Misty Hollow Carving
This BLOG is sponsored by “Misty Hollow Carving”. You are welcome to visit Misty Hollow and see all of my carvings.
My Web Site is a like a Gallery – please drop in for a stroll through.
To help me promote my Web Site please copy this URL address and email to someone today http://www.murraylincoln.com/
* * * * * * * *
Today’s Blog Post
So What is Your IP Address? And is it IPv4 or IPv6?
Most people have no clue as to what is taking place on or in their computer. Nor do they understand who they are on the Internet.
If you are reading this then you are a number. Do you know it and how valuable is it to know it?
I am 98.124.11.*** (the *** is added to protect my own publication of my actual address from normal people) it does nothing to protect me from the more professionals.
In your search engine(browser) and the search area – a small line that lets you ask a question or looks something up… type in “what is my IP Address”. Bingo it will take you to a web site that will show your IP address… and if all goes as I suspect it will – it will show you your IP address. That is the exact name of your computer. And no other computer has that number… just you.
Now at that site you can type in an email address and it will show you exactly where your internet provider is. That is if you are using a Service Provider’s email account.
My friend Winston uses a local Service Provider, the same as mine, and he uses the email address that they provide. Immediately it showed me that he was in our local area.
My email address that I often use is a GMail account and it shows that I am in Mountainview, California… but the Moutainview folk know where the GMail account is located actually… as it is connected to another account.
My point is that I am well known in the Internet world… pin pointed down to my Service Provider – who then knows exactly where I live.
Now here is the problem… there are only so many possibilities that you can make addresses from ***.***.***.*** - with each star being a number of 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9
The fact is that now there are actually so many people/computers with IP addresses… that they are running out.
How could that ever happen?
Well it seems now that the number is now approaching 4 Billion Machines/People that are on the Internet… and the number base using the four sets of three numbers is almost used up. In fact it is estimated that by September 9, 2011 it will be full.
The system that has been used is entitled the IPv4. But they are now introducing the IPv6 that will increase the total number base to some where way up in the Trillions… that is 1000 of times over the Billion mark.
That makes little or no sense to you. There are not that many people in the world. How could there be the need for that many numbers? Well the answer is simple – people may have more than one computer and communicator over the Internet. The machines will have taken over.
The secondary thing to realize is that you have little or no privacy now. It is easily understood where you go on the Internet, what places you have visited and places that you frequent. The Era of Big Brother has arrived. In the old book I think it was to be 1984. Instead it happened about 10 years later… and is very much in place now.
Should you be concerned?
Nope. Not really. This is just something to talk over when you have coffee today.
For anyone over 65 you likely have no idea what the heck I am talking about anyway. It is like a dinosaur uncovering a cell phone.. one sniff and he knows it is not for him.
But your grand kids will know and will be able to design/work in that world.
Yesterday in our “New Friends” group( a group of Seniors I meet with each week) we discussed some of this. Most people in the group witnessed the very first commercial airplane flights. Their parents actually were alive when the very first flight by Orville and Wilbur Wright was made.
We discussed the new possibilities of how the new Cyber World was affecting them.
This past week through Facebook and my presence there, my mom received some old photo graphs that were taken when she was young. These were Black and White photos for sure.
My cousin and I have contributed to a Facebook Group that is all about our roots in Truax, Saskatchewan. I first placed some photos there about Truax. Then others started placing more photos in the same album.
One of my distant cousins that I have never met, placed the photos on that album as well. I did a right click and then came to my computer. I placed them on my memory stick and took them to the Grocery Store where they have an instant print machine that in matter of seconds were printed for me.
The old Black and White photos once snapped on a box camera in the last century have flown around the world a few times to arrive safely in my mother’s hands in the next century.
If you try to comprehend what this description I have just written above means to you… nothing probably and you know something about your computer… try to imagine the look on the Senior’s faces yesterday… at an average age of 90+… They couldn’t understand.
I am galloping toward a future that I know only a little bit about. If I don’t hang on it will pass me and leave me behind completely.
Fast forward about 10 years from now. I will likely be a little slower.
My grandson will be sitting beside me with his newest electronic gadget and trying to show the old geezer what he has in his hands. I will turn to him and ask him… “So what is your IP Address? Is it run under the IPv6 or IPv8… I just heard that they are considering the IPv10 system – is that right?”
Oh boy… I can’t wait.
~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/
Source:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/10105978.stm
http://whatismyipaddress.com/
Friday, May 14, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
An Unwilling Participant in this Little Drama
Misty Hollow Carving
This BLOG is sponsored by “Misty Hollow Carving”. You are welcome to visit Misty Hollow and see all of my carvings.
My Web Site is a like a Gallery – please drop in for a stroll through.
To help me promote my Web Site please copy this URL address and email to someone today http://www.murraylincoln.com/
* * * * * * * *
Today’s Blog Post
An Unwilling Participant in this Little Drama
So which is more difficult to handle… my ridiculous posting about wanting to be a Super Model – or what goes on at times with our politicians in Ottawa?
If you are living on the other side of our world and are stepping into to read about the Canadian Circus in Ottawa for the first time, it may be hard to wrap your thoughts around what has taken place with a Government and Ms. Helena Guergis (Ms HG)
Actually I think it is the Conservative Party and Ms HG. But it was about the Liberals and Ms. HG at one point as they railed on the Conservatives to do something about her – but then the Liberal Leader seems to be supporting her – kind of…
Then a Private Eye was pulled into a Parliamentary Committee yesterday that is asking question to see if Ms. HG’s main man Mr. Jaffer did something wrong by using Ms. HG’s office… and that he has some sort of connection with another dude that makes money off other people by something called “serial fraud”.
But the Private Eye knows nothing about anything wrong… he has just watched what the folk did. He followed them, collected info on their whereabouts and then passed on what he witnessed to his employers, a group of people that thought they may have been screwed by Nazim Gilliani. He then reported that he saw Jaffer with Gilliani and some other folk that were not very nice. I think… possibly… don’t quote me on that however… ahem.
Gillani is somehow possibly involved in trying to lobby a politician or two to get a business deal through Mr. Jaffer – I think… maybe. The Liberals got news of this and began the sniffing and pushing and accusing. But to their delight it has turned around and the Prime Minister of Canada looks like a Goon for firing poor little Ms HG.
But poor little Ms. HG had gone ballistic in a PEI Airport a few months ago when some stupid airline security told her to take her boots off. Poor Little Ms HG cussed them all down properly in true Government Leadership style – the kind they use on each other in the House of Parliament. The silly “locals” didn’t take to being swore at by Ms HG. Oh Boy…
The Liberals as I remember it were calling for the head of Ms HG… but now are defending her Poor Little Ms HG image.
I was speaking with another man from my city and he told me that he tried to get in touch with our MP – who is Conservative. He was told that he had to go through another Dude in the MP’s Office – there would be no direct contact with the MP. He was a little miffed – he wanted to talk to the MP alone – not the other Dude.
So with that I assume that my MP is covered by his protective coat as well and suspects Lobbying possibilities as well… or that a Private Eye may be in the next booth to us…. if they talk.
And it was the Private Eye, Derrick Snowdy, that stated he was “An Unwilling Participant in this Little Drama”.
Mr. Snowdy you are not alone.
The quiet and yet loud ones in all of this Drama is the Press and Media. No one would know any of this baloney was going on if it wasn’t for the precious Media that feeds on more and more of the Drama.
So I ask the question again…
“So which is more difficult to handle… my ridiculous posting about wanting to be a Super Model – or what goes on at times with our politicians in Ottawa?”
Many of you know that I am committed to Pray for my MPPs and MPs. In my case I pray specifically for the Ontario Provincial MPPs. And Then when necessary I pray for the Federal MPs in Ottawa. Now do you see why it is so important?
I also pray for the people in the Riding that Ms HG comes from. They believed in her. When all the stuff came out about her husband’s drinking and driving, the possibility that there was Cocaine in his car, the fact that she bad mouthed the people of PEI, then this latest stuff with his possible involvement in a bad/shady business dealing and government lobbying… they stayed with her.
But now they are just not too sure about what is going on.
I listened to the interview with Ms HG and the reporter… and I am not sure about anything.
I need to pray… or pursue my great desire to be a super model. Sheesh!
~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/
Source:
http://www.cbc.ca/politics/story/2010/05/12/snowdy-commons-commmitte.html
This BLOG is sponsored by “Misty Hollow Carving”. You are welcome to visit Misty Hollow and see all of my carvings.
My Web Site is a like a Gallery – please drop in for a stroll through.
To help me promote my Web Site please copy this URL address and email to someone today http://www.murraylincoln.com/
* * * * * * * *
Today’s Blog Post
An Unwilling Participant in this Little Drama
So which is more difficult to handle… my ridiculous posting about wanting to be a Super Model – or what goes on at times with our politicians in Ottawa?
If you are living on the other side of our world and are stepping into to read about the Canadian Circus in Ottawa for the first time, it may be hard to wrap your thoughts around what has taken place with a Government and Ms. Helena Guergis (Ms HG)
Actually I think it is the Conservative Party and Ms HG. But it was about the Liberals and Ms. HG at one point as they railed on the Conservatives to do something about her – but then the Liberal Leader seems to be supporting her – kind of…
Then a Private Eye was pulled into a Parliamentary Committee yesterday that is asking question to see if Ms. HG’s main man Mr. Jaffer did something wrong by using Ms. HG’s office… and that he has some sort of connection with another dude that makes money off other people by something called “serial fraud”.
But the Private Eye knows nothing about anything wrong… he has just watched what the folk did. He followed them, collected info on their whereabouts and then passed on what he witnessed to his employers, a group of people that thought they may have been screwed by Nazim Gilliani. He then reported that he saw Jaffer with Gilliani and some other folk that were not very nice. I think… possibly… don’t quote me on that however… ahem.
Gillani is somehow possibly involved in trying to lobby a politician or two to get a business deal through Mr. Jaffer – I think… maybe. The Liberals got news of this and began the sniffing and pushing and accusing. But to their delight it has turned around and the Prime Minister of Canada looks like a Goon for firing poor little Ms HG.
But poor little Ms. HG had gone ballistic in a PEI Airport a few months ago when some stupid airline security told her to take her boots off. Poor Little Ms HG cussed them all down properly in true Government Leadership style – the kind they use on each other in the House of Parliament. The silly “locals” didn’t take to being swore at by Ms HG. Oh Boy…
The Liberals as I remember it were calling for the head of Ms HG… but now are defending her Poor Little Ms HG image.
I was speaking with another man from my city and he told me that he tried to get in touch with our MP – who is Conservative. He was told that he had to go through another Dude in the MP’s Office – there would be no direct contact with the MP. He was a little miffed – he wanted to talk to the MP alone – not the other Dude.
So with that I assume that my MP is covered by his protective coat as well and suspects Lobbying possibilities as well… or that a Private Eye may be in the next booth to us…. if they talk.
And it was the Private Eye, Derrick Snowdy, that stated he was “An Unwilling Participant in this Little Drama”.
Mr. Snowdy you are not alone.
The quiet and yet loud ones in all of this Drama is the Press and Media. No one would know any of this baloney was going on if it wasn’t for the precious Media that feeds on more and more of the Drama.
So I ask the question again…
“So which is more difficult to handle… my ridiculous posting about wanting to be a Super Model – or what goes on at times with our politicians in Ottawa?”
Many of you know that I am committed to Pray for my MPPs and MPs. In my case I pray specifically for the Ontario Provincial MPPs. And Then when necessary I pray for the Federal MPs in Ottawa. Now do you see why it is so important?
I also pray for the people in the Riding that Ms HG comes from. They believed in her. When all the stuff came out about her husband’s drinking and driving, the possibility that there was Cocaine in his car, the fact that she bad mouthed the people of PEI, then this latest stuff with his possible involvement in a bad/shady business dealing and government lobbying… they stayed with her.
But now they are just not too sure about what is going on.
I listened to the interview with Ms HG and the reporter… and I am not sure about anything.
I need to pray… or pursue my great desire to be a super model. Sheesh!
~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/
Source:
http://www.cbc.ca/politics/story/2010/05/12/snowdy-commons-commmitte.html
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
I want to be a Super Model
Misty Hollow Carving
This BLOG is sponsored by “Misty Hollow Carving”. You are welcome to visit Misty Hollow and see all of my carvings.
My Web Site is a like a Gallery – please drop in for a stroll through.
To help me promote my Web Site please copy this URL address and email to someone today http://www.murraylincoln.com/
* * * * * * * *
Today’s Blog Post
I want to be a Super Model
If only my parents had known about the possibilities for me…. if only! Sheesh did they ever miss it! And I in turn missed it completely. I am burned because of it.
I can’t sue my Dad for making the mistakes, he is dead and his estate was all divided up after he died in 1987. Nothing there. And my Mom is not “sue-able” either… I know her financial state of affairs because I look after it. Sheesh again. I am screwed. I am relegated to a life of one more mistake after another.
If only I could have been a super model I could have been successful to the max. I could have been rolling in the dough instead of wondering where the dough will come from. In fact at times I don’t even know where the flour will come from to make the dough!
Yep the dream is – a super model!
Take a look at some of the super models with me.
Gisele Caroline Bündchen (born July 20, 1980) is a Brazilian model and occasional film actress. According to Forbes, she is the highest-paid model in the world and also the sixteenth richest woman in the entertainment world, with an estimated $150 million fortune. Bündchen also acts as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme.
Did you catch that – the girl is worth $150 Million!
Or look at Heidi Klum…In July 2007, having earned $8 million in the previous 12 months, Klum was named by Forbes as third on the list of the World's 15 Top-Earning Supermodels. In 2008, Forbes estimated her income at $14 million, putting Klum in second place. For 2009, Forbes estimated her income at $16 million. Klum is signed to IMG Models in New York City.
Did you catch that - $16 Million last year. She was only born in 1973!
How about Carson Parker? Have you ever heard of him? No?
He is one of the Top Male Models in the world and has been for less than two years! Read this quote…
"I started modeling about two and a half years ago. My aunt and uncle both modeled for Ford for a long time (Lisa Parker and Dan Elsberry). I guess having vacation time with them and seeing the life they lived is what sparked my interest into trying to become a model.” ~ Carson Parker ~
The guy knew in High School and also had family that were in modeling.
See that is what I mean… it was my families fault. Sheesh! The highest that we saw in our families were the ministers and the minister’s wives. Sure they were on stage but they were definitely not models!
The closest that I came to that kind of fame was last week. One of my friends on Facebook had clicked through an invitation for me to look into. I can’t remember the name of the application but it was something to do with how “Hot” or “Sexy” I was… you know handsome… gorgeous… a knock out and even how kissable I was! No kidding.
I clicked on to the Link and away I went into the famous world.
Now stop laughing! Someone thought that I was “Hot”, and even gorgeous! Many someone-s wanted to kiss me… and many thought that I would be a good hugger and cuddler!!!
When I told Alida, my wife, about this clicking through, she asked, “Who sent you that!!?” I told her the person’s name and she said, “There must be a mistake…”
There was.
Within an afternoon my old friend Mary had clicked the silly group thing off her Facebook site and profusely apologized. She had no idea how it had gone out. I think it was one of her grandkids that had done it on her computer.
No problem Mary. For a few minutes I had fun clicking through… I had been propelled to the position of “Sexy” – you now – “super model status”.
Sheesh!
I am all of 5 Feet 6 Inches tall and shrinking. I am a little over weight and my doctor told me last week that I possibly have (working towards) a condition entitled “metabolic syndrome”. At first the nomenclature sounded good… even something that is possibly saleable in future photo shoots. But then I clicked on the links that Wikipedia offered. Yikes I have never seen myself quite that way!
Here is one shot… of someone with the “Metabolic Syndrome”
(no this is not me – but rather another model!)
My parents looked after us well. They fed us well. They spoiled us well. And they were good parents – don’t get me wrong. But – today I am not a super model – and the mirror often screams at me.
One thing about going to the gym each morning that I thoroughly enjoy, everyone is fatter than me! There is far more Metabolic Syndrome going in and out of the change room each morning than anyone realizes! I love going there to just feel skinny again.
After hearing his possible diagnosis I can honestly say that I want to be a super model. I need to work out a little more and stick to the diet a little better… but I think that I can do it.
Stop laughing!
~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/
Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gisele_B%C3%BCndchen
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heidi_Klum
http://model-max.com/carson_parker.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metabolic_syndrome
This BLOG is sponsored by “Misty Hollow Carving”. You are welcome to visit Misty Hollow and see all of my carvings.
My Web Site is a like a Gallery – please drop in for a stroll through.
To help me promote my Web Site please copy this URL address and email to someone today http://www.murraylincoln.com/
* * * * * * * *
Today’s Blog Post
I want to be a Super Model
If only my parents had known about the possibilities for me…. if only! Sheesh did they ever miss it! And I in turn missed it completely. I am burned because of it.
I can’t sue my Dad for making the mistakes, he is dead and his estate was all divided up after he died in 1987. Nothing there. And my Mom is not “sue-able” either… I know her financial state of affairs because I look after it. Sheesh again. I am screwed. I am relegated to a life of one more mistake after another.
If only I could have been a super model I could have been successful to the max. I could have been rolling in the dough instead of wondering where the dough will come from. In fact at times I don’t even know where the flour will come from to make the dough!
Yep the dream is – a super model!
Take a look at some of the super models with me.
Gisele Caroline Bündchen (born July 20, 1980) is a Brazilian model and occasional film actress. According to Forbes, she is the highest-paid model in the world and also the sixteenth richest woman in the entertainment world, with an estimated $150 million fortune. Bündchen also acts as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme.
Did you catch that – the girl is worth $150 Million!
Or look at Heidi Klum…In July 2007, having earned $8 million in the previous 12 months, Klum was named by Forbes as third on the list of the World's 15 Top-Earning Supermodels. In 2008, Forbes estimated her income at $14 million, putting Klum in second place. For 2009, Forbes estimated her income at $16 million. Klum is signed to IMG Models in New York City.
Did you catch that - $16 Million last year. She was only born in 1973!
How about Carson Parker? Have you ever heard of him? No?
He is one of the Top Male Models in the world and has been for less than two years! Read this quote…
"I started modeling about two and a half years ago. My aunt and uncle both modeled for Ford for a long time (Lisa Parker and Dan Elsberry). I guess having vacation time with them and seeing the life they lived is what sparked my interest into trying to become a model.” ~ Carson Parker ~
The guy knew in High School and also had family that were in modeling.
See that is what I mean… it was my families fault. Sheesh! The highest that we saw in our families were the ministers and the minister’s wives. Sure they were on stage but they were definitely not models!
The closest that I came to that kind of fame was last week. One of my friends on Facebook had clicked through an invitation for me to look into. I can’t remember the name of the application but it was something to do with how “Hot” or “Sexy” I was… you know handsome… gorgeous… a knock out and even how kissable I was! No kidding.
I clicked on to the Link and away I went into the famous world.
Now stop laughing! Someone thought that I was “Hot”, and even gorgeous! Many someone-s wanted to kiss me… and many thought that I would be a good hugger and cuddler!!!
When I told Alida, my wife, about this clicking through, she asked, “Who sent you that!!?” I told her the person’s name and she said, “There must be a mistake…”
There was.
Within an afternoon my old friend Mary had clicked the silly group thing off her Facebook site and profusely apologized. She had no idea how it had gone out. I think it was one of her grandkids that had done it on her computer.
No problem Mary. For a few minutes I had fun clicking through… I had been propelled to the position of “Sexy” – you now – “super model status”.
Sheesh!
I am all of 5 Feet 6 Inches tall and shrinking. I am a little over weight and my doctor told me last week that I possibly have (working towards) a condition entitled “metabolic syndrome”. At first the nomenclature sounded good… even something that is possibly saleable in future photo shoots. But then I clicked on the links that Wikipedia offered. Yikes I have never seen myself quite that way!
Here is one shot… of someone with the “Metabolic Syndrome”
My parents looked after us well. They fed us well. They spoiled us well. And they were good parents – don’t get me wrong. But – today I am not a super model – and the mirror often screams at me.
One thing about going to the gym each morning that I thoroughly enjoy, everyone is fatter than me! There is far more Metabolic Syndrome going in and out of the change room each morning than anyone realizes! I love going there to just feel skinny again.
After hearing his possible diagnosis I can honestly say that I want to be a super model. I need to work out a little more and stick to the diet a little better… but I think that I can do it.
Stop laughing!
~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/
Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gisele_B%C3%BCndchen
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heidi_Klum
http://model-max.com/carson_parker.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metabolic_syndrome
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Going Up the Down Escalator – why not?
Misty Hollow Carving
This BLOG is sponsored by “Misty Hollow Carving”. You are welcome to visit Misty Hollow and see all of my carvings.
My Web Site is a like a Gallery – please drop in for a stroll through.
To help me promote my Web Site please copy this URL address and email to someone today http://www.murraylincoln.com/
* * * * * * * *
Today’s Blog Post
Going Up the Down Escalator – why not?
As I stood in the huge Mall in Oshawa on Sunday it was clearly a family day. Cool outside making the inside feel good. And families came to walk and be treated to whatever they liked.
I was standing outside a series of stores that my wife had intended to check out. With nothing to do but “people watch” – that is what I set out to do. It certainly helps kill a boring shopping trip.
I leaned over the railing to look down to the second(lower) level. This particular part was directly over the escalators. What a blast!
Everyone’s reaction was different. Ranging from boredom to confidence to frightened to death – it was all there just below me. I was gazing down over the first steps as people got on and off the moving stairway.
It was at this point that I caught site of two different families. They came to the escalators about 5 minutes apart. Both had three children and both were on the escalators for the same reason – not to just go up or down – but for the fun of it.
Both were doing this special ride for little guys in their family.
The first family, mommy was talking to the smallest person while holding his hand. He was about 4 years old, fuzzy blonde hair and a big grin on his face. Low down to the ground as he was he looked up and then to each side as the railing was above his head… and he savoured the movement. His brother and sister were above him and his dad below him. The whole range of motion was mixed with staggered people of different heights surrounding him and things moving. It was a lot for the little gaffer to take in.
The second family experienced the similar thing. Their little boy was dark haired and also clutched his mommy’s hand with daddy standing behind him. His siblings were above him hanging on to the moving hand rail.
Both families rode the escalator up and then down. Then they repeated it again.
Pure and simple delight for at least two little boys…but maybe the other kids as well. It was also a joy for mom and dad to watch their youngest discover the new thrill. They each watched their son’s face as he experienced the tickle inside from movement and something new.
I thought about the reactions in each family. They were not together – but yet they were the same. Pure joy. Time to do something that didn’t matter… and a simple new experience for their kids.
But stop and think about this… What kind of family has never been on an escalator in their life time? I can see that happening in other places – but not Canada!
Stand near an escalator and you will see – there are lots of people that are just trying it for the first time… each savouring the new experience over and over again.
I put these two visuals together as I read these words…
“Every second you dwell on the past you steal from your future. Every minute you spend focusing on your problems you take away from finding your solutions. And thinking about all those things that you wish never happened to you is actually blocking all the things you want to happen from entering your life.”
If two little boys about to get on to an escalator, to take their very first trip of delight, said, “I can’t go forward on to that thing, I am too worried about what happened yesterday, last week, or just after I was born. I can’t go!”
Little boys and little girls could care less about what happened yesterday. Worry about the past seems impossible. They will have to GROW UP to become oppressed, put down and begin to worry… just like we do! Instead they just hold their mommy’s hand and grin from ear to ear.
My, oh my… how I have changed. Changed from being a silly little, fun loving boy into a sophisticated adult that knows everything, worries about everything and cares way too much… about the previous bad trip.
In the Mall I left my place near the rail… walked over to the escalator and stepped on to the moving stairs going down. I grabbed on to the moving rail and then began to grin… I was young again.
I had watched some of the kids that rode with their dads and moms up and down. When mom wasn’t watching they turned around and started walking up the down… giggling at the sensation… before mom barked out the orders to, “Grow up!”
As I traveled down… I turned slightly to see if I would hit anyone… then took a step up the down. This was as much fun as it was when I first tried it many, many years ago. Whee…
Now there is a problem with a white haired old guy that is all alone… walking up the down stairway of a moving escalator… even with no one else on the stairs… the sophisticated, grown ups on the up escalator going the opposite way stare at him… glare at him… laugh at him.
Yep that happens when you are having fun… people look at you strangely… offering their criticism with their glares.
“What will people think???!” never crossed my mind. The two little boys never gave it a second thought either… so why should I.
My old attitude should have told me louder that, “This is not something that Minister should do in a public place!” But if it had, I might have said, “What rule book did you read that in?”
I am 66 years old. If all continues at the progressive rate that it is right now… I have a maximum of 33, maybe 34 years, left until escalators will not be something I do alone. In fact maybe I will not be here. I will die sometime before the 34 years is up – I am pretty sure of that. I have lived at least 2/3 of my life now!
In fact if I take a hint from many of my friends that are losing one little piece of their life at a time… it may not be more than 365 days from now – when I will not be able to do something I am doing now. Who knows what will happen?
I am guaranteed nothing as to the length of time that I have left. It may be little or much… but whatever it is I refuse to look over from my up escalator and scowl at the guy walking up the down – just having way too much fun! In fact I will join him!
The words read, “Every second you dwell on the past you steal from your future.”
Today I am going to purposely find something to giggle about. I need to see a bird that flies by not giving a ding dong about today. I need to see a few bugs that are just loving what they are doing. I need to see another little boy grinning from ear to ear… and join him on the escalator.
~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/
Source:
Real Life and Community
This BLOG is sponsored by “Misty Hollow Carving”. You are welcome to visit Misty Hollow and see all of my carvings.
My Web Site is a like a Gallery – please drop in for a stroll through.
To help me promote my Web Site please copy this URL address and email to someone today http://www.murraylincoln.com/
* * * * * * * *
Today’s Blog Post
Going Up the Down Escalator – why not?
As I stood in the huge Mall in Oshawa on Sunday it was clearly a family day. Cool outside making the inside feel good. And families came to walk and be treated to whatever they liked.
I was standing outside a series of stores that my wife had intended to check out. With nothing to do but “people watch” – that is what I set out to do. It certainly helps kill a boring shopping trip.
I leaned over the railing to look down to the second(lower) level. This particular part was directly over the escalators. What a blast!
Everyone’s reaction was different. Ranging from boredom to confidence to frightened to death – it was all there just below me. I was gazing down over the first steps as people got on and off the moving stairway.
It was at this point that I caught site of two different families. They came to the escalators about 5 minutes apart. Both had three children and both were on the escalators for the same reason – not to just go up or down – but for the fun of it.
Both were doing this special ride for little guys in their family.
The first family, mommy was talking to the smallest person while holding his hand. He was about 4 years old, fuzzy blonde hair and a big grin on his face. Low down to the ground as he was he looked up and then to each side as the railing was above his head… and he savoured the movement. His brother and sister were above him and his dad below him. The whole range of motion was mixed with staggered people of different heights surrounding him and things moving. It was a lot for the little gaffer to take in.
The second family experienced the similar thing. Their little boy was dark haired and also clutched his mommy’s hand with daddy standing behind him. His siblings were above him hanging on to the moving hand rail.
Both families rode the escalator up and then down. Then they repeated it again.
Pure and simple delight for at least two little boys…but maybe the other kids as well. It was also a joy for mom and dad to watch their youngest discover the new thrill. They each watched their son’s face as he experienced the tickle inside from movement and something new.
I thought about the reactions in each family. They were not together – but yet they were the same. Pure joy. Time to do something that didn’t matter… and a simple new experience for their kids.
But stop and think about this… What kind of family has never been on an escalator in their life time? I can see that happening in other places – but not Canada!
Stand near an escalator and you will see – there are lots of people that are just trying it for the first time… each savouring the new experience over and over again.
I put these two visuals together as I read these words…
“Every second you dwell on the past you steal from your future. Every minute you spend focusing on your problems you take away from finding your solutions. And thinking about all those things that you wish never happened to you is actually blocking all the things you want to happen from entering your life.”
If two little boys about to get on to an escalator, to take their very first trip of delight, said, “I can’t go forward on to that thing, I am too worried about what happened yesterday, last week, or just after I was born. I can’t go!”
Little boys and little girls could care less about what happened yesterday. Worry about the past seems impossible. They will have to GROW UP to become oppressed, put down and begin to worry… just like we do! Instead they just hold their mommy’s hand and grin from ear to ear.
My, oh my… how I have changed. Changed from being a silly little, fun loving boy into a sophisticated adult that knows everything, worries about everything and cares way too much… about the previous bad trip.
In the Mall I left my place near the rail… walked over to the escalator and stepped on to the moving stairs going down. I grabbed on to the moving rail and then began to grin… I was young again.
I had watched some of the kids that rode with their dads and moms up and down. When mom wasn’t watching they turned around and started walking up the down… giggling at the sensation… before mom barked out the orders to, “Grow up!”
As I traveled down… I turned slightly to see if I would hit anyone… then took a step up the down. This was as much fun as it was when I first tried it many, many years ago. Whee…
Now there is a problem with a white haired old guy that is all alone… walking up the down stairway of a moving escalator… even with no one else on the stairs… the sophisticated, grown ups on the up escalator going the opposite way stare at him… glare at him… laugh at him.
Yep that happens when you are having fun… people look at you strangely… offering their criticism with their glares.
“What will people think???!” never crossed my mind. The two little boys never gave it a second thought either… so why should I.
My old attitude should have told me louder that, “This is not something that Minister should do in a public place!” But if it had, I might have said, “What rule book did you read that in?”
I am 66 years old. If all continues at the progressive rate that it is right now… I have a maximum of 33, maybe 34 years, left until escalators will not be something I do alone. In fact maybe I will not be here. I will die sometime before the 34 years is up – I am pretty sure of that. I have lived at least 2/3 of my life now!
In fact if I take a hint from many of my friends that are losing one little piece of their life at a time… it may not be more than 365 days from now – when I will not be able to do something I am doing now. Who knows what will happen?
I am guaranteed nothing as to the length of time that I have left. It may be little or much… but whatever it is I refuse to look over from my up escalator and scowl at the guy walking up the down – just having way too much fun! In fact I will join him!
The words read, “Every second you dwell on the past you steal from your future.”
Today I am going to purposely find something to giggle about. I need to see a bird that flies by not giving a ding dong about today. I need to see a few bugs that are just loving what they are doing. I need to see another little boy grinning from ear to ear… and join him on the escalator.
~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/
Source:
Real Life and Community
Monday, May 10, 2010
Murray in the Middle – the Oreo Cookie
Misty Hollow Carving
This BLOG is sponsored by “Misty Hollow Carving”. You are welcome to visit Misty Hollow and see all of my carvings.
My Web Site is a like a Gallery – please drop in for a stroll through.
To help me promote my Web Site please copy this URL address and email to someone today http://www.murraylincoln.com/
* * * * * * * *
Today’s Blog Post
Murray in the Middle – the Oreo Cookie
The two young men stood beside me with their arms around my shoulders and back. They both gave me a Big Hug with one summing it up… “Hey, we are an Oreo!”
In 1987 these guys were about 12 years old. Both were full of vim and vinegar… bouncing young fellas that kept moving all the time. They were part of the Youth Group that I was ministering to as the World’s Oldest Youth Pastor – at that time 43 years old! Oh boy was I ever OLD!
On the left is Clem Dwyer and on the right is Godfrey Adderly.
These two handsome guys were the MCs at our friend’s Wedding Celebration in Scarborough on Saturday night.
Godfrey is one of the Pastors now at the same church. Once known as Scarboro Gospel Temple, SGT, it is now called Global Kingdom Ministries – GKM.
Clem is apart of the church and also working with the TMC – the Toronto Mass Choir. He is a genius with electronics and sound equipment from what I have heard.
What amazing guys they are.
But there is more to the story – the story behind the story that most see today.
Both boys were from Single Parent homes – both had a mom that was faithful to get them to church. They struggled but they made it through. The church was a huge part of their lives. Old Youth Pastors were good – because they kind of acted like a Big Brother… or a kind of “Dad” – or maybe even a “Grandpa”.
I served in the church for four years at that time before a cut back happened and the Youth Pastor’s position was down sized to Lay Volunteers.
We had worked hard to make sure that Lay Leadership was in place to take on the necessary tasks that needed to be done.
In fact our goal was to have a 1 Leader to 8 Kids/Teens relationship – so that no one would be left behind.
It was in 1987 that I first met “Mo” as everyone knew him. His name is Maurice Fairweather. His greatest calling and best ability was to love people just the way that they were – never judging them. “Mo” was always there for his boys. He was faithful to the point of almost doing too much. Some of us were concerned when he always had a load of guys in his car going some where.
“Mo” never had a girl friend when I worked with him. He liked all the gals and treated everyone as his friend. It wasn’t that he didn’t want a special Girl Friend… it was just that he had to have time to work with all his “boys” – and my guess was that a Relationship that required energy, time and commitment to develop would cut into the needs that his boys had. There was only so much of “Mo” to go around – and the boys got all of him!
This past year it was announced that “Mo” had not only found a special Gal Friend – but he also married her. WOW! Her name is Robyn. And all that I knew at that point was – “Robyn has to be something special to be in Maurice’s life.” Double WOW!
When I did the “Oreo” thing with Clem and Godfrey we were at the Wedding Celebration held for Maurice and Robyn at Global Kingdom Ministries church on Saturday evening.
All “Mo’s” boys were there to honour him. What an army of Handsome Men! They are not boys anymore!!!!
Remember when I stated that Robyn must be something special to marry “Mo”?
Robyn is the Youth Pastor at GKM – doing the same job that I used to do 23 years ago. She is a little younger than “Mo” and also has been completely committed to her kids. Relationships and the effort that it takes to develop – was not her top priority in life until recently – her kids always were. She loved the youth and special ones that God have given her.
(NOTE: That is my uneducated guess only. I only know “Mo”… and Robyn I am guessing about!)
Saturday evening was one of those special blessings that everyone needs once in a life time. Often we never see it until we are dead… but then may never see it – because – we are dead. Sometimes we wait too long – lose contacts and simply forget.
On Saturday night, two young men put their strong arms around me, gave me a hug… and I wanted to cry. They reminded me that special things happen when you love someone. In fact as I type this I weep for joy this morning. I am so Blessed!
~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/
Source:
Real Life and Community
This BLOG is sponsored by “Misty Hollow Carving”. You are welcome to visit Misty Hollow and see all of my carvings.
My Web Site is a like a Gallery – please drop in for a stroll through.
To help me promote my Web Site please copy this URL address and email to someone today http://www.murraylincoln.com/
* * * * * * * *
Today’s Blog Post
Murray in the Middle – the Oreo Cookie
In 1987 these guys were about 12 years old. Both were full of vim and vinegar… bouncing young fellas that kept moving all the time. They were part of the Youth Group that I was ministering to as the World’s Oldest Youth Pastor – at that time 43 years old! Oh boy was I ever OLD!
On the left is Clem Dwyer and on the right is Godfrey Adderly.
These two handsome guys were the MCs at our friend’s Wedding Celebration in Scarborough on Saturday night.
Godfrey is one of the Pastors now at the same church. Once known as Scarboro Gospel Temple, SGT, it is now called Global Kingdom Ministries – GKM.
Clem is apart of the church and also working with the TMC – the Toronto Mass Choir. He is a genius with electronics and sound equipment from what I have heard.
What amazing guys they are.
But there is more to the story – the story behind the story that most see today.
Both boys were from Single Parent homes – both had a mom that was faithful to get them to church. They struggled but they made it through. The church was a huge part of their lives. Old Youth Pastors were good – because they kind of acted like a Big Brother… or a kind of “Dad” – or maybe even a “Grandpa”.
I served in the church for four years at that time before a cut back happened and the Youth Pastor’s position was down sized to Lay Volunteers.
We had worked hard to make sure that Lay Leadership was in place to take on the necessary tasks that needed to be done.
In fact our goal was to have a 1 Leader to 8 Kids/Teens relationship – so that no one would be left behind.
It was in 1987 that I first met “Mo” as everyone knew him. His name is Maurice Fairweather. His greatest calling and best ability was to love people just the way that they were – never judging them. “Mo” was always there for his boys. He was faithful to the point of almost doing too much. Some of us were concerned when he always had a load of guys in his car going some where.
“Mo” never had a girl friend when I worked with him. He liked all the gals and treated everyone as his friend. It wasn’t that he didn’t want a special Girl Friend… it was just that he had to have time to work with all his “boys” – and my guess was that a Relationship that required energy, time and commitment to develop would cut into the needs that his boys had. There was only so much of “Mo” to go around – and the boys got all of him!
This past year it was announced that “Mo” had not only found a special Gal Friend – but he also married her. WOW! Her name is Robyn. And all that I knew at that point was – “Robyn has to be something special to be in Maurice’s life.” Double WOW!
When I did the “Oreo” thing with Clem and Godfrey we were at the Wedding Celebration held for Maurice and Robyn at Global Kingdom Ministries church on Saturday evening.
All “Mo’s” boys were there to honour him. What an army of Handsome Men! They are not boys anymore!!!!
Remember when I stated that Robyn must be something special to marry “Mo”?
Robyn is the Youth Pastor at GKM – doing the same job that I used to do 23 years ago. She is a little younger than “Mo” and also has been completely committed to her kids. Relationships and the effort that it takes to develop – was not her top priority in life until recently – her kids always were. She loved the youth and special ones that God have given her.
(NOTE: That is my uneducated guess only. I only know “Mo”… and Robyn I am guessing about!)
Saturday evening was one of those special blessings that everyone needs once in a life time. Often we never see it until we are dead… but then may never see it – because – we are dead. Sometimes we wait too long – lose contacts and simply forget.
On Saturday night, two young men put their strong arms around me, gave me a hug… and I wanted to cry. They reminded me that special things happen when you love someone. In fact as I type this I weep for joy this morning. I am so Blessed!
~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/
Source:
Real Life and Community
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Away from “No Where”… and “Always the Same”
Misty Hollow Carving
This BLOG is sponsored by “Misty Hollow Carving”. You are welcome to visit Misty Hollow and see all of my carvings.
My Web Site is a like a Gallery – please drop in for a stroll through.
To help me promote my Web Site please copy this URL address and email to someone today http://www.murraylincoln.com/
* * * * * * * *
Today’s Blog Post
Away from “No Where”… and “Always the Same”
Today I will meet with about 200 people – Old Friends and New Friends.
First the New Friends at a Mother’s Weekend Breakfast put on by the Men of St. Johns Presbyterian Church in Port Perry. What a delight to Network with New Friends.
Second the Canadian Wedding Reception for a couple married in St. Lucia. Maurice and Robyn Fairweather are being blessed by all their Old Friends today. Maurice served as a volunteer Youth Leader when I was a Youth Pastor in 1987 – 91 in Scarborough. Robyn is the Youth Pastor of that same group today. Maurice hung around(was faithful) to the volunteer Youth Leader’s position – all these years! Wow!
Today is a Good Day to Connect…. To Network as the new term is now.
I love getting out of the old rut of “No Where”… and “Always the Same”. These two ruts keep a person unchanged.
When the day comes that I am bound to a wheel chair and slowed down because of the physical ailments… I will still keep rolling out of the room… to network with some one… some where.
When the day Heaven is my new home… I fully expect to use my New Wings to fly to everyone’s place to visit for Eternity. To me that is Heaven. I won’t have time to watch the HD TV that may be available.
Have you thought of getting away from your norm to the new?
Gotta run… I have New People to meet and New Places to go…
~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/
Source:
Real Life and Community
This BLOG is sponsored by “Misty Hollow Carving”. You are welcome to visit Misty Hollow and see all of my carvings.
My Web Site is a like a Gallery – please drop in for a stroll through.
To help me promote my Web Site please copy this URL address and email to someone today http://www.murraylincoln.com/
* * * * * * * *
Today’s Blog Post
Away from “No Where”… and “Always the Same”
Today I will meet with about 200 people – Old Friends and New Friends.
First the New Friends at a Mother’s Weekend Breakfast put on by the Men of St. Johns Presbyterian Church in Port Perry. What a delight to Network with New Friends.
Second the Canadian Wedding Reception for a couple married in St. Lucia. Maurice and Robyn Fairweather are being blessed by all their Old Friends today. Maurice served as a volunteer Youth Leader when I was a Youth Pastor in 1987 – 91 in Scarborough. Robyn is the Youth Pastor of that same group today. Maurice hung around(was faithful) to the volunteer Youth Leader’s position – all these years! Wow!
Today is a Good Day to Connect…. To Network as the new term is now.
I love getting out of the old rut of “No Where”… and “Always the Same”. These two ruts keep a person unchanged.
When the day comes that I am bound to a wheel chair and slowed down because of the physical ailments… I will still keep rolling out of the room… to network with some one… some where.
When the day Heaven is my new home… I fully expect to use my New Wings to fly to everyone’s place to visit for Eternity. To me that is Heaven. I won’t have time to watch the HD TV that may be available.
Have you thought of getting away from your norm to the new?
Gotta run… I have New People to meet and New Places to go…
~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/
Source:
Real Life and Community
Friday, May 7, 2010
The Social Network Group – Connections 2010
Misty Hollow Carving
This BLOG is sponsored by “Misty Hollow Carving”. You are welcome to visit Misty Hollow and see all of my carvings.
My Web Site is a like a Gallery – please drop in for a stroll through.
To help me promote my Web Site please copy this URL address and email to someone today http://www.murraylincoln.com/
* * * * * * * *
Today’s Blog Post
The Social Network Group – Connections 2010
The average age of the people that I met with yesterday afternoon in the “New Friends” group was 90. My mom was the youngest. Yet they were the sharpest folk that I have met in a long time.
Another group that I meet with each morning early loosely call themselves the “Wisdom Club” because no matter what topic some one brings up, some one else will have a suggestion, good idea or comical statement about it. The table folk I meet with is filled with laughter.
In both cases laughter is the mix that holds the group together.
It felt good in both situations to have taken part in the mix of people, even though they were so different in age and backgrounds.
New Friends… Thursday afternoon
These folk vary in life experience in a huge way. From a Doctor’s wife to a career woman; from a housewife to a Radar Technician – what a wide variety of experience they all have had. And all of it was packed into 90+ years of living.
The 90+ year old group remembered many issues and events of the past years. They cared deeply about their families and problems of society. One was deeply troubled about the huge number of volcanoes that she has heard about lately. Another brought up the Love Canal of the 1970s in Niagara falls New York. All remembered these issues vividly.
The striking part about the older group of “New Friends”, as they call themselves, they are happy. They laugh a lot and interact with each other.
Wisdom Club… each morning at the Wellness Centre
This group simply laughs a lot – period. Most of what they talk about is comical.
They have all completed about one hour in the Gymnasium and then meet for coffee with each other. It is open to anyone.
This group was about six around one round table last fall. Now each day they are eight to ten around two tables. But that number grows as well as others that they each know stop by the table to make their comments as they either leave the gym or enter. With the tables being situated in the coffee shop of the gym’s entrance – it is perfect.
A unique thing about this group is the difference in background and experience… in fact I should say they vary greatly!! From Plumber, to business owner, to draftsmen, to ministers, to mechanic, to bankers, to garage owner, contractor and homebuilder, to electrician, to school teacher and secretary – they have it all covered. Most are retired.
What could these folk with such a wide variety of interests and experience have in common?
The answer is simple – laughter and joy. And they offer it to whoever joins the group.
One or two dark cloud people drop by to lay a heavy on the group, but they never stay long. One man in particular is perhaps the most negative man I have met in a long time. He sat at the table one time and then never came back. No matter what he said, people laughed. And all that he said was negative in some way about some one or something. But the group was not glum – they laughed. They were too happy for him.
Now some church people will be trying to guess what church these people attend… especially if I am involved.
Most don’t attend church anywhere…other than a funeral or a wedding. A few of us in the group do... but we are in the minority.
Come to think of it… I have not heard church people laugh like this. They generally are so busy listening so that they don’t have time to laugh.
Whoa… can you imagine a Sunday Service where people sat around tables and talked to each other, then laughed together before they prayed? Nope it wouldn’t work with most church people I have met…
Sorry that thought sidelined me.
I am preparing to set out again this AM for another meeting of the Wisdom Club… following a good workout. I am looking forward to it. What will happen today? What will be talked about?
In fact I need this kind of interaction just like they do. It is part of the basic need that this present generation of older people desperately need.
I call it “Connections”… which could be a great name for a group somewhere.
In the world that most of these folk come from… they have enjoyed Connections in so many different ways. Then with retirement, death of a loved, separation from family or some other deep personal change the Connections stopped.
These are the true Social Networking groups that were possible for years but are now only being discovered.
The “39 The Second Time” group that I click with once a month – are a classic example of a Social Network Group.
My Facebook Group is another Social Network Group as well as three other eGroups that I belong to – where I connect online to younger and older friends. I think my Social Network Group connections online are now some where over 1000 people that I some how interact with on almost a daily basis.
I am ‘connected’… the same way that many people my age are. It is not just for the Youth of Today. I may need this more than they do. And now having the technology simply makes my world bigger and easier to meet with others – daily.
Side lined again… I think of the church and the way that some are shrinking. When I have looked carefully at what they are doing(the shrinking ones) – they have little Social Network Groupings at all….other than the ladies that come together to do the Funeral Lunches… and that is not too exciting to say the least.
If they changed their delivery mode of the message… to be more like Jesus… or the way that Jesus did it… it might help. But for the most part our churches (and me as a Pastor) have studied hard to do what we do to make sure it isn’t anything like Jesus did.
Now that is pure heresy for a Minister to type that way.
But it is true.
If we did what Jesus did – we would never build a building for a church. He didn’t – look closely at the text. He never had Budget Worries either, Annual Business Meetings – or Board Meetings.
Jesus walked a lot… and talked as he walked – then sat down, never in a hurry to the get the service started. He looked at the Lilies and the sparrows… and his friends in the eye… and loved on them all.
Christians that attend churches today, drive to the building, sit alone on a pew, listen to one man or woman talk, then shake one or two hands, to then leave alone – going home alone… and be alone again until next Sunday. Mind you they do listen to Christian Music where ever they are…!
Most Christians that I know – only see Lilies at Funerals.
That is so not like Jesus.
Heresy!
Sidelined again… If Jesus did actually live today he would be on so many Social Network Groups with all that he met… it would blow most peoples mind.
I can see him at our “New Friends” group, and the “Wisdom Club’s” table talk. I can see him laughing right along with us. I can hardly see him singing along to sad songs about him… or oft repeated prayers to him… asking for more and more.
I am off to strike up a new conversation in the Social Network of today. Now if you don’t have some one or some place to go… we would love to have you join us.
~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/
This BLOG is sponsored by “Misty Hollow Carving”. You are welcome to visit Misty Hollow and see all of my carvings.
My Web Site is a like a Gallery – please drop in for a stroll through.
To help me promote my Web Site please copy this URL address and email to someone today http://www.murraylincoln.com/
* * * * * * * *
Today’s Blog Post
The Social Network Group – Connections 2010
The average age of the people that I met with yesterday afternoon in the “New Friends” group was 90. My mom was the youngest. Yet they were the sharpest folk that I have met in a long time.
Another group that I meet with each morning early loosely call themselves the “Wisdom Club” because no matter what topic some one brings up, some one else will have a suggestion, good idea or comical statement about it. The table folk I meet with is filled with laughter.
In both cases laughter is the mix that holds the group together.
It felt good in both situations to have taken part in the mix of people, even though they were so different in age and backgrounds.
New Friends… Thursday afternoon
These folk vary in life experience in a huge way. From a Doctor’s wife to a career woman; from a housewife to a Radar Technician – what a wide variety of experience they all have had. And all of it was packed into 90+ years of living.
The 90+ year old group remembered many issues and events of the past years. They cared deeply about their families and problems of society. One was deeply troubled about the huge number of volcanoes that she has heard about lately. Another brought up the Love Canal of the 1970s in Niagara falls New York. All remembered these issues vividly.
The striking part about the older group of “New Friends”, as they call themselves, they are happy. They laugh a lot and interact with each other.
Wisdom Club… each morning at the Wellness Centre
This group simply laughs a lot – period. Most of what they talk about is comical.
They have all completed about one hour in the Gymnasium and then meet for coffee with each other. It is open to anyone.
This group was about six around one round table last fall. Now each day they are eight to ten around two tables. But that number grows as well as others that they each know stop by the table to make their comments as they either leave the gym or enter. With the tables being situated in the coffee shop of the gym’s entrance – it is perfect.
A unique thing about this group is the difference in background and experience… in fact I should say they vary greatly!! From Plumber, to business owner, to draftsmen, to ministers, to mechanic, to bankers, to garage owner, contractor and homebuilder, to electrician, to school teacher and secretary – they have it all covered. Most are retired.
What could these folk with such a wide variety of interests and experience have in common?
The answer is simple – laughter and joy. And they offer it to whoever joins the group.
One or two dark cloud people drop by to lay a heavy on the group, but they never stay long. One man in particular is perhaps the most negative man I have met in a long time. He sat at the table one time and then never came back. No matter what he said, people laughed. And all that he said was negative in some way about some one or something. But the group was not glum – they laughed. They were too happy for him.
Now some church people will be trying to guess what church these people attend… especially if I am involved.
Most don’t attend church anywhere…other than a funeral or a wedding. A few of us in the group do... but we are in the minority.
Come to think of it… I have not heard church people laugh like this. They generally are so busy listening so that they don’t have time to laugh.
Whoa… can you imagine a Sunday Service where people sat around tables and talked to each other, then laughed together before they prayed? Nope it wouldn’t work with most church people I have met…
Sorry that thought sidelined me.
I am preparing to set out again this AM for another meeting of the Wisdom Club… following a good workout. I am looking forward to it. What will happen today? What will be talked about?
In fact I need this kind of interaction just like they do. It is part of the basic need that this present generation of older people desperately need.
I call it “Connections”… which could be a great name for a group somewhere.
In the world that most of these folk come from… they have enjoyed Connections in so many different ways. Then with retirement, death of a loved, separation from family or some other deep personal change the Connections stopped.
These are the true Social Networking groups that were possible for years but are now only being discovered.
The “39 The Second Time” group that I click with once a month – are a classic example of a Social Network Group.
My Facebook Group is another Social Network Group as well as three other eGroups that I belong to – where I connect online to younger and older friends. I think my Social Network Group connections online are now some where over 1000 people that I some how interact with on almost a daily basis.
I am ‘connected’… the same way that many people my age are. It is not just for the Youth of Today. I may need this more than they do. And now having the technology simply makes my world bigger and easier to meet with others – daily.
Side lined again… I think of the church and the way that some are shrinking. When I have looked carefully at what they are doing(the shrinking ones) – they have little Social Network Groupings at all….other than the ladies that come together to do the Funeral Lunches… and that is not too exciting to say the least.
If they changed their delivery mode of the message… to be more like Jesus… or the way that Jesus did it… it might help. But for the most part our churches (and me as a Pastor) have studied hard to do what we do to make sure it isn’t anything like Jesus did.
Now that is pure heresy for a Minister to type that way.
But it is true.
If we did what Jesus did – we would never build a building for a church. He didn’t – look closely at the text. He never had Budget Worries either, Annual Business Meetings – or Board Meetings.
Jesus walked a lot… and talked as he walked – then sat down, never in a hurry to the get the service started. He looked at the Lilies and the sparrows… and his friends in the eye… and loved on them all.
Christians that attend churches today, drive to the building, sit alone on a pew, listen to one man or woman talk, then shake one or two hands, to then leave alone – going home alone… and be alone again until next Sunday. Mind you they do listen to Christian Music where ever they are…!
Most Christians that I know – only see Lilies at Funerals.
That is so not like Jesus.
Heresy!
Sidelined again… If Jesus did actually live today he would be on so many Social Network Groups with all that he met… it would blow most peoples mind.
I can see him at our “New Friends” group, and the “Wisdom Club’s” table talk. I can see him laughing right along with us. I can hardly see him singing along to sad songs about him… or oft repeated prayers to him… asking for more and more.
I am off to strike up a new conversation in the Social Network of today. Now if you don’t have some one or some place to go… we would love to have you join us.
~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/
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