Car Number 4704

What a huge difference in the crowd on the return train compared to the going out train – returning us from our trip to Ottawa. If you have read the “Car Number 4203” of last week (a few posts back) – you will remember the two older ladies in the center of the car. You may also remember that they spoke to everyone that came by.

Whoa! Guess what? Car number 4704, Sunday night to Toronto was way different. Alida and I were the two old people sitting in the middle of the car – EVERYBODY ELSE WAS YOUNG!

In the “Car 4203” posting I had said….
“I think the ladies in the middle of car #4203 have the right idea. They are out to make a difference where they are seated.

When the taller one of the friendly two looked at me and smiled, I smiled back. She wanted to talk…but I had an important book to read. I missed the opportunity for sure.”

On car 4704 – I tried to make a difference…but the others were very busy cramming for the finals. I think someone must have not told me this was the 'Return to University – Return to College Car' – not just 4704. Every seat was filled with young, beautiful, vibrant, young adults with books open – or lap tops humming. It was like being wisped back to my University days.

Mixed with the young University students were the Military Guys also cramming their home work. The bald fellow across the aisle from us was an airman stationed on the Trenton Military base. His intent reading of the military documents and the flying papers pretty well gave him away as well. Other airmen were on the car 4704 as well…in fact there were four more all with their young families with little kids in tow. All of these guys were a tad older than the University Crowd – but very sharp guys.

Remember Mr. Chris that I told you about on Car 4203? Well Mr. Chris was replaced by Mr. John – who was almost the same age as the University passengers. He was tall, sharp, and clean looking. He moved quickly about his duties without any limp. His own vibrancy was very evident. What a contrast from Car 4203 of last Thursday!

In a short few days my world had radically changed from being the younger one on a fast moving car through the Ontario countryside…to being the oldest guy sitting with an elderly lady who was busy doing crossword puzzles and very glad she had no homework.

It was like being “Rip Van Winkle” who fell asleep for many years and then woke to find the world different. ‘Hokey Mokey’ – that shift was too fast. I went from wondering at the verbosity of two older ladies on Car 4203 a few days back – to wondering why no one will talk to me as well…? Oh Boy!

Well if they won’t be able to talk to me with all of their cramming I decided to be like them. I pulled my lap top out and attempted to hook to the WiFi connection on the fast moving train. Got through with no problem as I gave my Credit Card Info online… then advanced to the Log In stage…put in my username…then the pass word that I had given myself for this connection…then waited….NOTHING…. just a blank white screen. Argh! They took my money…$8.95 for 24 hours of Internet use on the train…. THEN IT WON’T WORK – double ARGH!

I checked the Networking of my machine and found that “PhillipCutter” was sitting not far away and was on the same car “LAN”. Not sure that "PhillipCutter" knew I was looking into his machine or not…buy I knew he was nearby. As a Computer Technician I can do some things that the rest of the world cannot do with computers…after all I have been doing this for a lot of years!
Unfortunately all I could get was the “LAN” of Via Rail Car 4704.

First thing I did was get up and walk down the aisle of the fast moving train to look for the students that had their laptops on and also to see if any of them had their browsers open and were surfing the Internet. It is very easy to see what they had open. All of them were working on documents in either MS WORD or WORD PERFECT. As I walked by them I could even read the sentences that they were typing rapidly. I had walked by 12 open and fast working lap tops. None were on the connection “Via Rail WiFi”

Immediately behind me were a guy and gal with their laptops humming. I stopped and had the thought to ask them audibly if they were on the Internet. The reply was, “No.” – with a grin. I couldn’t figure why they reacted that way. Then the guy said, “You know that you have to get connected by going through your Browser – right?"

I replied, “Yah…I did that…but I can’t get by the Log In stage. He just grinned at me….and said no more. Didn’t seem to want to help…and I couldn’t figure why… I thought that he of all people, my close seating friend…just behind me…would think he could maybe contribute something in my Internet connection dilemma. But he just grinned…

When Mr. John came by, tall, sharp, and clean looking; I figured he might have an answer. He grinned at me and said loud enough for all to hear, “You can get your money back if it doesn’t work…” He continued that, “Via Rail has had some big problems with the Internet on its car service. It may be something to do with the atmosphere – or weather…or something.”

No Mr. John that isn’t the way it is… ‘MR. SWAMMY’, the guy that I called on the Internet Help Line on my cell phone….had told me that it was true "PhilipCutter" was online as well…but there was a problem on certain cars and that a note had been registered to have it repaired. 'MR. SWAMMY' had apologized deeply in his heavy accent.

I wanted to shout – ‘YOU DON'T KNOW EITHER! YOU DUMB LITTLE UPSTART!’ – but I didn’t. The guy behind me was grinning and the gal across the aisle was smiling too….this old guy(me) was in a stew with technology…poor old geezer(that’s me again!)!!!! – “He just doesn’t understand computers. It is so quaint…there he is trying to get on to the Net – with his new laptop…cute little white haired guy…kind of reminds me of my grandpa…” – they were saying as they GRINNED AT EACH OTHER!

‘Listen ‘PhilipCutter’ or whatever your name is… you are on my Network and you can see me as well…don’t treat me like a stupid old fool! I know more about computers than you do… “You silly University Student with a ‘poor old senior citizen’ nodding smile on your face”!!!! I was working on computers when your parents hadn’t even considered conceiving you! DON’T PATRONIZE ME ‘PhilipCutter’ – or I will be forced to snap your lap top shut on your soft little fingers!’

All of that raged through my mind – BUT I did not say it!

So to get some satisfaction and get my $8.95 worth of NON Internet service… I clicked the Wireless Feature OFF and then turned on SIMCITY – one of my computer games that is COOL. It has all kinds of neat sounds and sights as I build cities, repair water lines, meet natural disasters head on… as the ‘POWERFUL MAYOR of LINCOLN CITY’ – I AM IN CHARGE!

So they want to study…. and grin and think funny thoughts about the old guy with the lap top – struggling with the fact that he should know he needs to connect through his browser….I WILL SHOW THEM!

The sound was louder than I expected….and as I played…my wife said, “Can you turn that game down?” But she didn’t understand….sound was what I needed to let them know I was okay. The SIMCITY sound is unique and penetrates a rolling train car – like Car 4704.

The University students were still smiling. Okay – Okay I know – “SIMCITY” is OLDer…. And all of this crowd plays “World of Warcraft” with its own unique sounds and sites…..

At the Cobourg train station we departed car 4704 and the young students. Some looked up as this older couple sped to the open door. They grinned at the old guy with the red face pulling the two rolling suitcases… “Somebody should help them…” was likely running through their thoughts.

Man of man…a lot happened from Thursday to Sunday. The world had become much younger and I became much older.

Oh Boy!

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~

One Click Too Many

My friend Tim shared this story with me…

“Barb, my wife, was babysitting our niece. She's 2. Avery loves to play with buttons. Yesterday, she got up on the chair by the computer and began to play with the mouse. In just a matter of a few unsupervised minutes, she managed to change the orientation of the screen so that everything was turned on its side. Barb didn't want to call and break the news over the phone so she waited until I walked into the house and let me discover this little surprise all by myself.

Here's the amazing thing about VISTA. A 2 year old can change the orientation of the display with a few clicks of the mouse, but it takes an adult who spends most of his day on a computer the better part of an hour to undo it. Actually it took Zack holding the monitor on its side while I did 3 Google searches to find the fix. Not surprisingly, you don't actually change the orientation through the monitor icon in control panel. You access it through sounds and something. Ahhh yes.... VISTA. Makes me wonder why I didn't buy a Mac...”

Can you imagine with Tim and me how fast it happened? One 2 year old discovered something that I didn’t even know was possible – your monitor’s orientation rotating.

This small story is so much like life. One moment can change every thing – when we least expect it. Some times the results are reversible – other times it is not so. It is permanent – nothing will change affect that ‘innocent click’.

I met a man that discovered another woman that was hurting. She poured out her heart to him about her bad relationship with her own husband – he fell for it…hook line and sinker. His own life was ruined and so was his new encounter. “One too many clicks” destroyed every one involved.

Then there are the people that have to take oodles of time to get the “orientation back” to the place that you can make sense of what is happening. In my friend Tim’s situation he needed help to get it right and it took time – lots of time…more time than it took to get the problem.

Unfortunately for the other man – everything was not able to be changed back the way it was before. He was hurt, his wife was hurt and the other lady along with her marriage went down the tube – affecting two teenagers and even the dog.
The Bible is clear in encouraging a man or a woman “to guard their heart”. We can take that further and suggest that we guard everything that may be connected to our person.

The old fashioned idea of walking/keeping a “holy life” is for today. The old fashioned idea is as new as March 29, 2008…or the day that you read this.

There is nothing wrong with living right. Can I shout that out on this page....There is nothing wrong with living right! The world seriously needs to see some strong right living – it might well blow everyone away. A new standard to start all of us on a new road.

But… the really important part…
If you have messed up ‘your monitor’ – there is hope – God cares even for stuff that everyone else condemns. We need only come back and tell him about it – ask forgiveness and then get it right. God loves people that start over… and when they don’t know what to do… he is there to assist them.

Hey… we are pulling for you today and praying too.

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~

Car Number 4203

The train lumbered through the cool, spring, Ontario country side. The white fields and dense bush swept by us as we sped to the city of Ottawa. It was all interesting for us as we take a break and travel to our Canadian Capital City.

But the most interesting part of the train trip is the collection of fellow passengers on car #4203. From seats 12A & 12B we were centered in all the action.

Are you a ‘people watcher’? I am – I love watching what people do and listening to what they say. They give some marvelous hints of what they are all about.

The gal sitting across the aisle was a ‘legal person’ of some sort. For three hours she poured over a huge pile of typed paper sheets. With her pencil she made note after note in the columns. She was dressed well. Heading to Ottawa from Toronto – hmmm? Maybe in Politics too?

Three seats up in the aisle seats across from each other were two older, sociable ladies. They talked to everyone. People walking by or people sitting near them were their new friends. They talked to each person. They seemed to be the welcoming committee for car #4203. The University student that paused and allowed them to catch his eye – was caught. The look on his face as he tried to get away was priceless. There he was, caught by two sharp old gals that were simply interested in him. In a short few moments they found out more about what and who he was than he ever wanted to them to know.

At the back of the car #4203 there was the two young musicians, strumming their guitars. These were electric guitars with no AMP. They kind of made some sort of sound – but no sound really. They were proud of their guitars for sure…and likely had them out so we could see. Maybe they were part of a new 16 year old band…who knows? They were avoiding the two older ladies in the center of the car. They saw the ones that they had caught.

Car #4203 was managed by “Mr. Chris”, a tall man with greasy hair and a limp. He wasn’t too interested in car #4203 – tolerating us all – but not interested. Mr. Chris worked for Via Rail and charged $1.75 for the pop. His dry sandwiches were not selling well.

Almost all the seats were full of interesting people, unusual people and people like me – watching people like me.

As we were propelled through Ontario we were together and yet apart. The thing that connected us was the train car #4203. It was home to us for a little over three hours.

As I sat watching and listening I thought about a bigger car – something like #4203 – but much bigger. It is my world. I am situated on it and moving a tremendous speed – Earth. Wow what a car.

But in reality my part of the ‘Earth car’ is small. I am fastened to my seat and stay alone for the most part of my life. I go out only to get my little job done and then quickly run back to my small section of life again. Just like everyone else.

On car #4203 there were many people moving quickly through the country side. But none of us came close to each other – except maybe the two older ladies that knew more about everyone before their ride was up. In away that is sad – we got off the train at the end not knowing any of our fellow passengers.

That simple glimpse for me is so much like life. Speeding through my life on the ‘Earth car’ I can remain isolated and alone – never having met anyone the entire ride. Or I can chose to do something different about it and meet someone.

As Alida and I walked through the streets of Ottawa we met most everyone heading home after a long day’s work. Many were young adults walking alone or standing at bus stops. Few were smiling and all were alone.

Alida looked at me and made a statement that struck me with the weight she was feeling. She said, “You know I bet there are a lot of people that go home from these jobs with no one to talk to.” It was so true. Here they are from many other places, working at important jobs and getting somewhere and no where. Just lonely people all riding on a big, fast moving car.

We stopped in a Shoppers Drug Mart to buy something. In front of us was a lady fumbling with a plastic sandwich bag filed with pennies and nickels and a dimes. She bought some lip balm and some candy then left. She was likely a street person paying for something with the money she had begged for.

In another strip mall we walked through there was a lady laying in the walkway between the stores. She was completely gone as she laid on the hard floor. Dozens of people walked by her and looked without stopping. Most of the people were well dressed and moving quickly.

The streets of downtown Ottawa have many people begging for money. In one block we were stopped by three people and asked for spare change. It is quite an experience to watch these folk.

Reflection…
What will I do with my time today? Will I watch or will I connect with other around me?

I think the ladies in the middle of car #4203 have the right idea. They are out to make a difference where they are seated.

When the taller one of the friendly two looked at me and smiled, I smiled back. She wanted to talk…but I had an important book to read. I missed the opportunity for sure.

Today will be different. I will meet at least two new people and interact….in a meaningful way.

How about you?

What would Jesus do if he was on car #4203?

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~

11 PEOPLE ON A ROPE

Eleven people were hanging on a rope under a helicopter, ten men and one woman. The rope was not strong enough to carry them all, so they decided that one had to leave, because otherwise they were all going to fall.

They weren't able to designate a person, until the woman gave a very touching speech. She said that she would voluntarily let go of the rope, because as a woman, her role in life is complete. She married a nice, genuine man, gave him four healthy children and raised them to be the strong, independent young adults they are today. She also said that she was used to giving up everything for her husband and kids, and that this last sacrifice is just a symbol of the many sacrifices she has made for her family and friends throughout her life.

As soon as she finished her speech, all the men started clapping.

SEND THIS TO AN INTELLIGENT WOMAN SO THAT
SHE HAS SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT TODAY, AND TO
INTELLIGENT MEN WHO APPRECIATE THE JOKE!

My wife and I are in Ottawa at the moment attending a Conference. Thanks Brenda for this Great Filler.

~ PML ~

Fulfilling A Young Girl’s Dream

Today as I form these words, I do so with a sense of more responsibility and a deeper need to communicate with a huge world past my own church. I write today for all my non Christian friends that regularly read this Blog. I also write for the ones that are church attendees and understand some of the unique steps of faith.

As a pastor of ‘A Christian Church’ I have a unique role and responsibility. I watch the spiritual growth of people in our church and community. I witness the individual steps of each one – often being invited into their lives to encourage them. I see the struggles as well.

The position of ‘Pastor’ is one of responsibility that I do not take lightly.

In this role I listen and watch closely for clues that would help me to help the person that is taking the new step forward spiritually.

Now I know that there are many people that read this Blogspot that are not of the Christian Faith mixed with people that have a strong Christian Faith. To say the least it is one of the most interesting ‘congregations’ that I have ever ‘spoken’ to. I appreciate each one.

This short account may help the part of the non-Christian folk to catch a different aspect of the Christian faith. I hope that it will also encourage the Christians I am sure.

Further - the account that I share here is very personal for me and for the young lady that I am writing about.

The young lady is Emma, my granddaughter. She is nine years old. She is full of life – that includes all the things that young girls are…as the old saying goes, “sugar and spice and everything nice”. That sums up Emma nicely.

Emma and her family attend our church. I am Emma’s pastor as well as her Grandpa. I am also her dad and mom’s pastor, along with her brother Clifford. Her mom is my oldest daughter.

About 4 years ago when Emma was five years old she began asking many question about ‘faith’ and ‘God” – and how it all fits in her life. As a regular attendee of church along with having her mom & dad talk about spiritual things – her interest began to grow.

Further I need to explain, that one of the milestones for a Christian is Water Baptism. In our church we perform the Water Baptism by immersing each one in water. In our church this is accomplished by filling a large baptismal tank situated at the front of the church, to the rear area of the platform(stage). On a Sunday morning we pause in the church service to perform these baptisms – perhaps four times a year.

After someone has made a commitment of their life to Christ, inviting him to be a part of their life, they will confirm this new spiritual step by asking to be baptized in water. Baptism is one of the important doctrines of the Christian Faith that our church follows. And as a Pastor it is one of the joys of my ministry. It is a real celebration.

All that having been said, Emma began expressing a strong desire to be baptized in water. She wanted to do what the other folk have done as well. This first expression came four years ago, then three years ago and then two and very strongly last year.

This past Sunday, March 23, 2008, Emma realized her dream and was baptized in water – in our church.

Now the story behind this special baptism is larger still. She was baptized by her two Grandfathers, Rev. Murray Lincoln(me) and her other Grandfather, Rev. Doug Lindsay. But the special part didn’t stop with the fact that both her Grandfathers are ministers. These Grandfathers also participated in her ‘Baby Dedication’ nine years ago in the same church on the same weekend – Easter Sunday. But there was one more important thing – these same Grandfathers had performed the marriage for her dad and mom, in 1993.

In some faith groups ‘infant baptism’ is practiced. Our church rather has a practice of Baby(Infant) Dedication – leaving the Water Baptism for a later stage in life and for the individual’s personal decision to be involved.

Emma has arrived at this stage and last Sunday was her day.

Last Sunday was also Andrew’s day. Following Emma’s baptism, Andrew also was baptized. Andrew is 47 years old and has come to a new step in his faith walk as well – expressing that on Sunday too.

Why Baptism?
As a Christian we follow Christ and his example. One of the first things that Christ did was to be baptized by ‘John the Baptist’ – his cousin. John’s ministry was to call people to repentance and a new relationship with God. He also proclaimed that the ‘Messiah’ would be coming soon. He was one of the first to realize that Jesus, his cousin, was this Messiah.

With this special part of the story in mind – we baptize the followers of Jesus.

Last Sunday was special for Emma, and for her two Grandfathers – and her whole family. But I cannot fully explain how special it was for me. Celebration is the best word that I know today. My heart leaped as I stood with my granddaughter and my friend Doug.

To help a whole world come to Emma’s Baptismal Service – we prepared a video of the event. It is a testimony of one young girl’s dream being fulfilled. The ‘YouTube address’ of this event is shown below.

I encourage you to send this ‘address’ and tell your friends about Emma’s Baptism as well. Celebrate with us.

BTW – there will be another Baptismal Service in May 2008 – as interest has grown further. Are you interested?

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~

Emma’s Baptism – Easter Sunday – March 23, 2008
http://youtube.com/watch?v=jDZSSy-7JTM

Are You Who You Say You Are?

“Tomorrow is the most important thing in life,
Comes into us at midnight very clean.
It’s perfect when it arrives and it puts itself in our hands.
It hopes we’ve learned something from yesterday.”

Such powerful words have touched thousands of people over the last few years – since June 11, 1979 in fact. They are inscribed on the grave marker of “John Wayne”, the ultimate actor and hero of Hollywood. The big cowboy and hero of his movies says one more thing in these final words.

Wikipedia states…
“John Wayne (May 26, 1907 – June 11, 1979) was an Academy Award-winning American film actor. He epitomized ruggedly individualistic masculinity, and has become an enduring American icon. He is famous for his distinctive voice, walk and enormous physical presence. He was also known for his conservative political views and his support in the 1950s for anti-communist positions.

In 1999, the American Film Institute named Wayne thirteenth among the Greatest Male Stars of All Time. A Harris Poll released in 2007 placed Wayne third among America's favorite film stars, the only deceased star on the list and the only one who has appeared on the poll every year.”

But John wasn’t always who he said he was. He began as “Marion Robert Morrison” It was during his early days as a film actor that the studio changed his name. But it wasn’t his first name change. His father changed his name after his brother was born – to “Marion Michael Morrison” because he decided to call his brother “Robert Morrison”. He actually appeared first on the scene as a football player at the University of California as “Marion”.

Talk about an identity crisis. When he woke up any morning – who was he? He could be anyone of his characters that he had played. The favorite one I believe was, “The Duke” – from one of his movie sets.

I pause here…
John Wayne isn’t much different from most of us. Our identities change big time over the years. We begin one way and are transformed in the day we begin – today to something else. Sometimes we have to be people that we are not or don’t want to be. Sometimes we do not care. Sometimes people change our names even when we don’t want it to change.

Last evening I met with a friend in a coffee shop. As I was going out the door my wife looked at me and asked, “Are you going dressed like that?” referring to my ‘garage clothes’ covered in wood chips and dust. My reply was “Yes… he already knows what I am and who I am – my clothes won’t make any difference at all.” And they didn’t – because I was meeting a friend.

Now – however – if a man called and told me that he was considering presenting me with a large sum of money and he wanted to meet with me…and that there might be a few reporters at the scene… I might not go with my “garage clothes” on when I met with him.

On Sunday, as a Minister, I am expected to ‘dress up’ on Sunday. A minister serving communion in his “garage clothes” may cause the offerings to drop. A minister showing up at a wedding or a funeral with “garage clothes” on may well cause the audience to wonder what is wrong with this guy?

We all are people that have different names and different personas.

Recently at another funeral that I attended, a fellow came up to me and asked, “Who are you? I think that I should know you – but you will have to tell me how I know you.”

I stared at him for a minute and then said carefully, “I don’t think we have ever met.”

His reply was adamant. “No we have met before!”

I listened to him rehearse the possibilities. But I have never bee to any of his world before.

Then I told him that some people say that I remind them of “Tim the Tool Man” from TV. Or sometimes people think that I look like the “Old Harrison Ford”. No that wasn’t it – He knew me…and I couldn’t remember.

Okay – it did liven up the Funeral Luncheon a little… for him and me.

The important part for John Wayne was knowing himself and what he was that day. The grave marker’s words were good for me too.

I personalize it this way…

“Tomorrow is the most important thing in ‘my’ life,
Comes into ‘my’ midnight very clean.
It’s perfect when it arrives and it puts itself in ‘my’ hands.
It hopes I’ve learned something from yesterday.”

Then someone asks… “Who will you be with Tomorrow?”

My reply is “I want to be “me” that is doing the best possible with whatever I am required to do that day.”

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~

Resources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Wayne

“Wouldn’t it be nice”…

As I was ‘surfing’ the radio stations on my van’s radio I hit on the following words wafting from my speakers… “Wouldn’t it be nice”… ‘The Beach Boys’ one of my favorites… Oh the memories….

Here I am, 64 years old, bopping to the music again… nodding in a cool way…outside a ‘Shoppers Drug Mart’ while my 87 year old mother goes into get her weekly supply of pills… cool dude in the 1996 Nissan van…just boppin…

Lyrics for you to hum along to…

Wouldn’t it be nice if we were older

Then we wouldn’t have to wait so long

And wouldn’t it be nice to live together

In the kind of world where we belong

You know its gonna make it that much better

When we can say goodnight and stay together

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could wake up

In the morning when the day is new

And after having spent the day together

Hold each other close the whole night through

Happy times together we’ve been spending

I wish that every kiss was never ending

Wouldn’t it be nice

Maybe if we think and wish and hope and pray it might come true

Baby then there wouldn’t be a single thing we couldn’t do

We could be married

And then wed be happy

Wouldn’t it be nice

You know it seems the more we talk about it

It only makes it worse to live without it

But lets talk about it

Wouldn’t it be nice

The Beach Boys – Brian, Dennis, & Carl Wilson – three brothers along with their cousin Mike Love and close friend Alan Jardine – one of my favourite groups to unlock a world out there… for a 17 year old in my first car with a radio….in 1961. I am not sure why “Surfin USA”, their first song, made a difference to me at 17 – situated in Saskatchewan about One Thousand Five Hundred Miles from the nearest ocean with no idea what Salt Water was all about? But it did.

In recent times I read the more detailed accounts of the Wilson brothers.

Carl died of lung cancer in 1998.

Dennis, the only surfer of The Beach Boys, died by diving one too many times into the water beneath where his boat was anchored – while he tried to retrieve the things he had thrown over and out of the boat over the years. That’s right he dived in and swam to the bottom beside the warf, over and over again, until one time he just didn’t come back up.

Of Brian I read the following…

In the late 60's, Mr. Wilson stripped down his ambitions, composing sweet little songs about puttering around his house, going out to watch sprinklers in the park or staying up late and listening to the radio. But as Mr. Wilson approached 30, his demons overtook him. Often obese, strung out and clearly miserable with life and himself, the Wilson of the 70's and 80's stood in terrifying contrast to the joyous music he had once created. "I'm a cork on the ocean, floating over a raging sea," he mourned in "Til I Die." "I lost my way." (NY Times..)

Reports of Brian’s sinking lower into mental health problems are there. These words describe one reflection of that time states…

Brian Wilson was hailed as a musical genius in the 1960s but became the classic ‘mad genius’ less than a decade later. Even in the USA, where therapy was a way of life, Wilson went beyond the pale – becoming an embarrassment to his fellow Beach Boys. He gradually slipped into a spiritual abyss but, with support, slowly climbed back up into the sunshine. In his autobiography, he described his entry into ‘the dark night of the soul’. Finding himself on a deserted beach, feeling suicidal, he wrestled with the inconsistencies of his life. How could he write beautiful music that enchanted millions, but still suffer confusion and inner torment?

“Feeling shipwrecked on an existential island, I lost myself in the blanket of darkness that stretched beyond the breaking waves to the other side of the Earth. The ocean so vast, the universe so large, and suddenly I saw myself in proportion to that, a little pebble of sand, a jellyfish floating on top of the water, traveling with the current. I felt dwarfed, temporary.” (Clan-Unity…)

WOW!
The realization is slow coming… these old ‘Beach Boys’ are pretty much like their audience that has grown up and out with them. I am surrounded by old Boomers that are boppin outside of Shoppers Drug Marts across the land while either they or their parents get their life sustaining pills for that week.

Oh boy….

But the good news is for The Beach Boy – Brian Wilson – was able to climb out from where he had sunk…and gain a whole new confidence on stage.

I think Brian is my newest hero. Brian should be hailed as one of the “Great Boomers” – and should be bopped to where ever we can.

Brain found his way from darkness – to a new road. Nor sure if that is the same kind of spirituality that I personally know…but it is victory for him. Hey Brian I am impressed.

Today I reflect on some interesting aspects of my aging process. It is kind of a “Life Stock Taking” day.

The one thing that I have found of the Stock on the shelves in my Life – God has been working deeply cleaning up the mess that was there. He is helping me to count the days better and make some good decisions – at least a whole better decisions than the Beach Boys and I did so many years ago.

Happily in this nostalgic moment…
~ Pastor Murray Lincoln !

Sufin USA
If everybody had an ocean

Across the u.s.a.

Then everybodyd be surfin

Like californi-a

Youd seem em wearing their baggies

Huarachi sandals too

A bushy bushy blonde hairdo

Surfin u.s.a.

Youd catch em surfin at del mar

Ventura county line

Santa cruz and trestle

Australias narabine

All over manhattan

And down doheny way

Everybodys gone surfin

Surfin u.s.a.

Well all be planning that route

Were gonna take real soon

Were waxing down our surfboards

We cant wait for june

Well all be gone for the summer

Were on surfari to stay

Tell the teacher were surfin

Surfin u.s.a.

Haggerties and swamies

Pacific palisades

San anofree and sunset

Redondo beach l.a.

All over la jolla

At waimia bay

Everybodys gone surfin

Surfin u.s.a.

Everybodys gone surfin

Surfin u.s.a.

Everybodys gone surfin

Surfin u.s.a.

http://www.brianwilson.com/brian/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Wilson
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennis_Wilson
http://www.bbc.co.uk/liverpool/music/2004/03/brianwilson/index.shtml
http://www.nytimes.com/2001/03/25/arts/25CARL.html?ex=1206504000&en=74719ac5e8583f14&ei=5070
http://www.clan-unity.co.uk/spirituality_and_mental_health.htm
http://www.lyricsfreak.com/b/beach+boys/wouldnt+it+be+nice_20013925.html

From Here To Timbuktu

‘Googling’ the phrase “from here to Timbuktu” to find the origins of this antiquated thought brings some fascinating responses. It seems a whole lot of people interested in this phrase. But in our conversations of 2008 – it is hardly ever used. But then…every once in a while it jumps into the limelight again.

A quote from an article about a sale of a bank said….
According to Annabel Hepworth, writing in The Australian Financial Review, (12/9/2007), p. 15 major energy retailers, private sector generators and investment banks would be the big winners if the Iemma government adopts the Owen report’s recommendations. “Sales of this kind will have investment bankers lining up for mandates from here to Timbuktu,” is how one industry player puts it. ABN Amro utility analyst Jason Mabee said he would expect “there would be quite aggressive bids coming out” for the various state-owned assets on the blocks.

No look again. This authour is writing about this in Australia.

The idea if Timbuktu has laid dormant in my brain until I read the name on a map of Africa – situated in Mali. But then it isn’t not only known as “Timbuktu” but also “Tombuctou”.

Some simple ‘Googling’ produced the following…

From Jody Victor…
Even the well-known children's author, Dr. Seus, knew and wrote about Timbuktu - an exotic, distant land full of mystery and riches.

Timbuktu was established by the nomadic Tuareg as early as the 10th century. According to popular etymology its name is made up of : tin which means "place" and buktu, the name of an old Malian woman known for her honesty and who once upon a time lived in the region. Tuareg and other travelers would entrust this woman with any belongings for which they had no use on their return trip to the north. Thus, when a Tuareg, upon returning to his home, was asked where he had left his belongings, he would answer: "I left them at Tin Buktu," meaning the place where dame Buktu lived. The two terms ended up fusing into one word, this giving the city the name of Tinbuktu which later became Timbuktu. However, the French orientalist Rene Basset forwarded a more plausible translation: in the Berber languages "buqt" means "far away," so "Tin-Buqt(u)" means a place almost at the other end of the world, resp. the Sahara.

From the Timbuktu Foundation…
Timbuktu was founded by the Tuareg Imashagan in the 11th century. During the rainy season, the Tuaregs roam the desert up to Arawan in search of grazing lands for their animals. During the dry season, however, they returned to the Niger river where the animals grazed on a grass called "burgu." Whenever they camped by river they got sick from mosquitoes and stagnant water. Because of these unfavorable conditions, they decided to settle few miles away from the river where they dug a well. Whenever it started raining in the desert, the Turareg will leave their heavy goods with an old Tuareg women called Tin Abutut who stayed at the well. In the Tuareg language, Tin Abutut means "the lady with the big naval". With the passage time, the name Tin Abutut became Timbuktu.

From Islamonline….
In its heyday in the 15th and 16th centuries, Timbuktu had 100,000 inhabitants, almost a quarter of whom were Islamic scholars who had traveled from Egypt and Makkah to study at the great University of Sankore. How many Muslims know this? Timbuktu lay at the crossroads of trading routes linking North and West Africa with the Arab world and beyond. It was a trading center for gold and for salt. In fact, Timbuktu was so fabulously wealthy that when Emperor Mansa Musa traveled to Cairo in the 14th century on his way to perform Hajj, he is said to have given away so much gold as gifts that the local currency market crashed. It was he who brought architects from Al-Andalus in Spain to build the city's great mosque and also the mosque of Sankore, around which the university grew.

Now if you have continued to read this far consider my strange thought here…
I first heard this spoken in the ‘Kirkpatrick Clan’ in southern Saskatchewan in my very early days – probably at 5 or 6 years of age. When emphasizing something that was almost unattainable or lost… it could be inserted in a statement… for example…

“I have no idea where it is…it could be somewhere between here and Timbuktu..”

“I don’t have any idea where he is…he could be from here to Timbuktu”

I never thought anything of the saying while growing up. I just knew that the speaker was placing great emphasis on the fact the ‘thing’ or ‘person’ was either very lost of had gone a long way from where we were.

I never realized that while hearing this phrase I was standing in the middle of the prairie of Saskatchewan – I was just about one million miles from no where. In the late 1940s and early 1950s Truax, Saskatchewan was most of the world’s Timbuktu. But for me it was the center of the Universe.

And as the one popular etymology of the word suggests – Timbuktu came from “Tin Abutut” having the meaning ‘woman with a deep naval’. In Saskatchewan that certainly didn’t make sense and was never clearly defined to a little boy in 1949 or 1950.

My Aunt Marg and/or Aunt Peg had used that often. They were two of my teachers on the farm at that early stage.

So where do I go with this?
It seems that I still have the same dilemma today – all over again. However it is not with the name “Timbuktu” the city in Africa and with its new meaning and strangely twisted meanings of my boyhood days.

It is another name or word – “Easter”.
“Easter” in 2008 is about another holiday from work, with tons of candy and chocolate. Add to that the popular conception that an Easter Bunny comes to hide coloured eggs for little kids to find…each egg is a prize of sorts – either made from chocolate or is an actual egg coloured with a dye and then painted.

“Easter” has become one of our high points of the ultimate retail time of the year. After Christmas it is one of the highest selling times. A friend of mine told me that their store sells more candy and chocolate at Easter than at Valentines Day.

A short survey of friends of mine discovered that we all invested something in chocolate and gifts of some sort for our grandkids. Between $20 to $50 from each set of grandparents is not a bad sale for any Wal-Mart.

It was reported that one lady in the checkout had her cart full – with almost $300 worth of candy. Shish – that is certainly a lot of grandkids to sweeten up!

The 2008 meaning of ‘Easter’ for the world today is as far away from the meaning and reason of EASTER when it began. It is about as far as “from here to Timbuktu”.

Without preaching a long sermon here…let me remind you that Easter is about Jesus, with his death and resurrection from the grave that he was placed in being emphasized. It is not just a ‘popular Christian idea’ – it is THE CHRISTIAN IDEA. If you are CHRISTIAN you have accepted this core thought and live by it.

Sadly enough ‘popular etymology’ of Easter has devolved to having a Rabbit laying coloured Easter eggs for kids to find. Could it get anything further form the real truth? Sure could…in the next few years the Easter Bunny may well be riding in a wagon drawn by eight small turtles and making deliveries world wide for the full “CCD Week”. With CCD Week meaning the “Candy Celebration Days” this will be done to help Wal-Mart…. because they can’t get enough candy distributed in the one day weekend.

My guess is so far out that I would bet…. that the Canadian Government will be the first in world to outlaw anything Christian at Easter for fear of offending those that are not Christian.

Then there likely be Easter Bunny with many different styles of clothing matching the many cultures of our fine country.

Then someone will stand up and shout….“Whoa…! Now that is going to far – an Arabic Terrorist Outfit (ATO)on OUR Easter Bunny…that is going just too far! What is this world coming to?”

Let it be known… Murray Lincoln’s idea of the ‘Easter of Christianity’ and the popular Easter of 2008 is as far apart as “from here to Timbuktu”…or Saskatchewan is from Hong Kong…or from Ontario…or from Nova Scotia..or….

Happy Easter today! May you remember and/or actually discover the real meaning of Easter – Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour!

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~

http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1177156131894&pagename=Zone-English-ArtCulture%2FACELayout

http://jody-victor.blogcreek.com/blog/_archives/2008/2/25/3544944.html

http://www.timbuktufoundation.org/history.html

ACRES OF DIAMONDS and FIELDS OF GOLD

These words were penned in about 1915… and often give in a lecture by Russell Herman Conwell entitled “Acres of Diamonds”. Conwell lived from 1843 – 1925.

“I told him of a man out in California in 1847 who owned a ranch. He heard they had discovered gold in southern California, and so with a passion for gold he sold his ranch to Colonel Sutter, and away he went, never to come back. Colonel Sutter put a mill upon a stream that ran through that ranch, and one day his little girl brought some wet sand from the raceway into their home and sifted it through her fingers before the fire, and in that falling sand a visitor saw the first shining scales of real gold that were ever discovered in California. The man who had owned that ranch wanted gold, and he could have secured itfor the mere taking. Indeed, thirty-eight millions of dollars has been taken out of a very few acres since then. About eight years ago I delivered this lecture in a city that stands on that farm, and they told me that a one-third owner for years and years had been getting one hundred and twenty dollars in gold every fifteen minutes,sleeping or waking, without taxation. You and I would enjoy an income like that--if we didn't have to pay an income tax.” ~ quote from lecture 'Acres of Diamonds' by Russell Herman Conwell

Now when you consider that today ‘Gold’ is hovering around the $1000 USD for an ounce – it gives a whole new slant to the story. The “one hundred and twenty dollars in gold every fifteen minutes,” needs an adjustment – maybe to a “few millions of dollars” every fifteen minutes.

The entire account of the “Acres of Diamonds” lectures pointed to the fact that the folk that lived and toiled in ordinary places were actually sitting on great treasures. One account in his lectures told of man in the Far East that had a farm that was hard to work. He had given up one day and sold the farm rather cheaply. Then many years later after searching for Diamonds in far away lands – he died tragically. Meanwhile the man that bought his farm found the world’s largest diamonds in the top soil of the farm’s fields.

The first man was unhappy and dropped the ball – and ran. The very land that he had toiled for so long was loaded with riches – and he missed it entirely. The second man benefited from the first fellows incapability to see the diamonds.

It was reported that Conwell gave this lecture more than 6000 times while endeavouring to raise money for Temple University in Philadelphia. Temple University was set about to help the ‘diamonds’ in their communities that could not afford the cost of schooling.

The moral/teaching of his story is powerful – even for today. Many of us miss ‘treasure’ is right under our nose – by desiring so much for something better in far away places. We are situated right in the middle of ‘Acres of Diamonds’…or ‘Fields of Gold’.

This is Good Friday today – 2008. We will join with other Christians to Celebrate a central factor of our faith. We remember the death of Jesus over 2000 years ago. His death at the hands of a cruel society, was brought about by the Romans and Jews of his day. It was accomplished by the Crucifixion, a horrible death.

Today we will take part – but will we really know what we have within our grasp? The experience for ‘mankind’ today is Salvation – free and full…but many will be looking for something more…somewhere else. The treasure is here and now… God offers you the possibility of all our sins to be forgiven and taken away. What a story application that is.

Now to your own world…
What are you living in or on today? What is hidden just below the surface in your life? What treasures could you find by simply looking closer? Will you run or make ready?

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~

ACRES OF DIAMONDS – back ground and lecture
http://infomotions.com/etexts/gutenberg/dirs/etext95/acrdi10.htm

Russell Conwell's Story...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Conwell

Check out also...
http://www.innovationtools.com/Articles/SuccessDetails.asp?a=88

Natural Highs

People that I work with/minister to… try just about anything to find relief from the treadmill life they live in. So do I at times. Sometimes it is just too much and I would like to get out and off! With a mighty roar – I push away life that swallows me and say “That is enough! I have had it!!”

Have you ever experienced that deep anguish in the soul that says – “No more thank you very much.”?

I was in one of those ‘moments’ when not much was going the way it was planned. I opened my email and there was a note from my sister-in-law, Heather. She had posted to my FaceBook a list that was just right for that moment. I present it below for your consideration.

To make it more meaningful, I decided to select from the list of 45 – the ‘Top Ten’ for my life. Then of that list I attempted to whittle it down to three. It took some doing to get it there. Why not give it a try?

1. Falling in love.
2. Laughing so hard your face hurts.
3. A hot shower.
4. No lines at the supermarket.
5. A special glance.
6. Getting mail.
7. Taking a drive on a pretty road.
8. Hearing your favorite song on the radio.
9. Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.
10. Hot towels fresh out of the dryer.
11. Chocolate milkshake (vanilla or strawberry).
12. A bubble bath.
13. Giggling.
14. A good conversation.
15. The beach
16. Finding a $20 dollar bill in your coat from last winter.
17. Laughing at yourself.
18. Looking into their eyes and knowing they Love you.
19. Midnight phone calls from a friend that last for hours.
20. Running through sprinklers.
21. Laughing for absolutely no reason at all.
22. Having someone tell you that you're beautiful.
23. Laughing at an inside joke with FRIENDS
24. Soft clean sheets on your bed.
25. Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you.
26. Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.
27. Your first kiss or the very first ‘anything’ with your partner – and the memories.
28. Making new friends or spending time with old ones.
29. Playing with a new puppy or kitten.
30. Having someone play with your hair.
31. Sweet dreams.
32. Hot chocolate.
33. Road trips with friends.
34. Swinging on swings.
35. Making eye contact with a cute stranger.
36. Making chocolate chip cookies.
37. Having your friends send you homemade cookies.
38. Holding hands with someone you care about.
39. Running into an old friend and realizing that some things (good or bad) never change.
40. Watching the expression on someone's face as they open a much desired present from you.
41. Watching the sunrise.
42. Getting out of bed every morning and being grateful for another beautiful day.
43. Knowing that somebody misses you.
44. Getting a hug from someone you care about deeply.
45. Knowing you've done the right thing, no matter what other people think

Now as you think of the above list, and the possible whittled down list for today…what would you have to do to experience a ‘Natural High’?

The delightful thing is that ‘Top Three’ for me today – may vary from the list for tomorrow. It is wonderful at the end of the day to sit and savor the ones that happened that day.

I sat with a man that is younger than me and listened. As he shared he told me of a friend he has that is caught into cycles of self abuse with alcohol and drugs. His friend is killing himself one small piece at a time. Already there is evidence of memory loss in his young friend.

Another man that I have tried to help over the past years is now suffering deeply. His memory issues are now classified as ‘alcohol related dementia’. He is 57 and cannot remember whole sections of life now. It is the saddest thing that anyone can watch – a man that has lost all the valuable memories, a wife, his kids, and his beautiful grandkids. He is still bright and smiles a lot. But he can remember little. Oh – and yes he still drinks to sooth the feelings he has and get back his high.

Am I down on alcohol? Well it isn’t my favorite ‘high’ when I see what it has done to so many of my friends. Let’s just say that anyone of the 45 things on the above list will never cause me memory loss. Most of them hardly cost a cent – except the chocolate and a drive in the country… And the best part is that the government has yet figured out a way to TAX any of them.

I encourage you today to look over the list – then sit and sort through it. Decide which one you will try today. Go for it!

On this special weekend, I pray that all of the Christian folk that read with us – will find their sense of gratitude as they consider their ‘greatest natural high’ – the love of God that gave them Jesus.

May God richly bless you this Easter Season.

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~

Note: The list if From Heather Lincoln… FaceBook March 18, 2008

The Honour Guard

The long aisle was lined with men and women standing together on both sides. There was a joy mixed with sorrow as we stood side by side for our friend. Then slowly our friend’s family walked between us all following his casket.

I was not able to count the number standing in the ‘honour guard’ – but there could have been well over 60 people. We covered all ages as well – from people in their early fifties to people in their late seventies – though I am not sure of the ages of all that stood in the honour guard. All of us had been touched deeply by this giant of a man. All of us were able to count him as one of the most effective teachers we had encountered in our years of study.

The setting was the Memorial Service yesterday for Rev. Dr. Charles Arthur Ratz. “Doc Ratz”, as many knew him, had been one of the most influential profs at the theological college that we had all studied at – Eastern Pentecostal Bible College – in Peterborough, Ontario. By his unusual example, directness, compassion and dynamic ability he had imparted an importance to what we had studied under his care.

Last November 10th, 2007 Dr. Ratz celebrated his 100th birthday with many friends at his home in Shepherd Village. What a great day that was.

It was a very long memorial service but if seemed to fly by. For one hour and 45 minutes we listened intently as the great leaders of our time stood to honour this man who has touched so many lives over so many years. As his son Cal stated in the service, “This is a long memorial service I know, but what can you do when a man has lived so long and done so much?” Cal was so right on with that comment! None of us realized the amount of time that had passed as we listened to the great words spoken.

Dr. Ratz began his life journey in Chesley Ontario on November 10th, 1907. Since he weighed over 13 pounds, he was injured during his birth and not expected to live through the night. Charles was the first born. That night his mother cried out to God to spare her son. God did just that for the next 100 years, four months and four days.

All the years I had known Dr. Ratz I accepted his disability of his limp affecting his walk and his one shrivelled arm. I had not known until yesterday why he was like he was. But all those years he never was bothered by his ‘disability’ – he was simply the same as everyone else.
I think that his own attitude towards his own ‘disability’ covered by his brilliance and ability was the reason that he could see in everyone of his students – the “POSSIBILITY”.

In 1932 he had graduated from his first Theological School that he attended in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It was following that time that he went to Battersea, Ontario to begin his first Pastorate. He was married that first year to Iva Goff.

In that first Pastorate he met a boy of ten years old and encouraged him. That boy’s name was Carman Lynn, who is now Rev. Carman Lynn, an 85 year old man, that spoke as the final person at the memorial service. Rev. Carman Lynn himself has over the years reached out to a waiting world in almost every country around our globe. As a loved and highly respected leader around the world Carman Lynn’s life has touched countless people in far away lands with health, life and new opportunity.

That one small snap shot for me was all important. He we were standing in an honour guard of people that one man had touched by his own life in so many ways over so many years. It was over powering as I looked at the people that I stood with. Each person beside me had been blessed and gone on to do “thousands of things” in their life time and had been affective in assisting the transformation of many times that many more lives over these many years.

We are an army that has touched and transformed a world that was broken. The thought was over powering for me – I wept with others through tears of joy.

Standing across from me was a beautiful lady that had been the pastor’s wife in our church when I was a boy of 10 years old. She was radiant then – and even more radiant now. That was about 54 years ago. Over the years she and her husband have been amazing to watch and follow. For those that know them, they are Rev. Gordon and Aileen Upton. (And by the way they are still serving churches across Ontario as pastors. At the present time, Rev. Upton drives to Burlington, Ontario from Kennedy and Shepperd Ave, in Toronto to give leadership to a church in ‘transition’ and looking for a new pastor.)

That is the kind of ‘students’ that Dr. Ratz produced over all those years. But the Uptons and the Lincolns are only two couples of literally thousands of people like us that have helped to change their world.

It all happened because of a deep and abiding love of one man for his students. Rev. Dr. Charles Ratz touched us all.

My heart is full this morning as I think, “Oh God may my life count even a small amount in comparison to my teacher… then I will be satisfied.”

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~

Rev. Arthur Wilkin with Dr. Charles Ratz

Eleanor and Keith Morrison with her dad - Dr. Charles Ratz - Oct, 23, 2007

After many years - still my teacher!

Message From Bruce Brown – Armstrong BC

The following account was shared with myself and some fellow pastors by Pastor Bruce Brown from Armstrong. B.C. This just happened in the last few weeks...and last Sunday...

God is still doing some interesting things around people. Need a Miracle...why not ask for one?
~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~

Hi All

I think I shared with you about my latest God-setup.

I’ll recap a little. I was called to the hospital 3 weeks ago by a family whose Mom was dying. I only knew Joyce because she is one of the Citizens on Patrol who holds the Radar Gun. They were set up on the church parking lot one day – our church is in a School Zone. I went out to meet them, took them coffee etc and briefly met Joyce and her husband. I saw them on occasion at various Community events over the past 6 years.

Anyway, Joyce contracted a viral infection that caused all of her internal organs to shut down… thus when I got the call the Dr’s had given her a matter of hours to live, they were told to get their affairs in order and given I was the only Pastor whom they knew, because of our mutual community involvement, I got the call to come plan a funeral. Joyce was lucid during our visit so I pushed the issue about salvation with her and she accepted the Lord then and there – with that taken care of we proceeded to plan her funeral.

That was Saturday… I saw her again on Sunday and thought it won’t be long now. I prayed for Jesus to have His way with her. She didn’t die but started to recover…she developed really bad sores on her mouth both inside and out thus preventing her from eating, to me it looked like skin cancer – black and ugly. The Dr’s did not have a clue what this was or how to treat it. So, I just prayed that Jesus would do something with the sores…

I saw her March 2nd, she has recovered so much that she was out of ICU and on the 3rd floor with everyone else. The sores on her mouth had receded, but on Sunday March 2nd– like 5 days ago, I visited her – she still had a huge sore that went from the centre of her nose to half way of her cheek. It looked gross, so before leaving her I prayed “Jesus would you cause this sore to fall off tonight” I left, and headed for the Coast on Monday morning.

Joyce knew that I would not be home until yesterday and the earliest she could reach me was today… I just got off the phone with her, she is home…but she said, On Sunday night, when her nurse came to do vitals, her nurse kept saying, oh Joyce, oh Joyce…which startled Joyce as to what was wrong now… the big black sore was gone, they got a flashlight and a mirror for Joyce to see her “CLEAN” face and attempted to look for the thing, found it on the edge of her pillow, it had fallen off sometime between midnight and 4 am.

Before I left Joyce I told her about when I was kid I had heard about someone who had skin cancer on their face, they went for prayer and when they woke up the next morning the cancer was on their pillow - Joyce said, “Oh that would be so nice” and that is exactly what God did in the early morning hours of March 3, 2008. Joyce of course wasted no time to tell this nurse why and how the thing had fallen off.

Anyway Joyce is home, and telling me that her and her husband hopes to be in Church on Sunday, given she had her gall bladder removed on Tuesday March 4. I told her I think she needs to give herself some time to recover from the operation, but she is so anxious to get to church that she is willing to come weak …but get this Joyce (dropped into GT once for a short time, the music was too loud for her so she left early and vowed she’d never come back again) and her husband have not been to Glad Tidings together before…if they come this Sunday or next Sunday it will be their first time in church together.

I just said to her, “But Joyce you don’t like our music”. She said – “If God can do this miracle in my body, He can make me like your music, see you on Sunday.”

Wow eh?

Bruce Brown
Having a day in Armstrong!

PS from Pastor BB…from last Sunday…March 16, 2008

For those who have been wondering. Joyce and her husband came to church today! Actually we had a full house today which was nice to say the least.

Anyway, about Joyce... she most willingly shared her story about the miracle of God in her life. When I looked at her this morning I literally looked into the face of a miracle... I had not seen her as up close as I did today, that big sore that fell off her upper lip did not even leave a scar. I did not know this particular detail until Joyce told the church about it today... when they called me that Saturday now four weeks ago, I had been told that she was given hours to live, I did not know how many hours, but Joyce told us today that she had been given "four" hours to live, but here she stood today in church giving praise to God that His timing certainly is not subject to our timing. Joyce stood before us today a testimony to the awesome power of God - a miracle!

But it has not stopped there... if some of you recall I mentioned that I have a board member in the hospital with pancreas problems he is a diabetic, but he contracted a virus that has caused his pancreas to become like ground beef. Hooked up to lots of tubes, when I was with him yesterday was quite sight. Morphine was not even dulling the pain, he was bleeding inside...we prayed for him at church today, by 2 pm the call came that he was being taken off all the stuff that he was hooked up to, something took place in his body between 8 this morning and noon today, the pain left and he is doing well.

Jesus is up to something over here and it is good good good.

BB

What a Young Lady Taught Me

Have you ever lost your wallet or purse? You have? Do you remember the sinking feeling when you realize that it is gone with all of the money inside? Panic sets in as you think of the fact that you will not have the money to buy what you had planned to buy that day. And if the amount was big enough – it will truly hurt.

That happened to a very young friend of mine the other day. As I heard of her reaction I was blown away at the maturity she has shown through the episode.

In order for me to understand the situation completely I have to load my wallet with about one week’s salary – or even more.

Emma is 9 years old. Like any other young girl she is care free and yet very serious. She takes things to heart and dwells on things said for a long time – even to the point of getting hurt herself. When her brother says or does something it can crush her budding feelings. Tears are only a few moments away if it really hurts. After all 9 year old girls are just months away from being teenagers if you don’t know it already.

Last Friday Emma enjoyed the day with her friend’s family. Emma and Jaden headed off to the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto. Together the two 9 year olds together, having an outing that was just plain fun. Giggles and talk, Webkinz and stories; all of it made for a great day in together.

When they arrived at the Ontario Science Centre, the first thing Emma did was to buy a necklace and one other small item at the souvenir shop. She took out her small, pink change purse with her money in it. After paying for the treasures she had chosen, she left the purse behind on the counter.

Emma doesn’t usually carry money, mom and dad do that for her. Emma usually doesn’t have money – with no source of income – mom and dad are her complete source. Decisions to buy something for her first 8 years – have been relatively simple. She asks and if they have the money or think the requests is reasonable – it gets bought.

Friday was different. She was a big girl now and responsibility for her purse rested on her shoulders for the almost $20 inside.

It was a little later that her new adult responsibility kicked in and she realized that in the busy shopping spree and the crowd of people around her – she didn’t have her purse and the money. It was gone.

Quickly she returned to the souvenir shop to look for her purse. There it was on the counter. I can only imagine her feelings of relief at that point. She picked it up and counted – her fifteen Loonies(Canadian dollars) were in her small pink purse. What a relief I felt as the story was told to me.

But there was more.

As they traveled through the exhibits and the maze of the Science Centre there was much excitement. There were also many people – everywhere. A while later, Emma came to a shocking discovery – the small change purse was gone again. Somewhere long the line it had slipped away. Either it was dropped or it was laid down while looking at something.

Now can you feel the sinking feeling that a 9 year old would have at that point? She was given adult responsibility to not lose the purse and money. It was money to be used for the rest of the day. It was money that – if there was any left – she could likely keep it. It was very important.

I held my breath as the story continued.

Emma went on to say that a thought came to her mind to check the lost and found of the Science Centre. Jaden and her mom accompanied Emma. Sure enough – there it was. Someone had turned in her small pink purse. Her heart leaped with joy.

Opening it up she found that all 15 Loonies were gone. Her heart sunk. Her day’s treasure was gone – someone had stolen her money.

In her story at that point she exclaimed, “I prayed that God would help me find my purse…but I didn’t pray that He would have the money still there…”

As Emma related the story two days later she added one more deep thought to her account. She stated with the resilience of an adult woman, “Oh well, I guess the person that took the money needed it more that I did.”

It was then that I wanted to go to the nearest bank machine and withdraw $20 or more and fill her small change purse with a new bill. After all that is what Grandpas do isn’t it.

But I didn’t do it – yet. Rather I have been thinking of the power that resides in this little lady. She is growing to maturity very quickly in so many areas. I have just witnessed – resolve and faith mixed with compassion. What a powerful starting point for life ahead of you – especially when you are just 9 years old.

Reflection…
There are days when I feel like my ‘small change purse’ is gone too. Either I have lost it or have come to the realization that there isn’t enough to make it through the next weeks. The simple fact is that I have run out of money before I ran out of days in the week, or weeks in the month. It is like someone stole what I have. Ahead – retirement is a nightmare – the future is shaky as I pause too long on the nothingness in my ‘small change purse’.

Then in my shaken world Emma appears and tells Grandpa her story of a simple growing faith – where she prays and asks God for help. Then when the worst happens – the money is gone – she finds relief in feeling for the other person that has taken the money…“Oh well, I guess the person that took the money needed it more that I did.”

I am just a tiny bit ashamed today when I have failed to capture the thought that God had been trying to teach me. Then in his providence he gave me Emma.

There is LOTS to think about today. Oh boy…

Matthew 18:2-4 (New International Version of the Bible)
He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~

Lots to think about for sure

Last evening was hard for me and “Ashlei”. Together we stood beside her grandpa’s bed as he slowly slipped away in the ICU room at our hospital. “Bob”, her grandpa, was only 67 years old – turning 68 next week.

Ashlei is 12 years old. She is bright and tender. She is struggling with the fact that her grandpa is leaving her and his 12 other grandkids. Her red eyes and wet cheeks told the story as I say with her.

I serve each month as an “On Call Chaplain” at the hospital. Last evening the telephone rang at 8:45 PM to go see Bob and his family.

I had prayed with her family and her grandpa. Then I sat with her and her grandma. These were tender moments – that are God timed.

I said it was hard for me also. There is a 3 year difference in our ages – Bob and me. Bob loved to fish – so do I. Bob was a writer and very creative in all that he did. Oh boy that is close to home.

I shared with the family last evening that this was very close to home for me – because there are too many similarities – far too many.

In a way it was like attending your own death – only you walk away – this time.

Sobering thoughts invade you at times like this. It helps you to focus again on today. What really is important NOW? What could be left undone and alone in favour of better things?

Lots to think about for sure.

I told Ashlei that I would pray for her everyday this week – every time I thought of her.

I am asking you to do the same for Ashlei and for Bob’s family. They need some love today and each other.

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~

On the Lighter Side of Grandparenting

On the lighter side of grand-parenting there is so much to learn. There are giggles and full belly laughter. There are interventions in small wars where ‘age related hurt’ is controlling the atmosphere. The fact that you move from a “UN negotiator” to a story teller in two short minutes is nothing. Tense moments to delightful laughter in a few short minutes…is the world of grandsons.

Today we complete one week of School Break holidays with four grandsons. It has been so much fun. But “Yes – we need a break.” – You guessed correctly.

Let me share some delightful moments with you.

Tim Horton’s Coffee Shop…
It was one day last week that it made prefect sense to take a break. Tim Horton’s coffee shop was near by and we needed a break. So off we went to look for a box of ‘Tim Bits’ – a small, round, sweet treat with a drink… and grandpa with a coffee. The box of 40 Tim Bits disappeared quickly.

Thomas, the number 2 grandson, looked up and steadily around the small coffee shop. He grinned at me and stated clearly for many to hear… “Grandpa, there is only ‘old people’ in this place! Wow!”

You would think we had entered a Museum or something – a place where great dinosaur bones are mounted for all to see.

“You’re right Thomas…nothing but ‘old’ people.” I wanted to say that this is where ‘old people’ retreat from noise and hustle when the grandkids are staying for School Break…but I didn’t. We did get some funny looks from some ‘old people’ sitting at the different tables.

Around Our Table…
The Evening meal was the most fun each night. There were about 12 each night for dinner. The room was noisy and full of fun. The air over the table was filled with recycled riddles and story after story. Giggles and laughter – the ‘GL Factor’ filled our minds with memories of School Break 2008.

Each grandson was given the same seat each night. At the far end of the table near the corner sat Great Grandma Lincoln – 87 years young. Beside her, on her right, was her first Great Grandson, Clifford – now turning 13 years old. His voice is changing and he is animated with his story telling. He is quick and sharp. When the jousting verbally ramps up he gets louder and louder. On one outburst he was fully engaged to win a place for his story.

Great Grandma Lincoln turned to Clifford and asked a simple question, “Did you come with a ‘volume control’ or something?” To which we all erupted in laughter. Clifford grinned from ear to ear. Great Grandma has new hearing aids and they caught it all.

Last evening…
Sitting around the dinning room table again…laughter, giggles and the ‘GL Factor’ was there again.

Michael, number 3 grandson, was getting out of line. He is full of energy and also known as the instigator/agitator at times. His older brother, Jonathan – number 1 grandson, gave him a dire warning….

“Michael, you’d better be good. If something happens to me…you will have to look after Grandpa and Grandma Lincoln, Dad and Mom, Uncle Bruce and Aunt Dana, and Great Grandma Lincoln if she is still alive…”

His pronounced warning was to get Michael in shape. As the oldest he knows his responsibility load already – and was going to pass it on to his brother as a threat.

Someone realized what he had profoundly stated. They asked, “What about Great Grandma Barnes?” He quickly stated, “Oh she will be dead by then.”

Great Grandma Lincoln almost rolled off her seat with laughter. I am not sure if the thought that grabbed her the most was… ‘Jonathan had thought of her as much younger than Great Grandma Barnes’, or that ‘Great Grandma Lincoln was now a fixture in the family – and she would not likely die at all’.

Great Grandma Barnes, their other Great Grandma in his life, is now in her 101st year and still going strong. The boys have always known her as the ‘fixture of the family’. But Jonathan has come to grips with the fact that she will go soon…or someday….or…

So what is the point today?

‘Grandparenting’ will keep you young – for a long, long time. It is good to be with the kids – but not try to keep up with the kids. Keeping up will kill you – dead.
This week the love that I experienced at each of their births was brought back again. What an amazing bunch.

Well I have to run again…two more litres of milk are ready to be poured, eight or ten eggs need to be cooked and we are on the run again.

One simple thought…God loves Grandparents…and gives them rest.

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~

Invitation to Get Involved – March 13, 2008

Prisons in Canada are changing. The changes are at times almost overwhelming.

Public attitudes toward crime is changing also. There is a growing idea that to deal with these bad people – you need only to lock them up in prison and everything will be okay. If they are really bad people, in our eyes and the eyes of the media – LOCK THEM UP LONGER…but Lock Up Everyone.

Politicians that have a strong say in what takes place during their time in office – but may not always understand. What they are primarily interested in is the public’s attitude and reaction. If they weren’t – they would not be good at what they do as politicians (but that is another discussion).

Questions for you…
Have you ever wished that someone would listen to your opinion?
Have you been bothered by something that is happening in an area of the community that seems to be impossible – or everything is all ‘not right’…or the way that you think it should be.

That is kind of the way that I felt a few years ago when someone told me what was happening in our community. The issue was how one man was being dealt with when he came out of prison.

That was the main reason, I think, that drew me into working more closely with the actual men that faced the new life on the outside of prison.

Unlike other posts on this Blog, that many just read and move on – this one is designed differently. Let me explain. I need your input.

In one of the community volunteer positions that I help in is the CAC of the Peterborough Parole Office. CAC stands for “Citizen Advisory Committee” and works closely with the CSC – “Correctional Service of Canada” – the Federal Prison System. I am the ‘Chair” for our CAC.

Today I invite you to read two documents posted on the Internet by CSC. Then after reading them I invite you to reflect on what is printed and then send your comments to me – directly – to opinionsaboutprison@gmail.com

Your comments will become a valuable part of a National Conference (March 28 - 30 2008)dealing with and discussing the issues in these documents. CSC has invited me and other CAC members to ask for help and opinions on the possible changes that are being considered in the handling of ex-offenders, men and women in and out of prison.

About a year ago a special panel was formed to look at all aspects of the way that Canada handles its offenders in the community and in the prison system. Though a man is placed in prison he is still part of our community – and how we handle all aspects of his imprisonment and release from prison is EVERYONE’S CONCERN.

CSC felt a strong need to being making changes in the way that they handle men and women inside of prison. For that reason the panel was set up and a report entitled “A Roadmap to Strengthening Public Safety”.

They have asked CACs to consider the following 5 questions...
1.) What impact will the panel's recommendations have on CSC locally?
2.) What impact will the panel's recommendations have on CACs locally?
3.) What challenges will these recommendations create locally?
4.) What opportunities will these recommendations create locally?
5.) How can CACs help implement the reports recommendations?

Something to consider as you begin to read…

• Nearly 60% are now serving sentences of less than 3 years and have histories of violence;
• There has been an increase of more than 100% in the proportion of offenders who are classified as maximum security upon admission;
• 1 in 6 now have known gang and/or organized crime affiliations;
• About 4 out of 5 offenders arrive with a serious substance abuse problem, with 1 out of 2 having committed their crime while under the influence; and
• 12% of men offenders and 26% of women offenders are identified as having a very serious mental health problem.

First the Main report…
http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/csc-scc/report-rapport/table_of_contents-eng.aspx
And the summary…
http://www.ps-sp.gc.ca/csc-scc/report-eng.aspx

As you read this report you will read it as an ‘outsider’ – a community person. You will likely be primarily interested in outside issues such as…
1. Offender Accountability…what men and women should do in prison..
3. Employability/employment…how men and women should get ready for the outside world..
5. Eliminating Statutory Release: Moving to Earned Parole…how and women should be considered for release..

While the other two listed has less to do with your own immediate life…
2. Eliminating Drugs from Prison… a logical step but a huge problem – drugs flow freely into the prison system – why and how is it going to be controlled…
And
4. Physical Infrastructure… the way that prisons are built…many are built at least a hundred years ago(or more)…and people inside are handled the same way that they were 100 years ago…(but then drugs, gangs, and releases were not thought of the same way – and they still hung people that were really bad…today we keep them for a long time and then let them live next door to you in your community)

So now that I have your attention…

• Would you like to make a huge contribution?
• Would you like your opinion to count and make a difference?
• If you have been bothered about what the newspaper said – here is your chance to find out the real truth – will you do something about it?
• Will you act and react now?
• Will you do something?

And if you do not wish to do something… will you at least INFORM YOURSELF about what is going on?

This is a different Blog Posting – it is an invitation for you to make a difference. Will you join me and SHOUT OUT YOUR OPINION and IDEAS?

I am waiting. I need your help.

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~

FIRST – To get involved… read the following…
First the Main report…
http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/csc-scc/report-rapport/table_of_contents-eng.aspx
And the summary…
http://www.ps-sp.gc.ca/csc-scc/report-eng.aspx

SECOND – Write your reflections in an email to me at opinionsaboutprison@gmail.com

THIRD – what you say is very important and will be listened to – your opinion could help one person(or many) in prison. WILL YOU DO SOMETHING NOW?

Growing Up Quickly

“So what has a head, a foot and four legs?” Think about that for a bit. It is easy. Honestly. Haven’t got that one yet?

How about, “What has no skin, no feathers, no scales and no bones – but has fingers and thumbs?” Come on it is easy. Try it. Think hard for a minute. You actually own something like this.

“Oh, oh, oh…here is another one… When you add 2 to 11 how do you get 1? And if you add 6 to 9 how do you get 3?”

Big grins jump across the table as the boys spill out these riddles for their friends to decipher.

“I've got one, I've got one… If an airplane crashes on the border of two countries and every single person dies… why are there survivors?”

Or was that, “If an airplane crashes on the border between Canada and the USA, where do you bury the survivors?”

These brilliant minds before me can contain the details necessary for a riddle. They love the ideas of a riddle that pounces on them from no where and then they wrestle with it until it is theirs.

“Grandpa, do you have another riddle?” It is then that I thank the Lord for the Internet and its abilities to provide weary old minds with fresh new riddles – or old ones recycled.

I have a brand new respect for young parents of kids growing rapidly. The fuel that is burned up in these active brain cells is amazing.

With four grandsons on March break staying with us, I have a new riddle. Are you ready?

What has sixteen legs(at least it seems like it), eight arms, makes tons of noise and then moves rapidly from one activity to another? It drinks almost two litres of milk in a breakfast setting, eats seven bowls of cereal, and consumes one loaf of bread in one setting. Yet it is hungry again in less than two hours.

I bet you have already guessed the answer. It is four boys between the age of 11 and 6. They are my four grandsons from Whitby. Now add their two cousins and you can up the quantity by 50% more.

Did you know that A&W is $27 for lunch for my wife and I plus two boys? Add two more and it becomes $32. But that is a bargain in that Pizza Hut is $63 for the two of us with four boys.

I took the boys out for breakfast at our favorite little restaurant on Tuesday morning. They consumed a full sized man’s breakfast each...with nothing but three pieces of toast left.

I will never complain as the cost is minimal. Some grandpas take this age of grandkids to Disney Land and pay the whole works. Can you imagine$$$$?

I will be looking at the future and the retirement mode with reduced income – soon. We may then invite one or two boys at one time… then buy a cow and raise a pig ahead of time – before the visit.

Pause…
I have a new respect for the man Moses. He didn’t take just a few relatives with him out of Egypt. He took all his country men, their wives and the kids…many of which were teens and pre teens. And the one thing that I know – that is not written – they were hungry all the time and there were a lot of them… maybe up to 3 million people. Can you fathom one third of that being kids?

Can you imagine the bill at the fast food joints on that desert? Now I know that didn’t happen. But God did give them manna – every day to help fill their bellies.

The story is moving as you think of the logistics of feeding and satisfying that many – everyday!

Then I switched my thoughts to the miracle of Jesus feeding the 5000 with the small offering of small boy. He took the bread and fish, blessed them and then gave it to everyone to eat. That was a miracle. But the hidden miracle is that one small boy gave up his lunch… and that small boy was always hungry – just like our grandsons are… that is why his mother packed a fairly big lunch for one boy.

The last riddle was "Why was there 12 baskets full left over after everyone was fed… Answer - Jesus knew there were teenagers in the audience… that would be hungry a few hours later on…

Answers…
Oh… and the answers to the riddles above are… ‘a bed’, ‘gloves’, and ‘a clock’. When all the single people die, the married ones didn’t. And – the last one is – you don’t bury survivors silly.

And the final one… Grandpas getting breakfast ready… don’t always have time to Blog… so if I miss a day or so this week… I am not sick or have died… I am heading to the store to buy more milk… fetching another loaf of bread and then looking for more riddles on the Internet…

Please pray for me… and Alida…

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~