From the Desk of Murray Lincoln

For your inspection

To help me promote my Web Site please copy this URL address and email to someone today http://www.murraylincoln.com/ and http://mistyhollow-digitalimages.blogspot.ca/

Friday, December 21, 2012

My Mom had a fall yesterday – ouch

Misty Hollow Carving and Misty Hollow Digital Images

These BLOGS are sponsored by my businesses.

“Misty Hollow Carving” was launched in October 2008

Misty Hollow Digital Images were launched on September 26, 2012.

“Crop Circles’ Web Site” where all my images are available.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

My Mom had a fall yesterday – ouch

The world never ended today – I am still here – but it almost ended yesterday

Yesterday’s routine began as usual – up at 6 AM – settling in to begin the Blog posting and then the rest of the day.

My Mom came out of her room to talk to me. She had fallen in the night – about 2 AM when she was getting ready to get into bed. (Yes she often stays up late reading her books) She crawled into bed after falling because she didn’t want to wake us up. Oh boy!

Other than some bruising and sore muscles she was okay – except for the three inch cut above her left elbow. The arm was cut on a metal part of the bed near the bottom of the bed leg. My dad had made this bed frame for her long ago – but had not finished one end of the metal which is sharp.

This is one area that should have been fixed by me. It is a “someday job” – which is now moved to a today job or soon to be done.

Mom is okay. At almost 92 she is doing very well. To prove that here is what happened following the Emergency Department stay at the Hospital… we went to McDonald’s for breakfast!

(Please note the Large Plate of Pancakes and a large Coffee in front of Mom)

I come from a resilient stock of people that just keep going – on and on. We have aches and pains but we can take it. And Mom is the leader of all of us.

Sorry no photos today. I took some for my sister to see what happened… but Mom told me to not put these on a Blog posting. And my Mom still makes me jump when she wants something or insists on what she wants.

Seriously – we came close to a very dangerous situation…. A broken hip! No problem there… but now with a few muscles that are stiff and sore – and a butt that will have a bruise…not that I am looking!

~ Murray Lincoln ~

For your inspection

To help me promote my Web Site please copy this URL address and email to someone today http://www.murraylincoln.com/ and http://mistyhollow-digitalimages.blogspot.ca/

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

The Gun Whacky World is coming to a Country near us

Misty Hollow Carving and Misty Hollow Digital Images

These BLOGS are sponsored by my businesses.

“Misty Hollow Carving” was launched in October 2008

Misty Hollow Digital Images were launched on September 26, 2012.

“Crop Circles’ Web Site” where all my images are available.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Gun Whacky World is coming to a Country near us

Reading the news this morning was stunning. I could not believe that someone is actually considering the possible solution to a horrific scenario that played out in Newtown, Conn. – where 20 children and 6 adults were murdered in their school.

Yep someone has been working diligently of a solution to the possible horror like the Newtown events.

That solution is to carry more guns. In fact the person that is suggested to best to carry a gun is the teacher. Yes – you heard that right. They are possibly going to arm the teachers with concealed weapons. Can you believe it!?

But what has surfaced is the fact that some teachers in Texas already have that privilege. In some rural and remote areas the teachers do carry concealed weapons now.

Before I go too far into my Post today, I need to refer you to an article that appears on the CBC News Web Site under the title “The latest U.S. debate: Should teachers carry guns?”

In fact, as it is pointed out in the article, Michigan state senators have just passed into law a new piece of legislation… quoting the article… “Just prior to the Newtown shooting, Michigan state senators voted to allow people with concealed carry permits, including teachers, to bring their weapons onto school property.” End quote.

That really makes me want to visit Michigan again. More guns… and more guns on school property how utterly strange can people’s thinking get!!

One stat that came flying out recently on a news program – last year the USA had over 10,000 deaths due to gunshots… Canada had something under 50. We in Canada do not carry guns and are not allowed to carry guns the way our American cousins do.

Mind you we kill each other with other methods – and I don’t dispute that. We just don’t carry guns. We do have our own kind of whackos that get assault rifles and murder students as well(Montreal Poly two different times).

But generally we do reduce the amount of shootings by not carrying weapons.

Think this one through. Let teachers – or make teachers carry guns. Then… she or he is going to be teaching their class to eager students in their class. They hear a noise and look up. The gunman, a former student that hated his school and teachers, is standing with his loaded gun pointed at the teacher. The dialogue that follows would be short… “Get out of our classroom! I am armed with a gun and will use it if you don’t leave NOW!” the frightened teacher screams.

What a terrible thing to write so soon after the events of last Friday! How dare you do such a thing!!?

I dare write it because that is what the answer is for some people. More guns!!! And more guns placed in the hands of people that are caring for our kids – in a school.

Play the stupid scenario through a little further… in the classroom. Do you suppose the mentally deranged, former student is going to care if the teacher has a hidden hand gun in her purse… or even one strapped to her waist – old Western Movie style!!? He has an assault weapon and she has a pistol.

Good old and I mean OLD Clint Eastwood would scare the bejeebbees out of the kids when he flatly states, “Go ahead make my day…!” Now the teacher has to be fast enough to get the words out and find her pistol.

What about the kids that are now ducking and screaming in the classroom?

Dear Mr. and Ms. Senators – do you really think that is a good idea to arm teachers and allow guns on school property?

What seems to be something that no one has written about is the amount of violence that the ordinary kid has seen on TV and Video Games by the time they leave High School.

I have no way of knowing what actually happened in Newtown, Conn. and the young man that killed all these people. But a simple surmise here is likely pretty close to the truth. The loser teenager without many friends and connections to the community at large… simply immersed himself in Video Games that you can blow away you enemy. Add a touch of anti-social behaviour and mix in the poor family dynamics together with hatred of teachers and school and the world… and ‘Kerblam’ you have a killer that no one knows about.

Got to stop this post. This is so stupid that it is scary. It could happen and is happening now. God help my neighbors to the south to make better decisions… not sell more guns… and not arm their teachers.

The logical way to continue that thinking… when armed teachers don’t work… is to allow the students to carry concealed weapons too.

God help us all.

~ Murray Lincoln ~

For your inspection

http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2012/12/19/f-newport-shooting-guns-teachers.html

To help me promote my Web Site please copy this URL address and email to someone today http://www.murraylincoln.com/ and http://mistyhollow-digitalimages.blogspot.ca/

References:

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

The Greatest Advice List

Misty Hollow Carving and Misty Hollow Digital Images

These BLOGS are sponsored by my businesses.

“Misty Hollow Carving” was launched in October 2008

Misty Hollow Digital Images were launched on September 26, 2012.

“Crop Circles’ Web Site” where all my images are available.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Greatest Advice List
Just when I was thinking, “You have gotta lighten up Lincoln!”, my friend Terry comes through with the greatest emails and things to make you smile.

Here goes – I apologize to the author and am willing to give you full credit – if you let me know. The following came in a forwarded email and made me roll over in peals of laughter. This is totally about me and the way that I think! Thanks Terry!

1. Avoid carrot sticks.

Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit.

In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can.

And quickly. It's rare.. You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up!

Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something.

It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it.

That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on.

Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano……. Repeat.

4. Mashed potatoes,

Always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother?

It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating.

The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's.

You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do.

This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something good at a buffet, position yourself near it and don't budge.

Have as many frosted Christmas cookies or pralines in the shape and size of Santa as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies.

Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. If you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three.

When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake?

Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. If you don't feel stuffed when you leave the party, you haven't been paying attention.

Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.

Remember this motto to live by:

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body.

Skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, booze in the other ,body thoroughly used up, totally worn out ……screaming "What a ride!"

MERRY CHRISTMAS & a healthy, prosperous New Year

~ Murray Lincoln ~

For your inspection

To help me promote my Web Site please copy this URL address and email to someone today http://www.murraylincoln.com/ and http://mistyhollow-digitalimages.blogspot.ca/

Monday, December 17, 2012

On the Edge of Raw

Misty Hollow Carving and Misty Hollow Digital Images

These BLOGS are sponsored by my businesses.

“Misty Hollow Carving” was launched in October 2008

Misty Hollow Digital Images were launched on September 26, 2012.

“Crop Circles’ Web Site” where all my images are available.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

On the Edge of Raw

We all live near a cliff that is high, dangerous and real. We avoid it. We walk away from it. We steer clear of its danger. We know what is lingering there can be aroused at any moment. And the worst part is that it takes very little to jerk us back to the place that we stand again at the edge… fearing the worst over again.

Where is the cliff that would drop us into “Raw’ again?

‘Raw’? What do you mean by ‘Raw’?

‘Raw’is that place where your life was torn and was brought close to the point of destruction. That point in your life when things went terribly wrong and you thought it was over.

‘Raw’ is the place we walked away from. We didn’t die there but felt like we might. In fact it was so bad that we felt that the world could end and it really wouldn’t matter – and we would love it if had. But it didn’t – and we survived.

We survived by getting away from the great cliff of destruction that rises high above the ‘Raw’.

Two things happened to me right after time elation. I was high and doing well. I was enjoying the moment. Then it happened. Kerbaammm!

This past Saturday I was cleaning and chucking out stuff… to make room for a change in my life. My little office had become clogged with too much old stuff. There were files and books and stuff piled everywhere. And to add a little pressure I was trying to get it cleaned up before my wife returned from her weekend trip.

I lifted one file folder and looked inside. Kerbaammm! There it was. I don’t know why I kept it. Maybe I thought that because of what it was and what was written that I should keep it – just in case I needed to defend myself in the future.

There written on the printed emails and scribbled notes were the events of a terrible time in my life. I had accurately written all that had taken place – all that I saw and heard from my perspective. OUCH! As I re-read the words that I had written my soul clouded over again. The deep darkness of that long ago time in my life swept over me – like a fog coming in from the sea.

In a matter of moments my cleaning and straightening and chucking out stopped dead. I was glued to my chair and couldn’t really move. Yet inside I was being pushed closer and closer to the gigantic cliff – and at the moment I was riveted to the spot or supreme danger. ‘Raw’ was still there at the bottom of the cliff and I was dangerously close to falling into it again.

Imagine… it has been years since the events took place. Some of the creatures and characters in my horrific ordeal are dead. They are gone completely. Others that were there are not able to speak any longer and likely don’t remember are very much there… ‘Raw’ was still there for me. And if I walk another step toward the cliff’s edge – I will be consumed by ‘Raw’ again.

If I am not careful I will drop into the abyss and not be back for a long time.

Slowly I pushed the papers back into the file and closed it. With that closure I moved away from the edge again. But I couldn’t stop thinking about it… all day long.

Why do I still have the cliff so nearby? Why can’t I find property in my mind that is further away from ‘Raw’? I hate coming close to the cliff’s edge and know what ‘Raw’ would do to me if I went there. Living over here on Elation Street is so much better.

Yesterday morning…

I had closed my own file. I was speaking at church on Sunday AM. The events of this past Friday in Newtown, Conn., were very much on my mind. The fact that 20 Grade One Students died from gun shots from a deranged young person… could not be shaken from my thoughts.

My task Sunday morning was to preach on our ‘Rejoicing’ – our ability to rejoice even though times are really tough. Our rejoicing is possible because God is always there… and he has given us so much… particularly His Son Jesus. Yes I am a Christian and I truly believe this wonderful part of the Christmas story.

I was describing the Apostle Paul’s story from Rome as he wrote the letter to the Philippians – and where he instructed everyone to ‘REJOICE’… in every situation. I had described how terrible it must have been for the Roman Praetorian Guard to have to be chained to this little preacher, Paul. I told how I have met guards in our own prison system that have to spend holidays in prison – looking after the imprisoned offenders that often very difficult to deal with. I simply described the scene that Paul saw – yet chose to rejoice.

However… Kerbaammm! It happened again. One beautiful lady came to after the service was over to tell me what happened to her when I was speaking. I felt her pain… and realized that my words… or the topic… or maybe both had dragged her towards the edge of gigantic cliff and she was staring at ‘Raw’ all over again. Her ‘Raw’ was 30 years old but still churned at the base of the cliff waiting to consume her all over again.

30 years ago her daughter’s husband, this lady’s son-in-law was murdered. Her daughter lost the love of life… and the young family lost it all. She told me quietly that her daughter has been able to move on… but she realized that she must not be able to move on… because with the words I used and the way that I spoke… she was looking at ‘Raw’ again.

It was at that moment that I wished I didn’t have to leave. I wished that I could speak to her more and encourage her. I wished that maybe in some way I could help. I almost wish that I was the minister in this church(they are looking for a new pastor now) but NO I AM RETIRED… and love it.

As she left she told me, “I will have to deal with it.” I know she will with God’s help.

Oh boy… This lady and myself are the same. And I suspect that there are likely millions of people that live just like we do.

No I don’t have an answer any more than Paul did as he said, “Rejoice” – ‘focus on God and the rest will fall into place.’

I shut the file. Pushed it under another now orderly pile…and will leave it for another few years before I take another peek. I need to build more good gardens and places of wonder for my family. I need to not go there – near the cliff….

How about you? How are you doing?

~ Murray Lincoln ~

For your inspection

To help me promote my Web Site please copy this URL address and email to someone today http://www.murraylincoln.com/ and http://mistyhollow-digitalimages.blogspot.ca/

Sunday, December 16, 2012

"A Pentecostal, Evangelical, Protestant in a Catholic Church"... My story...

Misty Hollow Carving and Misty Hollow Digital Images

These BLOGS are sponsored by my businesses.

“Misty Hollow Carving” was launched in October 2008

Misty Hollow Digital Images were launched on September 26, 2012.

“Crop Circles’ Web Site” where all my images are available.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Evangelairy coming into the Mass for the first time

"A Pentecostal, Evangelical, Protestant in a Catholic Church"... My story...

Last night was an amazing evening.

Through a unique series of events God brought Father Ervens Mengelle into my life this past year when he asked me to consider carving an 'Evangelairy' for the Sacred Heart Church in PTBO. (An Evangelairy is a Book Cover for their large Book of the Gospels that is read from in each service).

I began working on this project... then while doing this the church requested that I restore the Scared Heart of Jesus statue.

My goal was to have both of these projects done before this evening - the Special Christmas Mass - lighting of their real Christmas Tree and a Mass for families that have lost loved ones this year. Tonight both the Evangelairy and Statue were 'blessed' and brought into their full right as part of the worship.

On the recession at the end of the service, Father Ervens stopped at the pew I was sitting and introduced me to the Bishop, who was conducting the service. The Bishop grabbed my hand tightly and expressed his deep thankfulness for what I had done for the church and this congregation.

I am unable to find the right words to describe what it meant to me to see my piece of art and art work installed in this church and to know that it will likely be used over and over again - year after year - long after I am gone.

After the Bishop stopped to talk with me in that centre aisle on his way out - holding up the whole procession BTW - different folks came over to express their deep appreciation for what was done.

In the New Year they have asked me to do the next two statues - Mary and then Joseph.

I am a Pentecostal Pastor (retired) - an Evangelical, a Protestant and very much of an outsider to the Catholic Church - but tonight this church showed true love - and I felt it! WOW and DOUBLE WOW!!!!

Rev. Murray Lincoln, Bishop Most Rev. Nicola De Angelis, Father Ervens Mengelle

~ Murray Lincoln ~

For your inspection

To help me promote my Web Site please copy this URL address and email to someone today http://www.murraylincoln.com/ and http://mistyhollow-digitalimages.blogspot.ca/

Saturday, December 15, 2012

First in Line – “The Hobbit” and me – way over the top with stimulation

Misty Hollow Carving and Misty Hollow Digital Images

These BLOGS are sponsored by my businesses.

“Misty Hollow Carving” was launched in October 2008

Misty Hollow Digital Images were launched on September 26, 2012.

“Crop Circles’ Web Site” where all my images are available.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

First in Line – “The Hobbit” and me – way over the top with stimulation

This morning my head is a little fizzy and feels a few sizes bigger than it was yesterday morning. And having experienced a few Hangovers in the past as well as Jet Lag – this present feeling is coming close to both of these past feelings.

I went to the show with my son-in-law yesterday afternoon… the first showing of “The Hobbit”.

Wow! What an odd thing for a grown man to do! It should have been a kid thing or a young adult thing… BUT the theatre was attended by mostly people that are considered adult… or older like me.

When we came out there were two or three long lines of younger adults and teenagers waiting for their turn. They all were watching our faces closely to see the reactions of what we witnessed.

My head was buzzing when I walked out. My mind was swirling and twisting at every turn as I took each step. That was because of my previous almost three hour adventure with a young Hobbit that tried to keep up to a small band of Dwarfs and an Old Wizard that seemed to be leading them all.

Butterflies came right out of the screen at times, so did the clubs and swords and whatever the dudes were fighting with at that moment. Snot flew and so did other body liquids as the characters interacted.

At one moment a guy stood right in front of us with his back to our seats. It was like he walked in and just stood in front of us… after he bought his popcorn. I was about to shout out “Sit down you idiot – I CAN’T SEE WHAT IS HAPPENING!” But I didn’t. Thank goodness… it was a character in the movie that was projected outward to the audience in the 3D Movie. Was that part ever real!!!

“The Hobbit” is definitely a sensory overload experience. My eyes and ears filled my mind with delight and horror all at the same time. I reacted and over reacted at times… and other times just wished that I could go to the place where this movie was shot… what amazing countryside it was. Yet I was not sure if any of it was real in that the technology that was used is so far advanced that it simply blows you mind! I mean how did they get two giant stone men – as big as mountains – or part of the mountains to come alive to fight?

I already had an active and very wild imagination long before this 3D movie was ever conceived. I was born with it and have relied on what it can do long before any of this new stuff.

“The Hobbit” just made what my mind already does burst into colour and side stories and wild stories and beautiful stories and …. I ran out of words to tell you what happened. Good Lord – I have no words for what is happening in my head!

Oh – I need a couple of Tylenols extra strength please…. On boy.

~ Murray Lincoln ~

For your inspection