Behold !

I looked ....
There before me ...... A Door
I heard ....The Voice

Photo courtesy of my friend Dennis.

My Portion

Oh Lord, You are my Portion
My inheritance and my Cup;
You have made my lot secure.
Boundary lines fall to me in pleasant places;
Yes, I have a good inheritance.

Paint Your Picture

Honoring My Mom

A happy young lady, born into a family that would eventually number ten children. Mom had to get to work early to help support the family. That was the way it went back in the days. One of the stories she told us, was that she started smoking when she was nine.



During the Second World War, mom was one of the many who enlisted. There were six of her siblings that also signed up. They were literally called the 'Fighting O'Toole's' a name that they lived out frequently even after the war.

My mom was a dancer in Army Shows , the company that entertained the troops.
It was among this group of young people where she met and eventually married my father in Italy.



Later, in 1945 mom had to return home because she was expecting me. That was a very hard thing for her to leave my dad overseas . She returned to her family here and dad came back in 1946 after I was born.

They had five children together and our mom was such a trooper. She was made our clothes, which was the way of life in those days. I loved my First Communion Dress. It really made me feel like a Bride and so pretty for Jesus.





This was taken during a visit to Winnipeg back in the eighties. I can still feel the emotion of the moment, and knew she loved me.



My favorite picture of the two of us. Ahhhh...how young I was then....and brunette, my own color...well almost anyway. Maybe I should try that again.

Today is the day my mom graduated to heaven into the arms of Jesus. About three days before she died, I had a dream . In this dream mom came rushing into my kitchen. She was wearing her p.j.'s as usual, a Flight Jacket and big ol' wellington boots. She ran in and said to me....''hurry up and get moving, I have to go .''
Where are you going mom ? Then I followed her outside into the night. I took notice of the weather, no snow, wet streets...Mom jumped into the back seat of a taxi . In the vehicle were other members of her family who had gone before her.

Next day, the phone call comes and I was soon on my way here to Peterborough. When I arrived at the hospital it was night, no snow , wet streets. Same as in my dream.
Mom by this time was in a coma, but when I walked into her room she sat up in response to my presence, though she didn't regain consciousness.

As for me, I was privileged to remain alone with her the whole night, holding her hand, praying, singing to her and just being with her. Such a wonderful gift from the Lord, to be with her at her leaving. That was eighteen years ago today. I know she is enjoying her eternity with Jesus, and so just want to say thanks mom for all your hard work on our behalf . I love you and will see you soon.

My Soul Sings

Just a little while longer
and I'll see You
Just a little while longer
and I'll know You
Just a little while longer
and we'll be together.

All I want is just
to know Your heart
Would You keep me here
until we're one.

My soul sings !
How I love You Jesus.

Wrestle and Encounter

The good news is....we win !

Is.45:1-3 This is what the Lord says to his anointed, to Cyrus, Whose right hand I take hold of to subdue nations before him and to strip kings of their armor, To open doors before him so that gates will not be shut:

I will go before you and make the crooked places straight.


I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron.


I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord the God of Israel, who calls you by name.



Recently I watched a service taught by Bill Johnson over at iBethel.T.V.from the date Dec.27,2009 titled 'The Power of a Promise.' It's free...and so very worth watching . Be encouraged.

For instance I didn't know that Cyrus wasn't even born yet when the Lord spoke this word through the prophet Isaiah.
And ...we too were called by name...known by God...way before we were born as well...yep...knew this.
Treasures of darkness...also includes people .

So seems like we or me.....can rest in the fact that His promises concerning us will also be brought to fulfillment .

It's in the Genes

This is just what I feel like some days.

Pearl of Great Price

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought the field.

Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.
When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. Matt.13:44,45

He did it for me, can I do any less ? Whatever the price Lord, you have my Yes.

Happy Birthday Jonathan

Wonderful memories....a few old pictures....so much love.
















Have a wonderful Birthday my son. You are loved beyond measure and a blessing to my life always.

'Arms Wide Open'

This is a powerful songs from one of Misty's Newest releases.

The Year of Suddenly

January 1, 2010

I have been listening,praying, waiting to hear the Word of the Lord .

I have felt on the brink of something, like when I was on the edge of the plane seconds before my skydive. I took a deep breath ....and we were in the air.

Today while tuned into the Prayer Room during a Julie Meyer set at noon, there came the sound I had been waiting expectantly for.

I will just make note of the general direction of the declarations.

This is the year of suddenly, suddenly, suddenly...
You just wait and see what I'm gonna do

The year of suddenly , suddenly, suddenly....
Say yes ! I'm comin' to you, heaven is comin' down...open door..no ceiling.

You just watch and see... a year of suddenly, suddenly, suddenly.

Releasing the New Wine for the New Year... you will be a spectacle of My Glory.
Say yes ! The wine is on the house...it's FREE....drink up , drink deep.

It's a brand new day !

Behold the Whirlwind has gone forth.

The Light Has Come

Isa 9:2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great Light; they who dwell in the land of the shadow of death, on them the Light has shined.

Isa 9:6 For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be on His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Derek Loux

Please pray for the family of Derek Loux.



Here are Randy's thoughts as we process this tragedy.

This n' That

This is the tree that graces the lobby of our apartment building. It has remained in place for over two weeks now...an amazing fact since last year someone stole the tree within a day. Those folks must have moved out.

Kind of nice to see , since these last several years I do not bother with any Christmas festivities or decorations since there is just myself and my dog and so I am not interested any longer.

Moving right along.....

Due to the fact that the cold is bitter these days, much to Zoey's chagrin it becomes necessary to bundle her up for outings, even brief ones.



She does look disgusted with the whole deal I have to admit.



But it does keep that cute little butt moving and warm and protected from the ice and sidewalk salt.

Jon Thurlow

Just in the nick of time, you can get this lovely album of Christmas hymns and carols in mp3 format at ihop

Advent Images Of Hope

These lovely images are courtesy of Richard Lyall.
Pilgrims Progress and Engage Worship.

God Came Near

It all happened in a moment, a most remarkable moment. God became a man.

While the creatures of earth walked unaware, Divinity arrived.
Heaven opened herself and placed her most precious one in a human womb.

The omnipotent, in one instant, made himself breakable.
He who had been spirit became pierceable.

He who was larger than the universe became an embryo. And he who sustains the world with a word chose to be dependent upon the nourishment of a young girl.

God as a fetus. Holiness sleeping in a womb. The creator of life being created.
God was given eyebrows, elbows, two kidneys, and a spleen. He stretched against the walls and floated in the amniotic fluids of his mother.

God had come near.

It all happened in a moment. In one moment … a most remarkable moment.

The Word became flesh. Oh what a Savior !

(Max Lucado)

How Did We Do That?

In a small apartment with three computers, each doing something different...this is how we did that!

One child chose this place.



Anneka loves to chat and play games with her cousin Sammie who lives in South Carolina.
There is a camera in her mom's computer and Anneka even let Sammie visit with Zoe through the web cam.

As well the girls were able to watch movies together, and seriously this is where they wanted to sit.


I set Aila up here in the chair.

In the meantime, Gramma and Zoe had the best place .


Just having fun.



As for Miss Zoe, she has taken to sweetly trying to distract me and obstruct my view of the prayer room web stream. Pretty much works I must admit.

So Sweet

Aila drew this picture on her way back home after the weekend with me. It says I miss Gramma...just so lovely to this heart.

How Time Flies

This weekend the grandchildren are in the house....would you believe there are three computers on the go around here? This is definitely the tech generation.

I may be a Gramma, but I am not too old to share the fun of internet communication. In fact, I am definitely internet dependent...and it was in 2002 that the journey began. Saved my money and bought my very own computer.


Aila ...grade one, six years old.

Anneka...grade four , nine years old.
In 2000 Anneka was born, and my heart lept with joy when I first held her in my arms. She was barely a few minutes old.

Memories of dancing to the worship music of David Ruis at the Vineyard with Anneka and later with Aila, with her daddy leading us into the Presence of the Lord.

Sweet memories !

He Lives Within You

The virgin birth is more, much more, than a Christmas story; it is a picture of how close Christ will come to you. The first stop on his itinerary was a womb. Where will God go to touch the world? Look deep within Mary for an answer.

Better still, look deep within yourself. What he did with Mary, he offers to us! He issues a Mary-level invitation to all his children. "If you'll let me, I'll move in!"

Proliferating throughout the scriptures is a preposition that leaves no doubt- the preposition in. Jesus lives in his children.

John was clear, "Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them" (I John 3:24 NIV, emphasis mine).

Christ grew in Mary until he had to come out. Christ will grow in you until the same occurs. He will come out in your speech, in your actions, in your decisions. Every place you live will be a Bethlehem, and every day you live will be a Christmas. You, like Mary, will deliver Christ into the world.

God in us! Have we sounded the depth of this promise?

God was with Adam and Eve. God was with Abraham. God was with Moses and the children of Israel. God was with the apostles.

But he is in you. You are a modern-day Mary. Even more so. He was a fetus in her, but he is a force in you. He will do what you cannot.

Can't stop drinking? Christ can. And he lives within you.

Can't stop worrying? Christ can. And he lives within you.

Can't forgive the jerk, forget the past, or forsake your bad habits? Christ can! And he lives within you.

From Next Door Savior

Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 2003) Max Lucado

Safely Home

My lovely Aunt Anna.....home in heaven Nov.30, 2009.