HAPPY NEW YEAR!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! HOPE YOUR 2009 IS FULL OF ALL GOD'S RICHEST BLESSINGS FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

My blog is going to be prorogued until after Christmas. Like Kim, I don't have enough time, and I don't have a little baby to look after! Enjoy your family celebrations and don't forget the reason for the season, the Birth of our saviour, Jesus Christ!
M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S

Decisions

I've had to make a few big ones lately. Knowing this, my wise father gave me a book to read written by Haddon W. Robinson called " Decision Making By The Book". Don't you love it when a bible scholar puts in print exactly what you have been thinking. Confirmation is a very comforting phenomenon. Here's his thoughts on "Avoiding Disagreement" amongst decision makers:
" One decision danger zone we sometimes fall into is surrounding ourselves with "yes men" and "yes women". In other words our decisions sometimes fail because when we are sure we are right, we refuse to listen to someone who thinks we are wrong.
Dissent keeps you from believing you are infallible. Pastors who feel comfortable with only church board members who admire them and are overly concerned with pleasing them may not be well served when it comes to decision making.
People who are free to disagree put alternatives before the group that minimise the risks inherent in every important decision. Dissenters help us see the unforeseen negative consequences that may be invisible to us because of our happy unanimity.
Loyalty to a group does not mean that we go along to get along. It means that we state our viewpoint openly and clearly. The responsibility falls on leaders to create the environment for this kind of freewheeling honesty. Disagreement forces us to check our facts and state the basis for our decision.
But then, when a decision is made, loyalty requires all members of the group to do everything possible to make the decision succeed.
Disagreement does not mean that God is not working. Unanimity is not unity. Dissent can stir the imagination and force us to consider uncertainties in the decision-making process."

AMEN TO THAT!!

What In The World Is Going On?

That is the title of a book I just recently read written by Dr. David Jeremiah. He is a very knowledgeable bible teacher and scholar and has written many books and devotional guides. The book is based on the question many people are asking these days as they see all of the strange and seemingly unexplainable things going on in the world. The economic crisis around the globe, the quest for oil, the alignment of nations and political alliances taking place, etc. etc. I know I have asked that question and others like: " Why is the Christian Church on the decline in North America when it is growing like gangbusters in third world countries?" Dr. Jeremiah uses 10 biblical prophetic clues that we cannot afford to ignore to try to answer the question.
If I can come away from this book with one nugget of knowledge it would be this: Christians do not have to worry. We are not going to experience the worst of what is to come. We won't be here. Also the devil, who many Christians think works independently, is very much under God's control. He does not do anything that God does not allow or permit and always under restriction, and even in his rebellion fulfills Gods will and purpose in the world. God will use Satan to carry out his judgement , on individuals, groups and nations. So, no matter what side of God you are working on, whether rebellion or obedience you are, knowingly or unknowingly going to carry out Gods will. God's will, will be done, period, end of story. Amazing eh? So the next time you think you are under some kind of Satanic attack, instead of trying to rebuke it, I would suggest you stop and take a very good look within and ask yourself and God what the purpose of it is. You may be praying against God's will to steer you in another direction. It could turn out to be a blessing in disguise! God may be trying to tell you something or bring some discipline into your life to strengthen you or place you on a different course. Embrace it! But rest assured , as a believer in Christ, you are in Gods hands and no harm can come to you through Satan or anybody else, and even if it does it was ordained by God to fulfill his purpose and plan for your life. I mean the worst that can happen to us is we die and go to heaven! We can't lose can we? We know the end of the story, and God wins and so do we if we are in Christ.
I recommend you read the book. It will encourage you.

Descrimination or persecution and to whom?

I had a rather eye opening discussion with two of the clerks at the division where I work, yesterday, while they were out for a smoke break and I was waiting for my bus. They were telling me of their frustration that morning of having 22 crews to fill and no drivers to fill them., especially when there was a termination of overtime. Apparently out of absolute necessity that ban was lifted, and they were eventually, after a hair raising ( I wouldn't know about that) few hours were able to fill the empty crews. Then they started to tell me of their frustration with all the new drivers coming on board, 99.9% of which are visible minorities, and how they absolutely have no work ethics. They are constantly late for work, take time off when ever they feel like it and are belligerent towards any kind of authority. They simply don't care and nothing seems to be done about it. It makes it very hard for a clerk who is responsible for all those kinds of things to do their job. Then the one clerk, who has over 20 years on the job said to me " Doug, if you are white, male and a Christian, you are (and I quote): " F#@*^&"( with a capital "F"). Interesting he added that last characteristic. Then he said, " if you are a Seventh Day Adventist, Muslim or some other religion, you get all your "religious days off" and the company supports this. If you are a Christian you get ZIP. What do you think of that? This is happening now, and very close to home, I might add.

Then on the way home in the car, I hear that Denmark, is in the process of enacting a law that would ban circumcision on infants. What effect do you think that will have on out Jewish friends?

Then when I get home, on the TV NEWS at 11, there is a discussion between a Christian minister and a Gay activist, whereby the Gay activists are actively pursuing in the courts a law that would prevent any religious organization from discriminating against sexual preferences. That would make it illegal for a Christian minister to preach from his or her pulpit from the bible, that homosexuality, or other forms of sexual behavior, is a sin and people should not engage in such activity. What do you think of that?

LISTEN CHRISTIANS ! WE BETTER START SPEAKING UP OR WE ARE GOING TO LOOSE OUR BATTLE FOR OUR RIGHTS!! NO MORE MR./MRS. TOLERANT NICE GUY! WHERE ARE OUR LEADERS?

THE SQUEAKY WHEEL IS GETTING THE GREASE AND IT'S NOT CHRISTIANS!

WE NEED MORE THAN JUST PRAYER, IT'S TIME TO SPEAK THE TRUTH AND TO ACT!

DOES THIS DISTURB ANY OF YOU LIKE IT DOES ME?

That leads me to my next post: " What In The World Is Going On"

In Your Head

This is a daily devotion taken from " Our Daily Bread", October 28, written by Joe Stowell. I liked it so much I wanted to share it.

Read: Galatians 1:6-9


I love the prayer that begins, " God be in my head." When I first heard it, admittedly I thought it sounded a little weird. But then I got to thinking how unfortunate it is if in our efforts to get closer to Jesus we focus on our emotional experience of Him and check our brains at the door. Without his truth ringing in our heads, we're bound to get off track.
Just look at the early Christians, False teachers filled their heads with misinformation, saying that salvation and spiritual growth could be attained only through keeping the requirements of the law. When Paul heard of it, he was astonished at how quickly they had gotten off track: " I marvel that you are turning away so soon from him who called you in the grace of Christ" ( Gal. 1:6)
It's not just false teachers who lead us astray. Our world is full of twisted thinking like, " if it feels good, do it," or " The one with the most toys wins." Let's face it, you and I can't afford to check our brains at the door. In fact, intimacy with Jesus begins with getting to know him, and it's the facts about him that make us want to get close to him.
So, strange as it may sound, if you want to stay on track with Jesus, start each day by asking him to be in your head!



God be in my head, and in my understanding;
God be in my eyes, and in my looking;
God be in my mouth, and in my speaking;
God be in my heart, and in my thinking.- Sarum Primer

TO STAY ON TRACK, LET GOD GUIDE YOUR THINKING.

The Funny Drunk

I have this guy that comes on my bus. He is usually three sheets to the wind and can hardly stand up. He stands beside me and tells one joke after another. Some of them are funny, some dirty, actually most of them dirty, so I'm not going to repeat those, but I did remember a couple of them, maybe because they were dog jokes, and I love dogs. I know from my counselling training, that he is hiding his insecurity behind the humour. My guess is he had an abusive parent, probably his father, who probably was also an alcoholic and whom he could never please or receive any kind of encouragement or affection from. In my spirit I discerned he is starving for someone to say to him; " You're going to be OK and I love you son". It's amazing the change that a few words like that could do to a man like this. I'm on this route for a few more weeks so I'm hoping for a God appointment to do or say something significant in this mans life.
Here's a couple of jokes I can share:

1. What do you call a dog with no legs?
Answer: It doesn't matter, he can't come anyway! Come on now, that was funny!

2. What do you call a dog with two front legs and two wheels on his rear end?
Answer: Sparky! hahahaha!

That's all I can remember for now!

Here we go again!

I'm feeling that need for a fix again! I need another dose of Ariana. Hopefully, we can see her for a few minutes this Sunday. I also need some more favorite pictures. This is one of my favorites. Not because of me, cause I hate my picture, but because of the good memory of spending some quality time with my granddaughter. Next Sunday she gets dedicated and we will get together with the whole family. I'm so thankful her parents are bringing her up to know the Lord. That is a generational blessing that will be passed down to future generations. She has three grampas and three grandmas. Figure that one out!

We're having 20 baptisms at our church this Sunday. That will be exciting. Every week we have attended somebody new has given their life to the Lord. I loved what Pastor Alan said a few weeks ago. " It's not about the building and it's not about the programs, it's about helping each individual become mature in Christ." That is what church is supposed to do. Take new converts and disciple them to maturity so they in turn can effectively impact their world with the love of Jesus and produce more good fruit. That can only come from good teaching of the word of God. We need to be able to digest the "meat" of scripture rather than just be satisfied with "milk" like a baby does. About three weeks ago, about 800 people came forward in response to Pastor John's call to join him in his dream of reaching the City for Jesus. I believe it's going to happen. I'm looking forward to what God has in store for this City. Revival is on the horizon. But, it starts in us first. My life seems to be a series of new beginnings. I like change. It's refreshing and challenging. Isn't life grand? For me it's grandpa! lol

NEW CONTRACT

Well, after six months of arbitration, a plethora of meetings eating up tens of thousands of dollars in wages and expenses, we finally have a contract. It is almost identical to the one we were offered and that we turned down. I personally didn't turn it down, because under our current economic circumstances, I thought it was pretty good. A reasonable wage increase of 9% over 3 years and an increase in our benefits. How can you beat that? I am very thankful I have such a good secure job, that I love doing. We really are taken care of and I believe properly compensated for our work. I feel bad for those in the auto industry that are facing lay offs and termination of employment. I hope they are able to be placed in other jobs or get retrained for something else. If not, we are all going to feel the consequences . The benefits alone, I figure, must be worth at least $10/hr over and above our hourly rate.
The big debate now is should we be made an essential service. I think we all know the real answer to that, even though City counsel voted down ( lost by one vote) approaching the province to ask them for it. I think the fact we were ordered back to work only 1 1/2 days after going on a legal strike, says it all. WE ARE an essential service, or they would not have done that. The reason they are hesitating to make it official, is traditionally, it will cost them much more money to run the service, which they are trying to avoid like the plague. I guess you can't blame them really. It is costing more than they have funding for now. Why should they, when we will just get ordered back to work every time we go on strike. It kind of makes striking redundant. That's OK with me, since I think striking is counter productive in this day and age when we have arbitration already available to us through the current system. I am happy with the outcome.
I'm praying for those men and women who's jobs are in jeopardy, while being very thankful for mine.
One day, the economies of the world are going to fail. That has been prophesied. Those unbelievers who have not been reunited with Jesus in the rapture will be subject to the dictates of a Satan possessed world leader.
That is why my faith is in Christ and not in the security of a job or in a government which are sure to failure.
Ephesians 2: 8-9. " For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith- and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast."
That is the message I desire to deliver today.
Will you join me and have real security for life?

Have you seen an angel lately?

Hebrews 13:2 " Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it."

Kim asked on her blog if babies could see angels. I think they can. Babies, because of the nature of their condition, have no fear, no prejudices, and have the innocence that produces faith. They haven't learned these things yet, so doubt is not part of their conscious thinking. In fact, I'm not sure they even have the ability to think. They just accept whatever comes their way, because they don't have much other choice. They can't make decisions. So I think God, in his wisdom, places a special protection around babies. Even if something bad should happen and they die, I think he takes them straight to heaven. Kim's blog got me thinking of my own experiences. I believe I have seen angels on about 5 different occasions, the most recent being 3 nights ago. How do I know for sure? Well, who can be absolutely certain, unless of course they introduce themselves as such and prove it somehow. I just believe they were. Why? Because they seemed to me to be out of character for the surroundings that I was very familiar with, they would look straight at me, give an approving sort of hand gesture and when I looked back to see where they had gone, they had disappeared never to be seen again, that's why. I just knew in my knower, that it was an angel. It left me with a sense of satisfaction as if God was saying " everything is OK, I see what you are doing and I approve of you." That was a comforting feeling. Not spooky or unusual in some way. That seems to me to be like in God's nature to leave someone feeling that kind of comfort from a mere sighting of what looked like just another human being. They look and I might add, feel just like we do. How do I know that? I had the opportunity to shake ones hand the other night. You see after thinking about Kim's blog post, I said to God; " I haven't seen an angel for a while Lord. I think it's time for another sighting." Guess what, that night I saw another angel. It took me totally by surprise. He looked like a derelict. I was doing the Royal York North route which is a very high class route. I don't think there is a house under $1,000,000 on the first part of the route and there are several that would exceed the $5,000,000 range. I've been doing this route quite often for the past 10 years and this guy was out of character to be seen on this route. I thought he was drunk at first, because he was being very loud and rather overly friendly with all the other passengers. It was a very busy day and I was a bit stressed out. I didn't feel like handling a drunk. My fear is I would get angry with him and do some damage if I lost my cool. I do not like doing that. Before leaving the station I said a little prayer; " Lord I don't feel like dealing with this guy, please give me the patience or get him off my bus". We left the station on time. About 5 minutes after departing, the guy comes up to me and asks; " are you going to Lakeshore?" I said; " No, that is in the other direction you need to get off this bus and get the one going the other way back to the station and take the 76 south." Another passenger hearing his question told him the same thing. As he stood beside me, he looked right into my eyes. I realized at this point he was not drunk. He didn't smell of alcohol, and believe me I know when somebody has been drinking, and his eyes were as clear as could be. No signs of inebriation of any kind. Before he exited at the stop he said to me; " who is your best friend?"
I hesitated for a moment, because I knew my answer, but I was conscious of the passengers on the bus. We don't usually express our faith at work unless specifically asked about it, which rarely happens. As public service we normally remain opinionless and neutral on these matters unless , as I said, if pressed I would not deny my faith. In this case, I needed to give my honest answer. I said;" JE". I no sooner got the first syllables out of my mouth, when he , at the exact precise moment said the same thing, just as if we had practised this in harmony for hours,
" J E S U S ! " I knew at that moment, this was no derelict. He smiled, stepped off the bus, turned and gave me that tell tale hand gesture, this time a thumbs up! In the past it was a salute. I knew, that I knew, that I knew this was no man, it was an angel sent by God to give me that comforting feeling and sense of approval. He disappeared, and I did not see him again. God had answered my prayer from earlier that morning. I had another encounter with an angel. The closest one I have ever had. So be alert. You may entertain an angel without knowing it. He may not look or act like you expected either. Be nice to what appear to be street people! There might just be an angel among them. I had the privilege of knowing.
Want to see an angel? Just ask God for the opportunity, watch, and believe. He may answer your prayer! Thank you Lord!

I Changed My Mind

I can do that you know. I'm going to be putting up one post, when I get some time to do some research, and will leave it there. I just won't be posting on a regular basis, and I may comment on yours from time to time. That's what happens when you are being led by the spirit. He's the one who's really driving the bus!

THE BABY IS HERE!!

Yes, at about 8:43am Friday, September 12Th, this morning, Kim gave birth to baby Ariana Lynn Morrison. Now, I could have the name wrong, because although they knew what they were going to name her before birth, they were reserving their right to change their minds after they saw her, just to make sure her looks and personality suited the name. She is perfect and beautiful and weighed in at a healthy 8lbs 10oz. Everyone is healthy, but tired, and Kim obviously has some serious recovering to do. When God said in Genesis, after the fall, that he was going to increase the pain for a women in childbirth, he wasn't kidding. Ruth was their and witnessed the birth. She said it was amazing. We have after pictures of the baby, and if I ever can figure out how to put pictures on my blog, I will show some to you.
Thank God, everything went OK. The next few days will involve multiple trips to the hospital, so you may not see much of us of over the next week or so, especially since Ruth will be staying at Dan and Kim's for a while until they get settled to help out.
Looks like no one guessed the date right. Dan and Louise were the closest. I knew the baby would have a mind of her own. She takes after her mother in that regard and that's a good thing!
I'll keep you posted and hopefully pictured too!

That was a week

Have you ever had the experience that things were happening so fast that it was like you were sitting back watching a movie of your life? Absolutely no control over what was happening, yet a sense that it was all good and God was definitely the one in control.
It started with the sale of my car last Wednesday. That was an answer to prayer, especially in this economy and totally unexpected. I had all but given up on selling it. The guy was a very nice fellow, an artist, who writes an article in the Hamilton Magazine. Very interesting person and a new connection I was happy to make. A God moment? I think so. Then tragedy strikes! The free car I was to receive from my in-laws suddenly became unavailable due to the fact it was uncertifiable. Had a hole in the frame. Not repairable. I could have been killed driving down the QEW as it split in two and broke apart at 100km's per hour. I drove this car for a whole month back and forth to Toronto. My plans have been derailed! YIKES! I have no car to get to work next Tuesday and only about 4 days to find one! I might as well have not sold mine, right? Nope, God knows more than I do. Ruth and I had discussed the possibility of getting a van. Lot's of room for carrying people and stuff and since commuting will no longer be an issue, neither will gas consumption. I found one on Kijiji that we liked in my price range. Actually made an appointment to go see it, but that's when I was offered the "free" car. I cancelled the appointment. Four days later, I have no free car. When I learned I wasn't getting a free car, I was about to leave for work and rather panicked that I needed to get one soon. Absolutely no time to look for one myself. I don't know if you have bought and sold cars yourself recently, but it is not as easy as it looks. Their is a few things that have to be in place like certification, e-testing, sales kits, lineups at ministry offices, etc. Time consuming and potentially expensive. What if you buy a lemon? It's buyer beware you know! I called the guy with the van hoping it was still available. I had a good feeling about him. Turns out he is a retired pastor that is involved in a street ministry here in Hamilton. A God moment? I think so. I trusted him and his vehicle. It was absolutely in immaculate condition. Somebody had beat me to it, made an offer on it sealed with a hand shake pending approval of the potential buyers wife, but........ no money had changed hands yet. Not a done deal. Since I had no time, my wonderful wife and great dad went on my behalf to look at the van with my unseen approval that if they both liked it, Ruth was to give the guy some money and buy it, quickly. The potential buyers wife disapproved of the purchase. We were in! Ruth made a fantastic offer on it which was hesitantly accepted! The van was ours! We are the proud owners of a beautiful Toyota van and it runs as good as it looks! God knew that all along. He also knew we needed funds to replace the old roof on our house which has been ravaged by rain and sun this year. Something that was out of the question only one week ago with the loan I had on my old newer car which I don't have (either of) cause I unexpectedly sold it and paid off the loan. Now I have the funds available for a new roof and the roofer who lives in this area with 40 years experience who just did my Grandfathers old house around the corner and did a very good job cause I saw it and his truck in the driveway where I got his name from and my wife also got a good feeling that he was the one and he gave us a price that was $3,500 under the closest estimate........ "breath"............. can you tell I'm excited? My grammar has gone right out the window.
Then, you know the best part of this whole thing for me was the guy who bought our car tells Ruth while they were waiting at the bank for me to pay the loan off that he chose us over other potential purchases because we were so honest and up front in our dealings with him. You know that's something we really strive for is complete honesty. That sometimes can get you in trouble with people. This time it paid off and God allowed us to hear about it. We needed that encouragement from our Heavenly Papa.
The moral of the story. Each morning we give our lives over to God and he is the one running the show. Father knows best. He is in control. His will be done. Thank you Abba!

Plans coming together

Found a home for the bed, sold my car( on kijiji for free!), getting another one for free, going to sell the couch and get a new one.( Ruth needs one she can get out of, this one is way too soft) I just know everything is going to work out according to plan. God has always looked after us. I love it when a plan comes together even despite those moments of doubt. God is much bigger than my doubt. I have peace. That's worth more than anything. Plus, I'm going to be a grampa very soon. Thank you Lord!
A thought for the day: When God gives you a plan, believe him, step out in faith and follow it, stay focused despite the obstacles that get in the way and he will see you through to the end.

FREE TO GOOD HOME!

We finally broke down and bought a new bed today. Really nice one made by Sealy. Great deal at The Brick. Our backs are going to love us. Our current bed is going in the guest room and the natural order of displacement moves a very good double bed made by Royal Mattress out into the hall. It's hardly been used and is in excellent condition and includes mattress, box spring and metal bed frame and is free for the taking. So if anybody out there needs a good double bed. Let me know. We may even be able to arrange delivery, thanks to my dads bicycle trailer.
Also up for grabs is a nice beige leather couch and love seat. I need some money for that though. About $400 for both is a fair deal I think. But what do I know. If you wave some cash in my face I might grab it! You can then grab the couch and run! Before I change my mind. Let me know if you are interested by sending me an email. Have great weekend!

Fall Is Coming

I can feel it in the air. I can always tell, about 2 to 3 weeks into August, something in the air changes and I can sense when September is just around the corner. Even if I didn't have a calender and I didn't know the date, I would be able to tell Fall is not too far away. I don't know why I know, I just do. It happens one day and I go, ahhh! There it is again, that sensation, whatever it is. I love fall. Warm days, cool nights, no bugs. It's the best time of year as far as I am concerned for holidays. That's when I take mine, usually over Thanksgiving. I love Thanksgiving, especially the dinner part. But, I think we need one good BBQ with the gang, before summer ends. One more week of kids being out of school. My summer bus driving holiday is almost over. I must say I don't miss picking up 80 kids at one stop around 3:20pm. It's been nice and quiet. That is all soon to end. All good things must come to an end. That's what they say anyway. Another summer come and almost gone. Hasn't been too hot either. Tolerable, I would say. I think we live in the best country in the world, with it's changing seasons. I like them all, for one reason or another, but Fall is still my favorite. Always something to look forward to. I like that!

The Real Fast

As I am convalescing at home, I have been watching some very inspirational Christian Programs on TV. One was a sermon from Peoples Church in Toronto on Paul's letter to the Galatians and the other a request for financial help from the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. This was a very moving program. Part of their ministry is to reach out to elderly Jews in Russia and the Ukraine who had to flee from Nazi Germany. They settled in small communities in places like Siberia and have been forgotten and alienated by mainstream society. It is a very cold and harsh environment and many are slowly starving and freezing to death. No food, fuel for heat, medicine and they are lonely and still feel the pain of persecution from the Nazi regime. They are still discovering these small communities that nobody knew existed. Christians have been reaching out to these neglected Jewish people with the basic necessities, most of whom are elderly, sick and dieing. The results have been nothing short of miraculous.
God said in Genesis 12:2-3 in the call to Abraham:

" I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you;
I will make your name great and you will be a blessing,
I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all the peoples on the earth will be blessed through you."

Isaiah 58:6-9 says:

" Is this not the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter-
when you see the naked to clothe him,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
Then you will call and the Lord will answer;
you will cry for help and he will say: Here am I."

So would you like to receive a blessing from the Lord and have him hear your prayers?
Do the real fast. Reach out and help the helpless, especially God's chosen people- the Jews.

I've added a Linc to the website to my blog.

Be blessed!

Baby Shower

Why do they call them showers? There was no water involved other than what was put into the coffee and tea. Maybe because it was raining presents?
We went to Kingsville for Kim's first baby shower this past weekend. Her mother-in-law hosted the event at her restaurant. There was about 30 in attendance including three guys of which I was one, stuck off in a corner where we wouldn't be noticed. But hey, they fed us so I wasn't complaining! Good food too. Done in courses as is Italian tradition. And very good. Well considering she is a cook and makes a living feeding people and is a full blooded Italian. Need I say more. The first dish was of course pasta, followed by some sort of fancy stuffed chicken, green beans and mashed potatoes with gravy, followed by a cherry cheese cake that was to die for. The ladies got some kind fruit and ice cream thing in a chocolate cup which you could eat. They must have run out of those. But, again, the cherry cheese cake was so good, I was very contented. I was starving too, after having driven 4 hours most of which was through a torrential downpour. I said to Ruth at one point, I think we need a boat, not a car. It slowed us down considerably. I thought if we left at 10:30am( the shower was at 2pm) we would be on time. I was wrong. Plus we were 30 minutes late leaving. We were 1 hour late for the shower , but luckily just in time for the food and for Ruth to help Kim open her presents. Which she got allot of. I am told that this is not the only shower she is going to have either. Her and Dan are going to be pretty well set when this baby comes.
We stayed the night at Dan's parents( Gary and Louise) house. They are very hospitable people. They even gave up their bed for Kim, to make her more comfortable. Now, that's a good mom and dad. There were so many gifts, we couldn't bring them all in our little car, so Gary and Louise will bring them in the van when Dan and Kim move. Hopefully, Ruth and I can return the hospitality favour at that time.
On the way home, after another professionally cooked breakfast, ( how does she get the eggs like that?) we stopped off at Colasantes. This is a combination of a greenhouse/restaurant/zoo/novelty store/ Christmas store etc. If you are ever in this area this is a must see. I think they just kept adding on over the years until it has become this huge tourist attraction. They are famous for their broasted chicken and home made donuts and apple cider. A real treat believe me. I ate four donuts if that tells you anything. Nothing like them anywhere, especially when you get them warm out of the cooker. Yummmmy! I'll do twice as many push ups tomorrow to compensate. Honest, I will.
I got to feel the baby Kick! WOW! That is so cool. That little life moving around like that. I wonder how they can breathe water? I can't wait to meet her. But if she's anything like her mom and Nana, she'll be beautiful!

Baby Girls

All my life I've been surrounded by women
Starting with my mother
Then my elder sister
Then another
I once had two grandma's
They loved to feed me their cookin
All fortified I took a walk
Enjoying nature and just lookin
I came across another
And eventually she became my wife
Included in the deal came a daughter
That really changed my life
Now years later my mom and grandma's gone
The circle of life begins again
The roles begin to change
My wife becomes a grandma
My daughter becomes a mom
Because the life growing inside her womb
It's a baby girl we're told
And one day she'll become a women, a mom
And a grandma when she gets old
So what's the moral of the story?
I don't know, but I think I'm blessed
Cause I'm still surrounded by beautiful women
And I think that they're the best!

True Stories of a Bus Driver- Part Two

Let me tell you about Debbie(not her real name). Debbie was a street worker in an area of T.O. known as the Junction. A short route, 9 minutes long, but a very colorful one, especially after 11:00pm. I would see her standing on her corner at the same time each night. Just like she punched a clock and it was time to go to work. Being a short route I went past the corner several times in a shift, about every 10-15 minutes. She was easy to spot by the way she dressed, displaying her most marketable attributes in the most provocative way possible(even in the cold of winter) in order to attract customers. I could tell when she had a customer, because I would see her actually get into a car or she would disappear for a short period of time. I did this route allot, because being a junior driver, it wasn't a route the senior drivers wanted to do. It was the same thing year after year. It was like she was a permanent fixture on this particular stretch of road at night. She was not alone, there were several of her colleges, but they had their own corner and seemed to cooperate by not infringing on each others territory. She would move around on the Junction. If one corner was not producing, she would move to another. She had her favorite spots and I would usually see her standing at one of them. One cold winter night, she boarded my bus at the end of the line, which was very unusual. She must have been really cold and business was obviously not very good. For the next 5 minutes she told me her whole life story. Do I look like somebody she would trust with this personal information? I don't know, but maybe all the times I saw her, she was seeing me too and I looked like a familiar face and perhaps someone she could share her story with. Sometimes people just need to share their pain so they don't feel totally alone on this planet. I must say, I was a bit nervous and didn't know what to say, which probably was a good thing. So I just listened. She said " Hi, my name is Debbie and I work on the streets". As if I didn't know. I just said, " I know, I've seen you around, how are you?". "Well", she said, " I'm a bit cold and just need to get warmed up for a few blocks, mind if I ride with you?" "No problem", I said. She says, " by the time I was 23 years old, I had six kids. I didn't have a husband or anybody else to help out, but I needed to look after my kids. I was getting welfare, but it wasn't enough, so I had to moonlight, if you know what I mean, to get the extra cash to feed my kids and pay the rent. But somebody squealed on me and they cut me off of welfare cause I was earning other income. Went to court and everything, but lost the case. I ended up with no support, no money, nothing. So here I am. I'm still looking after my kids though. That's why I'm here. Well thanks for the ride, gotta go back to work, I'll get off here." And out she went back to the cold night to make the money she needed to look after her kids. I was a little shocked she was so open with me, but I gained a compassion and understanding I had not had before, or even thought of. I actually gained some respect and admiration for this street worker. Not that I approved of her lifestyle, but her motives were not selfish ones. She was doing this for her kids. I don't claim to have all the answers, but I know one of the things God looks at is motives of the heart. I saw her one Saturday afternoon, she was not working, just walking along the sidewalk talking to people. She had many friends obviously. She stopped to talk with this one girl pushing a baby carriage, stooped down and was making a big fuss over the baby. I knew at that point that what she had told me was true. She loved kids, and this hardened street worker had a heart of compassion when it came to children. I was amazed . Debbie helped me to see her and others like her as people. Not scum, as some would describe them. Real people, in need of love, real love and they still had the ability to give real love to others. Considering the hardships they encounter every day. That amazes me. I haven't seen Debbie for a few years now. I hope she's OK and has found a better way to make a living. Do you think God answered my prayers?
Let's hope so.
This is an added thought. I don't know why, but I started thinking about Rahab the "street worker" in the bible who aided the two spies. She was a descendant of Jesus. Why do you think God would put a "street worker" in the lineage of the savior?

To be continued....................................................

CAR FOR SALE!

Yes, I'm selling my car. Just getting ready for a move. It's a 2006 Hyundai Elantra, 4dr. loaded. Has 71,000 highway km's. It has the balance of a 100,000 km comprehensive factory warranty and comes with a complete set of new snow tires on rims. Krown rustproofed. Certified and e- tested. Great commutor. Great gas mileage. 46mpg highway. I'm asking $11,995. If you are interested or know somebody who is, send me an email and I will give you more details.
Thank you !!

TRUE STORIES OF A BUS DRIVER- Part 1

It was 10 years ago, April 13, 1998 I became an Urban Transit Operator. That's a fancy name for bus driver. During my first week out on my own, after successfully completing 22 days of intense training, I quickly learned that I had not been taught everything I needed to know. Sometimes, only experience can teach us the practical aspects of our chosen profession. I was working a night shift, which most rookies are forced to do during their early days on the job, which began around 9:00pm until 5:30am the next day. I had finished the first part of my route around 1:30am and then turned into a night bus that services the Bloor/Danforth route after the subway closes. I think I was run 56, which is the third bus across starting from Kipling Station. Obviously, being new, I was being very careful and probably a little slow, because I had not yet developed that rhythm that more experienced operators develop over the passage of time and plus the fact I was not all that familiar with the route. It takes a good year to learn all of the routes stops and characteristics. I knew from listening to other drivers talk at the division that the night bus routes could be a little, let's say colourful, especially on the weekend. I didn't really understand what all that meant. I was just happy I passed all my tests and had good full time employment with which to support my family. I had come from a 15 year background in insurance sales, never even been on a bus before, never worked different shifts. Just 9 to 5 with weekends off. Oh!, what a transition this was ! It was a Saturday night and it was busy. You wouldn't believe how many people are up at all hours of the night in the big city. I can tell you, they aren't going to church services. Some are working, most are partying which included ingestion of every kind of alcohol and drug you can think of. The nick name for the night bus was either " The Party Bus" or " The Puke Express". This is where the rookie driver really learned the ins and outs of the job. The night routes are long. Over one hour one way. We did two full round trips a night which took over four hours to complete. In was on my first run back from the top. In bus terms that means I had completed my first up trip (west) and was on my way back (east). Bus trips are either UP- north ,UP-west, DOWN- south, DOWN-east. I noticed this women standing by the side of the road all by herself on The Danforth right in the heart of the club district. I assumed she needed a ride and certainly should not have been all by herself at 3:00am in the morning. That could be dangerous for a young lady. Since I had just left the end of the route, I only had a few people on board. I stopped, being a gentleman and wanting to save this young lady from the dangers that could be lurking at this early time of the night, and asked her if she would like a ride on the bus. I soon realized I had made a big mistake. This was no lady. I knew by the time she hit the second step, she was very intoxicated. She also immediately tried to sit on my lap and kiss me. Shocked and not knowing exactly what to do, I was trying to push her away while keeping control of the bus. The guy sitting in the idiot seat ( that's the seat beside the driver and I didn't name it that) was killing himself laughing and was not about to offer any advice. He was enjoying the show just a little too much. She wanted to know where we were going to go for our
" date". I tried to explain to her that I was married and wasn't interested in " dating". She couldn't understand why I stopped to pick her up from her "spot" if I didn't want a "date". Finally my message got through and she realized this was not going to be a profitable bus ride for her and she got off the bus. Whew! Close call. My first encounter with a lady of the night. The first of many to follow.
Lesson # 1- Do not pick up people in between stops at 3:00am on a Sunday morning. They didn't tell me that in school! I suddenly realized just how naive I really was!

TO BE CONTINUED...........................................................................................................................

SIX FACTS

All I can do is give you six facts. I can't figure out the link part nor do I know six other bloggers I wish to tag.

1. When I was about two years old, I was helping my father hold the door open while he was cleaning out our septic pump. He was carrying buckets of sewage into the back yard of our house in Aldershot. He tripped, and a whole bucket of sewage went over my head. He called my mother to come and help. They stood and looked at me wondering what to do. My dad said," I think it would be easier to make a new one than to clean this one up!"

2. I was about two or three when we got our first dog for Christmas. My parents got her from the Burlington dog pound. She was a purebred boxer. I still remember how huge she seemed, as my head just came level to her back. We had her for twelve years. Her name was Cindy. Needless to say, boxers are my favorite dogs and I have owned two others in my life time. Plus a Standard Poodle.

3. My first car was a 1966 AMC Rambler, 3 on the tree. I bought it from my mom for $25 and fixed it up with parts from the car wreckers. I drove it for three years and sold it to my buddy for $150.

4. When I was nine we were cottaging up North at a place called Mazinaw Lake. While walking through the woods to the dock one day, I stepped in a wasps nest that was at the base of a tree. They swarmed all over me and I received about 30 stings. My father was walking behind me. He had no idea I new all those swear words. He was shocked. Go figure!

5. On that same holiday, while out fishing in the boat in the river area, I hooked into a huge fish. I just had a kids rod and reel, but managed to fight the thing to the boat. My rod was bent right over. I got it close to the boat and saw it was a beautiful Pickerel. My dad, in his excitement, rammed the net into the water and subsequently knocked the fish off my hook. Oh well, better luck next time!

6. My best time for going up North fishing from Hamilton to Parry Sound was done in 60 minutes flat. Impossible you say? Not if you're flying in your friends Cessna Airplane! All you can see North of Orillia is trees and water. I asked my friend, " what if the engine conks out?" He says, " Well, you climb as high as you can and look for a place to land." I said, " There is no place to land!" He says, " we either find an old road to land on or we can do some fast trolling in one of those lakes down there!" Very comforting. Next time I'm not going unless the plane has two engines.

Scriptures Come Alive

I just want to acknowledge publicly, the effect the sermons at my church are having on me. Many of the scriptures that are being preached on I have read many times before. These scriptures are being presented in such a manner, that I am able to see them from an angle that I have not considered or seen before. As a result, they seem to be coming alive and are applicable to my life today, even though they were written thousands of years ago. Cool! For example, the most recent sermon this past Sunday was on Acts Chapter 3 vs: 6-8. Peter and John were on their way to the temple and came across this crippled guy. Peter said, ( the Message) " I don't have a nickel to my name, but what I do have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!" Peter gave what he had and did not dwell on what he did not have. Both Ruth and I have a deep desire to serve God. So many times I felt guilt when faced with an opportunity and did what I could but felt it was not enough, or didn't act at all because I felt I had nothing to give to that circumstance and did nothing resulting in a missed opportunity.


ALL I HAD TO DO WAS GIVE WHAT I HAD, EVEN IF THAT WAS JUST A PRAYER !

I FEEL LIBERATED! THE GUILT IS GONE AND SO ARE THE NEGATIVE THOUGHTS OF SELF DOUBT AND INADEQUACY.

I am not going to miss another opportunity to serve because of these things.


I CAN GIVE WHAT I HAVE AND IT WILL BE EXACTLY WHAT THAT PERSON NEEDS AT THAT TIME BECAUSE GOD DOES NOT MAKE MISTAKES BY BRINGING US TOGETHER AT THAT PRECISE MOMENT.

Thank you Pastor Patti for your perspective. May God continue to bless you and protect you and the vision he has given you in the scriptures.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

Ruth and I just celebrated our 13th Wedding Anniversary. I almost said today, but today is already tomorrow because of the time I am writing this. The date is June 3rd. That was my grandmother Spratts birthday too. My moms mom. I had to work today, so we won't actually celebrate until next Monday. Maybe a trip to the Falls, a nice dinner at the Keg and some mini golf. We did manage to get out for breakfast this morning and I was able to send Ruth some Roses to enjoy while I was at work. One of the things I like to do is write poetry. I need more time to think in order to do that. I'm working on the time issue.
I want to say being married to Ruth has changed my life. If you knew me before during my single years before I met Jesus, you would not know me. It was not a pretty picture. I'm not the person I used to be. It has been a growth experience. We really are suited for each other and compliment one another. It's like iron sharpening iron. We are a " Team". I didn't think any women could possibly love me. Ruth did, despite all my flaws and rough edges. I don't know who else could have done that. She did, and miraculously still does. Thank you for loving me. I love you too!

Too Busy

Life is too busy this time of year and I have nothing to blog about that I can think of. Anything you want to know about? Suggestions?

BLOGGING

My wife cut out a comic from the paper yesterday that was me to a "T". It was the ADAM comic.
There are four picture frames:

1rst picture: Adam is at the keyboard of his computer and thinks to himself; " I love blogging. It's a great way to stay in touch."

2nd picture: hands at keyboard, eyes skyward, thinking, thinking

3rd picture: eyes still skyward, still thinking, thinking, thinking.

4th picture: click, click. click, click, " I have nothing to blog about today!"

That's me! Good one Ruth! You made me laugh and made my day and gave me something to blog about! Blogging about having nothing to blog about. That's new one!

PS: I came across a great web site for the Creation verses Evolution argument. Science supports the Creation story! The author says that in two generations the Evolution theory will be nothing more than an intellectual joke. Why? Because the kids these days want examples from their teachers of species that are in the transitional evolutionary stages and they can't come up with any so the teachers are stopping teaching about it! Take a look at: http://www.fishdontwalk.com/.

WEEKENDS HERE!

It's the long weekend, for most people, not me though. Just a regular weekend with Sunday/Monday off. I get paid for my day off. That's easy to take. An extra 8 hours pay for not getting an extra day off. That's OK with me, I'd rather have the money. I still get to take in the festivities of Victoria Day. There are fireworks at Christie Conservation Area tonight. If it rains it will be Monday night. We'll be there, I think. Happy Birthday Queenie! How old is she anyway, and why do we care? I guess you have to be British to fully appreciate the Monarchy. We were going to have a BBQ this weekend, but we have too much work to do outside in the garden, and I need to put grass seed down. Sorry guys! We'll have another one.......promise. The weekends seem so short, and I don't have holidays until October. There is much to look forward to, with a grand baby on the way. This next year is going to be an interesting one full of new challenges. I like challenges and changes. It makes life interesting. What are you doing this weekend?

NICE WEEKEND

I had a really nice weekend with Ruth. Sunday we got together with Ruth's Family to celebrate mothers day. Had a really good brunch at the golf course in Dunnville. They're a fun bunch of people. Love to laugh and have a good time. We got most of our chores done after we got home, and I even snuck in a nice afternoon nap. Today we went shopping in Toronto for some bargains. Went to the Sears Outlet store on Islington Ave. near the 401. I got a pair of jeans for $8.99 and some summer dress pants ( Arnold Palmer's) for $14. Then we continued on, after a nice sandwich combo at Tim's to the Dixie Outlet Mall. Ruth got some really nice sandals and a new purse and wallet at the Naturalizer outlet. Really good quality stuff for a fraction of the price you pay at a regular store. Then on to good old Walmart where she got a nice new spring jacket. Then on to Fortino's for our weekly grocery top up. Had a nice coffee and muffin at the cafe there. Ended up with some take out Chinese food and are settling back chilling on the couch with our favorite TV shows. Starting with Dancing with The Stars. It was just a nice casual day of shopping together. We accomplished a lot, and didn't break the bank! Tomorrow we get back into the routine and look forward to our next weekend adventure. For most people it's a long weekend. Just my normal two day weekend with Sunday/Monday off for me. At least I get the Monday off so we can enjoy the festivities. Fireworks! I love fireworks. Too expensive to buy, so the display down by the bay is worth the effort. BBQ season is here! Mine is gassed up and ready to go.
Continuing to follow the healing revival. I was watching the God TV on my computer last night. There was a live worship/intercession service in Jerusalem called " The Call". Then they went to one in Egypt. This is an amazing phenomena. You can watch live TV all over the world and see what Christians are doing. There seems to be a building anticipation towards something big that is about to break loose. It's exciting times we live in. Who would of thought, even 50 years ago, that this was possible? It truly is a global community we are living in.

He Is On The Move

Tonight we went to HCF to listen to the live web cam of the healing revival from Lakeland Florida led by Pastor Todd Bentley. This began about 30 days ago with 700 people. Tonight involved 30,000 people and is spreading across the world like wild fire. This is a healing revival that is going to end all revivals. Whole cities are going to be healed and come to the Lord. Paul Cain gave a very powerful prophetic word. In fact this revival, was prophesied by him in the 1970's and they played that word for us to hear. Paul prophesied that this revival is the return of the Elijah spirit on the church, not any individual, that will usher in the return of Jesus Christ. Many people are being healed and so far 2 have been raised from the dead. This is going to get stronger and more powerful as thousands soak in the presence of the Glory of God and people being raised from the dead will be a daily occurrence. This is the real deal. The one thing that I heard in the spirit tonight is " He is on the move". Meaning Jesus is on the move. I saw him in the spirit stand up from his thrown and take a step forward. I have had many visions dreams and prophetic words over the past 15 years that have accumulated in my conscience that point to this revival as being true and a real move of God. One thing that has come out of this revival is how God is going to move on the children. Those that have clean hands and pure heart will be anointed with the glory of God to pray for healing. There will be another meeting at HCF on Wednesday night at 7:30pm if you are interested and I am putting a Linc to the web site on the blog if you care to watch it at home on your computer. The meetings in Lakeland Florida will be running every night , live, at 7:00 pm. Are you hungry for revival? This is it! Come Lord Jesus.
There is a bus going down to Lakeland from Crossroads at the end of May and also in June if you care to go there.
This is Jesus and everything that happens in this revival will point people to him, and HE will get all the glory. He uses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise. Be ready and Believe.

Gators and Cravings

I heard on the radio today there is a school down in Colorado that will teach you how to wrestle Alligators. Yes that's right....... gator wrestling. For $150 U.S. you can learn how to take down an alligator, unless he takes you down first. You start off with small ones about 4 feet long, then work your way up the the 600lb 12 footers. The trick is, you have to go in quickly from behind on the gators back and hang on for dear life around his neck. He will try to eat you. They teach you all the techniques. You have to learn how to not let him drag you into the water where he has a great advantage and 60 other friends that would like to eat you too. When he is tired and the ride is over you have to get away as quickly as you got on or he may try to eat you again. Sounds like fun eh? Where do I sign up? The teachers 7 year old daughter has been doing this for some time with great success. If the guys get scared, he gets her to demonstrate and they quickly get their courage back. Amazing what a little girl and a lot of male ego will do to motivate and bring on the courage. I might try getting a group from church to go down and give it a try, Whoever is left over, no pun intended, can pay the bill!

I've had a craving for KFC lately. I get this about once a year. Everyday I drive by a KFC outlet, the smell is so good, I'm just wanting to pig out on a large bucket of that succulent, greasy, delicacy. Anybody that is the least bit health conscious, knows KFC is just about the worst junk food that could pass your lips. It is chock full of unhealthy fats, salt and other chemicals and the chicken probably has next to zero nutrients due to the processing and cooking methods. But!, boy does it taste good when you're really hungry. Usually, I will indulge my craving. Completely satisfied after licking my fingers, then get this queasy uneasy feeling in my stomach, then the heartburn, and then I vow I will never do that again. Until the next craving about a year down the road. It used to be when I was younger, that KFC and A&W was the only take out food available. We didn't have much money, so going out to eat at one of these places was a rare treat that only happened, maybe, about once a year. Do you think? No. Could it be? Maybe, this is just a continuation of a childhood habit formed by my parentals? I should consult a shrink and find out.
What cravings do you have?

One of those days

Have you ever had one of those days where stuff goes wrong. Twos weeks ago I bought one of those Water pic water filters for our tap. We had been using the pitcher you put in the fridge. I thought the tap one would be more convenient, which it is. After one week I had to take it back, because it kept coming off the tap. I know I installed it correctly. Thought it must be a defect in the thing that screws on the tap. I exchanged it for another one. Today, one week later the same thing happened with the new one. Now I'm getting frustrated. Think I'll get my money back and go back to using the fridge pitcher. I don't need the aggravation. I'm rushing to leave for work at noon. Go to clean my glasses and the nose pad falls off my glasses and I can't find it! I need my glasses for work. Can't drive without them. I take the one off Ruth's glasses and lose that one! Now she has no glasses thanks to me. I get one off an old pair and that works, after much sweating and panicking. Get home from work at night, looking forward to a Breakfast Pita with peanut butter ( PC Just Peanuts smooth- new jar) and the seal is broken! NO peanut butter! This is getting desperate. Thank goodness my father is also a peanut butter junkie and bails me out with a large scoop of his. Now I have to return a water filter and a jar of peanut butter and a pair of glasses. They say things come in threes. I hope that's the end of it. Things could be worse. Somebody always has it worse....... right Pastor Patti?

Back To Work

The provincial legislature had a special meeting today at 1:30pm and passed bill 55 which legislated TTC union workers back to work. This was accomplished in a record time of 31 minutes. Imagine what could be accomplished if we had this kind of unity in government on other issues. Normally, it takes months or years to get legislation passed, if ever sometimes. Amazing! The system will be up and running Monday morning. Not that I'm disagreeing with this, but I'm just wondering, what is the point of having the right to strike if we can get legislated back to work so quickly? Don't forget, this was a LEGAL strike. Our contract expired April 1st and there is no legal requirement to give any notice to the public. They did that last week as a courtesy. Basically they are saying we don't have the right to strike, but are not willing at this point to make our service essential. Aren't they saying in effect, it is essential?
I have to say I did not agree with the way in which the union pulled the plug so quickly on service Friday night. They should have allowed the drivers to finish their shifts and make sure everyone got home, then cancelled Saturday service. I think that would have been more responsible and better understood by the public than what happened.
What happened? Why was the offer voted down?
Basically, the operators got a good deal. The maintenance people and mechanics feel they did not, and many drivers voted NO in solidarity with them because they have supported us in the past when we did not get a fair shake.
The issue with them is not about money, but job security. What was happening is that with all the new buses the TTC have been purchasing, they have been bringing in mechanics from the factory into our shops to repair them under warranty, threatening our mechanics job security. Also cleaning work has been threatened to be contracted out, putting those jobs at stake. Also they were not included in a new clause called " The GTA clause " which states that TTC operators would always be the highest paid among all the transit services in the GTA. They wanted to be included in this clause too. The result was a division in the union executive and among union members.
An arbitrator will be appointed by the government IF the two sides cannot agree on a contract, which at this point looks like what is going to happen. There will be time limit of 90 days for the arbitrator to dictate the terms of the contract.
I am wondering now if we will be asked to work to rule. What is that? Basically enforcing all the rules of the TTC. What will that do? Basically shut the system down again. How? Somebody pays $2.00 instead of the $2.75 fare. WE have a fare dispute which can tie a bus up for an hour. If everybody does this, the system doesn't move and we are just doing our jobs. We will get assaulted, drivers will be off on compensation. No drivers, buses don't move.

Silly isn't it? Let's hope things get back on track soon. No pun intended.

STRIKE !

Make a long story short. The contract was voted down by 65% of the membership. We strike in about 37 minutes or midnight tonight. Probably will be out over the weekend and possibly into next week until we get ordered back to work. There are going to many unhappy people. This has never happened before in the history of the TTC. Essential service here we come!

VOTE TODAY !

The new agreement gets voted on later today. I honestly don't know how it will turn out. The Maintenance workers are not happy with it. The operators part looks good to me. Unfortunately, I'm hearing negative comments all over the place. City council is meeting next week to discuss if they will go to the premier and ask him to make us an essential service. The mayor was on the radio and made the mistake of admitting that if we are made an essential service that our wages will go WAY UP just like it did with the police. Now the membership want us to become an essential service. Isn't that a little weird? We have to go on strike to have the right to strike taken away permanently. I didn't have this problem when I was in the insurance business. Although it made just about the same amount of sense as this does at times. Oh well. Gas is going up to $2.25 per litre by the summer of 2009. The HSR is looking better and better every day. One tank of gas would make up the difference in wages, minus the hassle of the commute. I think I will just close my ears and enjoy the ride. It's clearly out of my hands.
................................................................................................................. to be continued.

NO STRIKE !

We were able to avert a strike. A tentative agreement has been reached. It just has to be ratified by the membership with the recommendation of our union executive. In the agreement we will receive a 3% wage increase per year for the next 3 years. There were no concessions made. We gained some ground on benefits as it relates to work related injuries. That's all the details I have, but it looks fairly good on the surface. Praise God! I'm sure there are many relieved commuters. As far as TTC being declared an essential service, that remains unknown at this time. The premier is in favour of it. I'm not sure about the commission. Everybody knows it is an essential service in Toronto. I think eventually, in time, it will be made official. It has to, because striking, in my opinion, is really no longer an option, and I think everyone, including the union, recognises that fact. TTC? HSR? TTC? HSR? The jury is still out on that one too.

STRIKE !

Well, it looks like we will be on strike come Monday morning at 4:00am if we do not have an agreement by 4:00pm Sunday. It's unfortunate we have to play these silly games to try and manipulate the other side. Both sides are equally guilty of this. It's almost like this thing has a life of it's own and is on automatic pilot or something. I have a funny feeling we will have a contract before the deadline. Why does it take a threat to get the other side to do something? It's like let's not fix the thing until it's broke. Haven't they heard of preventative medicine? I think the only thing the public really cares about is getting to work or school or wherever they are going and being able to afford the ride. They really couldn't give a rip what we are paid or what benefits we have as Long as the service is working. Do you blame them? I don't. If I wasn't involved, I wouldn't give a rip either. I think if we do go out, it may be good in that the upper levels of government will have to do something. Either come up with more subsidy or perhaps make us an essential service? Let's hope so. Then the threats can stop and we can get on with our business.

Bulletin Bloopers by Anonymous

Taken from the book " Help, I Can't Stop Laughing"

* Jean will be leading a weight-management series Wednesday nights. She's used the program herself and has been growing like crazy!

* This afternoon there will be a meeting in the South and North ends of the church. Children will be baptized at both ends.

* Tuesday at 4:00pm there will be an ice cream social. All ladies giving milk will please come early.

* Wednesday the ladies liturgy will meet. Mrs. Johnson will sing " Put me in My Little Bed" accompanied by the pastor.

* The service will close with " Little Drops of Water". One of the ladies will start quietly and the rest of the congregation will join in.

* The ladies of the church have cast off clothing of every kind. They can be seen in the church basement Saturday.

* The Lutherans men's group will meet at 6:00pm. Steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, bread and desert will be served for a nominal feel.

* Eight new choir robes are currently needed, due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.

* The senior choir invites any member of the congregation who enjoys sinning to join the choir.

* At evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be
" What Is Hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice.

* Today........ Christian Youth Fellowship Sexuality Course, 8:00pm. Please park in the rear parking lot for this activity.

* The eighth graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the church basement on Friday at 7:00pm. The congregation is invited to join this tragedy.

* The associate minister unveiled the church's new giving campaign slogan last Sunday:
" I Upped My Pledge- Up Yours."

* A new loudspeaker system has been installed in the church. It was given by one of our members in honour of his wife.

It's going to be a great sunny weekend! Have a good one. BBQ Time!!
What is your favorite food cooked on the BBQ? Mine is steak, potatoes, corn on the cob and roasted vegetables ( onion, red and green peppers, carrots and zucchini) YUMMY!

The Real Indiana Jones

Take a look at the new Linc I have about this fellow Vendyl Jones. Very Interesting. Yes, the movie Indiana Jones was made based on this gentleman's life's work. He was interviewed live on Richard Syretts talk show on 1010 Talk Radio CFRB. You can look up their web site at www.cfrb.com. Vendyl Jones is a highly educated Christian. He studied the Torah and is close relationship with high ranking Jewish authorities belonging to the Sanhedrin. He has dedicated his life to uncovering biblical artifacts that prove the historic accuracy of scripture and disprove many Jewish myths and beliefs. Here are some interesting facts I learned in the interview as my memory will allow:
- Israel was reformed as a nation in 1948 in fulfillment of prophesy. At that same time, a natural disaster uncovered half of Noah's Ark which is located in Turkey.
- Vendyl is in possession of The Copper Scroll, and Marble tablets. The information in the Copper Scroll lead him to the location of The Ark Of The Covenant. The Silver Scroll which is a commentary on the Copper Scroll has not yet been located, but he believes they will find it with the Ark.
- He is in the process of raising $88,000 needed to excavate the Ark Of The Covenant. He will not accept any government money, as he believes the Ark belongs to the Jewish people.
- When he uncovers the Ark, it will be given over to the Sanhedrin, handled only by Levitical Priests who have undergone the cleansing process and moved to the Dome Of The Rock, in Gilgal?
- This will be in fulfilment of prophesy in Amos 9: 11-15.
- It is believed this will spark world war III, as the Palestinians believe they should have the Ark.
- There are many groups that claim to be in possession of the Ark or know of its whereabouts. He said they are all "liars". He doesn't pull any punches.
- The result would be the second coming of Jesus.
- This will take place in the next few years. There was a year 2012 that was mentioned as a possible time line.
- There are also other key artifacts that he has uncovered. You can see these on his web site. It was the discovery of these that lead to the location of the Ark of The Covenant.
- He mentioned that although he was not personally involved, he believes the Shroud Of Torin is real and authentic.
I believe in my spirit this man is the real deal. I think he is right. You know how you just know? I have always known in my spirit I would be alive when Jesus returns.
It is exciting times we live in.
What do you think?
We are to be doing the Lord's work until he returns.
Come Lord Jesus!

To Strike or not to Strike?

Well, it's that time again. It happens every three years. Our contract is up with TTC at the end of March, we rejected their first offer, which we always do and are waiting for next one, which will also get rejected. Don't you hate predictable games? I do, with a passion. It's the same game many of us play in our relationships. I don't play well. I guess I'm too honest, which is a real turn off to some people, refreshing to others. I am learning to be honest with out hurting peoples feelings. It is a balancing act of tact, wisdom, patience and knowing when to keep your mouth shut. Fortunately, I do learn from my mistakes and am always looking for self improvement. I wish the TTC and the Amalgamated Transit Union would do the same. It is not a good relationship. I've never understood how organizations with the name "Union" in them can create so much "disunity". It's all about the money. They want to spend less, and we want more. Quite frankly, I would be happy if they just left everything the same and just gave us an inflationary increase. They want to take away things we already have. That is not acceptable. Being a bus/streetcar/train operator is not as easy as it looks. If driving large vehicles in bad city traffic was not stress full enough, we also get abused and assaulted by the public in every way imaginable, just for doing our jobs. We get spit on, punched, kicked, sworn at, stabbed, and shot. Mostly just for asking people to pay for their ride and sometimes because we work on the streets of an increasingly dangerous city and happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. We've had two drivers shot in the past year and have lost their careers as a result. On top of that, due to poor management planning we are short of equipment and there are not enough buses on the road to carry all the people that want to ride them. On any given day we have 10 to 20 drivers sitting in the division with no bus to drive. Imagine what that does to the other drivers on the line and the customers who need to get to work. Talk about everyone being frustrated. They waste money like it was water by opening a multi-million dollar division, then deciding not to use it. Spending millions of dollars on another and then closing it down. But, they don't have any money? If they would give us more responsibility by allowing us to communicate with each other by installing a two way radio system, we could run the lines much better than a supervisor sitting in his office looking at an outdated computer system asking questions like " where are you?". Aren't they supposed to know. When you treat people like a bunch of idiots, what do you think you are going to get in return? Thank God I carry a cell phone. We could do with half the management staff and save TTC millions of dollars and the customer would be much happier. IT works for Toyota, why not TTC?
I think stikes are stupid. They have outlived their purpose. Transit in a big city has become an essential service. Stop the games and make it so. IF we can't agree on the terms of the contract, get a disinterested third party to decide in arbitration what is best for everyone.
I would agree to that.
I might be moving to HSR anyway. Closer to home. Hamilton. Closer to God too I think.

HAPPY EASTER !

This is really the biggest Christian celebration. It gets a little over shadowed with all the commercialism of Christmas. It's great to celebrate the birth of our saviour, but the whole message of that event is wrapped up in Easter. " HE HAS RISEN" and to those that believe,
" SO SHALL WE RISE".

1Corinthians 11: 23-26

" For I passed on to you what I received from the Lord himself. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, " This is my body, which is given to you. Do this to remember me. In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, " This cup is the NEW covenant between God and his people- an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this to remember me as often as you drink it." For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord's death until he comes again."


See, from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down;
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet
Or thorns compose so rich a crown? -- Watts

NOTHING SPEAKS MORE CLEARLY OF GOD'S LOVE THAN THE CROSS.

Have a wonderful weekend everybody. This is a time for reflection, sharing with family and friends, a time for forgiveness. Let's be ready for when Jesus comes.

THE YEARS'S BEST HEADLINES

by Anonymous

* Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers

* Experts Say School Bus Passengers Should Be Belted

* Iraqi Head Seeks Arms

* Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over

* Eye Drops Off Shelf

* Teacher Strikes Idle Kids

* Enraged Cow Injures Farmer With Ax

* Plane Too Close To Ground, Crash Probe Told

* Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant

* Two Sisters Reunited After 18 Years at Checkout Counters

* If Strike Isn't Settled Quickly, It May Last Awhile

* Cold Wave Linked To Temperatures

*Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges

* Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Dead

* New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group

* Astronaut Takes Blame for Gas in Spacecraft

* Kids Make Nutritious Snacks

* Chef Throws His Heart into Helping Feed Needy

* Local High School Dropouts Cut in Half

* New Vaccine May Contain Rabies

* Hospitals Are Sued by Seven Foot Doctors

* Drunk Gets Nine Months in Violin Case

* Prostitutes Appeal to Pope

* British Left Waffles on Falkland Islands

* Stolen Painting Found by Tree

* War Dims Hope for Peace

Hope you had at least one good laugh!

Goodbye Claudio, Rest in Peace

If you read my post for March 2ND entitled " Life can be Bitter Sweet", I told you about my co-worker being sick and dieing in hospital. I was on holidays and out of touch with what was going on at work. This was the day of his funeral. I just found out tonight, Yes, he died. 42 years old, leaving behind a wife, 9 year old son and 3 month old daughter. A group of drivers took a bus and drove it to Brampton where the funeral took place. I missed it. I had every intention of visiting him in the hospital, because he was so close, Hamilton General. I wanted to talk to him about Jesus and pray with him. I don't know if he knew the Lord or not. We talked about a few things at work, but not our faith. I missed my opportunity and I'm not feeling very good about that right now. In fact, to say I'm a little ticked at myself is an understatement. I have missed a few opportunities in life to be a blessing to someone, and every time I say I won't let that happen again, my life gets in the way, and I miss it again. To show you what kind of man Claudio was and how he cared about people, about one year ago, while driving his bus, he came across a single car accident, where the car had hit a tree. There were two ladies trapped inside. He stopped, got them out of the car and then went back to get their purses! The car was smoking. He was being recognized by TTC for bring a hero. He died February 27Th, two days before he was to be presented with the award. They gave it to his 9 year old son, who still doesn't really understand what happened to his dad, but he does understand what he did for others, those two ladies. What a way to be remembered! To go out as a hero. He didn't see himself as a hero. He just considered it part of his job. You know there are some people in life you just connect with? Claudio was one of those. He would spend time excitedly telling me about his trip to the Ukraine ( his wife is Ukrainian, he is Spanish) meeting his father-in-law and brother-in-law for the first time. He told the story several times and I listened to it every time. Maybe that's why he talked to me, because I liked to listen to his story. I'm really sad he is gone and I won't get to talk to him or listen to him anymore. I feel very sorry for his wife and his children. He was too young to die and had too much to live for.
Sometimes, life just is not fair.
Sometimes, I think there is no justice in this world.
I know differently, because God is all about fairness and justice.
The day is coming when we will finally have these two things.
I hope.

Dedicated to my friend. Claudio Infante. May you rest in peace. My hero.