You know your getting older when….

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Today’s Blog Post

You know your getting older when….

“You know your getting older when….” is a statement that all good Senior’s Stories begin with.

Last evening in Mississauga my wife and I celebrated with a number of our friends from our very old days! We gathered in the International Office for the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada (PAOC) (– the church organization that I have been an Ordained Minister with for all my years of working).

We came together to celebrate the Church Ministries Department that we once worked in. At one time I was the Leader of a number of departments in this organization. All the Departments that I worked with were dealing with Children and Youth. That was so long ago.

Last evening the various Staff Members that served in the Church Ministries from 1980 to now joined together.

My first “You know your getting older when…” comes when I was the oldest person there that has worked in that department… or maybe I should say I was the person that goes back the longest!

What a great night it was!

But it was not the only reason that we were there. The main reason has been hidden until just days before the Celebration. Our main focus was to honour and celebrate the Leadership of Rev. Bill Griffin, the man who served as the Executive Director of the Church Ministry Department. I was one of the first to serve under Bill, from September 1980 until December 1980, the months just before we left for Hong Kong and the new adventure in our lives in the Missions Department. I had been there for four years, Bill was just elected to his position and I was in transition.

“You know your getting older when….” when all the stories that they tell from way back then – you remember. And all the young guys and gals of today have never heard.

“You know your getting older when….” when most of the men in the room that you once worked alongside, are all grey haired or have very little hair!

“You know your getting older when….” when the old stories that they tell are telling were fished out of the archives and documents of the old days – you wrote!

I could go on and on with the “You know your getting older when….” stories.

But if I back up to the hours before the Celebration… we drove from Peterborough to Mississauga – according to the GPS it should take a mere One Hour and Forty Five minutes! Oh boy!

In my younger years I used to travel this kind of traffic all the time. We had lived in Oakville and I traveled this kind of distance each day… back and forth. Now I live in very quiet Peterborough and the commute I do is from the Kitchen Table to my Garage… and maybe for a coffee shop to meet my clients… at McDonalds three blocks away….maybe….

Yesterday the blockage of traffic began just as we were leaving Scarborough and heading into Toronto. That means, for people that have never lived here, a simple street or road name, where you pass from one City to the next. There is no difference – just a name.

For this part of my story it was about Victoria Park, along the 401 Highway, where the overhead warning signs stated that the Express Lanes and Collectors were traveling very slowly. As we came over the high point near the Don Valley Parkway – you could see cars lined up end on end – and hardly moving.

Now this is not just on lane – but rather six lanes across with cars moving at a snail’s pace in the West Bound Lanes.

For the next hour we crawled slowly with the rest of the frustrated drivers… until we reached the area along the 401 Hwy that is west of the Yorkdale Shopping Centre. For locals, that is near where you decide to exit for the Pearson International Airport – miles away from Scarborough… miles and miles and miles…

I noticed many miles back that there was hardly any traffic in the East Bound lanes across the median. Something up ahead was causing a huge problem for everyone on the East Bound Lanes!

Coming over a hill we saw the smoke billowing from the fire inside! Everyone in our lanes were “Rubber Necking” as they drove by.

As we slowly drove by I started shooting some photos.

Later looking at the photos that you see below… the Firemen that were standing on the Highway… had rolled out their hoses… but there was no water yet. Their Fire Truck had to go to the next exit on the West Bound Lane… turn around and come back – through six lanes of solidly blocked traffic. There the Firemen were with flat and empty hoses waiting.

I used to drive in this kind of nonsense – all the time! And I used to enjoy it – kind of!!!

“You know your getting older when….” when you don’t enjoy it anymore!

We cleared the area finally and then proceeded to the Huge Mall in the heart of Mississauga. It is located near the Mississauga City Centre – the City Hall for this gigantic growing area.

It was about that time, just before we had to exit the Highway, that I saw the weirdest building structures I have seen in Canada so far.

It was then that another “You know your getting older when….” happened for me. Can you believe it? They built a crooked building on purpose!

My house is crooked in many ways. I have found that out as I am doing the renovations on it. BUT these building are positively weird! What a Tourist Attraction!

You can look at the photos and see for yourself! WOW! Too weird!

Today I rose slowly… very slowly. For that reason alone… “You know your getting older when… it is getting harder and harder to get out of bed… and the thoughts of yesterday make you smile again and again!” Oh boy… I am older!

~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/ 

The Ontario Volunteer Service Award - 2,188 years of volunteerism

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Today’s Blog Post

The Ontario Volunteer Service Award - 2,188 years of volunteerism

Last evening was an unexpected Treat. And because of it I am now committed to serving longer and with more enthusiasm.

Last night I sat among 2,188 years of volunteerism. Last night volunteers from all over our area gathered together to be honoured for their part in our community. The Ontario Volunteer Service Awards were given out to about 300 people from the Peterborough and region.

I was part of the 300. What a delight!

Without me knowing about this, Lang Pioneer Village and in particular one gal by the name of Laurie Siblock had submitted our Lang Volunteer’s names to the Ontario Citizenship and Immigration. Acting on that, this important ministry invited all of us to come and be honoured.

There was another 300+ people to clap us through the awards ceremony.

Thanks Laurie! It was an honour to be among the candidates for this year’s awards. And YES Laurie, you have my volunteer service again for this year… and likely as long as I can come! I love it at Lang and I love volunteering!!

Last evening a very frail older lady was escorted by an older man. He had her arm and was helping her walk to the front to receive her 5 year pin. She began volunteering with the group she works with 5 years ago(actually I think it was longer – much longer). The older man with her was her son. She was 93 years old. At 88 years old she began to help others. Last night they recognized her service to our community.

I thought as she walked over to the stage, “There is hope for me to keep going too.”
After our names were read out for all to hear and the information about the group that we work with was presented, two of our Ontario Members of Parliament stood waiting to shake our hands. MPP Jeff Leal and MPP Rick Johnson stood tall grinning at me.

As people were offering their applause and congratulations Rick Johnson took my hand and said, “I gave Premier one of your decision makers, he loved it. Last week as we sat through the Question Period, the Premier had it on his thumbs and was using it.” All three of us laughed as the audience applauded.(No one could hear that part of the conversation!)

(Background to this inside humour… Rick and I had a long talk one day at the Buckhorn Heritage Days when I was presenting my wood carvings and the Spring Poll Lathe. I had given him one of my “Thumb Twiddlers”, with the “Yes” on one end and the “No” on the other. I told him it was the Politician’s decision maker. He has passed it on to the Premier of our Province. I was honoured to say the least.)

BTW - For some that don’t know… I am also a Chaplain (I am serving as the Ontario Provincial Chaplain to Queen’s Park another Volunteer Role.) In 2008 I was launched into a new ministry of supporting, praying for and encouraging our MPPs in our Provincial Parliament. Jeff Leal and Rick Johnson are two of the MPPs that I have come to know as friends.

Today I feel a happiness that is special. It is a warm feeling that just stays there in my mind and heart. It came when someone said “Thanks Murray for all that you do.”

It started when the bright eyed kids came into Lang’s 1856 Hastie Carpenter Shop… and stood there wide eyed as I showed them what the Carpenter’s Shop is all about. When I told stories about what it was like to work in 1856 their eyes sparkled. It was fastened deeply inside on me when the hot little boy stood near me and asked, “Can I try that?” Then I helped him place his sticky young hands on the 150 year old wood plane and we made the curly pieces of wood come out of the plane.

Volunteering to me is community engagement. Whether it is that hot and sticky, young boy, or the two important Political Leaders that are my friends… it is engagement in a wonderful way.

Thanks Laurie and Lang Village People... you make it possible for that warm and special feeling to keep growing.

Now if you have some free time… I have a great place you can get involved!

~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/

I hate Debt

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Today’s Blog Post

I hate Debt

I hate Debt! I hate owing someone money and I hate owing myself money – where I have to borrow from one pocket to pay the other pocket – because I spent too much on something I did not need!

I hate Debt.

I have pastored churches for my living over the past 35 years. In almost every case the church has owed money because they got into Debt that they couldn’t pay off. The income shifted or dropped when it was most needed. And the result was the Debt that they got into could not be paid off.

I helped them pay off Debt. That was my main ministry… well almost anyway!

I witnessed what happened when Debt began to rule people’s lives. In church that was so very evident. In people’s lives it was also so very evident.

The problem was that Debt is heavy. Carrying it for too long makes you tired and you desire to quit. People become glum and not good to deal with or live with!

I was reading this morning of Frank Stronach, the very wealthy man that founded Magna International – the huge auto parts company that is perhaps one of the best businesses around today. The business continues to make huge amounts of bucks every day.

Yet Magna almost collapsed in 2009 when it began piling up Debt.

Franks words are good for all of us. He said, quote, “I’ve never seen a company go broke if they have monies in the bank,”

Now that seems so simple. Money in the bank… and no debt.

Yet most of us will spend what we have in the bank because we simply need something so badly – we don’t think about it and then just do it. After all the money is there, we should use it.

Yes I am guilty of doing just what I hate so badly. I know what Debt is all about… I have had it and I now have it again. I will be rid of it in a matter of months if all goes well… but if all doesn’t go well… it may be there for a while.

I didn’t expect to have to do over the entire basement, but when water comes in – there is no choice. So now we work on Debt again… not much, but enough to make me not sleep good some nights. I hate Debt!

You need to read this article that Greg Keenan wrote about Frank Stronach. The old guy has good thoughts on Debt. Magna's Stronach warns of perils of debt

Mutter, mutter, mutter… I hate Debt!

~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/

Resource:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/magnas-stronach-warns-of-perils-of-debt/article2009559/

The Problem with Vilification

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Today’s Blog Post

The Problem with Vilification

I don’t know if you realized what happened over the weekend and into the early part if this week?  Surely you did?

If you are a Progressive Conservative party – supporter or member, you will see it this way… for sure.

The great Trilogy of satans were taken care of in three short days.

Osama bin Laden was killed on Sunday.  Gilles Duceppe, the BLOQ party leader in Quebece, was voted out on Monday and then quit.  And Michael Ignatieff was voted out on Monday and quit on Tuesday.

The three satans are gone.

However… in the eyes of a Liberal… they see it that the two satans are gone… and one horrific satan, Stephen Harper, was allowed to continue.  Worse yet their own Political Party was reduced to shambles… leaving it to sit alone wondering what is going to happen.  Satan certainly played a part in this whole thing!!!

Worse yet… a third satan has appeared to replace their dearly loved leader.  His name is Jack.  Hokey Mokey – could it be any worse???!?

Nope – not if you are a Liberal.

Do you see the problem with the attack ads that are aired on TV?  Can you see the horror that is produced by the evil portrayed in the Media?

Listening to our local Liberal folk before the election made me wonder about their sanity. Their hatred for Stephen Harper, the Prime Minister, was nothing short of weird. Some actually shook from head to toe when his name was mentioned. The foulness that they felt for Mr. Harper was crazy.

Yet after the election, Mr. Harper reaches out to those who didn’t vote for him – or voted against him – or hated him in the election process. Now he is their magnanimous Prime Minister that cares for all and loves all and will work for all.

The Liberals locally are chocking to death on the fact that a Conservative was re-elected – and his name is Dean D.  God help them all!  I wonder if Betsy M. sees Dean D. as her MP?  Not too sure about that one.

When we hate so much and allow ourselves to hate – or believe that it is okay to hate someone – we hurt ourselves deeply.

Nothing is more sure than the Hate in politics and religion. But in both cases we are suppose to love and support each other afterwards.

Vilification does not work.

There is now 4 more years before the Liberals can “Rise Up!”… and they have to live with satan.

And yes there is no mistake it is a “satan” not “Satan”.

~ Murray Lincoln ~

http://www.murraylincoln.com/

When Emma’s Soccer Team Loses – What Then?

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Today’s Blog Post


When Emma’s Soccer Team Loses – What Then?

“How did the girls do?” was my question to my son-in-law. My granddaughter is part of a team of soccer players that try very hard. They are playing so much better than they were a few years ago. Each has learned and bettered their skills.

The girls had just finished paying in a tournament in Oshawa, Ontario this past weekend.

“They all played well.” was Bruce’s answer, “Our girls are great at passing and moving the ball around. The field they played on had long grass however. Each time they passed the ball, it didn’t make it to the person that they passed it to.”

“So they lost?” was my final question.

“Yes.” was Bruce’s answer, “but they played well.”

Emma’s team has been there before. They played well and tried hard right up to the last game in a tournament, only to lose to some one just a little better, just a little more practiced or with a few more good players.

The neat part about Emma is that she always goes back to the next practice and always dresses for the next game. Unless I missed it, she never hesitates and is always ready to stand in goal, play defence, or just sit on the bench watching closely as her fellow soccer players give it all they have.

Emma is not a quitter. She may be in second place, third place or whatever.. but she still is ready to go at it one more time.

A few years ago a company that went under a banner/slogan of “No Fear Gear” had T Shirts for sale with sayings on them. One T Shirt stated, “2nd Place is the First Loser”. WOW! What a statement.

Last night in Canada our Canadian Election results were broadcast loud and clear from all to see and hear. The Progressive Conservative Party was given a Majority vote winning over the 155 seats(I think 167 finally) they needed to form the ruling government party.

As we watched what was happening nationally from 9:30 PM on it became strikingly evident that something big was changing in all regions. By 10:05 PM the NDP Party was in a solid second place position behind the Conservatives. The National Liberal Party slowed and then stopped at around 30 seats in the Parliament.

It was a five week long political, “soccer tournament”… with one big winner, the guys and gals with the Blue Shirts on. The expected party to sit in the second place just behind the Blue Shirts, were the Red Shirts. But instead the Orange Shirted people popped into place and stayed their. The Red Shirts died on the field. The Blue and White Shirts and the Green Shirts hardly showed up on the screen.

The part that is hard to believe is that the Team Captain of the Red Shirts and the Team Captain of the Blue and White Shirts both lost their place on their Teams.

Undoubtedly the First Place Blue Shirts will love the new trophy. The Orange Shirt Team is ecstatic with their showing – even though it was second place.

Now if these adults that run these political parties were able to learn from Emma’s soccer team, they will be ready for the next games coming up. They would practice hard and never miss an opportunity to go at it again.

When Emma’s Team loses, there are reasons that show up each time. Her coach John is a great guy. He will return to the next practice with a new idea to practice passing… or guarding… or running… And each time they practice they become that much better.

I feel for the Liberal candidates and their huge loss.

I am sorry that the Green Party kind of went poof – all except one persistent player, Elizabeth May, who won her seat finally… way out there on the West Coast of Canada!

I feel for the BLOQ party and its leader who will have a hard time in the next practice I am sure.

But with all those feelings… I am so glad it is over. I am very tired of the negative ad campaigns that have nearly killed me. I am tired of one group of people tearing down another… until the persons they tear down are decimated. I have no respect for that at all.

I am also tired of my own political leader(s) not listening to what we say or think. They represent us… they say… but do they really?

Last night I was going to play a computer game and avoid the programs on TV that were reporting the whole thing that was happening. I didn’t get to play.

Blah! I am really sleepy today… really sleepy!

~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/  

When Hatred Has its Way – Osama bin Laden is dead

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This BLOG is sponsored by “Misty Hollow Carving”. You are welcome to visit Misty Hollow and see all of my carvings.

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Today’s Blog Post


When Hatred Has its Way – Osama bin Laden is dead

I do not understand War. I am not sure of what reports mean when they come my way. I am uncertain that any of it changes anything today – especially. People still hate and act out of their hate.

Today early the article was published telling the world that Osama bin Laden had been killed in a special operation conducted by a group of American commandos.

The story CTV News Staff reads… quote…
“U.S. forces have killed al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, U.S. President Barack Obama told the world Sunday night.

The U.S conducted a ground operation Sunday at a compound in Abbottabad, a city in the northern part of the country, that led to the death of bin Laden, Obama said in a dramatic late-night statement at the White House.

A small group of American commandos "killed bin Laden and took custody of his body," he said.

"His demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace."

The U.S. president said he was briefed on a possible lead on the location of bin Laden last August, who had eluded capture for a decade.

"Finally, last week I determined we had enough intelligence to take action and authorized an operation to get Osama bin Laden and bring him to justice," Obama said. "Today at my direction the United States launched a targeted operation on that compound."
End quote

The immediate results of last night’s announcement by the White House had people in New York and perhaps all over the country cheering and celebrating.

On a Tuesday Morning, Sept 11, I was sitting in a Doctor’s office preparing for my trip to Indonesia a few weeks following. My Cell Phone Rang as my daughter called from Whitby. She was at home and had been watching the TV as the first airplane went into the Tower in New York City. She was in shock as she explained what she was watching. That was the start of 9-11 for me.

A few weeks later I climbed on an Airplane and proceeded on my journey to Indonesia and specifically Irian Jaya for a month’s ministry to the churches and Christians that live in that huge Islamic State.

No one in Irian Jaya had heard about New York City or the terrible events of 9-11.

One vendor on the street in Bali knew him and praised Osama’s leadership.

As I looked over his wares that day he handed me a key fob made of bamboo. On one side he had wood burned a picture of Osama. He proudly handed it to me and grinned from ear to ear saying, “Osama is Number One!” More than others, this man knew what had happened in New York and around the world.

Here is my Key Fob – one side has Osama and the other has my name. I spoke with this man for while… in that I also do wood burning.

My fear is that the hatred that has been generated will not stop. That is the USA’s fear also. Warnings have gone out to all Americans living in any area that there might be problems. Extremists everywhere will be ready to avenge his death.

News Reporter Samis Nakhoul(Reuters) states… quote…
“Oh God, please make this news not true ... God curse you, Obama," said a message on a Jihadist forum in some of the first Islamist reaction to the al Qaeda leader's death. Oh Americans ... it is still legal for us to cut your necks."

I fear more for the world now than I did on 9-11. It is not over. Hatred is deep and will not be stopped by one bullet.

You will notice that it is only words that have told of this killing of Osama… no photos. I believe that is because the Americans are trying to quell as much as possible the backlash. Photos of a dead Osama would make his Islamic Sainthood more rapid.

My heart is heavy today.

A man has been killed for what he believed. He was horrible in the West’s eyes and all believed that he was the main instrument to cause the great damage 10 years ago.

I am not sure that one man did that.

Hatred comes from far deeper and far more people than one man. That is why so many have died in 10 years time. Not only have thousands upon thousands of Islamic warriors died, so have Canadians and Americans. All because of hatred – horrible, violent hatred that wants its own way – all these people died.

Osama bin Laden is dead. How awful can it be? Now more people will die.

God help us all and please bring our Canadian men and women home safely!

~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/  

Resource:
http://montreal.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20110502/osama-bin-laden-reported-dead-in-us-operation-110502/20110502/?hub=MontrealHome
http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCATRE74131520110502

The Election Really Doesn’t Matter to Some People

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.

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Today’s Blog Post


The Election Really Doesn’t Matter to Some People

I know that millions of dollars have been poured into the last five weeks of the politicians and their entourage crisscrossing the country of Canada. The folks that have traveled on the Airplanes and the Buses and the whatever – have used up fuel, and time and food and whatever to get their messages out to everyone – everywhere – that they are the best Party for people to elect.

But for some people that really makes no difference right at this minute. They have far bigger issues to deal with than the ones that the Political Leaders are raving about… far, far bigger.

This past week Jack stopped by to ask me if I would conduct the funeral for his Mom, Sharon, who is our neighbour. The doctors have just told Sharon that the mass in her chest is growing too rapidly to do anything about it. It is cancer and from the sounds of it – it can happen anytime soon. Sharon is dieing now.

I conducted the funeral for her husband a few years ago and her daughter last year. Now jack has asked me if I would come again to help the family.

Last week an ambulance arrived at our next door neighbour’s house and took him to the hospital. In an emergency surgery that night they removed a section of his small intestine. The healing process will be loner than some might expect. The situation that they are facing together as a couple is serious. My heart goes out to them.

Two couples we know have faced a number of days without electricity – after the storm of last week. One will not receive power until sometime tomorrow. Food that was frozen will have been thrown out in some cases. Lives that were upset by this local tragedy will not be back in place until long after the election.

In a broader scope across Canada, my friends in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, are facing the aftermath of the flooding that has almost wiped them out.

This is not the first election called during the sand bagging season in Manitoba. And yes – the Liberals and NDP and BLOC Parties did call this election to be times right during major weather changes in our country…. NOT the Conservative party – only the other three.

Did you notice that NOT ONE Politician was there this time throwing sandbags around – or showing support for the local fock?

So there will be less people voting than many would like to have.

Facing these local crisis with my friends, elections and political stuff seems so far, far away… and so very unimportant right now.

Personally I have grown cold to what is happening as I face some of these other issues with friends and families of people that are very ill and don’t know what is happening tomorrow.

Stephen, Jack, Michael and Gilles – your issues really are not that important – compared to Larry, Linda, Jack, Sharon and a host of my other friends facing flooding and complete disruptions of their lives… maybe the loss of everything.

I know that is so very far from the Canadian way to feel our obligation and responsibility.

But I am Canadian and I care for my friends. And that is way more important than another election that costs millions and millions of very needed dollars – on something that will likely turn out to be the same as it was last time… a minority Government with three parties in opposition.

Does anyone else see the stupidity here? The Election really doesn’t matter to some people!

Today I want to speak with Sharon and Larry. That is all that really matters right now.

~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/