Portrait of My Love

Pam Ford Davis

What does Jesus look like? We each form a mental picture shaped by our culture and personal experiences. Likely pictures or paintings of Christ we viewed at an early age contribute to our character sketch. Some are drawn to pictures that portray Christ as a rugged man of the outdoors. My favorites are Jesus with children on his lap or crowed around his feet. Others that I find very moving are Jesus carrying a lamb on his shoulders and one where he knocks at a door with no outside latch. It represents our hearts which we alone must open to His saving grace.

The truth is we have no pictures or paintings that give us an accurate portrait of our loving Lord. I’m quite sure He would not resemble those in circulation. “Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not (Isaiah 53:1-3 NIV).” The portrait of my love reveals a suffering Savior!

Short Stories

Planting Time For Joshua

“Planting Time For Joshua”

Pam Ford Davis

Gardening is always pure joy to Joshua; and he eagerly looks forward to planting time. From the first day he walked in the garden area, he knew he found the right spot! He saw potential! “Maybe it is dry and barren land now, but just wait until I work that soil!”

A back yard gardener or farmer working the back forty all go through the same steps, and face the same trials. The spring of the year, a time of new beginnings is anticipated; but it can not be rushed. The land must be warm enough to germinate the seed. Waiting does not mean idleness; there are lots of preparations to be made.

Joshua rose early and went outside just as the sun was rising. The land belonged to his father and he would not bring shame to the family name. Daddy would be proud of him! This would be turned into fertile land! He rolled up his sleeves and got ready to till the property. The job kept him busy for days. Hard dirt needed lots of turning over; and he kept at the job until he felt like he walked in fine sand!

The days became warmer and Joshua saw his first robin. Spring finally arrived! He spread fertilizer across the garden, and then tilled it all again. The land almost begged for seeds! In his mind Joshua could see a harvest already before him; but it would take many weeks before he could see much to brag about. The planting showed his patience as he slowly walked back and forth scattering the seed. He did not want to miss any places by doing a rush job.

The seeds were all planted; he stepped back and sighed, in feelings of relief that he completed his task, as well as a sigh of pride. Only others who plant can truly understand the satisfaction of Joshua. He did his best; now the land needed showers and sunshine. He would wait for both.

During the growing season neighbors watched the progress of Joshua’s garden. Some were truly interested in his stories about insects, weeds, rains, or drought. Others could not understand why he went to all that trouble! Joshua just smiled and walked down each row in the field, giving personal inspection to each plant.

Harvest time arrived and Joshua won blue ribbons for the fruit of his field. We are that field! Our lives were broken by His tender hands, making us teachable. The Lord Jesus planted His word and warmth of love in our hearts. He fertilized with His Holy Spirit and refreshed with showers of His living water. He firmly pulled weeds of sin and fought off insects of defeat to present us unblemished to His Father, the vinedresser. (John 15:1) Like Father, like Son…Let’s keep it all in the family, and plant the seed of His word in our own back yards!

Devotionals, GUEST AUTHOR

This Too Will Pass

GUEST AUTHOR: EMILY SWANSON

John 14:1-3

The Psalmist said, “The troubles of my heart are enlarged”, and he cried out to God to deliver him. (Psalm 25:17) We have all felt that way at sometime. Our hearts become heavy with the trials that come upon us. The Book of Job records “Man that is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble”. (Job 14:1) If anyone knew about troubles, Job did.

But Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in Me.” What an admonition that is. And it is coupled with the promise in verse 2 of John 14 as Jesus assures us that He is making provision for our eternal comfort and security.

“When things aren’t doing right in life”, it does help to cling to this precious passage for it comes from the lips of our Savior. He is faithful to keep His promises. My mother would always tell me in times of trouble, “This too shall pass away”. Remember, dear one, all things in life will pass away…whether it be good or bad…it will pass away. Enjoy the good things of life, family, friends, they will be fleeting. Endure the trials of life; they too will be gone in time.

“Father, Thank You for your blessed promise that You are gone away for awhile to prepare a place for us to be with You. That is such a comforting thought and such a blessed time to look forward to. Amen”

GUEST AUTHOR, Poems

Love At First Sight

GUEST AUTHOR: VICTOR JASTI

It was still fresh in their memory; that lovely December evening,

A perfect day for a wedding, chilly breeze, setting Sun, in all it’s glory,

The bride and the groom, resplendent in their wedding dress,

The church decorated with crimson paper and fresh flowers,

Crowded with relatives, friends and well wishers,

The procession so touching, flowers girls to the page boy,

But it was the best man and the bridesmaid, who made such a lovely couple,

And it is their story, which we were to tell, to learn a lesson of what love is.

Meeting for the first time in the church portico, it was love at first sight,

Never were they alone throughout the evening, hands held, dancing together,

Made such a lovely couple, everyone misty eyed, just looked at their tender love,

What with the music, the gaiety, the laughter, it was an evening to remember,

The magic of love spinning a web, time stood still, as they discovered each other,

Married, did they, within a year, to live happily ever after, just like a fairy tale ending,

Made such a nice Christian family, loving, caring, praying, promising themselves,

To care, love, in sickness and health, confident that nothing can wedge them apart.

All good things end, when love disappears; where, how, why, things did go wrong,

Neither he nor she could ever tell as he lay besides her, snoring like a bear,

Hibernating, unaware of her long winter, climbing into a tomb, called office,

Wrapping his mind in a shroud of paper figures, buried himself, with his customers,

They lost each other so deeply, in between the oldest child’s first tooth,

To the youngest daughter’s graduation, the two minds never touched,

Making a heavy barricade, neither, a battery ram of words,

Nor an artillery of touch, can ever stop, as a wall arose, dividing the two.

Cemented by mortar of indifference, selfish to the core, which earlier was not there.

Uncommunicative, they unconsciously became all qualities to make the devil happy,

Sadly it dawned on the couple, when love dies; it is not in a moment of anger,

It is not when they have difference of opinion, it is not when they don’t see eye to eye,

Love dies when you have that don’t care attitude, when you stop communicating,

When you think of yourself, when there is not a word of appreciation,

No word of thanks and when you don’t pray together,

Love dies when you become total strangers, unaware, but still living under one roof.

Love grows when you have that I care attitude, a pat on the back for a job well done,

A hand on the shoulder for that I am with you, a touch of tenderness for that I love you,

A smile on the face when you reach home, a hug to say that all is well with you and me,

A concerned look if the other is tired and sick, small things add to build a happy home,

And when you pray together, family prayer, you stay together a happy Christian family,

Bring God to live in your house, in your thoughts, in your plans, to have His way,

Because He brought you together for the first time, to live and love together,

Make your home a happy Eden, never allowing any thing to slither in.

Family, Short Stories

I Am Safe

Pam Ford Davis

I’m not afraid of the darkness; are you? I know I am safe in here; my mommy and daddy love me and they wouldn’t let anything hurt me. It is like a game; I see shadows and try to imagine what they might be! I can make them anything I decide, because it is my own private game.

One of my very favorite ways to pass time in the darkness is listening to all the noises outside. When it is late at night and everyone one is very still I hear lots of exciting sounds. The sounds I like the best are laughing and music! I kick my feet and wave my arms; I am so happy!

I’m moving around in the darkness now, trying to find the way out. I think I have almost found my door. I need to push it open. Yes, it is opening now! The light hurts my eyes; it will take a little while to adjust to such brightness.

Now that I am out of the darkness I can hear that laughter even better; maybe I’ll hear the music, too! The Dr. just wrapped me in a blanket and laid me in the arms of my mother. Yes, that is Mommy! I know her heart beat! She is laughing as Daddy grabs my fingers! This is even better than my games alone in the darkness. Mommy is humming and rocking me in her arms, just like she used to do when walking. Each time she did that before, in the darkness she made me rock and sway! “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so…” The light brought me closer to the laughter and music; and I can see Mommy and Daddy! I already know Jesus; he showed me the way to the door…

Christian Growth, Short Stories

Tradition Transgressions

I leave early for Sunday morning worship service. Punctuality patterns began as a child.

Father and Mother would not excuse tardiness.

The two mile drive takes only five minutes. I’m one of the first to arrive, and park at the front of the historic Church building. My car is in show-room condition.

Pam Ford Davis

Father believed in regular maintenance for all motor vehicles. Prevention saves costly repairs. My 1980 sedan may be outdated, but it serves me well.

Locking the car and stepping up to the handicap ramp, I grip the safety rails and shuffle to double mahogany doors. My arthritic hand reaches for the brass door handle. Autumn morning temperatures are evident by the cold brass against my flesh.

Wish ladies still wore gloves. We’ve lost so many of our cherished traditions. Mother never went to town without her hat and gloves.

“Good Morning Sister Robinson,” said the church custodian.

“Morning.”

“Expecting early frost, weather man said.”

“I do hope my shrubbery won’t die. Such pretty blooms this Indian Summer.”

“Yes’mm.”

I quietly move from the vestibule to the worship center.

Good, sanctuary is empty. Soon it will be full of noisy children ignored by their gossiping mothers.

Muffled sounds of singing voices capture my attention. The choir meets in an adjacent room.

Don’t recognize that one. Probably another long praise chorus. Guess the old hymns aren’t good enough anymore.

I glance at my wrist watch through bifocals squinting to see the time.

Bible Study should be about finished.

I do a wide visual sweep of the stately room.

Father and Mother donated such beautiful stained glass windows. New carpet color clashes. Nobody cares. Father always sat here, then Mother between us…

Looking at my watch again, I realized ten minutes passed. People filled the sanctuary and the organist played reverently.

“Nice to see you this morning, Ms. Robinson.”

“Reverend.”

The pastor motioned to a large number of people.

“Right this way.”

“Ms. Robinson, sure you won’t mind. I want these people to have this front pew. They are here to see our baptismal service and need the space. You can sit anywhere.”

This is my seat! I’ve sat here for eighty years! What gall!

He takes me by the arm and quickly lifts me to my feet. Stepping aside I feel faint. A long line of people find seats in the pew my family claimed decades before. With little choice I reluctantly find another place.

Knew that young pastor didn’t belong here. Hmph! Just wait till he wants a big donation!

Our worship hour begins with the baptismal service. Two large families are represented in the congregation to see their children take the step of obedience.

Remember my baptism.

Music fills time until the pastor steps up to the pulpit.

“Today we have seen a beautiful example of children’s simple faith. I hope and pray their parents will lead them in coming years to grow in that faith to strong Christian adults. Join me in the reading of Ephesians 6 verses 1- 3. I’ll be reading today from the traditional King James version.”

Surprises me he’d choose King James.

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord; for this is right. Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.”

The pastor said, “I chose this as my opening text to honor a very special lady among us. She has applied these commandments to her life. Ms. Robinson also gave up her usual seat to visitors for our baptismal service. Can we get her to stand?”

Waves of applause filled the sanctuary. A young man beside me helped me up and smiled at me as if I were his own cherished grandmother.

Oh, Lord…

“Johnny, bring her up front.”

My escort took my quivering arm and directed me to the altar.

“Church, this fine lady always honored her parents. She gave up an opportunity to teach in a large prestigious university, in order to assist her mom and dad as their health declined. She later refused to place them in a nursing home and cared for them herself until their passing. Each Christmas and Easter she places flowers in our sanctuary to honor them. Gideon Bibles are also given in their memory. Ms. Robinson you are the living proof of our Bible reading.”

He tenderly kisses my forehead, whispering “I love you.”

How could I have been so selfish?

“Thank you Pastor.”

Devotionals, Family, Marriage

He’s A Rebel

Pam Ford Davis

Are you a Rebel or a Yankee? Geographical boundaries largely influence your choice of label. Most are pretty proud of that distinction. I don’t reside at the Mason-Dixon line, but I’m from the Northeast and my husband is from the Deep South. Before I ever saw his face I was very aware of his homeland. A Syracuse radio station hired him for the graveyard shift, and promoted him heavily before he arrived. The Rebel would soon be on the air.

Rebellion against God is not a slogan or promotional stunt. It is very serious to rebel against our Creator. “For this reason I left you in Crete, that you might set in order what remains, and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, namely, if any man be above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion (Titus 1:5-6 NAS).”

Paul urged his co-laborer to choose church leaders wisely. As believers, we can not make children serve the Lord. We can guide them in hopes of stopping rebellion before it starts. Billy and Ruth Graham lived out their faith before their children. Yet, Franklin confesses to rebellion in his heart in early years. That rebel is now a humble servant.

GUEST AUTHOR, Marriage, Poems

Secret Of A Successful Marriage

GUEST AUTHOR: VICTOR JASTI

It was their fiftieth wedding anniversary.

Contented, the couple sat together,

Listening intently to all the speeches made,

Followed by praises which amused them both,

Puzzled, guests, could not but ask, the question,

What is the secret of your marriage?

For in this age of marital discord and suspicion,

Couples don’t see eye to eye, let alone talk,

Hate the very sight, and the thought of each other,

But you seem to be in love, for whenever you see her, it is with a smile.

The husband answered, hesitatingly, I grew up all alone,

In an orphanage with none to call my own,

To get over the pain and the loneliness,

I worked hard to be on my own,

Esther was the only girl I dated,

Marriage, a simple one with close ones,

Esther’s father took me aside,

Handed me a small gift, apologetic,

Expressing, that he cannot afford more,

Wishing us a happy married life.

Nervously I fumbled at the lone gift I received,

Opening the paper and the ribbon,

In the box was a large gold watch,

With a message etched out across the back,

Every day, at home and at church,

I wore the watch with the golden chain,

Proud to wear in fair weather or foul,

The entire fifty years I not only read the time,

But the secret message,

Which said, say something nice to Esther, daily.

Christian Growth, Devotionals, GUEST AUTHOR

Lord, I’m At The End Of My Rope

GUEST AUTHOR: EMILY SWANSON

Hebrews 13:5

It seems that when I get to the end of my rope I find God is already there.

The promise goes way back to Genesis 28:15, when God spoke to Jacob. His promise then was that He would not leave Jacob. He would take care of him. The writer of Hebrews reiterates this promise to them as he is referring here to the Genesis passage.

We all come to a place in our lives that we sometimes feel is the end of our rope. When that happens we feel all we can do is tie a knot in it and hang on. Go ahead; tie the knot…help’s a ‘comin! Our Father, Himself, has promised that He has not moved and left a “no forwarding address”. He is right where He has always been…just a prayer away.

We have all had offers from well-meaning people who say, “If there is anything I can do, just let me know.” Sometimes the need arises at the midnight hour and you are not about to call on such a one. But, our Father neither slumbers nor sleeps; He is available and He is able.

“Father, help me when I feel lonely, abandoned or helpless to know that You are there. Let me know that I am protected in the refuge of Your mighty arms. You are there to hear me, to help me, to protect me and to love me. I thank You and praise You. Amen”

Family, Uncategorized

Family Ties

Every heart needs a place to call home. Where did I come from? Where did it all begin and when? Hushed whispers in our mind place an ongoing curiosity about our ancestors. Each person who blazed the trail to America form pieces of a puzzle; with clues of who we are. During our childhood we do not have concerns about genetics or heredity. Our family circle security includes parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Gnawing questions about our family background usually arise in our mid life time span, as we face our own frailty. We wonder if we will leave behind any mark on society; did we really accomplish anything of lasting value?

Another common reason that a spark of interest in our family heritage ignites is a growing appreciation of relationships with family and friends. The only citizens of the United States tracing their roots to the native soil are our American Indians. Europe is where my genealogy story began.

Family history is more than a hobby. To many around the globe it is an unquenchable thirst for family knowledge. I share in that excitement in part, because of my husband’s deep involvement. He began his information gathering about twelve years ago. It led him to closeness with relatives he never even knew.

Now, he organizes the annual family reunions. History as well as current information is shared in his family newsletters on Davis Buzz Internet site: normdavis.org. Our Davis family line likely traces back to England and Ireland. His search continues hoping to one day discover the parents identity of his great, great, great grandfather, Loughton Davis.

As a young girl in school we were asked what nationalities were included in our families. Asking Mom she quickly responded: “English, Irish, French, and Dutch.” That creates a patch quilt representation of Europe. It would be fascinating to learn the circumstances leading to the relocation risks of our first settlers.

It is said “You can take the man out of the country; but you can’t take the country out of the man.” That truth is demonstrated and revealed with traditions and customs of Europe now shared in small towns and large cities across our nation. Some holiday traditions are explained to each generation and respected. To carry on these observances is a way to honor our ancestors and our heritage. Sadly some customs have lost their true meaning and are now just meaningless habits. Maybe it is time to unlock those mysteries as Americans.

Europe’s appeal to tourists has been a magnet for centuries. The sights, sounds and fragrances in each country are unique and varied. In America we have sampled those delicacies from our great melting pot. The blending of spices in a favorite recipe brings out a zesty flavor. The mixing of styles of music, literature and artwork from Europe is transported to us. It creates a fresh new specialty.

When certain arts are held separate such as a great Italian Opera or a French Ballet we are transported straight back to Europe. Our two countries linked as allies through the tragedy of wars that marred their landscape, and scarred the lives of soldiers. Today we face common challenges against terrorism and economic crisis. I hope our trials will strengthen old relationships and build new ones. Remember, every heart needs a place to call home. Many hearts beat with memories of Europe.

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