24/7/365

A few years ago I was a little taken back when I first read the term “24/7”. It was a fresh new idea for me indicating that the company vying for my business was open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. It was a quite a revelation and commitment to my world that had normally worked the 40 hours per week… and under stress would shoot to 65 to 70 hours a week. Now they were telling me that they would give me an opportunity to be there for me all the time.

It was just as much a shock to read this past week of the next step in this progression of the abbreviation. My eyes fell upon a fresh new thought – “24/7/365” – or 24 hours a day – seven days a week – three hundred and sixty five days a year. When I read this term in an article it was referring to a man and the amount that he works.

The man is Lorne Abony. Mr. Abony is the founder and owner of ‘Fun Technologies’ and is known as one of Canada’s fastest rising entrepreneurs. After reading the first article in the October 1, 2007 MacLean’s Magazine – I found more on the Internet. Lorne is 38 years old now, never sleeps – not much anyway, travels a lot, has a beautiful wife and a dog, lives in Toronto, and flies a lot everywhere. As the deal-maker behind Fun Technologies, a fast rising gaming company, he is very wealthy and becoming more wealthy each day.

The different ones that wrote about Loren Abony state that he buys into the 24/7/365 way of working. His company and the way that it is set up covers all the time zones and he can be in one of these time zones at any time…whenever required or whenever he wishes. The articles each caught the fact that he likes Hamburgers as a meal – and may eat them twice a day for days on end. Yuk!

Admittedly I was tired and it was at the end of the day that I read the account of Mr. Abony’s drive. I closed my eyes and thought about him as I went to bed last evening. I slept soundly – knowing that Mr. Abony was going strong somewhere on a private jet, or waiting for boarding in some airport somewhere.

I was also a little disturbed to think that the new norm for the new world worker is speeding up and requiring more and more of a person’s time. In fact it is non stop and almost impossible for a human being to maintain a break neck pace such as Lorne Abony. Maybe even Lorne knows that now. His dog and wife must get tired even when he doesn’t.

It wasn’t that long ago that seven day a week opening came to most communities in Canada. It has happened in my short like span. I think it was happening forever in Asia and it just took Canada a while to catch up.

One small community called Yorkton, Saskatchewan made a change in about 1991-92. I remember well as we were living in that wonderful little city at the time. There was a rage locally when the proposal was announced and then finally passed into the regulations. Our small community realized not long after the passing of the new regulations – someone will have to work it the days that others say they want the stores open. It was at that moment some realized that their kids and grandkids, husbands and wives, would become the new ‘slaves’ to accomplish the constant store opening seven days a week.

By 1998 when we moved to Peterborough, Ontario we were a little shocked to find that this small city still had stores regulated to close at 6:00 PM. Our first day here was actually an evening. The place we stayed had little food or milk. We arrived at about 7:00 PM. When I went out to buy some groceries – there was NOTHING OPEN – ANYWHERE. I found that there was only one Tim Horton’s donut shop that sold me one small container of milk from their refrigerator – because she had three and it was later with closing of the shop at about 8:00 PM. It was the only and latest shop to stay open – and there was only one of them.

Someone later told me that there was a service station about five miles from the city that was still open until about 11:00 PM. Wow – have we ever changed in 9 short years.

So what about 24/7/365? What does it mean to me? Not much I guess – but it may mean a lot to my grandkids.

In our area the fairly large employers are the “call centers”. Locally we have “call centers” for a travel company, an airline company, a computer company and a credit card company. Because each company is world wide in scope – each require a world wide schedule. They are open all the time. This then requires staff that will work all the time – at least at all hours of the day.

Then the next stage takes place as well. Locally we have some people that have moved to our city and bought their homes here. Their business just simply came with them. From their computers they offer ‘help lines’ – they are computer specialists that are available all the time to whoever may contact them when they have a problem. This happens 24/7/365.

Now the next important thing to notice – if you work or want to work – you get paid. If you work more – you will be paid more. If you want the toys that Mr. Abony designs and makes available from his Fun Technologies – you have to work more… to get paid more.

24/7/365 is producing more really tired people.

Gone are regular days off. Gone is a family time together. Gone is a need to have a family picnic in a fun park together. Gone is time to read and time to play. Gone is the need to attend church or other community activities – they are for older people with little or nothing to do.

Did you know that the fastest dropping commodity in any community is not the stock market – it is volunteerism. As people age the number of volunteers are dropping. The older generation is leaving the scene and the newer one doesn’t have time, energy or the resources to do this kind of thing.

Does this concern you now? Maybe not now… as you continue to move through your normal life now. But it will have a great affect on your kids and grandkids. Their new norm will be 24/7/365. And if my guess is correct it may well expand to 24/7/365/60/60 – or is that 60/60/24/7/365? That addition is every minute and every second of your time.

My grand kids are already so busy that they barely get the homework done in time for bed… and the oldest is twelve. He is busier than I was in University. I ache for them at times. Not critically but observant.

As a pastor I am listening often to men and women that are over extended. I hear accounts of marriages that are torn or fractured because of work schedules. I see stuff happening and people groaning because there just isn’t enough time.

Today is a slow down day. I declare it so. It is a day to sit if I feel like sitting and a day to do nothing if it is needed. I have resolved to take at least one day each week for nothingness to take over.

I have a reason for that… God asked me to do this. One of his writers stated this way, “Be still and know that I am God…” Psalm 46:10

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
24/7 is an abbreviation which stands for "24 hours a day, 7 days a week", usually referring to the availability of a service.

In commerce and industry, it identifies a service that will be present regardless of current time or day, as might be offered by a supermarket, convenience store, ATM, Filling station, restaurant, concierge services or a manned computer data facility. Today, it is common for call centers to have representatives available 24/7. This is due to, in part, a decrease in long distance phone call charges, which allow, for example, employees based in India to provide services to customers in the US during the US night hours.

In some cases, even a service available 24/7 may shut down, such as on a major holiday. The extended phrase 24/7/365 ("... 365 days a year") specifically denotes a service that is available year-round, such as police, firefighters, and emergency medical services.

There have been some criticisms of the proliferation of the abbreviation in the internet age, with companies claiming to be available 24/7, when actually only their websites, unattended by any staff, are in operation.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/24/7

Lorne Abony - http://www.canadianbusiness.com/managing/strategy/article.jsp?content=20060109_105602_4640

The Little Stakes In Life

Did you know that you can restrain an elephant with a very small stake and a chain around its ankle? In fact they are able to restrain a ten ton elephant with the same size chain that they restrain a 300 pound elephant. The question is – why and how?

Bobb Biehl relates in one of his books some amazing facts about leadership. In one of his books, “30 Days to Confident Leadership” he tells his story about elephants.

At one point his friend responded to Bobb’s question about how the extremely large elephant will not pull away from the smaller stake – even though it could.

“It’s easy,” he answered, “when you know two things: elephants really do have great memories, but they aren’t very smart. When they are babies, we stake them down. They try to tug away from the stake maybe ten thousand times before they realize they can’t possibly get away. At that point, their ‘elephant memory’ takes over, and they remember for the rest of their lives that they can’t get away from the stake.”

As I read that account I was amazed to confirm what the circus man had shared. I have witnessed these absolutely amazing beasts chained buy small chains in Thailand. They just stood there and didn’t leave when the chain was on. Take the chain off and away they went. Yet the elephants that I saw could have easily pulled away from the chain and the stake that held them. They were strong enough but wouldn’t do it.

Bobb Biehl went on to say…
“We humans are sometimes like these elephants. I’ve heard many executives tell me that when they were teenagers someone said to them, “You’ll never be a leader” or “You’re not very quick” or “You never think things through” or “You don’t know how to work with people” (or “money” or “numbers”) or “You don’t communicate well.” When we hear those things in our youth, zap! It drives a stake into our minds. Often as adults we still are held back by these inaccurate one-sentence “stakes” embedded in our memories.”

Personal…
In about 1978 my dad travelled with me to a number of cities in Canada. I was conducting seminars on behalf of a ministry that I was involved in leading. In one seminar that I did I lead the group through a series of activities to help them develop their speaking abilities. I touched on one point that was an important one. I stated that you needed to believe in what you say and also believe in yourself when you say it.

After the seminar was completed my dad talked to me. He shared how what I had said was closed to home for him. His words were….

“Murray, you know that I don’t preach like other people in our family. In fact I hate speaking in front of an audience. You know that both my sisters, Annie and Clara, were good preachers. I just could never do that. When you were speaking today I remembered a time when I was a boy in a school room in southern Saskatchewan. I was nervous and had to stand to read a poem or something for the class. I began to read and then faltered. I stuttered and stammered and couldn’t get the words out. My face was red and I couldn’t speak. The teacher looked at me with disgust and said loudly, ‘Sit down. You’ll probably never be any good at this kind of thing anyway!’ I never tried to speak again in front of an audience.”

In this special moment my own dad had confessed a truth he had told few people before. Few people knew this brilliant man, that was able to repair almost anything, that talked to people in his business relationships with great ease, that made friends easily – was unable to and unwilling to speak in front of an audience. My dad was frightened to death of doing this and he admitted it.

That day in the seminar it was the first time that he admitted it to me. I just never knew he had this problem. My dad could do anything in my mind. He had kept this secret from his oldest son and child until late in life.

Very personal…
What a revelation that was that day. My dad had a stake holding him back. Guess what – his son did also. I inherited this fear that my dad had as well. When I began speaking in front of audiences I nearly vomited every time. The initial days were not good ones. 33 years ago I could never speak to any large group without a small mint in my mouth… or I would have barfed all over the platform.

To shorten a very long story – three years after I began to speak as a Pastor in a church I had a miracle happen. I was taking part in a very large funeral at a United Church in the area that we lived in. There was a lot of tension in the room and extreme sadness with the death of their mother. As I rose to speak I knew that I felt my stomach about to release its contents all over the beautiful United Church red carpet on the platform. I closed my eyes and begged God for help. My stomach settled down and I did the task that I had to do that day.

About two weeks later I was speaking in front of an audience of 1200. I was the special guest speaker adding a huge amount of pressure to what I was doing. As I began to speak that day it came easily. I was free. I hesitated as I began that day but then carried on…never to look back again. Somehow God helped me. The stake that had held me was ripped from the ground and I was free. That was 30 years ago now that I discovered a new freedom.

In my case I still have a stake dragging behind me at times. I stuttered earlier in life. My mouth would go dry (the reason for the mint). And at times the words get jumbled up and I say stupid things… real blunders or bloopers… that make people laugh. At times it happens over again.

There are still a few stakes here and there. But with God’s help I am seeing them pulled out – even at 63 years of age.

I encourage you today to consider God’s help if you stumble with speaking. Or even if you stumble with anything He will help you.
Hey – have a great day!

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~


About Bobb Biehl
http://www.quickwisdom.com/BobbBiehl.lsp
http://www.masterplanninggroup.com/BobBiehl/

The Core of Life - What If?

Two little letters of the four letter word may change your life – either for the Good or for the Bad. Have you ever considered the “I” and “F” of LIFE? It is a powerful thought to keep there all day. The “if” of Life – or L“if”e.

“If” has been the core of most major discoveries or inventions – by adding only one word to it – “What if…” I’ll bet you can think of at least 5 things immediately that you have created or done by simply adding “what” to “if”. But change that order and we demand more information – “If what…”

But add one more word to “if” and everything will go down hill for at least a day in your emotional life – by adding the word “only” behind the word “if”. “If only…” immediately expresses a deep regret. Dwelling on “if only” long enough can be very unhealthy and lead to some major personal problems.

Now change the order again of that last two word combination to “Only if…” requires some condition to be made.

I know, I know… I have too much time on my hands… and too much time alone in my busy garage. Hey… that is what happens “if you think”.

The “if” in your life may be the most important little tool you have. You can use it to direct a new life direction or allow it to destroy your direction. It is your and my choice.

Personal #1…
Four years ago Alida and I thought about the need for our community on the street we live on to come together. It came about after she had done some canvassing for one of the community fund raising groups. Through her door knocking she had met some great people that were very friendly.

She came home and asked a question she had been mulling over. “What if we had a Block Party in our driveway? If we tried this maybe everyone on our street could get to know each other better. If you and I worked with Larry & Linda(our neighbours next door) we could do it together. What do you think?”

She had used the word “if” three times and the deal was done.

Last evening we had about 30 guests showed up with their lawn chairs in our driveway. Each brought a “Twoonie” (A Canadian $2 coin) – plus a salad and or a dessert. We bought the burgers, the Soft Drinks and the coffee. It began at 6:00 PM and ended well after 8:30 PM.

Her “what if” paid off again. Last night neighbours that have lived here for over 40 years met people that have just moved in 4 months ago. The comical thing is that these two neighbours live right across the street from each other. The one couple had spent almost their whole summer at the cottage and missed the move in of the younger couple.

We shared stories and ideas and jokes and laughter and wonderful evening together.

Personal #2…
The other day things around me had gone a wee bit wrong. It was one of those kinds of days when “slump” would best describe most everything in my life.

A thought filtered through the haze of the day. “If only… I had not done or said that! If…only I had not made that decision!”

My whole body stopped doing what it was doing and the little thought festered from a small burning sensation to then become the size of a hot iron. Then it hung around for about an hour still very hot and sizzling. Suddenly I stopped what I was doing and sat there. I let the ‘iron hot thought’ brew some more as I considered all the people that were involved in my “If only…”. It was at that moment that the ‘iron hot thought’ went ‘whistling tea kettle’ mode. I slapped my hand on the table beside me. I was mad!

But …slowly a new thought bubbled up and replaced the mess that I was entertaining. The bubble was filled with ‘regret’. ‘Regret’ hung around until I went to bed that night….and it was there in the morning.

I walked outside and heard a small bird singing its heart out. A squirrel then jumped through the flowers and another followed – they were having a ball. A crazy crow laughed long and loudly above me in the tree.

My next statement that came from my mouth – out loud to myself – was plain and simple. “God – this is nuts. I can’t do a thing about what happened back then. I made a choice and now I move on. You are in control now. I was in control then and messed up. I give up the anger, the attitude and the regrets. Please sell all of them at your garage sale Lord. I am done with it.”

Then I giggled at the crow. I laugher out loud at the crazy squirrels. And seven other birds were now singing their hearts out.

It was a better day than the day before. I made a choice and moved on.

Does that really happen that way for you Murray? You betcha!

I hope that today – IF you are having a really crappy day… you can change the day IF you choose to. You are in control.

"What IF you did something about it today?"

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~

Reuniting Old Friends

None of us really understand a friendship until it is broken, lost or severed. If it is ever restored or the friends can come together again we then know what we had lost. I am sure that all of us have lost friends – either through movement or any other variety of reasons over the years.

The second thing that I have come to realize is that friendship has many depths to it. Perhaps looking at a seismic depiction of an ocean bed is the best way to look at our friendships. Some places are very deep and other spots are more shallow.

Yesterday I met with a friend again. We first formed the friendship three years ago. At that time he was gong through a major shakeup in his life. There were many pressures on him. In my life the pressures that I would face were just around the corner.

It is not possible to tell all of the story without divulging details that are sometimes hurtful to others. But I will say that a third party was instrumental in causing damage to our friendship. Things both said and done to my friend caused him to withdraw from any contact with others and me. This has lasted for three years.

Two weeks ago, in a restaurant, the two of us bumped into each other at a buffet counter. We laughed together at the chicken wing tray. Immediately we both felt the warmth that was once there. We agreed to get together again real soon, filled our plates with wings and headed back to our company.

Yesterday, over lunch, we rediscovered our friendship together. It began earlier in the day with two phone calls. Then it was completed with a personal meeting.

We both realized how sad we had felt when he had left and began his hiding away. I told him how much I had missed him and I meant it. This warmed our lunch time together. We both left with a sense that we will meet again, regularly, face to face. We renewed our friendship in one magical hour.

In three years, health issues are increasing. Both of us are facing new aches and pains. We are pretty much matched this way. As we compared notes we realized that we now have more in common now than we did three years ago. That warmed our relationship further.

Last evening as I worked in my garage for a while I pondered the thought of how many people in our community have these kinds of lost friendships. It is a whole lot like gold mines that have been abandoned but still have much ore left inside. The miners moved on to new and easier digs leaving the old ones behind. Friends are like miners. Friendships are whole lot like the old Gold Mine, there is still much more undiscovered deep inside.

Meeting the old, new friend in front of the chicken wings at the buffet was the prospecting – for both of us.

Today I realize I am much better off than I was 24 hours ago.

The account is simple and personal I know. But I am wondering if you are meeting people in that prospecting mode today? Is there a possibility that you have riches and blessings in this old, new friendship that you may rediscover?

I hope so for your sake. I hope that God will help you today to re-meet an old friend and that the friendship that will develop will be great. I hope that you can take the time to follow his leading.

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~

The Nature of a Political Promise

In Canada it is popular at election times to corner your politician and force him or her to make promises that they will be expected to keep after they may be elected. Then following that – for as many days that they may be in the powerful seat that they take – we expect them to do what they promised (or even more) or else. ‘Or else’ usually means hounding them until they cannot see straight. If their family members are any where near them they will be hounded as well because of what dad or mom has promised.

The second thing that we have come to expect of this group of Canadian politicians is money - lots of it tossed our way. Just months before the magic election date we can expect to line up with open arms and receive “the great give away” from the our elected politicians. Our interest groups will expect to have whatever we want or think we need. The politicians of the ruling party, then give us back our own money with a hint that there will be more if they are re-elected.

These two factors alone make the election process seem ludicrous to say the least. We want ordinary men and women to make impossible promises using our own money to fulfill these promises that we actually don’t believe will come true – but if we get the money we are delighted and want more – or else!

Canada didn’t develop this or allow it to grow in its own yard all alone. Even back in Bible times it was happening then. Check out Jesus being tried by Pilate in front of an angry crowd. Pilate was as a political politician was a classic. But then if you checked where he came from – his whole Roman world was made up of the same style.

But then our whole world of politics dates back to the Roman way. It was one of the first things that we learned in early school where I came from.

Now that I am revved up…
Among our neighbours to the south there will soon be a new stage to the election process as well. They do the same as we do. Promises, promises, sesimorp… and then more money, money, yenom…

I giggled when they reported what one of their unique politicians said recently. Hilary Rodham Clinton appeared on the ‘Late Show with David Letterman’. On the program she was questioned (cornered) by Letterman to reveal what she would do if she was elected as President of the United States of America.

Here it is…Hillary’s Top Ten List

• 10. "Bring stability and long term security to 'The View.'"
• 9. "Each year on my birthday, every American gets a cupcake."
• 8. "You'll have the option of rolling dice against the IRS for double-or-nothing on your taxes."
• 7. "Having trouble getting a flight and Air Force One is available -- it's yours."
• 6. "My Vice President will never shoot anybody in the face."
• 5. "Turn Gitmo into a Dairy Queen as soon as possible."
• 4. "For over a century there have been only two Dakotas -- I plan to double that."
• 3. "We will finally have a President who doesn't mind pulling over and asking for directions. Am I right, ladies?"
• 2. "I will appoint a committee to find out what the heck is happening on 'Lost.'"
• 1. "One more pantsuit joke and Letterman disappears."

Come on – you have to laugh at that … at least a little bit. Here is a great spin off recognizing that the impossible demands and requests made on politicians are simply nuts… and she and her staff have let everyone know in a humorous way…I thought that it was brilliant – whoever wrote it.

The Future…
“What does this all have to do with me?” I ask myself. Maybe you can be questioning yourself as well.

Personal…
Locally I have been asked what I will do when I retire. What are my plans with all the free time that I may have? Well I have come up with a plan. Here it is… I will apply for a job at Home Depot. I am so looking forward to working with this place. Here is Why.

Let’s imagine that I get an opportunity to work in the plumbing department. A man will come into find a plumbing part for his broken toilet. As I am the ‘associate’ on that day he describes the problem that he has had with his bathroom and toilet fixture. I show him where he can get it and even suggest how it can be installed. He thanks me, pays for it and leaves the store with his new part to repair the broken toilet. A day or so later he may even return to say thank you.

This is so good – this dream of mine…

The desire has grown greater as I Pastor a church. In this role as a Pastor I have people come to me all the time with problems of all kinds. They have broken kids, messed up spouses and crippled relationships. They come to ask if there is a possible solution to their present problem. My answer is a resounding “Yes!” – if they do this or that… and take this step or that step. Maybe I am not able to be that direct – but within a few times of our sessions together we will ‘discover’ an answer together. Then they try to fix it….

Something in this Pastoral Picture goes wrong however… Within weeks – somehow – some take what I say as a ‘promise to fix their problem’. Then the next shift takes place where I am expected to fix the problem for them. Then when I can’t fix it… the next step takes place – they begin blaming me for their problem. I am left with a defensive mode of believing I caused their problem – even though it happened when I was no where to be found! They leave in a HUFF with their problems in tow. The next thing I hear is they are now in another Pastor’s life and office doing the same thing.

It seems to happen more lately – than ever before. They come with huge baggage and leave with one more piece shoved in an already full suit case of problems.

Politicians and Pastors face the same music. They face the same people that have the same, strange and almost impossible problems – that believe you can fix it all. The difference however between Politicians and Pastors is…a Pastor can’t use their money to promise to fix their problems. The similarities are both Politician and Pastor will be blamed for what takes place.

What would my Top Ten List look like? I am now starting one – just in case Letterman’s people call me for an appearance on the ‘Late Show with David Letterman’.

Don’t you just love the nature of a Political Promise? Oh by the way… the nature comes from people like us…

Hey…I gotta run and get ready for a meeting with some politicians… and people. Have a great one today.

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~

The Interview of Hilary Clinton - http://www.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/video_player/index/php/929750.phtml'

48 hours adrift on Georgian Bay

When I was much younger the Wasaga Beach on Georgian Bay was a drawing place for Sun Worshippers. You could get all the sun you wanted within a short time. There was definitely all the water you would ever want too…turquoise in colour at times with its white wave crests. In my memory there was always a light breeze blowing from the northwest. It was a wonderful place.

My thoughts returned there yesterday as I read of two young ladies that had been lost of the Georgian Bay for over 48 hours. Apparently the weather changed radically as they floated about in their small dinghy on this beautiful bay. In fact the dinghy traveled over 60 kms – or 40 miles to the east and north from where they launched it.

A Google search of the story yielded many stories already published. The world definitely has been watching this story unfold.

One of the statements made by one of the girls said, "I'm never going near water again, especially in a dinghy."

They washed up on a shore of a rocky island and then waited for help to possibly come along.

The account of their plight and rescue has stirred me. How will their life change after this encounter with an end of it all?

Their account has shocked me back to a few times when I didn’t know if I would make it or not. In fact it was a few hundred kms south of this area that my wife and I, together with our daughters and two of my in-laws, were lost over night in a rocky area of the Niagara Escarpment many years earlier.

I think that is what made me shudder just a little when I read the story.

Life has its changing moments. Places where we will never be the same again from that moment on.

Together with these young ladies and their families I am thankful for what has taken place for them. Prayers have been answered and an amazing system of life saving has worked again. Now the rest of their lives will take place.

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~

From - http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/258959

Why Do They Argue?

There is probably no greater turn off than a political debate – in my mind. Last evening I saw a snippet of our Ontario’s leading politicians as they stood in front of TV Cameras and tried to explain their points of view. A snippet was enough. There is likely nothing more frustrating than watching – or listening – to grown men talk at the same time and not listen to each other at all – while expecting the audience to make a decision which of them is ‘right for the leadership role’ of our province. How could anyone decided to vote for one of these characters after listening to what they offered in ‘a snippet’.

The Toronto Star this AM states “Tag Team Blasts McGuinty”. Below the title there is a photo that tells the whole story. The NDP Leader is shaking hands with the Conservative Leader (they are called Opposition Members in Ontario) – with the Liberal Leader looking less than impressed in the back ground looking at his two opponents reaffirm each other. Mr. Frank Gunn (The Canadian Press) caught this beautiful photo.

The Star and has caught the feeling of the evening well. It is a professional wrestling display – a funny tag team of monstrously funny, theatrical men in skimpy costumes, over acting roles that aren’t really themselves. Only difference is that the politicians had their clothes on…but by their talking at the same time, making stupid comments about each other, and not listening – they pretty much were theatrical men in skimpy costumes. They were showing their true self I am convinced.

The really sad part is that one of these dudes will lead our province with all its wealth and ability. Have you ever wondered why we sometimes are in trouble in so many areas? Well when we choose ‘a funny tag team of monstrously funny, theatrical men in skimpy costumes, over acting roles that aren’t really themselves’ – you have problems.

I can see why young people today are turned off with politicians. Old guys like me are as well. In a family, around a table, if we all yell at each other and never listen, and always try to prove that you are right and the other guy is wrong – it is called a family feud. And family feuds are not something that you would normally attend. In fact most people react by looking away on our street when someone is fighting with a spouse – or maybe even call the police.

A sign I saw last week summed it all up for these politicians. It says, “Remember, as far as anyone knows we’re a nice normal family”. When I saw it I took a photo – hope it shows up here.
One question – “Why do they argue?” If you have ever attended “a political something” you will notice the participants almost always argue. Can someone tell me why?

Wouldn’t it be something if the leaders put aside their great ideological differences and said, “What ever the outcome of this election is, I want you to know that we will work together for the good of our country.” Let me tell you… the person that actually says that WILL GET MY VOTE!

Instead we have actually four main parties in our province – including the Green Party. One of the four will be accidentally elected I am sure. The other three – if elected – will become what is lovingly known in the democratic, Canadian way – “Opposition Leaders”.

Now take this into a local family and appoint one person the leader – and all the others the Opposition. How far into a week will the family get before the tension is too great. Family members will move out very soon after the designations are made.

I apologize to Family for comparing it to Politicians.

Where could God fit into all of this yelling and hollering? Do you think that He could help politicians? Now I know that is a leap – but maybe he could. I am sure that if you were invited over to you local politician’s home for BBQ – he or she might be normal. Actually they are nice people when you get to know them on a personal basis.

Instead of being turned off completely last evening I prayed for my local politician and asked that God would bless him and keep him with a clear mind. I asked God to help him be more normal when the rest are screaming at each other. In fact as I prayed I felt compassion for the man that leads our area. God keep him as real as he is when I talk with him.

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~

Close Enough To See

After supper my grandson Clifford was sitting at the dinning room table. He had his books open and was busy doing his homework. When he came from school he had told me that he couldn’t go do a “Grandpa and Clifford” special thing because – “I have tons of homework Grandpa. Sorry.” If I am doing a ‘work something’, Clifford always loves to go along. But yesterday he was busy with tons of homework.

Yesterday I was helping my son-in-law prepare the roof for some new shingles. It was hot and the two layers of shingles fought us all the way to the trailer below.

Earlier, after School, Clifford came up on the roof where his dad and I were working taking the shingles off. He immediately grabbed a hammer and began pulling nails from the roof. This guy is something else. He loves working. At twelve – he loves working! He looked up at me as I walked by with a load of shingles. His statement made this grandpa swell with a wee bit of pride…”Grandpa, I love doing this kind of work!” I can’t tell you what this meant to me. In this one simple statement he had declared his future – he is not afraid of work – in fact he loves to work.

Come back to the dinning room table. Clifford looked up from his homework and grinned. He had a large French book open and was searching for meanings in his stout dictionary.

His dad had explained to me that Clifford loves his new school, a Junior High School. Now in grade seven, he has turned his back on his first six years of school with all the little kids – now he is attending a high school where everyone is bigger and almost adult. When his mom had explained that she had booked a doctor’s appointment for him during school his statement was, “Not during school Mom! I can’t miss school!”

I sat with Clifford at the dinning room table and looked with pride at my first grandson. Here he is at 12 years old. Already he is bi-lingual – with French and English. He loves school and loves to do physical work. He dives into homework and gets it done. He loves sports too.

I interrupted the revere and said to him, “Clifford, I know that you love school. If you continue to work at this the way you are – someday you may get a scholarship.” Then we talked about what that could mean to him as he attends university and moves on into further academia. A scholarship could mean big things for his future. As I left the table, he said to me, “Grandpa, I love this work too.” – then he looked down at his stout dictionary.

A Sharp Contrast…
Three doors down from Clifford is his friend “C”. They have been in the same school together for all of these early grades. They have grown together as friends. Last year his friend lost his father. His dad died of cancer leaving his two young children and his wife. The tragedy struck this family hard.

“C” was already struggling through grade six. His dad’s death made it even worse. His mom was struggling also – with her husband’s long time of sickness and many treatments. Suddenly the new reality came for her and she was alone. An older car sits in the driveway that is not licensed. She doesn’t drive anyway. Her son is struggling and so is she.

“C” normally walked to school with Clifford all last year. This year in grade seven was to be their new time together walking to the new school. Clifford was excited.

Already by the second week of school “C” has skipped most of his days. He stays home to play video games instead of trudging off with Clifford. One morning when Clifford knocked on “C’s” door to see if he was coming, “C’s” little sister answered the door and told Clifford that, ““C” is not going to school today. He is playing Monopoly with mom.” Clifford walked on alone. Later he told his dad and mom his discomfort with what is happening to “C”.

In one of the few Math Classes that “C” had attended, “C” had slammed his books shut and shouted, “I hate Math! I am never going to be a Mathematician! This is stupid.”

“C’s” present failures have bothered Clifford deeply – but it has not stopped Clifford being his friend.

Reflection…
In my role as a pastor I see it all. I see success and I see horrible failures. I work with each kind of person along their personal journey. The work of a pastor is kind of like a ‘life coach’ I guess. I cheer everyone on to greater things.

Yesterday I met with a well off 72 year old man that I have been building a friendship with. He is not a church-goer at all. He has a very busy and full life that is basically all about himself and what he likes to do. Yet as we connected – I was able to encourage him with some words and practical help in an area that he is insecure.

Yesterday I worked alongside of a 50 year old man, an ex-Offender, that cannot read. At birth he was placed in an orphanage. He came out of that orphanage after many years of abuse by staff and many of the other students. He had been rapped by staff and fellow students. When my son-in-law told of Clifford and his willingness to study, the 50 year old shared his own story. He studied until the middle of grade two – and then quit.

There is no better worker than this 50 year old. I would hire him in a heart beat. However he will never likely get a job as he has been in prison many years. With his record now…few people will hire him. He can’t read or write. He is all alone. But he is an amazing worker.

Then I look back at Clifford with his tons of homework. He is excited about life now, encouraged by school and ready for a future.

I am so thankful that I am close enough to see it all happen.

Yesterday I encouraged three people. I can’t wait for what today may offer.

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~

The Unkown World

Few Thoughts…
Most Canadians have few thoughts of the post court case for most Offenders. I think that most Americans are the same. Immediately after the crime is committed, when the offender is arrested, and while the person’s court case is on – we hear and think about it. Then when it is no longer news – we forget about all of it. We move on. The offender moves on to prison and its over.

Allow me to blow that Myth away – IT IS NEVER OVER!

The above statement of being over and moving on ....is not true for the Victim of the Crime, nor the Offender. Both move into a new world of adjusting to nothingness. The offender becomes a number in a massive system adjusting to his new realities that will be with him a long time. The Victim continues slowly through a new life filled with memories and nightmares. Many memories are ones that were built prior to the one horrific moment that they were made a Victim. The nightmares are endless at first as the split seconds flash back of that one moment when they became a victim – but then are added to by the horrors of the trial of the offender, the newspaper reports and all the rest of the things that keep the pain up front.

The public forgets and moves on but these people do not.

Into the Future…
Eventually all sentences come to an end in Canada. Eventually most Offenders will be released from prison when they have served all of their time. For some that will mean being released on Parole a few months (and possibly years) before the final date. For others it will mean completion of the full sentence. For a small few it may mean never getting out of prison. Unlike some of our American friends south of us, we do not execute anyone any longer. Perhaps we keep them alive to suffer forever – but for sure we do not execute anyone that was potentially and unjustly charged and convicted.

For the Victim of the Crime we leave them alone to suffer on their own. Some of these people find support and the care they will need. But none of these people every forget what happened to them.

What if someone is sorry…?
Unknown to most of the public – some men and women that have committed crime are sorry for what they did. The offender has started to come to grips with the fact that their actions long ago destroyed a family, a person, a life – and they are deeply sorry for what has happened. In fact there are only a very few that do not feel some kind of remorse for what happened.

What if someone (the offender) is sorry – how do they let the Victims know this is really true? How do they convey that sorrow and ask forgiveness when they are ready? Then finally – will they ever be able to tell that part of the story and express what they feel so deeply?

What if the pain of the Victim is still so great, that after 20 years they are still in hiding emotionally? When would – if ever, the Victim be able to ‘receive’ the apology?

The Developing Plan of Hope…
Within the great walls of CSC (Correctional Services Canada) there is a possibility of Mediation now. There is a process that has been developing. There is a possibility that Victims and Offenders can meet to allow the miracle of forgiveness to take place and the expression of repentance to be a reality.

Yesterday I heard this process clearly outlined. I listened to a gentleman by the name of Scott Harris, who is working directly with developing this part of the process. It is part of CSC’s departmental work for Restorative Justice. Though small at this time the work these of people has been effective in mediating between the two realities – the Victims and the Offenders.

It is difficult to describe what happens in a few words on this Blog – but I can say how impressed I am with what is being accomplished in this regard.

The Miracle Locally…
In our Peterborough area, where I function, there has been a quiet miracle that is gaining momentum. Through Peterborough Community Chaplaincy and its Chaplain, Dan Haley, this kind of Restorative Justice has been building for more than 8 years. God has lead Dan. And Dan is a very perceptive man – perceiving what is needed in each and every situation. With God guiding, he has taken pioneering steps leading to this restoring of lives – Victims and Offenders. And then through unique God timed, small but mighty miracles – both Victims and Offenders have come together in some situations to offer and receive forgiveness.

Am I surprised to know that Dan is part of a Restorative Justice committee in CSC? Not really. CSC has been aware of the remarkable work of Peterborough Community Chaplaincy for a long time. Dan is one of their Chaplains that stands out in a unique world filled with needs no one else will be able to touch.

My purpose in writing this short article today is two fold.

One – we need to all know that there is a better side to the Justice we have known all these years. There is a growing side of positive steps toward a healthier community that acts and lives out Restorative Justice.

Two – we need to be aware of the value of the Ministry locally of Peterborough Community Chaplaincy. Dan and his staff of one, Darrin Gaudreau, need our help today. I encourage you to reach out to PCC and support them financially and also with prayer. They are doing remarkable things right under our nose.

Hey Dan and Darrin – did you know we support you? Go for it guys – we are right behind you!!!!

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~

Check out.... http://www.ptbochaplaincy.org/

To Help PCC and Dan Haley … contact info is…

If you would like to become active with the Peterborough Community Chaplaincy... you can do so in a number of ways.
1. Pray for this vital ministry - good things happen when we touch God
2. Become a volunteer - there are many ways you could get involved. If you contact Dan at danhaley@bellnet.ca he will help you to connect.
3. By becoming a Partner in this ministry and designating a $$$ gift many more will be encouraged. All gifts can be receipted through Peterborough Community Chaplaincy. Please make your cheques out to "Peterborough Community Chaplaincy" and forward it to

Peterborough Community Chaplaincy,
Main office P.O. Box 235
Peterborough ON
K9J 6Y8
705-741-4172 (Office)
705-741-4833 (Fax)

Office E-mail ptbocommunitychaplaincy@bellnet.ca
Dan's personal e-mail danhaley@bellnet.ca
Web site http://www.ptbochaplaincy.org/

New Beginnings (transition house)
953 Clonsilla Ave
K9J 5Y2

Your contribution is greatly appreciated.
PCC is a non-profit organization and is able to issue taxable receipts.
Telephone 705-741-4172

News From Afar

No… money is not the greatest blessing. Getting more of it is not a blessing either – although admittedly a little more might relieve some of the stress that everyone feels at times. Yet if I had more – more would not be enough because I am just like the rest of the world out there – I would need more again at that point.

Yet I have re-discovered recently the wonder of another great blessing. That great blessing was to receive ‘news from afar’. Through the wonders of the Internet and the many new programs I have been able to hear from the past. It was way back in the ‘older years’ with the snail mail that I lost these folks. Now with the new connectivity I have been reconnected to old friends.

As I speak with others they too are thoroughly enjoying the new connectivity they have discovered in these last weeks. This new connecting would have only happened at an old school reunion – in the old days. But if you never made it to the reunion – it just never took place and people continued to move further and further from each other. Friends that were the closest became the furthest away. They were simply lost.

Email has made a difference. Instant and cost effective, my friends have popped up in my Inbox – from out of no where. The advent of the ‘FaceBook’ has brought more people together than any other program that I know. It is the most recent at this writing – but certainly not the first…nor the last.

In the last few weeks I have been delighted to hear from people that were very close to Alida and me, but with our many moves we lost them. Add to that they moved too.

Now I am following up wherever I can to hear more about their lives and what has been taking place.

A friend of mine recently told me of her meeting with an old friend from kindergarten (at least early school days..). She and her husband were delighted to travel to meet this one from so long ago. I was impressed by the account. Impressed because they followed through and came together – that took effort. Impressed also…that they just plain remembered each other. Wow… that is a lot of years!

Some of the stories have not all been rosy. Good things have not always happened to each person. Sometimes deep tragedy has marked a few paths. But even with some sad stories there has been reunion – and it has been good.

The Rough Side…
I think that dependency on the technology is the one draw back. When my computer breaks down, so does my connection and discoveries of each day. I have come to depend on this silly thing called “Computer”.

Recently…when the repair shop told me that it would be possibly six weeks separation for a recent problem – I nearly died on the spot. How can something so instant, so fast, so important be separated from me for that long? Ouch!

With all that I have discovered in this “eWorld” over these past years (and am discovering each day…) I am hurt deeply when the machine dies. My machine has taken on a ‘personhood’.

Go back along time ago – when these old friends were connected to us regularly – and have a machine break down then. There was never a loss like there is now. If the telephone line was broken or the lightening strike had done its job – you were not at a feeling of tremendous loss of the vital link that we relied on. There was no ‘ouch’.

Each new discovery of an old friend has made a change on my present. I am drawn back to the old days and old memories. I spend more and more time reaching out to the past…less and less time with the present building of new friends. That has been a wee bit of a draw back for some I know. The new discoveries have lost them to the present world.

A New Thought…
I have made a commitment to not lose a grip on the real world – as I rediscover the past. I do not want to lose the present with ‘News from afar’.

I have resolved to make one new friend for every old friend I hear from. I bet that seems odd to some reading this. But it is very necessary in my case. Without it I become isolated with the old…and never discover the new.

Some of the seniors around me have recently reminded me of the need to keep their doors open to new friends. In a senior’s home nearby I have discovered a new friend. We plan to meet from time to time over wood carving. We both have an interest and want to pursue a new friendship together. A lot like two boys that once lived in the same neighbourhood – we are new friends.

It feels good today…to say the least. I have connected with old friends and made new ones too.

How about you? Lost any friends that you would like to find? Maybe some bridges were burned…and with distance you lost some important connections? What would you have to do to rebuild? I was thinking this and bingo… another email arrived from a very old friend.

How about you? Have you made any new friends this week? Some one is waiting to find you today.

Have a great week connecting. Some one is waiting to hear from you. It will be good news from afar.

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~

Proverbs 25:25 - The Living Bible -
“Good news from far away is like cold water to the thirsty.”

Sorry – it just doesn't make sense!

I admit that there are some days as a MAN – that I do not understand. I hate to admit that I have lost control of the reality around me. But this time I shout it out – “It doesn’t make sense!” Why would people do this kind of thing? Why would people invest this kind of money on this type of product?

Sorry – it just doesn't make sense!

This part of the world will never make sense to a man that enjoys the great outdoors. It will seem ridiculous to men that enjoy working with wood in the workshop. In fact to most men – it is not something they would ever be involved with – or ever do to themselves. Yet – it seems that what is being done is done for them. Nuts – completely nuts – if you ask this old guy… just plain nuts!

Okay maybe I should explain more. I have witnessed the weird world of false eyelashes for a long time. I have encountered women that have taken a huge amount of time to glue extra eye lashes to their eye lids. Then I read an article that summed it all up. It was in MacLean’s Magazine – August 27, 2007 that I learned more about this weird world of eyelashes.(see reference below)

How about mink-and-diamond-encrusted false eye lashes?

In the Maclean’s Mag article the author describes the Holt Renfrew’s new Vancouver store scene….
“ They're also, as it turns out, more enjoyable. The fun isn't in fiddling around with glue and tweezers in the privacy of one's bedroom. At the Tokyo Lash Bar, stocked with lashes in browns and blacks as well as cherry red and tangerine orange, women sit on barstools within full sight of passersby on Granville Street and have their lashes professionally applied by one of the bar's four makeup pros. The cost varies between $19 and $65, but Shu Uemura reps will put them back on seven more times for free "before gluey build-up becomes too much," says White.”

Duh! Doesn’t that seem a little over the edge to some of you? $19 to $65 for a pair of fury eyelashes? Come one… this is nuts – just plain nuts.

In some of the articles and advertisements that I read about this topic I found that one company plucks tiny feathers from some poor unsuspecting bird – then places these in the new eyelash creation. I bet the little birdie didn’t know his feathers were going to such a good cause.

How about you… does this seem like one of those ‘human excesses’ that is over the edge of common sense? Why in the world are people not happy with the way that they are? I am sorry if this offends some one’s sense of self worth – but I like you the way that you are.

Maybe I am just afraid that the next major fashion push will have men “needing” more or new eyelashes. Can’t you imagine that with me… the deer hunter that takes the long lashes from the white tail deer and then places them over his own? In the deer hunting world that is called “camouflaging”. I have never heard of anyone trying to do that yet…at least among my man friends.

Actually on a trip to Toronto not long ago I did encounter a young man in his early 20’s that had black false eyelashes on. He also had a long black coat and all black clothing – lots of silver studs all over and spiked hair standing straight up. Complete that picture with studs and rings of silver in his lips, his cheeks and through his nose. Way to extreme for me – nuts – actually – just plain nuts. The poor little dude would never make it through a Saskatchewan winter at minus 35 C with a cool northwest wind howling through the studs and rings.

I am writing today to consider a balance in our lives. I truly believe that is the best for us. God’s way is to provide a balance – or a setting where balance can be achieved. Some things are just not good for us. Some things are simply not needed. The first recorded failure in human’s long history – was an issue of a woman and a man wanting a juicy fruit that they were told was not for them. That ‘wanting’ got them into big trouble. Their names were Adam and Eve.

Eyelashes are not the biggest hassle in my life. The only time it rocks me a bit is when I read an article or happen to look closer at a ladies face (which I can get in trouble for in that she glares back at me for looking at her false eyelashes…duh).

My biggest trouble is trying to be something that I am not. I didn’t say my biggest trouble is looking at someone trying to be something that they are not. (We have a Provincial election coming up next month and anything political has a whole lot of people trying to be something they are not… but that is another story all together…)

Oh God – I just want to be real… and be real the way that you made me. I can’t be taller. I can’t be stronger – I can just be me. Thank you God that you made me this way. I like it a lot.

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~

Sources and Resources
http://www.macleans.ca/culture/lifestyle/article.jsp?content=20070827_108308_108308&page=1
http://www.bodyjewelleryshop.com/online_store/false_eyelashes_mademoiselle_9434843.cfm

The following were sent to me after publishing this Blog today. A picture is worth a thousand words... okay here goes a whole boo'k of words.

So What's New?

I am not really shocked at what I read this morning regarding families in Canada. It was in Canada’s Globe and Mail (reference below). Families are changing in their numbers and in their make up. According to the ‘Statscan’ info released it has become today’s news item.

Some of the stats quoted/noted say…(you need to read the whole article and stats offered…)
By the numbers

• 8.1 Percentage of the adult population that is divorced. Twenty years ago, the figure was only 3.5 per cent.
• 9.4 Percentage of children under the age of 5 whose mothers are in their 40s. Women are delaying childbirth more than ever before.
• 19.9 Percentage of lone-parent families headed by men. While women still lead most families with one parent, the number of Mr. Moms is increasing as a result of more joint custody arrangements.
• 24.4 Percentage of men 80 or older who live alone; for women in the same cohort, it's 54.5 per cent.
• 66.8 Proportion of households in Stanley, Man., that are made up of couples with children - the location with the highest proportion in Canada. Stanley, which has a large Mennonite community, also has the country's lowest proportion of lone-parent families.
• 77.1 Growth rate over the past five years in the number of people 60 to 64 who are living in common-law relationships.

(Canadian Press - source)

One notable area - Young adults living at home
Across Canada the percentage of Young Adults living at home have increased from 41.1% in 2001 to 43.5% in 2006. And that has been true in every city noted in the Stats Can report. More “older children” are staying at home – or moving back into home – instead of getting their own places. In other words if that has happened in your family – you folks are pretty well normal.

As I pastor people… listening to them and encouraging them it is difficult to find the right “advice” at times.

What I have viewed is an increase in “family discomfort”. I have watched a number of new cases of Elder Abuse – Older Adult Abuse in families that you would never have suspected it to appear.

Much of what is happening seems to take place when the “young adult” – or the “adult son or daughter” moves back in to their parent’s home. In certain cases the “adult child’s” marriage has failed, or they have lost their employment – and the financial conditions of this “adult child” has radically changed. Then the resources of the ‘Parent’ become an issue to guard… or source for support – depending which one you are.

The old days of everything being ‘cool/good’ in families has gone. Families are under pressure as never before. That is true whether they are older families or young families. The family breakdown is happening on all sides – stressors and pressures are almost insurmountable.

What is the answer? If I had a quick one on this question – I would likely be writing a good book and providing everyone with five easy steps – to help me make a million.

One area of concern is, that for the most part, our Canadian Morality has slipped or been given up. No there is still a standard that we tend to think we live by… but the morality standard has slipped. Things that our grandparents would have never thought of doing – are now common place in the new society. Things that our grandparents would never done we do regularly. Stuff happens and things change.

But with the great changes and things happening – we have lost control generally. Now there are less “moral absolutes” than ever before.

Someone made a tremendous statement today that I completely agree with. The persona said, “The children will follow our footsteps not our fingers.”

WOW! Now that person has it wrapped up in one small statement… and two small words that describe it all… Feet & Finger. The kids will live like we live. They mimic everything we do so easily. When they see moral absolutes they will make choices to do the same. When they see everyone casting off the moral absolutes and releasing ourselves of all moral fiber – well Guess what…? They will likely be the same.

NO I don’t want it the same as the old days!

I don’t want a strange legalism that forces people against their will to do this or that. I do however think that a “Great Example” will be powerful and have so much influence that the next generation will definitely continue to do the same.

Some of our parents and grandparents did blow it. They were so busy wagging fingers that they blew it with us. Some of their footsteps didn’t match what they were saying.

But not all parents and grandparents were that way. Some gave solid examples to live by.

I ask the question, “So what is new?” Not much – we still are the same. How about making a radical decision to make it radically different? Why not buck the system and status quo? Why not take a new turn and decided to live a “good moral fiber” way?

I saw a T Shirt Yesterday that kind of blew me away. Remember when I publish this photo – I am a pastor that has had to mess with the work that the old devil has been involved with – over and over again.

Here is it to consider.

Well what do you think? Funny? Yah – I agree… that is why I shot the photo. But seriously – it is all too true. It is actually summing up much more about society than we care to admit. It shouts to me… “Hey, Moral Absolutes are so out dated… God and all that stuff that had a plan for you is not there… let me help you…”

I am standing up in my creaky old way and saying – enough! I am suggesting that a Moral Absolute is not bad. It will guide us to something better – instead of something worse.

Now I am not suggesting that a Church Absolute is what’s good. Some of what it has offered by the way and example that its people live – is plain stupid! Before you jump all over me on that one… please note the word “Some..”. It is not all people.

I have found some very spiritual people that do not attend a church. I have found that their spirituality has been on display by the life they live with a high Moral Absolute. I appreciated these folk – and many that are this way will never darken the door of our churches.

My question to you is… ‘What standard and guide do you live by?’

My suggestion is – that if you are finding a hard time to living what you have chosen to live by – why not ask God for some help to live better? For me – that was the time that I asked God for help. I had chosen to do anything but the higher road… and it got me into trouble. Now I live differently – completely.

Starting a revolution of right stuff… how about you?

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~

Sources and Resources
http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/070912/d070912a.htm
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20070913.CENSUS13/TPStory/National

Unique Impressions of the Holy Spirit #1

From Pastor Murray Lincoln…
I have spoken of the Holy Spirit a number of times in this Blog. In our very beginning in Feb 2006 – I began to share intermittently of His work in revival.

In our prayer we sometimes ‘sign off’ by saying, “In the Name of the Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit”. But He is far more than a rubber stamp at the end of an official request to God. For the most part His job as part of the Trinity is very quiet and unassuming. He is a person different from the other parts of God – unique and able. His main task is to draw people to and reveal people to The Father – God.

These short paragraphs will begin to describe the ways that we become aware of His work in our lives. Yet, even having said that; He is unseen. It is His work that we see – not Him.

In our church this fall we have been looking more closely at the Holy Spirit. While beginning this study I have invited different people to write out a testimony of how they encountered the Holy Spirit. For the next few postings our Blog will publish their stories.

Then most important things that can come from this adventure this fall is for you to have a personal encounter with the Holy Spirit. Even as you read what has happened to each person – you will be encountering the Holy Spirit as well. No – you do not have to be a “church goer” or even attend church regularly to encounter the Holy Spirit. You may well have had this happen in your everyday life – and not even recognized it.

The first account is of Steve. I know Steve very well. Steve is a very big man and rides a motorcycle. He hangs with ‘motorcycle people’. Now let’s allow the Spirit to do His work. Steve – please take this space.

Steve speaks…

It was a cool March night as I was heading through the United States towards Maryland.
This trip was unlike any other, as I was counting down the miles to my own death. You see, things in my life had progressed to a point that life itself had become a no-win proposal.

The years of alcoholism and other abuses had taken a significant toll. Even before that a learning disability seemed to haunt every effort for success. Life no longer had meaning, or happiness, only the daunting reminders of inadequacy, despair and transgressions against others. Especially this night, for in the morning I would answer to authorities for further transgressions that would most assuredly remove the only thing of which I still possessed – liberty.

Through the night I thought of the childhood memories, the awkward teenage years, and a dawn into manhood that was plagued with heartache and disappointment. The thought of what was to occur filled my head, my parent’s reaction, those that knew me… They all seemed so distant so long ago as the miles clicked away. My destiny was an open piece of guardrail followed by a two hundred foot plunge onto a rocky embankment, peace at last.

At twenty miles… the emotions were felt rushing through my head like a whirlwind. The feeling of the end soon coming was overwhelming. I pulled onto a shoulder to sufficiently medicate myself for preparation for the uncontrolled acceleration and speed followed by the end.

As I had shut off the car and placed my head on the steering wheel the thoughts pulsed through my head and the realization came, I can actually do this.

I think everybody is hard wired to struggle and fight for every breath of life to the very end, nobody really wants to die. But for some life itself with its cruel inhumane tendencies become simply too much and we cannot see a way to continue.

In the darkness, that lonely spaceless void I could feel death so near, so chilling. “I don’t know if there is a God, but if there is I need you right now” The words came from my mouth void of feeling or any emotion for that matter.

You see I was not expecting an answer, only the taunting of the still lonely darkness. But to my utter amazement, confusion, and bewilderment the answer came. Pictures flashed through my head… back when I was six accompanied by this feeling. That feeling, so hard to describe in fact quite impossible to articulate. The flashes continued through my life, so many times, so many people sent to me along the way. The answer was there all along; I was so blind trying in my own strength to find my own way and to heal my own hurts, navigate my own destiny. I had not realized and I had no idea that was the voice of a “Savior” that had already died for me so that I would have life, and not just life, but life more abundantly, a life with him.

God spoke to me in those moments….and I knew it would be alright – from then on. I continued on the journey south. I met with the authorities and confessed my “sin”. Miraculously – they let me go. I returned to Canada and home. In Canada I confessed. I was charged and convicted for what I did wrong. I really don’t want to dwell on the ‘crime’. The story is too long to tell here – but God intervened over and over again – and I am today free! Completely FREE… WOW!

I do want to say that on March 11, 1986 at 2:45 A.M., on a country road somewhere in Maryland, I traded in a worthless life in total chaos for a life with Jesus Christ and a joy that has proven to surpass all understanding. That night I felt myself die and also felt a resurrected life begin as the Holy Spirit entered my very being. I was changed forever.

Pause to explain….
You see there is a difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is based on the world, your own situation in life. Joy is this amazing God given peace that passes all understanding and comprehension always there even in the worst of situations.

Continuing the story…
I opened my eyes and the sun was bright, the birds were singing a new song and so was I. I was with him most of the night, but it just seemed like a few minutes.

It is so hard to believe that was over twenty years ago, so much has happened. Legal issues were resolved, a marriage took place and that joy, that amazing joy continued.

Six months after giving my life to God I knew that I had been called to Christian Ministry and I did attempt to fulfill that call by way of distance education.

You know it is funny we keep asking God “please reveal to me your plan for me” We seem to act as if only God would show us, we could accomplish what he would ask. We seem disappointed when he does not grant our request in the way we think the message should come. I now realize if we know what he is going to do we will just get in the way. We need to walk with him every day. Through the journey, the experiences, desires and direction of his voice we find the desires of our hearts in Christ. But that starts every day by just coming to Christ as a willing vessel, a container desiring him and open to doing what he truly desires to do with us and through us.

The attempt was made, the learning disability was still evident failure became evident and I simply gave up. This time I had an amazing Lord that just comforted me, brought me closer to him and continued to reassure me this was not failure but part of an amazingjourney. I had learned early that we are not called to accept Christ and go back to the mundane. We have been called to go on an amazing journey an incredible adventure with Jesus Christ and on March 11, 1986 that’s exactly what started. All of this was fine except for one simple thing when I stopped theological training I removed from my heart a seed that he planted that cool March night so long ago and still the calling lingered.

I recently read about a discovery of a small leather pouch that contained some seeds that were carbon dated back some twenty five thousand years. As an experiment, scientists planted two of those seeds and they not only germinated they actually grew. Isn’t amazing that God would take a seed removed for twenty years and just bless it and make it grow and bring it to full maturity.

Over the past two years I took the seed I had removed from heart and placed it back in the Lords fertile soil. It is amazing that He is doing the same with the seeds planted in me.

If you would have asked me two years ago if I would consider to once again take the educational steps required to become a Pastor, I would have certainly answered with a resounding NO!

Over the past twenty years I have come to really know God through his word. God sent me amazing Pastors that were not consumed by the trap of wanting to please people and just be liked, tell captivating stories, and yield to the temptation to fill the pews. But instead, to wholeheartedly teach the living word of God. That Word, that living Word has changed my life forever and brought me in close fellowship with Christ.

But still I have that sense of total inadequacy, knowing that I am the least of those that have received my particular calling. The Lord has shown me over the past number of years it is in that weakness of my own inadequacies and by being a useable vessel… that in that weakness his power will be perfected. Simply not by my own strength and power but by being dependant on Christ, with no other earthly explanations, I will fulfill God’s plan for my life and compete the race with his grace.

So now the next chapter opens, and the journey continues.

Steve

Addendum…from March 11, 1986 on…
Later in my journey I would learn about an amazing God given grace. By its very definition means undeserved favour, to understand grace is to understand the total and complete love that God has for us, and is the beginning of understanding salvation in Jesus Christ. The biggest misconception I made in life was to think that I would be judged based on my deeds either found worthy to get into heaven, or found wanting. I had not realized that in fact we all have a decision to make in life. We will choose to open this incredible gift of salvation and live a life with God right here and now. Or we will choose to live a life on our own, a life separated from God. In that choice we make in life we will live out in eternity. The Lord told me many things in that time and he had shown me certain aspects for the plan for my life, but I didn’t comprehend it at all. I just wanted to bask in that amazing light, that amazing presence, that amazing love.

Forty Wonderful Years of Memories

As we hurried from the airport in the small car it was late. I was driving. We were all talking at the same time. It was so much fun to be together again. We had not a care in the world at that moment. We were headed to my parents place to drop off some things before a fun time together. “Tomorrow” was to be more important than any day we had ever faced. “Tomorrow” everything would change for all of us.

It was at the giggling mode, or the talking at the same time mode… I actually am not too sure of exactly what was happening when I noticed the blinking lights behind us. Go figure – I have done something wrong in driving – not paying close enough attention to what I should be doing. The blinking lights were actually flashing left right red lights… it was a police car pulling me over. “Not now….I don’t need this now!” was my first thought.

In the car with me were my two closest friends. One was “Gord” the other was “Jonesy”. Both had joking comments about me being pulled over.

The odd thing was that I knew the officer that approached our car. He had given me a ticket long ago after a car accident where my car had slid through a slipper intersection on an icy day. His name was “Whistling Willie” – a well known Cop in our city.

He asked me if I knew what I had done wrong. “No.” was my reply. His comment then was to point out to me that I had turned right on a ‘red light’ – and that it was illegal to do that.

My defense was that I now lived in Quebec and that you are able to turn right on a ‘red lights’ in Quebec. I was terribly sorry and I apologized. He asked me if I had been drinking. The other two in the car were giggling at my misfortune. My answer was, “No sir, I am getting married tomorrow and I guess I wasn’t paying attention well enough.”

Whistling Willie’s final instruction was our first wedding present, “Alright, I am going to let you go without a ticket. You have to slow down in Regina and there are no ‘right turns on red lights’ in this province.”

Regina’s laws and regulations have changed to match all the other cities in Canada now. That short account happened 40 years ago – last night.

40 years ago last night we were very young and very excited as we looked at the big day – the most important tomorrow that I have ever had in my life.

“Gord” was my best man, a guy that was my close friend all through High School and into University. The two of us had done everything together – until I had met “Jonesy”. “Jonesy” had more than replaced “Gord”. She had been in my life almost every second for the last five years. In fact on that September 8, 1967 we had been dating for over five years. Now with our schooling and careers set we were ready to get married.

Most of you know “Jonesy” as Alida now. Four people know her as “Mom”. Six little people know her as “Grandma”. She was “Jonesy” all those years because “Jones” was her last name. When I started calling her that I had not idea that I would marry her and by doing so – change that name. “Lincolnsy” DID NOT MAKE ANY SENSE after September 9, 1967 – neither did “Jonesy”. From September 9, 1967, 10:30 AM – on – I have known her as my best friend…beautiful wife…my lover…the most special person in my life in everyway.

It seems like it all happened just yesterday. But that is not quite true. There have now been 14,600 yesterdays. And with the yesterdays there has been 14,600 wonderful days of memories – filled with everything we could fill it with. Today will offer another opportunity together. I can’t wait for all that it has as promises for us.

The other day…
The other day I was relating to someone all the places that we had lived. Our marriage has been filled with many years of doing stuff together. I hope you can follow this list.

We were married at 10:30 AM on September 9, 1967. At 1:00 PM we were on an Air Canada Jet to Montreal, Quebec. That first evening we spent in our new apartment in Trois Rivieres, Que. We honeymooned in a tent all around the Maritimes – Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia. Four months later we moved to Fredericton, New Brunswick. In the next year we moved to Oakville, Ontario. After 5 years we moved to Walkerton, Ontario. Three years later we moved back to Oakville, Ontario. Following three more years in this little city we jumped across the Pacific Ocean to Hong Kong to then spend 5 of the most fantastic years ever. It was then at 1985 that we moved back to Canada – and Oakville again. After 13 months we moved to Scarborough, Ontario. Then following 5 years we moved to Yorkton, Saskatchewan. After 3 years in that delightful city we moved on to Regina, our home city, returning after 27 years of being away. THEN FINALLY – in 1998 Alida and I packed up one more time – and unpacked in the home we now live in – actually on September 9, 1998.

The previous paragraph made me tired just writing it. Wow! What a wonderful life it has been.

This wondering down a “memory lane” experience is good for old men too. I seem to be doing it more lately.

Thank you, Alida, for being with me all these wonderful years. Thank you to all of our family that followed us through thick and thin. Thank you to our many thousands of friends in so many special places that we called home. Thank you to my Uncle, the Rev. Ben Kirkpatrick, that married us 40 years ago this morning.

I kept all the promises I made Ben – for forty wonderful years – so did Alida. Ben, this has been the best wedding ceremony that you have ever conducted. I testify to that fact.

Shish – I have got to stop this – I have huge lump in my throat. I have to go celebrate again.

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~
Married and Loving it…