Tag Archives: Family

Bible Studies, Christian Growth, Devotionals

Cold Turkey?

photo credit: JLS Photography – Alaska <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/50830796@N04/48898951803″>Happy Thanksgiving Canada!</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin</a&gt; <a href=”https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/”>(license)</a>My heart overflows…

Going cold turkey?

Even before making New Year’s resolutions, many resolve to quit smoking, drinking of alcoholic beverages or other addictive behaviors. Declining outside assistance of support systems or medications; they think positive thoughts.

Oops! Wrong cold turkey.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Traditional family Thanksgiving dinners feature the fowl, stuffing and all the trimmings. The aroma of butter basted birds’ beckons from kitchens. Family and friends eagerly anticipate yearly gatherings around the dining room table.

Who gets to carve the turkey? 

Drama continues after carving and feasting. What do we do with leftovers? Is that cold turkey desired or dreaded?

Visualize the remains of that scrumptious Thanksgiving turkey; once plump, it is now a skeleton on a spacious platter. Does cold turkey foreshadow feelings of sadness? The realization that another family gathering has passed may send a cold chill…

I want to keep the fires of Thanksgiving aglow.

The resurrected Lord sustains me; Christ Jesus dishes out the trimmings of abundant life. Knowing that He desires to fill me with His Holy Spirit, I come to Him with a hearty appetite. Thanks-giving is not a tip on a plate; it is praise on my lips.

“Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in Him,  rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, overflowing with gratitude (Colossians 2:6-7 HCSB).”

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Family

The Quiet Man

How will I be remembered?

How will you?

Some say, ‘He (or she) never had an unkind word to say about anyone.’ In contrast, unkind words are often spoken. ‘The world is better off without him (or her)!’

How will we be remembered?

I remember my father-in-law as a quiet man.

The fish bait man, A.N. Davis filled the role of husband and father. The quiet man and wife Cora began their workdays before daylight. Many customers were likely unaware of the tedious hours of work required to provide shiners, crickets and worms. It was not an occupation for the faint of heart.

It was one well suited to Daddy; he loved being outdoors. He thrived in fresh air and open spaces. In the few short years that I knew him, he never said a lot. He just went about his fish bait business.

I do recall one personal conversation. It revolved around his son, my husband Norm. As a boy of nine years old he had decided on a career as a D.J. in radio. In this instance, I was listening to the radio while visiting in the home of my mother and father-in-law.  He turned my attention towards the radio asking, “Do you like that as much as Norman does?”

Being an outdoor man, I think Daddy had difficulty grasping why working in radio meant so much to his son. My answer was ‘Yes.” I grew up in a home filled with the sounds of music. My family began every morning with music from the radio.

Actions do speak louder than words. Daddy was a quiet man but his actions were heard in the rural town of Oak Grove, Louisiana.

 

 

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Uncategorized

Mom’s Molasses Cookies

MOM-MOTHERS DAY

Most moms’ have one special dish, something that becomes a favorite to their children and grand children.

There is no question, my husband delights in being served his mothers chocolate pie. My sister Donna’s’ corn chowder still gets raves.

Our grandson in FL wants Granny’s’ French toast every time he visits us.

There was a wonderful book, movie and television series titled,  I Remember Mama. It is a classic; treat yourself with a viewing some rainy afternoon.

I remember Mom’s Molasses cookies…

She used a family recipe handed down from my grandmother; it resulted in delicious fresh baked snacks for us to enjoy at home or in the bag lunches for school.

Mom dropped large servings of the batter from a spoon, onto the cookie sheet. The aroma of spices filled the house and wet our appetites for what was to come. When baked, they expanded into a large cookie, most the size of a cup coaster. We rarely waited for the cookies to cool; each nibble into the soft cookie brought instant pleasure.

Many treats have little nutritional value; molasses is actually good for you. I surfed the internet and discovered many benefits of this dark, thick, gooey syrup.

Regular use even discourages gray hair!

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Children, Christian Growth, Devotionals, Family, Uncategorized

Family Business

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Family businesses were once the backbone of America.   

Whether family farms or Main Street Mom & Pop’s, the businesses were owned and operated by members of close-knit families. Often, children played a major role by lending a helping hand before and after school. My husband was raised in the Deep South and speaks of earlier years when schools closed during harvest season. Children were needed to assist in gathering cotton crops.

Jesus carried out His Father’s kingdom business. He had a strong family support system.

“While He was still talking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak with Him. Then one said to Him, ‘Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with You.’ But He answered and said to the one who told Him, ‘Who is My mother and who are My brothers?’ And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, ‘Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother (Matthew 12:46-50 NKJ).”  

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Uncategorized

Big Sisters

FIRST BAPTIST #2

God gave me two big sisters.

He knew they would love me and make me feel special.

Today, I am remembering Donna, my big sister. It was her birthday.

I cannot give her a call or send an e greeting.

I can simply post an entry on my blog in her memory.

She left an imprint on my heart.

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Christian Growth, Devotionals, Family

House That Frank Built

Pam Ford Davis

My mind mingles memories of Mycenae and home; I left the old home place when I wed at the age of 18, yet at the age of 62 it as close as my current front door. Over a thousand miles separates me from the house that my Dad, Frank built. My thoughts soar to the structure that sheltered me from northeasters and the cold cruel world.

Solomon in his great wisdom built, bragged, and taught me a valuable lesson; a house may serve only as a monument to self. “I increased my achievements. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. I made gardens and parks for myself and planted every kind of fruit tree in them. I constructed reservoirs of water for myself from which to irrigate a grove of flourishing trees (Ecclesiastes 2:4-6 HCS).”

The industrious king had developed a dream home any real estate agent would love to include as a listing to prospective buyers. It is tragic to see the repetitive phrase “for myself” in Solomon’s monologue and to realize I too can become self absorbed and miss countless blessings of investing in others. I think I’ll just mosey on back to Mycenae and see vivid pictures of the house that Frank built…

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Devotionals, Family, Women

Soup’s On!

Pam Ford Davis

“Soups on!” How did your mother gather her clan to the table? Did she ring a dinner bell? Maybe the aroma of tantalizing homemade meals beckoned you to the kitchen or dining room. “Time to eat”!  Is your stomach rumbling? My memory takes me back to a crowded table in a small kitchen nook and Mom telling me our meal was ready…

Meal times are opportunities to serve. Mothers are not supposed to get sick! Who will prepare and serve the meals? Who will clean up the dirty dishes? If mothers are ill, the entire household feels the pain. It may have been close to mealtime when Jesus called at the home of Apostle Peter…

“Now when Jesus had come into Peter’s house, He saw his wife’s mother lying sick with a fever. So He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she arose and served Him (Matthew 8:14-15 NKJ).” Peter did not stand in the marketplace and share mother-in-law jokes; he stood and testified of her healing at the hands of the MASTER!

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Family, Parents, Relationships, Women

A Letter From Mama

GUEST WRITER: EMILY SWANSON

 

How quickly time has flown. The yesterdays now far out-measure the tomorrows. But please don’t look at me with pity.

Inside me there is a little girl swinging in the sunshine, running through the fields and playing dolls in a make-believe playhouse on the dusty earth beneath a live oak in the yard. There is a happy teenager, giggling and sharing secrets with my best friend. Sometimes there emerges the memory of a new bride who has chosen to make her home with a special young man. They clasp hands and exchange knowing glances. The twinkle in his eye tells me I am still special.

“Precious memories flood my soul” of the children with whom I shared life. The joy and pain of giving birth was my special blessing from God. A large portion of my life is labeled “mama”.

Now the sands of time have shifted and the sand is nearly run out. The hourglass is turned upside down and once again I am become that helpless little child, vulnerable and trapped in this tired, used-up, adult body.

I know, my child, you grieve for me. It is hard for you to assume your new role as caretaker. I too, wish it did not have to be so. But the cycle-of-life dictates it to happen just this way.

When you were a babe I rejoiced when you were first put into my arms. My heart expressed wonder in my breast as I examined every tiny finger and toe. I marveled as you began to crawl and laughed out loud at your first word! There were times of great pain as I rocked you through the night with high fever, unable to administer the healing I wanted for you so desperately. I nursed you, nurtured you, loved you and enjoyed you. You were one of my special gifts from God. You are “mama” now. I’m sorry it must be so, for it takes a special grace for both of us to surrender our roles. But His Grace is sufficient.

Know that sometimes I am afraid. This is an unfamiliar path I walk. I have shown you how to walk many paths in life. I shall try to show you how to tread this one with faith and dignity. There are may old people who have to life this time of their lives alone. Thank God I do not walk alone, He is here and so are you! Do not try to be Him and take responsibility for making me whole and pain free. Do as I once did in that rocking chair so many years ago…acknowledge that He is in charge. Whatever transpires here is for just a little while and has great purpose in His plan for our lives.

When you come, bring gifts. Bring the gift of your smile and of loving arms to “hold me”. Bring the gift of reassurance that I am loved and I am hot a burden (for I fear that I am). Let us share meaningful words for time is too short now for trivia.

And when the Father calls me home, grieve for a little while. You will be lonely for a part of you will be gone. Mama and Daddy will both be away. (But you are not alone or comfortless, my child. You have family to whom you have given life) Grieve the loss. Talk about it. Then you can begin to remember the good times and the good things we shared in life. Those precious memories will far out-weigh the grief…in due time. Then your healing can occur.

There came a time, my child, when you wanted to leave home and fly on your own. I had to release you…thought it made me lonely. Release me, my child, and let me go home. I’ll wait for you there and the light will be on.

 

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Family, Parents

Whiskers Against My Cheek

Pam Ford Davis

What memories trigger thoughts of your father? We cannot measure the influence dads have on their children; it helps to remind us of the responsibility and privilege we now hold as parents and grandparents. In ways our dads blessed us we give our heavenly Father thanksgiving. We release our fathers from their failings and receive peace and healing.

My Dad, Franklin F. Ford touched my life in so many ways. I remember sitting in his lap when a very young girl and feeling his whiskers rub against my cheek. Dad showed his kids and grandkids how to tie our shoes, using the two loops, bunny ears method. He taught me how to ride a bike, and along with Mom tried to teach me to swim. He also served as my driving instructor, but that job needed the extra patience of my husband several years later.

Dad gave me the example of hard work rewards. (2 Thessalonians 3:10) He often worked two jobs, yet kept up our house repairs, did yard work, and helped Mom with chores. No job was ever beneath him. He gave me great appreciation for wood items, because he put  finishing touches on crafted items at Stickley Furniture Company.

I often think of my Dad when I view rolling hills, trees, streams, or animals, big or small. Dad thrived when he could be outdoors, gardening, cutting grass, taking long walks, or in later years enjoying his wooden swing. Even in dangerously high temperatures he would be outside every chance he got.

Dad lived a troubled life, but in his happy moments, sounds of his laughter filled our house and our memories. He laughed in pure simple pleasure! I guess Dad’s biggest life lesson was to love and show concern for family. We never got too old or too far away to be on Dad’s mind. He waited for letters and phone calls to learn the latest news about our families and looked forward to visits.

Reading books as he worked long hours as a plant security guard for General Electric now holds special meaning. I can see all those paper back westerns tucked in his lunch box, and know he would be proud of my writing. If Dad still lived I would be calling soon to share the latest family happenings; instead I’ll curl up in his lap in my memories and feel his whiskers against my cheek…

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Christian Growth, Devotionals, Family, Friends, GUEST AUTHOR, Marriage, Women

God Has A Secret

GUEST WRITER: EMILY SWANSON

Romans 5:10

It was said of Abraham that he was a friend of God. What a marvelous statement about any person Think about what all friendship involves.

My best friend is my husband of 55 years. He knows more about me than any other living soul. Yet he still loves me, warts and all. He knows where I keep the coffee cups and the spoons. He knows where to put the dirty laundry. He knows that I snore. That is because we abide together. He knows my joys and my sorrows. He knows simple things; like I like to eat sandwiches of anything. These are probably things about me that others do not know…or care. We can spend hours together never uttering a word and then suddenly both say the same thing simultaneously.

There are other friends in my life who know secrets from my heart. We have laughed and cried together over events for many years. They, too, know my joys and sorrows. I may call on them at anytime for a cup of coffee, a visit, a prayer. We have even prayed over the telephone together as I cry and they pray. There are those who have given me little gifts (for no reason other than love) at no eventful time. They leave a small package on the seat of my car, or on my doorknob at home. What a friend!

Beloved, we all have such a friend. (Not one with skin on as the little boy is noted for saying). But we have a friend who loves to abide with us. What a privilege to abide with the Living God! He would like to walk with us in our garden as He did with Adam. He would love to call us friend as He did Abraham. Perhaps He would like to know us as a “child after His Own Heart” as He did King David. He already knows your our intimate secrets; but He would like to reveal some of His secrets to us.

Our Father wants to hear from us about the secret things of our hearts…our joys, our sorrows, our desires. He wants to know the simple things like our concerns over our children’s grades in schools, what can I do to stretch my time as a wife and mother or grandmother? He listens to our frustrations and our victories (say, Father, did You know my husband got a raise today; my child made an A in math. WOW) He can know these things from us because we choose to abide with Him. Abiding indicates quality time spent together.

He already leaves little gifts for us all over the place. What was that special hug from my child or that smile from my baby if it wasn’t a Gift from God? Who do we think arranges for those A’s in life and those raises that come unexpectedly? What was that beautiful day of sunshine shedding its light over the ountryside? What was that refreshing rain cooling off the parched land? What is that “Peace that passes all understanding” in a time of trial? Where’d that come from anyway?

We can spend much time together…never saying a word, just listening; and all of a sudden the Heavenly Father, the Creator of the Universe, speaks to my heart revealing His Heart and His plans for me. He reassures me of His love. He gives me glimpses of His secrets.

Dear Heart, Friends love to be together and to share. The mark of a true friend is their availability to us when we need, and their undying friendship regardless of our faults. We have such a Friend…and What a Friend He is. Enjoy Him

“Dearest Father, What a Friend we have in You all ‘because of what Christ has done in dying for our sins…making us friends of God’. (Psalm 5:11 Living Bible) Help us to take every advantage of that friendship by abiding in You and Your Word. ‘I come to the Garden alone; while the dew is still on the roses.’ Amen”
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