.
So here is to the “death message” thing… get it right the first time. Once your June 3rd arrives… you will not get a second chance… unhappy stuff is over… another opportunity will never be there either.
And as to living life differently… why not be civil to each other? Why not stop acting like a jerk and continue jerking your family around? If you are married – act like you are. Stop being such a stupid partner – woman or man!
BUT then – there is the other side of the message that may well sound like…
“Hi this is Anne. My husband died last week after many years of being a real jerk. I am not able to be here to answer the telephone now – I am out having fun again. I will get back to you in a few days. He is lying at Shaddy Acres and I am at the Mall. At the beep please leave your message.”
or
“Hey this is Fred… glad you called. Yes we buried my wife last week. It is all over – that part of my life – no more nagging and haggling over silly little things. Sorry I am not here to take you call as I am out having fun now. I am either at the Gym or at the Movies or on a Bicycle Trail… just loving it. Leave a message at the beep… Wahoo!”
Think about it and change… before there is no more time left to change.
~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/
He was chipper and happy sounding in the message – yet he was dead.
It isn’t the first time this has happened either. Often the widow is the last person to call her own number and hear her husband tell someone to leave their message after the beep.
Note to self: When I am ready to die – about to die – know I am going to die – CHANGE OUR HOME MESSAGE and get rid of my old voice message.
Like maybe…
“Hi this is Murray Lincoln. I am so glad that you called. You can leave a message but I am not likely to ever get it. You see I died on June 3rd and I cannot get the messages any longer. At the beep – hang up. Call back when Alida is home… she doesn’t do the “Answering Machine Thing”. Have a great day – and maybe I will see you soon… or not so soon if you like!”
I have played around with this answering machine idea for a while now… like… maybe…
“Hi you have reached Murray Lincoln’s coffin. He is a little cool right now and unable to pick up a telephone receiver and his cell phone battery went dead too. Please leave a message at the beep. Thanks.”
Or…
“Hi there… Murray Lincoln here… I am dead as you know… last June 3rd. I have just checked the ‘Soon To Arrive List’ on the door way just outside Heaven’s Banquet Hall. Your name was there down a few lines on the second sheet. Hey – don’t worry I will be there when you blast through next week. You are not going to believe the sights and stuff that is happening here. See you soon. At the beep leave your message… what – cat got your tongue? Come on speak up friend – I can’t hear you”
Now that would be just too nasty to actually do that … wouldn’t it… but it would be fun… totally. It sure would stop the tele-marketers… those troublesome supper time calls…. Too funny.
But it should start at the funeral… after all haven’t you seen the word F-U-N in FUNERAL…?
People really take this death thing too serious – don’t you think? I mean they get all messed up with the regrets and sadness thing. If only we had taken more time… if only we hadn’t talked that way to each other? If only?
It seems to me that few people leave a funeral and begin getting things right with family members… or friends… they continue acting just a stupid as they did before the funeral.
So here is to the “death message” thing… get it right the first time. Once your June 3rd arrives… you will not get a second chance… unhappy stuff is over… another opportunity will never be there either.
And as to living life differently… why not be civil to each other? Why not stop acting like a jerk and continue jerking your family around? If you are married – act like you are. Stop being such a stupid partner – woman or man!
BUT then – there is the other side of the message that may well sound like…
“Hi this is Anne. My husband died last week after many years of being a real jerk. I am not able to be here to answer the telephone now – I am out having fun again. I will get back to you in a few days. He is lying at Shaddy Acres and I am at the Mall. At the beep please leave your message.”
or
“Hey this is Fred… glad you called. Yes we buried my wife last week. It is all over – that part of my life – no more nagging and haggling over silly little things. Sorry I am not here to take you call as I am out having fun now. I am either at the Gym or at the Movies or on a Bicycle Trail… just loving it. Leave a message at the beep… Wahoo!”
Think about it and change… before there is no more time left to change.
~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/
Monday, June 1, 2009
Ready to become the Governor General of Canada
This morning I made the final decision for my next stage of life. It has taken about a week to complete the full decision – but now it is done! I feel better already.
I am going to apply for the position of Governor General of Canada. There it is in Black and White – I am confirmed and ready to move to Rideau Hall in Ottawa and begin my duties. If I am correct in my calculations that should be in 2010 or so.
The job lasts for 5 years. If I take it in 2010 I will be 66 years old and able to remain at the post until I am 71 years old. I should still have my wits about me by that time… and able to inspire the population that I will faithfully meet.
I know Canada well. I was born here. I grew up here. I love it here.
Now borrowing the present GG’s recent statement I submit the following…
“I am eagerly looking forward to meeting my fellow-Canadians very soon. I am convinced that Canada will continue to accomplish great things if we work together for a better quality of life – for our own population and for humanity. Our country is vast and it is blessed with a wealth of colours and the varied music of its tongues and accents. Many have not had the good fortune of measuring its full extent. I know how privileged I am. And knowing it makes me impatient and eager to meet you and to begin the dialogue that I consider to be the founding principle of this country.”
No problem…
I can eat all kinds of food from all kinds of places. I have proven that in my developing years.
In Quebec I ate sheep testicles. I also ate frog’s legs done in Orange sauce. I loved their brown beans and cinnamon buns.
I have eaten raw fish of all kinds. I love octopus.
I have eaten seal as well – cooked and raw in Labrador.
I have eaten snared rabbit in Newfoundland and partridge berry jam. I have eaten hard tack bread with the huge plate of fish and brewis… but by the preparation it was soft and mushy. And a number of times I ate with my friends on their boats on the Atlantic as we ate the Jigg’s Dinner… salty pork, boiled cabbage and potatoes… all stolen from some one’s garden and pork barrel on shore…
I have eaten boiled wheat in Saskatchewan – along with later cleaning out a mess of rotten wet wheat from bottom of a granary.
Why the big deal about food and what you eat?
Well lately the present GG of Canada is being roasted alive by the stupid press about her cutting up a seal and tasting its heart. Talk about a STUPID PRESS in Canada and around the world.
BUT – She, our present GG, hasn’t felt the rush until she eats the snake soup of my Chinese friends – swallowing the gall bladder of the snake whole while drinking the soup. I ate that in the winter time in Hong Kong – my friend said it would make me feel better.
The future rush I would get by having a host of TV Cameras rolling as I munched down on my dinner that particular day – would be great.
I could represent the Queen of England (– or the King of England – if that should happen next). Who knows what will happen by next year.
(BTW – Dear Elizabeth RR, my Queen and Majesty… I would love and am ready to help in this regard. Please accept this note from a loyal Canadian – via this Blog done in Canada. And if you don’t get on to the Computer often… I hope that your Office Staffers will pass it on to you soon… just so we can be ready – you and me. My wife and I would love to visit you at the Palace as well. We love antiques of all kinds.)
So there it is, done, on a Monday morning, June 1st, only six months and 24 days until Christmas 2009 – I am ready to serve my country and my Queen. Sheesh… I feel like a Knight in waiting for my Queen’s command.
In the mean time I need to get about some more practical business. Gardening, Doctor’s appointments, Volunteer at the Parole Office Business, Chaplaincy Business, Husband Business, Grandpa Business, Friendship Business, Wood Carving Business…
Come to think of it… I might just be too busy to do the GG stuff… but the idea of being watched by STUPID MEDIA as I eat… kind of appeals. Nope I have a decided – I am ready to move in 2010!
~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/
Source:
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/643429
http://www.gg.ca/menu_e.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Governor_General_of_Canada
I am going to apply for the position of Governor General of Canada. There it is in Black and White – I am confirmed and ready to move to Rideau Hall in Ottawa and begin my duties. If I am correct in my calculations that should be in 2010 or so.
The job lasts for 5 years. If I take it in 2010 I will be 66 years old and able to remain at the post until I am 71 years old. I should still have my wits about me by that time… and able to inspire the population that I will faithfully meet.
I know Canada well. I was born here. I grew up here. I love it here.
Now borrowing the present GG’s recent statement I submit the following…
“I am eagerly looking forward to meeting my fellow-Canadians very soon. I am convinced that Canada will continue to accomplish great things if we work together for a better quality of life – for our own population and for humanity. Our country is vast and it is blessed with a wealth of colours and the varied music of its tongues and accents. Many have not had the good fortune of measuring its full extent. I know how privileged I am. And knowing it makes me impatient and eager to meet you and to begin the dialogue that I consider to be the founding principle of this country.”
No problem…
I can eat all kinds of food from all kinds of places. I have proven that in my developing years.
In Quebec I ate sheep testicles. I also ate frog’s legs done in Orange sauce. I loved their brown beans and cinnamon buns.
I have eaten raw fish of all kinds. I love octopus.
I have eaten seal as well – cooked and raw in Labrador.
I have eaten snared rabbit in Newfoundland and partridge berry jam. I have eaten hard tack bread with the huge plate of fish and brewis… but by the preparation it was soft and mushy. And a number of times I ate with my friends on their boats on the Atlantic as we ate the Jigg’s Dinner… salty pork, boiled cabbage and potatoes… all stolen from some one’s garden and pork barrel on shore…
I have eaten boiled wheat in Saskatchewan – along with later cleaning out a mess of rotten wet wheat from bottom of a granary.
Why the big deal about food and what you eat?
Well lately the present GG of Canada is being roasted alive by the stupid press about her cutting up a seal and tasting its heart. Talk about a STUPID PRESS in Canada and around the world.
BUT – She, our present GG, hasn’t felt the rush until she eats the snake soup of my Chinese friends – swallowing the gall bladder of the snake whole while drinking the soup. I ate that in the winter time in Hong Kong – my friend said it would make me feel better.
The future rush I would get by having a host of TV Cameras rolling as I munched down on my dinner that particular day – would be great.
I could represent the Queen of England (– or the King of England – if that should happen next). Who knows what will happen by next year.
(BTW – Dear Elizabeth RR, my Queen and Majesty… I would love and am ready to help in this regard. Please accept this note from a loyal Canadian – via this Blog done in Canada. And if you don’t get on to the Computer often… I hope that your Office Staffers will pass it on to you soon… just so we can be ready – you and me. My wife and I would love to visit you at the Palace as well. We love antiques of all kinds.)
So there it is, done, on a Monday morning, June 1st, only six months and 24 days until Christmas 2009 – I am ready to serve my country and my Queen. Sheesh… I feel like a Knight in waiting for my Queen’s command.
In the mean time I need to get about some more practical business. Gardening, Doctor’s appointments, Volunteer at the Parole Office Business, Chaplaincy Business, Husband Business, Grandpa Business, Friendship Business, Wood Carving Business…
Come to think of it… I might just be too busy to do the GG stuff… but the idea of being watched by STUPID MEDIA as I eat… kind of appeals. Nope I have a decided – I am ready to move in 2010!
~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/
Source:
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/643429
http://www.gg.ca/menu_e.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Governor_General_of_Canada
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
