Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Yes !
You take my breath away even now.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Honoring My Father
Lately my journey has taken me way down memory lane, and not necessarily my memories but those held dear by others.
My Father loved music. He was a musician in the core of his being and though I grew up in our home, somehow who he was as a person brushed by me in the midst of life in a tumultuous household of five children.
Below he is on the bottom left with the Saxophone, and he was about 17 or 18 years of age. I recently discovered that his mother scraped enough money together at the height of the Depression Era to buy my dad his first saxophone and a career was born.
I wish I had known her better as well. He actually began studying clarinet in the classical vein when he was twelve and played with Gliddons Concert Band, but the sax was his love. Tenor sax I believe. Also my Grandmother Crary used to let all the band come and jam in her living room, and I'm told there were crowds outside on the sidewalk enjoying the entertainment.
I am so impressed with that little lady and hope to hear her story some fine day in Eternity.
My dad became a well known celebrity and radio personality with all the 'glam' that goes with the way the world presents it's beautiful people.
As the years rolled by , and the price he paid for fame began to take it's toll on his body , life changed for everyone in our family.
His frail body was assaulted with the destruction of kidney disease and so my dad became the first person in Ontario to have his very own kidney dialysis machine in our home.
First my mom, and then my brother in law were the ones trained professionally then willingly took on the responsibility for 'keeping him alive'.
I can't imagine what must have been in his heart to come to dependence upon those he loved to serve him in such a huge way. I'm sure his gentle heart was humbled.
This was my little sister Dar. I just love the smile on daddys' face. This process cleansed his blood so that he could go out and work and do what he loved most to do, with the exception of playing his beloved saxophone. He no longer had the strength required.
He also had a Sunday morning radio program and played mostly Big Band Music, though once I convinced him to play 'You Light Up My Life' by Debbie Boone for me .He also hosted charity events like the Easter Seals Timmy Show where he got to dress up real pretty !
In the early seventies, when the Wind of the Holy Spirit began to move across the land my dad met Jesus at a Kathrine Kuhlman meeting. He so loved the Lord ! Little did we know he was being prepared to meet his Savior sooner than later.
In the meantime he was much more than a silent witness. On Jan.2, 1978, my 32nd.birthday actually, dad left to go to Kingston. He was now needing three times a week dialysis and the hospital in Kingston was where he had to go to get it.
This last picture was taken as he was out the door. Jesus whispered to my heart during that hug that this would be the last time we would hold each other until heaven.
He took flight for Eternity a mere seven weeks later.
My dad gave me my name. Nancy, after a then very popular song by Frank Sinatra 'Nancy with the Laughing Face'and I'm told he used to sing that to me when I was just a wee infant.
(Hmmmmmm....don't know if I've lived up to that one.)
I have loved rediscovering my dad these last few weeks and am grateful to everyone who has helped me in my journey. You know who you are. Thanks so very much.
My Father loved music. He was a musician in the core of his being and though I grew up in our home, somehow who he was as a person brushed by me in the midst of life in a tumultuous household of five children.
Below he is on the bottom left with the Saxophone, and he was about 17 or 18 years of age. I recently discovered that his mother scraped enough money together at the height of the Depression Era to buy my dad his first saxophone and a career was born.
I wish I had known her better as well. He actually began studying clarinet in the classical vein when he was twelve and played with Gliddons Concert Band, but the sax was his love. Tenor sax I believe. Also my Grandmother Crary used to let all the band come and jam in her living room, and I'm told there were crowds outside on the sidewalk enjoying the entertainment.
I am so impressed with that little lady and hope to hear her story some fine day in Eternity.
My dad became a well known celebrity and radio personality with all the 'glam' that goes with the way the world presents it's beautiful people.
As the years rolled by , and the price he paid for fame began to take it's toll on his body , life changed for everyone in our family.
His frail body was assaulted with the destruction of kidney disease and so my dad became the first person in Ontario to have his very own kidney dialysis machine in our home.
First my mom, and then my brother in law were the ones trained professionally then willingly took on the responsibility for 'keeping him alive'.
I can't imagine what must have been in his heart to come to dependence upon those he loved to serve him in such a huge way. I'm sure his gentle heart was humbled.
This was my little sister Dar. I just love the smile on daddys' face. This process cleansed his blood so that he could go out and work and do what he loved most to do, with the exception of playing his beloved saxophone. He no longer had the strength required.
He also had a Sunday morning radio program and played mostly Big Band Music, though once I convinced him to play 'You Light Up My Life' by Debbie Boone for me .He also hosted charity events like the Easter Seals Timmy Show where he got to dress up real pretty !
In the early seventies, when the Wind of the Holy Spirit began to move across the land my dad met Jesus at a Kathrine Kuhlman meeting. He so loved the Lord ! Little did we know he was being prepared to meet his Savior sooner than later.
In the meantime he was much more than a silent witness. On Jan.2, 1978, my 32nd.birthday actually, dad left to go to Kingston. He was now needing three times a week dialysis and the hospital in Kingston was where he had to go to get it.
This last picture was taken as he was out the door. Jesus whispered to my heart during that hug that this would be the last time we would hold each other until heaven.
He took flight for Eternity a mere seven weeks later.
My dad gave me my name. Nancy, after a then very popular song by Frank Sinatra 'Nancy with the Laughing Face'and I'm told he used to sing that to me when I was just a wee infant.
(Hmmmmmm....don't know if I've lived up to that one.)
I have loved rediscovering my dad these last few weeks and am grateful to everyone who has helped me in my journey. You know who you are. Thanks so very much.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
A Troubled Night
i sleep but my heart is awake. it is the voice of my beloved !
he knocks.... saying... open for me my sister my love ...
my dove.... my perfect one;
for my head is covered with dew... my locks with the drops of the night.
my beloved put his hand by the latch of the door
and my heart yearned for him.
i arose to open for my beloved and my hands dripped with myrrh,
my fingers with liquid myrrh on the handles of the lock.
i opened for my beloved but my beloved had turned away and was gone,
my heart lept up when he spoke. i sought him but i could not find him.
i called him but he gave me no answer....
i will arise now...it's time go !
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
God Is For Me
To give up my life
To be where You are
“You number my wanderings; put my tears into Your bottle.”
Psalm 56:8 NKJV
God knows you. He engraved your name on his hands and keeps your tears in a bottle (Isa. 49:16; Ps. 56:8)…
God knows you. And He is near you! How far is the shepherd from the sheep (John 10:14)? The branch from the vine (John 15:5)? That’s how far God is from you.
He is near. See how these four words look taped to your bathroom mirror: “God is for me” (Ps. 56:9 NKJV).
And his kingdom needs you. The poor need you; the lonely need you; the church needs you…the cause of God needs you. Get the word out. God is with us; we are not alone.
( Max Lucado)
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Good Company
Sometimes when we are called to lay it all down....again and again ...
In turning we find we are in Good Company....
In sorrow we are comforted
In the bleeding of our hearts an understanding Heart sitting with us sharing our pain.
The Fragrance we then carry bears the beauty of His Nearness and the Smile of His affections .
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Too Incredible
Too Incredible
Saturday, September 12, 2009
“The One who comes from above is greater than all.”
John 3:31
The idea that a virgin would be selected by God to bear himself…
The notion that God would don a scalp and toes and two eyes…
The thought that the King of the universe would sneeze and burp and get bit by mosquitoes…
It’s too incredible. Too revolutionary. We would never create such a Savior. We aren’t that daring.
When we create a redeemer, we keep him safely distant in his faraway castle. We allow him only the briefest of encounters with us.
We permit him to swoop in and out with his sleigh before we can draw too near. We wouldn’t ask him to take up residence in the midst of a contaminated people.
In our wildest imagination we wouldn’t conjure a king who becomes one of us.
But God did.
More of Max Lucado and every day my heart is touched with gratitude and love for You Jesus.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
“The One who comes from above is greater than all.”
John 3:31
The idea that a virgin would be selected by God to bear himself…
The notion that God would don a scalp and toes and two eyes…
The thought that the King of the universe would sneeze and burp and get bit by mosquitoes…
It’s too incredible. Too revolutionary. We would never create such a Savior. We aren’t that daring.
When we create a redeemer, we keep him safely distant in his faraway castle. We allow him only the briefest of encounters with us.
We permit him to swoop in and out with his sleigh before we can draw too near. We wouldn’t ask him to take up residence in the midst of a contaminated people.
In our wildest imagination we wouldn’t conjure a king who becomes one of us.
But God did.
More of Max Lucado and every day my heart is touched with gratitude and love for You Jesus.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
So Cute
This is a picture sent to me by a friend. His brother in B.C. near Kamloops found this little fellow and rescued him . His name is Powder and he is an albino white tailed deer.
Beautiful....we all need to be rescued don't we ? And so we are !
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Big Walk
While the power was on again off again yesterday, Zoe and took a lovely walk around the neighborhood.
At a lovely beach down the street called Rogers Cove, the little ducks were taking an afternoon rest. They were not even bothered by our presence.
On one side of the lake, is the fountain and the park named for my father, and to the east of this little beach is another well known camping and swimming beach called Beavermead Park.
This little fellow stopped by to check out my girl .
The water was clean and sparkling with swimmers and boaters enjoying the sunshine and warm temperatures.
It was only a few years ago that this water was not healthy for swimming but now it's lovely again.
Many many years ago this was the site of a marble works factory. Now it's a lovely park with walking and biking paths.
On to the Trent Canal and 'here come the boats' just through the Lift Locks and soon through the swing bridge at Maria Street.
Of course there is the ever continuing construction happening on Armour Rd.
Lo and behold a very large hole in the road, but there is a path around for pedestrians like myself...how interesting ....right ?? This actually triggered something the Lord had spoken to me three years ago. The way was blocked, but now there is a way around and through what was formerly blocked by the enemy. Cool !!
Mr. and Mrs.Canada Geese or is that Goose ??
The Lift Locks in action with a boat full of tourists.
We were in need of a rest a few times, and even tip toeing through the duck, bird and goose doo doo did not dampen our spirits. A lovely day all in all.
Over a hundred years ago my grandparents had a homestead on this road, so close to the canal that tragedy took one of their ten children when four year old Austin drowned.
Over the years the generations mostly enjoyed the canal, myself included , swimming and enjoying the summer. Today though they do not dredge the weeds out and so it is only suitable for fishing, boating and skating on in the winter. Still nice though.
At a lovely beach down the street called Rogers Cove, the little ducks were taking an afternoon rest. They were not even bothered by our presence.
On one side of the lake, is the fountain and the park named for my father, and to the east of this little beach is another well known camping and swimming beach called Beavermead Park.
The water was clean and sparkling with swimmers and boaters enjoying the sunshine and warm temperatures.
It was only a few years ago that this water was not healthy for swimming but now it's lovely again.
Many many years ago this was the site of a marble works factory. Now it's a lovely park with walking and biking paths.
On to the Trent Canal and 'here come the boats' just through the Lift Locks and soon through the swing bridge at Maria Street.
Of course there is the ever continuing construction happening on Armour Rd.
Lo and behold a very large hole in the road, but there is a path around for pedestrians like myself...how interesting ....right ?? This actually triggered something the Lord had spoken to me three years ago. The way was blocked, but now there is a way around and through what was formerly blocked by the enemy. Cool !!
We were in need of a rest a few times, and even tip toeing through the duck, bird and goose doo doo did not dampen our spirits. A lovely day all in all.
Over a hundred years ago my grandparents had a homestead on this road, so close to the canal that tragedy took one of their ten children when four year old Austin drowned.
Over the years the generations mostly enjoyed the canal, myself included , swimming and enjoying the summer. Today though they do not dredge the weeds out and so it is only suitable for fishing, boating and skating on in the winter. Still nice though.
Monday, September 07, 2009
Power Interuption
Today being a holiday , it seemed fitting for the folks who manage our apartment building to arrange electrical maintenance . We received a notice that the power would be off and on over the day, and to make suitable arrangements. They had promised that one elevator would remain running and that the emergency lights in the halls would be on.....well , they lied....at least for the first five hours.
So...good little Zoey made no insistence on going for her morning business, so we waited and waited and waited. Finally, I decided to venture out with my trusty Dollarama flashlight and carried Zoey down the seven flights of dark stairs. Let me tell you, I am so out of shape that I wondered how I would make it back up all those many stairs.
Thankfully, the power was back on by the time we were needing to come in. So...I got myself ready and we went out for the afternoon.
I must say, I could not help thinking about Amrita who has to endure power cuts as a way of life. We are so blessed here and I am thankful.
About six fifteen the power went off again for over an hour. Laying upon my bed and enjoying the scenery, lo and behold the hydro boys pull up across the street.
First they sit in their big yellow truck for a few minutes awaiting orders I imagine. Then they put their lovely bright clothes on, and sit on the chairs at the empty and defunct hospital across the street.
Then finally a little action boys... and someone designated takes the big ride. That's why they get the big pay they say. No, I don't know who 'they' are.
Notice the buddies leaning against the rail helping out so much. I was so tempted to shout out the window but restrained myself and my dignity.
All in all, everyone did a good job, and our hydro was back up and running just before it got dark outside. What an exciting Labor Day !!
So...good little Zoey made no insistence on going for her morning business, so we waited and waited and waited. Finally, I decided to venture out with my trusty Dollarama flashlight and carried Zoey down the seven flights of dark stairs. Let me tell you, I am so out of shape that I wondered how I would make it back up all those many stairs.
Thankfully, the power was back on by the time we were needing to come in. So...I got myself ready and we went out for the afternoon.
I must say, I could not help thinking about Amrita who has to endure power cuts as a way of life. We are so blessed here and I am thankful.
About six fifteen the power went off again for over an hour. Laying upon my bed and enjoying the scenery, lo and behold the hydro boys pull up across the street.
First they sit in their big yellow truck for a few minutes awaiting orders I imagine. Then they put their lovely bright clothes on, and sit on the chairs at the empty and defunct hospital across the street.
Then finally a little action boys... and someone designated takes the big ride. That's why they get the big pay they say. No, I don't know who 'they' are.
Notice the buddies leaning against the rail helping out so much. I was so tempted to shout out the window but restrained myself and my dignity.
All in all, everyone did a good job, and our hydro was back up and running just before it got dark outside. What an exciting Labor Day !!
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Believe
Believe
by Max LucadoJairus fell at Jesus’ feet, “saying again and again, ‘My daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so she will be healed and will live’” (Mark 5:23).
There are no games. No haggling. No masquerades. The situation is starkly simple: Jairus is blind to the future and Jesus knows the future. So Jairus asks for his help.
And Jesus, who loves the honest heart, goes to give it…[He] turns immediately to Jairus and pleads: “Don’t be afraid; just believe” (v. 36).
Jesus compels Jairus to see the unseen. When Jesus says, “Just believe … ,” he is imploring, “Don’t limit your possibilities to the visible. Don’t listen only for the audible. Don’t be controlled by the logical. Believe there is more to life than meets the eye!”
“Trust me,” Jesus is pleading. “Don’t be afraid; just trust.”
These words pierce my heart and take my breath away...
The Power to Love
The Power to Love...Max Lucado
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
“This is what God commands:…that we love each other.”
I John 3:23
Does bumping into certain people leave you brittle, breakable, and fruitless? Do you easily fall apart? If so, your love may be grounded in the wrong soil.
It may be rooted in their love (which is fickle) or in your resolve to love (which is frail).
John urges us to “rely on the love God has for us” (I John 4:16 NIV, emphasis mine).
He alone is the power source.
Many people tell us to love. Only God gives us the power to do so.
We know what God wants us to do.
“This is what God commands:…that we love each other” (I John 3:23). But how can we? How can we be kind to the vow breakers? To those who are unkind to us? How can we be patient with people who have the warmth of a vulture and the tenderness of a porcupine?
How can we forgive the money grubbers and backstabbers we meet, love, and marry?
How can we love as God loves? We want to. We long to. But how can we?
By living loved.
(Hmmmmm....don't know how to do that Lord.)(My comment.)
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
“This is what God commands:…that we love each other.”
I John 3:23
Does bumping into certain people leave you brittle, breakable, and fruitless? Do you easily fall apart? If so, your love may be grounded in the wrong soil.
It may be rooted in their love (which is fickle) or in your resolve to love (which is frail).
John urges us to “rely on the love God has for us” (I John 4:16 NIV, emphasis mine).
He alone is the power source.
Many people tell us to love. Only God gives us the power to do so.
We know what God wants us to do.
“This is what God commands:…that we love each other” (I John 3:23). But how can we? How can we be kind to the vow breakers? To those who are unkind to us? How can we be patient with people who have the warmth of a vulture and the tenderness of a porcupine?
How can we forgive the money grubbers and backstabbers we meet, love, and marry?
How can we love as God loves? We want to. We long to. But how can we?
By living loved.
(Hmmmmm....don't know how to do that Lord.)(My comment.)
Monday, August 31, 2009
As the temperature starts to dip at night to four degrees, you know it's time to head to the storage cupboard and do the dreaded deed.
For me this just means once again sorting through my big rubbermaid bins and rediscovering clothes for the fall and winter.
Every year, I seem to keep some things 'just in case', and 'you never know' and 'maybe that will fit me next year' so I had better hang on to it because you never know.
There have been seasons in my life where downsizing has not been a problem, so I give away stuff liberally. Then I go browsing to Value Village or the Salavation Army Thrift store and suddenly it seems, my bins are overflowing again.
One time .....I actually bought a pair of sweat pants and when I got them home, thought they looked very familiar. Yep.... I had bought back the same ones I had donated ...I was so embarrassed. They are now re-donated .
Anyway, the whole point of this story is that now I have one totally empty bin left over and a very large pile of laundry to do, since those plastic bins leave the clothes smelling very unpleasant.
The challenge in the apartment I am in now is that I am paying my own hydro and heat, whereas previously it was included in my rent so I was very free in my usage.
Now I am agreeable to turning lights off,( my mother must be smiling in heaven) buying those special energy saving bulbs , using night lights (for ambiance of course, and so that Zoey and I don't bump the furniture in the dark .Ha !)
With the change of seasons will see how long I can go before having to turn on my heat. I remember one of my sons and his room mates could make it all the way to November in Ottawa, and even then I'm sure they froze though they would not likely admit it.
As the season changes here in Southern Ontario I am most looking forward to the glory of the leaves as they display their brilliance, and that particular fragrance they emit in their dying....so lovely.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
August 27- 1972 - 10:55 pm
Thirty seven years ago today...tonight actually at five to eleven in the evening, Jesus came to me, found me, forgave me, saved me...gloriously!
No turning back....ever....forever surrendered to You Jesus . I am so grateful .
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Early Morning
Early morning out my window. Just so lovely and peaceful and worth leaning perilously over the railing to try to capture the moment.
I am so blessed by the beauty and the Voice that declares He is Alive eagerly greeting my weary soul. Thank you Lord.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Angel With Sour Guitar
Julie Meyer is a lady I respect and admire, and she receives many dreams and prophetic words from the Lord. I came across this one on the Extreme Prophetic web site recently and I have to say, there has been some fine tuning going on in my life. Much tweaking so to speak.
Fact is I didn't realize what the heck was happening amidst the swirl of things I am encountering and dealing with. Yesterday after work, suddenly the Lord spoke and said I must be about My Fathers Business.
Ahhhhh !(light goes on) Yes....me too Lord, count me in. I have no concrete insight in what He means , but kind of makes sense of the current distraction and much of the recent warfare.
It's not a lengthy video so take a moment and watch here
Fact is I didn't realize what the heck was happening amidst the swirl of things I am encountering and dealing with. Yesterday after work, suddenly the Lord spoke and said I must be about My Fathers Business.
Ahhhhh !(light goes on) Yes....me too Lord, count me in. I have no concrete insight in what He means , but kind of makes sense of the current distraction and much of the recent warfare.
It's not a lengthy video so take a moment and watch here
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
March 22/2007
Recently, while tuned in to the Prayer Room, I heard a few phrases from the worship that stirred my heart to listen more closely. There are times in the midst of the daily grind with all its distractions and demands, I can loose my focus.
The raging winds that assault my life at times get blamed on God, thinking that His testing will never end, when really it is the enemy of my soul taunting my faith.
There's a Storm comin' My heart needs God!
There's a Storm on the horizon, It's not going away.
There's God on the horizon. He's not goin' away!
The Season is changing.
The Lord shares His secrets with His friends.
Then the the other day, I opened my bible to Isaiah 32.
Behold , a King.....
A Man will be as a Hiding Place from the wind, and a cover from the tempest.
I am so grateful for the Living Word of God. Jesus. My Hiding Place. He is Real. That's the Truth. I believe Him.
Shadows gather around me these days. Sam's decline and eventual passing. Waiting for the Lord to provide and make a way in the fullness of His Will for my life. The taunting voice of the enemy that mocks and presses unbelief upon me to the point of despair.
Many times I feel forgotten by God. Perhaps some have known these feelings. Joseph in the dungeon, David, Jesus from the cross.
Psalm 42:3 My tears have been my food day and night, while 'they' continually say to me, Where is your God?
Sometimes we need discernment as to who is really asking us to drink the cup that hovers before our eyes.
Then the Lightning flashes to reveal the lies, and here and there I hear the Voice of a Friend from afar, shoot arrows of Truth and encouragement into my grieving soul.
Lord, thank you for the Words of Life You have written through Your Spirit and breathed into my heart in the midst of the storms of life.
I believe there really is a God Storm coming, and all the tensions I endure will enable me to stand firm and unoffended in that day. I find myself in the Man who is my Hiding Place.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Woooo-Hooo !!
Jeanette, this is something I had wanted to do since I saw my son's video of his jump.
So on my adventure it was a mother / son experience. It is true that I prayed for several months before the event so that I would not freak out and miss the fun.
There was another chap with a camera on his helmet I think, and he jumped as we did and that's how he filmed it. Pretty cool guy called 'Fuzzy Dave'.
He then landed first so that he could film the rest of us coming in. The tandem instructor was very qualified and had done thousands of jumps.
It certainly was a Leap for Life and Freedom .
I think someday, we will all fly free of this earth and that is the poignant point of taking a leap and trusting Jesus. One is very aware of gravity when free falling at 120mph. before he deploys the chute. It happens very fast... I love that I can watch it over and over and realize that it is actually me doing this and not some stranger.
By the way, when I watched my son's video, I wept every time and it was the call to fly free with God , even while still earth bound that moved my heart I believe.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Old Friends
The other evening I went to visit my dear friend Min. He is now safely located in Canterbury Gardens here in town, since his beloved Bertha passed away last July.
A couple of the old staff still do a bit of visiting and caring for him. I took him a few of his favorite treats...peanuts in the shell. He always likes to crack them open, and it seems to give him some satisfaction. Min just celebrated his 94th. birthday...amazing !
It was good to revisit the memories of my years with this lovely couple and below is one of my friends Barb who was there caring for Min when we visited. Thanks Barb for the tour and your compassion is beautiful.
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Known
As one may have noticed I like the thoughts of Max Lucado. It seems like every day when I open his devotional Jesus speaks to me.
The other night I lay awake for a time just pondering in a new and deeper way that I am known by God Himself !
There are times when I realize that I look to others , wishing that someone would want to know and love me just for who I am. The crazy blonde lady who is madly in love with Jesus .
Over the years I have reluctantly learned to try not to put unreasonable expectations on my family and friends to meet this need that can actually only be completely fulfilled by God Himself....first !
First God....maintaining eye contact ...as it were....and then let the rest flow out of the stability of my heart in this place of resting in the wonder of being known by God.
What an amazing revelation ! Very cool Lord ! You Belong to Him
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